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This morning...indeed just a few moments ago...I had my mind blown by someone who doesn't serve Jehovah, someone who doesn't even know him or really anything about the Bible at all! A little backstory: For weeks now I have been talking to a vendor that I see off and on at different stores. If you looked at him and judged solely off the surface, you can easily see why a lot of people avoid him. Not only are both of his arms filled with tattoos, (full sleeves on both sides), he also has tattoos on his face and he's missing about half of his teeth. Within the first 15 minutes that I met him approximately 8 weeks ago, he shared that he had served 12 years in prison and a 7-year stint prior to that. That immediately gave us common ground and I just started talking to him about my own experiences inside those walls. Some days we don't see each other at all, but there are other days where I see him on a couple ofstops that we share in common. Some days we talk a minute or two, other days we end up speaking for 10 to 15 minutes while waiting for the receiver to finish up with other vendors. I know some people have noticed us talking, I've had comments on it now a couple of different times from various vendors and even some store employees. Last week, for whatever reason, he decided to open up to me and shared the following statement, (it's not exactly what he said, it's just my best summation of it): "My cousin told me that God is punishing me for the stuff I’ve done in my life. I don’t really believe him, but when you hear something like that at the wrong time, it gets in your head, ya know? And honestly…I just feel like everybody’s done with me lately. My brother and his wife kicked me out of their house because I complained about his wife smoking weed, my family barely talks to me, and the people I'm trying to hang out with don’t even return my messages. I mean, I don’t blame them, I guess. I’m a mess right now. But it makes me wonder if maybe my cousin is right...maybe God’s done with me too. Maybe this really IS payback for everything I've done.” I assured him at Jehovah does not punish people like that, and I even shared the account at John chapter 9 regarding the blind man where Jesus had to correct his own disciples view on the same matter. I also showed him the verse in Ecclesiastes regarding time and unforeseen occurrence befalling us all. This morning I saw him at a store and he came outside to meet me as soon as I pulled up. He thanked me for sharing that account and said that after he had gotten home to his hotel room, he had googled it out of curiosity. But here comes the part where he blew my mind...because he told me that he had been encouraged by the Bible for the first time in his life, but it wasn't by the scripture I brought out. Again, here's what he said: "Hey, I didn’t read the whole thing, but I liked that part Google highlighted for me...it said that after they threw the guy out...Jesus heard about it and went and found him.” He said that part really hit home with him because of everything that he's been through. He thanked me for sharing the account with him and said it feels really good knowing that even if everyone else has given up on him, Jesus hasn't. Now I went into that discussion trying to encourage him by showing him that his cousin's doctrine was wrong, but I completely missed the most important part of what he said: he felt completely abandoned by everyone in his life. Thankfully, what I missed, Jehovah must have picked up on...because he agreed that I could share some more scriptures with him from time to time, especially if they would make him feel like this one did. I just wanted to share that with everyone, not to make some huge theatrical point...but simply to reinforce, once again, the POWER of Jehovah's word!!

The record says "As they traveled eastward they discovered a valley plain in the land of Shinar and began dwelling there. Then they said "Come! Let us make bricks and bake them with fire. So they used bricks instead of stone, and bitumen as mortar. And Jehovah said "Look! They are one people with one language and this is what they have started to do. Now there is nothing that they may have in mind to do that will be impossible for them." Was the use of bricks instead of stone a technological advancement in their day? Was it the use of bricks that gave them the idea that they could "build a city and a tower with its top in the heavens" whereas they would have never attempted to do it with stone? The use of bricks may have streamlined construction so much that they began to have great aspirations for themselves. Indeed, Jehovah acknowledged that nothing would be impossible for them. AI may be the change of human society and a return to "nothing will be impossible for them". And, in the hands of selfish, imperfect humans, more harm will result than good. AI could very well be a major contributing factor behind the reason the nations give their authority to the UN as they face an existential crisis of their own making. Jehovah will put that thought into their minds and hearts. It will be another miraculous intervention like the Tower of Babel.

