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While preparing for the Watchtower study this week, I looked at a question from readers in this issue of the Watchtower (for February), and the last paragraph caught my attention here: In the meantime, what matters most is, not the timing of the future proclamation of “peace and security,” but our standing before God. We must “stay awake and keep our senses,” so that we may be fully prepared no matter how events unfold.—1 Thess. 5:6.

The decisions to deny Jehovah’s Witnesses state funding and registration are invalid. Vedtak om nekte Jehovas vitner statstilskudd og registrering er ugyldige Decision declaring invalid the denial of state subsidies and registration for Jehovah’s Witnesses Supreme Court judgment, 29 April 2026, HR‑2026‑1009‑A (Case no. 25‑089326SIV‑HRET), civil case, appeal from Borgarting Court of Appeal. The case concerns the validity of five administrative decisions denying state subsidies and one decision deregistering Jehovah’s Witnesses as a religious community, as well as the refusal to grant new registration. The State argued that the community’s practice of social shunning violates children’s rights and members’ right to freely withdraw, cf. the Religious Communities Act §6 and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) Article 9. The Supreme Court reviewed the organization and teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, including the practice of disfellowshipping and social shunning, and the legal framework under the Religious Communities Act and freedom of religion under the ECHR. The Court emphasized that the threshold for denying subsidies and registration is high, and that §6 must be interpreted in light of religious autonomy under ECHR Articles 9 and 11. Children’s rights The Court unanimously found that the State had not provided sufficient evidence that Jehovah’s Witnesses subject minors to psychological violence or negative social control of such severity that children’s legally protected rights are violated. It emphasized internal guidelines for handling minors, that family bonds are not broken, and that there was no documented actual extent of disfellowshipping of children. Right to free withdrawal The Court assessed whether social shunning of former members violates the right to free withdrawal. The Court found that Jehovah’s Witnesses meet the requirement of free and unconditional withdrawal under §2 of the Act. A majority of three judges held that the practice does not constitute undue pressure in violation of ECHR Article 9. They emphasized that the practice is rooted in doctrine, known to members upon joining, and does not involve direct pressure, coercion, or threats. Gjeldende side The practice does not apply to family members in the same household, and family bonds are not broken for relatives outside the household. The majority concluded that the conditions for denying subsidies and registration were not met. Dissent Two judges dissented regarding whether the practice exerts undue pressure on members wishing to leave. They emphasized potential loss of contact with family members, especially minors, and that the practice is a rule‑based sanction intended to be a felt consequence. Gjeldende side The minority therefore believed the conditions for denying subsidies and registration were met. They also found that the refusal to register constituted an interference with religious freedom under ECHR Article 9(1), but that the interference was justified. Gjeldende side Clarification The judgment clarifies the threshold for denying subsidies and registration of religious communities, and how the rules must be assessed in light of religious freedom under the ECHR.

Announcement LEGAL VICTORY | Jehovah’s Witnesses Win Landmark Supreme Court Case in Norway On April 30, 2026, the Supreme Court of Norway ruled that the government violated the religious freedom of Jehovah’s Witnesses when it deregistered our national legal entity in December 2022. Furthermore, the Court ruled that the government’s subsequent denial of State grants to Jehovah’s Witnesses was illegal. This positive decision resulted from the Court thoroughly reviewing our Bible-based beliefs and practices and determining that they are fully in harmony with Norwegian and international law. This ruling is final and cannot be appealed. As a united worldwide brotherhood, we rejoice at the Supreme Court’s decision and give all thanks to Jehovah.—Psalm 79:13.

