O Lord, I am conscious that a man’s way is not in himself: man has no power of guiding his steps.—Jer. 10:23, “The Bible in Basic English.”

Would it not be foolhardy for an inexperienced person to set off alone, without a skilled guide and not so much as a compass, hiking deep into an uncharted wilderness? Not knowing how to survive inhospitable conditions in the wild and not having the expertise to find his way safely to his destination, he would be putting his life in jeopardy. So, too, the person who thinks he can direct his course through this wicked world without allowing God to show him the right way is placing his life in grave danger. The only chance we have of traversing this system of things successfully is to make the same prayerful request to Jehovah that David did: “Let my steps take hold on your tracks, in which my footsteps will certainly not be made to totter.”—Ps. 17:5; 23:3. w11 12/15 2:7, 8

Jesus Christ—How Should We Remember Him?

In December many people around the world see pictures or images of Jesus as a baby. He is in a manger, a large box where hay is kept for animals to eat. But should we remember Jesus only as a baby?— * Let us talk about a more important way to remember him. We can learn of it from what happened to a group of shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem one night. An angel suddenly appears to the shepherds. He tells them: “There was born to you today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The angel also tells them that they will find Jesus “bound in cloth bands and lying in a manger.” Right away, many other angels appear and begin “praising God.” How would you feel if you heard angels praising God?— The shepherds are happy! “Let us by all means go clear to Bethlehem,” they say, “and see this thing that has taken place.” There they find “Mary as well as Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.” Soon others come to Bethlehem where Mary and Joseph are. When the shepherds tell them what happened, they all marvel. Are you happy to know these wonderful things?— All of us who love God are. Now let’s see why Jesus’ birth causes so much happiness. To do that, we need to go back to the time before Mary was married. One day an angel named Gabriel visits Mary. He promises that she will have a baby who “will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.” “He will rule as king,” Gabriel says, “and there will be no end of his kingdom.” Mary wants to know how this can happen, since she has never had relations with a man. So Gabriel explains to her: “Power of the Most High will overshadow you,” and “what is born will be called holy, God’s Son.” Taking God’s Son from heaven and putting his life inside Mary’s womb to grow into a baby—that was a great miracle! Have you seen pictures or displays showing three “wise men” visiting the baby Jesus along with the shepherds?— At Christmastime such scenes are common. But they are not accurate. Those “wise men” were really astrologers, practicers of what God condemns. Let’s see what happened when they arrived. The Bible says: “When they went into the house they saw the young child with Mary its mother.” So Jesus by then was no longer a baby in a manger; he was a child living with Joseph and Mary in a house! How did the astrologers find Jesus?— They were led by a “star,” not to Bethlehem, but first to King Herod in Jerusalem. The Bible says that Herod wanted to find Jesus to kill him. Now think about this. Who do you think made what appeared to be a star guide the astrologers to Herod?— It was not the true God, Jehovah, but his adversary, or enemy, Satan the Devil! Today, Satan tries to make people think of Jesus only as a helpless baby. But the angel Gabriel told Mary: “He will rule as king . . . , and there will be no end of his kingdom.” Now Jesus is ruling as King in heaven, and he will soon destroy all of God’s enemies. That is what we should remember about Jesus, and we need to tell it to others. Read in your Bible Luke 1:26-35; 2:8-18 Matthew 2:7-12; 1 Peter 5:8 Revelation 19:19-21; 1 John 2:17

BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What is the purpose of Christ’s return? Before Jesus Christ ascended to heaven in 33 C.E., he promised to return. He likened himself to a nobleman who went away for a long time and returned with power to rule as king. The purpose of Jesus’ return is to provide mankind with good government.—Read Luke 19:11, 12. Jesus will bring good government to mankind In what form does Christ return? He was resurrected as an invisible spirit person. (1 Peter 3:18) Then, he went to heaven and sat at God’s right hand. (Psalm 110:1) Much later, Jesus was brought before Jehovah God, “the Ancient of Days,” who granted Jesus power to rule over mankind. So Jesus returns, not as a human, but as an invisible King.—Read Daniel 7:13, 14. What will Jesus do when he arrives? When Jesus arrives invisibly with his angels, he will judge mankind. He will destroy wicked people but grant everlasting life to those who accept him as King.—Read Matthew 25:31-33, 46. Jesus’ rule as King will transform the earth into a paradise. He will resurrect the dead so that they can enjoy life in that earthly Paradise.—Read Luke 23:42, 43.

Украина имеет талант - 5. Выпуск 2. Duo "Flame"

[Do not] pay attention to false stories . . . which furnish questions for research.—1 Tim. 1:4.

Bom dia, G'morning to all, Paul’s warning about “false stories” is part of his first letter to Timothy, a Christian overseer who was charged with preserving the purity of the congregation and helping fellow believers to remain faithful. (1 Tim. 1:18, 19) Here Paul uses a Greek word that can refer to fiction, myth, or falsehood. According to The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, this word refers to “a (religious) story that has no connection with reality.” Perhaps Paul had in mind religious lies promoted by sensational tales or fanciful legends. Such stories only “furnish questions for research”—that is, raise frivolous questions that lead to pointless research. False stories are a ploy of the archdeceiver, Satan, who uses religious lies and godless myths to sidetrack unsuspecting ones. Paul’s counsel is clear: Do not pay attention to false stories!

Ola...

Ola, mudei de endereco. Quer saber de mim? _ Estou no numero 7, casa da felicidade, rua das maravilhas, bairro da sinceridade, no Pais do Amor. O meu numero telefonico e: Ar puro, Paz, Carinho, Honestidade, E bem querer. O meu email e: passeiportienaodestepormim@quersaber!!apaguei-te do meu coracao.Chora.Perdeu. Beijos... Hi, I've moved, my adress is: 7 happiness house, wonder street, sincerity bourough, love country. My phone number is: Pure air, Peace, Honestity and warming. My email is: Ihavepassedbyouandyoudidn'tnotice@youknowhat!ihavedeletedyoucompletlyoutofmyheart.Cry.Youlost. XOXO...

Talk to Your Teenager—Without Arguing

“When my daughter was 14, she started to talk back to me. If I told her, ‘It’s time to eat dinner,’ she would reply, ‘I’ll eat when I feel like it.’ If I asked her if she had finished her chores, she would say, ‘Stop bugging me!’ Many times, she and I would raise our voices and shout at each other.”—MAKI, JAPAN. * If you are the parent of a teenager, conflict may test every bit of your parenting skills—and your patience. “When my daughter challenges my authority, it makes my blood boil,” says Maria, the mother of a 14-year-old in Brazil. “We get so frustrated that we yell at each other.” Carmela, in Italy, faces a similar challenge. “Arguments with my son are always heated,” she says, “and they end with him shutting himself up in his room.” Why do some teenagers seem so contentious? Are their peers to blame? Perhaps. The Bible says that a person’s associates can be a powerful influence, either for good or for bad. (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33) Then, too, much of today’s youth-oriented entertainment fosters the stereotype of teenage defiance. But there are other factors to consider—factors that are not too difficult to deal with once you understand how they might affect your teenager. Consider some examples. DEVELOPING THE “POWER OF REASON” The apostle Paul wrote: “When I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe; but now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe.” (1 Corinthians 13:11) As Paul’s words indicate, children and adults think differently. In what way? Children tend to think in concrete, black-and-white terms. In contrast, adults are often better able to grasp abstract concepts and think on a deeper level when reaching conclusions or making decisions. For example, adults are more likely to consider the ethical issues behind a matter and think about how their actions will affect others. They may be used to thinking that way. Teenagers, by comparison, are new to the process. The Bible encourages young people to cultivate their “thinking ability.” (Proverbs 1:4) In fact, the Bible urges all Christians to use their “power of reason.” (Romans 12:1, 2; Hebrews 5:14) At times, though, your teenager’s reasoning skills might cause him to argue with you, even over a seemingly trivial matter. * Or he may express a view to you that clearly shows a lack of good judgment. (Proverbs 14:12) In such a situation, how can you reason with him instead of arguing? TRY THIS: Consider that your teenager may simply be trying out his newly discovered reasoning skills, and he may not be that committed to his viewpoint at all. To test him out, first commend your teenager for his thinking ability. (“I like the way your mind works, even if I don’t agree with all the conclusions you reach.”) Then, help him to examine his thinking. (“Do you think that what you just said applies in every situation?”) You might be surprised at how your teenager reexamines his own ideas and refines them. A word of caution: When reasoning with your teenager, do not think that you have to have the last word. Even if what you say seems to fall on deaf ears, your teenager will probably take away more from the discussion than you expect—or than he will admit. Do not be surprised if in a few days, your teenager has swung around to your viewpoint—perhaps even claiming it as his own. “Sometimes my son and I would argue about little things—for example, about not being wasteful or about teasing his sister. But in most cases he seemed to want me to ask what he was thinking and to show some understanding and say, ‘Oh, so that is the situation’ or ‘So that is what you think.’ Looking back, I see that if I had just said something like that, we probably could have avoided many of our arguments.”—Kenji, Japan. FORMING CONVICTIONS Wise parents create an environment in which teenagers can express their convictions A major part of raising an adolescent is preparing him for the day when he will be able to leave home and live as a responsible adult. (Genesis 2:24) Part of that process involves forming an identity—a set of traits, beliefs, and values that define who he is. When confronted with pressure to do wrong, a teenager with a strong sense of identity will do more than think about the consequences. He will also ask himself: ‘What sort of person am I? What values do I hold? What would a person with those values do in this situation?’—2 Peter 3:11. The Bible tells us about Joseph, a young man who had a strong sense of identity. For example, when Potiphar’s wife urged him to have sex with her, Joseph replied: “How could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9) Even though a law forbidding adultery had not yet been given to the Israelites, Joseph perceived God’s view of the matter. More than that, the words “how could I” indicate that he had made God’s view his own—a part of his very identity.—Ephesians 5:1. Your teenager too is in the process of forming an identity. This is good, for his convictions will help him to cope with pressure from his peers and stand up to them. (Proverbs 1:10-15) On the other hand, that same sense of identity might compel him to stand up to you. If that happens, what can you do? TRY THIS: Instead of getting embroiled in an argument, simply restate his position. (“Let me make sure I understand. You’re saying that . . .”) Then, ask questions. (“What makes you feel that way?” or “What led you to that conclusion?”) Draw out your teenager. Let him express his convictions. If the difference of opinion is just a matter of preference and not an issue of right and wrong, show your teenager that you can respect his viewpoint—even if you do not fully agree with it. Developing an identity—and the convictions that come along with it—is not only normal but also beneficial. After all, the Bible says that Christians should not be like young children who are “tossed about as by waves and carried hither and thither by every wind of teaching.” (Ephesians 4:14) So allow and even encourage your teenager to develop an identity along with firm convictions. “When I show my daughters that I’m willing to listen to them, they’re more inclined to consider my viewpoint, even if it differs from theirs. I’m careful not to force them into my thinking but to let them form their own convictions.”—Ivana, Czech Republic. FIRM, YET FLEXIBLE Like younger children, some teenagers have learned the art of bringing up a matter repeatedly in an effort to wear their parents down. If that happens frequently in your household, be careful. Although giving in might bring momentary relief, it teaches your teenager that arguing is a way to get what he wants. The remedy? Follow Jesus’ advice: “Just let your word Yes mean Yes, your No, No.” (Matthew 5:37) Teenagers are less likely to argue with you when they know that you are consistent. At the same time, be reasonable. Let your teenager explain, for example, why he feels that his curfew should be adjusted in a particular instance. In such a case, you are not caving in to pressure but simply following the Bible’s advice: “Let your reasonableness become known.”—Philippians 4:5. TRY THIS: Hold a family meeting in which you discuss curfews and other house rules. Show that you are willing to listen and weigh all factors involved before making a decision. “Teenagers should see that their parents are willing to say yes to a request if a Bible principle isn’t violated,” recommends Roberto, a father in Brazil. Of course, no parent is perfect. The Bible says: “We all stumble many times.” (James 3:2) If you find that you are at least partly responsible for an argument, do not hesitate to apologize to your teenager. Admitting your error sets an example in humility and will pave the way for your teenager to act in a similar manner. “After one argument, when my feelings had calmed down, I apologized to my son for my emotional outburst. That helped calm him down too and made it easier for him to listen to me.”—Kenji, Japan. ASK YOURSELF . . . In what ways might I be contributing to arguments with my teenager? How could I use the material in this article to understand my teenager better? What can I do to communicate with my teenager—without arguing?

