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I agree that the imagery is not worth sharing. However, they do seem to illustrate the speedy and barely imaginable descent into madness and destruction this system is headed. Who could even think of these things ten years ago? Not favoring anyone... but I cannot recall this level of gleeful public (at least) degradation, cruelty, and ignorance depicted in words or pictures by any other president or his administration; and I can remember back to Nixon. Yes - they are all bad, absolutely. The madness displayed every. single. day. of the current administration is one for the books, however. 😕 These are very good points and definitely something for us all to constantly keep in mind. It *is* the news of the day and some do pay attention to the news. I know it's challenging for me because I like to be informed... and this circus of world politics lately is dangerously entertaining. It's like watching a car wreck. I am so grateful to know where all this is heading and I do pray and work hard to keep my eyes off the newsfeeds. It's tough sometimes - because I can barely believe what I'm seeing. But, I have no doubt that among other things, Satan is delighting in making this system die embarrassed and humiliated. Future generations will hardly be able to believe the inanity we will tell them about these Last Days..

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/13/japan/crime-legal/jehovahs-witnesses-sue-japan-government/ About 20 followers of Jehovah’s Witnesses, along with the organization’s Japan branch and several believing parents, have sued the Japanese government to overturn child-abuse guidelines they say violate religious freedom, equality under the law, and the Constitution; the government says the guidelines are simply technical advice for local authorities and are meant to help identify abuse objectively, including cases involving corporal punishment or refusal of medically necessary blood transfusions for children.

I guess I just feel differently. This doesn't even register for me, so it's not affecting my neutrality, but I understand others are in different places right now. 💜

