Examining

the Scriptures
Daily

2022
es22-E
210621
 Examining
the Scriptures
Daily
2022

Yeartext
“Those seeking Jehovah will
lack nothing good.”
—Psalm 34:10.

_______________________________________________________________________________
Name
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of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by
voluntary donations.
To make a donation, please visit donate.jw.org.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the
modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Examining the Scriptures Daily—2022

April 2021 Printing
English (es22-E)

˘ 2021
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
OF PENNSYLVANIA
Publishers
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
Wallkill, New York, U.S.A.
Made in U.S.A.
 2022

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

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APRIL MAY JUNE

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JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

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 OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE AND MINISTRY
BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR 2022

January February

3 Judges 15-16  7 1 Samuel 1-2 

10 Judges 17-19  14 1 Samuel 3-5 
17 Judges 20-21  21 1 Samuel 6-8 
24 Ruth 1-2  28 1 Samuel 9-11 
31 Ruth 3-4 

March April

7 1 Samuel 12-13  4 1 Samuel 20-22 

14 1 Samuel 14-15  11 Week of Memorial
21 1 Samuel 16-17  18 1 Samuel 23-24 
28 1 Samuel 18-19  25 1 Samuel 25-26 

May June

2 1 Samuel 27-29  6 2 Samuel 9-10 

9 1 Samuel 30-31  13 2 Samuel 11-12 
16 2 Samuel 1-3  20 2 Samuel 13-14 
23 2 Samuel 4-6  27 2 Samuel 15-17 
30 2 Samuel 7-8 
 July August

4 2 Samuel 18-19  1 1 Kings 1-2 

11 2 Samuel 20-21  8 1 Kings 3-4 
18 2 Samuel 22  15 1 Kings 5-6 
25 2 Samuel 23-24  22 1 Kings 7 
29 1 Kings 8 

September October

5 1 Kings 9-10  3 1 Kings 17-18 

12 1 Kings 11-12  10 1 Kings 19-20 
19 1 Kings 13-14  17 1 Kings 21-22 
26 1 Kings 15-16  24 2 Kings 1-2 
31 2 Kings 3-4 

November December

7 2 Kings 5-6  5 2 Kings 13-15 

14 2 Kings 7-8  12 2 Kings 16-17 
21 2 Kings 9-10  19 2 Kings 18-19 
28 2 Kings 11-12  26 2 Kings 20-21 
 How to Use This Booklet
On the following pages, you will find a scripture for each
day and comments on that text. Although the text and com-
ments may be read at any time, many find it advantageous to
consider them in the morning. Then they can reflect on such
thoughts throughout the day. Discussing the text as a family
is most beneficial. Bethel families around the world do so at
breakfast time.
The comments are taken from the Watchtower (w) issues of
April 2020 through March 2021. Figures following the date of
the Watchtower issue refer first to the page(s) in that issue and
then to the paragraph(s) where the material is found. (See il-
lustration below.) Additional information on the subject matter
can be found in the article itself.

Monday, January 3
The eyes of Jehovah are every-
where, watching both the bad and
the good.—Prov. 15:3.
Hagar, the maidservant of Sarai,
acted foolishly after she was given
as a wife to Abram. Hagar became
pregnant and then began to look
down on Sarai, who had no children
of her own. . . . While Jehovah did
not excuse Hagar’s disrespect for
Sarai, we can be sure that he took
Hagar’s background and her situa-
tion into account. w20.04 16 ˚8-9
․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 

․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 
․․․․․․․․․ 
․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 

