A Different Kind of Strength

Standing in direct contrast with the mighty men of violence is the most famous human who ever lived, Jesus Christ, a man of peace.  While on earth he did "no violence."  (Isaiah 53:9)  When his enemies came to arrest him in the garden of Gethsemane, his followers had some swords.  (Luke 22:38,47-51)  They could have formed a fighting mob to try to prevent him from being delivered up to the Jews. -John 18:36. 

In fact,the apostle Peter drew his sword to defend Jesus, but Jesus said to him:  "Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:51, 52)  Yes, violence begets violence, as human history has repeatedly demonstrated.  Apart from the opportunity to defend himself with weapons, Jesus had another means of defense.  He next said to Peter:  "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels?" -Matthew  26:53.

Rather than resorting to violence or angelic protection, Jesus allowed himself to be seized by those who killed him. Why? One reason was that he knew that the time had not yet arrived for his heavenly  Father to end wrongdoing on earth. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, Jesus trusted in Jehovah.

This was not a position of weakness but one of great inner strength. Jesus demonstrated strong faith that Jehovah would put matters right in His Own time and way.  Because of his obedience, Jesus was exalted  to a position of fame second only to Jehovah himself.  The apostle Paul wrote concerning Jesus: "He humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake.  For this very reason also God exalted him to  a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above  every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly  acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." -Philippians 2:8-11. 

Next time: God's Promise to End Violence

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Men of Fame Today

Today, gods and demigods no longer walk the earth. Nevertheless, violence abounds. Today's men of fame are glorified in books, movies, television, and music.  Far be it from them to turn the other cheek, to love their enemies to seek peace, to forgive, or to walk away from violence.  (Matthew 5:39, 44; Romans 12:17; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:11) Instead, modern-day mighty ones are admired for their strength and for their ability to fight, to avenge themselves, and  to counter violence with superior violence. 

God's view of such ones has not changed since the day of Noah. Jehovah does not admire lovers of violence, nor is he entertained by their exploits.  The psalmist sang:  "Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, and anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates. -Psalm 11:5. 

Next time: A Different Kind of Strength

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Mighty Ones of Old, Men of Fame

The disobedient materialized angels had sexual relations with women, and the women bore children.  These were not ordinary children.  They were Nephilim, half human, and half angel.  The Bible account says:  "The Nephilim proved to be in he  earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of the true God continued  to have relations with the daughters of men and they bore sons to them, they were the mighty ones who were of old, the men of fame." -Genesis 6:4. 

The Hebrew word "nephilim" literally means "fellers," those who feel others, or who cause others to fall, through violent acts.  Thus, it is not surprising that the Bible account adds:  "The earth became filled with violence." (Genesis 6:11)  The mythological demigods, such as Heracles and the Babylonian hero Gilgamesh, strongly resemble Nephilim. 

Notice that the Nephilim were called "mighty ones" and "men of fame."  Unlike the righteous man Noah, who lived in the same period, the Nephilim were not interested in promoting the fame of Jehovah.  They were interested in their own fame, glory, and reputation.  Through mighty acts, which undoubtedly involved violence and bloodshed, they earned the fame they craved from the ungodly world around them.  They were he superheroes of their day-feared, respected and seemingly invincible.

While the Nephilim and their debased angelic fathers may have enjoyed fame in the eyes of their contemporaries, they certainly were not famous in God's sight.  Their way of life was detestable.  Consequently, God acted against the fallen angels.  The apostle Peter wrote:  "God did not hold back from punishing  the angels that sinned, but, by throwing them in Tartarus, delivered them to pits of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment; and he did not hold back from punishing an ancient world, but kept Noah, a preacher of righteousness, safe with seven others when he brought a deluge upon a world of ungodly people." -2 Peter 2:4, 5.

At the global Flood, the rebellious angels dematerialized and returned in disgrace to the spirit realm.  God punished them by prohibiting them from again materializing human bodies.  The Nephilim, the superhuman offspring of the disobedient angels, all perished.  Only Noah and his small family survived the Deluge.

Next time: Men of Fame Today

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

The Origin of the Legend

DO the stories of Heracles and other mythological heroes have a basis in reality?  In a sense, they may.  The Bible foretells of a time, early in human history when, "gods" and "demigods" really did walk the earth.

Describing that era, Moses wrote:  "Now it came about that when men started to grow in numbers on the surface of the ground and daughters were born to them, then the sons of the true God began to notice the daughters  of men, that were good-looking; and they went taking wives  for themselves, namely, all whom they chose." -Genesis 6:1, 2. 

Those "sons of the true God" were no humans;  they were angelic sons of God. (Compare Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:4, 7) The Bible writer Jude relates that some angels "did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place."  (Jude 6) In other words,  they left their assigned place  in God's heavenly  organization because they preferred to live with beautiful women on earth.  Jude adds that these rebellious angels were lie the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, who 'committed fornication excessively and went out after flesh for unnatural use.' -Jude 7.

The Bible does not provide full details about the activities of these disobedient angels. However, ancient legends of Greece and elsewhere paint a picture of  numerous gods and goddesses that moved  among humanity, either visibly or invisibly.  When taking human form, they had great beauty.  They ate, drank, slept, and had sexual intercourse among themselves and with humans.  Though supposedly  holy and immoral, they lied and deceived, quarreled and fought, seduced and raped.   Such mythological accounts may reflect, though in an embellished and distorted form, the actual pre-Flood conditions mentioned in the Bible book of Genesis. 

Next time: Mighty Ones of Old, Men of Fame

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

DO YOU VIEW VIOLENT ONES AS GOD DOES?

PEOPLE HAVE LONG ADMIRED AND HONORED MIGHTY MEN, THOSE DISPLAYING GREAT PHYSICAL STRENGTH AND BRAVERY. ONE SUCH WAS A MYTHOLOGICAL HERO OF ANCIENT GREECE, HERACLES, OR HERCULES, AS HE WAS KNOWN TO THE ROMANS.


HERACLES  was a superhero of great  fame, the mightiest of fighters. According to legend, he was a demigod, the child of the Greek god Zeus, and Alcmene, a human mother. His exploits began while he was yet a babe in the cradle. When a jealous goddess sent two huge serpents  to kill him, Heracles strangled them. In later life he fought battles, vanquished monsters, and struggled with death to save a friend. He also destroyed cities, raped women, flung a boy from a tower and killed his wife and children. 

Though not a real person, from remote times the mythical Heracles figured in stories of the ancient lands know to the Greeks.  the Romans worshiped him as a god; merchants and travelers prayed to him for prosperity and protection from danger. Stories about his exploits have fascinated people for thousands of years. 

Next time: The Origin of the Legend

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Jehovah Makes It Grow

Jehovah's blessing is evident upon the tireless efforts  of over 2,000 active Kingdom proclaimers on these Aegean islands.  Now there are 44 congregations and 25 groups of Jehovah's Witnesses there. Of the groups, 17 are in foreign languages, since it is Jehovah's will that  "all sorts  of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) Additionally, 13 special pioneers are putting forth increased efforts to reach many more in those isolated territories.