*SIGH* Here I go again...I'm always so full of drama...aren't I? For once...I wish I could just post something light hearted...something that didn't feel like I was unburdening the weight of the world from around my shoulders. (Maybe I have, in the past...but honestly...the past FEELS a million miles away right now) I have hesitated about posting this for like a week now...honestly it is starting to feel like I'm using this site for "therapy sessions"...but I feel compelled to do so this morning...because if it helps even one single person who is struggling with something similar...then it's worth it. Okay...where to begin? How to begin? How can I say any of what I need to say...without sounding whiney...without sounding pathetic? Oh well, here it goes: I pulled into the Kingdom Hall parking lot early on a Sunday morning...around 8:30. The sun was out...it's brilliant rays filling my car with natural warmth as I shut off the engine and gazed at the building devoted to worship of my God. I was alone...and thankfully so. I just needed space...I needed time...I needed time to think. A cold breeze swept past my car, rocking it gently as I listened to the fading *tick tick* of my engine. Here I was...needing space...needing time...and yet, I could feel my eyes start to close...I could feel my inner walls start to crumble as, inside my head...words began pouring out to my heavenly Father. Everything was jumbled and broken...shards of love colliding with bricks made of hate and rage. Weeks and weeks of unspoken feelings began pouring out...in my head I could almost see them rising into the air like smoke...I could almost feel myself growing more and more confused, overwhelmed...lost. How can I get anyone to understand what was happening in my head...when I don't understand it all myself? I only know that it all came roaring out of me...and I just clung on...praying to Jehovah to unravel it all...to make sense of it all...to help me deal with it all...before it broke me. I knew I was in a safe place...near Jehovah's house of true worship. I knew Jehovah heard me...I knew he understood. So I kept praying...I just let it all out...and then out of nowhere...I heard the sound of another car pulling into the parking lot...and within seconds, I could tell it was parking right next to mine. Keeping my eyes closed, (I had been praying for roughly about 10 minutes), I waited...praying that I wouldn't be interrupted...and yet, at the same time...praying that I would? I'm sure I don't need to tell you what happened next...you already know: a soft gentle knock on my window. Opening my eyes, I saw a brother standing beside my car...concern written plainly across his face. Smiling, I indicated that he should come over to the passenger side and join me...unlocking the door so he could slide into my car and join me, away from the early morning chill of a Wisconsin April morning. We exchanged greetings and then he gently inquired as to what had brought me to the meeting this early. I hesitated...then looked away from him out towards the open field near our Kingdom Hall laying all sparkly from the early morning dew...and told him. To his credit...he just listened, nodding occasionally and waiting until I had given him a cliff notes version of what I had just said to Jehovah. When he saw that I had finally deflated enough to actually take something in...he finally spoke...and though I am not going to sit here and share the entire conversation...I WILL share the two verses he shared with me that have been filling me with comfort for the past week. He said it is natural that we are all experiencing feelings of increased fear and tension with everything going on right now...he said Satan's system is so bloated with hatred and evil...it's like a huge red zit on someone's face...you KNOW it needs to be popped...you can visualize what is going to come out🤢...but it's not OUR job to do anything about it...we have to wait for Jehovah to get rid of it. He took me to Isaiah 40:31: "But those hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; They will walk and not tire out.” Truth be told...I almost looked at this dear brother with pity. I know this verse so well...it's one I use CONSTANTLY as a source of strength...what new thing could he POSSIBLY point out? And that's the moment I got schooled...and humbled...all at the same time. "Look at the word "hoping", Tim...what does it mean to hope in Jehovah?" He let me explain it...then nodded and added a new thought...taking me to the Strong's definition of the word...pointing out that the root meaning of the Hebrew word "Qavah" is actually to bind together, perhaps by twisting! During his personal research into this verse, he felt discouraged by seeing that some versions used the word "wait" here...instead of "hope"...until he saw that a metaphorical meaning of this word could mean to pull something tight, like the strands of a cord! He said the idea is: by standing firm in our spiritual hope...we are actually, (in a way), providing tension...and this tension interweaves, (so to speak), with Jehovah's holy spirit and creates real visible strength within the organization. What a profound thought: With each prayer, with every single meeting, assembly and convention we attend...every single time we participate in any spiritual activity...or just reach out and encourage someone near us...we are actively pulling those strands tighter and tighter...almost as if we are weaving our "hope" into this beautiful thing we call our "spiritual paradise". Then he took me to Colossians 2:2 and read it from the American Standard Version: "That their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, even Christ," "Knit together in love"...what a beautiful thought. Then he asked me a very serious question: "If Jehovah is weaving us together, Tim...why is it that sometimes we feel we must keep ourselves "together"...all alone?" He said Jehovah never asked us to be fearless...he just asks us to allow ourselves to be bound to him through our "hope". That's what keeps us strong...it's what allows us not to break...even when we feel like we are down to our very last strand...a strand that is being frazzled...at it's breaking point. If we "hope" in Jehovah...he will cover that strand with the glowing strands from our brothers and sisters prayers...from their encouragement...from their strength...and we will feel ourselves getting stronger...because that's what Jehovah promised...that's his guarantee! And now here I sit, in the comfort of my home, thinking about the following: Isn’t it funny how a simple early morning parking lot conversation can end up stitching a person's very last heart string back into the very fabric Jehovah has been weaving around you all along?

Someone sent me this in a PM on Facebook. I replied: As disgusting as this is, I need you to please not send me these. This administration makes it difficult for me to remain neutral and images like this push me past that line. I would never have thought about mocking previous presidents like this, so treating this one differently than the others is, by definition, no longer neutral. Thanks for helping a brother out We had a km school back during the first time he was elected. The instructor said that the then current administration made it difficult to remain neutral. If we think anything other than that Trump is no better or worse than the others, then we might be struggling with neutrality. That was then. It's only gotten worse now.

I decided to stockpile 🍿🍿🍿 because we’ve got front row at this world craziness. Watching conflict between POTUS and Pope: fascinating 🖖

A sister shared this with me in service today. The story behind the pic goes like this. The Berlin symphony orchestra sings our song “Give Me Courage” The occasion for this unusual performance was a commemorative concert marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Jan 2025 The song was chosen for the following reason: Historical Context-Jehovah’s Witnesses (then known as Bible Students” were persecuted under National Socialism because of their faith and were interned in concentration camps. The song symbolizes the religious resistance and steadfastness of the prisoners under the Natzi regime I did not recognize the song instantly since it is in another language but once I could identify the song it was a goosebump moment. Hope y’all enjoy as much as I did! 5634540367915519231.mov

Truly nauseating..

I love how your really pour out your heart, Tim. It makes the rest of us feel like we are not alone even though our circumstances may be entirely different. Its very faith strengthening to feel Jehovah’s hand in our lives, something we can always hold on to, knowing that he listens and understands. In your case he gave you an empathetic brother to give you comfort. Thanks for sharing.

