Illustration: Resisting the Spirit of the World

There was a ruler who was looking for a new carriage driver. He had his people search the land and they brought the three most qualified drivers before him. He had them brought to a high cliff with a sharp drop-off. He then proceed to ask them how close to the edge they could get with a carriage drawn by two of the best horses in the kingdom.

The first one said, "I can come within 10 inches of the edge while driving the carriage at high speed."

The second one boasted, "I can come within 5 inches of the edge with the horses at a full gallop and the carriage fully loaded!"

The third one exclaimed, "Are you kidding? I am not going anywhere near the edge of that cliff - especially with horses, a carriage and you in the carriage!"

Guess who got the job?

The idea being, we do not want to see how "close" we can come to the world, we want to avoid it as far as we can.

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Illustration: Why Preaching is Important

What would you do if you were walking down the street and, as you came to the corner, a man was there holding $100 bills. As you walked up to cross the street he handed you one. When you asked him what it was for he just said it was for you. When you asked why, he just smiled and said because he wanted to. Then, with a big smile on his face he told you he had a whole box full of $100 bills and would give one to anyone who wanted one. But they had to come while he was there because he wasn't staying all day. And when he left he would take the box with him.

Would you call your family and tell them they needed to get to this corner right away so they could get a $100 bill before the man left? Would you call you friends and tell them they needed to get to this corner right away so they could get a $100 bill before the man left? Would you walk down the street and tell strangers that they should get to the corner and get a $100 bill before the man left?

If you would, consider this: What Jehovah has given us is worth far more than $100. He will give it to anyone who really wants it. His offer does have an unknown time limit so time and action is important. Are we as eager to tell others of Jehovah's free gift as we would be of that $100?

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Illustration: What To Do When Stumbled?

Supposed you were walking outside and then someone, perhaps your brother, came up and put something in your way and you trip over it and fall, you stumbled. Would you just lay there and say "I'm stumbled!"?

When someone comes along to help you up would you say, "Leave me alone, I'm stumbled!"? Would you just lay there when it rains or an alligator comes along to eat you...because you're stumbled? Of course not!

For Those Loving Jehovah, “There Is No Stumbling Block”

Likewise, if you stumble spiritually, accept the help, get up and move on. Don't let the alligator eat you!

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January 15, 2018 - What’s New on JW.ORG

In case you missed them, our JW.org website just added new items today (January 15, 2018). Check them below:

See What's New button at JW.org

• THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION (SIMPLIFIED) April 2018. This issue contains the study articles for June 4 to July 8, 2018. It discusses topics like real freedom, misusing God-given freedom, giving encouragement, being interested in our brothers and focusing on spiritual goals. [Link]
• Our Reasons for Joy. This is a Become Jehovah's Friend activity. Children will draw their animal of choice on the spaces provided. Parents will help them stick it on the printable world map. [Link]
• "I Had an Explosive Temper" (THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES). A former gang member believes that the person he is today testifies to the transforming power of the Bible. He now enjoys a close relationship with God. Read his life story. [Link]

Sources: JW.org / JW Broadcasting / Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of Pennsylvania

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JW Theocratic Software and Apps for Microsoft Windows, Google Android and Apple iOS [Updated]

The goal of this page is simple. It is to compile all those useful Theocratic software and apps that we Jehovah's Witnesses use. We will list them, describe them (if we can), and provide you details on where you can download and install them. At times, we may provide how-tos and tutorials too.

These JW software and apps are there to organize, simplify and automate some of our Theocratic tasks. Most of these apps are not produced, provided nor endorsed by the branch. But, almost all of them are created by our brothers around the world with one goal in mind, again, to organize, simplify and automate our tasks.

Microsoft Windows, Google Android, Linux, Apple MacOS and Apple iOS are some of the most popular operating systems (OS) that are used today. There are JW apps that works on only one OS, but there are some of which you can install on two or more platforms.

Download JW Theocratic Software and Apps

OFFICIAL JW SOFTWARE & APPS
Produced by Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
1. Watchtower Library (Microsoft Windows)
2. JW Library (Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, Google Android) [Link]
3. JW Language (Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, Google Android) [Link]
4. JW Library Sign Language (Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, Google Android) [Link]
5. JW Broadcasting (Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku) [Link]
6. JW Event (Apple iOS, Google Android) [Link unavailable]

OTHER SOFTWARE & APPS (Click to view items.)

Produced by various brothers, but not endorsed nor affiliated with the branch or its representatives.

KHS (Kingdom Hall Schedules) (Windows) [Link]
A program for elders and ministerial servants who creates and maintains many of the schedules needed by a congregation. The use a of single program interface allows several brothers in the same congregation to exchange data with each other and provides the CBOE with an overview of the schedules to be posted.

TheocBase (Windows, macOS X, Linux, Android, iOS) [Link]
Midweek and weekend meeting scheduling software with mobile device app companion for different platforms. It also prints assignment slips for students and assistants. It can also be used for arranging congregation territories.

Ministry Assistant (Android) [Link]
A help for Jehovah's Witnesses in their field service to quickly take notes and stay organized. It's very easy to keep track of your territories, all your return visits, your service time for the month and plan your day or week of door to door ministry.

Hourglass (iOS, Android, Web-based) [Link]
Software for congregation secretaries. Information from Publisher Record Cards is stored electronically for easy access and updating. Publishers can electronically submit reports from their mobile phones. Compile the monthly report for the Branch instantly. See detailed service reports and Regular Pioneer progress at any time.