(This post was made especially for those who feel low, depressed, worthless or suffering due to a trial, or you have a chronic illness or disability) Mephibosheth (we will nickname him Mephib (for short) The son of Jonʹa·than, from King Saul (Grandpa) We remember the account, when he only was 5 years old, his nurse picked him up fleeing from danger, she was fleeing in panic, and he fell and was crippled." (2 Samuel 4:4) But then when we hear next about Mephib, he is living in some town called, "Lo-debar" So where is Lo-debar? After the tragedy when he was 5, Mephib thereafter lived in the house of Machir, at Lo-debar. This was far north of another town, Gibeah, which evidently was the first capital under King Saul. So likely Saul's family, including first son Jonathan, were living in Gibeah with their father the King, and therefore possibly this is where Mephib was born/raised So how would young, crippled Mephib ever be able to return home from far away Lo-debar? In Lo-debar Mephib may felt this his life was basically over before it really began! - Mephib's grandpa, Saul, was wounded in battle and then killed himself! - His father, Jonathan, was murdered in the same battle! - And Mephib was now permanently lame, crippled! - All these tragedies happen at a very young age. How traumatizing! - There were no hospitals, no Disability Services, No Disability Income - No help for depression and PTSD But when Mephib prayed for help, his life finally got better right? - Well his feet never miraculously healed - He was still stuck in a far away town in Lo-debar with no family - No family or relatives came to bring him home - The great "family business"(Dynasty) was destroyed, so no money or resources from the family business - His overall family situation was very tragic and super-complicated - Mephib likely developed very low self-esteem, deep "depression", childhood PTSD (before these words even existed) But then something that must have seemed like a miracle happened to him!!!! "Cheʹsedh" arrived! Cheʹsedh took the initiative to find and bring Mephib all the way back home! Cheʹsedh did not wait for Mephib to clean himself up, get "UN-depressed", and get more rehabilitated from his handicap Cheʹsedh did not wait for Mephib to somehow prove his loyalty to the new king Cheʹsedh did not wait for Mephib to do certain acts that "earned" favor Cheʹsedh sent for Mephib as he was, accepted him as he was Wow! So who is this awesome "Cheʹsedh"? Cheʹsedh is not a person Cheʹsedh is a multi-faceted GEM of a quality that is inside our loving Father Jehovah and was inside King David! Cheʹsedh is the Hebrew word for a humble quality, an exquisite blend of loyal love, loving kindness, mercy, which means then... that it was really Jehovah and His Cheʹsedh through King David's Cheʹsedh who then took the initiative to find and bring back Mephibosheth! Today it is Jehovah and His Cheʹsedh that does not wait for you to get your life fully together first before He comes to your side to help you It is Jehovah who does not wait for you to "earn favor" first before He will show loyal love to you It is your dear Father Jehovah who takes the initiative and seeks you out and finds you when you are in your lowly "Lo-debar" That town should have been called "LOW-debar" right? And it is your loving Father and His beautiful Cheʹsedh that will find you in your LOW-debar where you feel like nothing, worthless, and He will save you just like He did with little Mephiby! Do you feel lately... like you are in LOW-debar? that you have little to no future? do you sometimes wonder, "Why would the King care about a weak person like me? "I cannot do much for Jehovah, I can't pioneer, I can't attend all the meetings due to my sickness/weakness/disability? I can't donate very much! So why should Jehovah care so much about me?" Well the cheʹsedh inside Jehovah proves you so very wrong!

It’s true my brother. The sufferings are increasing and magnified each day among the friends I know. I feel like the start of the GT will be a relief because at least we’ll know for sure the time is super short until A day.

JWB May 2026 transcript

Some things to consider: We are not just called to be neutral, we are called to show respect and honor. If the comments you make in real life or online were told to the President, would it hinder your ability to preach to him? Would it cast a bad light on Witnesses? Would they say we only pretend to be neutral?

I used AI to put myself in ancient Jerusalem and it did a pretty good job except gave me a few more wrinkles than I really have...lol

Good news! It was announced today, that photos can now be taken in the "RVT areas" at the Australasia Branch. So we might start seeing some shots from the backlot and actual props come through. (Previously, we were instructed to put the cameras away at these locations.) 📸 Now I'll have to go again. Then I can get some photos of where I have been. So far, I was only allowed to collect memories! Lol

I'm pretty sure it won't have any thing to do with Star Wars....

Lightsaber welding pioneers, Romulan witnesses... What next? 😂

We've all read the book anyway

Why did you make mosquitoes?

I only just woke up. Should I watch the Update first? Oh my. Please tell me we can watch them. My plans for today have just gone out the window.

Just found out that 2 Apostles will be attending our Convention this year.

I have to say, it wont hurt my feelings. When this is discussed to any depth, i start with the tears. But, whatever. We can trust jehovahʼs organization to handle it in the best way possible. We still have to somehow suffer through John the Baptist, and his untimely end. i canʼt fathom it. We know Jesus was and is real, but, he is so much more real, now. Somehow, we shall. But with what we have been given so far, i know it will be handled in the most discreet way possible. Jehovah will not give us more then we can bear. This I know. (Now we can read the gospels, and really picture whaŕt we are reading.)

Now? The date of Armageddon In Paradise? What is your fondest memory of me?