The jw.org banner is "No More Corrupt Politicians!" That wraps it up nicely without being specific.

I agree with the premise completely. But I also agree that talking about him — whether good or bad — is still not right. I know you expanded on this and said it’s about neutrality, but it still doesn’t make sense to be sharing links or feeding into content about him — or any government official — or what governments are doing. We have a job to do. Trying to figure out what is or isn’t fulfillment of prophecy — that’s not our assignment.

I'm not the one who posted it. I acknowledged that other people may be affected, but I literally did nothing to contribute to this. This kind of thing does not interest me, but clearly it interests others or they wouldn't be sharing it.

He's part of the King of the South. That's reason enough.

No doubt that the US is the false prophet of Revelation ha !

I thank you so much for sharing. I know you know not are not alone. And now others know that are not alone in these distressing times. 🙂💚

Monday, April 13 Satan . . . is misleading the entire inhabited earth.—Rev. 12:9. In the first century, Satan’s supporters told one lie after another about the perfect, miracle-working Son of God. For example, the religious leaders told people that Jesus’ power to expel demons was given to him by “the ruler of the demons.” (Mark 3:22) When Jesus was on trial, the religious leaders accused him of blasphemy and incited the crowds to call for his death. (Matt. 27:20) Later, as Christ’s followers preached the good news, those who opposed them “stirred up and wrongly influenced the people” to persecute those Christians. (Acts 14:2, 19) Regarding Acts 14:2, The Watchtower of December 1, 1998, explained: “Not content with rejecting the message themselves, Jewish opposers embarked on a smear campaign, trying to prejudice the Gentile population against Christians.” Today, Satan is still “misleading the entire inhabited earth.” w24.0411 ¶15-16

Daniel's Prophesy of 1999 and Watchtower 2000 make reference to NATO at a time when there were 19 member nations. The King of the South has always been understood to be primarily the United States and the UK along with their associate allies. That would be allies who are members of NATO and allies who are not. Today, there are 32 member nations of NATO. When Finland joined in 2023, it doubled NATO's direct border with Russia. The expansion of NATO from 19 to 32 has not received any attention in our publications that I can see. I cannot recall any speaker even using the acronym NATO in a talk. So, yes, it came as a surprise to me when the local brother at the Circuit Assembly with Branch Representative said "while the King of the South is NATO and its allies". Apparently, no one else here heard that at their assembly. As I already said, he could have skipped a line of his manuscript. I don't believe he leaked anything that the FDS may share in the near future. I'm happy to wait for whatever the FDS has to say. But the expansion of NATO is a serious topic between the two kings. As of today, 6 NATO members share a direct border with Russia when you factor-in the enclave Kaliningrad. The "pushing" continues.

We will know next month in the first convention 😉

I told my suitcase we’re not going on vacation this year. Now it’s emotional baggage.

NATO is an alliance between the King of the South and other members. Both those Watchtowers refer to NATO as an alliance led by the King of the South.

*** dp chap. 16 pp. 276-277 par. 15 The Contending Kings Near Their End *** 15 “In the time of the end the king of the south will engage with him in a pushing,” the angel told Daniel. (Daniel 11:40a) Has the king of the south ‘pushed’ the king of the north during “the time of the end”? (Daniel 12:4, 9) Yes, indeed. After the first world war, the punitive peace treaty imposed upon the then king of the north—Germany—was surely “a pushing,” an incitement to retaliation. After his victory in the second world war, the king of the south targeted fearsome nuclear weapons on his rival and organized against him a powerful military alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Concerning NATO’s function, a British historian says: “It was the prime instrument for the ‘containment’ of the USSR, which was now perceived as the principal threat to European peace. Its mission lasted for 40 years, and was carried out with indisputable success.” As the years of the Cold War went by, the “pushing” by the king of the south included high-tech espionage as well as diplomatic and military offensives. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1101999036&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=21 *** w20 May p. 13 par. 6 Who Is “the King of the North” Today? *** 6 The king of the north and the king of the south continue to compete for world domination. For example, consider what happened after World War II when the Soviet Union and its allies gained influence over much of Europe. The actions of the king of the north forced the king of the south to form an international military alliance, known as NATO. The king of the north continues to compete with the king of the south in an expensive arms race. The king of the north fought his rival in proxy wars and insurgencies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In recent years, Russia and its allies have spread their influence across the globe. They have also engaged with the king of the south in cyber warfare. The kings have accused each other of using destructive computer programs in an effort to damage their economies and political systems. And as foretold by Daniel, the king of the north continues his attack on God’s people.—Dan. 11:41. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2020401&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=13

Timely!