For centuries the Aegean Sea has been a center of cultural development and commercial trading. In recent decades it has become the preferred resort for hundreds of thousands of tourists.  But more important, as "fishers of men," Kingdom proclaimers  have found on these islands many honesthearted people eager to praise Jehovah. Together, they have responded in a grand way to the prophetic invitation:  "Let them attribute to Jehovah glory, and in the islands let them tell forth even his praise." -Isaiah 42:12.

Next time: DO YOU VIEW VIOLENT ONES AS GOD DOES?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Catching Migratory "Fish"

The Aegean Sea is renowned for its abundant migratory fish, such as sardines and swordfish, that cross its waters and end up on the nets of skilled fishermen. In a similar manner, Kingdom evangelizers find many  receptive hearts among immigrant workers who have moved to Greece from many Eastern European countries. 

Rezi was ten years old when she first read about Jehovah and his purposes in the pages of the Watchtower and Awake!  That was in Albania. Three years later she moved with her family to the island of Rhodes. One day, Rezi prayed to Jehovah to help her find his people in her new home. The next day her father came home with those  familiar magazines, the Watchtower and Awake, much to Rezi's joy. Rezi came in contact with the sister who had given the magazines to her father and soon she started  studying from the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life.  At times, she asked to have a study three times during the same day!  After two months she became an unbaptized publisher, and in March 1998 she was baptized at the age of 14.  That same day, she started auxiliary pioneering, and six months later she enrolled as a regular pioneer, or full-time minister. 

A brother on the island of Kos was studying with some people from Russia.  When he asked them if they had any friends who would like to study the Bible, they led him to an American couple-Leonidas and his wife Ophelia-in a village some 20 miles away. A surprise awaited the brothers.  The Armenian couple brought out a bag full of Armenian and Russian Bible literature published by the Watchtower Society!  They explained that they had studied  the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses and had progressed  to the point of become unbaptized publishers. Because of political upheaval and economic difficulties, they had to leave their homeland. As soon as they arrived in Kos, they started studying with Leonidas' mother and sister, who were already there.  All of a sudden, the Witness had three new Bible studies to conduct-one with Ophelia, one with Leonidas,m and one with his mother and sister.  This required traveling on a motorcycle 20 miles each way three times a week. Leonidas and his wife got baptized some months later.  What a reward fro the self-sacrificing spirit of the local brothers!

Next time: Jehovah Makes it Grow

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

"Fishing" in Ports

Cruise liners stop at the numerous ports of the Aegean islands every summer, bringing loads of visiting vacationers.  Thus, Jehovah's Witnesses have a unique opportunity to reach people of many nations and tongues.  The congregations keep in stock Bible literature in many different languages, and the publishers place thousands of magazines with tourists. Some cruise ships visit the same ports each week, which affords the brothers excellent opportunities to make return visits and even to conduct Bible studies withe some of the ships' crew members.  

In the summer of 1996, a sister who is a full-time preacher on Rhodes witnessed to a young Jamaican man who worked on a cruise liner that visited that port every Friday.  The next Friday the man was invited to attend  a district convention to be held on the island. English Bible in hand, the pioneer  sister helped him to understand some of the Bible truths presented on the program.  The young man was deeply impressed by the love and warmth shown by the Witnesses at the convention. The following Friday, he invited  two pioneers onto the ship.  The pioneers took with them literature in English and Spanish.  Their witnessing bags were emptied  in less than an hour!  The young Jamaican studied the Bible every Friday until the end of summer.  The next summer he was back, ready to resume his study. This time, though, he decided to change his job in order to be able to make spiritual progress. Then off he went again. How happy the brothers in Rhodes were to learn that this young man was baptized in early 1998!

Next time: Catching Migratory "Fish" 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Conclusion of Rewarding Preaching Campaigns

The 16 publishers who live on the island of Andros put forth effort to cover  the entire island. When two brothers reached an isolated village.  They were determined to preach to all the inhabitants.  They talked  to people in their homes, on the streets, and in the fields.  They even visited  the police station and left literature for there. Confident that they had contacted  all the villagers, they were about to leave.  As they were departing from the central square, they saw the Greek Orthodox priest coming.  Realizing that he had not been given a witness, they offered him a small publication, which he gladly accepted. Now they knew for certain that no one had been overlooked in their preaching efforts! 

Gavdos (or Cauda) -and islet under the belly of Crete with only 38 inhabitants-is considered to be the southernmost  point of Europe. (Acts 27:16)  A traveling overseer and his wife, along with another married couple, spent three days preaching there.  To save on expenses, they slept in a tent. All the inhabitants were reached with the good news, and the brothers  were delighted that people there were not prejudiced.  they had heard nothing-good or bad-about Jehovah's Witnesses.  The local people, including the priest, accepted 19 books and 13 brochures. As the Witnesses were returning to Crete in a small boat, the sea became turbulent, putting their lives at risk.  "We thanked Jehovah that we got home alive, but we also glorified him for letting us honor his name at this southernmost point of Europe," they said.  

Patmos is the island where the apostle John wrote the last book of the Bible, Revelation.  Until recently there was no Witness of Jehovah on Patmos. A preaching campaign on that island was carefully organized by the brothers from Samos.  They knew that they could expect fierce opposition because the island is a stronghold  of the Greek Orthodox Church.  Two sisters  who were presenting the good news to a lady were invited into her home.  The lady's husband persistently asked who had sent the sisters to their house.  When they explained that they were visiting every house, he asked again: "Are you sure that some neighbor did not send you here?"  The wife, who had come to know about Jehovah's Witnesses while in Zaire, later explained to the sisters what had happened that morning. She said:  "I was praying to Jehovah as I did on other days, that he send some Witnesses to the island.  My husband laughed at me. When I saw you at the door, I was surprised and so was my husband.  That is why he kept asking who sent you to our home. " A  Bible study was immediately started with the lady.  The study was conducted  over the telephone for ten months, although this cost a lot of money for both for the sister and the interested woman.  She was baptized  and is now the only Witness on that island where the apostle John was isolated  1,900 years ago.

Next time: "Fishing" in Ports

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Rewarding Preaching Campaigns

Preaching in these island groups is difficult and demanding. It requires great effort and self-sacrifice. Some islands are far apart. Transportation by sea or air is random to some of them and nonexistent to others, especially during winter time the sea can be rough, particularly when the meltemia-seasonal strong northern winds-blow. Moreover, the villages on many of the islands are isolated and hard to reach because the dusty unpaved roads are often barely passable.  Some villages can be reached only by small boats.