Perhaps it would be good for us to take some time to reflect on the many wonderful examples we have that can help us keep our spiritual vision clear and focused. One of these is Caleb. He did not allow what he saw happening around him to change what he knew about Jehovah. He saw many of his contemporaries losing their faith, but he never allowed their attitude to make him doubt Jehovah or the certainty of His promises. We too live in a world where many people are losing their trust in God or no longer believe in His promises. To keep our faith strong, we need to continue getting to know Jehovah more deeply, reminding ourselves of the beautiful qualities He has shown us, and taking time to meditate on His precious promises. There is something especially touching about Caleb’s example that I think is worth remembering: he had to wait 45 years to receive his inheritance. Yet he did not spend those years simply waiting for a reward. He spent them faithfully serving Jehovah. And what about us? Are we continuing to strengthen our friendship with Jehovah because we truly love who He is and appreciate His beautiful qualities? Or, perhaps without realizing it, has our faith become too closely tied to WHEN we expect to see our hopes fulfilled? Will we continue to trust in Jehovah with a patient and faithful heart, even if the fulfillment of His promises takes longer than we had expected?

seems they like jws as clients https://e-hotelarz.pl/artykul/122568/analyses-and-reports-why-does-the-hotel-industry-want-to-welcome-jehovahs-witnesses.html

Does that sound like the Jehovah you know? It doesn't sound like the Jehovah I know. This is not Jehovah's fault. It's the fault of impatient, imperfect, eager, tired, hurting people yearning for this system to end.

Friday, October 16 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways. Do not stray onto her paths.—Prov. 7:25. Solomon’s account illustrates what can happen to any worshipper of Jehovah. He might fall into serious sin and later feel that everything occurred suddenly. Or he might say, “It just happened.” And yet, if he thinks about what actually occurred, he will likely discover that he took some unwise steps that led to his transgression. Those steps might have involved bad association, unwholesome entertainment, or frequenting questionable places—whether in person or online. Perhaps he had also stopped praying, reading the Bible, attending meetings, or sharing in the ministry. Like the young man discussed in Proverbs, he may not have committed the sin so suddenly after all. What is the lesson for us? We need to avoid not only the sin itself but also the steps that lead to sin. Solomon makes that very point after relating the account.—Matt. 5:29, 30. w24.07 16 ¶10-11

Watchtower Library Update New Update Package 2606

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Sometimes we feel like kids on a road trip yelling "Are we there yet?" It can be frustrating, but Jehovah is driving, he will tell us when we get there. Just watch the scenery, we'll be there soon.

Soon! gemini_generated_video_66552435.mp4

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Jehovah’s day was set up thousands of years ago its our perception of time that changes not His time schedule sometimes we feel it’s next month others is whithin a decade its just us humans tired of this system I always say: we are not the poor little victims that are supposed to be fooled by false Bible prophecies while in the past all other prophecies have been fully fulfilled this simply doesn’t make sense. i don’t mind at all die in this system to ressurect afterwards what’s the problem about that ?

Only pic I could find on my computer of my husband and I.

Poor David Nathan Rogers, his wife bought him a bracelet with his initials on it. He didn't survive his first heart attack...

Since the pope is part of the Holy See, if his surgery had required a saw, would it be a Holy See Saw? 🤔

I am not brother, it comes as free with my mobile recharge..😄 "Eligible Jio users can claim 18 months of free Google AI Pro access valued at ₹35,100 through the Google Gemini Offer from Jio." If thinking Paradise is a nice hobby, then videolizing Paradise for FREE is an even nicer one, don’t you agree, brother? 😂

Having a dog named "Shark" at the beach was a mistake.

The annual meeting is over, but we still have a few more “eternal happiness” conventions left! Manila, Philippines — November 6–8 San Diego, USA — November 27–29 Bangkok, Thailand — December 11–13 on Dec 28 we should get the global service report. Then on February 27 we start the memorial campaign. around the end of April we will receive the new episodes of Good News series, because on May 7 is the first convention at Newburgh (not an international)

It looks like we are never going back to normal, anormal temparatures will now be the new normality. The same with the conflicts around the world, the economic crisis... there is no solution. It is evident as never before we need the new world

The family running the small hotel we stayed at in January for the international convention was so impressed that they all came to the Sunday afternoon session, and I'm still in touch with one of them, I send her links to articles and videos which she shares with the rest of the family. Our conduct can have such a wonderful effect!

An unfair pizza.

That reminds me of the woman that named her son LaMonjello.. Every time she would call for him in the grocery store, someone would kindly tell her the flavored Jell-O is on aisle 5...

Jehovah will not allow this system to exist one day longer than justice demands. It's exhausting mentally. I don't want to be in survival mode forever and I don't believe I will be.

chatgpt is so extremely modest...😄

The irony of the very ones cplaining about the weaponizing of the DOJ do the same. ... Clay and iron, eh. Well, we know how all that ends - with a big boulder on both and the growth of the real kingdom government.

Some of the last of my zinnias. Not really looking forward to winter.