YOUNG PEOPLE ASK, Am I Obsessed With My Appearance?

Quiz: Am I obsessed? Which statement best describes how you feel? I am never satisfied with how I look. I am sometimes satisfied with how I look. I am always satisfied with how I look. What would you like to change most about your body? Height Weight Body shape Hair Complexion Muscle size Other Complete the following sentence. I feel most insecure about my body . . . when I get on the scale. when I look in the mirror. when I compare myself with others (friends, fashion models, movie stars). Complete the following sentence. I weigh myself . . . daily. weekly. less often than once a week. Which expression best describes your feelings? Negative body image. (Example: “Every time I look in the mirror, I think that I see an obese, hideous figure. I’ve even starved myself in an effort to lose weight.”—Serena.) Balanced body image. (Example: “There’s always going to be something we don’t like about our appearance, but some things we just need to accept. It’s silly to be anxious about something we can’t change.”—Natanya.) The Bible tells us not to think more of ourselves “than it is necessary to think.” (Romans 12:3) So it’s proper—even necessary—to think about yourself to a degree. That’s why, for example, you brush your teeth and give attention to your hygiene. What, though, if you frequently get discouraged over your body image—perhaps to the point of being obsessed about it? If that’s the case, you might wonder . . . ‘Why do I have a negative body image?’ There could be several reasons. These include: Influence of the media. “Young people are bombarded with images that make us feel that we have to be superskinny and gorgeous at all times. As a result, if we’re anything less than perfect, we feel disgusting!”—Kellie. Influence of parents. “I’ve noticed that if a mother is obsessed with her body image, often the daughter views herself the same way. It can be the same with fathers and sons.”—Rita. Low self-esteem. “People who are obsessed with their body image constantly demand positive reinforcement from others about how they look. It gets tiring to be around that!”—Jeanne. Regardless of the cause, you might be asking . . . ‘Should I change the way I look?’ Consider what some of your peers say. “You can’t always change the things you don’t like about yourself, so it’s best to accept your flaws. If you do, other people are less likely to notice them.”—Rori. “Do what you can to be healthy. If you’re healthy, you’ll look the way you’re supposed to look. And if someone can’t appreciate you for who you are (rather than what you look like), that person isn’t your friend.”—Olivia. The bottom line: Do what you can to look your best. But don’t worry about the rest. Being overly concerned about how you look can be dangerous. (See “ Julia’s Story.”) On the other hand, a balanced attitude will help you view yourself realistically, as a young woman named Erin learned. “Sure, I have insecurities,” she says, “but I notice that I feel bad only when I focus on the wrong things. Now I just exercise regularly and eat right. The rest falls into place naturally.” The best makeover ever! When you have a balanced view of your body image, you will feel (and even look) your best. The Bible can help. It encourages you to cultivate the following: Contentment. “It’s better to enjoy what we have than to want something else, because that makes no more sense than chasing the wind.”—Ecclesiastes 6:9, Contemporary English Version. A balanced approach to exercise. “Bodily training is beneficial for a little.”—1 Timothy 4:8. Inner beauty. “Man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is.”—1 Samuel 16:7. “Our face shows how we feel about ourself. If a person is content, others can see that and they are automatically drawn to that person.”—Sarah. “Prettiness can get quick attention. But who you are on the inside and your good qualities are what people will remember about you the most.”—Phylicia. See also Proverbs 11:22; Colossians 3:10, 12; 1 Peter 3:3, 4. Julia’s Story When I was 16, I had major issues with my weight. I’ve never been overweight, but I’m not naturally skinny either. I was curvy. I thought that just maybe, if I were slender, guys would like me. So I almost starved myself in order to achieve the body I wanted. I got skinny, but I ended up with health problems as a result. These were addressed, but the emotional effects are still there. To this day, I have issues with food. I’ve slowly come to terms with my body. I eat right and exercise. But when I’m upset with myself about something, my automatic reaction is to punish myself by not eating. If I could, I would tell other young people to remember that everyone has a different perspective. No matter what you look like, there will always be some people who think you’re attractive and others who don’t. The important thing is that you’re healthy. That’s what matters to those who truly care about you.

BASEIA-SE EM FACTOS VERIDICOS...MINHA HISTORIA DE AMOR!!

Captei o melhor momento em que a minha alma atraiu-se a tua alma, como se fosse um iman, me degustei com o sabor dos teus beijos molhados, fazia-me de forte mas o meu coracao dizia em silencio, vem toma-me em teus bracos, embriaga-me com o teu amor insaciavel, minhas pernas tremulas batiam-se uma na outra so de estar diante de ti. Algo inesplicavel te envolvia, tua pele tao macia ahahh, quao suave sao as tuas maos que deslizavam em minha mente incansavelmente, palavras os meus ouvidos nao ouviram sair da tua boca, somente o teu olhar cativante e sedutor me paralizavam por completa. Eras o Galan da noite, vaidoso e orgulhoso da tua pegada, todo safadinho te fazias pra mim. E o calor que me envolvia, parecia uma labareda de fogo, e tu o meu bombeiro, apagavas a minha chama do jeito perfeito que tu sabes fazer HMPV, tudo iluminado, o teu caminho cruzou-se ao meu na hora certa no momento certo, cometemos tantas loucuras como se nao houvese amanha, nossa testemunha sao as aguas do mar da Ilha de Luanda. Cada carinho que trocavamos dentro dela, ela derramava mais lagrimas de alegria e batiam palmas...E o poema escrito com carinho dentro de um envelope perfumado uhumm, dizia o verso: _ROSES ARE RED, THE SKY IS BLUE, THE SUGAR IS SWEET AND SO ARE YOU...Fez meu dia este verso, sonhei a noite inteira, rindo sem querer estava muito panka por ti BB... This is just a bit of my romantic story!! xoxo

Esta Decidido Pronto...

Optei pelo simples, simplesmente por ser simples e pronto...o natural me atrai, para mim e sempre o mais belo e maliavel. Sou o que sou e nao mudaria por ninguem neste mundo, a nao ser que seje a vontade de Deus claro!! Acho muito curriqueiro tentar se passar por uma pessoa que voce nao e, o mundo nao precisa de mudar voce, pelo contrario voce e que precisa mudar o mundo como? Dando o teu exemplo, nao compactuando com as maldades que sucumbem a humanidade, amando o proximo como a ti mesmo, nao acarrete ideas como, sou top e nao me misturo, ingulindo o orgulho so para nao dizer que precisa de outrem, que feio nao e?. Eu gosto de prosar muito kikiki e um defeito sem concerto, mas respeito os outros, sei que onde termina a minha liberdade, comeca a do outro, sei ate onde e o meu limite. Gosto da simpatia mas nao deixo que a mesma me torne vulgar, gosto de observar as pessoas e ver o lado bom de cada um, acho interessante cada ser humano, o que e dificil para uns e facil para outros. A maneira de contornar os problemas tambem depende de cada ser, muito bom perceber as pequenas coisas que a natureza nos oferece, e, por incrivel que pareca, as pessoas nao se apercebem, estao muito ocupadas a satisfazer os seus desejos e esquecem de viver intensamente cada detalhe maravilhoso que Deus nos porpociona. well por hoje e tudo, paz e amor nos coracoes de todos voces... simples e o mais simples de simplificar compriendes?