Take, for example, the island of Icaria. The 11 publishers of the Kingdom good news in the small congregation there cannot cover all the villages on that island and the nearby islets. Thus, Christian brothers and sisters from Samos come to help preach to the people of Icaria, as well as to those on the islands of Phournoi, Patmos, and Lipsos. Recently, during one such two-day campaign, the Witnesses were able to place  650 magazines, 99 brochures and 25 books on Bible topics! They were surprised to meet people who had no idea who Jehovah is, people who begged them to stay and teach them more from the Bible.  A lady told one Witness: "Well, now you leave.  But i still have many questions on the Bible. Who is going to help me?"  The Christian sister promised to follow up the interest by using the telephone and she did start a Bible study in that way. 

When a traveling overseer visited Icaria, he arranged to cover the entire island in one week-end. He enlisted the help of about 30 Kingdom publishers from Samos. The visiting brothers had to pay for staying two nights at a hotel and for renting cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles. There had been two days of heavy rain, and the weather forecast for the weekend was bleak. But the brothers  did not let this hinder them, recalling the words of Ecclesiastes 11:4:  "He that is watching the wind  will not sow seed; and he that is looking at the clouds  will not reap."  Eventually, the weather did improve slightly, and after having covered the whole island with their important message, the brothers returned home happy and satisfied.

Next time: Conclusion of Rewarding Preaching Campaigns

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000 

Fishing for Men in the Aegean Sea

WITH mainland Greece to the north and west, the island of Crete to the south, and Turkey to the east, the Aegean Sea covers a vast area of the eastern Mediterranean. The cradle of some great early civilization, the Aegean Sea is studded with islands and islets.  The rugged outlines of the islands, which have a smattering of tine, white houses gleaming in the sunlight, inspired one poet to liken them to "stone horses with rampant manes." 

 Little wonder these islands have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world!  Their physical beauty is enhanced by the sterling qualities of the men and women who live and work there. Down to earth and  hospitable, yet independent, these people add a special touch to the uniqueness of the area.  Many of the islanders make a living by fishing in the waters of the Aegean Sea.  Another kind of important "fishing," however, is producing bountiful results in that area.  "Fishers of men," evangelizers of the good news of God's Kingdom, traverse the islands of the Aegean, making Christian disciples. -Matthew 4:18, 19; Luke 5:10. 

About 19 centuries ago, Christian evangelizers visited islands of the Aegean. In about 56 C.E., the apostle Paul, returning from his third missionary journey, stopped briefly at the islands of Lesvos, chios, Samos, Kos, and Rhodes. Ever a zealous preacher, Paul must have preached to some kind of islanders.  (Acts 20:14, 15, 24; 21:1, 2. Following his two years of imprisonment in Rome, he most likely visited Crete and engaged in Christian activity there. Near the end of the first century, the apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos "for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 1:9)  How do modern-day proclaimers  of the good news fare in these islands?

Next time: Rewarding Preaching Campaigns 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Conclusion of What He Has Promised

You can understand why that is the case with many.  They may seek to enjoy  life through hobbies or exciting forms of recreation. Yet, they do not know what the future holds, so life may lack significance, order, or real meaning. Now contrast that with your view of life, in the light of what we have considered. You know that in Jehovah's promised new heavens and new earth, we will be able to look about and say from our heart, 'Truly, God has made all things new!   How will we enjoy that! 

It is not presumptuous to imagine living in God's new world. He invites, even urges us to worship him in truth now and to quality for life when 'they will do no harm or cause any ruin in all his holy mountain.' (Isaiah 65:25)  Were you aware, though, that Isaiah earlier made a similar comment and that he included an element that is crucial to our truly enjoying the new world?  Isaiah 11:9 says:  "They will not do any harm or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain; because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea."

"The knowledge of Jehovah." When God makes all things new, earth's inhabitants will have accurate knowledge of him and of his will. That will involve much more than learning from animal creation. His inspired Word is involved. For example, reflect on how much we have seen from examining just the four prophecies that mention "new heavens and a new earth." (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1) You have good reason for reading the Bible daily. Is that a feature of your routine?  If not, what adjustments can you make so that each day you will read some of what God has to say? You will that beyond looking forward  to enjoying the new world, you will receive increased enjoyment right now, even as the psalmist did. -Psalm 1:1, 2. 

Next time: Fishing for Men in the Aegean Sea

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Continue with What He Has Promised

More important than knowing such details is that you will have your own residence. It will be yours-not like today when you might slave to build then another person benefits.  Isaiah 65:21 also says that you will plant and eat the fruitage. Clearly, that  summarizes the general situation.  You will derive intense satisfaction from your efforts, the fruits of your own labors. You will be able to do that over a long life-"like the days of a tree."  That certainly meets the description  "all things new"! -Psalm 92:12-14. 

If you are a parent, these words will touch your heart: "They will not toil for nothing, nor will they bring to birth for disturbance; because they are  the offspring made up of the blessed ones of Jehovah, and their descendants with them.  And it will actually occur that before they call out I myself shall answer; while they are yet speaking, I myself shall hear." (Isaiah 63:23, 24) Do you know from experience the pain of 'bringing to birth for disturbance'?  We need not list the ranged of problems children may have that bring disturbance to parents and others. Related  to that, we have all observed parents so preoccupied with their own careers, activities, or pleasures that they spend little time with their children. In contrast, Jehovah assures us that he will hear and respond to our needs, even anticipate them. 

While you are thinking about what you may enjoy in the new world, picture the scene that God's prophetic word sets out:   " 'The wolf and the Lamb themselves will feed as one, and the lion will eat straw just like the bull; and as for the serpent, his food will be dust.  They will do  no harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain,' Jehovah has said." (Isaiah 65:25)   Human artists have tried to paint that scene, but this is no mere word picture produced with artistic license. This will be real. Peace will prevail among humans and will be matched by peace with the animals.  Many biologists and animal lover spend the best years of their life learning about a few types of animals or just one species or breed. In contrast, think what you will be able to learn when animals are not dominated by fear of humans.  Then you will  be able to approach even birds and tiny creatures  whose habitat is the forest or jungle-yes, observe, learn from, and enjoy them.  (Job 12:7-9)  You will be able to do so safely, free of danger from man or animal. Jehovah says:  "They will do not harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain."  What a change that will be from what we see  and experience today!

As mentioned earlier, humans are unable to foretell the future accurately, despite widespread concerns related to a new millennium.  That leaves many frustrated, confused, or  in despair. Peter Emberley, director of a Canadian university, wrote:  "Many [adults] are finally confronting primary questions of existence. Who am I?  What am I truly striving for? What is the legacy I leave for the next generation?  They are struggling at mid-life to achieve order and meaning in their lives."  