Our Kingdom Hall is hosting 3 weeks of Elders schools starting tomorrow. We organised some of the kids to make a welcome banner. The bros who were prepping today loved it. our sister Cong had these carts made We also have these to put up And every elder and instructor (hopefully) will also get a keyring at the last day of their school. Can you tell we’re all excited? Gonna be long days (we’ve got to arrive by 6:15am) but I’m sure at the end it’ll all be worth it!

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While it may be a conscience decision if we decide to watch such an execution or not - we have to remember that, as an organization, we are not opposed to capital punishment. Key Beliefs on Capital Punishment Biblical Basis: According to official publications on the Watchtower Online Library, Jehovah's Witnesses believe God authorized human governments to use capital punishment—particularly for murderers—dating back to the command given in Genesis 9:6. Role of Government: They view secular governments as "superior authorities" permitted by God to execute justice and punish wrongdoers, and they do not believe the Bible condemns governments for utilizing the death penalty. Political Neutrality: Jehovah's Witnesses do not actively campaign or lobby either for or against the death penalty in political arenas, leaving the implementation of criminal justice up to state authorities. Personal View: While the organization recognizes the scriptural allowance for capital punishment, individual members may hold varying personal views on the matte As someone who is in a congregation that includes a prison with 'death row' as part of our territory, we have some brothers who are part of our congregation on death row. While these brothers regret what they did before knowing the truth and have no desire to die, they do not disagree that the state has the right to execute them for what they did. This past year, one of our brothers was executed.

He protests the price of chocolate!

World powers continue to struggle for dominance, just as the Bible foretold. However, we wait on Jehovah rather than trying to identify every political development as prophetic.

Saturday, October 17 We have this treasure in earthen vessels.—2 Cor. 4:7. What is this treasure? It is the lifesaving work of preaching the Kingdom message. (2 Cor. 4:1) What are the earthen vessels? They represent God’s servants, who take the good news to others. In Paul’s day, merchants used clay jars to transport valuable goods, such as food, wine, and money. Similarly, Jehovah entrusts us with the valuable message of the good news. With Jehovah’s backing, we can have the strength needed to deliver our message faithfully. At times, we may experience fear of man or fear of rejection. How can we overcome that challenge? Consider the prayer of the apostles when they were ordered not to preach. Rather than give in to fear, they asked Jehovah to help them keep speaking with boldness. Jehovah immediately answered their prayer. (Acts 4:18, 29, 31) If fear of man affects you sometimes, ask Jehovah to help you conquer your fear of man with your love for people. w24.04 16 ¶8-9

Whew! Does this help? *** w22 September p. 21 “Bringing the Many to Righteousness” *** “THOSE ASLEEP IN THE DUST . . . WILL WAKE UP” 4 Read Daniel 12:1. The book of Daniel reveals the sequence of exciting events that will occur during the time of the end. For example, Daniel 12:1 reveals that Michael, who is Jesus Christ, is “standing in behalf of [God’s] people.” That part of the prophecy began to be fulfilled in 1914 when Jesus was appointed as King of God’s heavenly Kingdom. 5 However, Daniel was also told that Jesus would “stand up” during “a time of distress such as has not occurred since there came to be a nation until that time.” This “time of distress” is the “great tribulation” mentioned at Matthew 24:21. Jesus stands up, or acts to defend God’s people, at the end of this time of distress, that is, at Armageddon. The book of Revelation refers to these ones as “a great crowd who come out of the great tribulation.”—Rev. 7:9, 14.

Louise deeply regretted naming her son Marco. Whenever she tried to find him in a crowd, people would yell “Polo!” in response, and it would take hours for them to reunite. Her husband insisted on naming their next son. He chose Waldo.

Thursday, October 15 From Jehovah you will receive the . . . reward.—Col. 3:24. Today, elders can be certain that Jehovah sees and values their fine work. In addition to shepherding, teaching, and preaching, many elders support construction projects and disaster relief efforts. Others serve on Patient Visitation Groups or Hospital Liaison Committees. Elders who make themselves available for such work see the congregation as Jehovah’s arrangement. They are whole-souled in their assignments and have full trust that God will reward them for what they do. (Col. 3:23, 24) Not all can be elders. But all of us have something to offer Jehovah. Our God appreciates it when we do our best to serve him. He notices our contributions to the worldwide work, no matter how modest. And he rejoices when we overlook an offense and extend forgiveness. Trust that Jehovah values what you can do. He loves you for it, and he will reward you.—Luke 21:1-4. w24.06 23 ¶12-13