Paragraph number(s) where

text and comments are found
Page number(s) where text and
comments are found
Month of Watchtower issue
Year of Watchtower issue
 Saturday, January 1 anointed servants. They boldly pro-
From infancy you have known claim God’s judgments against this
the holy writings, which are able wicked system of things and, as a
to make you wise for salvation result, make its supporters very un-
through faith in Christ Jesus. comfortable. Are we saying that the
—2 Tim. 3:15. locusts described at Joel 2:7-9 are
not the same as the locusts present-
Timothy’s faith was built on facts ed in the book of Revelation? Yes. In
that drew him closer to Jehovah. the Bible, it is not unusual for a sym-
You too must logically reason on bol to convey different meanings in
what you have learned about Jeho- different settings. For example, at
vah from reading the Bible. To start Revelation 5:5, Jesus is called “the
with, you need to prove to yourself Lion of the tribe of Judah,” whereas
at least three basic truths. First, at 1 Peter 5:8, the Devil is described
you need to be convinced that Jeho- as “a roaring lion.” w20.04 3 ˚8; 5 ˚10
vah God is the Creator of all things.
(Ex. 3:14, 15; Heb. 3:4; Rev. 4:11) Sec- Monday, January 3
ond, you must prove to yourself that
The eyes of Jehovah are every-
the Bible is God’s inspired message
to mankind. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) And
where, watching both the bad and
third, you need to confirm that Je- the good.—Prov. 15:3.
hovah has an organized group of Hagar, the maidservant of Sarai,
people who are worshipping him acted foolishly after she was given
under Christ’s headship and that Je- as a wife to Abram. Hagar became
hovah’s Witnesses are that group. pregnant and then began to look
(Isa. 43:10-12; John 14:6; Acts 15:14) down on Sarai, who had no children
This does not require that you be- of her own. The situation became so
come a walking encyclopedia of Bi- bad that Sarai chased Hagar away.
ble knowledge. Your goal should be (Gen. 16:4-6) From our imperfect
to use your “power of reason” to viewpoint, Hagar might appear to be
strengthen your conviction that you no more than a spiteful woman who
have the truth.—Rom. 12:1. w20.07 10 got what she deserved. But Jeho-
˚8-9 vah saw more in Hagar. He sent his
Sunday, January 2 angel to her. When the angel found
her, he helped her to adjust her atti-
It was granted the locusts, not to tude and blessed her. Hagar sensed
kill them, but to torment them five that Jehovah had been watching her
months.—Rev. 9:5. and knew all about her situation.
This prophecy describes a swarm She was moved to call him “a God
of locusts that have human faces of sight, . . . the one who sees me.”
and ‘what seem to be crowns of gold’ (Gen. 16:7-13) What did Jehovah see
on their heads. (Rev. 9:7) They tor- in Hagar? He was fully aware of her
ment “those people [God’s enemies] background and everything she had
who do not have the seal of God on been through. While Jehovah did not
their foreheads” for a period of five excuse Hagar’s disrespect for Sar-
months, the average life span of a lo- ai, we can be sure that he took Ha-
cust. (Rev. 9:4) This does indeed ap- gar’s background and her situation
pear to be a description of Jehovah’s into account. w20.04 16 ˚8-9
 Tuesday, January 4 belt? Because Satan is “the father
I have run the race to the finish. of the lie.” (John 8:44) He has had
—2 Tim. 4:7. thousands of years to practice his
lying and has misled “the entire in-
The apostle Paul said that all true habited earth”! (Rev. 12:9) But the
Christians are in a race. (Heb. 12:1) truths contained in the Bible pro-
And all of us, young or old, energet- tect us from being deceived. How
ic or tired, must endure to the end if do we wear this symbolic belt? We
we want to receive the prize that Je- do so by learning the truth about
hovah offers us. (Matt. 24:13) Paul Jehovah, by worshipping him “with
had freeness of speech because he
spirit and truth,” and by conduct-
had successfully “run the race to
ing ourselves honestly in all things.
the finish.” (2 Tim. 4:7, 8) But what,
—John 4:24; Eph. 4:25; Heb. 13:18.
specifically, is the race that Paul
w21.03 26-27 ˚3-5
spoke about? Paul sometimes used
features from the games held in an- Thursday, January 6
cient Greece to teach important les-
sons. (1 Cor. 9:25-27; 2 Tim. 2:5) On He will also enter into the land
a number of occasions, he used run- of the Decoration.—Dan. 11:41.
ning as in a footrace to illustrate the What made that land especial-
Christian course of life. (1 Cor. 9: ly precious was that it was the
24; Gal. 2:2; Phil. 2:16) A person en- location where true worship was
ters this “race” when he dedicates practiced. Since Pentecost 33 C.E.,
himself to Jehovah and gets bap- that “land” is not a single, liter-
tized. (1 Pet. 3:21) He crosses the al geographic location; it cannot
finish line when Jehovah grants him be, for Jehovah’s people are spread
the prize of everlasting life.—Matt. throughout the earth. Rather, “the
25:31-34, 46; 2 Tim. 4:8. w20.04 26 land of the Decoration” today is the
˚1-3 realm of activity of Jehovah’s peo-
Wednesday, January 5 ple that includes such things as
their worship of Jehovah through
Take up the complete suit of armor meetings and the field ministry.
from God.—Eph. 6:13. During the last days, the king of the
“The Lord is faithful, and he will north has repeatedly entered into
strengthen you and protect you “the land of the Decoration.” For
from the wicked one.” (2 Thess. 3:3) example, when Nazi Germany filled
How does Jehovah protect us? Je- the role of the king of the north, par-
hovah has made available to us a ticularly during the second world
suit of armor that can protect us war, that king entered into “the
from Satan’s attacks. (Eph. 6:13- land of the Decoration” by perse-
17) This spiritual armor is strong cuting and killing God’s people. Af-
and effective! But it will protect ter World War II when the Soviet
us only if we put on each piece of Union took on the role of the king
the armor—and keep it on. For in- of the north, that king entered into
stance, the belt of truth represents “the land of the Decoration” by per-
the truths found in God’s Word, secuting God’s people, exiling them.
the Bible. Why must we wear this w20.05 13 ˚7-8
 Friday, January 7 less they see Jehovah’s love behind
Close friendship with Jehovah be- those laws. So we might ask our stu-
longs to those who fear him, and dents: “Why do you think God asks
he makes his covenant known to his servants to do this or to refrain
them.—Ps. 25:14. from doing this? What does that tell
us about him as a Person?” If we
Consider some pre-Christian men help our students to think about Je-
who became friends of God. Abra- hovah and to develop real love for
ham was a man who showed out- his glorious name, we are more like-
standing faith. Over 1,000 years af- ly to reach their heart. Our students
ter Abraham’s death, Jehovah called will come to love not only the laws
him “my friend.” (Isa. 41:8) So not but also the Lawgiver. They will
even death can separate Jehovah grow in faith and will be helped to
from his close friends. Abraham is endure fiery tests to come.—1 Cor. 3:
alive in Jehovah’s memory. (Luke 20: 12-15. w20.06 10 ˚10-11
37, 38) Another example is Job. Be-
fore an assembly of the angels in Sunday, January 9
heaven, Jehovah spoke confidently
about Job. Jehovah called him “an Be quick to listen, slow to speak.
upright man of integrity, fearing —Jas. 1:19.
God and shunning what is bad.” (Job We need to be patient because it
1:6-8) And how did Jehovah feel takes time for a person to heal spir-
about Daniel, who served God faith- itually. Many formerly inactive ones
fully in a pagan land for about 80 admit that they responded only af-
years? Three times angels assured ter repeated visits by the elders and
that aged man that he was “very others in the congregation. A sister
precious” to God. (Dan. 9:23; 10:11, named Nancy, from Southeast Asia,
19) We can be certain that Jehovah writes: “A close friend in the con-
longs for the day when he will res- gregation helped me a great deal.
urrect his beloved friends who have She loved me like an older sister.
died.—Job 14:15. w20.05 26-27 ˚3-4 She reminded me of the good times
Saturday, January 8 we shared in the past. She would lis-
ten patiently as I expressed my feel-
Teach me your regulations. ings, and she did not hesitate to
—Ps. 119:68. give me advice. She proved to be
A good student may learn about a true friend, ready to help at any
God’s laws, even admire them. But time.” Empathy is like a powerful
will the student obey Jehovah out of ointment; it can help to heal hurt
love for him as a Person? Remem- feelings. Some inactive ones have
ber, Eve knew God’s law, but she did struggled for years with bitter feel-
not truly love the Lawgiver; nor did ings toward someone in the con-
Adam. (Gen. 3:1-6) So we must do gregation. These feelings have sti-
more than teach others about God’s fled the desire to return to Jehovah.
righteous requirements and stan- Some may think that they were
dards. Jehovah’s requirements and treated unjustly. They may need
standards are appealing and beauti- someone who will listen to them and
ful. (Ps. 119:97, 111, 112) But our stu- understand their feelings. w20.06 26
dents may not see them that way un- ˚10-11
 Monday, January 10 (Prov. 8:30) And the angelic sons
of God also had reason to rejoice.
You have conquered the wicked
They had front-row seats, as it were,
one.—1 John 2:14.
when Jehovah and his Master Work-
Each time you resist temptation, er, Jesus, made the heavens and the
it will get easier for you to do what earth. How did the angels respond?
is right. Remember, too, that this They “began shouting in applause”
world’s twisted view of sex origi- when the earth was formed, and
nates with Satan. So when you re- they no doubt continued to applaud
fuse to compromise, you ‘conquer each of Jehovah’s creative works,
the wicked one.’ We acknowledge including his final masterpiece, hu-
that Jehovah has the right to de- mans. (Job 38:7; Prov. 8:31, ftn.)
fine what is sinful conduct. And we Each of these creations revealed Je-
do our best not to commit a sin. hovah’s love and wisdom.—Ps. 104:
But when we do sin, we confess our 24; Rom. 1:20. w20.08 14 ˚1-2
wrongdoing to Jehovah in prayer.
Wednesday, January 12
(1 John 1:9) And if we commit a se-
rious sin, we seek the help of the You will be hated by all the nations
elders, whom Jehovah has appoint- on account of my name.
ed to care for us. (Jas. 5:14-16) How- —Matt. 24:9.
ever, we should not be consumed by Jehovah created us to love and to
feelings of guilt over past mistakes. be loved. So when someone hates
Why not? Because our loving Father us, we feel hurt and perhaps even
provided the ransom sacrifice of his afraid. A brother writes: “When sol-
Son so that our sins can be forgiv- diers hit me, insulted me, and threat-
en. When Jehovah says that he will ened me because I was one of Je-
forgive repentant sinners, he means hovah’s Witnesses, I felt frightened
what he says. So there is nothing to and humiliated.” Such hatred hurts,
stop us from serving Jehovah with a but it does not surprise us. Jesus
clean conscience.—1 John 2:1, 2, 12; foretold that we would be hated.
3:19, 20. w20.07 22-23 ˚9-10 Why does the world hate Jesus’ fol-
lowers? Because like Jesus, we are
Tuesday, January 11 “no part of the world.” (John 15:17-
With you is the source of life. 19) As a result, while we respect
—Ps. 36:9. human governments, we refuse to
worship them or the emblems that
There was a time when Jehovah represent them. We give Jehovah
was alone. But he was not lonely. He our exclusive devotion. We uphold
was complete in every way. Never- God’s right to rule mankind—a right
theless, God wanted others to enjoy that Satan and his “offspring” vigor-
life. Motivated by love, Jehovah be- ously challenge. (Gen. 3:1-5, 15) We
gan creating. (1 John 4:19) First, Je- preach that God’s Kingdom is man-
hovah created a fellow worker. Then, kind’s only hope and that the King-
by means of this first Son, “all other dom will soon crush all those who
things were created,” including mil- oppose it. (Dan. 2:44; Rev. 19:19-21)
lions of intelligent spirit creatures. That message is good news to the
(Col. 1:16) Jesus rejoiced at the op- meek but bad news to the wicked.
portunity to work with his Father. w21.03 20 ˚1-2
 Thursday, January 13 6:32-34) The stronger your faith be-
comes, the more courageous you will
We know that we originate
be. You showed great faith when you
with God.—1 John 5:19.
informed acquaintances and mem-
Jehovah gives Christian sisters a bers of your family that you had be-
dignified place in the congregation. gun to study the Bible with Jeho-
They are fine examples of wisdom, vah’s Witnesses and to attend their
faith, zeal, courage, generosity, and meetings! No doubt you have made
good works. (Luke 8:2, 3; Acts 16: significant changes in your conduct
14, 15; Rom. 16:3, 6; Phil. 4:3; Heb. and lifestyle in order to live by Jeho-
11:11, 31, 35) We are also blessed to vah’s righteous standards. That too
have many elderly ones. They may took faith and courage. As you con-
struggle with various health prob- tinue to build courage, you can be
lems associated with advanced age. confident that “Jehovah your God is
Yet, these older ones do what they with you wherever you go.”—Josh. 1:
can in the field ministry, and they 7-9. w20.09 5 ˚11-12
use all the energy they have to en- Saturday, January 15
courage and train others! And we
benefit from their experience. They Jehovah gave him rest.
are truly beautiful to Jehovah and —2 Chron. 14:6.
to us. (Prov. 16:31) Think, too, about King Asa is an excellent example
our young ones. They face many of a man who acted wisely by relying
challenges as they grow up in this completely on Jehovah. He served
world dominated by Satan the Dev- Jehovah not only in bad times but
il and his wicked philosophies. Yet, also during times of peace. From
we all feel encouraged when we see early on, “Asa’s heart was complete-
our young ones comment at meet- ly devoted to Jehovah.” (1 Ki. 15:
ings, share in the ministry, and cou- 14, ftn.) One way Asa demonstrat-
rageously defend their beliefs. Yes, ed his devotion was by clearing out
you young ones have an important false worship from Judah. The Bible
place in Jehovah’s congregation! says that “he removed the foreign al-
—Ps. 8:2. w20.08 21-22 ˚9-11 tars and the high places, smashed
the sacred pillars, and cut down the
Friday, January 14 sacred poles.” (2 Chron. 14:3, 5) He
I am sending you out as sheep even removed Maacah, his grand-
among wolves.—Matt. 10:16. mother, from being a sort of first
lady in the kingdom. Why? Because
When we start to preach and iden- she promoted false worship of an
tify ourselves as Jehovah’s Witness- idol. (1 Ki. 15:11-13) Asa did more
es, we may face “storms” of family than clear away false worship. He
opposition, ridicule from acquain- promoted pure worship, helping the
tances, and resistance to our mes- kingdom of Judah return to Jeho-
sage. How can you build your cour- vah. Jehovah blessed Asa and the Is-
age? First, be convinced that Jesus raelites with a time of peace. For a
continues to direct this work from period of ten years during Asa’s rul-
heaven. (John 16:33; Rev. 14:14-16) ership, “the land had no distur-
Next, strengthen your faith in Jeho- bance.”—2 Chron. 14:1, 4, 6. w20.09 14
vah’s promise to care for you. (Matt. ˚2-3
 Sunday, January 16 benefit him too. During the Bible
Timothy, guard what has been study, tell your student about real-
entrusted to you.—1 Tim. 6:20. life examples of those who faced
challenges similar to his and over-
We often place our valuable things came them. You could bring along
in the care of others. For instance, on the study someone from the con-
we may deposit our money in a bank. gregation whose example might
When we do, we expect that our benefit the student. Help your stu-
funds will be kept secure and not dent to see how wise it is to apply
be lost or stolen. The apostle Paul Bible principles in his life. If the stu-
reminded Timothy that he had re- dent is married, is the spouse also
ceived something precious—accu- studying? If not, invite the mate to
rate knowledge of God’s purpose for join in the study. Encourage your
humankind. Timothy was also en- student to share what he is learning
trusted with the privilege to “preach with his family and friends.—John 1:
the word” and to “do the work of 40-45. w20.10 16 ˚7-9
an evangelizer.” (2 Tim. 4:2, 5) Paul
urged Timothy to guard what had Tuesday, January 18
been entrusted to him. Like Timothy, You must inculcate them
we have been entrusted with valu- in your sons.—Deut. 6:7.
able things. Jehovah has favored us
with an accurate knowledge of the Jesus’ earthly parents helped Je-
precious truths found in his Word, sus to grow up to have God’s favor;
the Bible. These truths are precious they followed Jehovah’s directions
because they teach us how to have a to parents. (Deut. 6:6, 7) Joseph
good relationship with Jehovah and and Mary had a deep love for Jeho-
they explain what brings real happi- vah, and their priority was to en-
ness in life. When we accept those courage their children to develop
truths and live by them, we are freed that same kind of love. Joseph and
from enslavement to false teachings Mary chose to maintain a good spir-
and immoral practices.—1 Cor. 6:9- itual routine as a family. No doubt,
11. w20.09 26 ˚1-3 they attended weekly meetings at
the synagogue in Nazareth, as well
Monday, January 17 as the annual Passover in Jerusa-
lem. (Luke 2:41; 4:16) They may
You know what sort of men we be-
have used those family trips to Je-
came among you for your sakes.
rusalem to teach Jesus and his sib-
—1 Thess. 1:5.
lings about the history of Jehovah’s
A student needs to see your en- people, possibly along the way visit-
thusiasm and to hear your convic- ing locations that are mentioned in
tion about the truths that are found the Scriptures. As their family grew
in the Bible. Then he will be more in number, it must not have been
likely to get excited about what he easy for Joseph and Mary to keep a
is learning. If appropriate, tell him good spiritual routine. But look at
how living by Bible principles has the benefits they enjoyed! Because
helped you personally. Then he will they put worship of Jehovah first,
come to realize that the Bible con- their family was well cared for spir-
tains practical guidance that can itually. w20.10 28 ˚8-9
 Wednesday, January 19 nor Felix ordered that Paul “be kept
under guard in Herod’s palace.” Paul
Ezra had prepared his heart to
was out of the reach of the would-be
consult the Law of Jehovah . . .
murderers. (Acts 23:12-35) But Felix
and to teach its regulations.
was succeeded as governor by Fes-
—Ezra 7:10.
tus, who wanted “to gain favor with
If you are invited to sit in on a Bi- the Jews.” He asked Paul: “Do you
ble study, it would be good if you wish to go up to Jerusalem and be
could prepare the material that judged before me there?” Paul knew
will be discussed. Dorin, a spe- that he would probably be killed in
cial pioneer, says: “I appreciate it Jerusalem. He said: “I appeal to Cae-
when my companion prepares for sar!” Festus told Paul: “To Caesar
the study. Then he can participate you have appealed; to Caesar you
in a meaningful way.” Additional- will go.” In time, Paul would be in
ly, the student will likely notice Rome—far out of the reach of the
that both of you are well-prepared, Jews who were seeking to kill him.
and this will set a good example —Acts 25:6-12. w20.11 13 ˚4; 14 ˚8-10
for him. Even if you are not able Friday, January 21
to prepare the material thorough-
ly, at least take some time to get Our hearts may condemn us.
the key points of the lesson in mind. —1 John 3:20.
Prayer is an important part of a Bi- Feelings of guilt are not unusual.
ble study session, so think in ad- For example, some feel guilty be-
vance about what to say if you are cause of things they did before they
asked to offer a prayer. Then your learned the truth. Others feel guilty
prayer will likely be more meaning- because of mistakes they made af-
ful. (Ps. 141:2) Hanae, who lives in ter baptism. (Rom. 3:23) Of course,
Japan, remembers the prayers of- we want to do what is right. But “we
fered by a sister who accompanied all stumble many times.” (Jas. 3:2;
her Bible teacher. She says: “I felt Rom. 7:21-23) Although we do not en-
her strong friendship with Jehovah, joy feeling guilty, it can do us some
and I wanted to be like her. I also felt good. Why? Because feelings of guilt
loved when she included my name in can move us to correct our course
her prayers.” w21.03 9-10 ˚7-8 and to be determined not to repeat
our mistakes. (Heb. 12:12, 13) On the
Thursday, January 20 other hand, it is possible to feel ex-
Take courage! . . . You must also cessive guilt—that is, to continue to
bear witness in Rome.—Acts 23:11. feel guilty even after we have repent-
ed and Jehovah has shown that he
Jesus assured the apostle Paul has forgiven us. That type of guilt
that he would reach Rome. However, can be harmful. (Ps. 31:10; 38:3, 4)
some Jews in Jerusalem planned to It is vital that we guard against the
ambush Paul and kill him. When the trap of excessive guilt. After all, just
Roman military commander Claudi- think how happy it would make Sa-
us Lysias learned about the plan, he tan if we were to give up on our-
came to Paul’s rescue. Quickly, Clau- selves—even though Jehovah has
dius sent Paul—protected by many not given up on us!—Compare 2 Co-
soldiers—to Caesarea. There, Gover- rinthians 2:5-7, 11. w20.11 27 ˚12-13
 Saturday, January 22 simple as ‘Please help!’ (2 Chron. 18:
Surely in vain I have kept my heart 31) Rely on Jehovah’s wisdom, not
pure and washed my hands in your own. Back in the eighth cen-
tury B.C.E., the people of Judah
innocence.—Ps. 73:13.
felt threatened by the Assyrians.
The Levite psalmist began to envy In a desperate effort to avoid com-
the wicked and arrogant, not be- ing under the Assyrian yoke, they
cause of their badness, but because turned to pagan Egypt. (Isa. 30:1, 2)
of their evident prosperity. (Ps. Jehovah warned them that their
73:2-9, 11-14) They seemed to have wayward course would end in disas-
it all—wealth, a good life, and no ter. (Isa. 30:7, 12, 13) Through Isa-
anxieties. The Levite needed to see iah, Jehovah told the people how
things from Jehovah’s standpoint. they could find real security. He
On doing so, he was at peace once said: “Your strength will be in keep-
again, and he was happy. He said: ing calm and showing trust” in Je-
“Besides [Jehovah] I desire nothing hovah.—Isa. 30:15b. w21.01 3-4 ˚8-9
on earth.” (Ps. 73:25) Likewise, let us
never envy wicked people who seem Monday, January 24
to prosper. Their happiness is super- I heard the number of those who
ficial and temporary. (Eccl. 8:12, 13) were sealed, 144,000.—Rev. 7:4.
To envy them is to invite discourage-
ment as well as spiritual ruin. So if As a reward for their faithfulness,
you find yourself envying the seem- Christ’s anointed brothers become
ing success of the wicked, do what kings and priests with him in heav-
the Levite did. Heed God’s loving ad- en. (Rev. 20:6) All those who make
vice, and associate with others who up the heavenly part of God’s fami-
do Jehovah’s will. When Jehovah is ly will be eager to see the 144,000
your greatest delight, you will find anointed ones receive their heaven-
true happiness. And you will stay on ly reward. After telling about these
the path to “the real life.”—1 Tim. 6: 144,000 kings and priests, the apos-
19. w20.12 19 ˚14-16 tle John sees something exciting, “a
great crowd” who survive Armaged-
Sunday, January 23 don. Unlike the first group, this sec-
The problem is that we do not ond group is much larger and has no
fixed number. (Rev. 7:9, 10) They are
know what we should pray for as
“dressed in white robes,” indicat-
we need to, but the spirit it-
ing that they have kept themselves
self pleads for us with unuttered
“without spot” from Satan’s world
groanings.—Rom. 8:26.
and have remained loyal to God and
As you throw your anxiety on Je- Christ. (Jas. 1:27) They cry out that
hovah in prayer, be sure to include they have been saved because of
words of thanks. It is good for us what Jehovah and Jesus, the Lamb
to count our blessings, even when of God, have done. All the while,
our circumstances are especially they are holding palm branches,
difficult. If at times you are unable which shows that they joyfully ac-
to find the right words to express knowledge Jesus as Jehovah’s ap-
your intense emotions, remember pointed King.—Compare John 12:12,
that Jehovah answers prayers as 13. w21.01 15-16 ˚6-7
 Tuesday, January 25 may be young, there are things you
Your humility makes me great. can do right now to earn the trust
—2 Sam. 22:36. and respect of those in your congre-
gation. Do you young men have a
A man can learn to be a good skill that could benefit others in the
family head by imitating the way congregation? Many of you do. For
that Jehovah and Jesus exercise example, you may notice that some
their headship. For instance, con- older ones appreciate being shown
sider the quality of humility. Jeho- how to make the best use of their
vah is the wisest Person in exis- tablets and other electronic devic-
tence; yet, he listens to the opinions es for personal study and for meet-
of his servants. (Gen. 18:23, 24, 32) ings. Your knowledge of these devic-
Jehovah is perfect, but he does es can be of great benefit to such
not, at present, expect perfection older ones. In everything you do,
from us. Instead, he helps imper- make your heavenly Father proud of
fect humans who serve him to suc- you. w21.03 2 ˚1, 3; 7 ˚18
ceed. (Ps. 113:6, 7) In fact, the Bible
even describes Jehovah as a “help- Thursday, January 27
er.” (Ps. 27:9; Heb. 13:6) King David Each one will carry his
acknowledged that he could accom- own load.—Gal. 6:5.
plish the great work he was given
Even if a wife is better educated
to do only because of Jehovah’s hu-
than her husband, it is his responsi-
mility. Consider Jesus’ example. Al-
bility to take the lead in family wor-
though Lord and Master of his dis-
ship and in other theocratic activ-
ciples, he washed their feet. Jesus
ities. (Eph. 6:4) A woman must be
himself said: “I set the pattern for
submissive to her husband, but she
you, that just as I did to you, you
is still responsible for her own spiri-
should also do.” (John 13:12-17) Al-
tual health. To that end, she must al-
though he had great authority, Je-
locate some time for her own per-
sus did not expect to be served.
sonal study and meditation. That
Instead, he served others.—Matt.
will help her to maintain her love
20:28. w21.02 3-4 ˚8-10
and respect for Jehovah and to find
Wednesday, January 26 joy in being submissive to her hus-
band. Wives who remain subject to
The glory of young men is their their husband out of love for Jeho-
strength.—Prov. 20:29. vah will find more joy and content-
Young brothers, you have a lot to ment than those who reject Jeho-
offer. Many of you are strong and vah’s headship arrangement. They
full of energy. You are a real asset set a good example for both young
to your congregation. You may look men and young women. And they
forward to the time when you are help to create a warm atmosphere
appointed as a ministerial servant. not only in the family but also in
However, you may feel that others the congregation. (Titus 2:3-5) To-
view you as being too young or too day, women make up a large part of
inexperienced to be entrusted with those who are loyally serving Jeho-
important work. Even though you vah.—Ps. 68:11. w21.02 13 ˚21-23
 Friday, January 28 student, you help him to progress
Draw close to God, and he will to baptism. As the student contin-
draw close to you.—Jas. 4:8. ues to progress and make chang-
es, help him to feel that he belongs
The apostle Paul set an outstand- in the congregation. You can do
ing example of courage and endur- this by being hospitable. (Heb. 13:2)
ance. At times, he felt weak. But Once the Bible student qualifies
he was able to endure because he as a publisher, you can also invite
relied on Jehovah to give him the him to accompany you in the min-
strength he needed. (2 Cor. 12:8-10; istry. Diego, a publisher from Bra-
Phil. 4:13) We can have that kind zil, says: “Many brothers invited me
of strength and courage if we hum- to go out in the ministry. This was
bly recognize that we need Jeho- the best way to get to know them
vah’s help. (Jas. 4:10) We can be well. As I did, I learned a lot, and I
certain that the trials we face are felt closer to Jehovah and Jesus.”
not punishment from Jehovah. The
w21.03 12 ˚15-16
disciple James assures us: “When
under trial, let no one say: ‘I am Sunday, January 30
being tried by God.’ For with evil
Return evil for evil to no one.
things God cannot be tried, nor
—Rom. 12:17.
does he himself try anyone.” (Jas. 1:
13) When we are convinced of that Jesus told his followers to love
fact, we are drawn closer to our their enemies. (Matt. 5:44, 45) Is
loving heavenly Father. Jehovah that easy to do? By no means! But it
“does not vary or change.” (Jas. 1: is possible with the help of God’s
17) He supported the first-century holy spirit. The fruitage of God’s
Christians through their trials, and spirit includes love as well as pa-
he will help each of us today too. tience, kindness, mildness, and
Earnestly ask Jehovah to help you self-control. (Gal. 5:22, 23) These
gain wisdom, faith, and courage. He qualities help us to endure hatred.
will answer your prayers. w21.02 31 Many opposers have had a change
˚19-21 of heart because a believing hus-
band, wife, child, or neighbor dis-
Saturday, January 29
played those godly qualities. Many
As iron sharpens iron, so one opposers have even become our
man sharpens his friend. dear brothers and sisters. So if you
—Prov. 27:17. find it hard to love those who hate
You can encourage a Bible stu- you just because you are serving
dent who attends meetings by Jehovah, pray for holy spirit. (Luke
showing personal interest in him. 11:13) And be fully convinced that
(Phil. 2:4) Without being too per- God’s way is always best. (Prov. 3:
sonal, you could commend him for 5-7) Hatred can be powerful and
any positive changes he has made hurtful, but love is much stronger.
and ask him about his Bible study, It wins hearts. And it brings joy to
his family, and his work. These con- Jehovah’s heart. But even if oppos-
versations might draw you clos- ers continue to hate us, we can still
er together. When you befriend the be happy. w21.03 23 ˚13; 24 ˚15, 17
 Monday, January 31 become “meddlers in other people’s
A nation has come up into my land, affairs.” (1 Tim. 5:13) However, it is
mighty and without number. good to know something about our
brothers and sisters and the cir-
—Joel 1:6.
cumstances that have shaped their
The prophet Joel was predicting a personality. When you get to know
military attack. (Joel 2:1, 8, 11) Jeho- the background of a fellow Chris-
vah said that he would use his “great tian whom you find irritating, you
army” (Babylonian soldiers) to pun- are more likely to feel empathy for
ish the disobedient Israelites. (Joel that one. It takes effort to get to
2:25) The invading army is rightly know your brothers better. Still,
called “the northerner” because when you follow the Bible’s coun-
the Babylonians would invade Isra- sel to open your heart wide, you im-
el from the north. (Joel 2:20) That itate Jehovah, who loves “all sorts
army is likened to a well-organized of people.”—1 Tim. 2:3, 4; 2 Cor. 6:11-
swarm of locusts. Of them, Joel 13. w20.04 16-17 ˚10-12
says: “Each [soldier] advances in his
course. . . . Into the city they rush Wednesday, February 2
. . . Onto the houses they climb, No one has love greater than this,
through the windows they enter like that someone should surrender his
a thief.” (Joel 2:8, 9) Can you pic- life in behalf of his friends.
ture the scene? There are soldiers —John 15:13.
everywhere. There is nowhere to
hide. No one can escape the sword On the night before he died, Je-
of the Babylonians! Like locusts, the sus reminded his disciples to love
Babylonians (or, Chaldeans) invaded one another. He knew that self-
the city of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. sacrificing love would help them
The Bible reports: “The king of the to stay united and to endure the
Chaldeans . . . felt no compassion for world’s hatred. Consider the exam-
young man or virgin, old or infirm.” ple of the congregation in Thessalo-
—2 Chron. 36:17. w20.04 5 ˚11-12 nica. From the time it was formed,
its members were persecuted. Yet,
Tuesday, February 1 the brothers and sisters there be-
came examples of integrity and
With humility consider others
love. (1 Thess. 1:3, 6, 7) Paul en-
superior to you.—Phil. 2:3.
couraged them to continue show-
Get to know your brothers and ing love, even “in fuller measure.”
sisters better. Talk with them be- (1 Thess. 4:9, 10) Love would move
fore and after meetings, work with them to console the depressed and
them in the ministry, and if possi- support the weak. (1 Thess. 5:14)
ble, invite them for a meal. When They followed Paul’s instructions,
you do, you may learn that a sis- for in his second letter, written
ter who seems unfriendly is actual- about a year later, Paul could say to
ly shy, a brother whom you thought them: “The love of each and every
to be materialistic is hospitable, or one of you is increasing toward one
a family that often comes late to the another.” (2 Thess. 1:3-5) Their love
meetings is enduring opposition. helped them to endure hardship
(Job 6:29) Of course, we should not and persecution. w21.03 22 ˚11
 Thursday, February 3 office in Russia as well as Kingdom
Let us run with endurance the Halls and Assembly Halls. After
race that is set before us. these actions, in 2018 the Govern-
—Heb. 12:1. ing Body identified Russia and its
allies as the king of the north. How-
If we want to receive the prize ever, even when Jehovah’s people
of everlasting life, we must follow are severely persecuted, they re-
the Christian course, or way of life. fuse to participate in any action to
(Acts 20:24; 1 Pet. 2:21) However, subvert or change human govern-
Satan and those who follow his ex- ments. Rather, they follow the Bi-
ample want us to make a differ-
ble’s counsel to pray for “all those
ent choice; they want us to “contin-
who are in high positions,” espe-
ue running with them.” (1 Pet. 4:4)
cially when such ones are making
They ridicule the course of life we
decisions that could affect freedom
follow and claim that the path they
are on is better, that it leads to free-
of worship. w20.05 14 ˚9
dom. But their claim is false. (2 Pet. Saturday, February 5
2:19) How important it is that we
choose the right road to follow! Sa- Pay constant attention to yourself
tan wants all of us to stop running and to your teaching.—1 Tim. 4:16.
on the cramped road that is “lead- Parents, if your children are to be
ing off into life” and cross over to convinced that they have the truth,
the spacious road that most people they need to have a personal re-
in this world are on. That road is lationship with God and to be con-
popular and is easier to travel. But vinced of the truthfulness of what
it is “leading off into destruction.” the Bible teaches. If you are to
(Matt. 7:13, 14) To remain on the teach your children the truth about
right road and not be sidetracked, God, you must set the example by
we must trust in Jehovah and listen being good students of the Bible.
to him. w20.04 26 ˚1; 27 ˚5, 7 You must take time to meditate on
Friday, February 4 what you learn. Then you will be
able to teach your children to do the
I urge that supplications, prayers, same. You need to teach your chil-
intercessions . . . be made . . . so dren to use our Bible study tools,
that we may go on leading a calm just as you teach one of your Bible
and quiet life with complete godly students. In doing so, you will help
devotion.—1 Tim. 2:1, 2. your children to appreciate Jeho-
In recent years, Russia and its vah and the channel he uses to dis-
allies have also entered into “the pense spiritual food—“the faithful
land of the Decoration.” (Dan. 11:41) and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47)
How? In 2017, this current king of Do not settle for teaching your chil-
the north banned the work of Jeho- dren only basic Bible truths. Help
vah’s people and threw some of our them develop strong faith by teach-
brothers and sisters into prison. He ing them about “the deep things of
also banned our publications, in- God” to an extent that is appropri-
cluding the New World Translation. ate to their age and ability.—1 Cor. 2:
Further, he confiscated our branch 10. w20.07 11 ˚10, 12-13
 Sunday, February 6 also brought terrible harm to inno-
cent people, including his own fami-
Jehovah detests a devious person,
ly. (2 Sam. 11:1-5, 14-17; 12:7-12) Je-
but His close friendship is with the
hovah disciplined David, and he
upright.—Prov. 3:32.
recovered. (2 Sam. 12:13; Ps. 51:2-4,
How many imperfect humans to- 17) David remembered the trouble
day enjoy a close friendship with and misery that resulted when he let
Jehovah? There are millions. This his heart become divided. His words
friendship is possible because of recorded at Psalm 86:11 may also
their faith in Jesus’ ransom sacri- be rendered: “Give me an undivid-
fice. On that basis, Jehovah kind- ed heart.” Did Jehovah help David
ly allows us to dedicate ourselves make his heart whole, or undivided?
to him and get baptized. When we Yes, for Jehovah’s Word later refers
take these important steps, we join to David as a man whose “heart was
the millions of dedicated, baptized . . . complete with Jehovah his God.”
Christians who are enjoying “close —1 Ki. 11:4; 15:3. w20.06 11 ˚12-13
friendship” with the greatest Per- Tuesday, February 8
son in the universe! How can we
show that we treasure God’s friend- I kept drawing them, with the
ship? Like Abraham and Job, who cords of love.—Hos. 11:4.
remained faithful to God for well The Bible describes Jehovah’s
over a hundred years, we must re- love for his people as a cord, or
main faithful—no matter how long rope. In what sense is God’s love
we have been serving Jehovah in like a rope? Consider this illustra-
this old system. Like Daniel, we tion: Imagine that you are drowning
must value our friendship with God in rough seas and someone throws
more than life. (Dan. 6:7, 10, 16, 22) you a life vest. Surely you would ap-
With Jehovah’s help, we can endure preciate the help because that may
any trials we face and thus keep ease your struggle to stay afloat.
our close bond with him.—Phil. 4:13. But a life vest will not be enough
w20.05 27 ˚5-6 to keep you alive. The water is cold,
and you will not survive unless you
Monday, February 7 can reach a lifeboat. You need some-
Unify my heart.—Ps. 86:11. one to throw you a rope and to pull
you toward the lifeboat. As Jehovah
King David saw another man’s wife said in the words of today’s text, he
bathing. He knew Jehovah’s stan- lovingly “kept drawing” the Israel-
dard: “You must not desire your fel- ites who had gone astray. God feels
low man’s wife.” (Ex. 20:17) Yet, ev- the same way today about those who
idently he kept looking. His heart have stopped serving him and who
became divided between his desire are drowning in problems and anxi-
for the woman, Bath-sheba, and his ety. He wants them to know that he
desire to please Jehovah. Although loves them, and he wants to draw
David had long loved and feared Je- them to him. And Jehovah can use
hovah, he gave in to his selfish de- you to express his love to them. It
sire. In that instance, David pursued is important to assure inactive ones
a very bad course. He brought re- that Jehovah loves them and that we
proach on Jehovah’s name. David love them too. w20.06 27 ˚12-13
 Wednesday, February 9 anger grows hotter. He uses more
than subtle forms of attack, such
Happy is the man who keeps on
as the lure of immorality or the lies
enduring trial.—Jas. 1:12.
of apostates. He will also use brute
When the disciple Stephen was force. Satan knows that he has only
murdered, many Christians fled a short period of time left to try to
from Jerusalem and “were scat- stop our preaching work or to break
tered throughout the regions of Ju- our faith. It is no surprise, then, that
dea and Samaria,” eventually as our work is restricted or banned
far away as Cyprus and Antioch. in a number of countries. Even so,
(Acts 7:58–8:1; 11:19) We can only our brothers and sisters in those
imagine the hardship the disciples lands are enduring. They are proving
had to endure. Still, they eagerly that no matter what the wicked one
preached the good news wherever throws at us, we can be victorious!
they went, and congregations were w20.07 24 ˚12-13
established throughout the Roman
Empire. (1 Pet. 1:1) But far more tur- Friday, February 11
bulent times lay ahead for the ear- The gift God gives is everlasting
ly Christians. For instance, about life by Christ Jesus our Lord.
the year 50 C.E., Roman Emperor —Rom. 6:23.
Claudius ordered all Jews to leave
Rome. So Jews who had become Jehovah intended for the human
Christians were forced to abandon family to enjoy everlasting life on
their homes and relocate elsewhere. the beautiful planet that he had
(Acts 18:1-3) About 61 C.E., the apos- created. But when Adam and Eve
tle Paul wrote that his fellow Chris- rebelled against their loving Father,
tians had been publicly reproached, sin and death cast a shadow over
put in prison, and plundered. (Heb. the earth. (Rom. 5:12) How did Jeho-
10:32-34) And just like other peo- vah respond? Immediately, he stat-
ple, Christians had to endure pover- ed how he would rescue mankind.
ty and sickness.—Rom. 15:26; Phil. 2: (Gen. 3:15) Jehovah purposed to
25-27. w21.02 26-27 ˚2-4 provide a ransom that would make
it possible for Adam and Eve’s chil-
Thursday, February 10 dren to be freed from sin and death.
He could then allow each person to
The Devil has come down to you,
choose to serve Him and to receive
having great anger, knowing that
everlasting life. (John 3:16; 1 Cor.
he has a short period of time.
15:21, 22) When Jehovah through
—Rev. 12:12.
his Son resurrects countless mil-
There is nothing that Satan or lions, we may assume that not all
those influenced by him can do of them will come back to life at
that will destabilize a Christian who the same time. Why not? Because
has strengthened his own faith. an explosion in the earth’s popula-
(2 John 8, 9) We must expect to tion would likely cause chaos. And
be hated by the world. (1 John 3: Jehovah never does anything in a
13) John reminds us that “the whole disorganized, chaotic way. He knows
world is lying in the power of the that for peace to last, order must be
wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) As this maintained.—1 Cor. 14:33. w20.08 14
system draws to an end, Satan’s ˚3; 15 ˚5
 Saturday, February 12 have outstanding talents, you will be
Pay constant attention to yourself disappointed in yourself. You may
even feel, as the apostle Paul men-
and to your teaching.—1 Tim. 4:16.
tioned, that you have no place in the
A student should understand that congregation at all. Jehovah gave
the purpose of the Bible study is some first-century Christians mirac-
to help him to start serving Jeho- ulous gifts of the holy spirit, but
vah as one of His Witnesses. Step- not all Christians received the same
by-step, a sincere Bible student can gifts. (1 Cor. 12:4-11) Yet, each Chris-
reach the goal of baptism! First, the tian was valuable. Today, we do not
student comes to know and love Je- have the miraculous gifts of the holy
hovah and put faith in Him. (John 3: spirit. But the principle still applies.
16; 17:3) The student then forms a We may not all have the same tal-
relationship with Jehovah and be- ents, but all of us are valuable to Je-
gins to bond with the congregation. hovah. w20.08 23 ˚13-15
(Heb. 10:24, 25; Jas. 4:8) Eventual-
ly, the student rejects bad practices Monday, February 14
and repents of his sins. (Acts 3:19) Jehovah is on my side; I will
Meanwhile, his faith impels him to not be afraid.—Ps. 118:6.
share the truth with others. (2 Cor.
When you pray for courage and
4:13) Then he dedicates himself to
boldness, Jehovah will answer your
Jehovah and symbolizes his dedica-
prayers and never abandon you.
tion by getting baptized. (1 Pet. 3:21;
(Acts 4:29, 31) He is always there to
4:2) And what a joyous day that is
give you support. Think about how
for everyone! As the student takes
he has helped you overcome chal-
each step toward his goal, be gener-
lenges and given you the strength to
ous with sincere commendation and
make changes in your lifestyle. Cer-
encourage him to continue his prog-
tainly the One who led his people
ress in the right direction. w20.10 17-
through the Red Sea can help you
18 ˚12-13
to be a disciple of Christ. (Ex. 14:
Sunday, February 13 13) Maintain the same conviction as
did the psalmist who said the words
If the foot should say, “Because I of today’s text. Jehovah can also
am not a hand, I am no part of help new publishers to be coura-
the body,” that does not make it no geous. Note the experience of a sis-
part of the body.—1 Cor. 12:15. ter named Tomoyo. When she start-
If you compare yourself with oth- ed to preach from house to house,
ers in the congregation, you may the first householder she met shout-
be blinded to your own value. Some ed: “I don’t want anything to do with
in the congregation may be gifted Jehovah’s Witnesses!” and slammed
teachers, good organizers, or skilled the door. Tomoyo courageously told
shepherds. Perhaps you feel that her companion: “Did you hear that?
you do not have those gifts to the I didn’t have to say a word, and
same degree. This shows that you she recognized me as one of Jeho-
are humble and modest. (Phil. 2:3) vah’s Witnesses. I’m so happy!” To-
But be careful. If you constant- moyo now serves as a regular pio-
ly compare yourself with those who neer. w20.09 6 ˚13-14
 Tuesday, February 15 er hand, Jehovah has given family
Asa did what was good and right heads some authority that he has
in the eyes of Jehovah his God. not given to elders. For instance, he
—2 Chron. 14:2. has authorized a family head both
to make and to enforce rules for
Asa told the people that it was his family. (Rom. 7:2) For example, a
Jehovah who had “given [them] family head has the right to decide
rest all around.” (2 Chron. 14:6, 7) at what time his children should ar-
Asa did not feel that this period of rive home at night. He also has
peace was a time to relax. On the the authority to discipline his chil-
contrary, he set out to build cities, dren if they fail to obey that rule.
walls, towers, and gates. He told (Eph. 6:1) Of course, a loving family
the people of Judah: “The land is head consults with his wife before
still at our disposal.” What did Asa making rules in the household; after
mean? He meant that the people all, the two of them are “one flesh.”
could move about freely in their —Matt. 19:6. w21.02 16-18 ˚10-13
God-given land and build without
opposition from enemies. He urged Thursday, February 17
the people to take advantage of this [Wisdom] is more precious than
time of peace. Asa also used the corals; nothing you desire can
time of peace to strengthen his mil- compare to it.—Prov. 3:15.
itary force. (2 Chron. 14:8) Does
One reason why the truths found
this mean that he did not trust
in God’s Word are precious is that
in Jehovah? No. Rather, Asa knew
Jehovah reveals them only to hum-
that it was his duty as king to pre-
ble ones who are “rightly disposed.”
pare the people for the troubles
(Acts 13:48) Such individuals accept
they might face in the future. Asa
the channel he uses to dispense
knew that the period of peace that
those truths today. (Matt. 11:25; 24:
Judah enjoyed likely would not last
45) We cannot learn these truths on
indefinitely, and this proved true.
our own, and nothing else is any-
w20.09 15 ˚4-5
where near as valuable. (Prov. 3:13)
Wednesday, February 16 Jehovah has also entrusted us with
the privilege of teaching others the
Do not go beyond the things truth about him and his purposes.
that are written.—1 Cor. 4:6. (Matt. 24:14) The message we bear
With good intentions, an elder is invaluable because it helps peo-
might make rules that he hopes ple become part of Jehovah’s fam-
will protect God’s sheep. However, ily and gives them the opportuni-
there are significant differences be- ty to gain everlasting life. (1 Tim. 4:
tween the role of an elder and the 16) Whether our personal share in
role of a family head. For instance, the ministry is large or small, we
Jehovah has assigned the elders to are supporting the most important
act as judges, and he has given them work being done at this time. (1 Tim.
the responsibility of removing un- 2:3, 4) What an honor it is to be
repentant sinners from the congre- God’s fellow workers!—1 Cor. 3:9.
gation. (1 Cor. 5:11-13) On the oth- w20.09 26-27 ˚4-5
 Friday, February 18 Of course, you must give your chil-
We found brothers and were urged dren the material things they need.
(1 Tim. 5:8) But remember that it
to remain with them.—Acts 28:14.
will be your children’s close rela-
During his journey to Rome, the tionship with Jehovah, not their ma-
apostle Paul time and again re- terial possessions, that will help
ceived help that Jehovah provided them to survive the end of this old
by means of his fellow believers. system and make it into God’s new
For example, two faithful compan- world. (Ezek. 7:19) How heartwarm-
ions of Paul, Aristarchus and Luke, ing it is to see so many Christian par-
decided to travel with him to Rome. ents who are making good spiritual
They willingly risked their lives to choices for their families! Children
be with Paul, although it does not who are raised in such families often
appear that either of them had re- continue with the good habits they
ceived a personal assurance from learned, and they have no regrets!
Jesus that they would reach Rome. —Prov. 10:22. w20.10 28-29 ˚10-11
Only later, during the rough voyage,
did they learn that their lives would Sunday, February 20
be spared. When they reached the You will not have this happen
port city of Sidon, Julius permitted to you at all.—Matt. 16:22.
Paul “to go to his friends and enjoy
On occasion, the apostle Peter
their care.” (Acts 27:1-3) And later,
said or did things that he later re-
in the city of Puteoli, Paul and his
gretted. For instance, when Jesus
companions “found brothers and
told his apostles that he would suf-
were urged to remain with them for
fer and die, Peter rebuked him, say-
seven days.” While the Christians in
ing the above. (Matt. 16:21-23) Jesus
those places cared for the needs of
then corrected Peter. When a mob
Paul and his companions, Paul no
came to arrest Jesus, Peter acted
doubt brought great joy to his hosts
rashly, cutting off the ear of a slave
by sharing upbuilding experiences.
of the high priest. (John 18:10, 11)
—Compare Acts 15:2, 3. w20.11 15-16
Again, Jesus corrected the apos-
˚15-17
tle. In addition, Peter had boasted
Saturday, February 19 that while the other apostles might
stumble in connection with Christ,
Godly devotion . . . holds promise he would never do so! (Matt. 26:33)
of the life now and the life that is But that overconfidence gave way to
to come.—1 Tim. 4:8. fear of man, and Peter denied his
Parents, teach your children in Master three times. Deeply discour-
word and action that you love Je- aged, Peter “went outside and wept
hovah deeply. Realize that the great- bitterly.” (Matt. 26:69-75) He must
est gift that you can give them is have wondered if Jesus could ever
the opportunity to love Jehovah. forgive him. However, Peter did not
And one of the most valuable les- allow himself to be overwhelmed by
sons that you can teach them is how discouragement. After stumbling,
to keep a good spiritual routine of he recovered, and we later find him
study, prayer, meetings, and partici- with the other apostles.—John 21:
pation in the ministry. (1 Tim. 6:6) 1-3; Acts 1:15, 16. w20.12 20 ˚17-18
 Monday, February 21 we need to believe that Jehovah
You husbands, . . . continue dwell- has forgiven us. (1 Tim. 1:12-15) We
ing with them according to knowl- have the prospect of living forever.
edge. Assign them honor as to a And in God’s new world, we will not
weaker vessel, the feminine one. be plagued with regrets about the
—1 Pet. 3:7. past. Regarding that time, the Bi-
ble says: “The former things will not
A family head can show humility in be called to mind.” (Isa. 65:17) Just
many ways. For example, he does not think: Some of us have grown old
expect perfection from his wife and in Jehovah’s service, but in the new
children. He listens to and consid- world, we will be young again. (Job
ers the opinions of family members, 33:25) Let us, therefore, be deter-
even when they do not agree with mined not to live in the past. Rath-
his. In addition, a humble husband is er, let us look to the future and live
willing to do household tasks, even for what is ahead! w20.11 24 ˚4; 29
if in his community these tasks are ˚18-19
viewed as women’s work. That can
be a challenge. Why? “Where I come Wednesday, February 23
from,” says a sister named Rachel, “if
a husband helps his wife wash dishes I saw . . . a great crowd . . . And