My wife and I mostly stopped eating out and limit grocery stores. We cook everything at home from scratch now. Making even tomato paste and tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes. I mill our flour from when berries. We also no longer shop at stores. Mostly farmers markets, PickFresh app and suppliers in bulk. We are both now off all meds with better blood results and seasons of sickness are mostly gone. We take herbs and teas if we get sniffles. I’ve lost faith in the medical industry. Only see functional or integrative doctors now. It’s sad.

Jesucristo taught a crucial distinction that every true Christian must guard in both heart and speech: rejecting what is wrong is not the same as despising the person. The biblical principles make this very clear: * In Matthew 5:22, Jesus warns that contempt expressed through words (“You worthless…”) is not something minor, but an attitude of the heart that God takes seriously. * In Colossians 4:6, we are taught that our words should always be gracious and respectful, even when we disagree. * In 1 Peter 3:9, we are reminded not to repay evil with insult, even when others act wrongly. * And in Matthew 5:44, we are commanded to love even our enemies, which leaves no room for mockery, contempt, or a closed heart toward others. Therefore, the issue is not having a negative opinion or recognizing wrongdoing. The real danger lies in this subtle shift: From “I don’t like what he does” to “this person is repugnant” Once that line is crossed, the focus is no longer on judging actions, but on despising the person. And that kind of contempt—though common in the world—does not reflect the spirit of Christ. A true follower of Christ can be firm about what is wrong, but will always strive to speak and feel without losing the respect, dignity, and love that God expects.

Headshots: Left to Right: Thaddeus, Judas Iscariot, Simon the Cananaean, Thomas, Andrew, Peter, Nathaniel/Bartholomew, Philip, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus Brothers: John and James the sons of Zebedee

The song moved me to tears ❤️ Considering the 'Father-talk': I have always felt it slightly dissatisfying 'only' to be Jehovah's friend, and not be his child. I remember someone corrected me (chatting after a meeting) when I thought I was also one of God's children. Jody Jedele made me really feel that I am in Jehovah's family, not "just friends". We are His children. And since Jesus is the 'last Adam', taking the first Adam's place, he is our Eternal Father (Isa 9:6).

Exactly why no one needs take it too personally. Let those who prefer not to watch not judge those watching, and let those who would rather devour avidly now not look down on those who prefer to wait till the convention. For each of us will render an account for himself.

Jehovah wins again

Beautiful video about our hope https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/LatestVideos/pub-jwbvod26_11_VIDEO

(1 Peter 2:17) 17 Honor men of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, honor the king. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=60002017&srcid=share Honor men of all sorts. Including the icky ones. Honor the king. Including the bad ones. Where does the Bible say we can pick and choose? Please show me.

I’m afraid that no other president in history has been like Trump… and I think that it’s perfectly ok to say that you dislike the guy, he is a cringeworthy raging narcissist!! Does that mean that I’m not remaining neutral? Personally I don’t think so… I don’t even know the name of the party he represents… I’m that interested in it Lol As a person I don’t like him I find myself laughing and cringing at him in equal measure I do feel that he will possibly be in power during the GT and how that will go down is interesting in itself!

They should do a public update on this, Australian tourism would skyrocket!

A young man was going door to door in a very affluent neighborhood looking for work. A man said he could paint the porch and everything he needed was in the garage. After he was done and was getting paid he said "BTW, it's a Ferrari, not a Porsche"

She had an ill mother then she was cured by Jesus Aparently she couldn’t keep her mouth shut and soon lots of ill people came to Jesus to be cured 😵‍💫😅

I’ve been paying attention to the evolving situation regarding the cruise boat and the Hantavirus onboard… WHO has now confirmed today that it is in fact the Andes Virus, which isn’t good news at all Sadly some have died, and today someone who departed the boat previously presented at their GP in Zurich with symptoms and has been hospitalised 😪 It’s a rapidly changing situation and all news outlets are reporting on it… I’m not sure that the world has learnt anything from Covid etc let’s hope that they do get control of this but I’m not holding out much hope 🤷‍♀️ Yet another sign of scripture being fulfilled as we hurtle towards the end of this system.

Ohh I have thoughts. They would get slammed on the forum, and I just cant handle the mental battle of explaining myself. I will say this. Im a life long witness. My parents and grandparents were witnesses. Ive delt in a very real way with demons in the past. Never been involved in the occult. At all ! And I have a different view than most of my fellow witnesses when it comes to aliens. They are real. They are demons. Its as easy as that. Many people understanding may be different than mine. Thats ok. I know my life. Lol If ever there is some sort of Alien disclosure. While everyone freaks out , I would be like. MmmmmmmHmmmmnnn😂😂😂😂😂😅

You know that feeling that we’re losing the strength to keep fighting because of so many bad things happening? But then comes that sense of relief in knowing that Jehovah is taking care of everything. And we pray for the Kingdom to come soon, because it’s becoming very hard to endure.