Next time: Conclusion of What He Has Promised

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

What He Has Promised

Revelation 21:4 tells us of some things that will not exist in the coming new system.  However, what will exist then? What will life be like?  Can we get any reliable hints?  Yes, Isaiah chapter 65 prophetically describes conditions that we will enjoy if we have Jehovah's approval to live  when he, in the final sense, creates these new heavens and new earth.  Those blessed with a lasting place in the new earth will not grow old and inevitably die.   Isaiah 65:20 assures us:  "No more will there come to be a suckling a few days old from that place, neither will an old man that does not fulfill  his days; for one will die as a mere boy, although a hundred years of age; and as for the sinner, although a hundred years of age he will have evil called upon him." 

When this was first fulfilled on Isaiah's people, it meant that the babes in the land were safe. No enemies coming in, as the Babylonians once did, to carry off sucklings or to cut down men who were in the prime of their life. (2 Chronicles 36:17, 20) In the coming new world, people will be safe, secure, able to enjoy life. If a person chooses  to rebel against God, he will not be allowed  to continue living.  God will remove him.  What if the rebellious sinner is a hundred years old?    He will  die "as a mere boy" compared to having endless life.-1 Timothy 1:19, 20; 2 Timothy 2:16-19. 

Instead of concentrating on how a willful sinner might be removed, Isaiah describes the living conditions that will prevail in the new world.  Try to picture yourself in the scene. What might first come to your mind's eye are things close to home. Isaiah treats that in verses 21 and 22:  "They will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage.  They will not build and someone else have occupancy; they will not plant and someone else do the eating. For like the days of a tree will the days be of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chose ones will use to the full." 

If you have not yet gained building experience or done gardening, Isaiah's prophecy suggests that an education awaits you. Would you, though,m be willing to learn with the help of capable instructions, perhaps kind neighbors who happily lend you a hand?   Isaiah did not say whether your house will have  large paneless windows with blinds, so that you can enjoy tropical breezes or closed glass windows through which you can observe changing seasons. Will you design a house with a slanted roof to shed rain and snow?  Or will the local climate suggest a flat roof-like those in the Middle East-a roof where you can gather with your family for delightful meals and conversation? -Deuteronomy 22:8; Nehemiah 8:16. 

Next time: Continue with What He Has Promised

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Conclusion of Reasons for Confidence

To my readers: There was a power outage this morning and both cable and Internet were out, so I could not do a blog until now.  I apologize for that. Thank you for your patience and God bless you all.


Similarly, those faithful to God as part of the new earth, the society of true worshipers in the new world, will keep standing individually because they will be rendering pure worship to the Creator of all things.  That will not be occasional or haphazard worship.  God's Law, provided to Israel through Moses, called for certain acts of worship each month, as marked by the new moon, and each week, as marked by the Sabbath day.  (Leviticus 24:5-9; Numbers  10:10; 28:9, 10; 2 Chronicles 2:4) So  Isaiah 66:23 points to regular ongoing  worship of God, week after week and month after month. Atheism and religious hypocrisy will not exist then.  "All flesh will come in to bow down before Jehovah.

Isaiah 66:24 assures us that  the peace and righteousness of the new earth will never  be in danger. Wicked people will not ruin it. Recall that 2 Peter 3:7 says that ahead of us is "the last day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men."  Those coming to their end will be ungodly.  No harm will come to innocents, unlike what often happens in human wars, where civilian casualties  outnumber military one.  The Great Judge guarantees us that his day will a destruction of the ungodly.  

The surviving righteous ones will see that God's prophetic word is true. Verse 24 foretells that "the carcasses of the men that were transgressing against" Jehovah will be proof of his judgment.  The graphic language Isaiah used may seem shocking.  Yet, it is consistent with  a historical  fact.  Outside the walls of ancient Jerusalem were dumps for garbage and, occasionally, for the corpses  of executed criminal judged unfit for a decent burial.  There the worms and incinerating fire would soon eliminate both the garbage and those corpses.  Evidently, Isaiah's imagery illustrates the finality of Jehovah's judgment on transgressors. 

Next time:What He Has Promised 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Continue with Reasons for Confidence

Let us now examine the remaining instance of the expression "new heavens and a new earth," At Isaiah 66:22-24:  " 'Just as the new heavens and the new earth that I am making are standing before me,' is the utterance of Jehovah, 'so the offspring of you people and the name of you people will keep standing. And it will certainly occur that from new moon to new moon and from sabbath to sabbath all flesh will come in to bow down before me," Jehovah has said.  'And they will actually go forth and look upon the carcasses of the men that were transgressing against me; for the very worms upon them will not idle and their fire itself will not be extinguished, and they must become something repulsive to all flesh.' "

This prophecy had an application among the Jews reestablished in their land but there would be another fulfillment.  That had to be down the stream of time from when Peter's  second letter and the book of Revelation were written, for they pointed  to a future  'new heaven and earth.'  We can look for that grand and complete fulfillment in the new system.  Consider some of the conditions that we can look forward to enjoying. 

Revelation 21:4 indicated that death will be no more. The passage in  Isaiah chapter 66 agrees with that. We can see from verse 22 that Jehovah knows that the new heavens  and the new earth will not be temporary, of limited duration.  Furthermore, his people will  endure; they will "keep standing" before him. What God  has already done for confidence. True Christians  have faced vicious persecution, even fanatical efforts to wipe them out. (John 16:2; Acts 8:1)  Yet, even very powerful enemies of God's people, such as Roman Emperor Nero and Adolf Hitler, have not been able to eradicate God's  loyal ones, who bear his name. Jehovah has preserved the congregation of his people, and we can keep it standing lastingly.

Next time: Conclusion of Reasons for Confidence

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000 

Reasons for Confidence

Note how Revelation 21:5 continues.  It quotes God, seated on his heavenly throne, as declaring:  "Look! I am making all things new."  That divine promise is better than any national declaration of independence, any present-day bill of rights, or any human aspiration for the future.  It is an absolutely reliable declaration by the One who the Bible says "cannot lie." (Titus 1:2) Understandably, you might feel  that we could stop right here, relishing this exquisite  prospect and trusting God. But we need not stop. There is more for us to learn about our future.

Reflect on what the preceding article established as to the Bible's promises of new heavens and a new earth. Isaiah foretold such a new system, and his prophecy  had a fulfillment  when the Jews returned to their homeland and reestablished true worship.  (Ezra 1:1-3; 2:1,2; 3:12, 13)  Yet, was that all that Isaiah's prophecy pointed to?  Definitely not!  The things  he foretold would be fulfilled in a grander way in the distant future.  Why do we reach that conclusion?  Because  of what we read at 2 Peter 3:13 and Revelation 21:1-5.  Those passages point to new heavens and a new earth that will benefit Christians on a global scale.

As noted earlier, the Bible uses the phrase "new heavens and a new earth" four times.  We have considered three of these and have reached encouraging conclusions. Pointedly, the Bible foretells that God will eliminate wickedness and other causes of suffering and that he will then further bless mankind in his promised new system. 

Next time:  Continue with Reasons for Confidence

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

THE NEW WORLD-WILL YOU BE THERE?