BOM DIA, G'MORNING, BOUNJOUR, BUENOS DIAS, WUA NANGUE FOR YOU ALL. Acordei a pensar, em como sou privilegiada de mais uma vez ver a luz do dia, muitos ficaram pela madrugada, adormeceram na morte talvez por motivos de doencas ou por uma outra causa. Mas eu pela graca do Altissimo Soberado ainda estou respirando, ainda oico os sons que em minha volta ecoam, posso ver os meus familiares e amigos, bens a Deus por essa bencao, eles sao tudo para mim!! Sei la e um feeling muito strong, assim poder beijar a pessoa amada mais um pouco, sorrir para as pessoas carrancudas ou simpaticas, ricas ou pobres e indeed um privilegio. SO, SEJA FELIZ, FACA ALGUEM FELIZ TAMBEM, NO MATTER IF YOU RICH OR POOR. ONE LOVE, XOXO, ME KM.

COVER SUBJECT: WHY SO MUCH SUFFERING? WHEN WILL IT END? So Many Innocent Lives Destroyed!

Little Noelle was an affectionate child who loved to draw. One summer evening she wandered into her backyard and somehow tumbled into the family’s swimming pool. She drowned just two weeks before her fourth birthday. Charlotte, Daniel, Olivia, Josephine . . . These are the names of some of the 20 six- or seven-year-olds among the 26 victims gunned down at a school in Connecticut, U.S.A., on December 14, 2012. At a memorial service, President Obama called out the children’s names and told the grieving audience: “These tragedies must end.” Eighteen-year-old Bano left Iraq in 1996 and moved with her family to Norway. Her friends called her by the nickname Sun Rays. Sadly, however, on July 22, 2011, Bano was one of the 77 victims whose lives were cut short by an extremist, who boasted: “I wish to apologize . . . that I wasn’t able to execute more.” Similar heart-wrenching stories have been reported over and over around the world. Think of the grief and pain that have resulted from accidents, crime, warfare, terrorism, natural disasters, and other tragedies. So many innocent lives snuffed out and so much suffering, often for no apparent reason! Some people blame God, reasoning that our Creator does not care about the human family. Others conclude that God sees our suffering but simply chooses not to intervene. Still others say that such tragedies are predestined. There seems to be no end to opinions on the subject. Where can we find reliable and satisfying answers? In the following articles, we will look into God’s Word, the Bible, for answers on what causes suffering and how it will be brought to an end.

Did Our Languages Come From the “Tower of Babel”?

“Jehovah scattered them from there over all the surface of the earth, and they gradually left off building the city. That is why its name was called Babel, because there Jehovah had confused the language of all the earth.”—Genesis 11:8, 9. DID that event recorded in the Bible really happen? Did people start speaking different languages all at once, as described? Some scoff at the Bible’s account of how human languages began and spread. One author claims: “The Tower of Babel myth is definitely one of the most absurd stories ever told.” Even a Jewish rabbi called it “a naive attempt to explain the origin of nations.” Why do people reject the Babel account? Simply put, it contradicts certain theories regarding the origin of language. For example, some scholars suggest that language groups did not appear suddenly but evolved gradually from one “mother tongue.” Others believe that several original languages developed independently, advancing from simple grunts to complex speech. These and other conflicting theories have caused many to agree with Professor W. T. Fitch, who wrote in his book The Evolution of Language: “We do not yet have fully convincing answers.” What have archaeologists and researchers uncovered regarding the origin and development of human languages? Do their discoveries confirm any of the proposed theories? Or do the findings support the Babel account? First let us take a closer look at that Bible account. WHERE AND WHEN DID IT HAPPEN? The Bible states that the confusion of language and dispersion of the people took place “in the land of Shinar,” later called Babylonia. (Genesis 11:2) When did that happen? “The earth [“earth’s population,” footnote] was divided,” says the Bible, in the days of Peleg, who was born about 250 years before Abraham. So the events of Babel evidently took place some 4,200 years ago.—Genesis 10:25; 11:18-26. Some scholars theorize that modern languages stem from one original language—the so-called mother tongue that they thought humans spoke nearly 100,000 years ago. * Others claim that today’s languages are related to several root languages spoken at least 6,000 years ago. But how do linguists reconstruct the development of extinct languages? “That is tricky,” says the Economist magazine. “Unlike biologists, linguists do not have fossils to guide them through the past.” The magazine adds that one evolutionary linguist arrives at his conclusions by “mathematically informed guesswork.” Nevertheless, “linguistic fossils” do exist. What are these fossils, and what do they reveal regarding the origin of human languages? The New Encyclopædia Britannica explains: “The earliest records of written language, the only linguistic fossils man can hope to have, go back no more than about 4,000 or 5,000 years.” Where did archaeologists discover these “linguistic fossils,” or “records of written language”? In lower Mesopotamia—the site of ancient Shinar. * Hence, the available physical evidence is in agreement with the facts stated in the Bible. DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, DIFFERENT THINKING The Bible account says that at Babel, God acted to “confuse their language that they may not listen to [“understand,” footnote] one another’s language.” (Genesis 11:7) As a result, the workers “left off building the city” of Babel and were scattered “over all the surface of the earth.” (Genesis 11:8, 9) Thus, the Bible does not say that all modern languages can be traced to a single “mother tongue.” Rather, it describes the sudden appearance of several apparently fully developed new languages, each capable of expressing the range of human feeling and thought and each different and distinct from the others. [Picture on page 11] A clay tablet with cuneiform writing, from Mesopotamia, third millennium B.C.E. What about the language groups of the world today? Are they fundamentally similar or different? Cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky wrote: “As linguists probed deeper into the world’s languages (7,000 or so, only a fraction of them analyzed), innumerable unpredictable differences emerged.” Yes, although tongues and dialects of one language family, such as Cantonese and Hakka in southern China, may be similar to one another, they are fundamentally different from those of another language family, say West Catalan or Valencian in Spain. Languages shape the way people think about and describe the world around them—color, quantity, location, direction. For example, in one language a person says, “There is a bug on your right hand.” But in another language, one would say, “There is a bug on your southwest hand.” Such differences would be confusing, to say the least. No wonder the builders at Babel found it impossible to continue their project. GRUNTS OR COMPLEX SPEECH? What was mankind’s original language like? The Bible reports that the first man, Adam, was able to coin new words when he named all the animals and flying creatures. (Genesis 2:20) Adam also composed poetry to express his feelings for his wife, and she clearly described what God had commanded and the consequences of disobeying Him. (Genesis 2:23; 3:1-3) The first language, then, enabled humans to communicate fully and to express themselves creatively. The confusion of languages at Babel hindered mankind’s ability to combine their intellectual and physical powers. Yet, their new languages, like the first language, were complex. Within a few centuries, men built bustling cities, assembled powerful armies, and engaged in international trade. (Genesis 13:12; 14:1-11; 37:25) Could they have made such progress without the use of an extensive vocabulary and grammar? According to the Bible, the original human tongue and the tongues introduced at Babel were, not primitive grunts and growls, but complex languages. Modern research supports this conclusion. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language states: “Every culture which has been investigated, no matter how ‘primitive’ it may be in cultural terms, turns out to have a fully developed language, with a complexity comparable to those of the so-called ‘civilized’ nations.” Similarly, in his book The Language Instinct, Harvard College Professor Steven Pinker states: “There is no such thing as a Stone Age language.” THE FUTURE OF LANGUAGE After reviewing the age and location of linguistic “fossils,” the fundamental differences between language groups, and the complexity of ancient languages, what reasonable conclusion could we draw? Many conclude that the Bible’s account of what took place at Babel is a fully credible explanation. The Bible tells us that Jehovah God confused the people’s language at Babel because they rebelled against him. (Genesis 11:4-7) However, he promised that he would “give to peoples the change to a pure language, in order for them all to call upon the name of Jehovah, in order to serve him shoulder to shoulder.” (Zephaniah 3:9) This “pure language,” the truth from God’s Word, draws together a people from around the world today. It seems logical that in the future God would unite mankind further by giving them one common language, undoing the confusion at Babel. LEGENDS THAT ECHO THE BIBLE’S ACCOUNT “Once upon a time all the people lived in one large village and spoke one tongue,” according to a story told by a hill tribe in Myanmar. While building a great tower, the builders “gradually acquired different manners, customs, and ways of speech, [eventually] being scattered all over the land.” Similar legends are found among indigenous peoples of Africa, East Asia, Mexico, and elsewhere. If the Babel account had been an invention by Moses, the Hebrew writer of Genesis, would it have cropped up in the legends of such far-flung national and language groups? That is very unlikely. Thus, the existence of such diverse legends and tales testifies to the credibility of the Babel account in the Bible.