or clean the home, his neighbors and they keep shouting with a loud
relatives will question if he is a ‘real voice, saying: “Salvation we owe
man.’ They will think that he can- to our God . . . and to the Lamb.”
not control his wife.” If that attitude —Rev. 7:9, 10.
is common where you live, remem- What lies ahead? During the great
ber that Jesus washed the feet of his tribulation, Jehovah will save us
disciples, even though it was viewed in two amazing ways. First, he will
as a slave’s job. A good family head save his loyal servants during the
is concerned, not about making him- time when he causes the kings of
self look good, but about making his the earth to destroy Babylon the
wife and children feel good. w21.02 2 Great, the empire of false religion.
˚3; 4 ˚11 (Rev. 17:16-18; 18:2, 4) Then, he will
Tuesday, February 22 save his people when he annihilates
the remaining elements of Satan’s
One thing is certain: Forgetting world at Armageddon. (Rev. 16:14,
the things behind and stretching 16) When we remain close to Je-
forward to the things ahead, I am hovah, Satan can do us no last-
pressing on toward the goal. ing harm. In fact, he is the one
—Phil. 3:13, 14. who will suffer permanent harm.
Good memories are a blessing (Rom. 16:20) So put on the complete
from Jehovah; but no matter how suit of armor—and leave it on! Do
good our life was in the past, our not try to fight the battle on your
future in the new world will be bet- own. Support your brothers and sis-
ter. Others may hurt us, but when ters. And follow Jehovah’s direc-
we choose to forgive, we are able to tion. If you do, you can be confident
move forward. Excessive guilt can that your loving heavenly Father
prevent us from serving Jehovah will strengthen you and protect you.
with joy. But, like the apostle Paul, —Isa. 41:10. w21.03 30 ˚16-17
 Thursday, February 24 tual temple. (Rev. 7:15) Even now,
they zealously perform the greater
Your strength will be in keeping
part of the Kingdom-preaching and
calm and showing trust.
disciple-making work, putting the in-
—Isa. 30:15.
terests of God’s Kingdom ahead of
How might we show our trust in their own. (Matt. 6:33; 24:14; 28:19,
Jehovah? By applying the direc- 20) The great crowd who come out
tion that Jehovah gives. The Bible of the great tribulation are assured
contains many accounts that high- of God’s continued care, for “the
light the value of keeping calm and One seated on the throne will spread
putting our trust in Jehovah. As you his tent over them.” The promise
study these accounts, notice what that the other sheep have longed to
helped God’s servants to remain see fulfilled will be fully realized:
calm in the face of extreme oppo- “[God] will wipe out every tear from
sition. For example, when the Jew- their eyes.”—Rev. 21:3, 4. w21.01 16
ish supreme court ordered the apos- ˚9-10
tles to stop preaching, they were not
intimidated. Instead, they boldly de- Saturday, February 26
clared: “We must obey God as ruler I will pour out some of my spirit on
rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Even every sort of flesh, and your sons
after being flogged, the apostles did and your daughters will prophesy.
not panic. Why? Because they knew —Acts 2:17.
that Jehovah was on their side. He
was pleased with them. Thus, they We love being part of Jehovah’s
continued preaching the good news. family, and we do our best to respect
(Acts 5:40-42) Likewise, when the the headship arrangement that Je-
disciple Stephen faced death, he hovah has put in place. The Bible
remained so peaceful and serene indicates that Jehovah values wom-
that his face looked “like an angel’s en as well as men. For instance, it
face.” (Acts 6:12-15) Why? Because reveals that in the first century, Je-
he was assured of Jehovah’s approv- hovah gave holy spirit to women as
al. w21.01 4 ˚10-11 well as to men and empowered them
to perform miraculous works, such
Friday, February 25 as speaking in different languages.
(Acts 2:1-4, 15-18) They both have
They have washed their robes and
been anointed by holy spirit with the
made them white in the blood of
prospect of ruling with Christ. (Gal.
the Lamb.—Rev. 7:14.
3:26-29) Women as well as men will
This signifies that they have a receive the reward of everlasting life
clean conscience and a righteous on earth. (Rev. 7:9, 10, 13-15) And
standing before Jehovah. (Isa. 1:18) both men and women are assigned
They are dedicated, baptized Chris- to preach and teach the good news.
tians, who exercise strong faith in (Matt. 28:19, 20) In fact, the book of
Jesus’ sacrifice and who have a rela- Acts recognizes the work of a sister
tionship with Jehovah. (John 3:36; named Priscilla who, along with her
1 Pet. 3:21) Thus, they qualify to husband, Aquila, helped to explain
stand before God’s throne to render the truth more correctly to the well-
him “sacred service day and night” educated man Apollos.—Acts 18:24-
in the earthly courtyard of his spiri- 26. w21.02 14 ˚1; 15 ˚4
 Sunday, February 27 from its mouth.” (1 Sam. 17:34, 35)
Pay attention to yourselves and to David felt responsible for the wel-
all the flock . . . Shepherd the con- fare of the sheep. Young brothers
gregation of God.—Acts 20:28. can imitate David by diligently ful-
filling any assignment they are giv-
Elders, you have the weighty re- en. Young David developed a close,
sponsibility of helping publishers to personal relationship with Jehovah.
be effective in their ministry, includ- That relationship was more impor-
ing their Bible study work. If some- tant than David’s courage or his skill
one is shy about conducting a Bible with a stringed instrument. Jehovah
study in your presence, offer to con- was not only David’s God but also
duct the study. Elders can do a great his Friend—his close Friend. Young
deal to encourage and to motivate brothers, the most important thing
the teachers to persevere. (1 Thess. that you can do is to strengthen your
5:11) Even if we do not present- relationship with your heavenly Fa-
ly conduct a Bible study, we can ther. w21.03 3 ˚4-5
still help someone to grow spiritual-
ly. Without taking over, we can with Tuesday, March 1
our well-prepared comments sup- Happy are you whenever men
port the teacher during a study ses- hate you.—Luke 6:22.
sion. We can befriend the students
when they come to the Kingdom We do not choose to be hated. We
Hall, and we can serve as good ex- are not trying to be martyrs. So
amples for them. And elders can en- why can we be happy when hat-
courage the students by making time ed? Consider three reasons. First,
for them and the teachers by train- when we endure, we gain God’s ap-
ing and commending them. Really, proval. (1 Pet. 4:13, 14) Second, our
what greater joy could we have than faith is refined and becomes stron-
knowing that we played even a small ger. (1 Pet. 1:7) And third, we will
part in helping someone come to receive a priceless reward—ever-
love and serve our Father, Jehovah? lasting life. (Rom. 2:6, 7) Soon af-
w21.03 13 ˚18-19 ter Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles
experienced the happiness he spoke
Monday, February 28
about. After being flogged and or-
Close friendship with Jehovah dered to stop preaching, they re-
belongs to those who fear him. joiced. Why? “Because they had
—Ps. 25:14. been counted worthy to be dishon-
David proved to be responsible ored in behalf of [Jesus’] name.”
and reliable. For example, as a young (Acts 5:40-42) They loved their Mas-
man, he diligently looked after his ter more than they feared the ha-
father’s sheep. That turned out to be tred of their enemies. And they
a dangerous assignment. David lat- showed their love by proclaiming
er explained to King Saul: “Your ser- the good news “without letup.” Many
vant became a shepherd of his fa- of our brothers today continue to
ther’s flock, and a lion came, also a serve faithfully despite difficulties.
bear, and each carried off a sheep They know that Jehovah will not for-
from the flock. I went out after it get their work and their love for his
and struck it down and rescued it name. w21.03 25 ˚18-19
 Wednesday, March 2 in wicked practices—a search that
He has even put eternity in would lead to their capture. “‘Here I
their heart.—Eccl. 3:11. am sending for many fishermen,’ de-
clares Jehovah, ‘and they will fish
Anointed Christians are not born for them. After that I will send for
with the heavenly hope. It has to many hunters, and they will hunt
be implanted in their heart by God. them down on every mountain and
They think about their hope, pray every hill and out of the clefts of
about it, and are eager to receive the crags. . . . I will repay the full
their reward in heaven. They can- amount due for their error and their
not even imagine what their spiritu- sin.’ ” Neither the oceans nor the
al body will be like. (Phil. 3:20, 21; forests would be able to conceal
1 John 3:2) Even so, they long to take the unrepentant Israelites from the
their place in the heavenly King- Babylonian invaders.—Jer. 16:16, 18.
dom. The other sheep cherish a hope w20.04 5 ˚12-13
that comes naturally to humans, the
prospect of living forever on earth. Friday, March 4
They look forward to the day when [Lot] kept lingering.
they can help turn the entire planet —Gen. 19:16.
into a paradise. They yearn for the
day when they can build their hous- At a critical time in his life, Lot
es, plant their gardens, and raise was slow to obey Jehovah’s instruc-
their children in perfect health. tions. We may judge Lot as being ap-
(Isa. 65:21-23) They look forward to athetic, even disobedient. However,
exploring the earth—its mountains, Jehovah did not give up on him.
forests, and seas—and to studying “Because of Jehovah’s compassion
Jehovah’s abundant creation. Above for him,” the angels took the fam-
all, they are thrilled to know that ily by the hand and led them out-
their bond with Jehovah will grow side the city. (Gen. 19:15, 16) Jeho-
ever stronger and closer. w21.01 18- vah might have felt compassion for
19 ˚17-18 Lot for a number of reasons. Lot
may have been reluctant to leave his
Thursday, March 3 home because he feared the people
He burned down the house of the outside the city. There were other
dangers too. Lot likely knew of the
true God . . . and destroyed every-
two kings who had fallen into pits
thing of value.—2 Chron. 36:19.
of bitumen, or asphalt, in a nearby
When the Babylonians were fin- valley. (Gen. 14:8-12) As a husband
ished with the land, onlookers could and father, Lot must have worried
only say: “It is a wasteland with- about his family. In addition, Lot
out man and beast, and it has been was wealthy, so he may have owned
handed over to the Chaldeans.” a fine house in Sodom. (Gen. 13:5, 6)
(Jer. 32:43) Some 200 years after Of course, none of those factors ex-
Joel’s prophecy, Jehovah used Jer- cused Lot for failing to obey Jeho-
emiah to foretell something else vah immediately. However, Jehovah
about this attack. He said that a looked beyond Lot’s mistake and
thorough search would be made viewed him as a “righteous man.”
for those Israelites who engaged —2 Pet. 2:7, 8. w20.04 18 ˚13-14
 Saturday, March 5 but also answers them. Sometimes
the answer comes quickly. At other
You have your company of young
times we may have to keep praying
men just like dewdrops.—Ps. 110:3.
about a matter. Still, we can be con-
Young men, it may take time for fident that the answer will come at
those who have known you as a the right time and in the best way.
child to start viewing you as a young Of course, God’s answer may be dif-
adult. You can be sure, however, that ferent from what we expect. For ex-
Jehovah sees beyond your outward ample, rather than remove a trial,
appearance. He knows who you are he might give us the wisdom and
and what you are capable of doing. strength “to endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13)
(1 Sam. 16:7) Strengthen your re- How can we show our appreciation
lationship with God. David did that for this priceless gift of prayer? One
by looking closely at Jehovah’s cre- way is by heeding the divine counsel
ative works. David considered what to “pray constantly.”—1 Thess. 5:17.
such works reveal about the Cre- w20.05 27-28 ˚7-8
ator. (Ps. 8:3, 4; 139:14; Rom. 1:20)
Another thing you can do is to look Monday, March 7
to Jehovah for strength. For exam- The one who has endured to the
ple, do some of your schoolmates end will be saved.—Matt. 24:13.
make fun of you because you are one
of Jehovah’s Witnesses? If so, pray The contestants in a long-distance
for Jehovah to help you deal with race keep an eye on the road immedi-
this challenge. And apply the practi- ately in front of them so that they
cal advice you find in his Word and do not stumble. If they do fall down,
in our Bible-based publications and they get back up and keep on run-
videos. Each time you see Jehovah ning. They focus primarily, not on
help you deal with a challenge, your what made them stumble, but on the
confidence in him will grow. Further- finish line and the prize they hope
more, as others see that you rely on to win. In our race, we may stum-
Jehovah, you will gain their trust. ble many times, making mistakes in
w21.03 4 ˚7 what we say or do. Or our fellow run-
ners may make mistakes that hurt
Sunday, March 6 us. That is to be expected. We are all
imperfect, and we are all running on
The prayer of the upright is
the same cramped road to life. So
a pleasure to [Jehovah].
we are bound to “bump” against one
—Prov. 15:8.
another at times and arouse a “cause
Close friends enjoy sharing for complaint.” (Col. 3:13) But rather
thoughts and feelings with each oth- than focus on what made us stum-
er. Is that true of our friendship with ble, let us focus on the prize ahead
Jehovah? Yes! Jehovah speaks to us and keep on running. If we become
through his Word, and in it he re- bitter and resentful and refuse to get
veals to us his thoughts and feel- back up, we will not cross the fin-
ings. We communicate with him in ish line and receive the prize. In ad-
prayer, and we can share with him dition, we are likely to become an
our deepest thoughts and innermost obstacle for others who are trying
feelings. As a loving Friend, Jeho- to run on the cramped road to life.
vah not only listens to our prayers w20.04 26 ˚1; 28 ˚8-9
 Tuesday, March 8 is perfect; he is thoughtful and gen-
This kingdom . . . will crush and tle in the way he treats us. But we
put an end to all these kingdoms. may have difficulty obeying the sec-
—Dan. 2:44. ond commandment. Why? Because
our brothers and sisters—who are
The prophet Daniel describes a among our closest neighbors—are
series of human governments that imperfect. At times, they may say
have had an impact on God’s peo- and do things that we feel are uncar-
ple. They are described as the var- ing and unkind. Jehovah knew that
ious parts of a giant metal image. we would face this challenge, so he
The last human government in that inspired some of the writers of the
series is depicted as the feet of the Bible to include specific counsel on
image that are made of iron mixed why and how we should show love
with clay. The feet represent the to one another. One of those writers
Anglo-American World Power. That was the apostle John.—1 John 3:11,
prophecy indicates that it will still 12. w21.01 8 ˚1-2
be functioning when God’s King-
dom strikes and destroys human Thursday, March 10
governments. The apostle John also [Do] not be overreached by Satan.
describes a series of world powers —2 Cor. 2:11.
that have had an effect on Jehovah’s
people. John depicts these govern- Whether we have recently begun
ments as being like a seven-headed to serve Jehovah or have done so
wild beast. The seventh head of for many years, we need to ask our-
that beast represents the Anglo- selves, ‘Am I resisting Satan’s at-
American World Power. This is sig- tempts to divide my heart?’ For in-
nificant because the beast is not stance, if you see an image on TV or
shown as growing any other heads. the Internet that could arouse sensu-
The seventh head of this beast is al desires, how do you respond? It
still dominant when Christ and his might be easy to rationalize that the
heavenly forces destroy it along picture or movie is not exactly por-
with the rest of the beast.—Rev. 13: nographic. But might it represent an
1, 2; 17:13, 14. w20.05 14 ˚11-12 effort by Satan to divide your heart?
That image can be like a little metal
Wednesday, March 9 wedge that a man uses to split a big
log. At first he drives the thin, sharp
God is love.—1 John 4:8.
edge of the wedge into the log. Then
That simple statement reminds us as he drives the wedge deeper, the
of a fundamental truth: God, the log splits apart. Could suggestive im-
Source of life, is also the Source agery in the media be like the thin
of love. Jehovah loves us! His love part of that wedge? What may start
makes us feel secure, happy, and off as small and seemingly harmless
satisfied. For Christians, showing can quickly lead a person to com-
love is not optional. It is a com- mit sins that divide his heart and
mandment. (Matt. 22:37-40) When break his integrity. So refuse to give
we come to know Jehovah well, we anything improper entry into your
may find it easy to obey the first heart! Keep it unified to fear Jeho-
commandment. After all, Jehovah vah’s name! w20.06 11-12 ˚14-15
 Friday, March 11 lowing Jesus, the apostle Peter ex-
Bear the weaknesses of those pressed his firm conviction that Je-
not strong.—Rom. 15:1. sus had “sayings of everlasting life.”
(John 6:67, 68) Even though Peter
Inactive ones need consistent at that time did not understand all
support from us. Like the lost son the details of those sayings, he re-
in Jesus’ illustration, they may be mained loyal because he had dis-
emotionally scarred. (Luke 15:17-24) cerned the truth about Christ. You
And they are likely weak spiritually too can strengthen your conviction
because of what they experienced in what the Bible teaches. If you
in Satan’s world. We need to help do, your faith will stand the test
them rebuild their faith in Jehovah. of time, and you will help to build
In the illustration of the lost sheep,
strong faith in others.—2 John 1, 2.
Jesus describes how the shepherd
w20.07 8 ˚2; 13 ˚18
puts the sheep on his shoulders and
carries it back to the flock. The Sunday, March 13
shepherd has already spent time
and energy finding the lost sheep.
Little children, we should love, not
But he realizes that he will need to in word or with the tongue, but in
carry it back to the fold because it deed and truth.—1 John 3:18.
will not have the strength to return To help our brothers and sisters
on its own. (Luke 15:4, 5) We may to remain in the truth, we must
need to invest time and energy in show compassion. (1 John 3:10,
helping some inactive ones to over- 11, 16, 17) We need to love one an-
come their weaknesses. But with other not only when things are
Jehovah’s spirit, his Word, and the going well but also when problems
publications provided through the arise. For example, do you know
congregation, we can help them to someone who has lost a loved one
become spiritually strong again. So in death and needs to be comfort-
if you are asked to study with an in- ed or helped in practical ways? Or
active person, why not welcome the have you heard that fellow believ-
privilege? w20.06 28 ˚14-15 ers suffered loss from a natural di-
Saturday, March 12 saster and need help to rebuild
their Kingdom Halls or homes? We
By this all will know that you are show the depth of our love and com-
my disciples—if you have love passion for our brothers and sis-
among yourselves.—John 13:35. ters not only by what we say but,
Each one of us should show love more important, by what we do. We
—the identifying mark of true imitate our loving heavenly Father
Christians. But we also need “ac- when we show love for one anoth-
curate knowledge and full discern- er. (1 John 4:7, 8) An important way
ment.” (Phil. 1:9) Otherwise, we that we show love is by forgiving
could be influenced “by every wind one another. For example, someone
of teaching by means of the trick- might hurt us but then apologize.
ery of men,” including apostates. We show love by forgiving him and
(Eph. 4:14) When many disciples in putting his error behind us.—Col. 3:
the first century C.E. stopped fol- 13. w20.07 24 ˚14-15
 Monday, March 14 ers feel free to approach for sound
There is going to be a resurrection Scriptural advice. Or he might have
of both the righteous and the a fine reputation for being hospita-
unrighteous.—Acts 24:15. ble. (Heb. 13:2, 16) When we clearly
see our own strengths and gifts, we
Will each resurrected person re- will have reason to feel good about
ceive individual instruction, sim- what we can contribute to the con-
ilar to the way we conduct Bible gregation. And we will be less likely
studies today? Will these new ones to envy our brothers who have gifts
be assigned to congregations and be that are different from ours. No mat-
trained to teach those who are res- ter what place we have in the con-
urrected after them? We will have to gregation, all of us should desire to
wait and see. We do know, however, improve in our service and develop
that by the end of Christ’s Thousand our abilities. w20.08 24 ˚16-18
Year Reign, “the earth will certainly
be filled with the knowledge of Jeho- Wednesday, March 16
vah.” (Isa. 11:9) What a busy but en- I saw . . . a great crowd, which
joyable thousand years that will be! no man was able to number.
During the Thousand Year Rule of
—Rev. 7:9.
Christ, all of Jehovah’s earthly chil-
dren will have to make changes to A history-making talk entitled
please him. So all of them will have “The Great Multitude” was given in
true fellow feeling as they help the 1935 by J. F. Rutherford at a conven-
resurrected ones to combat sinful tion in Washington, D.C., U.S.A. In
tendencies and to live by Jehovah’s his talk, Brother Rutherford identi-
standards. (1 Pet. 3:8) No doubt fied those who would make up the
those who come back to life will be “great multitude” (King James Ver-
drawn to Jehovah’s humble people, sion), or “great crowd,” mentioned
who will also be “working out [their] at Revelation 7:9. Until then, this
own salvation.”—Phil. 2:12. w20.08 16 group was thought to be a second-
˚6-7 ary heavenly class that was less
faithful. Brother Rutherford used
Tuesday, March 15
the Scriptures to explain that the
Let each one examine his own ac- great crowd are not chosen to live
tions, . . . and not in comparison in heaven, but they are Christ’s oth-
with the other person.—Gal. 6:4. er sheep who will survive “the great
If we follow the apostle Paul’s in- tribulation” and live forever on
spired counsel and examine our own earth. (Rev. 7:14) Jesus promised:
actions, we may begin to see that “I have other sheep, which are not
we have unique gifts and abilities. of this fold; those too I must bring
For example, an elder may not be in, and they will listen to my voice,
a gifted teacher when on the plat- and they will become one flock,
form, but he may be very effec- one shepherd.” (John 10:16) These
tive in the disciple-making work. sheeplike ones are loyal Witness-
Or he may not be as well-organized es of Jehovah who have the pros-
as some other elders in his congre- pect of living forever in Paradise on
gation, but he might be well-known earth.—Matt. 25:31-33, 46. w21.01 14
as a loving shepherd whom publish- ˚1-2
 Thursday, March 17 circumstances and see if you or a
You will be hated by all people on member of your family could have
account of my name, but the one an increased share in the preach-
who has endured to the end will be ing work, perhaps even serving
saved.—Matt. 10:22. as a pioneer? Now is not the time
to amass riches and material pos-
We need self-discipline if we are sessions—things that will not sur-
to endure and complete our preach- vive with us through the great tribu-
ing work. (Matt. 28:19, 20) We do not lation. (Prov. 11:4; Matt. 6:31-33;
inherit self-discipline. On the con- 1 John 2:15-17) Many publishers
trary, our natural inclination often have learned a new language so
is to follow the course of least re- that they can use it in preaching
sistance. It takes self-control to and teaching. God’s organization
be self-disciplined. Therefore, we supports them by producing Bible-
need help to train ourselves to do based material in over 1,000 lan-
the things that may be difficult for guages! w20.09 16 ˚9-11
us to do. Jehovah gives us that
help through his holy spirit. (Gal. Saturday, March 19
5:22, 23) The apostle Paul was self- Go on waging the fine warfare.
disciplined. But he admitted that he —1 Tim. 1:18.
had to “pummel” his body in order
to do what was right. (1 Cor. 9:25-27) A good soldier is loyal. He will
He urged others to discipline them- fight hard to protect someone he
selves and to do all things “decent- loves or something he values. Paul
ly and by arrangement.” (1 Cor. 14: encouraged Timothy to develop
40) We must exercise self-discipline godly devotion—that is, a loyal at-
to maintain a good spiritual routine tachment to God. (1 Tim. 4:7) The
that includes a regular share in the deeper our love and devotion for
preaching work.—Acts 2:46. w20.09 God, the greater our desire to hold
6-7 ˚15-17 on to the truth. (1 Tim. 4:8-10; 6:6)
A good soldier must also discipline
Friday, March 18 himself if he is to remain fit for
duty. Timothy remained spiritual-
In all the nations, the good news
ly fit because he followed Paul’s in-
has to be preached.—Mark 13:10.
spired advice to flee from wrong de-
In many lands today, we can sires, to pursue godly qualities, and
preach without disturbance. Do you to associate with fellow believers.
live in a country that grants free- (2 Tim. 2:22) That required self-
dom of worship? If so, ask yourself, discipline. We need self-discipline to
‘How am I using this freedom?’ Dur- win the war against our fleshly de-
ing these exciting last days, Jeho- sires. (Rom. 7:21-25) In addition, we
vah’s organization has spearheaded need self-discipline to keep working
the greatest preaching and teach- at stripping off the old personali-
ing campaign the world has ever ty and putting on the new. (Eph. 4:
known. Many possibilities are open 22, 24) And when we are tired at the
to Jehovah’s people. How can you end of a long day, we may need to
take advantage of a time of peace? push ourselves to attend a meeting.
(2 Tim. 4:2) Why not examine your —Heb. 10:24, 25. w20.09 28 ˚9-11
 Sunday, March 20 learned about his role in Jehovah’s
I have resolved to obey your reg- purpose, he chose to accept his as-
ulations at all times, down to the signment. (John 6:38) He knew that
he would be hated by many, and
last.—Ps. 119:112.
that thought must have been sober-
We need to be patient when help- ing for him to contemplate. Yet, he
ing a student progress to dedication chose to submit himself to Jehovah.
and baptism. But at some point, we When Jesus got baptized in 29 C.E.,
need to find out if he has the de- his main focus in life was that of do-
sire to serve Jehovah God. Do you ing what Jehovah required of him.
see signs that the student is trying (Heb. 10:5-7) Even when he was dy-
to obey Jesus’ commandments? Or ing on the torture stake, Jesus nev-
does he only want to learn facts er wavered in doing his Father’s
from the Bible? Regularly analyze will.—John 19:30. w20.10 29 ˚12;
the progress that the student is mak- 30 ˚15
ing. For example, does he express
his feelings for Jehovah? Does he Tuesday, March 22
pray to Jehovah? (Ps. 116:1, 2) Does I will never leave you, and I will
he enjoy reading the Bible? (Ps. 119: never abandon you.—Heb. 13:5.
97) Is he attending the meetings reg-
ularly? (Ps. 22:22) Has he made any Do you know of brothers or sis-
needed changes in his lifestyle? Has ters in your congregation who are
he started sharing what he is learn- suffering distress because they are
ing with his family and friends? (Ps. ill or are facing other challeng-
9:1) Most important, does he want to ing circumstances? Or maybe they
become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses? have lost a loved one in death. If
(Ps. 40:8) If the student is not mak- we become aware of an individual
ing progress in any of these areas, in need, we can ask Jehovah to help
tactfully try to find out why and then us to say or do something kind and
discuss the matter with him kindly loving. Our words and actions may
but frankly. w20.10 18 ˚14-15 be just the encouragement that our
brother or sister needs. (1 Pet. 4:
Monday, March 21 10) We know that we can take cour-
The One who sent me is with me; age because Jehovah is with us. He
gives us help by means of Jesus and
he did not abandon me to my-
the angels. Also, if it is in harmo-
self, because I always do the things
ny with his purpose, Jehovah can
pleasing to him.—John 8:29.
help us by means of people in au-
Jesus’ heavenly Father always thority. And as many of us have per-
makes good choices, and his earth- sonally experienced, Jehovah uses
ly parents also made wise decisions. his holy spirit to stir the hearts of
However, as Jesus grew up, he had his servants to come to the aid of
to make his own choices. (Gal. 6:5) their Christian brothers and sisters.
Like all of us, he had the gift of Therefore, like the apostle Paul, we
free will. He could have chosen have good reason to say with confi-
to seek his own interests first. In- dence: “Jehovah is my helper; I will
stead, he chose to maintain a good not be afraid. What can man do to
relationship with Jehovah. As Jesus me?”—Heb. 13:6. w20.11 17 ˚19-20
 Wednesday, March 23 (Heb. 6:1, 2) Paul’s discussion of the
Your strength will be in keeping resurrection is recorded in 1 Corin-
calm and showing trust. thians chapter 15. What he wrote
—Isa. 30:15. must have built up first-century
Christians. And that chapter can
The apostles had direct evidence build us up and strengthen a hope
that Jehovah was with them. He had that we may have long held. The res-
given them the power to perform urrection of Jesus Christ is key to
miracles. (Acts 5:12-16; 6:8) That is our hope for our dead loved ones.
not the case with us today. Even It was part of “the good news” that
so, through his Word, Jehovah lov- Paul declared to the Corinthians.
ingly assures us that when we suf- (1 Cor. 15:1, 2) In fact, he said that if
fer for the sake of righteousness, he a Christian lacked belief in that res-
is pleased with us and his spirit is urrection, his faith would be use-
with us. (1 Pet. 3:14; 4:14) So rather less.—1 Cor. 15:17. w20.12 2 ˚2-4
than dwell on how we might react
to severe persecution in the future, Friday, March 25
we need to focus on what we can Peter called to mind what Jesus
do now to build our confidence in had said . . . And he went outside
Jehovah’s ability to sustain and de- and wept bitterly.—Matt. 26:75.
liver us. We must trust Jesus’ prom-
ise: “I will give you words and wis- What helped the apostle Peter to
dom that all your opposers together recover? For one thing, Jesus had
will not be able to resist or dis- prayed earlier that Peter’s faith
pute.” We have the guarantee: “By might not give out. Jehovah an-
your endurance you will preserve swered that heartfelt prayer. Later,
your lives.” (Luke 21:12-19) And nev- Jesus personally appeared to Peter,
er forget that Jehovah keeps in his no doubt to encourage him. (Luke
memory the smallest details about 22:32; 24:33, 34; 1 Cor. 15:5) After the
his servants who die faithful to him. apostles had a disappointing night
With that knowledge, he will resur- of fishing, Jesus appeared to them.
rect them. w21.01 4 ˚12 On this occasion, Jesus gave Peter
the opportunity to reaffirm his love
Thursday, March 24 for him. Jesus had forgiven his dear
friend and entrusted him with more
I have hope toward God . . . that
work. (John 21:15-17) The way that
there is going to be a resurrection
Jesus dealt with Peter highlights
of both the righteous and the
Jesus’ mercy, and Jesus perfectly
unrighteous.—Acts 24:15.
reflects his Father. So when we
The apostle Paul was not the first make mistakes, we should not judge
to express the hope of a resurrec- ourselves as being beyond hope.
tion. The patriarch Job did too. He We should bear in mind that Satan
was confident that God would re- wants us to give in to such feelings.
member him and raise him to life Instead, let us try hard to see our-
again. (Job 14:7-10, 12-15) “The res- selves—and those who sin against
urrection of the dead” is part of us—through the compassionate and
the “foundation,” or “primary doc- loving eyes of our heavenly Father.
trine,” of all Christian teachings. —Ps. 103:13, 14. w20.12 20-21 ˚17-19
 Saturday, March 26 ways have an abundance of physical
I will remain confident. and spiritual food. When destruc-
—Ps. 27:3. tion is unleashed on Satan’s system
of things, the great crowd will be
We can learn from the experi- spared the “scorching heat” of Je-
ences of those who failed to keep hovah’s anger that he will pour
calm and trust in Jehovah. Study- out on the nations. After the great
ing those bad examples will help us tribulation ends, Jesus will guide
to avoid making the same mistakes these earthly survivors to the “wa-
they made. For instance, early in ters of [everlasting] life.” (Rev. 7:17)
his reign, King Asa looked to Jeho- Just think: The great crowd have a
vah when faced with problems. But unique prospect. Of all the billions
later he failed to turn to his God who have ever lived, they may nev-
for help, preferring to handle mat- er die! (John 11:26) The other sheep
ters on his own. (2 Chron. 16:1-3, have a marvelous hope for which
12) On the surface, Asa’s asking the they are thankful to Jehovah and
Syrians for help against Israel may Jesus! w21.01 16-17 ˚11-12
have appeared to be very practi-
cal. But his success was short-lived. Monday, March 28
Jehovah told him through a proph- The Lord is faithful, and he will
et: “Because you relied on the king strengthen you and protect you.
of Syria and did not rely on Je- —2 Thess. 3:3.
hovah your God, the army of the
On the last night of his life as a
king of Syria has escaped out of
man, Jesus was thinking about the
your hand.” (2 Chron. 16:7) We must
challenges that his disciples would
be careful not to feel so confident
face. Moved by his love for his
about handling matters on our own
friends, Jesus asked his Father to
that we fail to look to Jehovah for
“watch over them because of the
guidance through his Word. Even
wicked one.” (John 17:14, 15) Je-
when we are faced with an urgent
sus knew that after he returned to
situation, we should calmly rely on
heaven, Satan the Devil would con-
Jehovah, and he will help us to suc-
tinue to wage war against any who
ceed. w21.01 6 ˚13-15
wanted to serve Jehovah. Clearly,
Sunday, March 27 Jehovah’s people would need pro-
tection. Today we need Jehovah’s
They will hunger no more. protection as never before. Satan
—Rev. 7:16. has been cast out of heaven, “hav-
Right now, some of Jehovah’s ing great anger.” (Rev. 12:12) He
people are suffering physical hun- has managed to convince some who
ger because of oppressive econom- persecute us that they are offering
ic conditions or as a result of the “a sacred service to God.” (John
ravages of civil unrest and war. Oth- 16:2) Others, who do not believe in
ers are imprisoned for their faith. God, persecute us because we do
However, those of the great crowd not fit into this world’s mold. What-
are thrilled to know that on escap- ever the case, we can be confident.
ing the destruction of this wick- Why? The answer is given in today’s
ed system of things, they will al- text. w21.03 26 ˚1, 3
 Tuesday, March 29 (2 Cor. 7:10) However, we should not
[Nothing] will be able to separate go to extremes and condemn our-
us from God’s love that is in Christ selves, thinking: ‘I’m a complete fail-
Jesus our Lord.—Rom. 8:39. ure. How can Jehovah ever forgive
me?’ Such negative thinking is not
Everything Jehovah does is mo- based on the truth and could cause
tivated by love. He lovingly cares us to stop serving Jehovah. Instead,
for all our needs. Out of love, Jeho- “set matters straight” with Jehovah
vah provided the ransom arrange- by going to him in prayer and seek-
ment for us. As for Jesus, he loves ing his mercy. (Isa. 1:18) Consider-
us so much that he gave his life for ing your sincere repentance, he will
us. (John 3:16; 15:13) Nothing can forgive you. In addition, approach
break the bond of love that Jeho- the elders. They will patiently help
vah and Jesus feel for those who you to become spiritually well again.
are loyal to them. (John 13:1; Rom. —Jas. 5:14, 15. w20.12 23 ˚5-6
8:35) Likewise, everything a fami-
ly head does should be motivated Thursday, March 31
by love. Why is that so important? [Treat] older women as mothers,
The apostle John answers: “The . . . younger women as sisters.
one who does not love his broth- —1 Tim. 5:2.
er [or family], whom he has seen,
Jesus gave women honor and re-
cannot love God, whom he has not
spect. He did not follow the custom
seen.” (1 John 4:11, 20) Specifically,
of the Pharisees, who looked down
a man who loves his family and who
on women and who would not even
wants to imitate Jehovah and Jesus
speak to them in public, let alone
will provide for his family’s spiritu-
discuss the Scriptures with them.
al, emotional, and material needs.
Instead, he included women in the
(1 Tim. 5:8) He will train and disci-
deep spiritual discussions that he
pline his children. He will also con-
had with his other disciples. (Luke
tinue to learn to make decisions 10:38, 39, 42) He also allowed wom-
that honor Jehovah and benefit his en to accompany him on his preach-
family. w21.02 5 ˚12-13 ing tours. (Luke 8:1-3) And Jesus
Wednesday, March 30 gave them the privilege of announc-
ing to the apostles that he had been
Throw your burden on Jehovah, raised from the dead. (John 20:16-
and he will sustain you.—Ps. 55:22. 18) The apostle Paul specifically re-
Our loving heavenly Father knows minded Timothy to honor women.
how our past experiences and our Paul acknowledged that it was Tim-
negative thinking have affected us. othy’s mother and grandmother who
But he also sees the good in our had first taught Timothy “the holy
heart—qualities that we may not see writings.” (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14, 15) Paul
in ourselves. (1 John 3:19, 20) Some- specifically greeted sisters by name
one who is struggling to overcome a in his letter to the Romans. He not
deep-seated bad habit might have a only noticed the work sisters did
setback and feel disappointed in but also expressed appreciation for
himself. Of course, it is normal to them as Christian ministers.—Rom.
feel a measure of guilt when we sin. 16:1-4, 6, 12; Phil. 4:3. w21.02 15 ˚5-6
 Friday, April 1 (Isa. 9:3) And third, you will see
The things that were written each person as a potential disciple,
beforehand were written for so you will adapt your approach to
our instruction.—Rom. 15:4. appeal to his or her interests. Je-
sus did not write off the Samari-
Are you suffering through a dif- tans, as his followers may have
ficult trial? Perhaps someone in the done. Instead, he saw them as po-
congregation has hurt you. (Jas. tential disciples. We too need to see
3:2) Or maybe your workmates or the people in our territory as poten-
schoolmates ridicule you for serv- tial disciples of Christ. The apostle
ing Jehovah. (1 Pet. 4:3, 4) Or fam- Paul set an outstanding example for
ily members are possibly trying to us to follow. He knew something
stop you from attending meetings about the beliefs of those to whom
or from talking to others about your he preached, discerned their inter-
faith. (Matt. 10:35, 36) If a trial is es- ests, and saw them as potential dis-
pecially painful, you may feel like ciples of Jesus. w20.04 8-9 ˚3-4
giving up. But you can be confident
that no matter what challenge you Sunday, April 3
face, Jehovah will give you the wis- The Grave and the place of de-
dom to deal with it and the strength struction are in full view of Jeho-
to endure it. In his Word, Jeho- vah. How much more so the hearts
vah included detailed descriptions of men!—Prov. 15:11.
of how imperfect individuals dealt
with difficult trials. Why? So that we Rather than judge another per-
can learn from them. That is what son’s actions, do your best to under-
Jehovah moved the apostle Paul to stand how he feels. The only person
write. Reading these accounts can who fully understands us is Jeho-
bring us a measure of comfort and vah. So ask him to help you to see in
hope. However, to benefit, we need others what he sees and to under-
to do more than just read the Bi- stand how to show compassion for
ble. We must allow the Scriptures to them. You cannot pick which broth-
mold our thinking and to touch our ers and sisters deserve your tender
hearts. w21.03 14 ˚1-2 compassion. All of them face prob-
lems, many of which are similar to
Saturday, April 2 those that were experienced by Jo-
nah, Elijah, Hagar, and Lot. In a
View the fields, that they are white
number of cases, they have brought
for harvesting.—John 4:35.
the problems on themselves. Realis-
Do you view the people to whom tically, all of us have done that at
you preach as being like grain that some point. It is reasonable, then,
is ripe for harvesting? If so, three for Jehovah to ask us to show fellow
things will prove true. First, you will feeling for one another. (1 Pet. 3:8)
preach with more urgency. A har- When we obey Jehovah, we add to
vest period is limited; there is no the unity of our remarkable and di-
time to waste. Second, you will be verse global family. So when deal-
happy as you see people respond ing with one another, may we be de-
to the good news. The Bible says: termined to listen, learn, and show
“People rejoice in the harvesttime.” compassion. w20.04 18-19 ˚15-17
 Monday, April 4 own interests. So they may try to
Christ suffered for you, leaving a push their way to the front of the
model for you to follow his steps pack. By contrast, we are not com-
closely.—1 Pet. 2:21. peting against one another. (Gal. 5:
26; 6:4) Our goal is to help as many
Jesus set the perfect example of as possible to cross the finish line
obeying Jehovah. So one impor- with us and gain the prize of life. So
tant way that we obey Jehovah is we try to apply the inspired counsel
by following Jesus’ steps as close- to “look out not only for [our] own
ly as possible. (John 8:29) To keep interests, but also for the interests
walking in the truth, we must be of others.” (Phil. 2:4) In the race
convinced that Jehovah is the God that we run, Jehovah has kindly of-
of truth, that everything he tells fered his people a guaranteed re-
us in his Word, the Bible, is true. ward for completing the race—ever-
And we must also be convinced lasting life either in heaven or on a
that Jesus is the promised Messi- paradise earth. w20.04 28 ˚10; 29 ˚12
ah. Many today doubt that Jesus
has been anointed as King of God’s Wednesday, April 6
Kingdom. John warned that there These are the ones who come out
were “many deceivers,” who could of the great tribulation.—Rev. 7:14.
mislead those who were not pre-
pared to defend the truth about Millions of Christian men and
Jehovah and Jesus. (2 John 7-11) women will survive into the new
John wrote: “Who is the liar but world. Those survivors on earth will
the one who denies that Jesus is be eyewitnesses to another victory
the Christ?” (1 John 2:22) The only over death—the resurrection of bil-
way we can avoid being deceived is lions of people who died in the past.
by studying God’s Word. Only if we Just imagine the joy when that vic-
do that will we come to know Jeho- torious event occurs! (Acts 24:15)
vah and Jesus. (John 17:3) And only And all those who prove complete-
then will we be convinced that we ly loyal to Jehovah will be victorious
have the truth. w20.07 21 ˚4-5 even over inherited death. They will
be able to live forever. Every Chris-
Tuesday, April 5 tian now alive should be grateful
for the reassuring words that Paul
Be determined not to put a stum-
wrote to the Corinthians regarding
bling block . . . before a brother.
the resurrection. We have every rea-
—Rom. 14:13.
son to show that we accept Paul’s
One way we can avoid becoming urging to be fully occupied now “in
“a stumbling block” to our fellow the work of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58) If
runners is by yielding to their pref- we loyally and actively share in that
erences whenever possible instead work, we will put ourselves in line
of insisting on our rights. (Rom. to experience a future filled with joy.
14:19-21; 1 Cor. 8:9, 13) In this impor- That future will be more wonderful
tant way, we are not like a runner than anything we can imagine. It cer-
in a literal race who strives to gain tainly will confirm that our labor has
the prize just for himself. Those not been in vain in connection with
runners think primarily about their the Lord. w20.12 13 ˚16-17
 Thursday, April 7 power when the holy spirit comes
Their armies gathered together to upon you, and you will be witness-
wage war against the one seated es of me . . . to the most distant
on the horse and against his army. part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) With
—Rev. 19:19. the backing of holy spirit, some
eight and a half million worship-
If we view the prophecies of Eze- pers of Jehovah have been gath-
kiel 38:10-23; Daniel 2:43-45; 11:44– ered from every corner of the earth.
12:1; and Revelation 16:13-16, 21 as Also, we enjoy a spiritual paradise
speaking about the same time pe- because God’s spirit helps us to cul-
riod and events, it appears that we tivate beautiful qualities, such as
can expect the following develop- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
ments. Sometime after the start of goodness, faith, mildness, and self-
the great tribulation, “the kings of control. These qualities make up
the entire inhabited earth” will form “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Gal. 5:
a coalition of nations. (Rev. 16:13, 22, 23) What a precious gift holy
14) That coalition becomes what the spirit is! w20.05 28 ˚10; 29 ˚13
Scriptures call “Gog of the land of
Magog.” (Ezek. 38:2) That coalition Saturday, April 9
of nations will make one final all- Since death came through a man,
out assault on God’s people. Speak- resurrection of the dead also
ing of this time, the apostle John comes through a man.
saw a storm of unusually large hail- —1 Cor. 15:21.
stones raining down on God’s ene-
mies. That symbolic hailstorm may For a number of reasons, we can
take the form of a hard-hitting judg- assume that those greeting resur-
ment message delivered by Jeho- rected individuals will be able to
vah’s people that provokes Gog of recognize their loved ones. For in-
Magog into attacking God’s people stance, based on resurrections that
with the intention of wiping them have already occurred, it seems
off the earth.—Rev. 16:21. w20.05 15 that Jehovah will re-create people
˚13-14 so that they look, speak, and think
in the same way as they did short-
Friday, April 8 ly before they died. Remember that
Jesus likened death to sleep and
If you, although being wicked,
the resurrection to being awakened
know how to give good gifts to
from sleep. (Matt. 9:18, 24; John
your children, how much more so
11:11-13) When people awaken from
will the Father in heaven give
sleep, they look and sound the same
holy spirit to those asking him!
as when they went to sleep, and they
—Luke 11:13.
retain their memory. Consider the
God’s active force is a gift we example of Lazarus. He had been
should treasure. We can deepen dead for four days, so his body had
our appreciation for holy spirit begun to decay. Yet, when Jesus res-
by reflecting on what that spirit urrected him, his sisters immedi-
has accomplished in our day. Be- ately recognized him, and Lazarus
fore Jesus ascended to heaven, he obviously remembered them.—John
told his disciples: “You will receive 11:38-44; 12:1, 2. w20.08 14 ˚3; 16 ˚8
 Sunday, April 10 memorates, a sacrifice that makes
Salvation we owe to our God, who it possible for them to live forever
is seated on the throne, and to the on earth. Another important reason
Lamb.—Rev. 7:10. why the other sheep attend the Me-
morial is in order to be obedient to
The difference between the anoint- Jesus’ command. When Jesus insti-
ed and the other sheep is not their tuted that special meal with his faith-
value to God. Both groups are equal- ful apostles, he told them: “Keep do-
ly precious to him. After all, he paid ing this in remembrance of me.”
the same price, the life of his dear (1 Cor. 11:23-26) So they continue to
Son, to purchase both the anointed attend the Lord’s Evening Meal as
and the other sheep. The difference long as some anointed ones are alive
between the two groups is that they here on earth. w21.01 17-18 ˚13-14
have different hopes. Both groups Memorial Bible reading:
must remain loyal to God and Christ. (Daytime events: Nisan 9)
(Ps. 31:23) And remember, God’s John 12:12-19; Mark 11:1-11
spirit can work with equal force on
all of us. This means that Jehovah
Tuesday, April 12
supplies his holy spirit to each indi- By this the love of God was re-
vidual according to what is needed. vealed in our case, that God
Jehovah has given each of his dedi- sent his only-begotten Son into the
cated servants a wonderful hope for world so that we might gain life
the future. (Jer. 29:11) The Memo- through him.—1 John 4:9.
rial of Christ’s death gives each of
For love to be real, it must be
us a grand opportunity to praise God
and Christ for what they have done backed by actions. (Compare James
for us so that we can enjoy unending 2:17, 26.) For example, Jehovah loves
life. The Memorial is without ques- us. (1 John 4:19) And he express-
tion the most important occasion es his love through the beautiful
for true Christians to meet together. words recorded in the Bible. (Ps. 25:
w21.01 18 ˚16; 19 ˚19 10; Rom. 8:38, 39) However, we are
convinced that God loves us not just
Monday, April 11 because of what he says but also be-
Keep doing this. cause of what he does. Jehovah al-
—1 Cor. 11:25. lowed his beloved Son to suffer and
die for us. (John 3:16) Can there be
The vast majority who attend the any doubt that Jehovah really loves
Memorial have the earthly hope. us? We prove that we love Jehovah
Why, then, do they attend? For the and Jesus by obeying them. (John
same reason that people attend a 14:15; 1 John 5:3) And Jesus specif-
friend’s wedding. They want to show ically commanded us to love one an-
their love and support for the cou- other. (John 13:34, 35) We must not
ple who are getting married. Thus, only express our love for our broth-
those of the other sheep attend the ers and sisters in words but also
Memorial because they want to show show that we love them by what we
their love and support for Christ and do.—1 John 3:18. w21.01 9 ˚6; 10 ˚8
the anointed. The other sheep also Memorial Bible reading:
attend to show their appreciation for (Daytime events: Nisan 10)
the sacrifice that the Memorial com- John 12:20-50
 Wednesday, April 13 wrote that those “united with [Je-
sus] in the likeness of his death” will
I have called you friends.
“be united with him in the likeness
—John 15:15.
of his resurrection.” (Rom. 6:3-5) Je-
Those who are anointed with holy sus was raised as a spirit and went to
spirit have the hope of being with heaven. So that will be the outcome
Jesus forever, serving as joint heirs for all “in union with Christ,” that is,
of God’s Kingdom. They will actu- all spirit-anointed Christians. Paul
ally be with Christ—see him, speak wrote that Christ was raised as “the
with him, and spend time in his firstfruits of those who have fallen
company. (John 14:2, 3) Those with asleep in death.” (1 Cor. 15:20) Je-
the earthly hope will also receive sus was the first one ever to be
Jesus’ love and attention. Even raised from the dead as a spirit and
though they will not see Jesus, to receive everlasting life. w20.12 5-6
their bond with him will grow ever ˚15-16
stronger as they enjoy the life that Memorial Bible reading:
(Daytime events: Nisan 12)
Jehovah and Jesus make possible Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16; Luke 22:1-6
for them. (Isa. 9:6, 7) When we ac-
cept Jesus’ invitation to become MEMORIAL DATE
his friends, we gain many bless- After Sundown
Friday, April 15
ings. For example, we benefit from
his love and support right now. We We will always be with the Lord.
are given the opportunity to live —1 Thess. 4:17.
forever. And most important, our Anointed ones who today finish
friendship with Jesus will lead us their earthly course are instant-
to the finest treasure of all—a close, ly raised to life in the heavens. This
personal relationship with Jesus’ is confirmed by the apostle Paul’s
Father, Jehovah. What a privilege words recorded at 1 Corinthians
we have to be called Jesus’ friends! 15:51, 52. Upon their resurrection,
w20.04 25 ˚15-16 these brothers of Christ will have
Memorial Bible reading: complete joy. The Bible tells us what
(Daytime events: Nisan 11) work those who are changed “in the
Luke 21:1-36
blink of an eye” will do in heaven. Je-
Thursday, April 14 sus says to them: “To the one who
conquers and observes my deeds
In the Christ all will be made alive. down to the end, I will give authority
—1 Cor. 15:22. over the nations, and he will shep-
The apostle Paul’s letter was writ- herd the people with an iron rod so
ten to anointed Christians in Cor- that they will be broken to pieces