"There is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good during one's life; and also that every  man should eat and indeed drink and see goo for all his hard work.  It is the gift of God." -Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13.


MANY people think of Almighty God as severe, stern. Yet, the above text is a truth that you will find in his inspired Word.  It accords with his being "the happy God" and with his placing our first parents in an earthly paradise.  (1 Timothy 1:11; Genesis 2:7-9)  When seeking insight into the future that God promises for his people, we should not be surprised to learn of  conditions that will bring us lasting enjoyment.

In the preceding article, we examined three of the four instances where the Bible foretells  "new heavens and a new earth." (Isaiah 65:17)  On of those reliable predictions is recorded at Revelation 21:1.  The subsequent verses tell of the time when Almighty God will drastically change earthly conditions for the better.  He will wipe out tears of grief.  No more will people die from old age, sickness, or accidents.  Mourning, outcry, and pain will be gone.  What a delightful prospect!  But can we be sure that it will come and what impact could that prospect have on us right now?  

Next time: Reasons for Confidence

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Conclusion of Making All Things New-As Foretold

Pause to savor what the Bible is foretelling. 'God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.' That cannot refer to normal tears that wash out sensitive eyes, nor can it refer to tears of joy. No, the tears that God will wipe out are tears caused by suffering, grief, disappointment, hurt, and agony.  How can we be sure? Well, this remarkable  promise of God links wiping out tears with 'death, mourning, outcry, and pain being no more.'

Does this not prove that cancer, strokes, heart attacks, and even death will have been eliminate? Who of us has not lost a loved one to some disease, accident, or disaster?  God here promises that death will be no more, which suggests that the children who might be born then will not have to face the prospect of growing up and then getting old-ending  in death.  This prophecy also means no more Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, fibroid tumors, glaucoma, or even cataracts-so common in old age. 

You would no doubt agree that mourning and outcry would decrease with the removal of death, old age, and disease. Yet, what about grinding poverty, child abuse, and oppressive discrimination based on background or skin color?  Were such things-common today-to continue, we would not be rid of mourning and outcry. Thus, life under "a new heaven and a new earth" will not be  marred by these present causes of sorrow.  What a change!  We have, though, considered so far only three of the four occurrences in the Bible of the phrase "new heavens and a new earth." There is one more that ties in  with what we have examined and that underscores why we have reason to look forward to when and how God will fulfill his promise to 'make all things new.' The following article deals with that prophecy and what it can mean for our happiness.

Next time: THE NEW WORLD-WILL YOU BE THERE? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Continue with Making All Things New-As Foretold

Peter explains thereafter that the coming day of Jehovah will bring about a great cleansing, making way for the new heavens and new earth mentioned in verse 13. Note the end of that verse-"In these righteousness is to dwell."  Does that  not suggest that some major changes  for the better must occur?  Does it not raise  the prospect of really new things, a time when humans will find greater enjoyment in living than they do today?  If you can see that, then you have gained insight into what the Bible foretells, insight that relatively few have.

But let us go further. We have looked at the occurrence of the phrase "new heavens and a new earth" in Isaiah chapter 65 and another instance in 2 Peter chapter 3. Now turn to Revelation chapter 21, which contains one other occurrence of this expression in the Bible. Again, understanding the setting will help. Two chapters before, in Revelation chapter 19, we find described  in vivid symbolism a war-but not a war between hostile nations. On one side is "The Word of God."  You likely recognize that as a title of Jesus Christ.  (John 1:1, 14)  He is in heaven, and this vision depicts him with his heavenly armies.  Battling against whom?  The chapter mentions "kings,"  "military commanders," and people of various ranks, bot "small ones and great."  This battle involves the coming day of Jehovah, the destruction of wickedness.  (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10) Moving on, Revelation chapter 20 opens by describing the removal of "the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan." This sets the stage for considering Revelation chapter 21.

The apostle John beings with the thrilling words: "i saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more."  based on what we have seen in Isaiah chapter 65 and 2  Peter chapter 3, we can be sure that this does not mean replacing the literal heavens and our planet, with  its watery  deep. As the preceding chapters showed, wicked people and their rulerships, including the invisible ruler Satan, will be removed. Yes, the promise here is of a new system of things involving people on earth. 

We are assured of this as we move into this wonderful prophecy.  The end of verse  3 speaks of the time when God will be with mankind, turning his beneficent attention toward people doing his will.  (Ezekiel 43:7)  John continues in verse 4,5:  "He [Jehovah] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.  The former things have passed away. And the One seated on the throne said:  "Look! I am making all things new.' Also he says: "Write, because these words are faithful and true.' "   What an uplifting prophecy! 

Next time: Conclusion of Making All Things New-As Foretold

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Continue with Making All Things New-As Foretold

Take care not to miss the point.  This is neither an exercise in Biblical interpretation nor a mere glance at ancient history. You can see this by moving to another occurrence of the phrase "new heavens and a new earth."  In 2 Peter chapter 3, you will find this occurrence and see that our future is involved.

The apostle Peter wrote his letter over 500 years after the Jews returned to their homeland.  As one of Jesus' apostles, Peter was writing to the followers of Christ, "the Lord " mentioned  at 2 Peter 3:2.  In verse 4, Peter brings up Jesus'  "promised presence," which makes the prophecy very pertinent today. Ample evidence shows that since World War I, Jesus has been present in the sense of having authority as Ruler in God's heavenly Kingdom.  (Revelation 6:1-8; 11:15, 18)  This takes on special meaning in view of something else that Peter foretold in this chapter.

We read at 2 Peter 3:13:  "There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."  You may have already learned that Jesus in heaven is the key Ruler in the "new heavens." (Luke 1:32, 33) Yet, other Bible texts indicate that he does not rule alone.  Jesus promised  that the apostles and some others like them would have a place in heaven.  In the book of Hebrews, the apostle Paul described such one as "partakers of the heavenly calling."  And Jesus said that those of this group would sit on thrones in heaven with him.  (Hebrews 3:1; Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:28-30; John 14:2, 3) The point is that others reign with Jesus as part of the new heavens.  Then what did Peter mean by the term "new earth"? 

As with the ancient fulfillment-the return of the Jews to their homeland-the current fulfillment of 2 Peter 3:13 involves people who  submit to rulership. They are benefiting from its educational program and striving to follow its laws found in the Bible.  (Isaiah 54:13) These make up the basis of "a new earth" in the sense  that they form a global  society of all nationalities, languages, and races, and they work together in submission to the reigning King, Jesus Christ. A significant fact is that you can be part of this! -Micah 4:1-4. 

Do not feel that this is the end of the matters,  that we do not have any detailed insight into the future. In fact, as you examine the context of 2 Peter chapter 3, you will find indications of a great change ahead.  In verses 5 and 6, Peter writes about the Flood of Noah's day. The Deluge that ended the wicked world back then. In verse 7, Peter mentions that "the heavens and the earth are now," both the rulerships and the masses of people are reserved  for "the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men."  This confirms that  the phrase  "the heavens and the earth that are now" refers, not to the material universe, but to humans and their rulerships. 