It’s not just Trump. If you really want to stay neutral, it’s better not to post anything about Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, or Kim Jong Un—especially sarcastic comments. I’ve seen many brothers here speak against, for example, Vladimir Putin as the “King of the North.” That can show that, in your heart, you’re taking a position against him. But I’ve read many times that the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses has said there’s no such thing as a good or bad president—all of them belong to Satan. So when you speak against Putin, Donald Trump, or anyone else, it can come across as defending human governments. If Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin are in power, it’s because Jehovah allows it in order to fulfill prophecies.

If the president himself posted racist imagery, would you choose to share it with your brothers and sisters? I would not and I doubt you would, too. If the president himself posts pornographic imagery, would you choose to share it with your brothers and sisters? I would not and I doubt you would, too. Just because the president created and posted propaganda does not mean we need to share it. I don't want to see propaganda and I don't think my brothers and sisters want to, either. Trump did this. Trump did thst. I can't believe he dud this and that. Look how disgusting. Did you see the disgusting things? Here, let me show you the disgusting things. Did our brothers and sisters share the disgusting things Obama did? Or do we, in our hearts, feel Trump is so much worse than Obama? Were we as obsessed with Biden, Obama, Bush the 2nd, or Clinton as we seem to be with Trump and sharing every disgusting move made? If not, then maybe our neutrality is affected. If we treat or view this president any differently than previous presidents, then maybe our neutrality is affected. If this president affects our emotions (positive or negative) more than a previous president, then maybe our neutrality is affected. Sorry, I don't understand. Why is that any reason for Christians to spread propaganda generated by the King of the South? Are we it's mouthpiece? I know, it's just the news of the day. How does it affect others around you? If it doesn't register, good for you. It must be registering for others, though, because here we are discussing it on a forum dedicated to Christians. It graced my inbox on Facebook first thing this morning.

It is worse. The president himself posted that meme... no one is mocking him in this instance but he himself. 😕

The Slave will never share new light or a clarification of beliefs in such a way that only a very small number of Witnesses hear the adjustment first. Even if a speaker knows there is an adjustment, he will deliver current information and allow the Slave to introduce the adjustment at the time they choose. The Slave is the channel. We all hear adjustments at the same time. In years past it was in the Watchtower or a convention release. In recent times it's been at the Annual Meeting. On the other hand, that is what allies do. They follow the leader.

Curious statement made at the Circuit Assembly with Branch Representative today. BTW - Was anyone else there? Mira Loma Assembly Hall. We had Joel and Ivy Taylor from Patterson. The statement was made during the second talk of the symposium, "Become Watchful, and Strengthen the Things Remaining". The local brother was reviewing "the things remaining", such as 1 Thess 5:3 etc. Then he said "And Russia has been identified as the King of the North, while the King of the South is NATO and its allies". It's hard to imagine that he misspoke to that degree. Although it's possible he meant to say "While the King of the South is the Anglo-American world power and their NATO allies". Maybe he skipped an entire line of his manuscript. The last talk was the Branch Representative and he reviewed all the talks. I was literally waiting for him to clarify what the brother intended to say. But, no.

Thank you so much for sharing🥰

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.

Pot, meet kettle.