inth, who would be resurrected to like clay vessels, just as I have re-
life in heaven. Those Christians ceived from my Father.”—Rev. 2:26,
were “sanctified in union with Christ 27. w20.12 12 ˚14-15
Jesus, called to be holy ones.” And Memorial Bible reading:
Paul mentioned “those who have (Daytime events: Nisan 13)
Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16;
fallen asleep in death in union with Luke 22:7-13
Christ.” (1 Cor. 1:2; 15:18; 2 Cor. 5: (Events after sunset: Nisan 14)
17) In another inspired letter, Paul John 13:1-5; 14:1-3
 Saturday, April 16 the image of the one made of dust,
Christ has been raised from we will bear also the image of the
the dead.—1 Cor. 15:20. heavenly one.” (1 Cor. 15:45-49) Note
that Jesus was not resurrected
By calling Jesus “the firstfruits,” with a human body. Paul pointed-
the apostle Paul implied that oth- ly said: “Flesh and blood cannot
ers thereafter would be raised from inherit God’s Kingdom” in heaven.
death to heavenly life. The apostles (1 Cor. 15:50) The apostles and oth-
and others “in union with Christ” er anointed ones would not be res-
would follow Jesus. (1 Cor. 15:18) In urrected to heaven with corruptible
due time, they would experience a bodies of flesh and blood. w20.12 10-
resurrection similar to that of Je- 11 ˚10-12
sus. The heavenly resurrection for Memorial Bible reading:
those “in union with Christ” had not (Daytime events: Nisan 15)
yet begun to occur at the time Paul Matthew 27:62-66
wrote to the Corinthians. Rather, (Events after sunset: Nisan 16)
Paul pointed to a future time: “Each John 20:1
one in his own proper order: Christ Monday, April 18
the firstfruits, afterward those who
belong to the Christ during his Death, where is your victory?
presence.” (1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. Death, where is your sting?
4:15, 16) Today we are living during —1 Cor. 15:55.
that foretold “presence” of Christ. God inspired some of Jesus’ dis-
Yes, the apostles and other spirit- ciples in the first century to write
anointed Christians who died had about the heavenly hope. The apos-
to await that presence to receive tle John explained: “We are now
their heavenly reward and be “unit- children of God, but it has not yet
ed with [Jesus] in the likeness of been made manifest what we will
his resurrection.”—Rom. 6:5. w20.12 be. We do know that when he is
5 ˚12; 6 ˚16-17 made manifest we will be like him.”
Memorial Bible reading: (1 John 3:2) So anointed Christians
(Daytime events: Nisan 14)
do not know what they will be like
John 19:1-42
when they are raised to heaven with
Sunday, April 17 spirit bodies. However, they will see
It is sown in corruption; it is raised Jehovah when they receive their re-
up in incorruption.—1 Cor. 15:42. ward. The Bible provides some in-
formation about it. The anointed
The apostle Paul was referring to will be with Christ when he brings
a person who is resurrected with a “to nothing all government and all
heavenly body, that is, “a spiritual authority and power.” That includes
one.” (1 Cor. 15:43, 44) When Jesus “the last enemy, death.” Finally, Je-
walked the earth, he had a fleshly sus—along with his corulers—will
body. But when he was resurrect- subject himself and all things to Je-
ed, he “became a life-giving spir- hovah. (1 Cor. 15:24-28) What a cli-
it” and returned to heaven. Like- max that will be! w20.12 8 ˚2
wise, anointed Christians would be Memorial Bible reading:
resurrected to spirit life. Paul ex- (Daytime events: Nisan 16)
plained: “Just as we have borne John 20:2-18
 Tuesday, April 19 tan would like you to reason. The
I have hope . . . that there is going fact that you feel grieved and vexed
to be a resurrection of both with yourself is proof in itself that
the righteous and the unrighteous. you have not gone too far. Never
—Acts 24:15. weary of turning humbly and ear-
nestly to God, seeking his forgive-
Loyal Christians who do not have ness and cleansing and help.” Before
the hope of living in heaven with becoming a Christian, the apostle
Christ also have the hope of a res- Paul committed a number of serious
urrection. The Bible says that the sins. Paul remembered what he had
apostle Paul and others who go to done. (1 Tim. 1:12-15) But he viewed
heaven share in “the earlier resur- the ransom as a personal gift to him.
rection from the dead.” (Phil. 3:11) Paul thus avoided the trap of exces-
Does that not suggest that anoth- sive guilt and focused on giving Je-
er resurrection would follow? That hovah his best from that point for-
would be in harmony with what Job ward. w20.11 27 ˚14; 29 ˚17
said about his future. (Job 14:15)
“Those who belong to the Christ dur- Thursday, April 21
ing his presence” will be in heav- If any one of you is lacking in wis-
en with Jesus when he brings to
dom, let him keep asking God, for
nothing all governments and all au-
he gives generously to all and
thority and power. Even “the last en-
without reproaching, and it will be
emy, death,” will be brought to noth-
given him.—Jas. 1:5.
ing. Certainly, inherited death will
no more afflict those raised to heav- Satan presents us with many
en. (1 Cor. 15:23-26) Those with an temptations to do wrong. How do
earthly hope can derive hope from we respond? It is easy to ratio-
Paul’s words as found in today’s nalize. For example, we might rea-
text. Clearly, no unrighteous per- son: ‘Well, I would not be disfellow-
son can enter into heaven, so those shipped for doing this, so it must
words point to a future resurrection not be that serious.’ Such reasoning
on earth. w20.12 6-7 ˚18-19 is deeply flawed. We do better to ask
ourselves such questions as these:
Wednesday, April 20
‘Is Satan trying to use this tempta-
[Christ] loved me and handed tion to divide my heart? If I give in
himself over for me.—Gal. 2:20. to wrong desires, would I bring re-
We may wonder, ‘How can I know proach on Jehovah’s name? Would
for sure that Jehovah has not giv- this action draw me closer to my
en up on me?’ In a sense, by ask- God, or might it distance me from
ing that question, we also answer it. him?’ Meditate on such questions.
Decades ago, The Watchtower stated: Pray for wisdom to answer them
“We [may] find ourselves stumbling honestly, without self-deception.
and falling many times over some Doing so can be a real protection.
bad habit that has bitten more deep- It can help you to reject temptation
ly into our former pattern of life firmly, as Jesus did when he said:
than we had realized. . . . Do not con- “Go away, Satan!” (Matt. 4:10) Re-
clude you have committed the un- member, a divided heart is of little
forgivable sin. That is just how Sa- value. w20.06 12-13 ˚16-17
 Friday, April 22 this crowd.” (2 Chron. 14:11) Al-
though the Ethiopian army had al-
I tell everyone there among you
most double the number of soldiers,
not to think more of himself than it
Asa acknowledged Jehovah’s power
is necessary to think, but to think
and ability to act in behalf of His
so as to have a sound mind.
people. And Jehovah did not dis-
—Rom. 12:3.
appoint him; the Ethiopian army suf-
We humbly submit to Jehovah’s fered a humiliating defeat. (2 Chron.
standards, realizing that Jehovah al- 14:8-13) Although we do not know
ways knows what is best for us. (Eph. in detail what the future holds for
4:22-24) Humility moves us to put Je- us as individuals, we do know that
hovah’s will above our own and to any time of peace God’s people en-
consider others superior to us. As a joy will be temporary. In fact, Jesus
result, we enjoy good relationships foretold that in the last days, his dis-
with Jehovah and fellow believers. ciples would “be hated by all the na-
(Phil. 2:3) If we are not careful, tions.”—Matt. 24:9. w20.09 17-18 ˚14-16
though, we could be influenced by
people in Satan’s system who are Sunday, April 24
proud and selfish. Apparently, this I take pleasure . . . in insults.
was a danger to some in the first cen- —2 Cor. 12:10.
tury C.E., for the apostle Paul wrote
to the Romans: “I tell everyone there None of us like to be insulted.
among you not to think more of him- However, if our enemies do insult us
self than it is necessary to think, but and we are overly concerned with
to think so as to have a sound mind.” what they say, we can become dis-
Paul acknowledged that we need to couraged. (Prov. 24:10) How, then,
think something of ourselves. How- should we view the insults of oppos-
ever, humility will help us to keep a ers? Like the apostle Paul, we can
balanced view of ourselves and will “take pleasure . . . in insults.” Why?
help us avoid thinking too much of Because insults and opposition are
ourselves. w20.07 2 ˚1-2 signals that we are genuine disci-
ples of Jesus. (1 Pet. 4:14) Jesus said
Saturday, April 23 that his followers would be perse-
cuted. (John 15:18-20) That proved
The land had no disturbance and
true in the first century. Back then,
there was no war against him.
those influenced by Greek culture
—2 Chron. 14:6.
viewed Christians as unintelligent
In King Asa’s day, the time of and weak. And among the Jews,
peace eventually came to an end. Christians were considered to be
A huge military force—one million “uneducated and ordinary,” like the
strong—came from Ethiopia. Its com- apostles Peter and John. (Acts 4:13)
mander, Zerah, was confident that Christians seemed to be weak; they
he and his army could defeat Ju- had no political influence or military
dah. However, Asa trusted, not in power, and people viewed them as
numbers, but in his God, Jehovah. outcasts of society. Did those ear-
Asa prayed: “Help us, O Jehovah our ly Christians allow the negative view
God, for we are relying on you, and of their opposers to stop them? No.
in your name we have come against w20.07 14-15 ˚3-4
 Monday, April 25 16) When we work together in uni-
Let us continue loving one anoth- ty, the congregation thrives and is
built up in love. All elders in the
er, because love is from God, and
congregation are appointed by Je-
everyone who loves has been born
hovah’s holy spirit. Yet, each one has
from God and knows God.
different gifts and abilities. (1 Cor.
—1 John 4:7.
12:17) Some may be newly appointed
The apostle John felt a deep, lov- and relatively inexperienced. Oth-
ing concern for the spiritual wel- ers may be limited because of age
fare of his brothers, and that feeling and health. Yet, no elder should look
is clearly reflected in the counsel at any of his fellow elders and, in
he gave in his three inspired let- effect, say “I do not need you.” In-
ters. How encouraging it is to know stead, each elder should follow the
that men and women, like him, are counsel of Paul as recorded at Ro-
anointed to be corulers with Christ! mans 12:10. w20.08 26 ˚1-2; 27 ˚4
(1 John 2:27) May we take to heart
the counsel he gave. Let us be deter- Wednesday, April 27
mined to walk in the truth, obeying The scene of this world is
Jehovah in all aspects of our life. changing.—1 Cor. 7:31.
Study his Word, and put your trust
in it. Build strong faith in Jesus. Re- Jehovah guides us on the road to
life by means of the earthly part of
ject human philosophies and apos-
his organization. No doubt, we readi-
tate teachings. Resist the pressure
ly follow the Bible-based direction
to live a double life and to give in
we receive regarding doctrinal or
to sin. Live by Jehovah’s high mor-
moral matters. But how do we react
al standards. And let us help our
when God’s organization makes a
brothers remain strong by forgiving
change that affects other aspects of
those who hurt us and helping those
our life, such as selling the Kingdom
in need. Then, despite the struggles
Hall we attend? We will maintain our
we face, we will keep walking in the
joy if we remember that we are work-
truth. w20.07 24-25 ˚15-17
ing for Jehovah and that he is direct-
Tuesday, April 26 ing his organization. (Col. 3:23, 24)
King David set a good example when
God has arranged each of the body donating funds to build the temple.
members just as he pleased. He said: “Who am I and who are my
—1 Cor. 12:18. people that we should be in a posi-
Jehovah has lovingly given each of tion to make voluntary offerings like
his faithful servants a place in his this? For everything is from you, and
congregation. Although our roles we have given to you what comes
are different, we are all valuable and from your own hand.” (1 Chron. 29:
we all need one another. The apostle 14) When we donate funds, we too
Paul emphasized that none of us can are giving to Jehovah what has come
look at another servant of Jehovah from his own hand. Even so, Je-
and say “I do not need you.” (1 Cor. hovah appreciates the time, ener-
12:21) If the congregation is to func- gy, and resources that we donate
tion peacefully, we must value one to support the work he wants done.
another and work together. (Eph. 4: —2 Cor. 9:7. w20.11 22-23 ˚14-16
 Thursday, April 28 ter an immoral scene, graphic vio-
The one who looks at the clouds lence, or apostate material while
will not reap.—Eccl. 11:4. using the Internet or while watch-
ing a movie or TV program. If we
As Witnesses of Jehovah, we do prepare for what might happen, we
not judge our success by the num- can act quickly to escape spiritual
ber of people we bring into God’s harm and remain clean in Jehovah’s
organization. (Luke 8:11-15) As long eyes. (Ps. 101:3; 1 Tim. 4:12) We must
as we endure in preaching the good guard the valuable things that Jeho-
news and teaching others, Jehovah vah has given to us—precious Bible
will view us as being successful. truths and the privilege of teach-
Why? Because we are being obedi- ing them to others. When we do, we
ent to him and his Son. (Mark 13: will have a clean conscience, a life
10; Acts 5:28, 29) We have this addi- that has real meaning, and the joy of
tional incentive to preach now: The helping others come to know Jeho-
end of this system is fast approach- vah. w20.09 30 ˚16-19
ing! The time left to share in this
lifesaving work is greatly reduced. Saturday, April 30
Do not delay or feel that you have
You will see your Grand Instructor
to wait for the perfect circumstanc-
with your own eyes.—Isa. 30:20.
es to take part in this vital activity.
Act now to strengthen your motiva- Are you baptized? If so, you have
tion, deepen your knowledge of the publicly expressed your faith in
Bible, build your courage, and cul- Jehovah and your willingness to
tivate self-discipline. Join the more serve with his organization. Today,
than eight million fishers of men, Jehovah directs his organization
and you will experience the joy of in a way that reflects his person-
Jehovah. (Neh. 8:10; Luke 5:10) Be ality, purpose, and standards. Note
determined to have a full share in three of Jehovah’s attributes that
this work and to see it through to are reflected in his organization.
completion. w20.09 7 ˚18-20 First, “God is not partial.” (Acts 10:
34) Love moved Jehovah to give his
Friday, April 29
Son as a “ransom for all.” (1 Tim.
Guard what has been entrusted 2:6; John 3:16) Jehovah uses his
to you.—1 Tim. 6:20. people to preach the good news to
We cannot afford to become dis- all who will listen, thereby helping
tracted by a desire for more materi- as many as possible to benefit from
al things. “The deceptive power of the ransom. Second, Jehovah is a
riches” could choke our love for Je- God of order and peace. (1 Cor. 14:
hovah, our appreciation for God’s 33, 40) Therefore, we should expect
Word, and our desire to share it that his worshippers serve him as
with others. (Matt. 13:22) If we are an orderly, peaceful group. Third,
to safeguard the things that Jeho- Jehovah is the “Grand Instructor.”
vah has entrusted to us, we need (Isa. 30:21) Thus, his organization
to act quickly when we see danger. focuses on teaching his inspired
We can rehearse beforehand what Word, both in the congregation and
we will do if we suddenly encoun- in the public ministry. w20.10 20 ˚1-3
 Sunday, May 1 ah would be “cut off from the land
He continued subject to them. of the living” and be “given a buri-
—Luke 2:51. al place with the wicked.” More was
involved, though. Isaiah added that
Early in his human life, Jesus the Messiah would carry “the sin of
chose to be submissive to his par- many people.” Jesus did this by pro-
ents. He never rejected his parents’ viding the ransom. (Isa. 53:8, 9, 12;
direction, reasoning that he knew Matt. 20:28; Rom. 5:8) So the death,
more than they did. Jesus no doubt burial, and resurrection of Jesus
took his responsibility as the old- provide a solid basis for our hope of
est son seriously. He surely worked being set free from sin and death
hard to learn a trade from his adop- and being reunited with our loved
tive father so that he could help ones who have died. w20.12 2-3 ˚4-6;
support his family. Jesus’ parents 5 ˚11
likely told him about his miracu-
lous birth and what God’s messen- Tuesday, May 3
gers had said about him. (Luke 2: I, if anyone, do have grounds for
8-19, 25-38) Jesus was not satis- confidence in the flesh. If any other
fied with what he was told; he also man thinks he has grounds for con-
studied the Scriptures for himself. fidence in the flesh, I have more.
How do we know that Jesus was —Phil. 3:4.
a good student of God’s Word? Be- The apostle Paul preached often
cause while he was still a boy, the in Jewish synagogues. In the syn-
teachers in Jerusalem were “in con- agogue in Thessalonica, for exam-
stant amazement at his understand- ple, “for three sabbaths he reasoned
ing and his answers.” (Luke 2:46, with [the Jews] from the Scrip-
47) And at only 12 years of age, Je- tures.” (Acts 17:1, 2) Paul likely felt
sus had already proved to himself comfortable in the synagogue. He
that Jehovah was his Father.—Luke was raised as a Jew. (Acts 26:4, 5)
2:42, 43, 49. w20.10 29-30 ˚13-14 Paul could relate to the Jews, so he
was able to preach to them with con-
Monday, May 2 fidence. (Phil. 3:5) After Paul was
Christ has been raised from forced by persecutors to flee Thes-
the dead.—1 Cor. 15:12. salonica and then Beroea, he ar-
rived in Athens. Once again, “he be-
Belief in the resurrection of gan to reason in the synagogue with
Jesus is central to our Christian the Jews and the other people who
hope. Early in the apostle Paul’s worshipped God.” (Acts 17:17) While
discussion of the resurrection, he preaching in the marketplace, how-
brought up three realities. They are ever, Paul now had a different audi-
(1) “Christ died for our sins.” (2) He ence. Among his listeners were phi-
“was buried.” (3) He “was raised up losophers and other Gentiles who
on the third day according to the viewed Paul’s message as a “new
Scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:3, 4) What teaching.” They said to him: “You
do Jesus’ death, burial, and res- are introducing some things that are
urrection mean for us? The proph- strange to our ears.”—Acts 17:18-20.
et Isaiah foretold that the Messi- w20.04 9 ˚5-6
 Wednesday, May 4 challenge. Even so, the apostle Pe-
When I wish to do what is right, ter observed: “Though you never
what is bad is present with me. saw him, you love him. Though you
—Rom. 7:21. do not see him now, yet you exer-
cise faith in him.” (1 Pet. 1:8) So it is
Do not condemn yourself if you possible to form a close relationship
are struggling with a weakness. Re- with Jesus without having met him
member that none of us can earn a personally. Also, we are not able to
righteous standing before God. We speak to Jesus. When we pray, we di-
all need God’s undeserved kindness rect our thoughts to Jehovah. True,
by means of the ransom. (Eph. 1:7; we do pray in Jesus’ name, but we do
1 John 4:10) And we can turn to not talk directly to him. In fact, Je-
our brothers and sisters—our spir- sus does not want us to pray to him.
itual family—for encouragement! Why not? Because prayer is a form
They may provide a listening ear of worship, and only Jehovah should
when we need to talk and offer re- be worshipped. (Matt. 4:10) Even so,
assuring words that can cheer us we can express our love for Jesus.
up. (Prov. 12:25; 1 Thess. 5:14) Joy, w20.04 20 ˚1-3
a sister in Nigeria who has battled
with discouragement, says: “Where Friday, May 6
would I be without the brotherhood?
My brothers and sisters are proof [God ] will make you firm, he will
that Jehovah answers my prayers. make you strong.—1 Pet. 5:10.
I have even learned from them how The runners in the Greek games
to encourage others who are down- had to overcome challenges, such
hearted.” We need to keep in mind, as tiredness and pain. But all they
though, that our brothers and sis- had to rely on was their training and
ters may not always know when we their own strength. We are like those
need encouragement. So we may runners in that we receive training
need to take the initiative to ap- in how to run the race we are in. But
proach a mature fellow believer and we have an advantage over the liter-
open up about our need for help. al runners. We can draw on an un-
w20.12 23-24 ˚7-8 limited source of power. If we rely
Thursday, May 5 on Jehovah, he promises not only to
train us but also to make us strong!
I have called you friends. The apostle Paul had to deal with
—John 15:15. many challenges. In addition to be-
Usually, the first step in building a ing insulted and persecuted by oth-
close friendship with someone you ers, he at times felt weak and he had
meet is to spend time with the per- to cope with what he called “a thorn
son. As you talk to each other, shar- in the flesh.” (2 Cor. 12:7) But rath-
ing thoughts and experiences, you er than view those challenges as a
become friends. When it comes to reason for giving up, he saw them as
building a close friendship with Je- an opportunity to rely on Jehovah.
sus, however, we face challenges. (2 Cor. 12:9, 10) Because Paul adopt-
One of them is that we have not met ed this viewpoint, Jehovah helped
Jesus personally. Many Christians him through all his trials. w20.04 29
in the first century faced the same ˚13-14
 Saturday, May 7 need to cultivate tender affection
No man can come to me unless the not only for our family members
Father . . . draws him.—John 6:44. but also for those who are related
to us in the faith. (Rom. 12:10) What
We have the unseen treasure of is tender affection? It is a term that
“working together” with Jehovah specifically describes the warm
and the heavenly part of his organi- friendship between close family
zation. (2 Cor. 6:1) We do so when- members. That is the kind of love
ever we share in the disciple-making we should cultivate for our spiri-
work. Paul said of himself and those tual family, our Christian brothers
who share in this work: “We are and sisters. When we show tender
God’s fellow workers.” (1 Cor. 3:9) affection, we help maintain the uni-
When we participate in the Christian ty that is a vital part of true wor-
ministry, we are also Jesus’ fellow ship.—Mic. 2:12. w21.01 20 ˚1-2
workers. Recall that after command-
ing his followers to “make disciples Monday, May 9
of people of all the nations,” Je-
sus said: “I am with you.” (Matt. 28: Unify my heart to fear your name.
19, 20) And what about the angels? —Ps. 86:11.
What a blessing it is to be directed A sports team that is united is
by angels as we declare “everlasting more likely to have success than
good news . . . to those who dwell one that is not. Your heart can be
on the earth”! (Rev. 14:6) With such like that successful team if your
heavenly support, what is being ac- thoughts, desires, and emotions
complished? As we sow the Kingdom are united in serving Jehovah. Re-
message, some seeds fall on recep- member, Satan would love to di-
tive hearts and grow. (Matt. 13:18, vide your heart. He wants your
23) Who causes those seeds of truth thoughts, desires, and emotions to
to grow and become fruitful? Jesus be at odds and in conflict with Jeho-
explains that in today’s text. w20.05 vah’s standards. You, however, need
30 ˚14-15 your heart to be whole in order for
Sunday, May 8 you to serve Jehovah. (Matt. 22:36-
38) Never let Satan divide your
Stop being molded by this system heart! Pray to Jehovah as did Da-
of things.—Rom. 12:2. vid: “Unify my heart to fear your
Millions of families today have name.” Make it your aim to live up
been divided by divorce. Even fami- to that prayer. Each day, be de-
lies who stay in the same house may termined that your decisions, from
become virtual strangers. “Mom, small to great, show that you hold
dad, and the kids are all disconnect- Jehovah’s holy name in profound
ed from each other and connected awe. In so doing, as one of Jeho-
to a computer screen, tablet, smart- vah’s Witnesses, you will reflect well
phone, or video game console,” says on that name. (Prov. 27:11) And all
one family counselor. “Although of us will be able to say, along with
these families live under the same the prophet Micah: “We will walk in
roof, they barely know each other.” the name of Jehovah our God for-
We do not want to be molded by the ever and ever.”—Mic. 4:5. w20.06 13
world’s loveless spirit. Instead, we ˚17-18
 Tuesday, May 10 ple will treat us unjustly. Even a fel-
low believer may hurt us. But if we
He will go out in a great rage to
view Jehovah as our Rock, or Ref-
annihilate and to devote many to
uge, we will not lose heart or stop
destruction.—Dan. 11:44.
serving him. (Ps. 62:6, 7; 1 Pet. 5:10)
This attack by the king of the Recall, too, that Joseph may have
north, acting along with the rest of been about 17 when Jehovah dealt
the world’s governments, provokes with him in a special way. Obvious-
the Almighty and brings on the war ly, Jehovah has confidence in young
of Armageddon. (Rev. 16:14, 16) At servants of his. Today, many young
that time, the king of the north, ones are like Joseph. They too have
along with the rest of the nations faith in Jehovah. Some of them
that make up Gog of Magog, comes have even been unjustly imprisoned
to his end, and there will be “no because they would not compro-
helper for him.” (Dan. 11:45) The mise their loyalty to God.—Ps. 110:3.
very next verse in Daniel’s account w20.12 16 ˚3; 17 ˚5, 7
gives more details about how the
king of the north and his allies will Thursday, May 12
come to their end and how we will They summoned the apostles,
be saved. (Dan. 12:1) What does flogged them, and ordered them
this verse mean? Michael is anoth- to stop speaking on the basis of
er name for our ruling King, Christ Jesus’ name.—Acts 5:40.
Jesus. He has been “standing in be-
half ” of God’s people since 1914 The apostles Peter and John
when his Kingdom was established viewed it as an honor to be perse-
in the heavens. In the near future, cuted for following Jesus and shar-
he will “stand up,” or take significant ing his teachings. (Acts 4:18-21; 5:
action, at the war of Armageddon. 27-29, 41, 42) The disciples had no
That battle will be the final event in reason to feel ashamed. In the
what Daniel calls the greatest “time long run, those humble first-century
of distress” in history.—Rev. 6:2; 7:14. Christians did more good for man-
w20.05 15-16 ˚15-17 kind than any of their opposers did.
For example, the inspired books
Wednesday, May 11 written by some of those Christians
continue to give help and hope to
Joseph was taken down to Egypt.
millions of people. And the Kingdom
—Gen. 39:1.
they promoted not only is now in ex-
While a slave and later in pris- istence but will soon rule all of man-
on, Joseph had limited options and kind. (Matt. 24:14) By comparison,
freedom of movement. How did he the great political power that perse-
keep his balance? Instead of focus- cuted the Christians has collapsed
ing on what he was no longer able to into the ash heaps of history, where-
do, he diligently applied himself to as those loyal disciples are now
the work he was assigned to do. Jo- kings in heaven. Their opposers,
seph kept Jehovah as the most im- however, are dead; and if they are
portant Person in his life. In turn, ever resurrected, they will be sub-
Jehovah blessed everything Joseph jects of the Kingdom that was pro-
did. (Gen. 39:21-23) We are reminded moted by the Christians whom they
that this world is cruel and that peo- hated.—Rev. 5:10. w20.07 15 ˚4
 Friday, May 13 is only at the end of the thousand
[Abraham] was awaiting the city years that Jesus will hand the King-
having real foundations, whose dom back to his Father. Then the
designer and builder is God. Kingdom will have accomplished its
—Heb. 11:10. work completely, including the rais-
ing of mankind to a perfect state.
Abraham had such strong faith in (1 Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 20:1-3) Imag-
God’s promises that it was as if he ine what it will be like to greet your
could see the Anointed One, or Mes- loved ones again. Will the joy you
siah, who would be King of God’s feel make you laugh or cry? Will you
Kingdom. For this reason, Jesus fill the air with songs of praise to
could tell the Jews in his day: “Abra- Jehovah? One thing is certain, you
ham your father rejoiced greatly at will feel intense love for your car-
the prospect of seeing my day, and ing Father and his unselfish Son be-
he saw it and rejoiced.” (John 8: cause of the wonderful gift of the
56) Clearly, Abraham knew that his resurrection. w20.08 16-17 ˚9-10
descendants would form a Kingdom
that had Jehovah’s backing, and he Sunday, May 15
was willing to wait for Jehovah to
fulfill that promise. How did Abra- Each one has his own gift from
ham show that he was waiting for God, one in this way, another
the city, or Kingdom, designed by in that way.—1 Cor. 7:7.
God? First, Abraham did not join The apostle Paul encouraged
himself to any earthly kingdom. He Christians to consider whether they
remained a nomad, choosing not to could serve Jehovah as single peo-
settle down and give his support to ple. (1 Cor. 7:8, 9) Certainly Paul
a human king. In addition, Abraham did not look down on single Chris-
did not try to set up his own king- tians. In fact, he chose young Timo-
dom. Instead, he kept obeying Je- thy, a single brother, to care for
hovah and waited for Him to fulfill weighty assignments. (Phil. 2:19-22)
His promise. In doing so, Abraham Obviously, then, it would be wrong
showed extraordinary faith in Jeho- to think that a brother is more
vah. w20.08 3 ˚4-5 qualified or less qualified based
Saturday, May 14 solely on whether he is married or
not. (1 Cor. 7:32-35, 38) Neither Je-
The one who has died has been ac- sus nor Paul taught that Christians
quitted from his sin.—Rom. 6:7. must marry or that they must re-
Jehovah promises that no one liv- main single. What, then, can we say
ing under Christ’s rule will say: “I about marriage and singleness? The
am sick.” (Isa. 33:24) Thus, those Watchtower of October 1, 2012, stat-
who are raised from the dead will ed it nicely when it said: “Really,
be re-created with healthy bodies. both [marriage and singleness] can
However, they will not immediately be described as gifts from God. . . .
be perfect. If they were, they might Jehovah does not view [singleness]
seem unfamiliar to their loved ones. as a cause for shame or grief.” With
It seems that all mankind will grad- this in mind, we need to respect the
ually grow to perfection during the place of single brothers and sisters
Thousand Year Reign of Christ. It in the congregation. w20.08 28 ˚8-9
 Monday, May 16 (Matt. 24:21) During that time, fam-
Concerning that day and hour no- ily members may turn against us
body knows, . . . only the Father. and our work may be banned. (Matt.
—Matt. 24:36. 10:35, 36) Will we personally, like
King Asa, trust in Jehovah for help
In some countries, people re- and protection? (2 Chron. 14:11) Je-
spond eagerly when they hear the hovah has been preparing us spir-
good news. It is just what they have itually for what lies ahead. He is
been waiting for! In other lands, guiding “the faithful and discreet
people show little interest in God or slave” to provide nourishing spiritu-
the Bible. What is the common re- al “food at the proper time” to help
sponse where you live? Whatever it us remain steadfast in our worship.
is, Jehovah expects us to keep right (Matt. 24:45) But we must do our
on preaching until the work is com- part and build unshakable faith in
pleted to his satisfaction. At Jeho- Jehovah.—Heb. 10:38, 39. w20.09 18
vah’s set time, the preaching work ˚16-18
will reach its conclusion and “the
end will come.” (Matt. 24:14) Jesus Wednesday, May 18
foretold events and conditions that A king’s heart is like streams
would mark the last days and that of water in Jehovah’s hand. He
could distract his followers from ac- directs it wherever He pleases.
complishing the preaching work. He —Prov. 21:1.
admonished his disciples to “keep
on the watch.” (Matt. 24:42) To- When it is in harmony with his
day, we face distractions similar to purpose, Jehovah may use his pow-
those that prevented the people of erful holy spirit to cause people in
Noah’s day from paying attention to authority to do what he desires. Hu-
the warning proclaimed by Noah. mans can dig a canal to divert the
(Matt. 24:37-39; 2 Pet. 2:5) There- water of a stream in a direction
fore, we want to stay focused on the that fits their plans. Similarly, Je-
work Jehovah has given us to do. hovah can use his spirit to divert
w20.09 8 ˚1-2, 4 the thoughts of rulers in a direction
that is in harmony with his purpose.
Tuesday, May 17 When that occurs, people in author-
ity feel motivated to make decisions
All those desiring to live with
that benefit God’s people. (Compare
godly devotion in association
Ezra 7:21, 25, 26.) What can we do?
with Christ Jesus will also be
We can pray “concerning kings and
persecuted.—2 Tim. 3:12.
all those who are in positions of au-
Satan has “great anger,” and we thority” when these individuals are
would be fooling ourselves if we called on to make decisions that af-
were to imagine that we could some- fect our Christian life and minis-
how avoid his wrath. (Rev. 12:12) In try. (1 Tim. 2:1, 2, ftn.; Neh. 1:11)
the near future, all of us will face As the first-century Christians did,
tests of our integrity. Soon, the we too pray intensely to God for our
world will experience “great tribula- brothers and sisters who are in pris-
tion such as has not occurred since on.—Acts 12:5; Heb. 13:3. w20.11 15
the world’s beginning until now.” ˚13-14
 Thursday, May 19 ty. He did not correct his thinking,
Make disciples of people of all so Jehovah reproved him and re-
jected him. To learn from Saul’s ex-
the nations, baptizing them.
ample, we do well to ask ourselves
—Matt. 28:19.
these questions: ‘When I read coun-
If you are the one who studied sel from God’s Word, do I tend to
with the new disciple, how thrilling justify my thinking? Do I minimize
for you to witness that one’s bap- the consequences of disobedience?
tism! (1 Thess. 2:19, 20) Newly bap- Do I shift the blame for my actions
tized disciples are fine “letters of to someone else?’ If our answer to
recommendation,” not just for those any of those questions is yes, we
who studied with them but also for must adjust our thinking and atti-
the whole congregation. (2 Cor. 3: tude. Otherwise, our heart can be-
1-3) It is very good to see that in a come so haughty that Jehovah will
four year period, on average, some reject us as his friend. w20.11 20 ˚4-5
10,000,000 Bible studies have been
reported every month worldwide. Saturday, May 21
And during those same years, on Remember . . . your Grand Cre-
average, over 280,000 got baptized ator in the days of your youth,
each year as Jehovah’s Witnesses before the days of distress come
and new disciples of Jesus Christ. and the years arrive when you will
How can we help more of those mil- say: “I have no pleasure in them.”
lions of Bible students to get bap- —Eccl. 12:1.
tized? As long as Jehovah is pa-
tiently allowing people the time and Young ones, decide whom you will
opportunity to become Christ’s dis- serve. You have to prove to yourself
who Jehovah is, what his purpose in-
ciples, we want to do all we can to
volves, and how his will relates to
help them progress to baptism as
your life. (Rom. 12:2) Then you will
quickly as possible. Time is fast run-
be able to make the most impor-
ning out!—1 Cor. 7:29a; 1 Pet. 4:7.
tant decision of your life, the deci-
w20.10 6 ˚1-2
sion to serve Jehovah. (Josh. 24:15)
Friday, May 20 If you keep a regular schedule of Bi-
ble reading and study, your love for
God opposes the haughty ones, but Jehovah will continue to grow and
he gives undeserved kindness to your faith in him will become stron-
the humble ones.—Jas. 4:6. ger. Choose to put Jehovah’s will
King Saul did not obey Jehovah. first in your life. Satan’s world prom-
And when the prophet Samuel con- ises that if you use your talents for
fronted him about the matter, Saul your own benefit, you will be hap-
did not acknowledge his mistake. In- py. In truth, those who focus on ma-
stead, he tried to justify his actions terial goals stab themselves “all over
by minimizing the consequences of with many pains.” (1 Tim. 6:9, 10) On
his disobedience and shifting the the other hand, if you listen to Jeho-
blame to others. (1 Sam. 15:13-24) vah and choose to put his will first
Earlier, Saul had displayed a similar in your life, you will be successful
attitude. (1 Sam. 13:10-14) Sadly, he and “you will act wisely.”—Josh. 1:8.
allowed his heart to become haugh- w20.10 30-31 ˚17-18
 Sunday, May 22 Then Christ “appeared to more than
500 brothers at one time,” perhaps
I must . . . declare the good news
at the joyous event in Galilee men-
of the Kingdom of God . . . ,
tioned at Matthew 28:16-20. Jesus
because for this I was sent.
also “appeared to James,” likely Je-
—Luke 4:43.
sus’ half brother, who previously had
In the first century, the message not put faith in Jesus as the Mes-
that Jesus preached offered hope siah. (John 7:5) After seeing the
to all mankind. He commanded his resurrected Jesus, James was con-
followers to continue the work he vinced. Significantly, about 55 C.E.
started, to give a witness “to the when Paul wrote this letter, many
most distant part of the earth.” eyewitnesses of the resurrection
(Acts 1:8) Of course, they could not were alive, so any doubter could con-
do this work in their own strength. sult with living, credible witnesses.
They would need holy spirit—“the w20.12 3 ˚5, 7-8
helper” that Jesus had promised
Tuesday, May 24
them. (John 14:26; Zech. 4:6) Je-
sus’ followers received the holy spir- Jehovah will sustain him on
it at Pentecost 33 C.E. With the help his sickbed.—Ps. 41:3.
of that spirit, they immediately be- When we are not feeling well and
gan to preach, and in a short time, especially if we are dealing with
thousands accepted the good news. a chronic illness, we may find it
(Acts 2:41; 4:4) When opposition hard to think positively. So turn to
arose, the disciples did not give in Jehovah for support. While he does
to fear but turned to God for help. not cure us miraculously now, he
They prayed: “Grant to your slaves does comfort us and can give us
to keep speaking your word with the strength we need so as to en-
all boldness.” They were then filled dure. (Ps. 94:19) For example, he
with holy spirit and kept “speak- may move fellow Christians to come
ing the word of God with boldness.” to our aid when we need help with
—Acts 4:18-20, 29, 31. w20.10 21 ˚4-5 chores. He may move our brothers
to pray with us. Or he may bring
Monday, May 23 back to our mind comforting
Christ died for our sins according thoughts found in his Word, such
to the Scriptures; and . . . he was as the wonderful hope of perfect
raised up.—1 Cor. 15:3, 4. life without sickness and pain in the
coming new world. (Rom. 15:4) How-
Why can we be certain that Je- ever, we may feel limited in what
hovah brought Jesus back to life? we can do in the ministry. A sis-
There were many eyewitnesses who ter named Laurel was confined to an
testified that Jesus had been raised. iron lung for 37 years! She endured
(1 Cor. 15:5-7) The first witness on cancer, major surgeries, and chronic
the apostle Paul’s list was the apos- skin disorders. But it did not silence
tle Peter (Cephas). A group of dis- her. She witnessed to nurses and at-
ciples confirmed that Peter saw the tendants who came to her home and
resurrected Jesus. (Luke 24:33, 34) helped at least 17 people come to
In addition, “the Twelve,” the apos- an accurate knowledge of the Bible!
tles, saw Jesus after he was raised. w20.12 24 ˚9; 25 ˚12
 Wednesday, May 25 work. If you do, you can “have the
Jehovah is on my side; I will not full assurance of the hope down to
be afraid. What can man do to me? the end.” (Heb. 6:11) As this system
—Ps. 118:6. of things comes to its end, we will
experience more challenges that
The apostle Paul needed help. could produce anxious thoughts.
About 56 C.E., a crowd dragged him We will be able to face those chal-
outside the temple in Jerusalem and lenges and remain calm, not in our
tried to kill him. The next day, when own strength, but through our trust
Paul was brought before the San- in Jehovah. Let us show by our ac-
hedrin, he was almost torn apart tions that we have faith in Jehovah’s
by his enemies. (Acts 21:30-32; 22: promise: “Your strength will be in
30; 23:6-10) At that point, Paul may keeping calm and showing trust.”
have wondered, ‘How much longer —Isa. 30:15. w21.01 7 ˚17-18
can I endure this treatment?’ What
help did Paul receive? The night af- Friday, May 27
ter Paul was arrested, “the Lord,”
Jesus, stood by him and said: “Take
Jehovah is very tender in
courage! For just as you have been affection.—Jas. 5:11.
giving a thorough witness about me Note that James 5:11 links Jeho-
in Jerusalem, so you must also bear vah’s tender affection to another
witness in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) What quality that draws us to him—his
timely encouragement! Jesus com- mercy. (Ex. 34:6) One way in which
mended Paul for the witness he had Jehovah shows us mercy is by for-
given in Jerusalem. And he prom- giving us for the mistakes we make.
ised that Paul would safely reach (Ps. 51:1) In the Bible, mercy in-
Rome, where he would give a fur- volves much more than forgiveness.
ther witness. After receiving that as- Mercy is an intense feeling that
surance, Paul must have felt as se- springs from inside a person when
cure as a child nestled in his father’s he or she sees someone in distress
arms. w20.11 12 ˚1, 3; 13 ˚4 and is moved to try to help the
Thursday, May 26 person. Jehovah describes the in-
tense desire he has to help us as be-
We have this hope . . . , both ing greater than the feelings that a
sure and firm.—Heb. 6:19. mother has for her child. (Isa. 49:
Our Kingdom hope serves “as 15) When we are in distress, Jeho-
an anchor for the soul,” giving us vah’s mercy moves him to help us.
stability despite challenging cir- (Ps. 37:39; 1 Cor. 10:13) We can show
cumstances or anxious thoughts. mercy to our brothers and sisters
Meditate on Jehovah’s promise of a by forgiving them and not holding
future in which negative thoughts a grudge when they disappoint us.
will be gone. (Isa. 65:17) Picture (Eph. 4:32) But a primary way we
yourself in the peaceful new world, can show mercy is by supporting
where distressing situations will no our brothers and sisters through
longer exist. (Mic. 4:4) You will also the hardships they face. Thus we im-
strengthen your hope as you share itate Jehovah, the supreme example
it with others. Do all you can in of tender affection.—Eph. 5:1. w21.01
the preaching and disciple-making 21 ˚5
 Saturday, May 28 But Jesus does more than just make
Christ . . . [left] a model for you rules. He feeds and cherishes each
to follow his steps closely. one of us. (Eph. 5:29) Sisters show
—1 Pet. 2:21. that they respect Christ by follow-
ing the direction given by the men
A family head needs to maintain he has appointed to take care of
the right balance. He should not be- them. Brothers show that they un-
come so involved in secular work to derstand the headship arrangement
support his family that he fails to by respecting and honoring sisters.
care properly for his family’s spiritu- When all in the congregation un-
al and emotional needs and provide derstand and respect the principle
them with training. Jehovah trains of headship, the congregation en-
and disciplines us with our best in- joys peace. And more important, we
terests in mind. (Heb. 12:7-9) Like his bring praise to our loving heavenly
Father, Jesus trains those under his Father, Jehovah. w21.02 18-19 ˚14-17
authority in a loving manner. (John
15:14, 15) He is firm but kind. (Matt. Monday, May 30
20:24-28) He understands that we David inquired of Jehovah.
are imperfect and prone to make
—1 Sam. 30:8.
mistakes. (Matt. 26:41) A family
head who imitates Jehovah and Je- During the time when David and
sus makes allowances for the imper- his men were fugitives, they had left
fections of family members. He does their families to go on a mission.
not become “bitterly angry” with his While the men were away, an enemy
wife or children. (Col. 3:19) Instead, force raided their homes and took
he applies the principle recorded at their families captive. David could
Galatians 6:1 and tries to readjust have concluded that with all the ex-
them “in a spirit of mildness,” re- perience he had as a warrior, he
membering that he too is imperfect. could surely devise an effective
Like Jesus, he realizes that the best strategy for rescuing the captives.
way to teach is by example. w21.02 Instead, David looked to Jehovah
6-7 ˚16-18 for guidance. David inquired of Je-
hovah: “Should I chase after this
Sunday, May 29
marauder band?” Jehovah indicated
Every breathing thing—let it that David should do so and assured
praise Jah.—Ps. 150:6. him that he would be successful.
By means of the ransom, Jehovah (1 Sam. 30:7-10) What can you learn
purchased the lives of each individ- from this incident? Seek advice be-
ual in the congregation and, poten- fore you make decisions. Young
tially, of all humankind. (Mark 10:45; ones, consult your parents. You can
Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 15:21, 22) So it is also get good advice by talking to
fitting that he appointed Jesus, who experienced elders. Jehovah trusts
gave his life as a ransom, as head of these appointed men, and you can
the congregation. As our head, Je- too. Jehovah views them as “gifts”
sus has the authority to make and to the congregation. (Eph. 4:8) You
to enforce rules that govern the con- will benefit by imitating their faith
duct of individuals, of families, and and by listening to the wise sugges-
of the entire congregation. (Gal. 6:2) tions they give. w21.03 4-5 ˚10-11
 Tuesday, May 31 ing with God’s people, who can give
[Nothing] will be able to them spiritual and emotional sup-
port. We want each student to feel
separate us from God’s
that he belongs in the congregation
love.—Rom. 8:38, 39.
and is part of our spiritual family. We
Jesus said that if we do not ap- want him to be drawn to our warm
ply what we learn, we are like a and loving Christian brotherhood.
man who builds his house on sand. Then it will be easier for him to stop
He works hard, but he is wasting his having close association with people
effort. Why? Because when a storm who do not help him to love Jeho-
and flood hit his house, it will col- vah. (Prov. 13:20) If his former asso-
lapse. (Matt. 7:24-27) Similarly, if we ciates reject him, he will know that
do not apply what we learn, we will he can find true friends in Jehovah’s
have wasted our effort. When our organization.—Mark 10:29, 30; 1 Pet.
faith is tested by trials or persecu- 4:4. w20.10 17 ˚10-11
tion, it will not be strong enough. On
the other hand, when we study and Thursday, June 2
apply what we learn, we make bet- All authority has been given me
ter decisions, we gain more peace, in heaven and on the earth.
and we develop stronger faith. (Isa. —Matt. 28:18.
48:17, 18) To maintain our integrity
under trial, we need to rely on Jeho- We must be friends with Jesus
vah in prayer and maintain a good if we are to have a good relation-
study routine. And we must always ship with Jehovah. Why is that true?
remember that one of the most im- Consider just two reasons. First, Je-
portant things we can do is to bring sus told his disciples: “The Father
glory to Jehovah. We can be certain himself has affection for you, be-
that Jehovah will never abandon us cause you have had affection for
and that there is nothing anyone can me.” (John 16:27) He also said: “No
do to break his love for us.—Heb. 13: one comes to the Father except
5, 6. w21.03 15 ˚6; 18 ˚20 through me.” (John 14:6) Trying to
be Jehovah’s friend without build-
Wednesday, June 1 ing a close bond with Jesus is like
trying to enter a building without
We were determined to impart to
using the door. Jesus used a sim-
you, not only the good news of
ilar illustration when he described
God but also our very selves.
himself as “the door for the sheep.”
—1 Thess. 2:8.
(John 10:7) A second reason is that
Teachers must show genuine, per- Jesus perfectly reflected his Fa-
sonal interest in their students. View ther’s qualities. He said to his disci-
them as your future spiritual broth- ples: “Whoever has seen me has
ers or sisters. It is not easy for them seen the Father also.” (John 14:9) So
to give up friends in the world and an important way that we come to
to make all the necessary chang- know Jehovah is by studying the life
es to serve Jehovah. Effective Bible of Jesus. As we learn about Jesus,
teachers introduce their students to our affection for him will grow. And
others in the congregation who can as our friendship with Jesus grows,
have a good influence on them. The our love for his Father will deepen.
students can then enjoy associat- w20.04 21-22 ˚5-6
 Friday, June 3 their religion teaches. So even after
I take pleasure in weaknesses, . . . you discern a person’s religion, try
for when I am weak, then I am to find out what he personally be-
powerful.—2 Cor. 12:10. lieves. A missionary brother notes
that some people say that they be-
Are you lying in a bed or sitting lieve in the Trinity, but they may
in a wheelchair? Do you have weak not actually believe that the Father,
knees or poor eyesight? If so, can the Son, and the holy spirit are one
you run along with those who are God. “Knowing that makes it much
young and healthy? You certainly easier to find common ground with
can! Many older and infirm ones are the person,” he says. So try to
running on the road to life. They find out what people really believe.
cannot do this work in their own Then, like the apostle Paul, you
power. Instead, they draw on Jeho- can “become all things to people of
vah’s strength by listening to Chris-
all sorts.”—1 Cor. 9:19-22. w20.04 10
tian meetings over a telephone tie-
˚9-10
line or watching meetings through
video streaming. And they engage Sunday, June 5
in the disciple-making work by wit-
nessing to doctors, nurses, and rel- During that time your people will
atives. Never let discouragement escape, everyone who is found
over your physical limitations con- written down in the book.
vince you that you are too weak —Dan. 12:1.
to run on the road to life. Jehovah We can face the future with con-
loves you for your faith in him and fidence because both Daniel and
your record of endurance. You need John confirm that those who serve
his help now more than ever, and he Jehovah and Jesus will survive this
will not abandon you. (Ps. 9:10) In- unparalleled time of distress. Dan-
stead, he will draw even closer to iel says that the survivors will have
you. w20.04 29 ˚16-17 their names “written down in the
book.” How do we get our names
Saturday, June 4
in that book? We must give clear
I do all things for the sake of the evidence that we have faith in Je-
good news, in order to share it sus, the Lamb of God. (John 1:29)
with others.—1 Cor. 9:23. We need to get baptized in symbol
What subjects might you discuss of our dedication to God. (1 Pet. 3:
with a religious person? Try to find 21) And we must show our support
common ground. He may worship for God’s Kingdom by doing what
only one God, he may recognize Je- we can to help others learn about
sus as the Savior of humankind, or Jehovah. Now is the time to build
he may believe that we are living in trust in Jehovah and his organiza-
a time of wickedness that will soon tion of loyal servants. Now is the
end. Based on beliefs you have in time to support God’s Kingdom. If
common, present the Bible’s mes- we do, we will be saved when the
sage in a way that is appealing to king of the north and the king of the
that person. Keep in mind that peo- south are destroyed by God’s King-
ple may not believe everything that dom. w20.05 16 ˚18-19
 Monday, June 6 and, as a result, lost a privilege of
O Jehovah, your name endures service in the congregation. How did
forever.—Ps. 135:13. he react? “I got angry,” says Pablo,
“and I gradually drifted away from
Adam and Eve knew Jehovah’s the congregation.” Or a guilty con-
name, as well as vital truths about science may torment a person who
the One bearing that name. They has broken God’s law in the past,
knew him as the Creator, the One making him feel unworthy of God’s
who gave them life, their lovely Para- love. Even if he was repentant and
dise home, and a perfect mate. (Gen. was shown mercy, he might feel that
1:26-28; 2:18) However, would they he is no longer good enough to be
continue to use their perfect minds one of God’s people. How do you feel
to meditate on all that Jehovah had about brothers and sisters who face
