Examining

the Scriptures
Daily

2025
es25-E
240523
 Examining
the Scriptures
Daily
2025

Yeartext
“Give Jehovah the glory
due his name.”
—Psalm 96:8.

_______________________________________________________________________________
Name
This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part
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—2025
April 2024 Printing
English (es25-E)

˘ 2024
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.
 2025

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
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6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
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27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31

APRIL MAY JUNE

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 1
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30

OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
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20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
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 Our Christian Life and Ministry
Bible Reading Schedule for 2025

January February

6 Psalms 127-134  3 Psalms 144-146 

13 Psalms 135-137  10 Psalms 147-150 
20 Psalms 138-139  17 Proverbs 1 
27 Psalms 140-143  24 Proverbs 2 

March April

3 Proverbs 3  7 Proverbs 8 
10 Proverbs 4  14 Proverbs 9 
17 Proverbs 5  21 Proverbs 10 
24 Proverbs 6  28 Proverbs 11 
31 Proverbs 7 

May June

5 Proverbs 12  2 Proverbs 16 
12 Proverbs 13  9 Proverbs 17 
19 Proverbs 14  16 Proverbs 18 
26 Proverbs 15  23 Proverbs 19 
30 Proverbs 20 
 July August

7 Proverbs 21  4 Proverbs 25 
14 Proverbs 22  11 Proverbs 26 
21 Proverbs 23  18 Proverbs 27 
28 Proverbs 24  25 Proverbs 28 

September October

1 Proverbs 29  6 Ecclesiastes 5-6 

8 Proverbs 30  13 Ecclesiastes 7-8 
15 Proverbs 31  20 Ecclesiastes 9-10 
22 Ecclesiastes 1-2  27 Ecclesiastes 11-12 
29 Ecclesiastes 3-4 

November December

3 Song of Solomon 1-2  1 Isaiah 3-5 

10 Song of Solomon 3-5  8 Isaiah 6-8 
17 Song of Solomon 6-8  15 Isaiah 9-10 
24 Isaiah 1-2  22 Isaiah 11-13 
29 Isaiah 14-16 
 How to Use This Booklet
In this booklet, you will find a scripture and comments for
each day. Although the text and comments may be read at any
time, many find it advantageous to consider them in the morn-
ing. 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 2023 through March 2024. 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 illustra-
tion below.) Additional information on the subject matter can be
found in the article itself.

Wednesday, January 1
There was a dead man being
carried out, the only son of his
mother. Besides, she was a widow.
—Luke 7:12.
Jesus “caught sight of” the grieving
mother and then “he was moved with
pity for her.” (Luke 7:13) . . . Even
simple words and small gestures can
mean a lot. w23.04 5-6 ˚13-15
․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 
․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 
․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 