Maybe something about a new Medical Card? Blood issue. What if it could be digital? On our phones, connected to our jw app.

Understand that some may wait. But why label the location of the discussion as a "spoiler". It sounds as if those discussing a perfectly good, well-known, widely distributed video are somehow in the wrong (or pushing an edge) because they didn't wait...(I hear..."like normal witnesses would".). It is going to be the same for all the years to come. After your Monthly Announcements you may have dedicated "showings" in your hall. Are we goin to paste "spoiler" notices on the KH door? My opinion only, but "Spoiler" always makes me feel like I am stretching a boundary or permission while everyone else is being faithful. We we told we can use the early views to get comfortable with the material, be prepared so we are not distracted during the RC presentation, add additional research while we have the additional time and so on. At least some of those things will not be possible for those who deny themselves the opportunity in the 1-4 months before the RC in their area...just saying. Watch the videos at your pleasure, just stop pointing to me as a "spoiler"...Thank you...♥️

We don't have to feel guilty for watching them before our assigned convention.

I was reading about this online yesterday, and I noticed this: When it came to children's rights, the Supreme Court unanimously concluded that the State had not presented sufficient evidence that Jehovah's Witnesses in practice subject minor members to psychological violence or negative social control of such a severity that children's legally protected rights are violated. The court emphasized the internal guidelines for handling minors, that family ties are not broken, and that there was no documented actual extent of exclusions of children. Furthermore, the Supreme Court considered whether the practice of social exclusion of former members violates the members' right to free withdrawal. The court held that Jehovah's Witnesses meet the requirement of free and unconditional withdrawal under Section 2 of the Religious Communities Act. The majority of three judges found that the practice of exclusion does not constitute undue pressure against members in violation of Article 9 of the ECHR. Among other things, it emphasized that the practice is rooted in the teachings of the religious community, is known to the members when they join, and does not involve direct pressure, coercion or threats. The practice of exclusion does not apply to family members in the same household. Family ties are not broken for family members outside the household. The majority subsequently found that the conditions for refusing state subsidies and registration under Section 6 of the Religious Communities Act were not met. The decisions to refuse funding and deregistration could therefore not be upheld. I liked the point that "it is known to members when they join". You can't pretend that your being removed from the congregation was a surprise.

Satan gave a talk…..

Satan and The Angel Gabriel were at the one I went to last year.

Yaaaay!!! Thank you Jehovah🤗

My wife ask if she could have a little peace ane quiet while she cooked dinner. So I took the batteries out of the smoke alarm and that's how it all started!

When I saw the title of this thread I thought it was about Michael and Rev 12:7.

Its super corrupt.. billions of corruption of the govt.. the have and the have nots has wider gap.

And its getting closer.. with the fuel crisis and its impact . In our midweek meeting last week, we were told to store water, fuel and food.. I can feel that things are getting worse.

You posted that 5 hrs ago and still no photos??? How dare you!!! 😆🤪

I WANT FULL REPORT OF EVERY SQUARE CENTIMETERS !

I was just talking to a brother whose son is in video services in the US. They are reducing staff and even discussing downsizing Ramapo - because they are able to use AI for so much of the artwork and videos. He was telling me that what used to take weeks is now taking days and with only a few people instead of a large staff. More and more are getting sent back into the field. They are even able reduce the number of people needed for acting out scenes. That is a lot of donated funds saved and more workers for the field. It won't surprise me if we see an update soon describing all the ways the GB has approved for AI usage. I know they will always have humans to review, edit and approve the final product; but most of our pictures and videos will be at least partially if not fully AI generated.

I really would like to stop watching bad news. In my city, some can still afford to eat out even though its expensive. Life goes on. But Im afraid on our health care system, its too bad. Im protecting my health at all cost.

I think your desire to help is a good one. That is exactly the kind of concern Jehovah wants us to have for one another. “Let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” — Galatians 6:10 But good motives still need caution. If we only know someone online, even on a forum like this, we may not really know their full situation. We may not know if the need is genuine, whether others are already helping, or whether their local elders are aware of the need. That does not mean we ignore suffering. It means we try to help wisely. If we personally know someone and can clearly see the need, that is different. But knowing someone only online is not a safe basis for sending money. So yes, the desire to help is right. We just want our compassion to be guided by wisdom.