done for them? Would they keep situations like those just discussed?
building up their love and appre- w20.06 19 ˚6-7
ciation for the Person represented
by that name? The answers became Wednesday, June 8
clear when God’s enemy tested The shrewd one sees the danger
them. Using a serpent as his mouth-
and conceals himself.—Prov. 22:3.
piece, Satan asked Eve a question:
“Did God really say that you must We must learn to recognize situa-
not eat from every tree of the gar- tions that could harm us and then
den?” (Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1) That ques- act to avoid the danger. (Heb. 5:14)
tion contained a subtle lie that was For instance, we need to choose our
like hidden poison. What God had ac- recreation and entertainment wise-
tually said was that they could eat ly. Television shows and movies of-
from every tree, with one exception. ten portray immoral conduct. Such
(Gen. 2:9) Satan made it seem as conduct offends God and will in-
if God were not generous. Eve may evitably bring about harm. Accord-
have wondered, ‘Is God withholding ingly, we avoid entertainment that
something good?’ w20.06 3-4 ˚8-9 could gradually undermine our love
for God. (Eph. 5:5, 6) We must also
Tuesday, June 7
discern the danger of false informa-
Continue putting up with one an- tion spread by apostates, as they
other and forgiving one another try to raise doubts about our broth-
freely.—Col. 3:13. ers and Jehovah’s organization.
Some of Jehovah’s servants have (1 Tim. 4:1, 7; 2 Tim. 2:16) Such mis-
felt hurt by a fellow believer. information could undermine our
The apostle Paul recognized that at faith. We must avoid being fooled
times we might have a valid “cause by this propaganda. Why? Because
for complaint against” a brother or a these types of stories are spread
sister. We may even have been treat- “by men who are corrupted in mind
ed unjustly. If we are not careful, we and deprived of the truth.” Their
could become resentful. Bitterness goal is to start “arguments and de-
may eventually cause a person to bates.” (1 Tim. 6:4, 5) They want us
drift away from Jehovah’s people. to believe their slander and develop
Pablo, a brother in South America, wicked suspicions about our broth-
was falsely accused of wrongdoing ers. w20.09 29 ˚13, 15
 Thursday, June 9 coming a follower of Christ. He
[Seek], not [your] own advantage, was hated by his own nation. (Acts
but that of the other person. 23:12-14) And he was beaten and im-
—1 Cor. 10:24. prisoned by his fellow citizens, the
Romans. (Acts 16:19-24, 37) In addi-
A husband and a wife should treat tion, Paul became painfully aware of
each other with love and respect. his own limitations. (Rom. 7:21-25)
(Eph. 5:33) The Bible teaches us to But rather than allow his opponents
focus on giving rather than on re- or his own shortcomings to cripple
ceiving. (Acts 20:35) What quality him, he took “pleasure in weakness-
will help a married couple to show es.” Why? Because it was when he
love and respect? The answer is hu- was weak that he saw God’s power
mility. Humility has helped many at work in his life.—2 Cor. 4:7; 12:10.
Christian couples find greater hap- w20.07 16 ˚7-8
piness in their marriage. For exam-
ple, a husband named Steven says: Saturday, June 11
“If you are a team, you will work Whoever exercises faith in me . . .
together, especially when there are will do works greater than these.
problems. Instead of thinking ‘what
—John 14:12.
is best for me?’ you will think ‘what
is best for us?’ ” His wife, Stephan- The work of Kingdom preaching
ie, feels similarly. “Nobody wants deserves our careful attention to-
to live with an opponent,” she says. day. Jesus foretold that this work
“When a conflict arises, we identi- would expand in scope and contin-
fy the problem. We then pray, do re- ue long after his death. Following
search, and talk it out. We attack the his resurrection, Jesus gave some
problem, not each other.” Husbands of his disciples a miraculous catch
and wives truly benefit when they do of fish. He used that occasion to
not think more of themselves than is confirm that their assignment to
necessary. w20.07 3-4 ˚5-6 be fishers of men was more impor-
tant than any other endeavor. (John
Friday, June 10
21:15-17) Just before Jesus ascend-
I was making greater progress in ed to heaven, he informed his dis-
Judaism than many of my own age ciples that the witnessing work he
in my nation.—Gal. 1:14. had started would expand far be-
Do not rely on your own strength yond the borders of Israel. (Acts 1:
or abilities when serving Jehovah. 6-8) Years later, Jesus gave a vi-
The apostle Paul was well-educated sion to the apostle John to show
—he was taught by one of the most him what would take place “in the
respected Jewish leaders of his day, Lord’s day.” In it John saw this awe-
a man named Gamaliel. (Acts 5:34; inspiring event: Under angelic di-
22:3) And at one point, Paul had rection, “everlasting good news”
some influence in the Jewish com- was being preached to “every na-
munity. (Acts 26:4) But Paul did not tion and tribe and tongue and peo-
rely on himself. Paul gladly gave ple.” (Rev. 1:10; 14:6) Clearly, Jeho-
up the things that made him power- vah’s will for us today is to share in
ful by the world’s standards. (Phil. this grand witnessing work until it
3:8; ftn.) Paul paid a price for be- is finished. w20.09 9 ˚5
 Sunday, June 12 adise. (Isa. 65:20; John 5:28, 29)
By faith Abraham, when he was Under Kingdom rule, all of God’s
tested, as good as offered up people will experience the truthful-
Isaac.—Heb. 11:17. ness of what Proverbs 10:22 says:
“It is the blessing of Jehovah that
Abraham’s family life was dif- makes one rich, and He adds no
ficult. His beloved wife, Sarah, pain with it.” With Jehovah’s spirit
could not have children. For de- at work on them, God’s people will
cades they had to deal with that bit- become spiritually rich, that is, they
ter disappointment. Eventually, Sa- will become more and more like
rah gave her servant girl, Hagar, Christ and will grow toward perfec-
to Abraham so that she could bear tion. (John 13:15-17; Eph. 4:23) Each
children for Abraham and Sarah. day they will become stronger, bet-
But when Hagar became pregnant ter people. What a joy life will be
with Ishmael, she began to despise then!—Job 33:25. w20.08 17 ˚11-12
Sarah. The situation became so dif-
ficult that Sarah chased Hagar away Tuesday, June 14
from home. (Gen. 16:1- 6) Sarah
Make it your aim . . . to mind your
finally became pregnant and gave
Abraham a son whom he named
own business.—1 Thess. 4:11.
Isaac. Abraham loved both of his We do well to keep in mind that
sons, Ishmael and Isaac. But be- some single Christians have made
cause of the bad way that Ishmael it a personal goal to remain unmar-
treated Isaac, Abraham was forced ried. Other single Christians would
to send Ishmael and Hagar away. like to marry, but they simply have
(Gen. 21:9-14) Later, Jehovah asked not found the right person. Still
Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacri- others may have lost their mate in
fice. (Gen. 22:1, 2; Heb. 11:17-19) In death. In any case, should those in
both cases, Abraham had to trust the congregation feel the need to
that Jehovah would eventually ask single Christians why they are
make things turn out well for his not married or to offer to help them
sons. w20.08 4 ˚9-10 find a mate? If help is not requested,
how might such offers make our sin-
Monday, June 13
gle brothers and sisters feel? (1 Tim.
Put on the new personality that 5:13) Our single brothers and sisters
was created according to God’s will be grateful if we value them
will in true righteousness and based on their fine qualities and not
loyalty.—Eph. 4:24. on their marital status. Instead of
Imagine the joy that those who feeling sorry for them, we do well
are resurrected will feel as they to appreciate their faithfulness.
strip off their old personality and As a result, our single brothers
live according to God’s righteous and sisters will never feel that we
standards. Those who make these are saying to them: “I do not need
changes will experience a resurrec- you.” (1 Cor. 12:21) Instead, they will
tion of life. On the other hand, those know that we respect them and val-
who rebel against God will not be al- ue their place in the congregation.
lowed to disrupt the peace of Par- w20.08 29 ˚10, 14
 Wednesday, June 15 week for family worship? Or if you
[Christ] appeared to more than live alone, do you still set aside time
just as if you were part of a family?
500 brothers at one time.
Also, do you share as fully as pos-
—1 Cor. 15:6.
sible in the preaching and disciple-
Later, Jesus appeared to the making work? Why should we ask
apostle Paul himself. (1 Cor. 15:8) those questions? The Bible tells us
Paul (Saul) was on his way to Da- that Jehovah examines our thoughts
mascus when he heard the voice and what is in our hearts, so we
of the resurrected Jesus and saw should do the same. (1 Chron. 28:9)
a vision of him in heavenly glory. If we see that we need to make some
(Acts 9:3-5) Paul’s experience add- changes in our goals, attitude, or
ed to the evidence that Jesus’ res- thinking, we should ask Jehovah to
urrection was not a myth. (Acts help us make those changes. Now is
26:12-15) Paul’s testimony would be the time to prepare ourselves for the
especially noteworthy to some be- tests that lie ahead. w20.09 19 ˚19-20
cause he at one time persecuted
Christians. Once he became con- Friday, June 17
vinced that Jesus had been raised Not one of you who does not say
up, Paul labored to convince others good-bye to all his belongings can
of this truth. He endured beatings, be my disciple.—Luke 14:33.
imprisonment, and shipwreck as he
Jesus illustrated the cost of be-
spread the truth that Jesus had died
coming his disciple. He spoke about
but was alive again. (1 Cor. 15:9-11;
someone wanting to build a tower
2 Cor. 11:23-27) Paul was so sure
and about a king wanting to march
that Jesus had been raised from the
into war. Jesus said that the build-
dead that he was willing to die de-
er must “first sit down and cal-
fending his belief. Does this early
culate the expense” to complete
testimony not convince you that Je-
the tower and that the king must
sus was raised from the dead? And
“first sit down and take counsel” to
does it not strengthen your belief in
see whether his troops can accom-
the resurrection? w20.12 3 ˚8-10
plish what they intend to do. (Luke
Thursday, June 16 14:27-32) Likewise, Jesus knew that
a person who wants to become his
If you search for [Jehovah], he disciple should analyze very care-
will let himself be found by you. fully what it means to follow him.
—2 Chron. 15:2. For that reason, we need to encour-
We might ask ourselves, ‘Do I regu- age prospective disciples to study
larly attend congregation meetings?’ with us every week. As the teacher,
When we attend the meetings pro- you need to prepare well for each
vided by Jehovah’s organization, we Bible study session. With your stu-
receive true spiritual refreshment dent in mind, meditate in advance
along with upbuilding association. on how to present the information
(Matt. 11:28) We might also ask our- simply and clearly so that your stu-
selves, ‘Do I have good personal dent can easily understand and ap-
study habits?’ If you live with your ply it.—Neh. 8:8; Prov. 15:28a. w20.10
family, do you set aside time every 7 ˚5; 8 ˚7
 Saturday, June 18 preached the good news “in all
Go, therefore, and make disciples creation under heaven.” (Col. 1:
. . . , teaching them to observe all 6, 23) In modern times, Jehovah
the things I have commanded you. continues to direct and empower
—Matt. 28:19, 20. his people. The direction, of course,
comes largely through God’s spirit-
Jesus’ instructions are clear. We inspired Word. There we find a rec-
must teach people the things that ord of Jesus’ ministry and his com-
he commanded. However, we should mand that his followers continue
not overlook an important detail. Je- the work he started. (Matt. 28:19,
sus did not say: ‘Teach them all the 20) Jehovah is impartial; he fore-
things I have commanded you.’ In- told that the good news would be
stead, he said: Teach them “to ob- declared “to every nation and tribe
serve all the things I have com- and tongue and people.” (Rev. 14:
manded you.” To apply that specific 6, 7) He wants the Kingdom message
instruction when teaching a Bible to be available to all. w20.10 21 ˚6-8
student, we need to be not only
teachers but also guides. (Acts 8: Monday, June 20
31) To “observe” a command means
to obey it. When we study the Bi- You save those who are humble,
ble with others, we teach them what but your eyes are against the
God requires of us. But we must haughty.—2 Sam. 22:28.
do more. We must teach our Bible King David was a man who loved
students to apply in their daily life “the law of Jehovah.” (Ps. 1:1-3) Da-
what they learn. (John 14:15; 1 John vid knew that Jehovah saves those
2:3) By example, we can show our who are humble but opposes the
students how they can apply basic haughty. So David allowed God’s
Scriptural principles at school, at law to adjust his thinking. He wrote:
work, or during recreation. In the “I will praise Jehovah, who has
presence of our students, we can given me advice. Even during the
pray to Jehovah that the holy spir- night, my innermost thoughts cor-
it guide them.—John 16:13. w20.11 2-3 rect me.” (Ps. 16:7) If we are humble,
˚3-5 we will allow God’s Word to correct
Sunday, June 19 our wrong thinking before we act
on those thoughts. God’s Word will
“Not by a military force, nor by be like a voice that tells us: “This is
power, but by my spirit,” says the way. Walk in it.” It will warn us
Jehovah of armies.—Zech. 4:6. when we are straying from the path
Jesus’ disciples faced challenges. —to the left or to the right. (Isa. 30:
For example, copies of the Scrip- 21) By listening to Jehovah, we will
tures were few. There were no study benefit ourselves in a number of
aids such as we have today. And ways. (Isa. 48:17) For instance, we
the disciples had to preach to peo- will avoid the embarrassment of
ple who spoke many different lan- having to be corrected by someone
guages. In spite of all those chal- else. And we will draw closer to Je-
lenges, those zealous disciples did hovah because we recognize that he
the seemingly impossible—within is treating us like a beloved child.
just a few decades, they had —Heb. 12:7. w20.11 20 ˚6-7
 Tuesday, June 21 preaching work would have been
When they heard of a resurrection hindered. Even though they were
of the dead, some began to scoff. Jewish, the apostles and older men
—Acts 17:32. were not influenced by Jewish tra-
dition or by those strongly promot-
Such thinking may have affected ing it. Rather, they looked to God’s
some in Corinth. (1 Cor. 15:12) Also, Word and spirit for guidance. (Acts
others may have thought of the 15:1, 2, 5-20, 28) The result? Jehovah
resurrection in a figurative sense, blessed their decision, peace and
meaning that a person was once unity prevailed, and the preaching
“dead” in sin but had become “alive” work moved ahead. (Acts 15:30, 31;
as a Christian. Whatever their rea- 16:5) In modern times, Jehovah’s or-
son, denying the resurrection meant ganization has also worked to main-
that their faith was in vain. If God tain order and peace among Jeho-
did not resurrect Jesus, no ran- vah’s people. w20.10 22-23 ˚11-12
som was paid and all remained in
sin. So those who rejected the res- Thursday, June 23
urrection had no valid hope. (1 Cor. My son Solomon [is] the one whom
15:13-19; Heb. 9:12, 14) The apostle
God has chosen.—1 Chron. 29:1.
Paul had firsthand knowledge that
“Christ [had] been raised from the Because of the limitations of age,
dead.” That resurrection was superi- health, or other factors, we may not
or to the resurrection of those who be eligible to receive a certain theo-
had earlier been brought back to cratic assignment. In that connec-
life on earth—only to die again. Paul tion, we can learn from the exam-
said that Jesus was “the firstfruits ple of King David. When told that he
of those who have fallen asleep in had not been chosen to build God’s
death.” He was the first person to be temple—something that David had
raised to life as a spirit being and the dearly hoped to do—he gave full
first one from mankind to ascend support to the one whom God had
to heaven.—1 Cor. 15:20; Acts 26:23; selected for the assignment. Da-
1 Pet. 3:18, 22. w20.12 5 ˚11-12 vid even contributed generously to-
ward the project. What an outstand-
Wednesday, June 22
ing example to follow! (2 Sam. 7:
They would deliver to them for ob- 12, 13; 1 Chron. 29:3-5) Because of
servance the decrees that had been health problems, Hugues, a brother
decided on by the apostles and the in France, stopped serving as an el-
elders.—Acts 16:4. der, and he could not even care for
In the first century, the governing simple tasks around the home. He
body in Jerusalem worked unitedly writes: “At first, I felt worthless and
to maintain order and peace among deeply discouraged. But in time, I
God’s people. (Acts 2:42) For ex- saw the importance of accepting
ample, when the issue of circumci- my limitations, and I found joy in
sion came to a head about 49 C.E., serving Jehovah within those lim-
the governing body, under the direc- its. Like Gideon and his three hun-
tion of holy spirit, considered the dred men—all of whom were tired—I
matter. If the congregation had re- will keep up the fight!”—Judg. 8:4.
mained divided over this issue, the w20.12 25 ˚14-15
 Friday, June 24 go his own need for rest in order
Continue loving one another. to teach a crowd of people. (Mark
—1 John 4:7. 6:31-34) A good family head knows
that one of the most difficult things
In his account of Jesus’ life, the he must do is make wise decisions
apostle John uses the words “love” for his family, and he takes that re-
and “loved” more often than the oth- sponsibility seriously. He tries to
er three Gospel writers combined. avoid making decisions that are ar-
His inspired writings reveal that love bitrary or that are based purely on
must influence everything a Chris- emotion. Instead, he allows Jeho-
tian does. (1 John 4:10, 11) How- vah to train him. (Prov. 2:6, 7) That
ever, it took time for John to learn way, he will think of benefiting oth-
that lesson. When John was a young
ers, not himself. (Phil. 2:4) If a hus-
man, he did not always show love.
band strives to follow the example
For example, on one occasion, Je-
set by Jehovah and Jesus, he will be
sus and his disciples were travel-
a good family head. w21.02 7 ˚19-21
ing to Jerusalem through Samaria.
A certain Samaritan village refused Sunday, June 26
to show them hospitality. John pro-
posed calling down fire from heav- Asa did what was good and right
en and destroying all the inhabitants in the eyes of Jehovah his God.
of the village! (Luke 9:52-56) On an- —2 Chron. 14:2.
other occasion, John and his broth- As a young man, King Asa was
er James apparently coaxed their humble and courageous. For exam-
mother into asking Jesus to give ple, when he succeeded his father,
them prominent positions alongside Abijah, he launched a campaign
him in the Kingdom. When the oth- against idolatry. He also “told Ju-
er apostles found out what James dah to search for Jehovah the God
and John had done, they were furi- of their forefathers and to observe
ous! (Matt. 20:20, 21, 24) Neverthe- the Law and the commandment.”
less, despite all of John’s flaws, Je- (2 Chron. 14:1-7) And when Zerah the
sus loved him.—John 21:7. w21.01 8-9 Ethiopian invaded Judah with 1,000,-
˚3-4 000 soldiers, Asa wisely turned to
Saturday, June 25 Jehovah for help, saying: “O Jeho-
vah, it does not matter to you wheth-
The Christ did not please himself. er those you help are many or have
—Rom. 15:3. no power. Help us, O Jehovah our
Jehovah makes decisions that are God, for we are relying on you.”
in the best interests of others. For This beautiful expression shows
example, he decided to create life, how much confidence Asa had in Je-
not to benefit himself, but to share hovah’s ability to save him and his
with us the joy of living. No one people. Asa trusted in his heaven-
could have forced him to give his ly Father, and “Jehovah defeated the
Son to cover our sins. He willingly Ethiopians.” (2 Chron. 14:8-12) You
decided to make that sacrifice for would no doubt agree that facing
our benefit. Jesus too made deci- an army of 1,000,000 soldiers was a
sions that primarily benefited oth- huge challenge, and it was one that
ers. For example, he decided to for- Asa met successfully. w21.03 5 ˚12-13
 Monday, June 27 ably, such possibilities can make us
Have tender affection for one feel anxious. People do not normally
another.—Rom. 12:10. view persecution as a reason to feel
joyful.Yet, that is exactly what God’s
The Bible contains accounts of im- Word tells us to do. For example, the
perfect humans who showed tender disciple James wrote that instead of
affection. Consider the example of feeling overwhelmed, we should con-
Jonathan and David. The Bible says: sider it a joy when we go through
“Jonathan and David became bound trials. (Jas. 1:2, 12) And Jesus said
together in close friendship, and that we should be happy even when
Jonathan began to love him as him- we are persecuted. (Matt. 5:11) Je-
self.” (1 Sam. 18:1) David was anoint- hovah inspired James to write to
ed to succeed Saul as king. After Christians to give them practical
that, Saul became resentful of Da- advice that would help them re-
vid and tried to kill him. But Saul’s main joyful even when facing trials.
son Jonathan did not join his fa- w21.02 26 ˚1-2; 27 ˚5
ther in this murderous campaign
against David. Jonathan and David Wednesday, June 29
promised to remain friends and al-
ways to support each other. (1 Sam. [Turn] away from the empty
20:42) The tender affection between speeches that violate what is
Jonathan and David is all the more holy.—1 Tim. 6:20.
remarkable when we consider some Some of Timothy’s contempo-
factors that could have prevented raries failed to appreciate their priv-
them from becoming friends. For ex- ilege of being fellow workers with
ample, Jonathan was some 30 years God. These included Demas, Phygel-
older than David. Jonathan could us, Hermogenes, Hymenaeus, Alex-
have concluded that he had nothing ander, and Philetus. (1 Tim. 1:19, 20;
in common with this much younger 2 Tim. 1:15; 2:16-18; 4:10) Apparently,
and less experienced man. Yet, Jon- all these people were once spiritual-
athan did not view or treat David as ly strong, but they lost their sense of
an inferior. w21.01 21-22 ˚6-7 what was truly valuable. How does
Tuesday, June 28 Satan try to make us give up the
treasures that Jehovah has entrust-
Consider it all joy, my brothers, ed us with? Note some of Satan’s
when you meet with various trials. tactics. He uses entertainment and
—Jas. 1:2. the media to promote values, think-
Jesus promised his followers that ing, and behavior that he hopes will
they would be genuinely happy. He cause us to loosen our grip on the
also warned those who love him that truth. He attempts to intimidate us
they would face trials. (Matt. 10:22, through peer pressure or persecu-
23; Luke 6:20-23) We find joy in be- tion so that we will stop preaching.
ing disciples of Christ. But how do And he tries to entice us to listen
we feel about the possibility of be- to “the falsely called ‘knowledge’ ” of
ing opposed by our family, persecut- apostates so that we will abandon
ed by the government, or pressured the truth. If we are not careful, we
to do what is wrong by our work- could gradually lose our grip on the
mates or schoolmates? Understand- truth.—1 Tim. 6:21. w20.09 27 ˚6-8
 Thursday, June 30 answers our prayers, he has giv-
Jehovah will hear my request for en Jesus the authority to carry out
favor; Jehovah will accept my His decisions. Thus, before God an-
prayer.—Ps. 6:9. swers our prayers, he sees if we
have applied the counsel Jesus
Has a friend or a family member gave. For example, Jesus said: “If
betrayed your trust? If so, you would you forgive men their trespasses,
benefit by reviewing the account of your heavenly Father will also for-
King David’s son Absalom. (2 Sam. give you; whereas if you do not for-
15:5-14, 31; 18:6-14) With the account give men their trespasses, neither
in mind, tell Jehovah how you are will your Father forgive your tres-
feeling about the way you have been
passes.” (Matt. 6:14, 15) How impor-
mistreated. (Ps. 6:6-8) Next, imag-
tant it is, then, that we treat others
ine how David must have felt as all of
in the same kind way that Jehovah
this was happening to him. He loved
and Jesus treat us! w20.04 22 ˚6
Absalom and trusted Ahithophel.
Yet, both of these close companions Saturday, July 2
betrayed him. They hurt him deep-
ly and even tried to kill him. Da- We are declaring the good news to
vid could have lost faith in his oth- you, for you to turn from these
er friends, suspecting that they too vain things to the living God.
had joined Absalom. He might have —Acts 14:15.
thought only of himself and have The apostle Paul discerned the in-
wanted to flee the country alone. Or terests of his audience, and then he
he could just have given up in de- adapted his presentation. For exam-
spair. Instead, he prayed to Jehovah ple, the crowd he spoke to in Lys-
for help. He also asked his friends tra had little or no knowledge of the
to help him. And he acted quickly Scriptures. So Paul used arguments
to implement the decisions he made. that they could relate to. He spoke
He continued to trust in Jehovah of fruitful harvests and the ability
and to trust his friends. w21.03 15 to enjoy life. He used words and ex-
˚7-8; 17 ˚10-11
amples that his listeners could readi-
Friday, July 1 ly understand. Use insight to discern
the interests of people in your ter-
All authority has been given me ritory and adapt your presentation.
in heaven and on the earth. How can you find out what a person
—Matt. 28:18. is interested in as you approach him
We must have a relationship with or his home? Be observant. Perhaps
Jesus in order for our prayers to be he is gardening, reading a book,
answered. This calls for doing more repairing a vehicle, or engaging in
than simply adding the phrase “in some other activity. If appropriate,
Jesus’ name” to our prayers as a for- why not use what he is doing to en-
mality. We must recognize how Je- gage him in conversation? (John 4:7)
hovah uses Jesus in answering our Even a person’s clothing may say
prayers. Jesus told the apostles: something about him—perhaps it in-
“Whatever you ask in my name, I dicates his nationality, occupation,
will do this.” (John 14:13) Although or favorite sports team. w20.04 11
Jehovah is the one who hears and ˚11-12
 Sunday, July 3 duce their own oxygen, food, and
Throw all your anxiety on [God ], water and if they could not throw
because he cares for you. any waste products overboard? The
—1 Pet. 5:7. people in that boat would soon die.
In contrast, the earth supports bil-
Because of severe anxiety, some lions of living creatures. It produces
brothers and sisters feel very ner- all the oxygen, food, and water we
vous and self-conscious in everyday need, and we do not run out of those
social situations. They may find it vital supplies. Its waste products
difficult to be in large groups, but are not ejected into space; yet, the
they continue to attend congrega- earth remains beautiful and habit-
tion meetings, assemblies, and con- able. How is that possible? Jehovah
ventions. They find it a challenge to designed the earth with the ability to
speak to strangers, yet they talk to recycle resources. w20.05 20 ˚3-4
others in the field ministry. If that
is true in your case, be assured Tuesday, July 5
that you are not alone. Many deal
You certainly will not die.
with similar struggles. Remember
that Jehovah is pleased with your
—Gen. 3:4.
whole-souled efforts. The fact that Satan was in effect telling Eve that
you have not given up is proof that Jehovah is a liar. Satan thus became
he is blessing you and giving you a devil, or slanderer. Eve was thor-
the strength you need. (Phil. 4:6, 7) oughly deceived; she believed Satan.
If you are serving Jehovah despite (1 Tim. 2:14) She put more trust in
enduring physical or emotional limi- him than in Jehovah. That made it
tations, you can be confident that easier for Eve to make the worst pos-
you are pleasing Jehovah. Many of sible decision. She decided to dis-
us have physical limitations, yet we obey Jehovah. She began eating of
are enduring. (2 Cor. 4:16) With Je- the fruit that Jehovah had forbid-
hovah’s help, we will all run the race den her to eat. Afterward, she gave
to the finish! w20.04 31 ˚20-21 some to Adam. (Gen. 3:6) Think
for a moment about what Eve should
Monday, July 4
have said to Satan. Imagine that she
His invisible qualities are clearly had said something like this: “I do
seen . . . by the things made. not know who you are, but I know
—Rom. 1:20. my Father, Jehovah, and I love and
God’s wisdom is clearly seen in the trust him. He has given Adam and
way he constructed our home, the me everything we have. How dare
earth. (Heb. 3:4) The earth is unique you say anything bad about him?
because it has all the right condi- Go away!” How delighted Jehovah
tions to sustain human life. In some would have been to hear such loy-
respects, the earth is like a boat al words from a loving daughter!
floating in the vast ocean of space. (Prov. 27:11) But Eve did not have
But there are key differences be- loyal love for Jehovah; neither was
tween a man-made boat, full of peo- Adam guided by that quality. Lack-
ple, and our earth. For example, how ing such love for their Father, Adam
long would the occupants of a lit- and Eve failed to defend his name
eral boat survive if they had to pro- against slander. w20.06 4 ˚10-11
 Wednesday, July 6 gether the lambs, and in his bos-
The women proclaiming the good om he will carry them.” (Isa. 40:
news are a large army.—Ps. 68:11. 11) How does the Great Shepherd
feel when one of his sheep strays
Our sisters deserve to be com- from the flock? Jesus revealed Je-
mended for all they do in Jeho- hovah’s feelings when he asked his
vah’s service. That service includes disciples: “What do you think? If
constructing and maintaining build- a man has 100 sheep and one of
ings, supporting foreign-language them strays, will he not leave the
groups, and volunteering at Bethel 99 on the mountains and set out on
facilities. They assist in disaster re- a search for the one that is stray-
lief work, help to translate our publi- ing? And if he finds it, I certainly tell
cations, and serve as pioneers and you, he rejoices more over it than
missionaries. In addition, wives help over the 99 that have not strayed.”
their husband to carry a heavy load —Matt. 18:12, 13. w20.06 19-20 ˚8-9
in the congregation and in the or-
ganization. These responsible broth- Friday, July 8
ers would not be able to serve so If a man is reaching out to be an
fully as “gifts in men” were it not overseer, he is desirous of a fine
for the support of their wife. (Eph. work.—1 Tim. 3:1.
4:8) Wise elders realize that sisters
are “a large army” of willing work- We view it as a privilege to serve
ers and that they are often among Jehovah in any way we can. (Ps.
the most capable preachers of the 27:4; 84:10) If a brother is able to
good news. In addition, elders rec- make himself available for a spe-
ognize that faithful, mature sisters cial privilege of service, that is com-
are effective in helping younger sis- mendable. However, when he re-
ters deal with challenges. (Titus 2: ceives an assignment, he should not
3-5) Certainly, our sisters deserve to think more of himself than is neces-
be appreciated! w20.09 23-24 ˚13-14 sary. (Luke 17:7-10) His goal should
be to serve others humbly. (2 Cor.
Thursday, July 7 12:15) The Bible contains warning
It is not a desirable thing to my examples of people who thought
Father who is in heaven for even too much of themselves. Diotre-
phes immodestly sought to have
one of these little ones to perish.
“the first place” in the congrega-
—Matt. 18:14.
tion. (3 John 9) Uzziah proudly
Jehovah does not forget those tried to perform a task that Jeho-
who once served him but who have vah had not assigned him to do.
temporarily stopped associating (2 Chron. 26:16-21) Absalom slyly
with his people; nor does he for- tried to win the support of the pub-
get the work they did in his ser- lic because he wanted to be king.
vice. (Heb. 6:10) The prophet Isa- (2 Sam. 15:2-6) As those Bible ac-
iah recorded a beautiful illustration counts clearly show, Jehovah is not
to show how Jehovah cares for his pleased with people who seek their
people. “Like a shepherd he will own glory. (Prov. 25:27) In time,
care for his flock,” Isaiah wrote. pride and ambition lead only to di-
“With his arm he will gather to- saster.—Prov. 16:18. w20.07 4 ˚7-8
 Saturday, July 9 tunities, a chance to see Jehovah’s
Each one will carry his power working through you. For ex-
own load.—Gal. 6:5. ample, if you feel intimidated by
those who try to make you doubt
Some Christian families have your beliefs, pray for Jehovah to
moved to another country to seek give you boldness when defending
refuge or to find employment. In your faith. (Eph. 6:19, 20) If you are
such cases, their children may now struggling to cope with a chronic
be educated in the main language disability, ask Jehovah to give you
of their new country. The parents the strength you need to stay as
may also need to learn the main lan- busy as you can in his service. Each
guage in order to find employment. time you see Jehovah help you, your
What if there is a local congregation faith grows and you become stron-
or group in their mother tongue? ger. w20.07 16 ˚9
Which congregation should the fam-
ily attend? Should it be a congrega- Monday, July 11
tion in which the main language of [Seek] first the Kingdom.
the country is spoken or a congre- —Matt. 6:33.
gation in which the family’s mother
tongue is spoken? The family head If we are to put the Kingdom first
must decide which congregation his in our lives, we must be like Abra-
family will attend. Because this is ham, who willingly made sacrifices
a personal matter, he must consid- to please God. (Mark 10:28-30; Heb.
er what is in the best interests of 11:8-10) Do not expect your life to
his family. We need to respect the be trouble-free. Even those who de-
decision of the family head. What- vote their entire life to serving Je-
ever he decides, let us accept his hovah must still deal with prob-
decision and welcome the family as lems. (Jas. 1:2; 1 Pet. 5:9) Today,
a valued part of our congregation. we have more reason than ever to
—Rom. 15:7. w20.08 30 ˚17-18 focus on the future. World events
clearly show that we are in the final
Sunday, July 10
part of the last days of this system
God chose the weak things of things. Among the many bless-
of the world.—1 Cor. 1:27. ings we will enjoy under Kingdom
If we want to gain power from Je- rule will be that of seeing our loved
hovah, we must not think that phys- ones raised from the dead. At that
ical strength, education, cultural time, Jehovah will reward Abraham
background, or material wealth de- for his faith and patience by bring-
termine how valuable we are. These ing him and his family back to life
things are not what make us use- on earth. Will you be there to wel-
ful to Jehovah. In fact, not many of come them? You can be if you, like
God’s people are “wise in a fleshly Abraham, are willing to make sacri-
way, not many powerful, not many fices for God’s Kingdom, if you keep
of noble birth.” (1 Cor. 1:26) So do your faith despite problems, and if
not view any supposed disadvan- you learn to wait patiently on Je-
tages as obstacles to serving Jeho- hovah.—Mic. 7:7. w20.08 5-6 ˚13-14;
vah. Instead, view them as oppor- 7 ˚17
 Tuesday, July 12 Bible. It requires that we meditate
Prove yourself faithful even to on what we read and do research
in our publications so that we can
death, and I will give you the
correctly understand and apply the
crown of life.—Rev. 2:10.
Scriptures. (1 Tim. 4:13-15) Then we
We know that if our enemies kill will be able to use God’s Word to
us, Jehovah will restore us to life. teach others. Again, this involves
We are convinced that nothing they more than just reading a Bible text.
do can sever our attachment to Je- We want to help our listeners to un-
hovah. (Rom. 8:35-39) What remark- derstand the verse and how it ap-
able wisdom Jehovah has shown plies to them. By sticking to a regu-
by giving us the resurrection hope! lar schedule of personal Bible study,
By means of it, he disarms Satan we can improve in our ability to use
of one of his most effective weap- God’s inspired Word to teach others.
ons and at the same time arms us —2 Tim. 3:16, 17. w20.09 28 ˚12
with unbreakable courage. If ene-
mies of Jehovah threaten you with Thursday, July 14
death, will you be willing to entrust Consider closely [Jesus] . . . , so
him with your life? How can you that you may not get tired and
know? One way is to ask yourself, give up.—Heb. 12:3.
‘Do the small decisions I make each
We can stay focused on the
day give evidence that I trust in Je-
preaching work if we reflect on
hovah?’ (Luke 16:10) Another ques-
how much Jehovah is doing to help
tion could be, ‘Does my lifestyle
us. For example, he is providing an
prove that I trust in Jehovah’s prom-
abundance of spiritual food in the
ise to care for my material needs if I
form of printed and digital publica-
seek his Kingdom first?’ (Matt. 6:31-
tions, audio and video recordings,
33) If the answer to those questions
and Internet broadcasts. Just think:
is yes, you will be prepared for any
On our official website, information
trial that comes your way.—Prov. 3:
is available in over 1,000 languages!
5, 6. w20.08 17-18 ˚15-16
(Matt. 24:45-47) Another way we
Wednesday, July 13 can stay focused on preaching is
by following Jesus’ example. He al-
Do your utmost to present yourself lowed nothing to distract him from
approved to God, a workman with bearing witness to the truth. (John
nothing to be ashamed of, han- 18:37) He was not enticed when Sa-
dling the word of the truth aright. tan offered him “all the kingdoms of
—2 Tim. 2:15. the world and their glory”; nor was
We need to become skillful in han- he tempted when others wanted to
dling God’s Word. We can learn some make him king. (Matt. 4:8, 9; John 6:
of these skills at our meetings. But 15) He was not swayed by a desire
if we are to convince others that Bi- for material riches; nor was he de-
ble truth is truly valuable, we need to terred by fierce opposition. (Luke 9:
stick to a regular routine of person- 58; John 8:59) When we face tests of
al Bible study. We need to use God’s our faith, we can stay focused if we
Word to strengthen our faith. This remember the apostle Paul’s coun-
involves more than just reading the sel in today’s text. w20.09 9-10 ˚6-7
 Friday, July 15 “to observe all the things” he com-
Become imitators of me, just as manded. That certainly includes
I am of Christ.—1 Cor. 11:1. the two greatest commands—to love
God and to love neighbor—both
How grateful we are to have so of which are closely connected to
many sisters working hard in the the preaching and disciple-making
congregation! They participate at work. (Matt. 22:37-39) In fact, love
the meetings and in the ministry. is the principal motive for sharing
Some share in maintaining the King- in the preaching work. Understand-
dom Hall, and they show person- ably for some Bible students, the
al interest in fellow worshippers. Of thought of sharing in the preaching
course, they face challenges. Some work may cause fear. But we can
provide care for elderly parents. assure such students that with Je-
Others endure opposition from fam- hovah’s help they will gradually be
ily members. And still others who able to overcome the fear of man.
are single parents work hard to pro- —Ps. 18:1-3; Prov. 29:25. w20.11 3 ˚6-8
vide for their children. Why focus
on giving support to sisters? Be- Sunday, July 17
cause the world does not always We have never stopped praying
treat women with the dignity that for you.—Col. 1:9.
they deserve. In addition, the Bible
encourages us to give them support. When preparing for a Bible study,
For instance, the apostle Paul alert- pray to Jehovah about the student
ed the congregation in Rome to wel- and his needs. Ask Jehovah to help
come Phoebe and “give her what- you teach from the Bible in a way
ever help she may need.” (Rom. 16: that will reach the person’s heart.
1, 2) Paul came from a culture that Keep in mind that your goal is to
treated women as being inferior. But help him progress to baptism. The
as a Christian, he imitated Jesus student also needs to communicate
and treated women with dignity and with Jehovah. How? By listening to
kindness. w20.09 20 ˚1-2 and talking to Jehovah. He can lis-
ten to God by reading the Bible dai-
Saturday, July 16 ly. (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:1-3) He can talk
Make disciples . . . , teaching them to Jehovah by praying each day.
So offer heartfelt prayers at the
to observe all the things I have
beginning and at the end of each
commanded you.—Matt. 28:19, 20.
study session, praying with and for
To help Bible students to devel- your student. As he listens to your
op the desire to share the good prayers, he will learn how to pray
news with others, we might ask from his heart and sincerely ad-
them such questions as these: “How dress his prayers to Jehovah God
has accepting the Kingdom mes- in the name of Jesus Christ. (Matt.
sage changed your life for the bet- 6:9; John 15:16) Imagine how read-
ter? Do you think that others need ing the Bible daily (listening to Je-
to hear this message? What can hovah) and praying (talking to Je-
you do to help them?” (Prov. 3:27; hovah) will help your student draw
Matt. 9:37, 38) Keep in mind that Je- ever closer to God!—Jas. 4:8. w20.10
sus instructed us to teach others 8 ˚8; 9 ˚10-11
 Monday, July 18 day, they look for ways to apply the
Maintain the oneness of the spirit counsel from God’s Word. In addi-
in the uniting bond of peace. tion, we must have a study routine
—Eph. 4:3. that includes reading and thinking
about God’s Word each day. This
The desire for order and peace may sound simple, but it is one of
that marked the early Christians is the most important things we can
evident in Jehovah’s organization do to help us stay on the cramped
today. (Acts 16:4, 5) To illustrate: road to life. In a sense, God’s Word
If you were to attend a Watch- acts like an X-ray machine, enabling
tower Study in another congregation us to see what is inside. But we must
—even in another land—you would be humble if we are to benefit from
know how the study would be con- the counsel we receive from the Bi-
ducted and which article would be ble or from God’s representatives.
considered. Immediately, you would w20.11 18 ˚3; 20 ˚8
feel at home! What else but God’s
spirit can account for this precious Wednesday, July 20
unity? (Zeph. 3:9, ftn.) What can you
do? Ask yourself: ‘Do I promote unity The congregations continued to
and peace in the congregation? Am be made firm in the faith and to
I obedient to those taking the lead? increase in number day by day.
Can others depend on me, especially —Acts 16:5.
if I have responsibilities in the con- Although the first-century Chris-
gregation? Am I punctual, helpful, tians were often persecuted, they
and eager to serve?’ (Jas. 3:17) If you also enjoyed periods of peace. How
see room for improvement, pray for did the disciples use those opportu-
holy spirit. The more you allow it to nities? Those faithful men and wom-
mold your personality and influence en preached the good news with-
your actions, the more your brothers out letup. The account in Acts says
and sisters will love you and value that they “walked in the fear of
you. w20.10 23 ˚12-13 Jehovah.” They kept on preaching
Tuesday, July 19 the good news, and as a result,
they “kept on multiplying.” Jeho-
Become doers of the word and vah obviously blessed their zealous
not hearers only.—Jas. 1:22. preaching during times of peace.
God’s Word can act as a mirror (Acts 9:26-31) The first-century dis-
for us. (Jas. 1:23-25) Most of us look ciples took every opportunity to
in a mirror each morning before we spread the good news. As one ex-
leave home. That way, we can see if ample, when the apostle Paul recog-
we need to make an adjustment be- nized that a large door was opened
fore others see us. Similarly, when to him while in Ephesus, he took
we read the Bible each day, we will advantage of the opportunity to
see ways that we can adjust our preach and to make disciples in that
thinking and our attitude. Many find city. (1 Cor. 16:8, 9) The disciples
it helpful to read the daily text each put forth great effort to declare “the
morning before they leave home. good news of the word of Jehovah.”
They allow what they read to affect (Acts 15:30-35) What resulted? To-
their thinking. Then throughout the day’s text tells us. w20.09 16 ˚6-8
 Thursday, July 21 have no reason to believe that they
did. The angels are truly humble
Death came through a man.
and want all honor to go to Jeho-
—1 Cor. 15:21.
vah. (Judg. 13:16-18; Rev. 19:10) Fix
When Adam sinned, he brought in mind the privilege we have to bear
disaster on himself and his descen- God’s name and to announce his
dants. We still feel the tragic effects Kingdom. Assignments are not what
of his disobedience. How different make us precious to God. It is when
is the outcome made possible be- we are modest and humble that we
cause God raised his Son! “Resur- become truly lovable to Jehovah and
rection of the dead also comes to our brothers. So beg Jehovah to
through a man,” Jesus. “For just as help you remain modest and hum-
in Adam all are dying,” the apostle ble. Reflect on the many fine exam-
Paul reasoned, “so also in the Christ ples of modesty and humility that
all will be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22) are recorded in his Word. Willingly
What did Paul mean when he said serve your brothers in any way you
that “in Adam all are dying”? Paul can.—1 Pet. 5:5. w20.12 26 ˚16-17
had in mind Adam’s descendants,
who inherited sin and imperfection Saturday, July 23
from Adam and thus are in a dy- Accept the helmet of salvation,
ing condition. (Rom. 5:12) Adam is and the sword of the spirit, that is,
not among those who “will be made God’s word.—Eph. 6:17.
alive.” Christ’s ransom does not cov-
The helmet of salvation is the
er him, for Adam was a perfect man
hope Jehovah gives us—the hope
who willfully disobeyed God. The
that he will save us from death and
outcome for Adam is the same as
will reward all those who do his will.
what is ahead for those whom “the
(1 Thess. 5:8; 1 Tim. 4:10; Titus 1:1, 2)
Son of man” will judge as “goats,”
The hope of salvation protects our
namely, “everlasting cutting-off.”
thinking ability. It keeps us focused
—Matt. 25:31-33, 46; Heb. 5:9. w20.12
on God’s promises and helps us to
5 ˚13-14
see problems in the right perspec-
Friday, July 22 tive. We wear this helmet by keeping
our thinking in harmony with God’s
Jehovah . . . takes note of thoughts. For example, we place our
the humble.—Ps. 138:6. hope, not on uncertain riches, but
If we do not get a certain assign- on God. (Ps. 26:2; 104:34; 1 Tim. 6:
ment, think of the example of the 17) The sword of the spirit is God’s
faithful angels. During King Ahab’s Word, the Bible. That sword has the
reign, Jehovah invited the angels power to cut through deception and
to suggest ways to fool the wick- to liberate people from being en-
ed king. A number of angels re- slaved to false teachings and harm-
sponded by offering ideas. But God ful habits. (2 Cor. 10:4, 5; 2 Tim.
chose one angel and told him that 3:16, 17; Heb. 4:12) We learn to use
his suggestion would succeed. (1 Ki. that sword properly through person-
22:19-22) Did the other faithful an- al study and through the training
gels become discouraged, perhaps we receive from God’s organization.
thinking, ‘Why did I bother?’ We —2 Tim. 2:15. w21.03 27 ˚4; 29 ˚10-11
 Sunday, July 24 did not view him as a rival. Jona-
than was a skilled archer and a
I . . . was on the island called Pat-
courageous warrior. He and his fa-
mos for speaking about God and
ther, Saul, had a reputation for be-
bearing witness concerning Jesus.
ing “swifter than the eagles” and
—Rev. 1:9.
“mightier than the lions.” (2 Sam.
Even while confined for preach- 1:22, 23) Therefore, Jonathan could
ing about Jesus, the apostle John have boasted about his own hero-
proved that he was thinking of oth- ic exploits. However, Jonathan was
ers. For example, he recorded the not competitive or resentful. On
revelation that he received and had the contrary, Jonathan admired Da-
it sent to the congregations so that vid for his courage and reliance on
they would know what “must short- Jehovah. In fact, it was after David
ly take place.” (Rev. 1:1) Then, like- killed Goliath that Jonathan began
ly after he was released from Pat- to love David as himself. w21.01 21 ˚6;
mos, John wrote his Gospel account 22 ˚8-9
of Jesus’ life and ministry. He also
wrote three letters in order to en- Tuesday, July 26
courage and strengthen his brothers The head of a woman is the man.
and sisters. You can imitate John’s —1 Cor. 11:3.
self-sacrificing life course and prove
that you love people by what you All Christians come under the per-
choose to do with your life. Satan’s fect headship of Jesus Christ. How-
system would have you spend all ever, when a Christian woman gets
your time and energy on yourself, married, she comes under the head-
trying to make money or to make a ship of an imperfect man. That can
name for yourself. Instead, self- present a challenge. So when con-
sacrificing Kingdom proclaimers all sidering a potential marriage mate,
over the world spend as much time she would do well to ask herself:
as they can preaching the good news ‘What indication do I have that this
and helping people to draw close to brother will be a good family head?
Jehovah. w21.01 10 ˚9-10 Do spiritual activities play an im-
portant role in his life? If not, what
Monday, July 25 makes me think that he will be a
good spiritual head after we get mar-
Jonathan began to love him
ried?’ Of course, a sister also does
as himself.—1 Sam. 18:1.
well to ask herself: ‘What qualities
Jonathan could have been jealous will I bring to the marriage? Am I
of David. As King Saul’s son, Jon- patient and generous? Do I have a
athan could have insisted that he strong relationship with Jehovah?’
was the rightful heir to the throne. (Eccl. 4:9, 12) The level of happi-
(1 Sam. 20:31) But Jonathan was ness a wife will experience in her
humble, and he was loyal to Jeho- marriage will depend to some ex-
vah. So he fully supported Jeho- tent on the decisions she makes be-
vah’s choice of David as future king. fore getting married. Millions of our
He was also loyal to David, even Christian sisters set an excellent ex-
when this incurred the wrath of ample in being submissive to their
Saul. (1 Sam. 20:32-34) Jonathan husband. They are to be commend-
had tender affection for David, so he ed! w21.02 8 ˚1-2
 Wednesday, July 27 1:10, 11) Like a flame burning in-
side the protection of a lantern, this
Step over into Macedonia
type of joy burns within a Chris-
and help us.—Acts 16:9.
tian’s heart. It does not flicker when
In recent years, many publishers health fails or money is scarce. And
have made it their goal to learn an- it is not snuffed out by ridicule or
other language so that they can ex- opposition from family members or
pand their ministry and serve in a others. Rather than being put out,
congregation where there is a great- the flame burns brighter each time
er need for Kingdom publishers. This opposers try to extinguish it. The
is a personal decision that these trials we face because of our faith
Christians make in order to advance confirm that we are true disciples of
Kingdom interests. Although it may Christ. (Matt. 10:22; 24:9; John 15:
take years for them to become fluent 20) For good reason, James could
in the new language, they accom- write the words of today’s text.
plish much good. Their fine qualities w21.02 28 ˚6
and experience strengthen and stabi-
lize the congregation. We value these Friday, July 29
self-sacrificing brothers and sisters! A good word cheers [a heart] up.
A body of elders would not hold —Prov. 12:25.
back from recommending a broth-
er to serve as an elder or a minis- As you come across Bible pas-
terial servant simply because he is sages showing that strength comes
not yet fluent in the language of the from keeping calm and trusting in
congregation. The elders will evalu- Jehovah, try to commit a few key
ate a brother based on the Scriptural verses to memory. You may find it
qualifications for elders and ministe- helpful to read them aloud or to
rial servants and not on how well he write them down and review them
speaks the language of the local con- often. Joshua was commanded to
gregation.—1 Tim. 3:1-10, 12, 13; Titus read the book of the Law regularly in
1:5-9. w20.08 30 ˚15-16 an undertone in order to act wise-
ly. These reminders would also help
Thursday, July 28 him overcome the fear that he might
otherwise have felt in his circum-
Consider it all joy, my brothers,
stances. (Josh. 1:8, 9) Many expres-
when you meet with various trials.