Brothers and sisters, sometimes we carry something inside us that no one else can see. On the outside we smile... we greet others... we attend the meetings... but deep inside, we may be struggling with worries, with disappointment, with hurt, with loneliness. And at some point we notice: My joy is gone. We still serve Jehovah... we still keep doing what is right... but our heart feels heavy. Why does that sometimes happen? One reason may be that although we go to Jehovah... we do not stay with him long enough. Imagine this: You are thirsty and pour yourself a glass of water. But when you are about to drink it, you realize: It is warm. So you place the glass in the refrigerator. You close the door. But only one second later you take it back out. Is it cold now? No. Why not? It was in the refrigerator. Yes... but not long enough. If you leave it there longer, it slowly becomes cool. And if afterward you place it in the freezer and leave it there long enough, its whole form changes. It becomes ice. And that is exactly how it is with our heart. When worries “heat us up” inside... when problems drain us... when pain steals our joy... then we need Jehovah’s presence just as that water needs the cold. But brothers and sisters, sometimes this is what we do: We say a quick prayer... maybe 20 seconds... maybe one minute... and then we go on again, back to the stress, back to the worries, back to the battle. And then we wonder: “Why do I still feel so heavy?” Because some things only heal when we stay long enough in Jehovah’s presence. Psalm 62:8 says so beautifully: “Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us.” Jehovah does not say: “Quickly mention your problem to me.” No. He says: “Pour out your heart.” Pour out everything. Not just the pain— but the tears behind it. Not just the worry— but the fear behind it. Not just the problem— but what it does to you at night. Jehovah does not just want to hear what happened. He wants to hear how it feels to you. Perhaps we can compare it to a little child. When a child is afraid at night, it runs to its father. But what would happen if the father held the child for only one second and immediately put it back down? The child would hardly calm down. But if the father holds it close... if the child remains against his chest... if it hears his heartbeat... if it feels his warmth... then slowly it becomes calm. Not immediately. But little by little. And that is how it is with Jehovah. Sometimes he does not heal our heart in the first 10 seconds of prayer. Sometimes he lovingly waits for us simply to stay. To remain seated. To keep talking. To keep crying. To take our time. And while we remain in his presence, something beautiful happens: Our heart slowly becomes calmer. Our thoughts become clearer. Our burden becomes lighter. And sometimes Jehovah changes not only our feelings... but our entire inner self. Brothers and sisters, if your heart is heavy... if you are tired inside... if you no longer feel joy... then do not pray only briefly. Stay. Stay in Jehovah’s presence. Stay until you feel peace. Stay until your thoughts become calmer. Stay until your heart feels warmth again. Because perhaps Jehovah has been waiting a long time for you not just to knock on his door... but to come inside... sit down... and simply stay with him. Because the one who stays long enough in Jehovah’s presence rarely leaves the same way he came.

I believe what's most important is to consider what we have to offer a mate. They not just for us; we're for them. Will we - our personality, spirituality, maturity, circumstances - be beneficial to someone else? Especially for a brother - are you ready to head a household and be responsible for all who live with you? If we can unselfishly say, "yes", that's when we should go looking for a mate. It's much beyond what our bodies can tell us.. 🤨

There are 10 kinds of people in the world. Those that know binary and those that don't.

2023: Read Daniel 11:40. Daniel chapter 11 speaks of two kings, or political powers, who struggle with each other for world domination. By comparing this prophecy with others in the Bible, we can identify “the king of the north” as Russia and its allies and “the king of the south” as the Anglo-American World Power. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2023521#h=24 2025: Our understanding of Bible prophecy can move us to preach with zeal. We know that the time left for this system is short. We recognize that current events and the attitude of people today reflect what the Bible foretold would mark the last days. We perceive how the rivalry between the Anglo-American World Power and Russia and its allies fulfills the prophecy about the king of the south and the king of the north “in the time of the end.” (Dan. 11:40) https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2025322#h=17 Yes, they use NATO, but the Watchtower didn't update that the KoS is the Anglo-American World Power.

No more corrupt politicians. I hope it will happen soon.

Many people look at global inequality migration struggles, economic gaps, and the fact that some nations seem to “shine” more than others and they start to wonder whether God favours certain races or countries. But the Bible gives a completely different picture. Does history support the idea that Jehovah favours one race? Does Jehovah lie? Absolutely not. Acts 10:34, 35 says: “God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” So the real question isn’t whether Jehovah accepts certain nations. The question is whether we are acceptable to Jehovah. So let’s take a look at the issue.. When people migrate, it’s not because God has abandoned their homeland. It’s because of human systems, not divine favoritism. People move because of, Economic inequality, Political instability, Corruption or mismanagement, Unequal access to education and technology, War, famine, or lack of opportunity These are man‑made conditions, not spiritual rankings. Even in Bible times, faithful people migrated constantly for example Abraham, Jacob, Naomi, Jesus’ own parents, early Christians fleeing persecution . Migration has always been part of human survival, not a sign of divine disapproval. If Wealth Meant God’s Approval… Then Ancient Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Rome …would have been Jehovah’s favourites. But the Bible shows the opposite. And at Pentecost, the thousands who accepted the good news came from every corner of the world. Jehovah’s blessing was not tied to nationality, race, or geography. So Where Does the “Partiality” Idea Come From? Not from Jehovah. The only one who ever suggested that Jehovah “holds out” on people was Satan. He told Eve that God was keeping something good from her. That lie has simply taken new forms throughout history… many people swallow it whole. Jehovah has never been partial. Humans have been. Satan has been. But Jehovah? Never.