Next time: Continue with Making All Things New-As Foretold

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Making All Things New-As Foretold

The initial fulfillment of Isaiah 65:17-19 involved the ancient Jews who, as Isaiah accurately predicted, did return to their homeland, where they reestablished pure worship.  (Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4) You realize, of course, that they returned to a homeland on the same planet, not somewhere else in the universe.  That realization can help us to see what Isaiah  meant by new heavens and a new earth.   We do  not have to speculate, as some do, about vague prophecies of Nostradamus or other human prognosticators.  The Bible itself clarifies what Isaiah meant. 

In the Bible, "earth" doe not always refer to our globe.  For instance, Psalm 96:1 says literally:  'Sing to Jehovah, all the earth.'   We know that our planet-the terra firma and the vast oceans-cannot sing. People sing. Yes, Psalm 96:1 also mentions "new heavens." If the "earth" represents a new society of people int he Jew's homeland, what are the "new heavens?" 

The Cyclopedia of Biblical Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, by M'Clintock and Strong, states:  "Wherever the scene of a prophetic vision is laid, heaven signifies . . .the powers . . .being over and ruling the subjects, as the natural heaven stands over and rules the earth." As to the combination phrase "heaven and earth," the Cyclopedia  explains that 'in prophetic language the phrase signifies the political condition of persons of different ranks.  The heaven is the sovereignty; the earth is the peasantry, men who are ruled by superiors.'

When the Jews returned to their homeland, they gained what might be called a new system of things. There was a new ruling body. Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, was governor, and Joshua was high priest.  (Haggai  1:1, 12; 2:21; Zechariah 6:11)  These constituted "new heavens." Over what? The "new heavens" were over "a new earth," the cleansed society of people who were back in their land in order to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple for worshiping Jehovah. Hence, in this real sense, there were new heavens and a new earth in the fulfillment involving the Jews at that time. 

Next time: Continue with Making All Things New-As Foretold

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Continue with Making All Things New-As Foretold

You may wonder, "Since men cannot foretell what our future holds, should we not just ignore the future?' The answer is no!  Granted, men cannot accurately foretell what lies ahead, but we should not think that  no one can. Well, who can, and why should we be optimistic about the future?  You can find satisfying answers in four specific predictions.   They are recorded in the most widely owned and read book, which is also widely  misunderstood and ignored-the Bible.  Whatever you think of the Bible, and no matter how well acquainted with it you may be, you owe it to yourself to consider these four fundamental texts.  They actually foretell a future that is very bright. Moreover, these four key prophecies outline what your future and that of your loved ones can be. 

The first found in Isaiah chapter 65.  Before reading it, fix in mind the setting-when this material was written and what situation it dealt with.  God's prophet Isaiah, who penned these words, lived over a century before the kingdom of Judah ended.  The end came when Jehovah withdrew protection from the unfaithful Jews, letting the Babylonians devastate Jerusalem and take its people into exile.  That occurred more than a hundred years after Isaiah predicted it. -2 Corinthians 36:15-21.

As to historical background of the fulfillment, recall that with God's guidance Isaiah foretold the name of the yet unborn Persian, Cyrus, who finally overthrew Babylon.  (Isaiah 45:1)  Cyrus set the stage for the Jew's return to their homeland in 537 B.C.E. Amazingly, Isaiah foretold that restoration, as we read in chapter 65. He focused on the situation that the Israelites could enjoy  back in their homeland.

We read at Isaiah 65:17-19:  "Here I am creating new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up  into the heart.  But exult, you people, and be joyful forever in what I am creating. For here I am creating in Jerusalem and exult in my people; and no more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping  or the sound of a plaintive cry."  Certainly, Isaiah  described conditions that were far better than those of the Jews had lived under in Babylon. He foretold joyfulness and rejoicing. Now look at the expression "new heavens and a new earth."  This is the first of four occurrences of that phrase in the Bible, and these four passages can have a direct bearing on our future, even foretelling it.  

Next time: Continue with Making All Things New-As Foretold

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Making All Things New-As Foretold

"The One seated on the throne said: 'Look! I am making all things new.' Also, he says: . . .'These words are faithful and true.' " -Revelation 21:5. 


HAVE you said or thought, 'Who knows what tomorrow will bring? You can understand why people hesitate to guess what the future will bring or to trust in those who might brashly claim to foretell what lies ahead. Humans simply do not have the ability to predict accurately what will occur in the months or years to come.  

The magazine Forbes ASAP devoted an issue to time.  In it, TV documentary host Robert Cringely wrote: "Time  eventually humiliates us all, but no one suffers at the hands of time more than prognosticators. Trying to guess the future is a game we nearly always lose. . . .Still, the so-called experts continue to make predictions."  (Note: Because they think that they can out do God. Wrong, on all counts )

You may have observed that with so much attention being paid to the new millennium, It may seem that more people are thinking about the future.  At the beginning of last year, Maclean's magazine said:  "The year 2000 may be just another year on the calendar  for most Canadians, but it could happen  to coincide with a truly new beginning."  Professor Christ Dewdney of Your University gave this reason for optimism:  "The millennium means that we can wash our hands  of a really terrible century." 

Does that sound like mere wishful thinking?  In Canada only 22 percent of those who responded to one poll "believe that 2000 will usher in a new beginning for the world."  In fact, almost half  "expect another world conflict"-world-war-within 50 years. Clearly, most sense that a new millennium cannot banish our problems,  making all things new.  (You think? Of course not, only God has that power and when  he is ready. It will happen and most people will not know what hit them)  Sir Michael Atiyah, former president of Britain's Royal Society, wrote:  "The rapid pace of change . . . means that the twenty-first century will bring crucial changes to our whole civilization. The problems of population growth, resource limitation, environmental pollution, and widespread poverty are already upon us and have to be grappled with as a matter of urgency."    

Next time:  Continue with Making All Things New-As Foretold

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Take Comfort

When the gusting winds of adversity begin to howl, and the merciless rain and hail of distress keep pounding, God is ready to provide consoling protection. This is how one of the psalms describes him as providing comforting shelter:  "With his pinions he will block approach to you, and under his wings you will take refuge." (Psalm 91:4)  The image here may be that of an eagle. It is a picture of a bird that senses danger and then protectively spreads its wings over its young. In an even greater sense, Jehovah become a true Protector fora ll who find refuge in him.-Psalm 7:1. 

If you wish to learn more about God, his personality, his purposes, and his ability to provide comfort, you are invited to study his Word. Jehovah's Witnesses will be happy to help you in that endeavor. Yes, you too can take comfort in Jehovah's strength!