sions found in God’s Word can give
—Jas. 1:2.
you peace of mind and heart in situ-
People may think that they can be ations that would normally lead to
happy only if they have good health, feelings of anxiety or dread. (Ps. 27:
a lot of money, and peaceful fami- 1-3; Prov. 3:25, 26) At our meetings,
ly relationships. But the type of joy we benefit from the instruction pre-
that James wrote about is a part sented from the platform, the com-
of the fruitage of God’s spirit and ments made by the audience, and
is not dependent on a person’s cir- the upbuilding conversations we
cumstances. (Gal. 5:22) A Chris- have with our brothers and sisters.
tian gains joy, or a deep sense of (Heb. 10:24, 25) We can also be great-
happiness, from knowing that he is ly encouraged when we share our
pleasing Jehovah and following Je- feelings with trusted friends in the
sus’ example. (Luke 6:22, 23; Col. congregation. w21.01 6 ˚15-16
 Saturday, July 30 cern principles in the accounts
Become an example to the about Paul’s trials that will help you
faithful ones.—1 Tim. 4:12. to know how you should respond to
the challenge you are facing. Jeho-
When you got baptized, you vah had warned Paul that he would
showed great faith and trust in Jeho- have to endure persecution for be-
vah. And Jehovah happily entrust- ing a Christian. (Acts 21:11-13) How
ed you with the privilege of becom- did Jehovah help Paul? He answered
ing a member of his family. The key Paul’s prayers and over time gave
now is to continue to rely on Je- him power. Paul was assured that
hovah. It may seem that it is easy he would receive the reward that he
to rely on Jehovah when you must had worked so hard to gain. Jeho-
make life-altering decisions, but vah also moved Paul’s loyal friends
what about at other times? How im- to give him practical help. w21.03 17-
portant it is that you trust in Jeho- 18 ˚14-15, 19
vah when making decisions, includ-
ing those regarding entertainment, Monday, August 1
secular work, and life goals! Do not
Apart from me you can do
rely on your own wisdom. Instead,
nothing at all.—John 15:5.
look for Bible principles that ap-
ply to your circumstances, and then Only those who have a close
act in harmony with that direction. friendship with Jesus will bene-
(Prov. 3:5, 6) If you do so, you will fit from his ransom sacrifice. Jesus
make Jehovah happy and you will said that he would “surrender his life
earn the respect of those in your in behalf of his friends.” (John 15:13)
congregation. Of course, like all of Faithful people who lived before Je-
us, you are imperfect, and at times sus came to earth will have to learn
you will make mistakes. However, about him and come to love him.
this should not prevent you from do- Such men and women will be resur-
ing all you can in Jehovah’s service. rected, but even these righteous ser-
w21.03 6 ˚14-15 vants of Jehovah will need to form
a friendship with Jesus in order to
Sunday, July 31
gain everlasting life. (John 17:3; Acts
I was rescued from the lion’s 24:15; Heb. 11:8-12, 24-26, 31) We have
mouth.—2 Tim. 4:17. the joy of working along with Je-
Are you dealing with opposition sus in preaching and teaching the
from members of your family? Or good news of the Kingdom. When Je-
do you live in a country where the sus was on earth, he was a teach-
work of Jehovah’s people is severe- er. And since his return to heaven,
ly restricted or even banned? If so, Jesus, as head of the congregation,
you might be encouraged by reading has continued to direct the preach-
2 Timothy 1:12-16 and 4:6-11, 17-22. ing and teaching work. He sees and
The apostle Paul wrote this portion appreciates your efforts to help as
of Scripture while he was in pris- many as you can to come to know
on. Before you read those passages, him and his Father. In fact, the only
tell Jehovah about your problem and way we can accomplish this work is
how it makes you feel. Be specif- with the help of Jehovah and Jesus.
ic. Then ask Jehovah to help you dis- —John 15:4. w20.04 22 ˚7-8
 Tuesday, August 2 Father by meditating on what he has
These two kings . . . will sit at one done and what he has enabled us to
table speaking lies to each other. do. For instance, when we meditate
—Dan. 11:27. on the wonders of creation, we are
filled with awe at what Jehovah has
The titles “king of the north” and accomplished, what he has caused
“king of the south” were initial- to come into existence. (Ps. 8:3, 4)
ly given to political powers locat- And when we meditate on what Je-
ed north and south of the liter- hovah has caused us to become so
al land of Israel. (Dan. 10:14) Until that we can do his will, we develop
Pentecost 33 C.E., the literal nation deep respect for him. The name Je-
of Israel was God’s people. From hovah really is awe-inspiring! It in-
then on, however, Jehovah made it cludes all that our Father is, all that
obvious that he viewed Jesus’ faith- he has done, and all that he will do.
ful disciples as his people. There- —Ps. 89:7, 8. w20.06 9-10 ˚6-7
fore, much of the prophecy record-
ed in Daniel chapter 11 involves, Thursday, August 4
not the literal nation of Israel, but God . . . gives to all people life
Christ’s followers. (Acts 2:1-4; Rom. and breath.—Acts 17:24, 25.
9:6-8; Gal. 6:15, 16) And the identity
of the king of the north and the king Oxygen is a life-sustaining gas
of the south changed over time. that is used by some living things,
Even so, several factors remained including us. It has been estimat-
constant. First, the kings interact- ed that living creatures breathe in a
ed with God’s people in a signif- hundred billion tons of oxygen in a
icant way. Second, they showed by year. These same creatures breathe
their treatment of God’s people that out a waste product called car-
they hated the true God, Jehovah. bon dioxide. Yet, these living crea-
And third, the two kings engaged in tures never consume all the oxygen,
a power struggle with each other. and the atmosphere never becomes
w20.05 3 ˚3-4 choked with the “waste” gas, carbon
dioxide. Why not? Because Jehovah
Wednesday, August 3 also created organisms—from large
trees to tiny algae—that take in car-
I Will Become What I Choose
bon dioxide and give off oxygen. In
to Become.—Ex. 3:14.
a very literal way, the oxygen cycle
Jehovah makes things happen by confirms the words of today’s text.
becoming whatever is needed in or- How can we develop appreciation
der to fulfill his purpose. Jehovah for our amazing planet and all that
can also cause his imperfect human it supplies? (Ps. 115:16) One way is
servants to become what is need- by meditating on the things Jeho-
ed in order to serve him and ful- vah has made. That will motivate
fill his purpose. (Isa. 64:8) In these us to thank Jehovah each day for
ways, Jehovah causes his will to be the good things he gives us. And we
carried out. Nothing can stop him show that we appreciate the earth
from causing his purposes to be ful- by keeping the part of it where we
filled. (Isa. 46:10, 11) We can build live as clean as possible. w20.05 22
our appreciation for our heavenly ˚5, 7
 Friday, August 5 ly value and respect these brothers
I will certainly sanctify my great and sisters. We will not say “I do
name, which was profaned among not need you” simply because they
the nations.—Ezek. 36:23. do not speak our language fluent-
ly. (1 Cor. 12:21) Jehovah has given
Jehovah handled Satan’s chal- us the wonderful privilege of having
lenge with wisdom, patience, and a place in his congregation. Wheth-
justice. He has also shown his al- er we are male or female, single or
mighty power in countless ways. married, young or old or we speak
Above all, his love shines through a certain language well or hardly at
in all that he does. (1 John 4:8) Je- all, we are precious to Jehovah and
hovah has worked unceasingly to to one another. (Rom. 12:4, 5; Col. 3:
sanctify his name. Satan is still slan- 10) Let us always look for ways to
dering God’s name today. He fools treasure our place and the place of
people into doubting that God is others in Jehovah’s congregation.
powerful, just, wise, and loving. For w20.08 31 ˚20-22
example, Satan tries to convince
people that Jehovah is not the Cre- Sunday, August 7
ator. And if people do accept that Some men joined him and became
God exists, Satan attempts to make believers.—Acts 17:34.
them believe that God and His stan-
dards are restrictive and unfair. He The apostle Paul did not give up
even teaches people that Jehovah on the Athenians, even though their
is a heartless and cruel God who city was filled with idolatry, sex-
burns people in a fiery hell. When ual immorality, and pagan philos-
they believe such slander, they are ophy; nor did he let their insults
more likely to take the next step—re- discourage him. Paul himself be-
jecting Jehovah’s righteous rule. came a Christian, although he had
Until Satan is completely defeated, been “a blasphemer and a persecu-
he will target you as well. Will he tor and an insolent man.” (1 Tim. 1:
succeed? w20.06 5 ˚13-15 13) Just as Jesus saw the potential
in Paul, so Paul saw the potential in
Saturday, August 6 the Athenians. And his confidence
was not misplaced. (Acts 9:13-15) In
There is neither Greek nor Jew,
the first century, people of all back-
circumcision nor uncircumcision,
grounds became Jesus’ disciples.
foreigner, Scythian, slave, or free-
When Paul wrote to Christians liv-
man; but Christ is all things and in
ing in the Grecian city of Corinth,
all.—Col. 3:11.
he said that some members of that
In many congregations, there will congregation had at one time been
be brothers and sisters who are criminals or had lived shockingly
struggling to learn a new language. immoral lifestyles. And then he add-
It might be difficult for them to ex- ed: “That is what some of you were.
press their thoughts. Yet, if we look But you have been washed clean.”
beyond their language skills, we will (1 Cor. 6:9-11) Would you have seen
see their love for Jehovah and their that those people had the potential
desire to serve him. If we see these to change and become disciples?
beautiful qualities, we will deep- w20.04 12 ˚15-16
 Monday, August 8 about using this method of communi-
cation. Studies have found that peo-
It is enough! . . . Take my
ple who spend a lot of time scroll-
life away.—1 Ki. 19:4.
ing through social media postings
Elders should not be quick to might actually end up feeling lone-
judge those who begin to question ly and depressed. Why? One possi-
the benefits of serving Jehovah. ble reason is that people often post
Rather than condemn them, elders on social media photos that depict
must try to understand why they the highlights of their lives, showing
speak and act the way they do. Only selected images of themselves, their
then can the elders draw attention friends, and the exciting places they
to the specific Scriptural encour- have been. A person who views those
agement that is needed. The proph- images might conclude that, by com-
et Elijah fled from Queen Jezebel. parison, his or her own life is ordi-
(1 Ki. 19:1-3) He felt that his work had nary—even dull. w20.07 5-6 ˚12-13
served no purpose, and he wanted
to die. (1 Ki. 19:10) Rather than con- Wednesday, August 10
demn Elijah, Jehovah assured him The apostles and the elders gath-
that he was not alone, that he could ered together to look into this
trust in God’s power, and that there matter.—Acts 15:6.
was still much work for him to do.
Jehovah kindly listened to Elijah’s The Watchtower of October 1, 1988,
concerns and gave him new assign- stated: “Elders will recognize that
ments. (1 Ki. 19:11-16, 18) The les- Christ, by means of the holy spir-
son? All of us, especially the elders, it, can direct the mind of any elder
should treat Jehovah’s sheep kindly. on the body of elders to provide the
Whether a person expresses bitter- Bible principle needed to cope with
ness or feels unworthy of Jehovah’s any situation or make any important
mercy, elders will listen to him as he decision. (Acts 15:7-15) No one elder
pours out his heart. Then they will has the monopoly of the spirit with-
try to assure the lost sheep that Je- in the body.” An elder who respects
hovah values him. w20.06 22 ˚13-14 his fellow elders does not always try
to speak first at elders’ meetings.
Tuesday, August 9 He does not dominate the discus-
sion, and he does not believe that
A true friend shows love at
his opinion is always right. Instead,
all times.—Prov. 17:17.
he states his viewpoint humbly and
Jehovah made us to enjoy pleasant modestly. He listens carefully to the
association with friends and family comments of others. More impor-
members. (Ps. 133:1) Jesus had good tant, he is eager to share Scriptur-
friends. (John 15:15) The Bible de- al principles and to listen to direc-
scribes the benefits of having true tion from “the faithful and discreet
friends. (Prov. 18:24) And it tells us slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) As elders dis-
that it is not good for us to isolate cuss matters in an atmosphere of
ourselves. (Prov. 18:1) Many feel that love and respect, God’s holy spir-
social media is a way to have a lot it will be present, and it will guide
of friends and to avoid feeling isolat- them to reach the right decisions.
ed. However, we need to be cautious —Jas. 3:17, 18. w20.08 27 ˚5-6
 Thursday, August 11 tainly agree with the sentiments ex-
Keep conquering the evil with pressed by a psalmist who said of
the good.—Rom. 12:21. Jehovah: “He stoops down to look
on heaven and earth, raising the
The apostle Paul’s enemies were lowly from the dust. He lifts up the
vastly more powerful than he was. poor . . . to make him sit with no-
Often, they had him beaten and bles.” (Ps. 113:6-8) Jehovah proves
thrown into jail. Also, Paul was that he is humble by how he deals
treated badly by people who should with imperfect human worshippers.
have been friends. Some in the Not only does he accept our wor-
Christian congregation even op- ship but he also views us as his
posed him. (2 Cor. 12:11; Phil. 3:18) friends. (Ps. 25:14) In order to make
But Paul conquered all who fought friendship with him possible, Jeho-
against him. How? He continued vah took the initiative by providing
preaching despite opposition. He his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.
remained loyal to his brothers and What mercy—what compassion—he
sisters even when they disappoint- has shown us! w20.08 8 ˚1-3
ed him. And above all, he was faith-
ful to God to the end of his life. Saturday, August 13
(2 Tim. 4:8) He overcame great [Jehovah] does not desire anyone
odds, not because he was physical- to be destroyed but desires all to
ly strong, but because he relied on attain to repentance.—2 Pet. 3:9.
Jehovah. Do you have to deal with
Jehovah has a fixed day and hour
insults or persecution? Your goal is
when he will bring an end to this
to embed God’s Word in receptive
old system. (Matt. 24:36) He will
minds and hearts. You can achieve
not become impatient and act be-
that goal by relying on the Bible to
fore that time. He has a longing to
answer people’s questions, by being
resurrect the dead, but he is pa-
respectful and kind to those who
tient. (Job 14:14, 15) He is waiting
treat you badly, and by doing good
until the right time arrives to raise
to all, even your enemies.—Matt. 5:
them to life. (John 5:28) We have
44; 1 Pet. 3:15-17. w20.07 17-18 ˚14-15
good reasons to appreciate Jeho-
Friday, August 12 vah’s patience. Just think: Because
Jehovah is patient, many people,
Your humility makes me great. including us, have had time “to at-
—2 Sam. 22:36. tain to repentance.” Jehovah wants
Can we really say that Jehovah is as many people as possible to have
humble? Yes, we can, as David ac- the opportunity to gain everlasting
knowledged above. (Ps. 18:35) Per- life. So let us show that we appreci-
haps David was thinking of the ate his patience. How? By earnest-
day when the prophet Samuel came ly looking for those who are “right-
to the house of David’s father to ly disposed for everlasting life”
anoint the future king of Israel. Da- and helping them to love Jehovah
vid was the youngest of eight boys; and serve him. (Acts 13:48) Then
yet, he was the one whom Jeho- they will benefit from Jehovah’s
vah chose to replace King Saul. patience, just as we have. w20.08
(1 Sam. 16:1, 10-13) David would cer- 18 ˚17
 Sunday, August 14 words and actions, Jesus obvious-
ly made them feel comfortable. Mary
Make me know your ways,
felt welcome to sit at his feet as a
O Jehovah; teach me your
disciple. And Martha, disturbed be-
paths.—Ps. 25:4.
cause Mary was not helping, felt
What a student learns on a Bible free to tell Jesus what was on her
study should appeal not just to his mind. In that informal setting, Jesus
mind but also to his heart. Why? Our was able to help both women spiri-
heart—which includes our desires, tually. And he showed his care for
emotions, and feelings—motivates us these women and their brother, Laz-
to action. Jesus used logical reason- arus, by visiting with them on other
ing that appealed to the mind. But occasions. (John 12:1-3) It is no won-
people followed him because he also der that when Lazarus fell seriously
stirred their heart. (Luke 24:15, 27, ill, Mary and Martha knew that they
32) Your student needs to see Jeho- could turn to Jesus for help.—John
vah as a real Person, someone with 11:3. w20.09 20 ˚3; 21 ˚6
whom he can develop a relationship,
and to see Him as his Father, his Tuesday, August 16
God, and his Friend. (Ps. 25:5) Dur- They thought that the Kingdom
ing the Bible study, make our God’s of God was going to appear
personality come alive. (Ex. 34:5, 6; instantly.—Luke 19:11.
1 Pet. 5:6, 7) Regardless of the topic
you are discussing, focus attention Jesus’ disciples hoped that the
on the kind of Person Jehovah is. Kingdom would “appear instantly”
Help the student to appreciate Je- and rescue them from Roman op-
hovah’s beautiful qualities—his love, pression. We yearn for the day when
kindness, and compassion. Jesus God’s Kingdom will remove wicked-
said that “the greatest and first com- ness and usher in the new world of
mandment” is to “love Jehovah your righteousness. (2 Pet. 3:13) However,
God.” (Matt. 22:37, 38) Try to instill we need to be patient and wait on Je-
deep love for God in your student’s hovah’s appointed time. Jehovah al-
heart. w20.10 10 ˚12 lowed Noah sufficient time to build
the ark and to serve as “a preacher of
Monday, August 15 righteousness.” (2 Pet. 2:5; 1 Pet. 3:
20) Jehovah listened as Abraham re-
Jesus loved Martha and her sister
peatedly questioned him about His
and Lazarus.—John 11:5.
decision to destroy the inhabitants
Jesus treated all women with dig- of the wicked cities of Sodom and
nity. (John 4:27) Jesus, however, Gomorrah. (Gen. 18:20-33) For cen-
had special regard for women who turies, Jehovah was extraordinari-
did the will of his Father. Signif- ly patient with the unfaithful nation
icantly, he viewed them as sisters of Israel. (Neh. 9:30, 31) We see evi-
and mentioned them along with the dence of Jehovah’s patience today as
men whom he viewed as part of his he allows time for all whom he draws
spiritual family. (Matt. 12:50) Jesus “to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9;
also was a true friend to them. Con- John 6:44; 1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Jehovah’s
sider his friendship with Mary and example gives us good reason to ex-
Martha, both of whom were appar- ercise patience as we continue to
ently single. (Luke 10:38-42) By his preach and teach. w20.09 10 ˚8-9
 Wednesday, August 17 —the “helper” that Jesus had prom-
There is going to be a resurrection. ised—played a major role. (John 14:
16) It gave the disciples more insight
—Acts 24:15.
into God’s Word, and it brought back
When Jehovah resurrects people, to their mind the many things Jesus
he will restore their memories and said and did, as later recorded in the
the personality traits that made Gospels. This knowledge strength-
them who they were. Just think of ened the early Christians’ faith as
what that implies. Jehovah loves well as their love for God, for his
you so much that he is keeping track Son, and for one another. Jehovah
of all that you think, feel, say, and foretold that “in the final part of the
do. So if he had to resurrect you, he days,” people of all nations would
would easily be able to restore your flock to his figurative mountain to
memories, attitude, and personality be instructed about his ways. (Isa. 2:
traits. King David was aware of just 2, 3) We are seeing that prophecy be-
how interested Jehovah is in each ing fulfilled. w20.10 24 ˚14-15
one of us. (Ps. 139:1-4) In what way
can understanding how well Jeho- Friday, August 19
vah knows us affect us now? When A man of understanding acquires
we meditate on how well Jehovah skillful direction.—Prov. 1:5.
knows us, we should not feel wor-
What could cause someone to re-
ried. Why not? Remember that Je-
ject good counsel from a loving
hovah deeply cares for us. He cher-
friend? Pride. Proud people like “to
ishes the traits that make each one
have their ears tickled.” They “turn
of us unique. He carefully notes the
away from listening to the truth.”
experiences in our life that make
(2 Tim. 4:3, 4) They have an inflat-
us who we are. What a comfort-
ed view of their own opinion and
ing thought! Never should we feel
worth. However, the apostle Paul
that we are alone. Each minute of
wrote: “If anyone thinks he is some-
every day, Jehovah is right beside
thing when he is nothing, he is de-
us, looking for opportunities to
ceiving himself.” (Gal. 6:3) King Sol-
help us.—2 Chron. 16:9. w20.08 17
omon summed up the matter well.
˚13-14
He wrote: “Better is a poor but wise
Thursday, August 18 child than an old but stupid king,
who no longer has enough sense to
I will give you insight and instruct heed a warning.” (Eccl. 4:13) Note
you in the way you should go. the example set by the apostle Peter
—Ps. 32:8. when he was publicly corrected by
Jehovah takes great pleasure in the apostle Paul. (Gal. 2:11-14) Peter
educating his people. He wants them could have resented what Paul said,
to know him, to love him, and to live focusing on the way he said it and
forever as his beloved children. All where he chose to say it. But Peter
of this would be impossible without was wise. He accepted the counsel
the education he provides. (John and did not nurse a grudge against
17:3) Jehovah used the first-century Paul. Instead, he later referred to
Christian congregation to educate Paul as a “beloved brother.”—2 Pet.
his people. (Col. 1:9, 10) Holy spirit 3:15. w20.11 21 ˚9, 11-12
 Saturday, August 20 times. Some of our brothers have
Make disciples . . . , teaching them. been victims of crime. Others live
—Matt. 28:19, 20. in war-torn areas where their safe-
ty is far from guaranteed. Still oth-
What will greatly help Bible stu- ers serve Jehovah at the risk of
dents to make spiritual progress? their life or freedom in lands where
Attending our Christian meetings. the preaching work is restricted or
The Scriptural instruction given even banned. Yet, all these broth-
at the meetings will deepen their ers and sisters persevere in their
knowledge, strengthen their faith, worship of Jehovah, becoming ex-
and help them to grow in their amples for us. They are secure in
love for God. (Acts 15:30-32) Also, the knowledge that even if they lose
a publisher may tell the student their life at the present time, Je-
how his own growing love for Je- hovah has something far better in
hovah moved him to obey God’s mind for them in the future. w20.12 9
commandments. (2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 4: ˚3-4
13) And when Bible students get to
know a variety of faithful publish- Monday, August 22
ers, the students learn from their We are God’s fellow workers. You
examples what it means to observe are God’s field under cultivation,
Christ’s command to love God and God’s building.—1 Cor. 3:9.
neighbor. (John 13:35; 1 Tim. 4:12)
They see that publishers deal with Have you at some point felt dis-
challenges that are similar to the couraged because your territory
ones they face and learn that the seems to be unproductive or be-
changes they need to make to be- cause few people are found at
come a disciple of Christ are within home? In such a situation, what can
reach. (Deut. 30:11) Each one in the be done to maintain or increase our
congregation can contribute in var- joy? It is important to have the right
ious ways to the spiritual progress view of the ministry. What does that
of Bible students.—Matt. 5:16. w20.11 involve? Keep your focus on pro-
5 ˚10-12 claiming God’s name and Kingdom.
Jesus made it plain that relatively
Sunday, August 21 few will find the path to life. (Matt.
7:13, 14) When we are in the minis-
I have fought with wild beasts
try, we have the honor of working
at Ephesus.—1 Cor. 15:32.
with Jehovah, Jesus, and the an-
Perhaps the apostle Paul was al- gels. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Rev. 14:6, 7)
luding to his fighting real animals at Jehovah draws those who are de-
an arena in Ephesus. (2 Cor. 1:8; 4: serving. (John 6:44) So if a person
10; 11:23) Or he may have been re- does not respond well to our mes-
ferring to hostile Jews and others sage this time, he may listen the
who were like “wild beasts.” (Acts next time we call. “Discouragement
19:26-34; 1 Cor. 16:9) Whichever it can be a formidable weapon used by
was, Paul faced serious perils. Yet, Satan,” notes a sister named Debo-
he still had a positive outlook on rah. But Satan’s weapons are no
the future. (1 Cor. 15:30, 31; 2 Cor. match for Jehovah God. w20.12 26
4:16-18) We are living in dangerous ˚18-19; 27 ˚21
 Tuesday, August 23 lem with pride, we should earnestly
pray for Jehovah’s help to ‘make our
Let us continue loving one
mind over’ so that this bad trait does
another, because love is
not become deeply rooted within us.
from God.—1 John 4:7.
(Rom. 12:2) How thankful we are for
Many loyal Christians must work Jehovah’s example! (Ps. 18:35) We
at secular jobs full-time so that they see his humility in how he deals with
can support themselves and their his servants, and we want to imitate
families. Even so, these faithful him. In addition, we want to imitate
publishers support God’s organiza- the fine examples found in the Bible
tion in any way they can. For in- of modest people who had the priv-
stance, some are able to provide di- ilege of walking with God. May we
saster relief, others can work on always give Jehovah the honor and
construction projects, and every- the glory that he deserves.—Rev. 4:
one has the opportunity to donate 11. w20.08 13 ˚19-20
funds to the worldwide work. They
do these things because they love Thursday, August 25
God and their fellow man. Each Those who [marry] will have trib-
week, we prove that we love our ulation in their flesh.—1 Cor. 7:28.
brothers and sisters by attending
congregation meetings and partici- Marriage is a perfect gift from
God, but people are imperfect.
pating in them. Although we may be
(1 John 1:8) That is why God’s Word
tired, we are present at those meet-
warns married couples that they will
ings. Although we may be nervous,
face challenges that are described
we comment. And although we all
as “tribulation in their flesh.” Jeho-
have problems of our own, we en-
vah expects Christian husbands to
courage others before or after the
care for the spiritual, emotional,
meeting. (Heb. 10:24, 25) How grate-
and material needs of their family.
ful we are for the work done by our
(1 Tim. 5:8) However, married sis-
fellow publishers! w21.01 10 ˚11
ters have to take time from their
Wednesday, August 24 busy schedule each day to read
God’s Word and meditate on it and to
Let us not become egotistical. turn to Jehovah in earnest prayer.
—Gal. 5:26. This can be a challenge. Wives are
Proud people find it difficult to busy, but it is vital that they take the
commend others, preferring that time. Why? Because Jehovah wants
they themselves receive praise. each one of us to develop and main-
They are more likely to compare tain a personal relationship with
themselves with others and to pro- him. (Acts 17:27) Understandably, a
mote a spirit of competition. Rath- wife may have to work hard to be
er than training others and giving submissive to her imperfect hus-
them authority, they are likely to say, band. However, she will find it easi-
“If you want something done right” er to fulfill the assignment Jehovah
—the way that pleases them—“you has given her if she understands and
have to do it yourself.” A proud per- accepts the Scriptural reasons why
son is often ambitious and jealous. she should be submissive. w21.02 9
If we detect that we have a prob- ˚3, 6-7
 Friday, August 26 deavoring to maintain the oneness
of the spirit in the uniting bond of
This tested quality of your faith
peace.” (Eph. 4:1-3) We will look be-
produces endurance.—Jas. 1:3.
yond our brothers’ faults and try our
Trials can be likened to the fire best to view our brothers as Jehovah
that is used to forge a blade of does. (1 Sam. 16:7; Ps. 130:3) It is not
steel. When the blade is heated and always easy to show tender affec-
cooled, the steel becomes stronger. tion for our brothers and sisters, es-
Similarly, when we endure trials, our pecially when we are aware of their
faith is strengthened. That is why faults. Apparently, this was a chal-
James wrote: “Let endurance com- lenge for some first-century Chris-
plete its work, so that you may be tians, as was the case with Euo-
complete and sound in all respects.” dia and Syntyche. The apostle Paul
(Jas. 1:4) When we see that our trials urged them “to be of the same mind
make our faith stronger, we can en- in the Lord.”—Phil. 4:2, 3. w21.01 22-
dure them with joy. In his letter, 23 ˚10-11
James also identifies some of the
things that could cause us to lose Sunday, August 28
our joy. One challenge is not know- I write you, young men, because
ing what to do. When undergoing you are strong and the word of
a trial, we want to look to Jehovah God remains in you and you have
for help to make choices that please conquered the wicked one.
him, benefit our brothers and sis- —1 John 2:14.
ters, and help us to keep our own in-
tegrity. (Jer. 10:23) We need wisdom Older ones deeply appreciate you
to know what course to take and young men who serve Jehovah
what we should say to those who op- “shoulder to shoulder” with them!
pose us. If we do not know what to (Zeph. 3:9) They love your zealous
do, we may feel that we are helpless spirit and the energetic, enthusias-
victims of our circumstances, and tic way you do the work you are giv-
we could quickly lose our joy. w21.02 en. You have found favor in their
28 ˚7-9 eyes. Young brothers, never forget
that Jehovah loves and trusts you.
Saturday, August 27 He foretold that during the last days,
there would be an army of young
Love one another intensely
men who would offer themselves
from the heart.—1 Pet. 1:22.
willingly. (Ps. 110:1-3) He knows that
Jehovah sets the example for us. you love him and want to serve him
His love is so intense that if we are to the best of your ability. So be
loyal to him, nothing can break that patient with others, and be patient
bond. (Rom. 8:38, 39) The Greek with yourself. When you make mis-
word rendered “intensely” conveys takes, accept the training and disci-
the idea of stretching outward—even pline that you receive, viewing it as
straining. At times, we may need coming from Jehovah. (Heb. 12:6)
to “stretch” and “strain” in order to Diligently care for any assignments
have tender affection for a fellow you are given. And above all, in
believer. When others upset us, we everything you do, make your heav-
need to continue “putting up with enly Father proud of you.—Prov. 27:
one another in love, earnestly en- 11. w21.03 7 ˚17-18
 Monday, August 29 cramped road to life, we must be
If you become discouraged in times willing to adjust our thinking, atti-
of trouble, your strength will be tude, and actions. The apostle Paul
meager.—Prov. 24:10, ftn. encourages us “to be readjusted.”
When we try to examine our own
We can become discouraged by thoughts and feelings, we face a
many things—some internal, some challenge. Our heart is treacherous,
external. The causes may include and that can make it difficult for
imperfections, weaknesses, and us to know where it might be lead-
ill health. They may also include ing us. (Jer. 17:9) It is easy to de-
our not receiving a desired as- ceive ourselves with “false reason-
signment in Jehovah’s service or ing.” (Jas. 1:22) So we must use
our having to witness in a territory God’s Word to examine ourselves.
that seems unresponsive. It would God’s Word reveals what we are on
be easy for us to develop an un- the inside, the innermost “thoughts
balanced view of our imperfections and intentions” of our heart.—Heb.
and weaknesses. As a result, we 4:12, 13. w20.11 18 ˚1-3
might believe that because of our
failings, Jehovah would never wel- Wednesday, August 31
come us into his new world. Such In showing honor to one another,
an attitude can be harmful. The Bi- take the lead.—Rom. 12:10.
ble reveals that, with the exception When we are humble and mod-
of Jesus Christ, all humans “have est, we are more likely to be joyful.
sinned.” (Rom. 3:23) But the Bible’s Why so? When we are aware of our
Author is not a faultfinder or per- limitations, we will be grateful and
fectionist. Rather, he is a loving Fa- happy for any help that we receive
ther who wants to help us. He is from others. For example, think of
also patient. He sees how we strug- the occasion when Jesus healed ten
gle to fight our weaknesses and lepers. Only one of them returned
overcome an unbalanced view of to thank Jesus for curing him of
ourselves, and he is ready to help his dreadful disease—something
us.—Rom. 7:18, 19. w20.12 22 ˚1-3 the man could never have done on
Tuesday, August 30 his own. This humble and modest
man was thankful for the help he
Finally, brothers, continue received, and he glorified God for
to rejoice, to be readjusted. it. (Luke 17:11-19) Humble, modest
—2 Cor. 13:11. people tend to get along well with
All of us are on a journey. Our others and are more likely to have
destination, or goal, is to live in the close friends. Why? They willing-
new world under Jehovah’s loving ly acknowledge that other people
rulership. Each day, we try to follow have fine qualities and show confi-
the path that leads to life. But as Je- dence in them. Humble and modest
sus said, that road is cramped and ones are happy when others suc-
at times difficult to follow. (Matt. 7: ceed in whatever assignment they
13, 14) We are imperfect, and it is receive and are quick to commend
easy for us to stray from this path. them and honor them. w20.08 12
(Gal. 6:1) If we are to stay on the ˚17-18
 Thursday, September 1 sheep, which could require much
time and effort. Then, once he lo-
After that I will pour out my spirit
cated the stray, the shepherd would
on every sort of flesh.—Joel 2:28.
bring it back to the flock. Further,
Peter used slightly different word- if the sheep was injured or starving,
ing when quoting Joel’s prophe- the shepherd would lovingly support
cy. (Acts 2:16, 17) Instead of begin- the weak animal, binding its wounds,
ning the quotation with the words carrying it, and feeding it. Elders,
“after that,” Peter said: “And in the shepherds of “the flock of God,”
the last days”—in this context, the need to take these same steps to
last days of the Jewish system of help any who have strayed from the
things—God’s spirit would be congregation. (1 Pet. 5:2, 3) The el-
poured out “on every sort of flesh.” ders search for them, help them to
This indicates that considerable return to the flock, and show them
time had passed before Joel’s proph- love by providing the necessary spir-
ecy was fulfilled. It was after that itual support. w20.06 20 ˚10
remarkable outpouring of God’s
spirit in the first century that the Saturday, September 3
preaching work began to go for- The fields . . . are white for
ward to the greatest extent. By the harvesting.—John 4:35.
time the apostle Paul wrote his let-
Did Jesus view the fields as be-
ter to the Colossians, about 61 C.E.,
ing ripe for harvesting because he
he could describe the good news as
expected that most people would
being preached “in all creation un-
follow him? Not at all. The Scrip-
der heaven.” (Col. 1:23) In Paul’s day,
tures had foretold that relatively
“all creation” meant the world as it
few would put faith in him. (John
was then known. With the help of
12:37, 38) And Jesus had the mirac-
Jehovah’s powerful holy spirit, the
ulous ability to read hearts. (Matt.
preaching work has expanded much
9:4) Still, he focused on those few
more in our day—“to the ends of the
who would believe, and he zealous-
earth”!—Acts 13:47. w20.04 6-7 ˚15-16
ly preached to everyone. How much
Friday, September 2 more so should we, who cannot
read hearts, resist the tendency to
I myself will search for my
judge a territory or an individual!
sheep, and I will care for Instead, see people’s potential. Re-
them.—Ezek. 34:11. member what Jesus said to his dis-
Jehovah loves each one of us, in- ciples. The fields are white, that is,
cluding any sheep who have strayed they are ready to be harvested. Peo-
from his flock. (Matt. 18:12-14) God ple can change and become disci-
promised that he would search for ples of Christ. Jehovah views these
his lost sheep and help them to re- potential disciples as “precious
gain their spiritual health. And he things.” (Hag. 2:7) If we see people
outlined specific steps that he would as Jehovah and Jesus do, we will
take—steps that a typical Israel- learn about their backgrounds and
ite shepherd would take if a sheep interests. We will view them, not as
went missing. (Ezek. 34:12-16) First, strangers, but as potential brothers
the shepherd would search for the and sisters. w20.04 13 ˚18-19
 Sunday, September 4 into World War I. During this same
I have called you friends, because time, the United States of Ameri-
I have made known to you all the ca had become the dominant eco-
things I have heard from my nomic power and was forming a
Father.—John 15:15. close partnership with Britain. Dur-
ing World War I, the United States
God’s Word clearly teaches that and Britain were welded into a pow-
we must have and maintain love erful military alliance. At that time,
for Jesus in order to please Jeho- Britain and its former colony be-
vah. One thing we can do to be- came the Anglo-American World
come a friend of Jesus is to get to Power. As Daniel foretold, this king
know him. We can do this by read- had amassed “an exceedingly large
ing the Bible books of Matthew, and mighty army.” Throughout the
Mark, Luke, and John. As we medi- last days, the Anglo-American alli-
tate on the Bible accounts of Je- ance has been the king of the south.
sus’ life, we come to love and re- w20.05 4 ˚7-8
spect Jesus because of the kind way
he dealt with people. For instance, Tuesday, September 6
even though he was their Master, To the place from which the
he did not treat his disciples as streams flow, there they
slaves. Instead, he revealed his in- return.—Eccl. 1:7.
ner thoughts and feelings to them.
Jesus shared their pain and cried Water in liquid form exists on
with them. (John 11:32-36) Even his earth because our planet is locat-
opposers acknowledged that he was ed at the perfect distance from the
a friend of those who responded sun. If it were just a little closer, all
to his message. (Matt. 11:19) When the water would boil off, leaving a
we imitate Jesus in the way that hot, lifeless rock. If the earth were
he dealt with his disciples, our re- just a little farther from the sun, all
lationships with others improve, we the water would freeze, turning the
feel more content and happy, and earth into a giant ball of ice. Be-
our appreciation for Christ grows. cause Jehovah placed the earth at
w20.04 22 ˚9-10 this ideal location, the earth’s water
cycle can sustain life. The sun heats
Monday, September 5 water in the oceans and on the
earth’s surface and evaporates the
The king of the south will prepare
water to form clouds. Each year, the
himself for the war with an ex-
sun evaporates nearly 120,000 cu-
ceedingly large and mighty army.
bic miles (500,000 cu km) of water.
—Dan. 11:25.
This water stays in the atmosphere
By 1870, Britain had become the for about ten days before falling as
largest empire on earth, and it had rain or snow. The water eventually
the most powerful military force. makes its way back to the oceans or
That empire was pictured as a small other bodies of water, and the cy-
horn that vanquished three other cle is repeated. This efficient, sus-
horns—France, Spain, and the Neth- tainable cycle proves that Jehovah
erlands. (Dan. 7:7, 8) And it filled is both wise and powerful.—Job 36:
the role of the king of the south well 27, 28. w20.05 22 ˚6
 Wednesday, September 7 loving, and forgiving. He also helped
people to see Jehovah by the way
You will receive power when the
he perfectly imitated his Father’s
holy spirit comes upon you.
qualities in his daily life. (John 14:9)
—Acts 1:8.
Like Jesus, we can share what we
Jesus urged us to keep praying for know about Jehovah, teaching peo-
holy spirit. (Luke 11:9, 13) By means ple what a loving and kind God He
of his spirit, Jehovah gives us pow- is. As we do so, we overturn lies and
er—even “power beyond what is nor- slander about Jehovah. We sanctify
mal.” (2 Cor. 4:7) With the help of Jehovah’s name, making it holy in
God’s spirit, we can endure any trial the minds and hearts of people. With
we may be facing. Holy spirit can our words and actions, we show peo-
also help us handle our assignments ple what Jehovah is truly like. We vin-
in God’s service and can enhance dicate that name by helping to free
our talents and abilities. We can people from the misconceptions they
honestly attribute the good results may have about it. w20.06 6 ˚17-18
of our efforts, not to ourselves, but
to the help of God’s spirit. We can Friday, September 9
show that we value God’s holy spirit Let us not become egotistical,
by praying that it will help us detect stirring up competition with one
any wrong thoughts or desires in our another, envying one another.
heart. (Ps. 139:23, 24) If we make —Gal. 5:26.
such a request, Jehovah, through
his spirit, can make us aware of Social media can be used for a
wrong thinking or inclinations. Then good purpose—for example, to keep
we should pray for God’s spirit to in touch with family and friends.
give us the strength to resist such a Have you observed, though, that
thought or desire. Thus we will show some of the material that people
that we are determined to avoid do- post on social media is designed
ing anything that would cause Je- to promote the people themselves?
hovah to stop helping us with his “Look at me” seems to be the mes-
holy spirit.—Eph. 4:30. w20.05 28-29 sage they want to convey. Some even
˚10-12 post rude and obscene comments on
their own photos or about the pho-
Thursday, September 8 tos that others post. This too is con-
trary to the humility and fellow feel-
I have made your name known
ing that Christians are encouraged
to them.—John 17:26.
to cultivate. (1 Pet. 3:8) If you use so-
When we defend Jehovah’s name, cial media, ask yourself: ‘Might the
we follow the example of Jesus comments, photos, or videos that I
Christ. Jesus made his Father’s post give others the impression that
name known not only by using that I am bragging? Could I make others
name but also by defending Jeho- feel jealous?’ Christians do not feel
vah’s reputation. For example, he the need for promoting themselves.
contradicted the Pharisees, who in They follow the Bible’s admonition
various ways painted Jehovah as found in today’s text. Humility will
harsh, demanding, distant, and mer- help us avoid getting caught up in
ciless. Jesus helped people to see his the world’s spirit of self-promotion.
Father as being reasonable, patient, —1 John 2:16. w20.07 6 ˚14-15
 Saturday, September 10 every detail of the work. Instead,
Formerly I was a blasphemer and he trusts that they will do his will.
a persecutor and an insolent man. (Rev. 5:10) If our heavenly Father
Nevertheless, I was shown mercy —who does not need help from any-
because I acted in ignorance. one—delegates authority to others,
—1 Tim. 1:13. how much more so should we do the
same! For instance, are you a fami-
Before the apostle Paul became ly head or an elder in the congrega-
a disciple of Christ, he was an in- tion? Follow Jehovah’s example by
solent young man who persecuted delegating tasks to others and then
Jesus’ followers. (Acts 7:58) Jesus resisting the urge to micromanage
himself stopped Paul, then known them. When you imitate Jehovah,
as Saul, from terrorizing the Chris- not only will you get the work done
tian congregation. Jesus spoke to but you will also train others and
Paul from heaven and struck him boost their confidence.—Isa. 41:10.
blind. To recover his sight, Paul w20.08 9 ˚5-6
was forced to seek help from the
very people he had been persecut- Monday, September 12
ing. He humbly accepted assistance The Son of man came to seek and
from a disciple named Ananias who to save what was lost.—Luke 19:10.
restored Paul’s sight. (Acts 9:3-9, 17,
18) Paul later became a prominent How does Jehovah want us to feel
member of the Christian congrega- about his lost sheep? Jesus pro-
tion, but he never forgot the les- vides the pattern for us. He knew
son Jesus taught him on the road that all of Jehovah’s sheep are pre-
to Damascus. Paul remained hum- cious in God’s eyes, so Jesus did all
ble, and he willingly accepted the he could to help “the lost sheep of
help of his brothers and sisters. the house of Israel” return to Jeho-
He acknowledged that they were “a vah. (Matt. 15:24) As the fine shep-
strengthening aid” to him.—Col. 4: herd, Jesus also did his utmost to
10, 11, ftn. w20.07 18-19 ˚16-17 avoid losing any of Jehovah’s sheep.
(John 6:39) The apostle Paul urged
Sunday, September 11 the elders of the congregation in
Ephesus to imitate Jesus’ exam-
Your Father has approved of giv-
ple. “You must assist those who are
ing you the Kingdom.—Luke 12:32.
weak and must keep in mind the
Even though Jehovah is almighty, words of the Lord Jesus, when he
he delegates authority to others. himself said: ‘There is more happi-
For instance, he appointed Jesus ness in giving than there is in re-
to be King of the Kingdom, and He ceiving.’ ” (Acts 20:17, 35) Clearly,
will give a measure of authority to elders today have a special respon-
the 144,000 humans who become co- sibility in this regard. “When I think
rulers with Jesus. Of course, Je- of how much Jehovah cares for his
hovah trained Jesus to be King lost sheep, I feel motivated to do
and High Priest. (Heb. 5:8, 9) He all I can to help them,” explains Sal-
also trains Jesus’ corulers, but vador, an elder in Spain. “I am con-
he does not give them this assign- vinced that Jehovah wants me to
ment and then step in to manage care for them.” w20.06 23 ˚15-16
 Tuesday, September 13 throughout the centuries he has
moved men to translate the Bible
The former things have passed
into many languages. Today, the
away.—Rev. 21:4.
whole Bible or portions of it are
Jehovah will patiently wait until available in over 3,000 languages!
the end of the thousand years be- The Bible is the most widely translat-
fore he expects us to be perfect. Un- ed and distributed book in history.
til that time, Jehovah is willing to We can prove that we appreciate the
overlook our sins. Surely, then, we Bible by reading it each day, meditat-
have reason to look for the good ing on what it teaches, and doing our
in others and to be patient with best to apply what we learn. In addi-
them. Jesus and the angels were joy- tion, we show our gratitude to God
ful when the earth was first creat- by doing all we can to share its mes-
ed. But imagine how happy they will sage with as many people as possi-
be to see the earth full of perfect ble.—Ps. 1:1-3; Matt. 28:19, 20. w20.05
people, who love and serve Jehovah. 24-25 ˚15-16
Imagine the joy that those who were
brought from the earth to heaven to Thursday, September 15
rule with Christ will feel as they see The word of Jehovah has been the
mankind benefiting from their work. cause of insults and jeering all day
(Rev. 4:4, 9-11; 5:9, 10) And imagine long.—Jer. 20:8.
living when tears of joy replace tears
of pain, when sickness, sorrow, and The prophet Jeremiah was as-
death are gone forever. Until then, signed a territory that was extreme-
be determined to imitate your lov- ly difficult. He became so discour-
ing, wise, and patient Father. If you aged at one point that he felt like
do, you will maintain your joy, no giving up. But he did not. Why not?
matter what trials you face. (Jas. 1: “The word of Jehovah” was like a
2-4) How thankful we can be for Je- fire inside Jeremiah, and he could
hovah’s promise that “there is going not hold it in! (Jer. 20:9) The same
to be a resurrection”!—Acts 24:15. is true of us when we fill our mind
w20.08 19 ˚18-19 and heart with God’s Word. That
is an added reason for us to study
Wednesday, September 14 the Bible daily and meditate on it.
As a result, our joy can continue to
This good news of the Kingdom will
increase, and our ministry may be-
be preached in all the inhabited
come more productive. (Jer. 15:16)
earth.—Matt. 24:14.
So when you feel discouraged, sup-
The Bible is a loving gift from God. plicate Jehovah for his support. He
Our heavenly Father inspired men will help you to deal with your imper-
to write it because he cares greatly fections, weaknesses, or illness. He
for his earthly children. By means of will help you to keep a balanced view
the Bible, Jehovah answers the most of assignments of service. And he
important questions we could ask, will help you to have a positive view
such as: Where did we come from? of your ministry. Moreover, pour out
What is the purpose of life? And your concerns to your heavenly Fa-
what does the future hold? Jeho- ther. With his help, you can win the
vah wants all his children to learn fight against discouragement. w20.12
the answers to those questions, so 27 ˚20-21
 Friday, September 16 and watering. The disciple-making
work also requires continuous ef-
Appeal to . . . older women as
fort. It takes time for us to root out
mothers, to younger women as
weeds of prejudice and indifference
sisters, with all chasteness.
in those whom we teach. Our pa-
—1 Tim. 5:1, 2.
tience will help us to avoid becoming
For some sisters, the meetings are discouraged when we encounter dif-
their main opportunity to be with ficulties. When we do receive some
fellow worshippers. So we want positive response, we must still be
to use those occasions to welcome patient. We cannot force a Bible stu-
them, speak with them, and let them dent to grow in faith. At times, even
see our concern for them. Like Je- Jesus’ disciples were slow to grasp
sus, we can make time to social- the meaning of what he taught.
ize with sisters. (Luke 10:38-42) Per- (John 14:9) Let us remember that we
haps we can invite them over for a may plant and water, but God makes
simple meal or for some recreation. it grow.—1 Cor. 3:6. w20.09 11 ˚10-11
When we do, we want to keep the
conversation upbuilding. (Rom. 1: Sunday, September 18
11, 12) Elders do well to keep Je- I will praise Jehovah with all my
sus’ attitude in mind. He knew that heart in the assembled group of
singleness could be challenging for upright ones and in the congrega-
some, but he made it clear that nei- tion.—Ps. 111:1.
ther getting married nor having chil-
dren is the key to lasting happiness. All of us want our students to
(Luke 11:27, 28) Rather, permanent progress to baptism. One important
happiness comes from putting Jeho- way we can help them is by encour-
vah’s service first. (Matt. 19:12) El- aging them to attend congregation
ders especially need to treat Chris- meetings. Often students who at-
tian women as their spiritual sisters tend meetings right away make the
and mothers. Elders do well to make fastest progress. Some teachers ex-
time before or after meetings to talk plain to their students that they will
with the sisters. w20.09 21-22 ˚7-9 receive half of their Bible education
from the study and the other half
Saturday, September 17 from the meetings. Read Hebrews
10:24, 25 with your student, and ex-
The farmer keeps waiting for the
plain to him the benefits that he will
precious fruit . . . You too exercise
receive if he comes to the meetings.
patience.—Jas. 5:7, 8.
Enthusiastically share something
In Israel, the farmer planted his you learned at a recent meeting.
seeds after the early rain in the That is more motivating than just in-
fall and reaped the grain after the viting the student to attend. What
late rain in the spring. (Mark 4: your student experiences at his first
28) May we wisely imitate the farm- meeting will far exceed anything he
er’s patience. However, this may not ever experienced at any other type
be easy. Imperfect humans tend to of religious gathering. (1 Cor. 14:24,
want immediate results from their 25) He will meet others whose good
efforts. Yet, if we want our garden to example he can imitate and who
produce, we must give it constant at- will help him progress to baptism.
tention—digging, planting, weeding, w20.10 10-11 ˚14-15
 Monday, September 19 hovah, Jesus was merciful and for-
giving. (2 Ki. 13:23) Likewise, we
What instructor is like [God ]?