Yes. I don't understand why any of our brothers and sisters are choosing to share this. I know I don't want to see this on my socials. I doubt anyone else does either. Trump is no better or worse than any other current or former world leader. They all stand in opposition to Jehovah.

My dear brothers and sisters... today I would like to speak with you about something that many people are not even aware of... Many quickly say: “No... I do not believe in God.” “No... the Bible does not interest me.” “No... that is not for me.” But the sad question is: How many reject something... that they have never truly examined? How many judge God’s Word... without ever looking into it? without reading it? without ever giving Jehovah the chance to speak to their heart? And that is exactly what a very beautiful experience reminds me of... The Story of the Orchard A Christian was once traveling in Northern Italy. During his journey, he came across a beautiful orchard. The trees were full of wonderful, ripe fruit. Everything was cared for. Everything was lovingly maintained. The owner of the orchard was nearby, and so a conversation developed. The Christian spoke with him about the inner needs of man... about hope... about peace... about God. Then he offered the man a Bible. But the owner asked skeptically: “You say this book is God’s Word... but how can you prove that?” And now listen carefully... The Christian did not answer immediately. Instead, he looked at the beautiful pears on the trees and said: “These pears look beautiful... but it is a shame that they are of poor quality.” The owner was immediately offended. He said: “How can you say that?! You have not even tasted them!” And then he said something very true: “Take one and see for yourself!” The Christian took a pear, bit into it... and said: “You are right... it is excellent.” And then he looked kindly at the man and said: “But you see... you are treating my book the same way. You are judging it without ever tasting it. Read it... and you will discover for yourself that the Bible is God’s good Word.” Is that not a beautiful illustration? How many people judge the Bible... without ever really reading it? How many reject Jehovah... without ever truly getting to know him? Jehovah Invites Us to Taste Please turn to: Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that Jehovah is good; happy is the man who takes refuge in him.” What a loving verse... Jehovah does not simply say: “Believe blindly.” No. He says: “Taste.” “Try it for yourself.” “Get to know me.” “See for yourself how good I am.” Jehovah forces no one. He invites. Like a loving father who says: “Please... just give me a chance. Get to know me. Then you will see how much I love you.” The Problem With Many People Today But what do many do? They say: “The Bible is outdated.” “Religion does not interest me.” “There is no God.” But if you ask: “Have you even read the Bible?” Then often there is silence. How sad... People reject the greatest gift... without ever opening it. They turn away the most loving Father... without ever getting to know him. And That Hurts Jehovah Brothers and sisters... let us think about this: How must Jehovah feel? He created us. He gave us life. He gave us beauty. He gave his Son. He had his Word written down... a love letter to mankind... and so many throw it aside, without even reading it. Let us read: Isaiah 48:17, 18 “I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself... If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river.” Can you feel Jehovah’s heart in that? “If only you would listen...” “If only you would understand...” “If only you would realize that everything I say is out of love...” This is not a harsh God. This is not a cold ruler. This is a Father with a broken heart... watching his children reject him, even though he wants only what is best for them. A Moving Illustration Imagine... a father writes letters full of love to his child every day. In those letters he writes: “I love you.” “I want to help you.” “Please do not go down that road, it will hurt you.” “Here is the path to happiness.” But the child... throws every letter away unopened. Never read. Never opened. Never cared about. How would that father feel? Would it not tear his heart apart? And that is exactly what many people do to Jehovah. The Bible may lie right next to them... collecting dust on the shelf... and they never open it. Never do they listen. Never do they read his thoughts. Never do they allow Jehovah to speak to their heart. Why We Must Follow God’s Word Brothers and sisters... the Bible was not written to restrict us. It was written to save us. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial...” Beneficial for what? So that we may be happy. So that we may be protected. So that we may find the right way. Jehovah does not give us commands to take something away from us. He gives them to spare us pain. Why Is It So Hard for People? And yet we sometimes sadly ask: Why do people not understand this? Why do they not listen? Why do they reject Jehovah? The answer is simple: Because many would rather follow their own heart than God’s wisdom. Because pride often speaks louder than humility. Because Satan has blinded this world. 2 Corinthians 4:4 “The god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers.” Many do not see clearly. They do not recognize Jehovah’s love. But We Can Be Different My dear brothers and sisters... let us never become superficial with God’s Word. Let us not read the Bible only... because we have to. But because we love Jehovah. Because we want to hear his thoughts. Because we miss his voice when we do not hear it. Conclusion – One Final Illustration The Bible is like a table set with delicious food. Jehovah has prepared everything. Lovingly. With effort. With heart. And he says: “Please... sit down. Eat. Strengthen yourself. Enjoy it.” But many simply walk by. Without tasting. Without trying. Without realizing what they are missing. Therefore, my dear ones... let us never be like that. Let us be people who truly taste. Who love Jehovah’s Word. Who read it. Who live by it. And who help others to realize: Try it first... before you judge. Because the one who truly tastes Jehovah’s Word... who truly reads it with an open heart... who truly gets to know Jehovah... will realize: There is nothing sweeter. Nothing truer. Nothing more loving. Because yes... the Bible is not just a book. It is the good Word of God.