Next time: Making All Things New-As Foretold

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

A Comforting Brotherhood

Whatever an individual's situation in life may be, no matter what painful circumstances may develop, he should be able to find comfort in the brotherhood  within Jehovah's congregation.  This brotherhood provides spiritual  support and assistance for those associated with it. Therein, one can find a group of loving, concerned, and comforting friends, who are ready and willing to help and console others in times of distress. -2 Corinthians  7:5-7.  

Members of the Christian congregation are taught to "work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to [them] in the faith." (Galatians 6:10)  The Bible-based education they receive moves them  to manifest brotherly love and tender affection for one another.  (Romans 12:10; 1  Peter 3:8)  Spiritual brothers and sisters in the congregation are moved to be kind, comforting, and tenderly compassionate. -Ephesians 4:32.  

Joe and Rebecca, who tragically lost their son in death experienced such comforting support from members of the Christian congregation.   They say:  "Jehovah and his loving congregation have helped us through our difficult time. Hundreds of cards, letters, and telephone calls were received.  This makes us appreciate  how precious our brotherhood is.  While we were in a daze from the tragedy, many local congregations came to our assistance, providing meals and cleaning the house.  

Note: I guess that depends on which state you live in too.  It is true that they are the only I have found that ACTUALLY TEACH  what is in the Bible, unlike the rest of these churches, but, where I lived several years ago, I did not feel the love, nor did I get help.  And, when they sang hymns, it was like they were going to their execution.   I know they are not all alike all over the world. Where I was living,  It was not a good city at all.  Just remember, everyone else's experience may not be the same as mine;   and these people despite everything else, do teach the truth.  Which is one of the reasons why I do blogs. I love Jehovah God and try real hard to do his will and that is to put out the good news/the truth. 

Next time: Take Comfort! 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

The Holy Spirit as Comforter

On the night before his death, Jesus made it clear to his apostles that he would soon be leaving them.  This troubled and grieved them.  (John 13:33, 36; 14:27-31)  Recognizing their need for continued comfort, Jesus promised:  "I will request the Father and he will give you another helper [or, comforter] to be with you forever." (John 14:16) Jesus here was referring to God's holy spirit. Among other things, God's spirit comforted the apostles during their trials and strengthened them to continue doing God's will. -Acts 4:31. 

Angie, whose husband came close to death after a serious accident, was able to cope successfully with all the distress and pain of her situation.  What helped her?  She says: "Without the support of Jehovah's holy spirit, we could not have gone through what we have experienced and remained strong.  Jehovah's strength has indeed been made manifest through our weaknesses, and he has proved  to be a fortress in our time of distress."

Next time: A Comforting Brotherhood

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

The Role of Prayer

When our heart is in pain for some reason,we can find comfort by praying  to Jehovah.  That can take the load off us.  During our supplications, we may be comforted by recalling things said in God's Word. The longest psalm in the Bible is like a  beautiful prayer.  Its composer sang:  "I have remembered your judicial decisions from time indefinite, O Jehovah, and I find comfort for my self." (Psalm 119:52)  In extremely  difficult situations,  especially ones that involve a health crisis, there often is no single, all-encompassing answer. In our own strength, we may  not know exactly where to turn.  Many have found that when all this is humanly  possible was done, turning to God in prayer resulted in great comfort and, at times, in unforeseen solutions. -1 Corinthians 10:13. \

Pat, who was rushed to a hospital emergency room, experienced this comforting effect of prayer. After she recuperated , she said:  "I prayed  to Jehovah and really learned that I had to  leave my life in his hands, trusting him to do whatever was his will.  During all this time, I felt calm; I was experiencing the peace of God mentioned at Philippians 4:6, 7."  How comforting these verses  can be to all of us!  There Paul admonishes us:  "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels  all thought will guard  your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." 

Next time: The Holy Spirit as Comforter

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Bible-Based Hope Comforts

To my readers: I am sorry for no blog yesterday, but the internet and the cable went out and it was out the rest of the day.  There was nothing I could do.  Thank you for your patience and God bless you. 


A particular way in which God provides comfort is through his written Word, which contains a marvelous hope for the future.  The apostle Paul wrote:  "All the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)  Paul made clear the link between true hope and comfort when he wrote:  "May . . .God our Father, who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope by means of undeserved kindness, comfort your hearts and  make you firm in every good deed and word." (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)  This "good hope" includes the prospect of perfect, happy, and unending life on a paradise earth. -2 Peter 3:13. 

Such a sure and bright hope inspirited Laimonis, the alcoholic paralytic mentioned in the preceding article.  Reading Bible-based literature of Jehovah's Witnesses, he rejoiced to learn about the new world under God's Kingdom, where his health could be completely restored.  In the Bible, he read the following bright promise of miraculous healing:  "At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped. At that time the lame one will climb up just as the stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one  will cry out in gladness."  (Isaiah 35:5, 6)  In order  to qualify for life in that Paradise, Laimonis made great changes.  He turned from liquor, and his transformation has not gone unnoticed by his neighbors and acquaintances. He now conducts several Bible studies, sharing with others the comfort that Bible-based hope gives.

Next time: The Role of Prayer

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Take Comfort in Jehovah's Strength-The Soothing Effect of Jehovah's Care

The psalmist wrote:  "Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter." (Psalm 55:22) Yes, Jehovah God has an interest in the human family. The apostle Peter reassured first-century Christians:  "He [God]  cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)  Jesus Christ stressed the value that God places on humans by saying:  "Five sparrows sell for two coins of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them goes forgotten before God.  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6, 7) We are  of such worth to God that he takes note of even the minutest detail about us.  He knows things that we ourselves do not know because he is so deeply interested in each of us.

Sensing this personal interest of Jehovah proved very comforting to Svetlana, the young prostitute mentioned in the preceding article.  She was about to commit suicide when she came in contact with Jehovah's Witnesses.  Then she accepted a Bible study, which helped her to become acquainted with Jehovah as a real person who is interested in her welfare.  This touched her heart, motivating her to change her way of life and to dedicate herself  to God. It also  gave Svetlana the necessary measure of self-worth that she needed to press on despite her problems and to get a positive outlook on life.  "I am convinced," she now says, "that Jehovah will never leave me. I have found that what is written at 1 Peter 5:7 is true. It says:  'Throw all your anxiety upon [Jehovah], because he cares for you.

Next time: Bible-Based Hope Comforts 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Conclusion of You Can Take Comfort-So Much Need for Comfort!

All these individuals, and millions of others, have indeed found a surpassing source of comfort and solace.  To see how you can benefit from that source, please read on. 

TO ALL of those yearning for solace, the Bible has words of comfort.  Little wonder, then, that The World Book Encyclopedia says that "countless people have turned to the Bible for comfort, hope, and guidance during times of trouble and uncertainty." Why?