Wednesday, October 14 Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are crushed in spirit.—Ps. 34:18. Are you coping with emotional distress caused by disappointment or by betrayal from someone you trusted? Regardless of how a person has treated you, your heavenly Father loves you. When coping with betrayal, we can be comforted by David’s reassuring words found in today’s text. One reference work says that those “crushed in spirit” may refer to “those who have nothing good to look forward to.” How does Jehovah respond to those who feel that way because of bitter disappointment? Like a loving parent who holds and comforts a child in distress, Jehovah “is close to” us—ever compassionate and ready to help us if we feel crushed by betrayal or loss. He is eager to comfort and soothe our broken heart and pained spirit. And he gives us many things to look forward to that help us endure our present trials.—Isa. 65:17. w24.12 23 ¶13-14

Same. I had to double check which forum this is in.

I gotta admit, Pauline, when I saw this topic thumbnail, with you posting it, my stomach kinda lurched a bit.. You, I care about.... The Pope, not so much....

I wonder if we are being fooled and this system never going to end. Seems like we grasping for anything to be it and the sun comes up and the sun goes down. Im getting tired of it. Either do it or don’t.

The most awkward reunion in the history of Paradise! 😂 gemini_generated_video_4697b20c.mp4

Monday, October 12 A man is declared righteous . . . only through faith in Jesus Christ.—Gal. 2:16. Being declared righteous means that the charges against us have been dropped and that our record has been expunged, or wiped clean. By doing this, Jehovah does not violate his own standards of justice. He does not declare us righteous on our own merit; nor does he condone our sins. But because of our faith in the atonement arrangement and the ransom price that was paid, Jehovah has a basis for canceling our debts. (Rom. 3:24) What does this mean for each of us? Those who have been selected to rule with Jesus in heaven have already been declared righteous as children of God. (Titus 3:7;1 John 3:1) Their sins have been forgiven. They no longer have, as it were, a criminal record, and thus they qualify to be in the Kingdom. (Rom. 8:1, 2, 30) Those who have an earthly hope have been declared righteous as friends of God, and their sins are forgiven.—Jas. 2:21-23. w25.02 5 ¶17; 7 ¶18

It's very encouraging to hear that hotels appreciate our good christian behavior.

"All things . . . that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them" If we treat our hosts at the hotel in a good way... that good way will come back to us.

How wonderful to hear. Thanks for sharing the article.

Remember the old commercials that said "Is it live or is it Memorex?" It's harder to tell now than it was then. 🤣

Just a follow up. Last night I did the latest update for my iPad and now the research guide works perfectly. I can now bring up all the lessons under Jehovah and Jesus.

I just installed minor update #1471 and it fixes both issues that I reported. Now the CLAM history grid can have two lines if necessary. And there is a different warning icon if the publisher had another talk recently, different from the one if the publisher has another talk the same day.

Major nationwide protests are underway across France today, with tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of people demonstrating over the cost of living, underfunded schools, and related grievances. These protests build on weeks of high-school student actions over teacher shortages, dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classes, and police responses. They have broadened into a “convergence of struggles,” drawing in Yellow Vest (Gilets Jaunes) activists, trade unions (such as the CGT), teachers, university students, and others concerned about inflation and public services. Key developments • Turnout estimates: Authorities reported around 140 actions involving ~33,000 people outside Paris by midday. Union figures later put national participation at 550,000–800,000. Paris saw a large march, with estimates of tens of thousands. • Clashes and violence: Significant unrest in several cities. In Paris, police used tear gas, water cannon, and stun grenades against masked/hooded groups throwing projectiles and fireworks, especially around Place de la République. A tourism office was set on fire in Lyon. In Marseille, protesters entered the town hall, caused damage, and there were reports of looting and attacks on a police station. Similar incidents (vandalism, fires, looting of shops) occurred in places like Bordeaux, Lille, Rennes, Toulouse, and Angers. • Official responses: President Emmanuel Macron had called for calm and respect for people/property while affirming the right to protest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned the “violence of extreme intensity” and said the government would not be intimidated. The Interior Ministry highlighted rapid security responses. This comes amid broader context: Macron is in the final stretch of his term (presidential elections expected in 2027), with high unpopularity, political fragmentation, inflation concerns (recent figures around 3.4%), and debates over public finances/EU budget. Opposition figures (including from the far-right National Rally and far-left) have commented on the unrest. Other recent notes include ongoing political positioning ahead of the 2027 vote and routine economic updates, but the protests dominate the day’s news. Situation remains fluid with live coverage from major outlets.