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My dear brothers and sisters, there are moments in life that seem so small… and yet contain such a deep truth that they can change our heart forever. Today I would like to share with you a little experience. Someone once said: “I heard my mother ask our neighbor for some salt. Surprised, I asked her: ‘Why are you doing that? We already have salt in the house.’ She smiled and said: ‘You know, our neighbors often ask us for little things. They are poor. And I do not want them to feel inferior or think they are a burden to us. So sometimes I purposely ask them for something small— so that they feel that we need them too. So that it will be easier for them to ask us for help when they need something.’” When hearing these words… perhaps one has to swallow hard. Because this is not simply kindness… this is love on the highest level. Why? Because this mother understood: True love does not only help… true love also protects the dignity of others. And that is exactly how Jehovah loves. Jehovah Never Helps in a Condescending Way Think about this for a moment: Jehovah is the highest God in the universe. He owns everything. He needs nothing from us. And yet he never treats us as if we were little worthless beggars. No. Psalm 113:6, 7 says: “He stoops down to look on heaven and earth, raising the lowly from the dust.” Is that not beautiful? Jehovah lifts people up… but never in a way that makes them feel small. He helps… but never in a way that makes them ashamed. He gives… but never in a way that causes us to lose our dignity. Is that not remarkable? Because sadly, we live in a world where people often help in such a way that the other person feels even smaller afterward than before. Perhaps someone was helped… but then heard: “Without me, you would have been lost.” “Be glad I was there.” “Do not forget who did this for you.” But Jehovah is not like that. When Jehovah gives… he gives with love. With warmth. In a way that does not break our heart… but heals it. Love Means Noticing Feelings Philippians 2:4 says: “Look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.” But that means more than just seeing what someone needs materially. It also means recognizing: How does this person feel? How can I help without embarrassing them? How can I show love without hurting their pride? This mother understood exactly that. She knew: “My neighbors need help. But they need more than bread or salt. They need the feeling that they are not inferior.” And that is exactly why she asked for something herself. Not because she needed it… but because her heart understood what love truly is. First Additional Illustration: The Fallen Person Imagine someone stumbles in public and falls down. Two kinds of people gather. The first person runs over, helps him up… but loudly says: “Oh no! How clumsy you are!” “Everyone look, this poor man is lying on the ground!” Yes, he was helped up… but his dignity stayed on the ground. Then another person comes. She also helps him up… but quietly kneels down, smiles warmly, and says: “It’s okay. That happens to everyone sometimes. Come, let me help you.” Which help hurt more? And which one healed not only the body, but also the heart? That is exactly what Jehovah does. And that is exactly what we should imitate. Jesus Perfectly Lived Out This Love Jesus was the perfect reflection of his Father. And how often did he help people without humiliating them? Think of the sinful woman in Luke 7. Everyone looked down on her. Everyone judged her. Everyone wanted to make her feel small. But Jesus? He treated her with dignity. With love. With warmth. He made her feel: “You are valuable. You are not just your mistakes. You are not just your past.” Oh, how her heart must have wept… not from pain… but because at last someone saw her without condemning her. Sometimes People Do Not Need Great Help – But Loving Help It is not always enough just to give something. The question is: How do we give it? 1 Corinthians 13:4 says: “Love is patient and kind.” Love is not only generous… love is kind. And kindness often shows itself in little things: In the tone of voice. In the look. In the way we help. In being considerate of feelings. Second Illustration: The Gift With Fragile Contents Imagine you have a beautiful, valuable glass vessel. Someone brings it to you. But he roughly throws it into your arms. Yes, he gave it to you… but he almost broke it. Another person brings the same gift… but carefully. Gently. With both hands. With care. Which one shows real love? Brothers and sisters… human hearts are more fragile than glass. You can help someone… and wound them inside while doing it. Or you can help… while preserving their heart at the same time. The Most Beautiful Form of Love The mother in our opening story understood something many never learn: The highest form of love is not simply giving. Rather: It is giving in such a way that the other person still feels valuable. Helping in such a way that the other person does not feel ashamed. Loving in such a way that the other person does not feel small. Is that not exactly Jehovah’s way? How often Jehovah forgives us… without constantly reminding us afterward of our mistakes. How often he lifts us up… without pointing out our weakness. How often he loves us… even though we can give so little in return. And yet he makes us feel: “You are valuable. You are loved. You are important.” Conclusion My dear brothers and sisters, perhaps we forget many great speeches. Perhaps we forget many words. But we never forget how people made us feel. And sometimes it is exactly the smallest gestures… that show the greatest love. A mother… asking for salt even though she has enough herself. Why? Not because of the salt. But because of a heart that understood: “Love does not only help… Love also protects dignity.” So let us all try to love more like Jehovah. Not only by helping… but by helping without hurting. Not only by giving… but by giving without shaming. Not only by loving… but by loving the way Jehovah loves. Because sometimes… the greatest love is not what we give. But how we give it.