have deep concern for those who
—Job 36:22.
have stopped sharing in the minis-
God’s spirit will help you to make try. They are our brothers and sis-
practical application of what you ters, and we love them! We still
read and study in God’s Word. Pray remember the labors of love that
as did the psalmist: “Instruct me, those fellow believers performed
O Jehovah, about your way. I will in the past—some perhaps for de-
walk in your truth. Unify my heart cades. (Heb. 6:10) We truly miss
to fear your name.” (Ps. 86:11) So them! (Luke 15:4-7) So encourage in-
continue to take in the spiritual active ones to attend the congrega-
food that Jehovah provides through tion meetings. And when an inactive
his Word and his organization. Of one arrives at the Kingdom Hall, we
course, your goal is not just to gain should take the initiative by warmly
knowledge. You want to impress welcoming him. w20.11 6 ˚14-17
the truth on your heart and apply Wednesday, September 21
it in your life. Jehovah’s spirit can
help you to do that. You also want Do not go beyond the things
to encourage your brothers and sis- that are written.—1 Cor. 4:6.
ters. (Heb. 10:24, 25) Why? Because James and John along with their
they are your spiritual family. Pray mother approached Jesus and asked
for God’s spirit to help you to give for a privilege that was beyond Je-
heartfelt comments at Christian sus’ authority to give. Without hes-
meetings and to do your very best itating, Jesus stated that only his
when you have a part on the pro- heavenly Father could decide who
gram. In these ways you show Jeho- would sit at Jesus’ right hand and at
vah and his Son that you love their his left in the Kingdom. (Matt. 20:20-
precious “sheep.” (John 21:15-17) So 23) Jesus showed that he respect-
listen to your Grand Instructor by ed his limitations. He was modest.
taking full advantage of the spiritu- He never went beyond what Jeho-
al banquet he provides. w20.10 24-25 vah commanded him to do. (John 12:
˚15-17 49) How can we imitate Jesus’ fine
example? We imitate Jesus’ exam-
Tuesday, September 20 ple of modesty by applying the Bi-
They all abandoned him ble’s counsel found in today’s text.
and fled.—Mark 14:50. So when asked for advice, we nev-
er want to promote our own opin-
How did Jesus treat his apos- ion or simply say the first thing
tles when they were temporarily that comes to our mind. Rather, we
in a weakened condition? Short- should direct attention to the coun-
ly after his resurrection, Jesus told sel found in the Bible and in our
some of his followers: “Have no fear! Bible-based publications. In this
Go, report to my brothers [that I was way, we acknowledge our limita-
raised].” (Matt. 28:10a) Jesus did not tions. With modesty, we give cred-
give up on his apostles. Even though it to the “righteous decrees” of the
they had abandoned him, he still Almighty.—Rev. 15:3, 4. w20.08 11-12
called them “my brothers.” Like Je- ˚14-15
 Thursday, September 22 become king of Israel. But which
Do not be overly righteous, nor one? When Samuel saw Jesse’s old-
show yourself excessively wise. est son, Eliab, he said: “Surely here
Why should you bring ruin to before Jehovah stands his anoint-
yourself?—Eccl. 7:16. ed one.” Eliab looked like a king.
“But Jehovah said to Samuel: ‘Do
If you ever feel that you need to not pay attention to his appearance
give counsel to a friend, what points and how tall he is, for I have re-
should you keep in mind? Before jected him.’ ” The lesson? Jehovah
you approach your friend, ask your- continued: “Man sees what appears
self, ‘Am I being “overly righteous”?’ to the eyes, but Jehovah sees into
An overly righteous person judges the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:1, 6, 7) We do
others, not by Jehovah’s standards, well to imitate Jehovah when deal-
but by his own, and he is probably ing with our brothers and sisters.
not very merciful. If after examin- w20.04 14 ˚1; 15 ˚3
ing yourself you still see the need
to speak to your friend, clearly Saturday, September 24
identify the problem and use view- Lift up your eyes and view the
point questions to help your friend fields, that they are white for
to recognize his mistake. Make sure harvesting.—John 4:35.
that what you say is based on the
Scriptures, remembering that your Jesus had been traveling through
friend is accountable, not to you, fields, likely of young green bar-
but to Jehovah. (Rom. 14:10) Rely ley. (John 4:3-6) This crop would
on the wisdom found in God’s Word, be ready to be harvested in about
and when counseling someone, imi- four months’ time. Jesus said some-
tate Jesus’ compassion. (Prov. 3:5; thing that must have sounded un-
Matt. 12:20) Why? Because Jehovah usual: “Lift up your eyes and view
will deal with us in the same way the fields, that they are white for
that we deal with others.—Jas. 2:13. harvesting.” (John 4:35, 36) What
w20.11 21 ˚13 did he mean? Jesus was apparently
referring to a figurative harvest of
Friday, September 23 people. Consider what had just hap-
pened. Although Jews usually had
Stop judging by the outward ap-
no dealings with Samaritans, Jesus
pearance, but judge with righteous
had preached to a Samaritan wom-
judgment.—John 7:24.
an—and she had listened! In fact,
Would you like people to judge while Jesus was speaking about
you based on the color of your skin, fields that were “white for harvest-
the shape of your face, or the size ing,” a crowd of Samaritans who
of your body? Likely, you would not. had heard about Jesus from the
How comforting it is to know, then, woman were on their way to learn
that Jehovah does not judge us by more from him. (John 4:9, 39-42)
what human eyes can see! For exam- One Bible commentary says about
ple, when Samuel looked at the sons this account: “The eagerness of the
of Jesse, he did not see what Je- people . . . showed that they were
hovah saw. Jehovah had told Sam- like grain ready for harvesting.”
uel that one of Jesse’s sons would w20.04 8 ˚1-2
 Sunday, September 25 associates. The brothers in Corinth
Let us consider one another so as needed to guard against associating
to incite to love and fine works. with those who denied the resurrec-
—Heb. 10:24. tion. There is a lesson for us today:
No good can come from choosing as
Our meetings help us improve our regular associates those who have
battle skills, so to speak, by equip- a live-for-the-moment outlook. Be-
ping us for the ministry. For ex- ing with such ones can ruin a true
ample, we learn to use the tools Christian’s viewpoint and habits. In
in our Teaching Toolbox effective- fact, it might lead him to have a life-
ly. So prepare well for congregation style that includes what God hates
meetings. During the meeting, listen —sin. Thus, Paul strongly urged:
carefully. After the meeting, apply
“Come to your senses in a righteous
the training you received. By doing
way and do not practice sin.”—1 Cor.
such things, you will become “a fine
15:33, 34. w20.12 9 ˚3, 5-6
soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 2:3)
We also have the support of myriads Tuesday, September 27
of powerful angels. Think of what
just one angel can do! (Isa. 37:36) The head of every man is the
Now consider what a mighty army Christ; in turn, the head of a wom-
of angels would be able to accom- an is the man; in turn, the head of
plish. No man or demon is equal to the Christ is God.—1 Cor. 11:3.
Jehovah’s powerful fighting force. It This verse describes the way in
has been said that one faithful Wit- which Jehovah has organized his
ness plus Jehovah equals the ma- universal family. Headship involves
jority. (Judg. 6:16) How true that is! two key elements—authority and ac-
Keep those thoughts in mind when countability. Jehovah is “the head,”
you feel intimidated by something a or the ultimate authority, and all his
workmate, a schoolmate, or an un- children, both angelic and human,
believing relative says or does. Re- are accountable to him. (Rom. 14:10;
member, you are not alone in this Eph. 3:14, 15) Jehovah has given Je-
fight. You are following Jehovah’s di- sus authority over the congregation,
rection. w21.03 29 ˚13-14 but Jesus is accountable to Jehovah
Monday, September 26 for the way he treats us. (1 Cor. 15:
27) Jehovah has also given a hus-
If the dead are not to be raised up, band authority over his wife and
“let us eat and drink, for tomor- children. How can he learn to be a
row we are to die.”—1 Cor. 15:32. good family head? He must first un-
The apostle Paul may have been derstand what Jehovah requires of
quoting Isaiah 22:13, which refers him. He also needs to know why
to the attitude of the Israelites. In- Jehovah established headship and,
stead of drawing close to God, they specifically, how he can imitate the
pursued a life of pleasure. Basical- example set by Jehovah and Jesus.
ly, the attitude of those Israelites Why is this so important? Because
was “here today, gone tomorrow,” Jehovah has given family heads a
a view common even today. Clearly, measure of authority, and he ex-
the fact that Jehovah can resurrect pects them to use it well.—Luke 12:
the dead should affect our choice of 48b. w21.02 2 ˚1-3
 Wednesday, September 28 you “have love for the whole as-
sociation of brothers.” (1 Pet. 2:17)
I, Jehovah, am your God, the One
Does having tender affection for fel-
teaching you to benefit yourself.
low believers mean that we will feel
—Isa. 48:17.
equally close to everyone in the con-
We do well to imitate Jehovah re- gregation? No, that would not be re-
garding the things he chooses to alistic. It is not necessarily wrong
forget. For example, Jehovah has a to be drawn more to some than to
perfect memory, but if we are repen- others because of having similar in-
tant, he chooses to forgive and for- terests. Jesus referred to all his
get the mistakes we make. (Ps. 25:7; apostles as “friends,” but he had a
130:3, 4) And he wants us to do the special affection for John. (John 13:
same for others when they are sor- 23; 15:15; 20:2) However, Jesus did
ry for mistakes they make that hurt not show favoritism to John.—Mark
us. (Matt. 6:14; Luke 17:3, 4) We can 10:35-40. w21.01 23 ˚12-13
show appreciation for the marvelous
gift of our brain by using it to hon- Friday, September 30
or the One who gave it to us. Some You seem to be more given to the
choose to use their brain for self- fear of the deities than others are.
ish purposes—to set their own stan- —Acts 17:22.
dards of right and wrong. But be-
cause Jehovah created us, it is only The apostle Paul did not present
reasonable to expect that his stan- his message to the Gentiles in Ath-
dards are better than any standards ens in the same way that he present-
we could set for ourselves. (Rom. ed it to the Jews in the synagogue.
12:1, 2) When we live by his stan- He carefully observed his surround-
dards, our life is peaceful. (Isa. 48: ings and took note of people’s re-
18) And we gain a clear purpose for ligious customs. (Acts 17:23) Next,
living—to bring honor to our Creator Paul searched for common ground
and Father and make him proud of between their form of worship and
us.—Prov. 27:11. w20.05 23-24 ˚13-14 the truth in the Scriptures. So Paul
was willing to adapt his approach.
Thursday, September 29 He told the Athenians that his mes-
sage came from the “Unknown God,”
Have tender affection for
whom they had been trying to wor-
one another.—Rom. 12:10.
ship. Although the Gentiles were
How can we cultivate tender af- not familiar with the Scriptures,
fection for our brothers and sisters Paul did not give up on them. In-
today? When we get to know fellow stead, he viewed them as being like
believers better, we may find it easi- grain that is ripe for harvesting, and
er to understand them and to de- he adjusted his presentation of the
velop tender affection for them. Age good news. Like Paul, be observant.
and background need not be a barri- Look for signs that indicate what be-
er. Remember, Jonathan was about liefs people in your territory have.
30 years older than David; yet he de- How has the householder decorated
veloped a close friendship with him. his home or vehicle? Does his name,
Could you take an interest in some- dress, grooming, or even his vocab-
one who is older—or younger—than ulary indicate what his religion is?
you? By doing so, you can show that w20.04 9-10 ˚7-8
 Saturday, October 1 ereignty, that Jehovah has the right
“Who has come to know the mind to rule the universe, and this is per-
of Jehovah, so that he may in- fectly true. However, while it is im-
struct him?” But we do have the portant to focus on God’s laws, our
mind of Christ.—1 Cor. 2:16. main goal is that of helping others
come to love Jehovah, our Father,
When we get to know Jesus, we and to be loyal to him. We thus need
will imitate his way of thinking and to highlight Jehovah’s appealing
acting. And the better we know and qualities, emphasizing the kind of
imitate his way of thinking, the clos- Person that the name Jehovah rep-
er our friendship with him will be. resents. (Isa. 63:7) As we teach in
How can we imitate Jesus? Note just that way, we will help others to love
one example. Jesus thought more Jehovah and to obey him because
about helping others than about they want to be loyal to him. w20.06
pleasing himself. (Matt. 20:28; Rom. 6 ˚16; 7 ˚19
15:1-3) Because he had this mental
attitude, he was self-sacrificing and Monday, October 3
forgiving. He did not easily become Who made a mouth for man . . . ?
offended at what people said about Is it not I, Jehovah?—Ex. 4:11.
him. (John 1:46, 47) And he did
not freeze people in time by hold- The human brain is a marvel of
ing their past mistakes against them engineering. When you were in your
permanently. (1 Tim. 1:12-14) Jesus mother’s womb, your brain was
said: “All will know that you are my built according to a preset plan,
disciples—if you have love among and thousands of new brain cells
yourselves.” (John 13:35) Why not were constructed every minute! Re-
ask yourself, “Am I following Jesus’ searchers estimate that an adult’s
example by doing everything in my brain contains close to 100 billion
power to maintain peace with my special cells called neurons—assem-
brothers and sisters?” w20.04 24 ˚11 bled into a package that weighs
about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg). One of
Sunday, October 2 the brain’s amazing abilities con-
cerns speech. With each word you
They will sanctify my name.
say, your brain has to coordinate
—Isa. 29:23.
the movement of some 100 muscles
Despite being in a world full of in your tongue, throat, lips, jaw,
people who slander and blaspheme and chest. All those muscles have
Jehovah’s name, you have the op- to move according to precise tim-
portunity to stand up and speak the ing if the words are to be under-
truth—that Jehovah is holy, righ- stood. A study published in 2019
teous, good, and loving. You can showed that newborn babies can
support his rule. You can promote pick out individual words. This find-
it as the only way of ruling that is ing reinforces what many research-
truly righteous and that will bring ers believe—that we are born with
peace and happiness to all cre- the ability to recognize and learn
ation. (Ps. 37:9, 37; 146:5, 6, 10) languages. Certainly, our ability to
When we teach Bible truths to oth- speak is a gift from God. w20.05 22-
ers, we often emphasize God’s sov- 23 ˚8-9
 Tuesday, October 4 trust in Jehovah and our love for
our brothers. Remember who is be-
He was awaiting the city having
hind such propaganda, and reject it!
real foundations, whose designer
(1 John 4:1, 6; Rev. 12:9) To resist
and builder is God.—Heb. 11:10.
Satan’s attacks, we need to deepen
Abraham willingly left the com- our trust in Jesus and in the role he
fortable lifestyle available to him plays in God’s purpose. We also need
in the city of Ur. Why? Because he to trust in the only channel that Je-
was awaiting “the city having real hovah is using today. (Matt. 24:45-
foundations.” (Heb. 11:8-10, 16) The 47) We deepen our trust by regularly
city that Abraham awaited is God’s studying God’s Word. Then our faith
Kingdom. That Kingdom is made up will be like a tree that has roots that
of Jesus Christ and 144,000 anoint- go deep into the ground. The apos-
ed Christians. Paul refers to the tle Paul made a similar point when
Kingdom as “a city of the living he wrote the words of today’s text.
God, heavenly Jerusalem.” (Heb. 12: w20.07 23-24 ˚11-12
22; Rev. 5:8-10; 14:1) Jesus taught Thursday, October 6
his disciples to pray for this same
Kingdom, asking that it come so Man sees what appears to the eyes,
that God’s will can take place on but Jehovah sees into the heart.
earth as it does in heaven. (Matt. —1 Sam. 16:7.
6:10) Did Abraham know the de- As imperfect humans, all of us
tails of how God’s Kingdom would have a tendency to judge others by
be structured? No. For many cen- their outward appearance. (John 7:
turies, those details were a “sacred 24) But we learn only a little about a
secret.” (Eph. 1:8-10; Col. 1:26, 27) person from what we see with our
But Abraham did know that some of eyes. To illustrate, even a brilliant
his offspring would become kings. and experienced doctor can learn
Jehovah had specifically made that only so much by just looking at a pa-
promise to him.—Gen. 17:1, 2, 6. tient. He must listen attentively if he
w20.08 2-3 ˚2-4 is to learn about the patient’s med-
ical history, his emotional makeup,
Wednesday, October 5 or any symptoms he is having. The
Go on walking in union with [the doctor may even order an X-ray to
Lord ], being rooted and built up see the inside of the patient’s body.
in him and being stabilized in the Otherwise, the doctor could mis-
faith.—Col. 2:6, 7. diagnose the problem. Similarly, we
cannot fully understand our broth-
We must reject apostate teach- ers and sisters by simply looking at
ings. Since the beginning of the their outward appearance. We must
Christian congregation, the Dev- try to look beneath the surface—at
il has been using many deceivers to the inner person. Of course, we can-
plant doubts in the minds of God’s not read hearts. But we can do our
faithful servants. As a result, we best to imitate Jehovah. He listens
need to know how to discern the dif- to his worshippers. He takes into ac-
ference between facts and lies. Our count their background and situa-
enemies may use the Internet or so- tion. And he shows compassion for
cial media to try to undermine our them. w20.04 14-15 ˚1-3
 Friday, October 7 Paul’s illustration is that each one
Think so as to have a sound of us has an important place in Je-
mind.—Rom. 12:3. hovah’s family. Paul begins his illus-
tration by saying: “Just as we have
We need to cultivate humility be- in one body many members, but the
cause those who are proud do not members do not all have the same
have “a sound mind.” Proud peo- function, so we, although many,
ple are contentious and egotisti- are one body in union with Christ,
cal. Their thinking and actions of- but individually we are members
ten cause them to hurt themselves belonging to one another.” (Rom. 12:
and others. Unless they change 4, 5) What was Paul’s point? Each
their way of thinking, their minds one of us has a different role in the
will be blinded and corrupted by Sa- congregation, but each one of us is
tan. (2 Cor. 4:4; 11:3) A humble valuable. w20.08 20 ˚1-2; 21 ˚4
person has a sound mind. He has
a balanced and reasonable view of Sunday, October 9
himself, recognizing that in many Jehovah asked him, “How will
ways others are superior to him. you do it?”—1 Ki. 22:21.
(Phil. 2:3) And he knows that “God
opposes the haughty ones, but he Parents, how can you imitate Je-
gives undeserved kindness to the hovah’s example of humility? When
humble ones.” (1 Pet. 5:5) Those appropriate, ask your children for
with a sound mind do not want to their opinions on how a task should
have Jehovah as an opponent. To be done. And when fitting, follow
remain humble, we must apply the their suggestions. Jehovah also set
Bible’s counsel to “strip off the old an example in the matter of exercis-
personality with its practices, and ing patience, even when those who
clothe [ourselves] with the new served him questioned his deci-
personality.” We need to study Je- sions. He listened as Abraham stat-
sus’ example and try to imitate him ed his concerns about the decision
as closely as possible.—Col. 3:9, 10; to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.
1 Pet. 2:21. w20.07 7 ˚16-17 (Gen. 18:22-33) And remember how
Jehovah dealt with Abraham’s wife,
Saturday, October 8 Sarah. He did not become offend-
ed or angry when she laughed at
The body is one but has many
his promise that she would become
members.—1 Cor. 12:12.
pregnant in her old age. (Gen. 18:10-
What a privilege we have to be 14) Instead, he treated Sarah with
part of Jehovah’s congregation! We dignity. Parents and elders, what
are in a spiritual paradise that is can you learn from Jehovah’s ex-
full of peaceful, happy people. What ample? Consider how you respond
is your place in the congregation? when those under your authority
The apostle Paul compared the con- question your decisions. Is your ini-
gregation to the human body. He tial reaction to correct them? Or do
also compared the individuals in a you try to understand their point of
congregation to parts of the body. view? Families and congregations
(Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 4: surely benefit when those in author-
16) One lesson we can learn from ity imitate Jehovah. w20.08 10 ˚7-9
 Monday, October 10 tient with all people—including fami-
My power is being made perfect ly members—as we preach and teach
in weakness.—2 Cor. 12:9. with zeal. We can learn patience
from the examples of faithful ones in
When we first began to associate the Bible as well as in modern times.
with Jehovah’s people, we may have Habakkuk longed for an end to wick-
been eager to accept help from oth- edness, but he confidently declared:
ers, realizing that we were spiritual “At my guardpost I will keep stand-
infants and had a lot to learn. (1 Cor. ing.” (Hab. 2:1) The apostle Paul ex-
3:1, 2) But what about now? If we pressed his heartfelt desire to “fin-
have been serving Jehovah for many ish” his ministry. Yet, he patiently
years and have gained a lot of expe- continued “to bear thorough wit-
rience, we may not be as ready to ac- ness to the good news.”—Acts 20:24.
cept help, especially if it is offered w20.09 11-12 ˚12-14
by someone who has not been in the
truth as long as we have. However, Wednesday, October 12
Jehovah often uses our brothers and [Jesus] gave no consideration to a
sisters to strengthen us. (Rom. 1:11,
seizure, namely, that he should be
12) We must recognize that fact if we
equal to God.—Phil. 2:6.
are to gain the power that Jehovah
supplies. Success depends, not on Jesus, whose authority is second
a person’s physical strength, educa- only to Jehovah’s, does not think
tion, wealth, or social background, more of himself than is necessary.
but on his humility and reliance on In imitation of Jesus, humble ser-
Jehovah. May all of us press forward vants of Jehovah contribute to the
(1) by relying on Jehovah, (2) by loving spirit that identifies God’s or-
learning from Bible examples, and ganization. (Luke 9:48; John 13:35)
(3) by accepting help from fellow be- What if it seems that there are prob-
lievers. Then, no matter how weak lems in the congregation and you
we may feel, Jehovah will make us feel that they are not being dealt
powerful! w20.07 14 ˚2; 19 ˚18-19 with properly? Rather than com-
plain, you can show humility by sup-
Tuesday, October 11
porting those taking the lead. (Heb.
Show the same industriousness . . . 13:17) To help you do that, ask your-
so that you may not become slug- self: ‘Are the problems that I see
gish, but be imitators of those who really so serious that they need to
through faith and patience inherit be corrected? Is this the right time
the promises.—Heb. 6:11, 12. to correct them? Is it my place to
One area in which we may find it correct them? In all honesty, am I
difficult to be patient is when wit- really trying to promote unity, or am
nessing to unbelieving relatives. The I trying to promote myself?’ Jeho-
principle found at Ecclesiastes 3: vah values humility more than abil-
1, 7 can help us. It states: “There is ity and unity more than efficiency.
. . . a time to be silent and a time to Therefore, do your best to serve Je-
speak.” We can let our good conduct hovah with humility. In doing so,
be a silent witness, yet we are always you will promote unity in the con-
alert to opportunities to speak about gregation.—Eph. 4:2, 3. w20.07 4-5
the truth. (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) We are pa- ˚9-11
 Thursday, October 13 sible only because Jesus died a sac-
rificial death and was resurrected.
Jesus said to them: “Have no fear!
That is why the apostle Peter told
Go, report to my brothers.”
fellow Christians: “Baptism [is] now
—Matt. 28:10.
saving you . . . through the resurrec-
Jesus valued the help he received tion of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 3:21) So
from the godly women who minis- when a new disciple gets baptized,
tered to him “from their belongings.” he puts himself in line for salvation.
(Luke 8:1-3) He revealed to them To make disciples, we need to devel-
deep spiritual truths. For example, op the “art of teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:
he informed them that he would die 1, 2) Why? Because Jesus command-
and be resurrected. (Luke 24:5-8) ed us: “Go, . . . make disciples . . . ,
He prepared these women, as he teaching them.” The apostle Paul
had the apostles, for the trials they said to “persevere” in that work, “for
would encounter. (Mark 9:30-32; by doing this you will save both your-
10:32-34) It is worth noting that self and those who listen to you.”
though the apostles fled when Je- w20.10 14 ˚1-2
sus was arrested, some of the wom-
en who had supported him were by Saturday, October 15
his side while he was dying on the From now on you will be catching
torture stake. (Matt. 26:56; Mark 15: men alive.—Luke 5:10.
40, 41) Godly women were the first
witnesses of his resurrection. He The disciple Peter learned to love
assigned those women to tell the being a fisher of men. And with Je-
apostles that he had been raised hovah’s backing, Peter became very
from the dead. (Matt. 28:5, 9, 10) good at that work. (Acts 2:14, 41)
And at Pentecost 33 C.E., women We preach because we love Jeho-
may have been present when the vah; that is our primary motivation
holy spirit was poured out and all for doing this work. Our love for Je-
there received the miraculous abili- hovah can help us to overcome any
ty to speak in foreign languages feelings of inadequacy. When Je-
and tell others about “the magnif- sus invited Peter to become a fish-
icent things of God.”—Acts 1:14; 2: er of men, he told him: “Stop being
2-4, 11. w20.09 23 ˚11-12 afraid.” (Luke 5:8-11) Peter was not
gripped by fear of what might hap-
Friday, October 14 pen if he became a disciple. Rath-
er, he was astonished at the miracu-
Pay constant attention to yourself
lous catch of fish that Jesus had just
and to your teaching.—1 Tim. 4:16.
given the men, and Peter felt un-
The disciple-making work is a worthy of being asked to work with
lifesaving work! How do we know? Jesus. On the other hand, you may
When Jesus gave the command that feel overwhelmed when you realize
is recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20, he what is involved in being a disciple
said: “Go, . . . make disciples . . . , of Christ. If so, strengthen your love
baptizing them.” What do we know for Jehovah, Jesus, and your neigh-
about the importance of baptism? It bor, and you will be motivated to ac-
is a requirement for those seeking cept Jesus’ invitation to become a
salvation. The baptism candidate fisher of men.—Matt. 22:37, 39; John
must have faith that salvation is pos- 14:15. w20.09 3 ˚4-5
 Sunday, October 16 to serve our loving heavenly Father,
Go, therefore, and make Jehovah. (Ps. 73:28) Jesus’ par-
disciples . . . , teaching ents were determined to help their
them.—Matt. 28:19, 20. children to serve Jehovah, and the
choices the parents made proved
We gladly give of our time, ener- that this was their main goal in life.
gy, and resources to find those who (Luke 2:40, 41, 52) Jesus likewise
are “rightly disposed for everlast- made good choices that helped him
ing life.” (Acts 13:48) When we do to fulfill his role in Jehovah’s pur-
this, we follow Jesus’ example. He pose. (Matt. 4:1-10) Jesus grew up
stated: “My food is to do the will of to be a kind, loyal, and courageous
him who sent me and to finish his man—the type of son who would
work.” (John 4:34; 17:4) That is bring pride and joy to the heart of
also our heartfelt desire. We want
any God-fearing parent. w20.10 26
to finish the work that has been
˚1-2
entrusted to us. (John 20:21) And
we want others, including inactive Tuesday, October 18
ones, to endure in this work with
us. (Matt. 24:13) Granted, fulfilling Your eyes should look straight
Jesus’ great commission is a chal- ahead.—Prov. 4:25.
lenge. However, we are not facing Imagine the following scenarios.
this task alone. Jesus promised that An elderly Christian sister reflects
he would be with us. We carry out on good times from her past. Even
the assignment to make disciples as though her life is more challeng-
“God’s fellow workers” and “in com- ing now, she continues to do all
pany with Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. she can for Jehovah. (1 Cor. 15:58)
2:17) Therefore, we can accomplish Every day she imagines herself and
it. What a privilege and pleasure it her loved ones living together in the
is to carry out this assignment and promised new world. Another sis-
help others to do so as well!—Phil. 4: ter remembers that she was hurt by
13. w20.11 7 ˚19-20 a fellow believer, but she chooses
Monday, October 17 to let go of her resentment. (Col. 3:
13) A brother is keenly aware of his
Jesus went on progressing in wis- past mistakes but focuses on stay-
dom and in physical growth and in ing faithful from now on. (Ps. 51:
favor with God and men. 10) What do these three Christians
—Luke 2:52. have in common? All of them re-
Often, the choices that parents member what happened in their
make affect their children for a long past, but they are not living in it.
time. If parents make poor choices, Rather, they “look straight ahead”
they can cause problems for their to the future. Why is that impor-
children. But if they make wise tant? Just as a person cannot walk
choices, they give their children in a straight line if he is constantly
the best chance of having a happy, looking back, we cannot move for-
satisfying life. Of course, children ward in our service to Jehovah if
must also make good decisions. The we are constantly looking back on
best decision anyone can make is our past.—Luke 9:62. w20.11 24 ˚1-3
 Wednesday, October 19 ple. And even though God’s ser-
He sneered at him in contempt. vants make up only a small portion
—1 Sam. 17:42. of the world’s population, they are
often at the center of major world
David was viewed as weak by the events. Why? Because Satan and
physically powerful warrior Go- his entire system have one prime
liath. After all, Goliath was big- objective—conquering those who
ger, better equipped, and better serve Jehovah and Jesus. (Gen. 3:
trained for war. David, on the other 15; Rev. 11:7; 12:17) In addition, the
hand, was just an inexperienced boy prophecy recorded by Daniel must
who seemed to be poorly equipped harmonize with other prophecies in
for battle. But David relied on Je- God’s Word. In fact, we can come
hovah for power, and he defeated to the right understanding of Dan-
his enemy. (1 Sam. 17:41-45, 50) Da- iel’s prophecy only if we compare
vid had to deal with another chal- it with other portions of the Scrip-
lenge that could have made him feel
tures. w20.05 2 ˚1-2
weak and powerless. David loyally
served the one whom Jehovah had Friday, October 21
appointed as king of Israel, Saul.
King Saul at first respected David. How are the dead to be raised up?
Later on, pride caused Saul to be- Yes, with what sort of body?
come jealous of David. Saul treated —1 Cor. 15:35.
David badly, even trying to kill him. Many people today have person-
(1 Sam. 18:6-9, 29; 19:9-11) Despite al views about life after death. But
the unjust way that he was treat- what does the Bible teach? When
ed by King Saul, David continued to someone dies, his body decompos-
show respect for Jehovah’s appoint- es. But the One who created the uni-
ed king. (1 Sam. 24:6) David relied on verse from nothing can resurrect
Jehovah to give him the strength he that person, giving him a suitable
needed to endure this difficult trial. body. (Gen. 1:1; 2:7) The apostle
—Ps. 18:1, superscription. w20.07 17 Paul used an illustration to show
˚11-13 that God would not need to bring
Thursday, October 20 back the same body. Think of “a
bare grain,” or a plant “seed.” A
In the time of the end the king of seed of grain that is planted in the
the south will engage with him [the ground germinates and becomes a
king of the north] in a pushing. new plant. The resulting plant is
—Dan. 11:40. quite different from the small seed.
A large portion of the prophecy Paul used this comparison to show
about the king of the north and the that our Creator can provide “a
king of the south has already been body just as it [pleases] him.” Paul
fulfilled, so we can be confident that also stated that “there are heaven-
the rest of it will also come true. To ly bodies and earthly bodies.” How
understand the prophecy record- so? Well, on earth, we have bod-
ed in Daniel chapter 11, we need to ies of flesh, but in heaven there are
keep in mind that it identifies only spirit bodies, like the ones the an-
rulers and governments that have gels have.—1 Cor. 15:36-41. w20.12 9-
had a direct influence on God’s peo- 10 ˚7-9
 Saturday, October 22 who showed the same spirit as Sa-
How long will I have anxious con- tan had slipped into the congrega-
cern, with grief in my heart each tion. For instance, Diotrephes was
day?—Ps. 13:2. creating serious divisions in one
congregation. (3 John 9, 10) He was
We all want to lead a calm and disrespectful to traveling represen-
peaceful life. No one enjoys feel- tatives of the governing body. He
ing anxious. At times, however, we even tried to throw out of the con-
may struggle with anxieties and ask gregation those who were hospita-
the same question as King David ble to people whom he disliked. How
did in today’s text. We may have lit- arrogant! Satan is still desperately
tle or no control over some things trying to divide and conquer God’s
that could cause us to feel anxious. people today. May we never allow ha-
For example, we cannot regulate tred to drive us apart. w21.01 11 ˚14
how much the cost of food, cloth-
ing, and shelter will rise each year; Monday, October 24
nor can we control how frequently When they have finished their wit-
our workmates or schoolmates will nessing, the wild beast . . . will
try to tempt us to be dishonest or wage war with them and conquer
immoral. And we cannot stop the them and kill them.—Rev. 11:7.
crime that happens in our neighbor-
hood. We face these challenges be- In the first world war, both the
cause we live in a world where most German government and the Brit-
people’s thinking is not based on Bi- ish government persecuted God’s
ble principles. Satan, the god of this servants who refused to take up
world, knows that some people will arms. And the U.S. government
allow “the anxiety of this system of threw into prison those who were
things” to keep them from serving taking the lead in the preaching
Jehovah. (Matt. 13:22; 1 John 5:19) work. This persecution fulfilled the
No wonder that the world is so full prophecy recorded at Revelation 11:
of stressful situations! w21.01 2 ˚1, 3 7-10. Then, in the 1930’s and espe-
cially during the second world war,
Sunday, October 23 the king of the north attacked God’s
Everyone who hates his brother is people without mercy. Hitler and
a murderer, and you know that no his followers banned the work of
murderer has everlasting life re- God’s people. The opposers killed
maining in him.—1 John 3:15. hundreds of Jehovah’s people and
The apostle John urged us not to sent thousands more to concentra-
hate our brothers or sisters. If we tion camps. The king of the north
fail to heed that counsel, we leave was able to “profane the sanctuary”
ourselves open to being manipulat- and “remove the constant feature”
ed by Satan. (1 John 2:11) This hap- by severely restricting the freedom
pened to some at the end of the of God’s servants to praise Jeho-
first century C.E. Satan was do- vah’s name publicly. (Dan. 11:30b,
ing all that he could to promote ha- 31a) Its leader, Hitler, even vowed
tred and divide God’s people. By the that he would exterminate God’s
time John wrote his letters, men people in Germany. w20.05 6 ˚12-13
 Tuesday, October 25 itics, and we do not join the mili-
In brotherly love have tender af- tary forces of any country. We do not
fection for one another. In show- fit into the world’s mold, so we are
ing honor to one another, take the considered to be inferior to others.
lead.—Rom. 12:10. (Rom. 12:2) Despite what the world
thinks of us, Jehovah is achieving
When we show tender affection for extraordinary things with us. He is
one another, we protect the congre- accomplishing the greatest preach-
gation from a spirit of competition. ing campaign in human history. His
Recall that Jonathan did not try to servants today produce the most
compete with David, viewing him as widely translated and distributed
a rival to the throne. (1 Sam. 20: journals on earth and use the Bible
42) All of us can imitate Jonathan’s to help millions of people to improve
example. Do not view your fellow their lives. All credit for these re-
workers as rivals because of their markable accomplishments goes to
abilities, “but with humility consid- Jehovah. w20.07 15 ˚5-6
er others superior to you.” (Phil.
2:3) Keep in mind that each person Thursday, October 27
in the congregation has something
to contribute. By keeping a humble
I am doing just as the Father has
view of ourselves, we see the good in commanded me to do.—John 14:31.
our brothers and sisters and benefit Jesus is subject to Jehovah, but
from their faithful example. (1 Cor. certainly not because he lacks intel-
12:21-25) When we show tender af- ligence or skill. Only a highly intel-
fection for one another, we strength- ligent person could teach as simply
en the unity among God’s people. and clearly as Jesus did. (John 7:45,
We prove that we are Jesus’ disci- 46) Jehovah respected Jesus’ abil-
ples, and this attracts honestheart- ity so much that He allowed Jesus
ed ones to true worship. Above all, to work beside Him when Jehovah
we glorify “the Father of tender mer- created the universe. (Prov. 8:30;
cies and the God of all comfort,” Heb. 1:2-4) And since Jesus’ resur-
Jehovah.—2 Cor. 1:3. w21.01 24 ˚14; rection, Jehovah has entrusted him
25 ˚16 with ‘all authority in heaven and on
Wednesday, October 26 earth.’ (Matt. 28:18) Even though Je-
sus is talented, he still looks to Jeho-
Because you are no part of the vah for guidance. Why? Because he
world, . . . the world hates you. loves his Father. Husbands should
—John 15:19. note that Jehovah did not make a
Today, as Jehovah’s people, we are wife subject to her husband because
sometimes looked down on and rid- He views women as inferior to men.
iculed as being unintelligent and Jehovah himself has made that evi-
weak. Why? Because we do not agree dent by choosing women as well as
with the attitudes of those around men to be corulers with Jesus. (Gal.
us. We try to be humble, meek, and 3:26-29) Jehovah has shown confi-
obedient. The world, on the oth- dence in his Son by entrusting him
er hand, admires the proud, the with authority. Similarly, a wise hus-
arrogant, and the rebellious. In ad- band will entrust his wife with a mea-
dition, we do not get involved in pol- sure of authority. w21.02 11 ˚13-14
 Friday, October 28 ble student’s background? What
We consider happy those who topic will you be studying with him?
have endured.—Jas. 5:11. What is your objective for this ses-
sion? Is there anything that I should
God’s Word acts like a mirror, or should not do or say while at
helping us to identify and address the study? What might encourage
what we need to work on. (Jas. 1: the student to progress? Obvious-
23-25) For example, after studying ly, the teacher would not share any
God’s Word, we might realize that confidential information, but what
we need to control our temper. With he does share can be helpful. A mis-
Jehovah’s help, we learn how to sionary named Joy acknowledges:
be mild when dealing with people “This discussion helps my compan-
or problems that could provoke us. ion to be interested in the student
Now we are able to think more clear- and to know how to contribute to
ly and make better decisions. (Jas. 3: the study.” w21.03 9 ˚5-6
13) How important it is that we know
the Bible well! Sometimes we learn Sunday, October 30
what to avoid only after we make a
mistake. A better way to gain wis- If the world hates you, you know
dom is to learn from both the suc- that it has hated me before it
cesses and the mistakes of others. hated you.—John 15:18.
That is why James encourages us to Sometimes we are hated because
look at examples set by such Bible we live by God’s righteous stan-
characters as Abraham, Rahab, Job, dards. These standards contrast
and Elijah. (Jas. 2:21-26; 5:10, 11, 17, sharply with the world’s degraded
18) Those loyal servants of Jehovah morals. For example, many people
were able to endure trials that could now openly approve of grossly im-
have robbed them of joy. Their ex- moral practices similar to the ones
amples of endurance show that with for which God destroyed Sodom
Jehovah’s help we can do the same. and Gomorrah! (Jude 7) Because
w21.02 29-30 ˚12-13 we hold to the Bible’s standards re-
Saturday, October 29 garding such practices, many peo-
ple ridicule us and call us intoler-
By consultation, plans will suc- ant. (1 Pet. 4:3, 4) What can help us
ceed, and by skillful direction to endure when people hate us and
wage your war.—Prov. 20:18. insult us? We need to have strong
At a Bible study, the teacher is pri- faith that Jehovah will help us. Like
marily responsible for helping the a shield, our faith can “extinguish
student to understand God’s Word. all the wicked one’s burning ar-
If the teacher invites you to accom- rows.” (Eph. 6:16) But we need more
pany him, you should view yourself than faith. We also need love. Why?
as his partner. Your role is to sup- Because love “does not become pro-
port him. (Eccl. 4:9, 10) What, spe- voked.” It bears and endures all
cifically, can you do to help make hurtful things. (1 Cor. 13:4-7, 13)
the Bible study session productive? Love for Jehovah, love for our fel-
Prepare for the Bible study. First, low worshippers, and even love for
ask the teacher to tell you a little our enemies will help us to endure
about the student. What is the Bi- hatred. w21.03 20-21 ˚3-4
 Monday, October 31 vah saw reasons to do so. (Jonah 3:
Do not be quick to take offense, for 1, 2) Jonah revealed the type of per-
son he really was in his prayer. (Jo-
the taking of offense lodges in the
nah 2:1, 2, 9) That prayer—doubtless
bosom of fools.—Eccl. 7:9.
one of many Jonah offered—helps us
Sometimes, we prove our love for to see him as far more than a man
our brothers and sisters by what we who ran away from an assignment.
do not do. For example, we do not His words show that he was humble,
get easily offended by what they say. thankful, and determined to obey
Consider an incident that happened Jehovah. No wonder Jehovah looked
toward the end of Jesus’ life on beyond Jonah’s actions, responded
earth. He told his disciples that to to his prayer, and continued to use
gain life they had to eat his flesh and him as a prophet! How important it
drink his blood. (John 6:53-57) That is that each elder “hears the facts”
speech was so shocking that many before giving counsel! w20.04 15 ˚4-6
of his disciples abandoned him—but
not so his real friends. They loyal- Wednesday, November 2
ly stuck with him. They did not un- [Paul ] reasoned with them from
derstand what Jesus said, and they the Scriptures, explaining and
were likely surprised by it. How- proving by references.
ever, Jesus’ loyal friends did not as- —Acts 17:2, 3.
sume that what he said was wrong
and become offended by it. Instead, The first-century disciples accept-
they trusted him, knowing that he ed Christian teachings and relied
spoke the truth. (John 6:60, 66-69) on the holy spirit to help them un-
How important it is that we do not derstand God’s Word. They proved
become easily offended by what our to themselves that these teachings
friends say! Rather, we allow them were based on the Scriptures. (Acts
the opportunity to explain misun- 17:11, 12; Heb. 5:14) They did not build
derstandings.—Prov. 18:13. w21.01 their faith on feelings and emotions
11 ˚13 alone, and they did not serve Jeho-
vah simply because they felt good
Tuesday, November 1 when they associated with fellow be-
lievers. Instead, their faith was built
When anyone replies to a matter
on “the accurate knowledge of God.”
before he hears the facts, it is fool-
(Col. 1:9, 10) The truths of God’s
ish and humiliating.—Prov. 18:13.
Word remain constant. (Ps. 119:160)
From our limited viewpoint, For example, they do not change if
we could judge Jonah as unreli- a fellow believer offends us or com-
able, even disloyal. He received a mits a serious sin. And they do not
direct command from Jehovah to change when we face adversity. So
proclaim judgment in Nineveh. But we need to be thoroughly familiar
instead of obeying, Jonah boarded with Bible teachings and convinced
a ship traveling in the opposite di- that they are truthful. Our firm faith
rection, “away from Jehovah.” (Jo- built on Bible truths will steady us in
nah 1:1-3) Would you have given Jo- times of test, just as an anchor can
nah another chance to handle the steady a boat during a turbulent
assignment? Possibly not. Yet, Jeho- storm. w20.07 9 ˚6-7
 Thursday, November 3 order that laid the foundation for
atheism to be taught in schools.
He ordered us to preach to the
How did this king of the north “give
people and to give a thorough
glory to the god of fortresses”? The
witness.—Acts 10:42.
Soviet Union spent an enormous
Jesus views what we do for his amount of money building its army
anointed brothers as if we were do- and producing thousands of nucle-
ing it for him. (Matt. 25:34-40) The ar weapons to fortify its realm. Both
primary way that we support the the king of the north and the king
anointed is by sharing fully in the of the south eventually gathered
disciple-making work that Jesus di- enough firepower to kill billions of
rected his followers to carry out. people! The king of the north has
(Matt. 28:19, 20) Only with the help supported the king of the south in
of the “other sheep” can Christ’s one key endeavor; they “put in place
brothers accomplish the great the disgusting thing that causes des-
worldwide preaching campaign now olation”—the United Nations.—Dan.
taking place. (John 10:16) If you are 11:31. w20.05 6-7 ˚16-17
of the other sheep, each time you
share in this work, you show your Saturday, November 5
loving attachment not only to the Your brother . . . was lost and
anointed but also to Jesus. We also has been found.—Luke 15:32.
make friends with Jehovah and Je-
sus by using our financial resources Who can share in the search for
to support the work that they are inactive ones? All of us—elders, pio-
directing. (Luke 16:9) For example, neers, family members, and congre-
we can contribute toward the world- gation publishers—can help in lo-
wide work, which includes provid- cating them. Do you have a friend
ing material relief for those who or a relative who has become in-
have suffered loss. We can also sup- active? Have you met an inactive
port our own congregation financial- one in your house-to-house ministry
ly and help those whom we personal- or while sharing in public witness-
ly know to be in need.—Prov. 19:17. ing? Explain to the person that if he
w20.04 24 ˚12-13 would appreciate a visit, you would
be happy to provide his contact in-
Friday, November 4 formation to the local elders. An el-
der named Thomas says: “First, I
He will show no regard for the God
ask various brothers and sisters if
of his fathers. . . . But instead
they know where inactive individu-
he will give glory to the god of
als now live. Or I ask the publishers
fortresses.—Dan. 11:37, 38.
if they remember any who no longer
In fulfillment of that prophecy, the attend meetings. Later, when I vis-
king of the north did not show any it inactive brothers or sisters, I ask
“regard for the God of his fathers.” about their children and other rel-
How so? The Soviet Union, with the atives. Some inactive ones used to
goal of eliminating religion, tried to bring their children to the meetings,
break the power of the traditional and these children may have been
religious organizations. To achieve publishers at one time. They too can
that goal, the Soviet government be helped to return to Jehovah.”
had already back in 1918 issued an w20.06 24 ˚1; 25 ˚6-7
 Sunday, November 6 ger and abundant in loyal love and
I will remember the works of Jah; truth, showing loyal love to thou-
I will remember your marvelous sands, pardoning error and trans-
deeds of long ago.—Ps. 77:11. gression and sin.” (Ex. 33:17-23; 34:
5-7) Memory of that event possi-
Among all the creatures on earth, bly came back to Moses when he
only humans have the ability to used the name Jehovah in speaking
learn moral lessons by remembering the words of today’s text. When we
and analyzing past events. As a re- think about the name Jehovah, we
sult, we can adopt better values and do well to meditate on the one who
change our way of thinking and liv- bears that name. We should remem-
ing. (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Col. 3:9, 10) In ber his qualities, such as his pow-
fact, we can train our conscience er, his wisdom, his justice, and his
to recognize the difference between love. Reflecting on those qualities
right and wrong. (Heb. 5:14) We can and others can fill us with awe for
learn to show love, compassion, and him.—Ps. 77:11-15. w20.06 8-9 ˚3-4
mercy. And we can develop a healthy
sense of justice. One way we prove Tuesday, November 8
that we appreciate the gift of mem- Continue in the things that you
ory is by choosing to remember all learned and were persuaded to
the times that Jehovah has helped believe.—2 Tim. 3:14.
and comforted us in the past. This
will build our confidence that he will Jesus said that his disciples would
also help us in the future. (Ps. 77:12; be identified by their love for one
78:4, 7) Another way is by remem- another. (John 13:34, 35) But more
bering the good things that other is needed if we are to have strong
people do for us and being grateful faith. Our faith has to be based on
for what they do. Researchers have more than just the Christlike love of
found that people who are grateful God’s people. Why? Suppose a fel-
are more likely to be happy. w20.05 low believer—even an elder or a
23 ˚12-13 pioneer—commits a serious sin. Or
what if a brother or a sister hurts
Monday, November 7 you in some way? Or perhaps some-
Fear this glorious and one becomes an apostate, asserting
awe-inspiring name, that that we do not have the truth. If such
of Jehovah your God. things happen, will you be stumbled
—Deut. 28:58. and stop serving Jehovah? The les-
son is this: If you were to build your
Think of how Moses felt when he faith in God purely on the way that
was huddled in a rocky crevice and other people act instead of on your
he saw a vision of Jehovah’s glory relationship with Jehovah himself,
passing by. Insight on the Scriptures your faith would not be solid. In your
notes that it “was probably the most house of faith, you should use not
awe-inspiring experience of any only such soft materials as feelings
man prior to the coming of Jesus and emotions but also hard facts
Christ.” Moses heard the following and solid logic. You need to prove
words, evidently spoken by an an- to yourself that the Bible contains
gel: “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God mer- the truth about Jehovah.—Rom. 12:2.
ciful and compassionate, slow to an- w20.07 8 ˚2-3
 Wednesday, November 9 tions and even hesitated to take on
Assist those who are weak. more responsibility. (1 Sam. 9:21;
—Acts 20:35. 10:20-22) Yet, in time Saul became
presumptuous. He revealed this bad
Many experiences indicate that trait soon after he became king.
the angels are working alongside us On one occasion, he lost patience
to help us find inactive ones who while waiting for the prophet Samu-
yearn to return to Jehovah. (Rev. el and offered up a burnt sacrifice
14:6) For example, Silvio, from Ecua- even though he was not authorized
dor, earnestly prayed for help to re- to do so. As a result, Saul lost Jeho-
turn to the congregation. While he vah’s favor and eventually the king-
was still praying, his doorbell rang. ship. (1 Sam. 13:8-14) We are wise
Two elders were at his door. During if we learn from this warning exam-
that visit, they were happy to begin ple and avoid acting presumptuous-