God Can Feel Hurt—How We Can Bring Him Joy

Have you ever been hurt so badly that you cried?— * All of us probably have. At times, though, the pain may not be to our body. Someone may say bad things about us that are not true. That can hurt, can’t it?— God too can feel hurt when lies are told about him. Let’s talk about this and see how we can bring God joy rather than pain. The Bible says that some people who said they loved God made “him feel hurt.” Yes, “they pained” God! No one, of course, can hurt the body of Jehovah God. He is almighty. Let’s see, then, why Jehovah feels hurt when we don’t do what he says. The first two people Jehovah created on earth caused him to feel a lot of pain. These two were put in the Paradise on earth called “the garden of Eden.” Who were these two?— Yes, Adam and then, sometime later, Eve. Let’s see what they did that caused Jehovah pain. After Jehovah put them in that garden, he told them to take care of it. He also told them that they could have children and could live together in the garden without dying. But before Adam and Eve had children, a terrible thing happened. Do you know what that was?— An angel moved Eve and then Adam to rebel against Jehovah. Let’s see how this happened. The angel caused a snake, or serpent, to appear to speak. Eve liked what she heard—the serpent said she would become “like God.” So she did what the serpent told her to do. Do you know what that was?— Eve ate from the tree that Jehovah had told Adam they should not eat from. Before God created Eve, he had told Adam: “From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die.” Eve knew that law. However, she kept looking at that tree, and she saw that it “was good for food and that it was something to be longed for to the eyes . . . So she began taking of its fruit and eating it.” Later she gave the fruit to Adam, and “he began eating it.” Why, do you think, did he do that?— It was because Adam had come to love Eve more than he loved Jehovah. He chose to please her rather than to please God. But obeying Jehovah is more important than obeying anyone else! Do you remember the snake, or serpent, that spoke to Eve? Just as a person can make a puppet appear to speak, someone made that snake appear to speak. Whose voice was coming from the serpent?— It was the voice of “the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan.” Do you know how you can make Jehovah happy?— You can do so by always trying to please him. Satan says he can get everyone to do what he wants them to do. So Jehovah urges us: “Be wise, my son [or daughter], and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me.” Satan taunts, or mocks, Jehovah. He says that he can turn everyone away from serving Him. So make Jehovah happy by obeying him and serving him! Will you try hard to do that?— Read in your Bible Psalm 78:40, 41 Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-17; 3:1-6 Revelation 12:9; Proverbs 27:11

Keys to Family Happiness...

A family riding in a car APPEARED IN Inculcate Moral Values in Your Children Loida, * a mother in Mexico, says: “Condoms are given out at school, so teenagers think having sex is all right—as long as it’s ‘safe’ sex.” Nobuko, a mother in Japan, says: “I asked my son what he would do if he and his girlfriend were alone. His reply was, ‘I don’t know.’” WHEN your son or daughter was a toddler, did you childproof your home? Perhaps you covered electrical outlets, hid sharp objects, and barricaded stairways—all in an effort to keep your child safe. If only it were that easy to keep your teenager safe! Now you have greater worries, such as: ‘Is my son accessing pornography?’ ‘Is my daughter ‘sexting’—sending lewd photos of herself via cell phone?’ And the dreaded question, ‘Is my teenager sexually active?’ The Illusion of Control Some parents try to maintain 24-hour surveillance over their teens by hovering over them and monitoring their every move. Later, many of them discover that such ‘helicopter parenting’ only drove their teen underground. Their son or daughter became adept at hiding the very conduct the parents were trying to prevent. Clearly, control is not the answer. Jehovah God himself does not use that method to elicit obedience from his creatures, and neither should you as a parent. (Deuteronomy 30:19) So how can you help your teens make wise moral decisions?—Proverbs 27:11. A basic measure is to have ongoing discussions with your children and to start when they are young. * (Proverbs 22:6) Then, when they enter adolescence, keep talking. As a parent, you should be your teenager’s primary source of reliable information. “A lot of people think that we’d rather talk to our friends about sex,” says Alicia, a girl from Britain, “but that’s not true. We appreciate this information when it comes from our parents. We trust what they have to say.” The Need for Good Values As they grow, children need to know more about sex than just the facts of life. They should also have “their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:14) In short, they need values—a moral code made up of strongly held beliefs about sex—along with conduct that conforms to those beliefs. How can you inculcate good values in your teenager? Start by considering your own values. For example, you may strongly believe that fornication—sex between unmarried individuals—is wrong. (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Likely, your children know your position on the matter; they may even be able to quote Bible passages that back up your beliefs. When questioned, they may readily answer that premarital sex is wrong. But more is needed. The book Sex Smart observes that some youths may outwardly agree with their parents’ beliefs about sex. The book states: “They feel too uncertain to form their own opinions. When they stumble into an unexpected situation and face an immediate dilemma about ‘how far to go,’ they find themselves mixed up and in real trouble.” This is precisely why values are essential. How can you help your teen acquire them? Make your values clear. Do you believe that sex should be reserved for marriage? Then tell your teen, clearly and often. According to the book Beyond the Big Talk, research reveals that “in homes where parents have given their teen children clear messages that indicate that they disapprove of teens having intercourse, these teens are more likely to delay becoming involved in sexual intercourse.” Of course, as mentioned earlier, simply stating your values does not guarantee that your son or daughter will choose to live by them. However, solid family values will provide a foundation upon which children can build their own. And studies have found that many youths do eventually adopt their parents’ values even if during the teen years the children seem to have put them in storage. TRY THIS: Use a news event to initiate a discussion and communicate your values. For example, if a sex crime is reported, you might say: “I’m appalled at the way some men try to take advantage of women. Where do you think they get such ideas?” Teach the whole truth about sex. Warnings are necessary. (1 Corinthians 6:18; James 1:14, 15) However, the Bible primarily portrays sex as a gift of God, not as a trap of Satan. (Proverbs 5:18, 19; Song of Solomon 1:2) Telling your teens only about the dangers may leave them with a distorted, unscriptural view of the topic. “My parents put a lot of emphasis on sexual immorality,” says a young woman in France named Corrina, “and that gave me a negative attitude toward sex relations.” Make sure that your children get the whole truth about sex. “What I have always tried to get across to my teens,” says a mother in Mexico named Nadia, “is that sex is beautiful and natural and that Jehovah God gave it to humans for them to enjoy. But it has its proper place within marriage. It can give us happiness or suffering, depending on how we use it.” TRY THIS: The next time you talk to your teen about sex, end the discussion on a positive note. Do not be afraid to portray sex as a wonderful gift from God that he or she can enjoy in the future as a married person. Convey confidence that until that time your teen can adhere to God’s standards. Help your teen to evaluate the consequences. To make good decisions in any aspect of life, teenagers need to know how to identify options and then weigh the pros and cons of each option. Do not think that their simply knowing what is right and what is wrong is enough. “Reflecting on the mistakes of my youth,” says a Christian woman in Australia named Emma, “I can say that just knowing God’s standards doesn’t mean you agree with them. Understanding the benefits of those standards—and the consequences of violating them—is vital.” The Bible can help, for many of its commands are reinforced by phrases that set forth the consequences of wrongdoing. For example, Proverbs 5:8, 9 urges young men to shun fornication “that you may not give to others your dignity.” As those verses indicate, those who engage in premarital sex sacrifice a degree of their character, integrity, and self-respect. And that makes them far less attractive to any potential mate who has those qualities. Reflecting on the physical, emotional, and spiritual dangers of disregarding God’s laws can bolster your teen’s resolve to live by them. * TRY THIS: Use illustrations to help your teen see the wisdom of God’s standards. For example, you might say: “A campfire is good; a forest fire is bad. What is the difference between the two, and how does your answer apply to the boundaries God has set regarding sex?” Use the account at Proverbs 5:3-14 to help your teen understand the harmful consequences of fornication. Takao, an 18-year-old in Japan, states, “I know that I should do what is right, but there is this ongoing struggle against the desires of the flesh.” Youths who feel that way can be comforted by the fact that they are not alone. Even the apostle Paul—a stalwart Christian—admitted: “When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me.”—Romans 7:21. Teenagers would do well to realize that such a struggle is not always bad. It can prompt them to contemplate just what sort of person they want to become. It can help them to come to grips with the question, ‘Do I want to take charge of my life and be known as someone who has character and integrity, or do I want to be known as a follower—a person who weakly caves in to his desires?’ Having good moral values will help your teen answer that question wisely. The Bible Has Stood the Test of Time “The instruction related to sexual behavior in the Bible has stood the test of time. In a day when an increasing number of young teens are reaping the serious emotional consequences of premature sexual activity, out of wedlock pregnancies, and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, the Scriptures’ advice to save sex for marriage . . . is extremely relevant, the only ‘safe sex,’ and effective.”—Parenting Teens With Love and Logic. ASK YOURSELF . . . What indications do I have that my teenager has strong moral values? When talking to my teenager about sex, do I portray it primarily as a gift of God or as a trap of satan?

POP IN PLEASE..

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What Is Hell? Is It a Place of Eternal Torment?

The Bible’s answer Some Bible translations use the word “hell” for the Hebrew word “Sheol” and the matching Greek word “Hades,” both of which refer to the common grave of mankind. (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:27) Many people believe in a fiery hell, as shown in the religious artwork accompanying this article. However, the Bible teaches otherwise. Those in hell are unconscious and so cannot feel pain. “There is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol.”—⁠Ecclesiastes 9:10. Good people go to hell. The faithful men Jacob and Job expected to go there.—Genesis 37:35; Job 14:13. Death, not torment in a fiery hell, is the penalty for sin. “He who has died has been acquitted from his sin.”—⁠Romans 6:7. Eternal torment would violate God’s justice. (Deuteronomy 32:4) When the first man, Adam, sinned, God told him that his punishment would simply be to pass out of existence: “Dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19) God would have been lying if he were actually sending Adam to a fiery hell. God does not even contemplate eternal torment. The idea that he would punish people in hellfire is contrary to the Bible’s teaching that “God is love.”—⁠1 John 4:8; Jeremiah 7:31.

TRYING TO FIND MYSELF....

Wow 36 years old, but I look like 15 amazing. Any ways family genes here baby!!

Thats the weather today so grey... I'm feeling funny

Kind, trombuda

kkkk hummmm I wonder why? nao sei explicar porque, estou rindo sem motivos, sera que estou louca kkkk? nao sei...

ou sera dos miminhos que o baby me deu?? maybe.