 ․․․․․․․․․

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
Wednesday, January 1 er: When Mary and Martha sent the
There was a dead man being message to Jesus, they did not ask
carried out, the only son of his him to come to Bethany. They sim-
ply said that his dear friend was sick.
mother. Besides, she was a widow.
(John 11:3) When Lazarus died, Je-
—Luke 7:12.
sus could have resurrected him from
Jesus “caught sight of” the grieving a distance. Yet, Jesus chose to go to
mother and then “he was moved with Bethany to be with his friends Mary
pity for her.” (Luke 7:13) But Jesus and Martha. Do you have a friend
did not just feel pity for the moth- who will come to your aid without be-
er; he showed his compassion for her. ing asked? Then you know that you
He spoke to her, no doubt with a re- can count on him for help in “times
assuring tone, and said: “Stop weep- of distress.” (Prov. 17:17) Like Jesus,
ing.” Then he took the initiative to do may we be such a friend to others!
something. He brought her son back w23.04 10 ˚10-11
to life and “gave him to his moth-
er.” (Luke 7:14, 15) What can we learn Friday, January 3
from Jesus’ miracle of resurrecting The one who promised is faithful.
the widow’s son? We learn a lesson —Heb. 10:23.
in showing compassion to those who
grieve. Like Jesus, we can cultivate When undergoing a trial, we may feel
compassion for bereaved ones by be- that Jehovah’s new world will never
ing observant. We can take the ini- come. Does this mean that our faith is
tiative to show compassion by saying weak? Not necessarily. Consider an il-
and doing what we can to help them lustration. In the middle of a brutal-
and comfort them. (Prov. 17:17; 2 Cor. ly cold winter, we may feel that sum-
1:3, 4; 1 Pet. 3:8) Even simple words mer will never come. And yet summer
and small gestures can mean a lot. does come. Likewise, when we are
w23.04 5-6 ˚13-15 deeply discouraged, we might feel that
the new world will never come. If our
Thursday, January 2 faith is strong, though, we know that
God’s promises will be fulfilled. (Ps.
This sickness is not meant to end in
94:3, 14, 15; Heb. 6:17-19) With that
death, but is for the glory of God.
confidence, we can continue putting
—John 11:4. our worship of Jehovah first in our
Even though Jesus knows that his life. Consider one more area in which
friend Lazarus has just died, he re- strong faith is required—the preach-
mains where he is for two more days ing work. Many people feel that the
and then he makes the trip to Betha- “good news” about God’s coming new
ny. So by the time Jesus arrives, Laza- world is too good to be true. (Matt.
rus has been dead for four days. Jesus 24:14; Ezek. 33:32) Never allow their
intends to do something that will ben- skeptical attitude to rub off on us. To
efit his friends and glorify God. (John prevent that from happening, we must
11:6, 11, 17) We learn a lesson about keep strengthening our faith. w23.04
friendship from this account. Consid- 27 ˚6-7; 28 ˚14
Saturday, January 4 needed to carry my own load re-
We know that we are to have the garding my relationship with Jeho-
things we ask for, since we have vah. So now I set aside time to be
alone with my God—praying, reading
asked them of him.—1 John 5:15.
the Scriptures, and meditating on his
Have you ever wondered whether Je- thoughts.” (Gal. 6:5) Wives, as you
hovah is answering your prayers? If so, continue strengthening your friend-
you are not alone. A number of broth- ship with Jehovah, your husband will
ers and sisters have voiced this con- have even more reason to praise you
cern, especially when going through a and love you.—Prov. 31:30. w23.05
difficult time. If we are suffering, we 22 ˚6
too may find it harder to discern how
Jehovah is answering our prayers. Monday, January 6
Why can we be confident that Jehovah I will teach you the fear of Jehovah.
answers the prayers of his worship-
—Ps. 34:11.
pers? The Scriptures assure us that Je-
hovah loves us deeply and that we are We are not born with a fear of Jeho-
precious to him. (Hag. 2:7; 1 John 4: vah; we must cultivate it. One way we
10) That is why he invites us to ask for can do that is by examining creation.
his help in prayer. (1 Pet. 5:6, 7) He The more we see God’s wisdom, his
wants to help us to stay close to him power, and his deep love for us as
and to deal successfully with the dif- expressed in “the things made,” the
ficulties we are facing. In the Bible, we deeper our respect and love for him
often read that Jehovah answered the will be. (Rom. 1:20) Another way we
prayers of his worshippers. Can you can develop our fear of God is by
think of an example? w23.05 8 ˚1-4 praying regularly. The more we pray,
the more real Jehovah becomes to
Sunday, January 5 us. Each time we ask him for strength
Mary said: “My soul magnifies to endure a trial, we are reminded of
Jehovah.”—Luke 1:46. his awesome power. When we thank
him for the gift of his Son, we re-
Mary had her own relationship with
mind ourselves of Jehovah’s love for
Jehovah; her faith did not depend on
us. And when we supplicate Jehovah
what Joseph did. She knew the Scrip-
for his help with a problem, we im-
tures well. She also made time for
press on our heart just how wise he is.
meditation. (Luke 2:19, 51) No doubt,
Such prayers deepen our respect for
Mary’s spirituality made her an excel-
Jehovah. And they strengthen our re-
lent wife. Today, many wives strive to
solve to avoid doing anything that
do as Mary did. For example, a sister
would damage our friendship with
named Emiko says: “When I was sin-
him. w23.06 15 ˚6-7
gle, I had my personal spiritual rou-
tine. But after getting married, I real-
ized that because my husband prayed
for us and took the lead in worship,
my faith had become dependent on
what he did. I came to see that I
Tuesday, January 7 have a meal.’ (Prov. 9:1, 4-6) But
Jehovah is our Lawgiver. there is a vast difference in the re-
sults, or outcomes, presented. Con-
—Isa. 33:22.
sider the invitation from the “stupid
Jehovah has consistently conveyed woman.” (Prov. 9:13-18) She boldly
clear laws to his people. For exam- calls out to those lacking good sense,