providing him with the help he need- ly. w20.08 10 ˚10-11
ed. We will find much joy in help-
ing the spiritually weak return to Friday, November 11
Jehovah. Note what Salvador, a pio-
neer who pays special attention to Show respect for those who are
inactive ones, says: “At times, I find . . . presiding over you in the Lord.
it hard to hold back tears of happi- —1 Thess. 5:12.
ness. It pleases me so much to think It is true that through Christ, Je-
that Jehovah has rescued one of his hovah has given “gifts in men” to
dear sheep from Satan’s world and His congregation. (Eph. 4:8) These
that I’ve had the privilege of cooper- “gifts in men” include Governing
ating with Him in this work.” If you Body members, appointed help-
have stopped associating with Jeho- ers to the Governing Body, Branch
vah’s people, you can be sure that Committee members, circuit over-
he still loves you. Jehovah is on the seers, field instructors, congre-
lookout for your return, and he will gation elders, and ministerial ser-
gladly welcome you home. w20.06 29 vants. All these brothers are
˚16-18 appointed by holy spirit to care for
Thursday, November 10 Jehovah’s precious sheep and serve
the interests of the congregation.
You will see your Grand Instructor. (1 Pet. 5:2, 3) Brothers are appoint-
—Isa. 30:20. ed by holy spirit to carry out vari-
As our “Grand Instructor,” Jeho- ous responsibilities. Just as vari-
vah provides examples in his Word ous parts of the body, such as the
in order to teach us. (Isa. 30:21) hands and the feet, work to bene-
We learn as we meditate on Bible fit the entire body, brothers who are
accounts about those who showed appointed by holy spirit work hard
godly qualities. We also learn as we to benefit the entire congregation.
examine what happened to those They do not seek personal glory.
who failed to show such fine quali- Instead, they strive to build up and
ties. (Ps. 37:37; 1 Cor. 10:11) Reflect strengthen their brothers and sis-
on what happened to King Saul. ters. (1 Thess. 2:6-8) We thank Je-
He started out as a modest young hovah for such unselfish, spiritually
man. He was aware of his limita- qualified men! w20.08 21 ˚5-6
 Saturday, November 12 ilarly, we feel happy when our chil-
Go . . . and make disciples. dren, whether natural or spiritual,
dedicate themselves to Jehovah and
—Matt. 28:19.
persevere in serving him. (3 John 3)
One reason why we are motivat- About 98 C.E., Jehovah’s holy spirit
ed to preach is because people are moved John to write three letters.
“skinned and thrown about” and are The purpose of those letters was to
in dire need of learning the truth motivate loyal Christians to main-
about the Kingdom. (Matt. 9:36) Je- tain their faith in Jesus and to keep
hovah wants all sorts of people to on walking in the truth. John was
come to an accurate knowledge of concerned about the effect that false
the truth and be saved. (1 Tim. 2:4) teachers were having on the congre-
We will be moved to take up this life- gations. (1 John 2:18, 19, 26) Those
saving work when we think about apostates claimed to know God, but
the effect our preaching can have. they did not obey Jehovah’s com-
We save people’s lives. (Rom. 10:13- mands. w20.07 20 ˚1-3
15; 1 Tim. 4:16) We also need to
be properly equipped for our work. Monday, November 14
And we need to know how to use Exercise faith in God; exercise
that equipment. Jesus gave clear faith also in me.—John 14:1.
instructions to his disciples. He
We have faith in the message we
told them what to carry, where to
preach, so we are eager to share it
preach, and what to say. (Matt. 10:
with as many people as possible. We
5-7; Luke 10:1-11) Today, Jehovah’s
trust the promises found in God’s
organization provides a Teaching
Word. (Ps. 119:42; Isa. 40:8) We
Toolbox that contains tools that
have seen Bible prophecies fulfilled
have proved to be effective. And we
in our day. We have witnessed how
are taught how to use those tools.
people change their lives for the
That training helps us to gain the
better when they start to apply the
confidence and skill we need to be
Bible’s counsel. This evidence bol-
effective in our work.—2 Tim. 2:15.
sters our confidence that the good
w20.09 4 ˚6-7, 10
news of the Kingdom is a message
Sunday, November 13 everyone needs to hear. We also
have faith in Jehovah, the Source
No greater joy do I have than this: of the message we preach, and in
that I should hear that my chil- the one whom he has enthroned as
dren go on walking in the truth. King of the Kingdom, Jesus. No mat-
—3 John 4. ter what circumstances we face, Je-
Can you imagine how happy the hovah will always be our refuge and
apostle John felt when he heard strength. (Ps. 46:1-3) In addition, we
that those whom he had helped are confident that Jesus is directing
to learn the truth were continuing the preaching work from heaven,
to serve Jehovah faithfully? They using the power and authority Jeho-
faced many problems, and John was vah has given him. (Matt. 28:18-20)
working hard to strengthen the faith Faith builds our confidence that Je-
of these loyal Christians whom he hovah will bless our efforts. w20.09
viewed as his spiritual children. Sim- 12 ˚15-17
 Tuesday, November 15 vah did not quickly give up on Jo-
She did a fine deed toward me. nah. Like a good shepherd, Jehovah
. . . She did what she could. rescued him and helped him gain
—Mark 14:6, 8. the strength he needed to fulfill his
assignment. (Jonah 2:7; 3:1, 2) Lat-
At times, sisters may need some- er, God used a bottle-gourd plant
one to speak up for them when they to help Jonah understand the value
face a specific challenge. (Isa. 1:17) of each human life. (Jonah 4:10, 11)
For example, a widow or a divorced The lesson? Elders must not quick-
sister may need someone to help her ly give up on those who become in-
care for some tasks that her hus- active. Instead, the elders try to un-
band used to do. An elderly sister derstand what caused a sheep to
may need help to speak to medical stray from the flock. And when that
professionals. Or a pioneer sister sheep comes back to Jehovah, the
who works on other theocratic proj- elders continue to show loving in-
ects may need someone to speak up
terest in him. w20.06 20-21 ˚10-12
for her if she is criticized for not be-
ing in the ministry as often as other Thursday, November 17
pioneers are. Consider Jesus’ exam-
ple. Jesus was quick to speak up for They will be given a little help.
his spiritual sisters when they were —Dan. 11:34.
misunderstood. For instance, he de- After the Soviet Union collapsed
fended Mary when Martha criticized in 1991, God’s people in that vast
her. (Luke 10:38-42) And he defend- region enjoyed “a little help”—a pe-
ed Mary a second time when others riod of freedom. As a result, they
berated her for making what they were able to preach freely, and be-
thought was a bad decision. (Mark fore long the number of publishers
14:3-9) Jesus understood Mary’s mo- in the former Communist bloc rose
tive and commended her. He even to hundreds of thousands. Gradual-
prophesied that her kind act would ly, Russia and its allies emerged as
be recounted “wherever the good the king of the north. For a govern-
news is preached in all the world.” ment to fill the role of the king of
w20.09 24 ˚15-16 the north or the king of the south, it
Wednesday, November 16 must do three things: (1) interact di-
rectly with God’s people, (2) show
Shepherd the flock of God under by its actions that it is an enemy
your care, serving as overseers, of Jehovah and his people, and
not under compulsion, but willing- (3) compete with the rival king.
ly before God.—1 Pet. 5:2. Russia and its allies have had a di-
A good shepherd understood that rect impact on God’s people, ban-
sheep may get lost. And if a sheep ning the preaching work and per-
did wander away from the flock, the secuting hundreds of thousands of
shepherd did not treat it harshly. our brothers and sisters. Those ac-
Consider the example that God set tions show that they hate Jeho-
when helping some of his servants vah and his people. And they have
who, for a while, strayed from Je- been competing with the king of the
hovah. The prophet Jonah ran away south, the Anglo-American World
from his assignment. Even so, Jeho- Power. w20.05 12-13 ˚3-4
 Friday, November 18 fered after Jesus’ birth shows that
Pay constant attention to . . . they were poor. (Luke 2:24) Their
your teaching.—1 Tim. 4:16. way of living must have been sim-
ple, especially as the family grew in
Since teaching is linked to size to include at least seven chil-
disciple-making, we want our teach- dren. (Matt. 13:55, 56) Jehovah pro-
ing to be the best. We are regular- tected Jesus from certain dangers,
ly teaching millions of people the but He did not shield His Son from
truths found in the Bible. We love all challenges. (Matt. 2:13-15) For ex-
what we teach from God’s Word. ample, Jesus had to deal with un-
So we may be tempted to talk at believing relatives who did not ini-
length about what we love. How- tially accept him as the Messiah.
ever, whether conducting the (Mark 3:21; John 7:5) Likely, Jesus
Watchtower Study, the Congrega- also had to cope with the death of
tion Bible Study, or a home Bible his adoptive father, Joseph. w20.10
study, the conductor should not do 26-27 ˚4-6
too much talking. In order to let the
Bible do the teaching, the teacher Sunday, November 20
has to exercise self-control and not I will never leave you, and I will
try to explain everything he knows never abandon you.—Heb. 13:5.
about a certain Bible passage or Have you ever felt that you were
subject. (John 16:12) Compare the all alone, that you had no one to
Bible knowledge that you had at help you deal with a challenge you
the time of your baptism with what faced? Many have felt that way, in-
you have now. Likely back then, you cluding faithful servants of Jeho-
understood just the primary doc- vah. (1 Ki. 19:14) If that ever hap-
trines. (Heb. 6:1) It has taken you pens to you, remember Jehovah’s
years to learn what you know today, promise: “I will never leave you,
so do not try to teach a new student and I will never abandon you.” So
everything all at once. w20.10 14-15 we can say with confidence: “Je-
˚2-4 hovah is my helper; I will not be
Saturday, November 19 afraid.” (Heb. 13:5, 6) The apostle
Paul wrote those words to fellow
This is the carpenter, the son believers in Judea about 61 C.E. His
of Mary.—Mark 6:3. words remind us of the sentiments
Jehovah chose excellent parents expressed at Psalm 118:5-7. Like
for Jesus. (Matt. 1:18-23; Luke 1:26- the psalmist, Paul knew from per-
38) Mary’s heartfelt expressions re- sonal experience that Jehovah was
corded in the Bible reveal her deep his Helper. For instance, over two
love for Jehovah and his Word. years before he wrote his letter to
(Luke 1:46-55) And the way that the Hebrews, Paul made a danger-
Joseph reacted to Jehovah’s di- ous journey through a storm-tossed
rection shows that he feared God sea. (Acts 27:4, 15, 20) Throughout
and wanted to please him. (Matt. that journey and during the time
1:24) Note that Jehovah did not leading up to it, Jehovah proved to
choose wealthy parents for Jesus. be Paul’s Helper in various ways.
The sacrifice Joseph and Mary of- w20.11 12 ˚1-2
 Monday, November 21 reassured and strengthened them.
Do not say, “Why were the former Their accounts were recorded to
days better than these?” comfort and instruct us. (Rom. 15:4)
—Eccl. 7:10. Consider Jacob’s son Joseph. In
short order, Joseph went from being
Why is it unwise to keep thinking a cherished son of his father to be-
that our life was better in the past? ing a lowly slave of a pagan court of-
Nostalgia can cause us to remember ficial in Egypt. (Gen. 37:3, 4, 21-28;
only good things from our past. Con- 39:1) Then Potiphar’s wife falsely ac-
sider, for example, the ancient Is- cused Joseph of trying to rape her.
raelites. After leaving Egypt, they Without investigating the charges,
quickly forgot how hard their life Potiphar had Joseph thrown into
had been there. Instead, they fo- prison, and he was bound in irons.
cused on the good food they had (Gen. 39:14-20; Ps. 105:17, 18) Surely
enjoyed. They said: “How fondly Joseph had reason to feel discour-
we remember the fish that we used aged! w20.12 16-17 ˚1-4
to eat without cost in Egypt, also
the cucumbers, the watermelons, Wednesday, November 23
the leeks, the onions, and the gar-
lic!” (Num. 11:5) But was it real- Let your name be sanctified.
ly “without cost” that they ate that —Matt. 6:9.
food? No. The Israelites paid a heavy That is what Jesus stated as a pri-
price; at the time, they were be- ority in prayer. But what do Jesus’
ing severely oppressed as slaves words mean? To sanctify something
in Egypt. (Ex. 1:13, 14; 3:6-9) Yet, means to make it holy, clean, or
they later forgot about those hard- pure. Some might wonder, though,
ships and longed for the past. They ‘Is not Jehovah’s name already holy,
chose to focus on “the good old clean, and pure?’ To answer, we need
days” instead of focusing on the pos- to think about what a name involves.
itive things that Jehovah had just A name is more than a collection of
done for them. Jehovah was not letters written on a page or spoken
pleased with their attitude.—Num. aloud. Notice what the Bible says: “A
11:10. w20.11 25 ˚5-6 good name is to be chosen rather
Tuesday, November 22 than great wealth.” (Prov. 22:1; Eccl.
7:1) Why does a name have such val-
Jehovah is close to the broken- ue? Because it involves a reputation,
hearted; he saves those who are what others think of the one bearing
discouraged.—Ps. 34:18, ftn. that name. So the way a name ap-
At times, we might think about the pears on a page—or even the way it
fact that life is short and our days is pronounced—is not what matters
are “filled with trouble.” (Job 14:1) most; what truly matters is whom
So it is understandable that we oc- and what that name stands for in the
casionally feel discouraged. A num- minds and hearts of others. When
ber of Jehovah’s servants in ancient people tell lies about Jehovah, they
times felt that way. Some even want- are attacking his reputation. When
ed to die. (1 Ki. 19:2-4; Job 3:1-3, 11; 7: they attack his reputation, they are
15, 16) But time and again, Jehovah trying to damage his name. w20.06
—the God in whom they trusted— 3 ˚5-7
 Thursday, November 24 (Gal. 6:2; Col. 1:18-20) Following the
I am greatly disturbed, and I ask pattern set by Jehovah and Jesus,
the head of a Christian family has
you, O Jehovah—how long will it
the authority to make decisions for
be?—Ps. 6:3.
his family. (Rom. 7:2; Eph. 6:4) How-
We might respond to intense pres- ever, his authority has limits. For
sures by becoming consumed with example, his rules should be based
anxiety. For instance, we may worry on principles found in God’s Word.
that we will not earn enough mon- (Prov. 3:5, 6) And a family head
ey to care for our needs or that we does not have the authority to make
will get sick and miss work or even rules for those who are not part of
lose our job. We may also be con- his family. (Rom. 14:4) Also, when
cerned that we will be unfaithful his sons and daughters grow up and
when tempted to break God’s law. leave home, they continue to respect
Soon Satan will cause those whom him, but they are no longer under his
he controls to attack God’s peo- headship.—Matt. 19:5. w21.02 2-3 ˚3-5
ple, so we may worry about how we
will react to that attack. We may Saturday, November 26
wonder, ‘Is it wrong for me to feel Provide for those who are
some concern about such issues?’ [your] own.—1 Tim. 5:8.
We know that Jesus told his follow-
ers: “Stop being anxious.” (Matt. 6: One important way that a family
head proves that he loves his fami-
25) Does this mean that he expects
ly is by providing for their material
us to feel no anxiety whatsoever?
needs. He must remember, however,
Certainly not! After all, in the past
that material things cannot satisfy
some of Jehovah’s loyal servants
his family’s spiritual needs. (Matt.
struggled with anxiety, but they did
5:3) While Jesus was dying on a tor-
not lose Jehovah’s approval. (1 Ki.
ture stake, he wanted to make sure
19:4) Jesus was actually reassuring
that Mary was cared for. Despite be-
us. He did not want us to become
ing in severe agony, Jesus arranged
so anxious about the cares of this
for the apostle John to care for
life that our service to God would
Mary. (John 19:26, 27) A brother who
be negatively affected. w21.01 3 ˚4-5
is a family head may have a num-
Friday, November 25 ber of weighty responsibilities. He
must be diligent in his secular work
The head of a woman is the man. so that his conduct reflects well on
—1 Cor. 11:3. Jehovah. (Eph. 6:5, 6; Titus 2:9, 10)
A husband is accountable to both And he may have responsibilities in
Jehovah and Jesus for the way he the congregation, such as shepherd-
treats his family. (1 Pet. 3:7) As Head ing and taking the lead in the preach-
of his universal family, Jehovah has ing work. At the same time, it is
the authority to make rules about important that he regularly study
how his children should behave, and the Bible with his wife and chil-
he is able to enforce those rules. dren. They will deeply appreciate
(Isa. 33:22) Jesus, as head of the his efforts to keep them physically,
Christian congregation, also has the emotionally, and spiritually healthy.
right to make and enforce rules. —Eph. 5:28, 29; 6:4. w21.01 12 ˚15, 17
 Sunday, November 27 aged, we count it a privilege to en-
[A capable wife] watches over dure the world’s hatred. (Acts 5:
the activity of her household. 41; Rom. 5:4, 5) Perhaps one of our
—Prov. 31:27. biggest tests comes from members
of our own family. When we begin
Describing the role of a capable to show interest in the truth, some
wife, God’s Word says that she can family members may think that we
oversee a household, buy and man- have been misled. Others may think
age property, and negotiate finan- that we have lost our mind. (Com-
cial transactions. (Prov. 31:15, 16, 18) pare Mark 3:21.) They may even vi-
She is not a slave who has no right to olently oppose us. This negative
voice her opinion. Rather, her hus- reaction should not surprise us. Je-
band trusts her and listens to her sus said: “A man’s enemies will be
ideas. (Prov. 31:11, 26) When a man those of his own household.”—Matt.
treats his wife with that kind of re- 10:36. w21.03 21 ˚6-7
spect, she will find pleasure in being
subject to him. Despite his accom- Tuesday, November 29
plishments, Jesus does not feel that
it is demeaning to subject himself Everyone must be quick to listen,
to Jehovah’s headship. (1 Cor. 15: slow to speak.—Jas. 1:19.
28; Phil. 2:5, 6) Likewise, a capable When you accompany a publisher
woman who follows Jesus’ example on his Bible study, listen attentive-
will not feel diminished by submit- ly while the teacher and the student
ting to her husband. She will sup- are talking. Only then will you be
port her husband not only because ready to assist if fitting. Of course,
she loves him but primarily because you must use good judgment. For
she loves and respects Jehovah. A instance, you would not want to
submissive Christian wife, however, talk too much, interrupt the teach-
will not support her husband if he er’s line of reasoning, or introduce
asks her to violate Bible laws or prin- a different topic. But with a brief
ciples. w21.02 11 ˚14-15; 12 ˚19 comment, illustration, or question,
Monday, November 28 you could help clarify the point be-
ing taught. At times, you may feel
Tribulation produces endurance. that you cannot add much to the
—Rom. 5:3. study. But if you commend the stu-
Love for God has always helped dent and show personal interest in
Jehovah’s servants to endure per- him, you will do much to help him
secution. For instance, when the to progress. If it is appropriate,
apostles were commanded by the you could briefly tell the student
powerful Jewish supreme court how you learned the truth, how you
to stop preaching, love for God overcame a challenge, or how you
moved them to “obey God as rul- have seen Jehovah’s helping hand
er rather than men.” (Acts 5:29; in your life. (Ps. 78:4, 7) Your experi-
1 John 5:3) Such unbreakable love ence could be just what the student
also strengthens our brothers to- needs to hear. It may strengthen his
day, many of whom are standing faith or encourage him to contin-
firm against cruel and powerful gov- ue progressing to baptism. w21.03 10
ernments. Instead of being discour- ˚9-10
 Wednesday, November 30 The apostle Paul likened our hope
for the future to an anchor. (Heb. 6:
Make disciples of people of all
19) An anchor stabilizes a ship dur-
the nations.—Matt. 28:19.
ing a storm and stops it from drift-
Who really is responsible for any ing onto rocks. But an anchor is use-
success we have in the ministry? ful only if the chain that attaches
Paul answered that question when it to the ship does not break. Just
he wrote these words about the as rust weakens an anchor chain, so
Corinthian congregation: “I plant- unresolved doubts weaken our faith.
ed, Apollos watered, but God kept When tested by opposition, a person
making it grow, so that neither is who has doubts could lose faith that
the one who plants anything nor is Jehovah will fulfill his promises. If
the one who waters, but God who we lose our faith, we lose our hope.
makes it grow.” (1 Cor. 3:6, 7) Like A person in that position is unlikely
Paul, we should always give cred- to feel any joy at all! w21.02 30 ˚14-15
it to Jehovah for any success en- Friday, December 2
joyed in the ministry. How can we
show our appreciation for the privi- Abraham put faith in Jehovah.
lege of “working together” with —Jas. 2:23.
God, Christ, and the angels? (2 Cor. Abraham was likely over 70 when
6:1) We can do so by zealously seek- he and his family left Ur. (Gen. 11:31–
ing opportunities to share the good 12:4) And for some one hundred
news with others. We must not only years, he lived in tents, roaming the
plant seeds of truth but also water land of Canaan. Abraham died when
them. When an individual shows in- he was 175. (Gen. 25:7) But he did
terest, we want to do our best to fol- not see Jehovah fulfill His prom-
low up on it with a view to starting ise to give the land he walked on to
a Bible study. As the study pro- his descendants. And he did not live
gresses, we rejoice when we see to see the city, God’s Kingdom, es-
how Jehovah works on the heart tablished. Even so, Abraham is de-
and mind of a potential disciple. scribed as dying “old and satisfied.”
w20.05 30 ˚14, 16-18 (Gen. 25:8) Despite all the chal-
lenges he had to deal with, Abraham
Thursday, December 1 maintained strong faith and was
content to wait on Jehovah. Why was
The one who doubts is like a wave
he able to endure? Because through-
of the sea driven by the wind and
out Abraham’s life, Jehovah protect-
blown about.—Jas. 1:6.
ed him and treated him as a friend.
From time to time, we might have (Gen. 15:1; Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:22) Like
difficulty understanding something Abraham, we are awaiting the city
in God’s Word. Or Jehovah may not having real foundations. (Heb. 11:10)
answer our prayers the way that we We are not waiting for it to be built,
had hoped for. This may give rise however. God’s Kingdom was estab-
to doubts. If we ignore our doubts, lished in 1914 and has already tak-
they will weaken our faith and dam- en complete control of heaven. (Rev.
age our relationship with Jehovah. 12:7-10) But we are waiting for it to
(Jas. 1:7, 8) And they could even take complete control of the earth.
make us lose our hope for the future. w20.08 4-5 ˚11-12
 Saturday, December 3 it is the right time for the fish, not
when it is the right time for us.” Like-
The thoughts of a man’s heart
wise, fishers of men in the first cen-
are like deep waters, but the
tury went to places where the “fish”
discerning man draws them
would be and at a time when they
out.—Prov. 20:5.
were likely to be there. For exam-
To listen attentively to others, we ple, Jesus’ followers preached at the
need to be humble and patient. It temple and in the synagogues, from
is worth the effort for at least three house to house, and in the market-
reasons. First, we will be less likely place. (Acts 5:42; 17:17; 18:4) We too
to jump to wrong conclusions about need to be familiar with the habits
people. Second, we can discern feel- of people who live in our assigned
ings and motives in our brother, and territory. We need to be flexible and
that will help us to be more empa- preach where and when we are most
thetic. And third, we may help the likely to find people.—1 Cor. 9:19-23.
person to learn something about w20.09 4 ˚8-9
himself. Sometimes we do not really
understand even our own emotions Monday, December 5
until we express those emotions in Speaking the truth, let us by love
words. Some of our brothers and grow up in all things into him who
sisters find it difficult to talk about is the head, Christ.—Eph. 4:15.
their feelings because of their back-
ground, culture, or personality. It One way to build a friendship with
may take time for them to feel com- Jesus is to support the arrange-
fortable speaking to us, but only ments of the Christian congrega-
when they do will we be able to dis- tion. We strengthen our connection
cern their true feelings. If we im- to Jesus as the head of the congrega-
itate Jehovah by being patient, we tion when we cooperate with those
can earn their confidence. Then, who are appointed to care for us.
when they are ready to share their (Eph. 4:16) For example, we are now
feelings, we should listen attentively. trying to make sure that all Kingdom
w20.04 15-16 ˚6-7 Halls are used to full capacity. To
that end, some congregations have
Sunday, December 4 been merged with other congrega-
tions. This arrangement has result-
You will be catching men alive.
ed in considerable savings of dedi-
—Luke 5:10.
cated resources. At the same time,
Fish usually stay in an area where however, it has required that some
the water conditions suit them and publishers adjust to the new cir-
where there is plenty of food. Does cumstances. Those faithful publish-
it matter at what time a fisherman ers may have served with a certain
does his work? Regarding the best congregation for many years and
time to catch literal fish, note what may have grown close to the broth-
a local Witness on a Pacific island ers and sisters there. But now they
said when he invited a missionary are being asked to serve in a dif-
to go fishing. The missionary said, ferent congregation. How pleased
“I’ll meet you at nine o’clock tomor- Jesus must be to see these loyal dis-
row morning.” The brother replied, ciples cooperate with this arrange-
“You do not understand. We go when ment! w20.04 24 ˚14
 Tuesday, December 6 tween a mother and her child to
The king of the south will lock reveal how deeply he is attached
horns with him.—Dan. 11:40; ftn. to his servants. Most mothers can
relate to what a sister named Jas-
The king of the north and the king min says, “When you nurse your
of the south continue to compete child, you form a very special bond
for world domination. For exam- that lasts a lifetime.” Jehovah takes
ple, consider what happened after note when even one of his children
World War II when the Soviet Union stops associating with the Chris-
and its allies gained influence over tian congregation and engaging in
much of Europe. The actions of the preaching work. Many of these
the king of the north forced the dear brothers and sisters who have
king of the south to form an inter- become inactive do come back to
national military alliance, known as the congregation, where they are
NATO. The king of the north contin- most welcome! Jehovah wants them
ues to compete with the king of the to come back, and so do we.—1 Pet.
south in an expensive arms race. 2:25. w20.06 18 ˚1-3
The king of the north fought his ri-
val in proxy wars and insurgencies Thursday, December 8
in Africa, Asia, and Latin Ameri- Keep [your] eyes . . . on the things
ca. In recent years, Russia and its unseen. For the things seen are
allies have spread their influence temporary, but the things unseen
across the globe. They have also en- are everlasting.—2 Cor. 4:18.
gaged with the king of the south in
Not all treasures can be seen. In
cyber warfare. The kings have ac-
fact, the greatest treasures are un-
cused each other of using destruc-
seen. In the Sermon on the Mount,
tive computer programs in an effort
Jesus mentioned heavenly trea-
to damage their economies and po-
sures that are vastly superior to
litical systems. And as foretold by
material possessions. Then he add-
Daniel, the king of the north con-
ed this truth: “Where your treasure
tinues his attack on God’s people.
is, there your heart will be also.”
—Dan. 11:41. w20.05 13 ˚5-6
(Matt. 6:19-21) Our heart will move
Wednesday, December 7 us to pursue the things we trea-
sure, or value highly. We store up
I myself will search for my sheep,
“treasures in heaven” by gaining a
and I will care for them.
good name, or standing, with God.
—Ezek. 34:11.
Such treasures, Jesus explained,
“Can a woman forget her nursing can never be destroyed or stolen.
child?” That was a question Jeho- The apostle Paul urges us to “keep
vah asked in the days of the prophet our eyes . . . on the things un-
Isaiah. “Even if these women forget, seen.” (2 Cor. 4:17, 18) These unseen
I would never forget you,” God told things are treasures that include
his people. (Isa. 49:15) He does not the blessings we will enjoy in God’s
often compare himself to a moth- new world. Do we show that we ap-
er. However, he did so on that oc- preciate these unseen treasures?
casion. Jehovah used the bond be- w20.05 26 ˚1-2
 Friday, December 9 felt unworthy of being called a son.
My instruction will fall as the rain. The father felt empathy for his son,
—Deut. 32:2. who poured out his feelings. The fa-
ther then took practical steps to as-
What Moses taught the Israelites sure his son that he was welcome
nourished and refreshed them, like back home as a cherished member
gentle rain on vegetation. How can of the family. To prove the point,
we make sure that our teaching is the father arranged a feast and pro-
like that? When we are in the door- vided fine clothes for his repentant
to-door work or the public ministry, son. Jehovah is like the father in
we can use our Bible to show people that illustration. He loves our in-
God’s personal name, Jehovah. We active brothers and sisters and
can offer them beautiful literature, wants them to return to him. By imi-
excellent videos, and material on tating Jehovah, we can help them to
our website that honor Jehovah. At return. This calls for patience, em-
work, at school, or while traveling, pathy, and love on our part. w20.06
we may find opportunities to talk 25-26 ˚8-9
about our beloved God and what he
is like. When we tell those we meet Sunday, December 11
about Jehovah’s loving purpose for If you remain in my word, you are
mankind and the earth, we are giv- really my disciples, and you will
ing them a view of Jehovah that may know the truth, and the truth will
well be completely new to them. As set you free.—John 8:31, 32.
we tell others the truth about our
loving Father, we are adding to the Jesus said that some would accept
sanctifying of God’s name. We are the truth “with joy,” but their faith
clearing up some of the lies and would wither when tested. (Matt. 13:
slander about Jehovah that others 3-6, 20, 21) Perhaps they did not re-
may have been taught. We offer peo- alize that following Jesus would
ple the most nourishing, refreshing involve challenges and hardship.
teachings available.—Isa. 65:13, 14. (Matt. 16:24) Or maybe they thought
w20.06 10 ˚8-9 that being a Christian meant liv-
ing a trouble-free life—one with only
Saturday, December 10 blessings, no challenges. But in this
imperfect world, there will be chal-
Return to me, and I will return
lenges. Circumstances can change,
to you.—Mal. 3:7.
causing our joy to diminish for a
What qualities must we have if we time. (Ps. 6:6; Eccl. 9:11) The vast
are to help those who want to return majority of our brothers and sisters
to Jehovah? Note some lessons we prove that they are convinced that
can learn from Jesus’ illustration they have the truth. How? Their con-
of the wayward son who left home. viction does not waver even if a fel-
(Luke 15:17-24) The son finally came low believer hurts them or gets in-
to his senses and decided to return volved in unchristian conduct. (Ps.
home. The father ran to meet his 119:165) With each test, their faith
son and gave him a warm embrace, grows stronger, not weaker. (Jas.
assuring the son of his love. The 1:2-4) We must build that type of
son had a troubled conscience and strong faith. w20.07 8 ˚1; 9 ˚4-5
 Monday, December 12 the threat of death hanging over
him, Paul did not lose sight of the
If any one of you is lacking in wis-
big issue—that of bringing glory
dom, let him keep asking God.
to Jehovah. And he continued to
—Jas. 1:5.
think about how he could encour-
Before you start reading the Bi- age others. He relied on Jehovah
ble, ask Jehovah to help you to see through regular prayer. Rather than
how you can benefit from what you focus excessively on those who had
read. For example, if you are look- abandoned him, he expressed deep
ing for counsel on how to deal with gratitude for the loving support
a problem, ask Jehovah to help of his friends who loyally helped
you find principles in his Word that him in practical ways. In addition,
can guide you. (Phil. 4:6, 7) Jeho- Paul continued to study God’s Word.
vah has given us the amazing facul- (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 4:13) Most impor-
ty of imagination. To help you bring tant, he had absolute confidence
a Bible account to life, try to imag- that Jehovah and Jesus loved him.
ine the scene and see yourself in w21.03 18 ˚17-18
the place of the key character. Try
to see the things he or she saw Wednesday, December 14
and to feel the emotions that the Just as the weeds are collected and
character might have felt. Next, burned with fire, so it will be in the
meditate. Meditation means think- conclusion of the system of things.
ing carefully about what you read —Matt. 13:40.
and about how the information ap-
plies to you. It helps you to connect At some time during the second
thoughts and gain a deeper under- century C.E., the true Christian con-
standing of a subject. Reading the gregation began to be overrun by
Bible without meditation is like look- false Christians, who had adopt-
ing at pieces of a jigsaw puzzle on a ed pagan teachings and who were
table without assembling them. Med- hiding the truths found in God’s
itation helps us to see the whole pic- Word. From that time until the late
ture. w21.03 15 ˚3-5 19th century, there was no orga-
nized group of God’s servants on
Tuesday, December 13 earth. The weeds of false Chris-
tianity flourished and hid the iden-
I am grateful to God, . . . nev-
tity of true Christians. (Matt. 13:36-
er ceasing to remember you in my
43) Why is that fact significant? It
supplications night and day.
indicates that what we read in Dan-
—2 Tim. 1:3.
iel chapter 11 about the king of the
The apostle Paul could have fo- north and the king of the south could
cused on the past, thinking that if not apply to rulers or kingdoms
he had made different choices, he that held power from sometime in
might not have been arrested. He the 2nd century to the second half
could have become bitter with the of the 19th century. There was no
men in the district of Asia who had organized group of God’s people for
abandoned him, and he might have them to attack. However, we can ex-
adopted a cynical attitude toward pect that the king of the north and
his other friends. But Paul did not the king of the south would reappear
do any of those things. Even with in the late 19th century. w20.05 3 ˚5
 Thursday, December 15 help us. Certainly, that is a cause
for joy! How, though, does Jeho-
A nation has come up into
vah give us wisdom? By means of
my land.—Joel 1:6.
his Word. (Prov. 2:6) To gain that
Joel foretells that a plague of lo- wisdom, we must study God’s Word
custs will devastate the land of Is- and Bible-based publications. But
rael, devouring everything in sight! we need to do more than just ac-
(Joel 1:4) For many years, we have cumulate knowledge. We must put
applied that prophecy symbolically God’s wisdom to work in our life by
to the way in which Jehovah’s peo- acting on his advice. James wrote:
ple, like an unstoppable swarm of “Become doers of the word and
locusts, engage in their preaching not hearers only.” (Jas. 1:22) When
activity. We understood that this ac- we apply God’s counsel, we become
tivity has devastating effects on the more peaceable, reasonable, and
“land,” or the people who are un- merciful. (Jas. 3:17) Those qualities
der the control of the religious lead- help us to deal with any trial without
ers. However, when we consider losing our joy. w21.02 29 ˚10-11
the prophecy in its context, we see
that a different understanding is ap- Saturday, December 17
propriate. Notice Jehovah’s promise Each respective member . . . con-
with regard to the plague of locusts: tributes to the growth of the body.
“I will drive the northerner [the lo- —Eph. 4:16.
custs] far away from you.” (Joel 2:
20) If the locusts represent Jeho- A Bible student is more likely to
vah’s Witnesses as they obey Jesus’ make steady progress toward bap-
command to preach and make disci- tism when he receives help from
ples, why would Jehovah promise to others in the congregation. Each
drive them away? (Ezek. 33:7-9; Matt. publisher can contribute to the in-
28:19, 20) Clearly, Jehovah is driving crease of the congregation. A pio-
away, not his faithful servants, but neer notes: “It has been said that it
something or someone who is hostile takes a village to raise a child. I think
to his people. w20.04 3 ˚3-5 the same is true about making disci-
ples; it usually takes a congregation
Friday, December 16 to bring someone into the truth.”
Family members, friends, and teach-
If any one of you is lacking in wis-
ers all play a role in helping a child
dom, let him keep asking God.
to progress to maturity. They do this
—Jas. 1:5.
by encouraging the child and teach-
How should we react if we feel that ing him important lessons. Similar-
Jehovah does not answer our prayer ly, publishers can advise, encourage,
immediately? James says that we and set a good example for Bible
should “keep asking” God. Jehovah students, helping them to progress
is not annoyed when we keep ask- to baptism. (Prov. 15:22) Why should
ing him for wisdom. He will not re- the publisher who conducts the Bi-
proach us. Our heavenly Father ble study welcome the help that oth-
“gives generously” when we pray er publishers can give the student?
for the wisdom to endure our trials. Because many can contribute to the
(Ps. 25:12, 13) He sees our trials, student’s spiritual progress. w21.03
he has empathy, and he is eager to 8 ˚1-3
 Sunday, December 18 She does not have complete control
If we make the statement, “We over her schedule; nor does she have
have no sin,” we are misleading the final say over her children. If you
ourselves.—1 John 1:8. commend the sister and mention to
others what she is doing well, you
All Christians, young and old, may stop the negative talk. Elders
must resist the pressure to live a know that it matters to Jehovah how
double life. The apostle John point- such ones are treated. (Jas. 1:27)
ed out that we cannot be walking in They therefore imitate Jesus’ rea-
the truth and at the same time be sonableness, not making rules when
living an immoral life. (1 John 1:6) it would be more appropriate to
If we are to have God’s approval make exceptions. (Matt. 15:22-28) El-
now and in the future, we need to ders who take the initiative to render
behave as if everything we do were aid make their sisters feel support-
under a spotlight. In a sense, there ed. w20.09 24-25 ˚17-19
is no such thing as a secret sin be-
cause everything we do is visible to Tuesday, December 20
Jehovah. (Heb. 4:13) We have to re-
[God ] has made known to
ject the world’s view of sin. In John’s
day, apostates claimed that a person King Nebuchadnezzar what
could deliberately follow a course of is to happen.—Dan. 2:28.
sin and still have a relationship with The prophet Daniel always humbly
God. Today, we are living among peo- looked to Jehovah for guidance. For
ple who have a similar view. Many instance, when he was used by Jeho-
claim to believe in God, but they vah to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s
do not agree with Jehovah’s view of dream, Daniel did not take credit for
sin, especially when it involves the the interpretation. Rather, he mod-
subject of sex. What Jehovah views estly gave all the glory and credit to
as sinful conduct they call a person- Jehovah. (Dan. 2:26-28) What is the
al preference, or an alternative life- lesson for us? If brothers enjoy lis-
style. w20.07 22 ˚7-8 tening to our talks or if we have a
measure of success in the ministry,
Monday, December 19
we want to remember to give all the
Love . . . in deed and truth. glory to Jehovah. We should modest-
—1 John 3:18. ly acknowledge that we could not do
Do you speak up for your spiritu- these things without Jehovah’s help.
al sisters when they need it? Consid- (Phil. 4:13) When we have this at-
er the following scenario. Some titude, we are also imitating Jesus’
publishers see that a sister in a di- fine example. Jesus depended on Je-
vided home often arrives late to hovah. (John 5:19, 30) He never tried
the meetings and leaves right away to grab authority from his heavenly
at the end. They note that she sel- Father. Philippians 2:6 tells us that
dom brings her children along. So Jesus “gave no consideration to a
they question why she does not take seizure, namely, that he should be
a more forceful stand with her un- equal to God.” As a submissive Son,
believing husband, and they criti- Jesus understood his limitations
cize her. However, the reality is that and respected his Father’s authori-
the sister is doing the best she can. ty. w20.08 11 ˚12-13
 Wednesday, December 21 we are grateful that they are part
Run in such a way that you of the congregation! Are appoint-
may win.—1 Cor. 9:24. ed brothers and those in the full-
time ministry the only ones to have
Some who are running on the a place in the congregation? Not
road to life are dealing with person- at all! Every publisher of the good
al circumstances that others cannot news is important to God and to
see and may not understand. If you the congregation. (Rom. 10:15; 1 Cor.
live with limitations and feel that 3:6-8) In fact, one of the most im-
you are misunderstood, you may portant goals of the congregation is
be able to draw strength from the to make disciples of our Lord Je-
example of Mephibosheth. (2 Sam. sus Christ. (Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 Tim.
4:4) He had to deal with being in- 2:4) All who are associated with the
firm, and he was misjudged by congregation, both baptized and
King David. Yet, he did not allow unbaptized publishers, try to make
himself to become negative; he ap- this work a priority.—Matt. 24:14.
preciated the positive things in his w20.08 21 ˚7-8
life. He was thankful for the kind-
ness David had shown him in the Friday, December 23
past. (2 Sam. 9:6-10) So when David I am with you all the days until the
misjudged him, Mephibosheth saw conclusion of the system of things.
the complete picture. He did not al- —Matt. 28:20.
low David’s mistake to make him bit-
ter. And he did not blame Jehovah As shown in the words of today’s
for what David had done. Mephibo- text, when we face challenges, Je-
sheth focused on what he could sus will support us. In fact, Jesus’
do to support Jehovah’s appointed words are a source of strength for
king. (2 Sam. 16:1-4; 19:24-30) Jeho- us. Why? Because some days are dif-
vah had Mephibosheth’s excellent ficult for us to endure. For instance,
example recorded in His Word for when a loved one dies, we must deal
our benefit.—Rom. 15:4. w20.04 26 with that pain not just for a few
˚3; 30 ˚18-19 days but likely for many years. Oth-
ers must deal with the difficult days
Thursday, December 22 that come with old age. Still others
face days on which they are over-
We are God’s fellow workers.
whelmed by feelings of depression.
—1 Cor. 3:9.
Even so, we find the strength to
Some in the congregation may be go on because we know that Jesus
appointed to serve as missionar- is with us “all the days,” including
ies, special pioneers, or regular pio- the darkest days, of our life. (Matt.
neers. They have made preaching 11:28-30) God’s Word assures us
and disciple-making their full-time that Jehovah helps us by means of
career. Although these full-time his angels. (Heb. 1:7, 14) For exam-
evangelizers usually have few ma- ple, angels give us support and guid-
terial things, Jehovah has reward- ance as we preach the “good news
ed them with a life filled with bless- of the Kingdom” to people of “every
ings. (Mark 10:29, 30) We treasure nation and tribe and tongue.”—Matt.
these dear brothers and sisters, and 24:13, 14; Rev. 14:6. w20.11 13-14 ˚6-7
 Saturday, December 24 an unresponsive audience, he kept
The thoughts of a man’s heart preaching the warning message un-
are like deep waters, but the til Jehovah said that it was time to
discerning man draws them enter the ark. Then, right on time,
out.—Prov. 20:5. “Jehovah shut the door.” (Gen. 6:3;
7:1, 2, 16) Soon Jehovah will bring
We want our student to understand the Kingdom-preaching work to a
that what he is learning comes from conclusion; he will “shut the door”
God’s inspired Word. (1 Thess. 2:13) on Satan’s system of things and ush-
How can we do that? Encourage the er in a righteous new world. Un-
student to talk about the things he is til then, may we imitate Noah and
learning. Instead of always explain- others who have not let their hand
ing Bible texts to the student, ask rest. May we stay focused, be pa-
him to explain some of them to you. tient, and maintain strong faith in
Help the student to see how God’s Jehovah and his promises. w20.09 13
Word applies to him personally. Ask ˚18-19
leading and viewpoint questions that
draw him out—what he thinks and Monday, December 26
feels about the scriptures he reads. Let all things take place decently
(Luke 10:25-28) For example, ask and by arrangement.—1 Cor. 14:40.
him: “How has this scripture helped
you to see one of Jehovah’s quali- Without the clear-cut role of head-
ties?” “How can you benefit from this ship, Jehovah’s family would be-
Bible truth?” “How do you feel about come disorganized and unhappy. For
what you just learned?” What mat- example, no one would know who
ters most is, not how much a student should make final decisions and who
knows, but how much he loves and should take the lead in carrying out
applies what he knows. Let the Bible those decisions. If God’s arrange-
do the teaching. You must be humble ment for headship is such a good
if you are to improve your teaching thing, why do so many women today
skills. w20.10 15 ˚5-6 feel oppressed by it? Because many
men ignore Jehovah’s standards for
Sunday, December 25 the family and choose instead to fol-
Sow your seed in the morning and low local customs or traditions. They
do not let your hand rest until the may also abuse their wives to satisfy
evening.—Eccl. 11:6. some selfish desire. For example, a
husband might dominate his wife in
We can be sure that the Kingdom- an attempt to boost his self-respect
preaching work will be completed or to prove to others that he is a
with no delay. Consider what hap- “real man.” He may reason that he
pened in the days of Noah. Jehovah cannot force his wife to love him, but
proved that he is the perfect Time- he can make her fear him. And he
keeper. Some 120 years in advance, may use that fear as a way to control
Jehovah fixed the time for the Flood her. That type of thinking and con-
to begin. Decades later, Jehovah duct clearly deprives women of the
commissioned Noah to build the honor and respect to which they are
ark. For perhaps 40 or 50 years be- entitled, and it is directly opposite to
fore the Flood began, Noah contin- what Jehovah wants.—Eph. 5:25, 28.
ued to work hard. Despite facing w21.02 3 ˚6-7
 Tuesday, December 27 and attention on his assignment. Je-
Throw all your anxiety on him, be- sus never taught that it was a re-
cause he cares for you.—1 Pet. 5:7. quirement to get married or to be
single. However, he did say that
Christians who are under pres- some Christians would choose not
sure can find relief when they turn to marry. (See study note on Mat-
to Jehovah in earnest prayer. In an- thew 19:12.) Jesus respected those
swer to your prayers, you can re- who were not married. He did not
ceive “the peace of God that sur- view single people as inferior or
passes all [human] understanding.” lacking in some way. Like Jesus, the
(Phil. 4:6, 7) Jehovah calms our anx- apostle Paul carried out his min-
ious thoughts by means of his pow- istry as a single person. Paul nev-
erful holy spirit. (Gal. 5:22) When er taught that it would be wrong
approaching Jehovah in prayer, for a Christian to marry. He recog-
open your heart to him. Be specif- nized that this was a personal mat-
ic. Tell him what the problem is, and ter. w20.08 28 ˚7-8
explain to him how you feel about it.
If there is a possible solution, ask Thursday, December 29
him for the wisdom to find it and God is love.—1 John 4:16.
the strength to implement it. If the
answer to your problem is beyond The apostle John had a long,
your control, ask Jehovah to help eventful life. He faced all types of
you not to be unduly worried about challenges that could have weak-
it. When you are specific in your ened his faith. But he always did
prayers, in time you will see more his best to observe Jesus’ com-
clearly how Jehovah has answered mandments, including the order to
them. If the answer does not come love his brothers and sisters. As
immediately after you have been a result, John was sure that Jeho-
praying, do not give up. Jehovah vah and Jesus loved him and that
wants you to be not only specific they would give him the strength to
but also persistent in your prayers. overcome any trial. (John 14:15-17;
—Luke 11:8-10. w21.01 3 ˚6-7 15:10) Nothing that Satan or his sys-
tem did could stop John from feel-
Wednesday, December 28 ing, expressing, and showing love.
Like John, we live in a world domi-
[Jesus] said to them: “Not all men
nated by Satan, the hateful god of
make room for the saying, but only
this system. (1 John 3:1, 10) While he
those who have the gift.”
wants us to stop loving our broth-
—Matt. 19:11.
ers and sisters, he cannot make that
The congregation today includes happen unless we allow him to do
married couples and families. Yet, so. May we be determined to love
it also includes many brothers and our brothers and sisters, to express
sisters who are not married. How that love by what we say, and to
should we view those who are sin- prove that love by what we do. Then
gle? Consider how Jesus viewed we will have the satisfaction of be-
singleness. During his earthly min- ing part of Jehovah’s family, and life
istry, Jesus did not marry. He re- will truly be worth living.—1 John
mained single and focused his time 4:7. w21.01 13 ˚18-19
 Friday, December 30 Saturday, December 31
God . . . supplies endurance. Sons are an inheritance from
—Rom. 15:5. Jehovah.—Ps. 127:3.
Life in this world controlled by Sa- If you are a married couple and
tan can be hard to deal with, even would like to have children, ask
overwhelming at times. (2 Tim. 3:1) yourselves: ‘Are we the kind of
But we do not need to be anxious humble, spiritually-minded peo-
or afraid. Jehovah knows what we ple whom Jehovah would choose to
are going through. When we fall, care for a precious new life?’ (Ps.
he promises to hold on to us with 127:4) If you are already a parent,
his strong right hand. (Isa. 41:10, ask yourself: ‘Am I teaching my chil-
13) With full confidence in his sup- dren the value of hard work?’ (Eccl.
port, we can gain strength from the 3:12, 13) ‘Do I do my best to pro-
Scriptures and overcome any chal- tect my children from the physical
lenge. Our videos and audio dramas and moral dangers that they may
and the series “Imitate Their Faith” encounter?’ (Prov. 22:3) You can-
help bring Bible events to life. Be- not shield your children from all
fore you watch, listen to, or read challenges. But you can progres-
these accounts, ask Jehovah to help sively and lovingly prepare them
you find specific points that you can for the realities of life by teach-
apply. Imagine yourself in the place ing them how to turn to God’s Word
of the main character. Meditate on for advice. (Prov. 2:1-6) For exam-
what these dear servants of Jeho- ple, if a relative chooses to reject
vah did and how he helped them true worship, help your children to
to overcome difficulties. Then ap- learn from God’s Word why it is so
ply the lessons to your own situa- important to remain loyal to Jeho-
tion. Thank Jehovah for the help he vah. (Ps. 31:23) Or if death claims
is already giving you. And show that a loved one, show your children
you appreciate the help by looking how to use God’s Word to cope with
for opportunities to encourage and grief and to find peace.—2 Cor. 1:
support others. w21.03 19 ˚22-23 3, 4; 2 Tim. 3:16. w20.10 27 ˚7