Can you describe my face? consegues ver o que vejo? try can you see anything?

WOW estou surpresa!!! bye Have a nice day full of joy and blessings xxx.

inspiracao Do Momento kkkk.

Ta dificil falar com voce, ta dificil te fazer entender que o mundo nao e so eu e voce Teus ciumes estao me sufocando, nao ha quem aguente tamanha pressao, Por mais sincero que seja este amoor nao ha quem aguentee. Em nome duque voce chama amor, ve se muda volte ao tempo do verdadeiro sentimento, Onde tudo fazia sentido, agora faca silencio houve a pessoa que ha em ti. Tente, faca um esforco e pense, pense amor pense, diz: E amor de verdade ou e somente uma emocao? Pare de te casticares pensando que pode mandar em mim, nao me faca de objecto que eu nao uma propriedade tua. Sou aquela que te ama sem nocao do que vier depois, Aquela que fez de tudo para te agradar, aquela que realizou todos os teus desejos e fantasias. CONTINUA KKK

Crazy Day 2day.

Sei que te fazes de dificil, tudo bem eu sei esperar contarei cada lagrima que os meus olhos derramarem por ti, tudo bem. Em cada carinho que demonstrares darte-ei um beijo em secreto boy. Deixo-me levar pela fantasia de estar em teus bracos tentando dormir. Nao te facas de hard boy darling, porque o meu coracao so da oportunidades uma vez As vezes me pergunto, sera que te perdes em teus pensamentos por minha causa? Sera que a tua mente algum dia cruzou a minha, this is crazy boy but it's real. Oh baby as vezes e tao dificil lutar sozinha e como se o mundo todo estivese contra mim. Acredito no amor e na vontade de te ter boy. Sei que um dia o destino dira, a hora e agora. As vezes parece um sonho, vejo-te como um anjo, outras vezes vejo-te como um lobo mau. Mas tudo bem, no pain no gain baby, nao desisto facil yeah, nao desisto facil boy. Transformarei as minha lagrimas em algo solido para que nao desvaneca baby. PIREI AS IDEAS KKKK NAO SEI O QUE COMI, ACORDEI COM O BICHO DA COMPOSICAO. One Love people.

Musica De Minha Autoria... Proibida A Colagem!!

Inspiracao: Ei rosto sem igual, sem comparacao lindoo Acho que algo cresceu em mim, sem explicao e com devosao. E sem palavras me deixas quando lancas o teu olhar em mim. Ei me derreto todaa so de ouvir a tua voz ecoando nnos meus ouvidos como a bela musica N'gamuzole. Ai ai ai meu desejo, meu almejo meu pecado secreto Sinto ciumes da agua que te molha todos os dias e desliza no teu corpo de beijando com ternuraa. Refrao{ Ei desejo desejo loucoo E quando passas daquele jeito, destilando o teu veneno de olhar sedutor{2x ai ai ai me derreto todaa. acho que algo cresceu em mim, sem explicao e com devocao. E sem palavras me deixas quando lancas o teu olhar em mim. Sera loucura, paixao ou estou te amando sem querer. Ve la se nao me matas por causa do teu ser encantador, que mais parece um dardo inflamavel. Refrao.

HELP FOR THE FAMILY | MARRIAGE

How to Avoid Hurtful Speech THE CHALLENGE Each time a conflict arises, you and your spouse unleash a torrent of criticism at each other. Hurtful speech has become so common in your marriage that it is now your “normal” style of communication. If this is happening in your marriage, you can stop the pattern. First, though, you need to consider the causes and why it is in your best interests to make changes. WHY IT HAPPENS Family background. Many husbands and wives were raised in homes where hurtful speech was common. One or both spouses may be repeating the type of language they heard from their parents. Influence of entertainment. Film and television comedies turn rude speech into a laughing matter, leaving the viewer with the impression that it is harmless—or even funny. Culture. Some societies teach that “real men” are domineering or that women need to be fiercely aggressive so as not to appear weak. During a conflict, spouses with such attitudes may view each other as adversaries rather than allies and use words that hurt rather than heal. Regardless of the cause, hurtful speech can be a predictor of divorce as well as a number of health problems. Some even say that words can hit harder than fists. For example, one wife who was both verbally and physically battered by her husband says: “I found the insults harder to bear than the violence. I would have preferred that he hit me rather than say such hurtful things.” What can you do if you and your spouse have let hurtful speech erode your relationship? WHAT YOU CAN DO Show empathy. Put yourself in your spouse’s position, and try to understand how your words make him or her feel. If possible, think of a specific circumstance in which your mate felt that your speech was hurtful. Do not be sidetracked by what you really said; the issue is how your spouse feels about what you said. Can you think of ways that the hurtful speech could have been replaced with kind expressions? The Bible says: “An answer, when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up.”—Proverbs 15:1. Observe respectful couples. If negative role models have influenced your manner of communicating, look for good examples. Listen to married couples whose pattern of speech is worthy of imitation.—Bible principle: Philippians 3:17. Revive the feelings you once shared. Hurtful speech is more often a problem of the heart than of the mouth. So strive to nurture positive thoughts and feelings about your spouse. Reminisce about activities you once enjoyed together. Look at old photographs. What made you laugh? What qualities drew you to each other?—Bible principle: Luke 6:45. Use “I” statements. Rather than verbally attack your spouse, express your concerns from the standpoint of how you are affected. For example, “I feel slighted when you make plans without consulting me first” is much more likely to elicit a positive response than “That is just like you—always making plans without consulting me!”—Bible principle: Colossians 4:6. Know when to stop. If tempers are beginning to flare and speech is getting out of hand, it might be best to postpone the discussion. Usually, there is nothing wrong with walking away from a heated argument until the discussion can be handled more calmly.—Bible principle: Proverbs 17:14. Hurtful speech is more often a problem of the heart than of the mouth KEY SCRIPTURES “Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies.”—Ephesians 5:28. “The wife should have deep respect for her husband.”—Ephesians 5:33. “Let all . . . screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you.”—Ephesians 4:31. WHAT IS “ABUSIVE SPEECH”? The Bible says: “Let all . . . screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you.” (Ephesians 4:31) Why did Paul distinguish “screaming” from “abusive speech”? The original-language word translated “screaming” (Greek, krau·ge′) refers to raising the voice. In contrast, “abusive speech” (Greek, bla·sphe·mi′a) describes the content of the message. What does this mean? That abusive speech may not always involve shouting. Really, any speech that is malicious, demeaning, or insulting is abusive—even if it is delivered in a low voice.

AJUDA PARA A FAMÍLIA | CASAMENTO

Como evitar ferir com palavras O DESAFIO Toda vez que surge uma discussão, você e seu cônjuge disparam uma rajada de críticas um contra o outro. Vocês já se acostumaram tanto a ferir com palavras que agora esse é o jeito “normal” de conversar. Se isso está acontecendo em seu casamento, você pode mudar a situação. Mas primeiro é preciso pensar nos motivos desse problema e nos benefícios de se fazerem mudanças. POR QUE ACONTECE Criação. Muitos maridos e esposas foram criados num lar onde era comum ferir com palavras e acabam repetindo o tipo de linguajar que ouviam de seus pais. Influência do entretenimento. Filmes e seriados de comédia transformam grosseria em motivo de risada, passando a impressão de que isso é inofensivo — e até engraçado. Cultura. Em algumas sociedades, as pessoas aprendem que um “homem de verdade” precisa ser dominador ou que a mulher precisa ser muito agressiva para não parecer fraca. Durante uma discussão, marido e esposa podem se encarar como inimigos em vez de aliados e acabar usando palavras que machucam. Não importa o motivo, a linguagem ofensiva pode levar ao divórcio e a vários problemas de saúde. Alguns até dizem que as palavras doem mais do que pancadas. Por exemplo, uma esposa que sofria agressão verbal e física do marido diz: “Para mim, era muito mais difícil aguentar os insultos do que a violência.” O que fazer se seu casamento está se desgastando por causa do jeito que vocês falam? O QUE VOCÊ PODE FAZER Mostre empatia. Coloque-se no lugar de seu cônjuge e tente imaginar o impacto que suas palavras causam nele. Se possível, pense numa situação específica em que ele achou que você disse algo ofensivo. Não se concentre no que você disse, mas em como o que você disse afetou os sentimentos da outra pessoa. Que palavras bondosas você poderia ter dito no lugar daquelas palavras maldosas? A Bíblia diz: “Uma resposta, quando branda, faz recuar o furor, mas a palavra que causa dor faz subir a ira.” — Provérbios 15:1. Observe casais respeitosos. Se o seu jeito de falar foi influenciado por maus exemplos, então procure bons exemplos em que se espelhar. Preste atenção em casais que têm o hábito de se comunicar com respeito e imite seu jeito. — Princípio bíblico: Filipenses 3:17. Resgate os sentimentos perdidos. A linguagem ofensiva geralmente tem mais a ver com o coração do que com a boca. Por isso, procure alimentar pensamentos e sentimentos positivos sobre seu cônjuge. Relembrem coisas que vocês gostavam de fazer juntos. Vejam fotos antigas. Que coisas faziam vocês darem risada? Que qualidades os atraíram um ao outro? — Princípio bíblico: Lucas 6:45. Troque “você” por “eu”. Em vez de atacar verbalmente seu cônjuge, expresse suas preocupações explicando como você é afetado. Por exemplo, dizer “Eu me sinto deixado de lado quando você planeja coisas sem me consultar” funciona melhor do que “É sempre assim — você planeja as coisas e nem quer saber o que eu penso!”. — Princípio bíblico: Colossenses 4:6. Saiba quando parar. Se os ânimos estão começando a se exaltar e a conversa está ficando fora do controle, talvez seja melhor conversar em outra hora. Geralmente, não há nada de errado em sair de uma discussão tensa até a situação se acalmar. — Princípio bíblico: Provérbios 17:14. A linguagem ofensiva geralmente tem mais a ver com o coração do que com a boca TEXTOS PRINCIPAIS “Os maridos devem estar amando as suas esposas como aos seus próprios corpos.” — Efésios 5:28. “A esposa deve ter profundo respeito pelo seu marido.” — Efésios 5:33. ‘Sejam tirados dentre vós todo brado e linguagem ultrajante.’ — Efésios 4:31. O QUE É “LINGUAGEM ULTRAJANTE”? A Bíblia diz: ‘Sejam tirados dentre vós todo brado e linguagem ultrajante.’ (Efésios 4:31) Por que Paulo diferenciou “brado” de “linguagem ultrajante”? A palavra usada no idioma original traduzida como “brado” (krau·gé, em grego) refere-se a levantar a voz. Por outro lado, “linguagem ultrajante” (bla·sphe·mí·a, em grego) refere-se ao conteúdo da mensagem. O que isso significa? Que linguagem ultrajante nem sempre envolve gritar. E isso faz sentido; afinal, algo não precisa ser dito aos gritos para ser ofensivo — basta ser maldoso, humilhante e desaforado.