...and in great style he'll deliver 💖 we are so privileged yet undeserving of all these.

I think focussing on political hypocrisy, a redundant phrase, is a slippery slope to breaking neutrality.

Saturday, April 18 If anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper.—1 John 2:1. The most important decision that any person can make is the decision to dedicate himself to Jehovah and to become part of His family of worshippers. Jehovah desires everyone to do so. Why? He wants them to enjoy a friendship with him and to live forever. (Deut. 30:19, 20; Gal. 6:7, 8) However, Jehovah does not force anyone to serve him. He allows each individual to decide what he will do. What if a baptized Christian breaks God’s law, committing a serious sin? If he does not repent, he must be removed from the congregation. (1 Cor. 5:13) Yet, even then, Jehovah fervently hopes that the wrongdoer will return to Him. In fact, that is an important reason why he provided the ransom—to make forgiveness possible for repentant sinners. Our loving God warmly appeals to wrongdoers, urging them to repent.—Zech. 1:3; Rom. 2:4; Jas. 4:8. w24.08 14 ¶1-2

Our potted pups, Chip & Bruno, toy poodles

1120 [emoji288] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

Exactly…. Hope this doesn’t bother you.

Michael J. Fox reassures fans after false death rumors The actor made light of the situation after CNN sparked a death scare by releasing a video titled “Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox.” “How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?” he wrote. “Do you…A) switch to MNSBC, or whatever they are calling themselves these days, (B) Pour scolding hot water on your lap, if it hurts your fine, (C) Call your wife, hopefully she's concerned but reassuring, (D) Relax, they do this once every year, (E) Ask yourself wtf ? I thought the world was ending, but apparently it's just me and I'm ok. https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/nation-world/michael-j-fox-reassures-fans-false-death-rumors-cnn-mixup/507-c02d9022-4162-4f0a-8921-a8ff8436c9d9