SoundBox (Windows) [Link]
Designed for use at Kingdom Halls where a PC is used to record meetings and play videos and songs. However, support will end after December 2018 as JW Library app is now used for yeartext and artwork showing as well as video and song playing. They are now working on two open-source applications, OnlyT and OnlyR. Check the next item below:

OnlyT and OnlyR (Windows)
OnlyT, a program for timing congregation meetings. [Link]
OnlyR, a program for recording congregation meetings. [Link]

BOARD (Compatible with most modern OS) [Link]
An online software developed exclusively for Kingdom Halls. It aims to replace a regular information board with an interactive platform. Each brother can upload the scheduled, letters and other announcements at home, and everything will be synchronized and available at a TV on the Kingdom Hall. Currently under development.

Multi-Terr (Windows) [Link]
An application developed to help the congregation manage its territory. Multi-Terr has made great efforts to facilitate the transfer of doors between congregations. In Multi-Terr version 4, special attention has been given to language groups, adding tools that will help to manage the constantly moving and growing territories. The integration of Google Maps technology allows to define territory boundaries and to share them on-line.

Meeting Schedule Assistant 2018 (Windows) [Link]
Meeting Schedule Assistant is designed to help you create a simple report for the various assignments at the Kingdom Hall. You can specify which brothers to use for Sound Console, Platform & Stage, Platform Microphone, Microphone Handlers and Attendants.

Equipd Bible App (iOS) [Link]
Yes, a Bible app, equipped with different features. That's it.

Do you know any useful JW software and apps we can add on this list? Tell us using the comment box below. Thanks.

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Illustration: Journey as Christians

Try to imagine that all of us in Jehovah’s organization are sticking to it and doing what we are supposed to be doing, and giving our best to Jehovah. It's like we are all riding along in a train together to the new system.

Riding along in a train together to the new system

As we ride along, the journey becomes very tiring for some and so every so often some of them nod-off to sleep. When this happens, the other on the train pick them up and carry them back to the sleeper cars and leave them there to rest until we reach our destination. It is with the ones we have lost in death.

They are right there in Jehovah’s memory, so when we reach the station all we will do is walk back to the sleeper cars and tell them, “Here we are! You can get up now!”

Source: jwtalk.net

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2018 Regional Convention Theme, Badge and Invitation

First month of 2018, yay! Aside from the monthly broadcast (from JW Broadcasting) and Circuit Assemblies, what else are we excited about this year? As the title says, yes, the 2018 Regional Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses around the earth. Aside from your typical convention location , this year's 3-day event will also be held on various locations as "Special Convention". And last time, we featured those locations (with dates) on this blog.

Related article: 2018 Special Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses (Dates and Locations)

As you can remember, it was revealed that the next Regional Convention theme will be about "courage." Do you want to know it now? It's "'Be Courageous'!" So that will be "Be Courageous"! 2018 Regional Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses. Now the question is, "How did we know that?"

The 2018 Regional Convention Invitation clearly answer that. Below is the thumbnail:

2018 Regional Convention Invitation thumbnail from JW.org

2018 Regional Convention Invitation in other languages:


As we can see, invitation shows a ship on the sea facing a big wave. It's taken from the account of Jonah. Here are some more thumbnails:

"Be Courageous"! 2018 Regional Convention Program

As for the "Be Courageous"! 2018 Regional Convention Badge design, we still have no idea about that. Do you think it will continue to feature an image related to the theme? Let's just wait for that. One thing is for sure, before your Regional Convention, your local elders will distribute them on your local Kingdom Halls.

By the way, if you like to know the nearest 2018 Regional Convention locations, head over to our official "Find a Meeting" page, then click the "Conventions" tab. [Link: Find a Meeting]

Convention Search at JW.org

Bonus: Here is the movie poster for The Story of Jonah: A Lesson in Courage and Mercy.

The Story of Jonah: A Lesson in Courage and Mercy Drama

Sources: JW.org / JW Broadcasting / Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of Pennsylvania

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We'll Never Let Go Lyrics - 143rd Gilead Graduation "The Inside Story"

During the 143rd Gilead Graduation a beautiful song was performed by selected students. The song has a theme related to our past Regional Convention. It is entitled as "We'll Never Let Go". You can watch the original performance at the segment "The Inside Story." [Watch the whole program at TV.JW.org]

Now, if you're interested with the song lyrics, you can check it below.

We'll Never Let Go students' performance (Screengrab from TV.JW.org)

We'll Never Let Go — The Inside Story [Source]

We'll Never Let Go Lyrics
143rd Gilead Graduation

Around the world, God's servants all rejoice.
We praise Jehovah with a cheerful voice.
Whatever comes our way we fear no harm.
We will get through, we have God's mighty arm.

We won't give up and no we won't give in.
Jehovah's on our side this is a race we'll win.
We'll weather storms, Jehovah's strength we'll know.
Of his right hand of His mighty arm, we'll never let go.

Uncertainties we'll surely face in life.
But we'll be strong we see beyond the strife.
We will uphold Jehovah's sovereignty.
As we display our own integrity.

We won't give up and no we won't give in.
Jehovah's on our side this is a race we'll win.
We'll weather storms, Jehovah's strength we'll know.
Of his right hand of His mighty arm, we'll never let go.

We won't give up and no we won't give in.
Jehovah's on our side this is a race we'll win.
We'll weather storms, Jehovah's strength we'll know.
Of his right hand of His mighty arm, we'll never let go.

We'll never let go.

Sources: JW.org / JW Broadcasting / Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of Pennsylvania

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