Why Does God Allow Evil And suffering?

1. How did evil begin? Evil began on earth when Satan told the first lie. Satan was originally a perfect angel, but “he did not stand fast in the truth.” (John 8:44) He developed a desire for worship that rightly belongs only to God. Satan lied to the first woman, Eve, and persuaded her to obey him instead of God. Adam joined Eve in disobeying God. Adam’s decision led to suffering and death.—Read Genesis 3:1-6, 19. When Satan suggested that Eve disobey God, he was starting a rebellion against God’s sovereignty, or position as Most High. The majority of mankind have joined Satan in rejecting God as their Ruler. Thus, Satan has become “the ruler of the world.”—Read John 14:30; 1 John 5:19. 2. Was God’s creation defective? All of God’s works are perfect. The humans and angels whom God created were capable of obeying God perfectly. (Deuteronomy 32:4, 5) God created us with the freedom to choose between doing good and doing evil. That freedom gives us a way to express love for God.—Read James 1:13-15; 1 John 5:3. 3. Why has God allowed suffering until now? For a limited time, Jehovah has allowed rebellion against his sovereignty. Why? To show that no effort to rule without him benefits people. (Ecclesiastes 7:29; 8:9) After 6,000 years of human history, the evidence is clear. Human rulers have failed to eliminate war, crime, injustice, or disease.—Read Jeremiah 10:23; Romans 9:17. In contrast to human rulership, God’s rule benefits those who accept it. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Soon, Jehovah will bring all human government to an end. Only people who choose to be ruled by God will inhabit the earth.—Isaiah 11:9; Read Daniel 2:44. People studying the Bible Our choices reveal whether we want God as our Ruler 4. What does God’s patience allow us to do? Satan claimed that no one would serve Jehovah out of unselfish love. Would you like to disprove that lie? You can! God’s patience allows all of us to show whether we favor rule by God or rule by man. We indicate our choice by the way we live.—Read Job 1:8-12; Proverbs 27:11. 5. How can we choose God as our Ruler? We can choose God as our Ruler by seeking out and practicing true worship based on God’s Word, the Bible. (John 4:23) We can reject Satan as our ruler by keeping out of politics and war, as Jesus did.—Read John 17:14. Satan uses his power to promote immoral, harmful practices. When we reject such practices, some friends and relatives may ridicule or oppose us. (1 Peter 4:3, 4) So we face a choice. Will we associate with people who love God? Will we obey his wise and loving laws? If we do, we prove that Satan lied when he claimed that under pressure no one would do as God says.—Read 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 15:33. God’s love for mankind guarantees that evil and suffering will end. Those who demonstrate that they believe this will enjoy life on earth forever.—Read John 3:16.

Porque Deus Permite O Sofrimento?

1. Como surgiu a maldade? A maldade começou na Terra quando Satanás contou a primeira mentira. No princípio, ele era um anjo perfeito, mas “não permaneceu firme na verdade”. (João 8:44) Ele desenvolveu o desejo de ter a adoração que de direito pertence só a Deus. Satanás mentiu para a primeira mulher, Eva, e a convenceu a obedecer a ele em vez de obedecer a Deus. Adão se juntou a Eva em desobedecer a Deus. A decisão de Adão resultou em sofrimento e morte. — Leia Gênesis 3:1-6, 19. Quando Satanás induziu Eva a desobedecer a Deus, ele estava começando uma rebelião contra a soberania de Deus, ou seja, sua posição como o Altíssimo. Assim como Satanás, a maior parte da humanidade rejeitou a Deus como Governante. Dessa forma, Satanás se tornou “o governante do mundo”. — Leia João 14:30; 1 João 5:19. 2. Será que a criação de Deus tinha algum defeito? Todas as obras de Deus são perfeitas. Os humanos e os anjos que Deus criou eram capazes de obedecê-lo perfeitamente. (Deuteronômio 32:4, 5) Ele nos criou com liberdade para escolher entre fazer o bem ou o mal. Essa liberdade permite que mostremos amor a Deus. — Leia Tiago 1:13-15; 1 João 5:3. 3. Por que Deus tem permitido o sofrimento? Por um tempo, Jeová tem permitido essa rebelião contra sua soberania. Por quê? Para mostrar que nenhuma tentativa de governar sem ele beneficia as pessoas. (Eclesiastes 7:29; 8:9) Após 6 mil anos de história humana, isso ficou provado. Os governos não conseguiram eliminar a guerra, o crime, a injustiça ou a doença. — Leia Jeremias 10:23; Romanos 9:17. Em contraste com os governos humanos, o governo de Deus beneficia aqueles que o aceitam. (Isaías 48:17, 18) Em breve, Jeová acabará com todos os governos. Só as pessoas que escolhem ser governadas por ele habitarão a Terra. — Isaías 11:9; leia Daniel 2:44. Pessoas estudando a Bíblia Nossas escolhas revelam se queremos Deus como nosso Governante 4. A paciência de Deus tem nos dado que oportunidade? Satanás afirmou que ninguém serviria a Jeová por amor. Você gostaria de provar o contrário? Você pode! A paciência de Deus nos dá a oportunidade de mostrar se somos a favor do governo de Deus ou dos homens. Nossa escolha fica evidente pelo nosso modo de vida. — Leia Jó 1:8-12; Provérbios 27:11. 5. De que modo podemos escolher a Deus como nosso Governante? Podemos escolher a Deus como nosso Governante por procurar saber qual é a verdadeira adoração baseada em sua Palavra, a Bíblia, e viver de acordo com ela. (João 4:23) Podemos rejeitar a Satanás como governante por não nos envolvermos na política ou nas guerras, assim como Jesus não se envolveu. — Leia João 17:14. Satanás usa seu poder para promover práticas imorais e prejudiciais. Quando rejeitamos essas práticas, alguns amigos ou parentes talvez zombem de nós ou se oponham. (1 Pedro 4:3, 4) Assim, temos de fazer uma escolha. Vamos andar com pessoas que amam a Deus? Obedeceremos às Suas leis sábias e amorosas? Se fizermos isso, provaremos que Satanás mentiu quando disse que sob pressão ninguém faria a vontade de Deus. — Leia 1 Coríntios 6:9, 10; 15:33. O amor de Deus pelos humanos é garantia de que a maldade e o sofrimento acabarão. Os que provarem que creem nisso viverão para sempre na Terra. — Leia João 3:16.

What if I’m Being Bullied?