Because the Bible is inspired by our Creator, "the God of all comfort," the One "who comforts us in all our tribulation." (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) He is 'the God who supplies comfort.' (Romans 15:5) Jehovah has set the  example in providing a means of relief for all of us. He sent his only-begotten Son, Christ Jesus, to the earth to give us hope and consolation. Jesus taught: "God love the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life."  (1 John 3:16) The Bible describes Jehovah as the one "who daily carries the load for us, the true God of our salvation." (Psalm 68:19)  God-fearing humans can confidently say: "I have placed Jehovah in front of me constantly.  Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be made to totter." -Psalm 16:8.

Such Bible passage s show the deep love that Jehovah God has for us humans.  It becomes clear that  the has the heartfelt desire-as well as the ability-to provide abundant comfort and to ease our pain in times of distress.  "He is giving to the tired one power; and to the one without dynamic energy he makes full might abound.: (Isaiah 40:29) How, then, can we take comfort in Jehovah's strength? 

Next time: The Soothing Effect of Jehovah's Care

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Continue with You Can Take Comfort- So Much Need for Comfort!

Laimonis, a young man from Latvia, tell of the need for comfort and of the dark memories that caused him  to be grim at the age of 29, he had a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.  He felt completely hopeless and turned to alcohol.   Five years later he was a wreck-a paralyzed alcoholic with no future.  From where could he draw comfort? 

Or think of Angie.  Her husband underwent three brain surgeries that had at first left him partially paralyzed. Then, five years after the last surgery, he was in a very serious accident, one that could have killed him. As his wife entered the emergency room and saw her husband  lying there in a coma after having sustained a very serious head injury, she knew that a tragedy was impending.  The road ahead for her and her family  was going to be rough.  How could she find support and encouragement? 

For Pat, a winter day some years ago seemed to start off  normally.  The next three days, however, have been erased from her memory. Her husband later told her that after having severe chest pains, she went into full cardiac arrest.  Her heart started beating very rapidly and erratically, and then it stopped beating altogether. Her breathing stopped.  "I was actually clinically dead," says Pat.  But she somehow survived.  Of her long stay  in the hospital, she says:  "I was frightened  by many of the tests, especially when they tried to make my heart fibrillate and stop, as it had done originally."  What could provide her with the needed solace and relief at this critical time? 

Joe and Rebecca lost their 19-year old son in an automobile accident.  "We have never had to deal with anything so devastating,"  they  say.  "Although we, in the past, have mourned with others over their losses, we did not truly feel the great pain of heart that we do now."  What could possibly soothe such a "great pain of heart" -the extreme grief over losing someone whom you dearly love?  

Next time: Conclusion of So Much Need for Comfort

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

You Can Take Comfort-So Much Need for Comfort!

ARE you looking for comfort? Are you yearning for a ray of consolation to break through the dark clouds of despair? Are you craving a crumb of solace to sweeten life marred by bitter suffering and unsavory experiences? 

At one time or another, we all sorely need comfort and encouragement. This is because there are so many things in life that bring sadness.  We all need to be sheltered, warmed, embraced.  Some of us have grown old and are not happy about that.  Others are deeply disappointed  that life has not turned out as was hoped.    Still others have been shaken by a report that has come back from a pathology lab.

Moreover, few would contest that events in our time have created a vast need fro comfort and hope.  During the past century alone, more than a hundred million people have died in war.  Almost all of them left behind a grieving family-mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, widows and orphans-in desperate  need of solace. Today, over a billion people live in extreme poverty. Half the world's population lace regular access to medical treatment and essential drugs.  On the streets of polluted mega-cities wander millions of abandoned children, many of whom use drugs and practice prostitution.  Millions of refugees languish in horrible camps. 

However, numbers-as compelling as they may be-do not bespeaking the individual pain and affliction  that some are experiencing in their personal life. Consider, for instance, Svetlana, a young woman from the Balkans who was born into abject poverty.  "In order to get money," she says, "I was sent out by my parents to beg or steal. Family life deteriorated to the point that I became a victim of incest. I found work as a waitress, and my mother who received the money I was earning, said that if I ever lost my job, she would kill  herself. All of this led me to a life of prostitution.  I was only 13 years old. In time, I became pregnant and had an abortion. At 15 years of age, i looked like a 30-year old."

Next time: Continue with So Much Need for Comfort!

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Praise Where It Is Due

The inspired proverb shows that praise can act like a tombstone, saying:  " The melting pot is for silver and the crucible for gold, but praise is the test of character."  (Proverbs 27:21; The New English Bible) Yes, praise may foster feelings of superiority or pride, leading to a person's downfall.  On the other hand, it can reveal his modesty and humility if he acknowledges his indebtedness to Jehovah for anything he has done that has brought him praise.

Sincere praise for worthy conduct or attainments builds up both the giver and the recipient. It makes for warm and wholesome appreciation one for another.  it encourages  striving for praiseworthy goals.  Deserving praise given to the young may make them want to work harder.  It may help  mold their character as they aim to live up to the standards expected of them. 

Let us, therefore, avoid flattery-whether on the giving or on the receiving end. Let us be humble when accepting  praise.  And let us be generous and whole-souled in giving praise-regularly to Jehovah in our worship and sincerely  to others in the form of wholesome commendation and appreciation, remembering that "a word at its right time is O how good!" - Proverbs 15:23. 

Next time: You Can Find Comfort-So Much Need for Comfort!

From the Watchtower magazine, 1998

Safeguards Against Flattery

Flattery gratifies the self-love or vanity of the one flattered.  It tends to give a person an inflated view of his own worth, making him feel superior to others in some way.  The philosopher Francois de La Rochefoucauld likened flattery to  counterfeit money, "which, but for vanity have not circulation."  Thus, the way to safeguard oneself is to heed the apostle Paul's down-to-earth admonition:  "I tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think; but to think so as to have a sound mind, each one as God has distributed  to him a measure of faith." -Romans 12:3.

Though our natural inclination is to want to hear what is pleasing to our ears, what we really need most of the time are Bible-based counsel and discipline.  (Proverbs 16:25) King Ahab wanted to hear only what pleased him; his servants even asked the prophet Micaiah to let his word become "like the word of one of them [Ahab's flattering prophets], and you must speak good." (1 Kings 22:13)  Had Ahab been willing to listen to straight talk and change his rebellious ways, he could have prevented the terrible battle losses to Israel and also his own death.   For our own  spiritual welfare, we should be quick to respond  to the firm, yet loving counsel  of appointed Christian elders, who want to help us to stay on the straight path  of truth, rather than search out people who keep telling us how wonderful  we are, tickling our ears with flattering speech! -Compare 2 Timothy 4:3. 

Christians would never for any reason, want to resort to flatter.  Like faithful Elihu, they determinedly  pray:  "Let me not be partial toward anybody, nor flatter any man; for I do not know how to flatter, else would my Maker soon take me away."  Then like Paul, they would be able to say:  "At no time have we turned up either with flattering speech . . .or with a false front for covetousness." -Job 32:21, 22 An American Translation; 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 6. 

Next time: Praise Where It Is Due

From the Watchtower magazine, 1998