Also, read tips from your peers and a teacher’s comments about bullying, and take our bullying quiz. Bullying is no trivial matter. A British study found that more than 40 percent of the youth suicides reported in the national media appeared to involve bullying as a contributing factor. What is bullying? Bullying includes more than physical assaults. It can also involve the following. Verbal attacks. “Girls can be brutal with their words,” says 20-year-old Celine. “I’ll never forget the names they called me or the things they said. They made me feel worthless, unwanted, and good-for-nothing. I’d rather have been given a black eye.” Social isolation. “My schoolmates started to avoid me,” says 18-year-old Haley. “They would make it seem that there was no room at the lunch table so I couldn’t sit with them. For the whole year, I cried and ate alone.” Cyberbullying. “With just a few keystrokes on a computer,” says 14-year-old Daniel, “you can ruin someone’s reputation—or even his life. It sounds like an overstatement, but it can happen!” Cyberbullying also includes sending harmful photos or text messages using a cell phone. Why do people bully others? These are some common reasons. They themselves have been bullied. “I was so sick and tired of being mistreated by my peers that I began to bully others just to fit in,” admits a young man named Antonio. “Later I looked back and realized how wrong it was to do that!” They have poor role models. “Many times young bullies treat other people . . . the way they see their parents, older brothers and sisters, or other family members treat others,” writes Jay McGraw in his book Life Strategies for Dealing With Bullies. They act as if they are superior—and yet they’re insecure. “Kids who bully have an air of superiority that is often a mask to cover up deep hurt and a feeling of inadequacy,” notes Barbara Coloroso in her book The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander. Who is most likely to be a target? Loners. Some young people who lack social skills isolate themselves from others and become easy marks for bullies. Youths who are perceived as being different. Some youths are targeted by bullies because of their appearance, race, or religion or even because they have a disability—anything the bully can pick on. Youths who lack self-confidence. Bullies can detect those who think negatively of themselves. These are often the easiest targets, since they’re not likely to fight back. What can you do if you’re bullied? Don’t react. “Bullies want to know that they’ve succeeded in making you feel bad about yourself,” says a young woman named Kylie. “If you don’t react, they lose interest.” The Bible says: “He that is wise keeps it calm to the last.”—Proverbs 29:11. Don’t retaliate. Revenge will add to the problem, not solve it. The Bible says: “Return evil for evil to no one.”—Romans 12:17; Proverbs 24:19. Don’t walk into trouble. To the extent possible, avoid people and situations where bullying may occur.—Proverbs 22:3. Try an unexpected response. The Bible says: “An answer, when mild, turns away rage.”—Proverbs 15:1. Use humor. For example, if a bully asserts that you’re overweight, you could simply shrug your shoulders and say, “I guess I could lose a few pounds!” Walk away. “Silence shows that you are mature and that you are stronger than the person harassing you,” says 19-year-old Nora. “It demonstrates self-control—something the bully doesn’t have.” Work on your self-confidence. “Bullies notice when you aren’t relaxed,” says a girl named Rita, “and they might use that to destroy whatever self-confidence you have.” Tell someone. According to one survey, more than half of all victims who are bullied online don’t report what’s going on, possibly because of shame (especially for boys) or fear of retaliation. But remember, bullies thrive on secrecy. Speaking up can be the first step to ending the nightmare. Tips from your peers “Avoid places or situations that will make you an easy target for a bully. Remember, too, that bullies are going through their own issues. When you know that, it takes some of the sting out of their words.”—Antonio. “Be confident in yourself. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe. Many bullies back off when they see that you aren’t giving them any power over you and that you aren’t afraid.”—Jessica. A teacher’s comments “Bullying is a serious problem. Where I taught school, fights broke out right inside the classroom—even among third graders! Some kids thrive on bullying because it makes them feel that they’re popular and in control. “Often, victims hesitate to report bullying because they’re scared that the bully will retaliate or that their classmates will view them as a snitch. They may also be skeptical about whether anything will be done about the bullying. Still, I would urge anyone who is being bullied to speak up. It’s the right thing to do, and it can prevent someone else from being bullied.”—Jenilee, a former schoolteacher in the United States. Bullying quiz True or False Bullying has been around for thousands of years. Bullying is just harmless teasing. It’s not that serious. The best way to stop a bully is to fight back. If you’re being bullied, it’s your fault. Some people who are bullied become bullies. If you witness bullying, it’s best to ignore it. Beneath the boastful talk, bullies are often insecure. Bullies can change. ANSWERS True. For example, the Bible tells of the Nephilim—a group whose name means “Those Who Cause Others to Fall Down.”—Genesis 6:4. False. Bullying can be a life-and-death issue. Sadly, some who have been relentlessly bullied commit suicide. False. Bullies are often physically stronger than their victims, making attempts at retaliation futile. False. No one deserves to be bullied! The bully is fully responsible for his or her actions. True. Sadly, some take their own frustration out on others by treating them the way that they have been treated. False. There’s no such thing as an innocent bystander. If you see bullying and don’t say anything, you may become part of the problem rather than part of the solution. True. Although some bullies have a big ego, many are insecure and put others down to make themselves feel better. True. With intervention and help, bullies can change their thinking—and their behavior.—Ephesians 4:23, 24.

The Truth About Halloween

Is Halloween celebrated where you live? In the United States and Canada, Halloween is widely known and celebrated every year on October 31. Halloween customs, though, can be found in many other parts of the globe. In some places holidays are celebrated that, although named differently, share similar themes: contact with the spirit world involving the spirits of the dead, fairies, witches, and even the devil and demon angels.—See the box “Celebrations Like Halloween Worldwide.” PERSONALLY, you may not believe in supernatural spirits. You might simply view taking part in Halloween and similar celebrations as a way to have fun and teach your children to explore their imagination. Many people, though, regard these celebrations as harmful for the following reasons: “Halloween,” explains the Encyclopedia of American Folklore, “is integrally related to the prospect of contact with spiritual forces, many of which threaten or frighten.” (See the box “Halloween Time Line.”) Likewise, many celebrations like Halloween have pagan origins and are deeply rooted in ancestor worship. Even today, people around the world use these days to make contact with supposed spirits of the dead. Although Halloween has been viewed mainly as an American holiday, each year people in more and more countries have been adopting it. Many newcomers to the celebration, however, are unaware of the pagan origins of Halloween symbols, decorations, and customs, most of which are related to supernatural beings and occult forces.—See the box “Where Did It Come From?” Thousands of Wiccans, who follow ancient Celtic rituals, still call Halloween by the ancient name Samhain and consider it to be the most sacred night of the year. “Christians ‘don’t realize it, but they’re celebrating our holiday with us. . . . We like it,’” stated the newspaper USA Today when quoting a professed witch. Celebrations like Halloween are in conflict with Bible teachings. The Bible warns: “There must never be anyone among you who . . . practices divination, who is soothsayer, augur or sorcerer, who uses charms, consults ghosts or spirits, or calls up the dead.”—Deuteronomy 18:10, 11, The Jerusalem Bible; see also Leviticus 19:31; Galatians 5:19-21. In view of the foregoing, it is wise for you to know about the dark origins of Halloween and similar celebrations. Having this fuller understanding may move you to join many others who do not participate in these holidays. “Christians ‘don’t realize it, but they’re celebrating our holiday with us. . . . We like it.’”—The newspaper USA Today, quoting a professed witch CELEBRATIONS LIKE HALLOWEEN WORLDWIDE Halloween has generally been regarded as an American holiday. Yet this celebration has become popular in many parts of the world. Additionally, there are other festivities that are like Halloween in that they celebrate the existence and activity of spirit creatures. Shown here are some of the popular holidays like Halloween around the globe. North America - Day of the Dead South America - Kawsasqanchis Europe - Day of the Dead and variations of Halloween Africa - Dance of the Hooded Egunguns Asia - Bon Festival WHERE DID IT COME FROM? The Origin of Some Halloween Customs and Symbols VAMPIRES, WEREWOLVES, WITCHES, ZOMBIES: These creatures have long been associated with the evil spirit world. CANDY: The ancient Celts tried to appease wicked spirits with sweets. The church later encouraged celebrants to go from house to house on All Hallows’ Eve, asking for food in return for a prayer for the dead. This custom eventually became Halloween’s trick or treat. COSTUMES: The Celts wore frightening masks so that evil spirits would mistakenly think the wearers were spirits and would leave them alone. The church gradually amalgamated pagan customs with the feasts of All Souls and All Saints. Later, celebrants went from house to house wearing costumes of saints, angels, and devils. PUMPKINS: Carved, candlelit turnips were displayed to repel evil spirits. To some, the candle in the turnip represented a soul trapped in purgatory. Later, carved pumpkins were more commonly used. HALLOWEEN TIME LINE FIFTH CENTURY B.C.E. The Celts observe the festival of Samhain at the end of October, when they believe ghosts and demons roam the earth more so than at other times. FIRST CENTURY C.E. The Romans conquer the Celts and adopt the spiritistic rituals of Samhain. SEVENTH CENTURY C.E. Pope Boniface IV is said to have established the annual celebration of All Saints’ Day to honor martyrs. * ELEVENTH CENTURY C.E. The second of November is designated as All Souls’ Day to commemorate the dead. Observances surrounding All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are collectively called Hallowtide. EIGHTEENTH CENTURY C.E. The name of the holiday, Hallowe’en (Hallow Evening) appears in print as Halloween. NINETEENTH CENTURY C.E. Thousands of people who move from Ireland to the United States bring with them Halloween customs that, in time, combined with similar customs of emigrants from Britain and Germany, as well as Africa and other parts of the world. TWENTIETH CENTURY C.E. Halloween becomes a popular nationwide holiday in the United States. TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY C.E. Commercial interest in Halloween grows into a worldwide multibillion-dollar industry.

A Kidney Specialist Explains Her Faith

Dr. Céline Granolleras is a medical doctor in France who specializes in kidney disease. More than 20 years after becoming a doctor, she came to the conclusion that there is a Creator who cares for us. Awake! asked her about her work and her faith. Tell us about your childhood. My family moved to France from Spain when I was nine. My parents were Catholic, but I stopped believing in God when I was 16. For me, religion had no bearing on reality. If anyone asked me how life began if there is no God, I replied, “For now, scientists cannot explain it, but one day they will.” What made you study kidney disease? I studied at a medical school in Montpellier, France. A professor there spoke to me about working in nephrology, a branch of medicine involving the kidneys. The work combined research with the care of patients. That was just what I wanted. In 1990, I began taking part in research on the clinical use of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) to control the production of red blood cells in our bones. At that time, it was considered a relatively new field of research. What made you start thinking about God? Back in 1979, my husband, Floréal, started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. But I was not interested. As a child, I had had enough of religion. Nevertheless, my husband and children became Witnesses, and soon nearly all our friends were Witnesses. One of them, Patricia, suggested that I try praying. “If there is nobody in heaven, you don’t risk anything,” she said. “But if there is, you will see what happens.” Years later, I started to wonder about the meaning of life, and I remembered Patricia’s words. I began to pray for understanding. What made you wonder about the meaning of life? The terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York made me wonder why there is so much evil in society. I thought: ‘Religious extremism endangers our future. Yet here I am surrounded by Jehovah’s Witnesses who are peaceful. They are not extremists. They follow the Bible. Perhaps I should look into what it says.’ So I began reading the Bible for myself. As a doctor, did you find it difficult to believe in a Creator? No. I had a deep respect for our body’s sophisticated design. For example, the way our kidneys control the amount of red cells in our blood is awe-inspiring. Why do you say that? It struck me that only God could design such an elegant system As you may know, red blood cells transport oxygen. If you lose a lot of blood or if you go to a high altitude, your body will lack oxygen. Our kidneys have oxygen sensors. When they detect an oxygen shortage in the blood, they activate the production of EPO, and the level of EPO in the blood may rise as much as a thousandfold. The EPO stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red cells, which in turn transport more oxygen. It’s wonderful! Strangely, I studied this process for ten years before it struck me that only God could design such an elegant system. What was your impression of the Bible? I had read lots of history books and famous novels, but I immediately recognized that the Bible was different. Its advice is so practical that it must come from a source higher than man. Jesus’ character fascinated me. I saw that he was a real person. He had feelings, and he had friends. Since I didn’t want to use the publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I did research in encyclopedias and other reference works when questions arose. What did you research? I researched history books . . . Finally, I concluded that this Bible prophecy had come true on time Among other things, I was intrigued by the way the Bible foretold the year of Jesus’ baptism. It shows exactly how much time would elapse between the 20th year of the reign of the Persian ruler Artaxerxes and the year Jesus would present himself as the Messiah. * I am accustomed to doing research—it is part of my job. So I researched history books to confirm the dates of Artaxerxes’ rule and the dates of Jesus’ ministry. Finally, I concluded that this Bible prophecy had come true on time and that it must have been inspired by God.

How to Forgive

THE CHALLENGE When you and your spouse argue, you often bring up the past, rehashing a list of old grievances that should have been settled long ago. The problem? One or both of you may not know how to forgive. You can learn. First, though, consider why a husband and wife may find it so difficult to forgive each other. WHY IT HAPPENS Power. Some husbands and wives withhold forgiveness to maintain a sort of power over their spouse. Then, when a conflict arises, they use a past event as a trump card to gain the upper hand. Resentment. The scars of a past offense can take a long time to heal. A spouse might say ‘I forgive you’ but still harbor resentment for what happened—perhaps craving to get even. Disappointment. Some people enter marriage fully believing that life will be like a fairy-tale romance. So when a disagreement arises, they dig in their heels, wondering just how their “perfect match” could possibly see things from a different point of view. Unrealistic expectations can make a person more prone to find fault and less inclined to forgive. Misunderstanding. Many spouses withhold forgiveness because they misunderstand what extending it will mean. For example: If I forgive, I am minimizing the wrong. If I forgive, I have to forget what happened. If I forgive, I am inviting further mistreatment. Really, forgiving does not imply any of the foregoing. Still, extending forgiveness can be difficult—especially in the close relationship between husband and wife. WHAT YOU CAN DO Understand what forgiveness involves. In the Bible, at times the word “forgive” means “let go.” So forgiveness does not always require that you forget what happened or minimize the wrong. Sometimes it means that you simply need to let go of a matter, for your own well-being and that of your marriage. Recognize the consequences of not forgiving. Some experts say that holding on to resentment can put you at greater risk for a wide range of physical and emotional problems, including depression and high blood pressure—not to mention the damage it does to your marriage. For good reason, the Bible says: “Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another.”—Ephesians 4:32. Recognize the benefits of forgiving. A spirit of forgiveness allows you and your mate to give each other the benefit of the doubt rather than to “keep score” of wrongs. That, in turn, helps you to create an environment that keeps resentment in check and allows love to grow.—Bible principle: Colossians 3:13. Be realistic. It is easier to be forgiving when you accept your spouse for who he or she is, flaws and all. “When you focus on what you didn’t get, it’s too easy to forget all of what you did get,” says the book Fighting for Your Marriage. “Which list do you want to dwell on at this point in life?” Remember, no one is perfect—including you.—Bible principle: James 3:2. Be reasonable. The next time you are offended by something that your spouse said or did, ask yourself: ‘Is the situation really that important? Do I need to demand an apology, or can I just overlook what happened and move on?’—Bible principle: 1 Peter 4:8. If necessary, discuss the matter. Calmly explain what offended you and why it made you feel that way. Do not impute bad motives or make dogmatic statements, since these will only put your spouse on the defensive. Instead, simply relate how your spouse’s actions affected you.

Premarital Sex...

THE BIBLE’S VIEW Is premarital sex wrong? “For this is what God wills, . . . that you abstain from fornication.”—1 Thessalonians 4:3. WHAT PEOPLE SAY Some cultures tolerate sexual activity between consenting unmarried adult individuals. In some areas it is viewed as acceptable for unmarried adolescents to engage in some forms of sexual intimacy. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS The Bible uses the word “fornication” for some forms of sexual activity outside marriage. God expects his worshippers to “abstain from fornication.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Fornication is listed as a serious sin, as are adultery, spiritism, drunkenness, idolatry, murder, and thievery.—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Revelation 21:8. WHY IT MATTERS For one thing, the Bible warns that “God will judge fornicators.” (Hebrews 13:4) More important, by obeying God’s laws about sexual morality, we prove our love for Jehovah God. (1 John 5:3) He in turn blesses those who observe his commandments.—Isaiah 48:18. Is it immoral for unmarried people to engage in any form of sexual intimacy? “Let fornication and uncleanness of every sort or greediness not even be mentioned among you.”—Ephesians 5:3. WHAT PEOPLE SAY Many people believe that apart from sexual intercourse, there is nothing wrong with sexual intimacies between unmarried partners. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS When discussing immoral sexual practices, the Bible mentions not only fornication but also sexual “uncleanness” and “loose conduct.” (2 Corinthians 12:21) Clearly, there are various forms of sexual intimacy that are offensive to God when performed outside marriage, even when there is no intercourse. The overall message of the Bible regarding sex is that sexual intimacies are restricted to a man and a woman who are married to each other. The Bible also disapproves of “covetous sexual appetite.” (1 Thessalonians 4:5) What does that mean? Consider an example that could apply equally to a man or a woman: A woman might be determined not to have intercourse with her boyfriend. Still, she engages in other forms of sexual intimacy with him. By doing so, they are coveting or lusting after something that does not belong to them. Hence, they are guilty of “covetous sexual appetite.” Such sexual greed is condemned in the Bible.—Ephesians 5:3-5. How can you avoid sexual immorality? “Flee from fornication.”—1 Corinthians 6:18. WHY IT MATTERS According to the Bible, those who engage in premarital sex are in danger of losing their friendship with God.—Colossians 3:5, 6. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS The Bible advises people to “flee from fornication.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) This means that a person needs to stay as far away as possible from anything that could lure him or her into sexual immorality. (Proverbs 22:3) For instance, in order to remain morally clean, it is vital for one to avoid close association with people who ignore God’s principles related to sex. The Bible warns: “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.”—Proverbs 13:20. Feeding the mind with immoral thoughts can also lead to sexual misconduct. (Romans 8:5, 6) Thus, it is wise to avoid music, videos, printed material, and anything else that improperly portrays sexual activity or that in any way promotes sexual conduct that offends God.—Psalm 101:3.

Quinta-feira, 25 de julho

Texto do dia.... Saboreai e vede que Jeová é bom; feliz o varão vigoroso que se refugia nele. — Sal. 34:8. Desenvolver forte fé requer mais do que ler e ouvir a respeito de como outros foram abençoados por Jeová. O estudante da Bíblia precisa também sentir pessoalmente a bondade de Jeová. Como ajudar o estudante a ver que Jeová é bom? Suponha que um estudante que enfrente dificuldades financeiras esteja também tentando vencer um mau hábito, como fumar, jogar ou beber demais. (Pro. 23:20, 21; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Tim. 6:10) Será que ensiná-lo a orar a Deus pedindo ajuda para vencer o mau hábito não lhe permitiria sentir a bondade de Jeová? Considere também o que pode acontecer quando incentivamos o estudante a dar prioridade a coisas espirituais por tirar tempo para estudo semanal da Bíblia e por se preparar para as reuniões cristãs e frequentá-las. Sem dúvida, à medida que ele sentir as bênçãos de Jeová sobre seus esforços, sua fé se fortalecerá. w11 15/11 4:8

Pode Falar o Que Quizer, To Nem Ai Para o Teu Veneno!!

...Ele tenta me atingir de qualquer maneira com as suas palavras torpes, mas, enquanto voce vem com o teu veneno, malicia e palavras rudes e estupidas, eu venho a ti em nome do Deus todo poderoso Jeova e com todo o amor que habita no meu coracao. Porque ele esta protegido contra as tuas palavras. A mim nao machucas pelo contrario, as tuas palavras descrevem o que voce e no intimo, e servem ainda para te conhecer melhor, e saber que atua mascara sempre cai, tentas te passar por uma pessoa boa, educada, intelectual, mas nao passas de um mappet... ouch magoei? sorry mas tinha de falar. Sucessos na tua carreira e o que te desejo. Assinado: KM

Kiss Kiss...

British Museum...

I just loved the bible tour, it is like the past came into the present. the picture talk for it self... To Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth... Por alguns minutes viajei no tempo Egipcio, vi mumias, pessoas que noutra hora comiam, bebiam, faziam amor e agora so lhes resta a carcasa. E triste mais ao mesmo tempo curioso. Esta particular mumia foi enterrada muito antes de descobrirem o processo de mumificacao, mas reparem como esta bem conservada, segundo pesquisas deve ter morrido em 305 b.e.c que interessante. O PROCESSO DE MUMIFICACAO... Quando alguem morria, era feito uma incisao na barriga e retiravam o figado, os intestinos e tudo o resto, somente deixavam o coracao, porque eles acreditavam que apos a morte havia vida. Introduziam tambem um pequeno gancho nas narinas e retiravam o cerebro aos poucos para fora. E estes orgaos eram armazenadas em vasilhas... Depois dentro da barriga era introduzida uma resina com oleos perfumados e o corpo era entao envolto com estes tecidos. Tive a oportunidade de segurar um papiro de verdade que continha um registo de obito... muito interessante, ate aprendi a ler algumas escritas Tenho muitas fotos mais e impossivel posta-las todas. And of course the Family em peso. Besos.