ple, the first-century governing body “Come in here” and feast. With what
identified three ways in which Chris- result? “Those powerless in death are
tians must remain firm: (1) by re- there.” We are warned about “the
jecting idolatry, worshipping only Je- wayward” and “immoral woman.” We
hovah, (2) by respecting the sanctity are told: “Her house sinks down into
of blood, and (3) by adhering to the death.” (Prov. 2:11-19) Proverbs 5:
Bible’s high moral standards. (Acts 3-10 contains an alert about anoth-
15:28, 29) How can Christians to- er “wayward woman” whose “feet de-
day maintain a firm stand in these scend into death.” w23.06 21-22 ˚6-7
three specific ways? By worshipping
and obeying Jehovah. He command- Thursday, January 9
ed the Israelites to give him exclu- Let your reasonableness become
sive devotion. (Deut. 5:6-10) And known to all men.—Phil. 4:5.
when tempted by the Devil, Jesus
Elders must set a good example in be-
clearly indicated that we must worship
ing reasonable. (1 Tim. 3:2, 3) For in-
only Jehovah. (Matt. 4:8-10) There-
stance, an elder should not expect
fore, we do not worship religious
that his opinions will always be ac-
idols. We also do not idolize humans cepted simply because he is older
—whether they are religious leaders, than the other elders. He realizes that
political rulers, or stars in the world Jehovah’s spirit can move any mem-
of sports and entertainment—treating ber of the body to make an expression
them like gods. We worship only the that contributes to a wise decision.
one who “created all things.”—Rev. 4: And if no Bible principle is violated,
11. w23.07 14-15 ˚3-4 reasonable elders willingly support the
decision of the majority on the body,
Wednesday, January 8
even if they had preferred a different
By fearing Jehovah one turns away decision. Christians reap many bless-
from bad.—Prov. 16:6. ings by being reasonable. We enjoy
Satan’s world is obsessed with im- better relationships with our brothers
moral sex and pornography. (Eph. 4: and sisters, and the congregation en-
19) So we must cultivate godly fear joys peace. We find delight in the
and turn away from bad. In Proverbs beautiful variety of personalities and
chapter 9, we read about wisdom and customs among Jehovah’s united wor-
foolishness, personified as two wom- shippers. Above all, we have the sat-
en. Each is described as extending an isfaction of knowing that we are imi-
invitation to the inexperienced—those tating our reasonable God, Jehovah.
“lacking good sense.” Each says, as w23.07 25 ˚16-17
it were, ‘Come into my house and
Friday, January 10 it is to set expectations that we can
Those having insight will understand. never meet! (Prov. 13:12) Doing so
can sap our strength and slow us
—Dan. 12:10.
down in our race for life. Do not ex-
Daniel approached prophecy with the pect more of yourself than what Jeho-
right motive, to know the truth. Dan- vah requires. He never expects you to
iel was also humble, recognizing that give what you do not have. (2 Cor. 8:
Jehovah will give understanding to 12) Be assured that Jehovah does not
those who know him and who live by compare what you do with what oth-
his clean standards. (Dan. 2:27, 28) ers do. (Matt. 25:20-23) He treasures
Daniel proved that he was humble by your whole-souled service, your faith-
relying on Jehovah for help. (Dan. 2: fulness, and your endurance. w23.08
18) Daniel was also thorough. He re- 29 ˚10-11
searched the inspired Scriptures that
were available to him. (Jer. 25:11, 12; Sunday, January 12
Dan. 9:2) How can you imitate Dan- Am I to die of thirst?—Judg. 15:18.
iel? Examine your motives. Is your
Jehovah answered Samson’s cry for
study of Bible prophecy motivated by
help by miraculously creating a source
a strong desire to know the truth? If
of water. When Samson drank from
it is, Jehovah will help you. (John 4:
it, “his strength returned and he re-
23, 24; 14:16, 17) Some may do so
vived.” (Judg. 15:19, ftn.) Apparent-
in hopes of finding evidence that the
ly, this new water source still existed
Bible is not inspired by God. In that years later when the prophet Sam-
way, they feel that they can justify set- uel was inspired to write the book of
ting their own standards of right and Judges. The Israelites who saw that
wrong and living by those standards. flowing water may have been remind-
However, we need to have the proper ed that Jehovah can be relied on to
motivation. w23.08 9 ˚7-8 help his faithful worshippers in their
time of need. We too need to look
Saturday, January 11
to Jehovah for help no matter what
If you become discouraged . . . , talents or abilities we may have or
your strength will be meager. what we have accomplished in his ser-
—Prov. 24:10. vice. We should modestly accept the
We can burden ourselves with un- fact that true success is possible only
realistic expectations when we com- when we rely on Jehovah. Just as
pare ourselves with others. (Gal. 6:4) Samson was energized when he drank
If we do so, we could become envious the water that Jehovah provided, we
and competitive. (Gal. 5:26) In an will be spiritually strengthened when
effort to accomplish what others have we take advantage of all the provi-
achieved, we may push ourselves be- sions Jehovah makes available to us.
—Matt. 11:28. w23.09 4 ˚8-10
yond what our abilities and circum-
stances reasonably permit. And if “ex-
pectation postponed makes the heart
sick,” how much more disheartening
Monday, January 13 (1 Pet. 1:6) Wicked men were trying
A mild answer turns away rage, to introduce false teachings and un-
clean conduct into the congregation.
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
(2 Pet. 2:1, 2, 14) Christians living
—Prov. 15:1.
in Jerusalem would soon face “the
What can we do when we are facing end of all things”—the destruction of
a tense situation, such as when some- that city and of the Jewish systems of
one slanders the name of our God or things by Roman armies. (1 Pet. 4:7)
ridicules the Bible? We should ask Je- No doubt Peter’s letters helped Chris-
hovah for his spirit and for his wisdom tians to see what they could do to en-
to respond in a mild way. What if we dure present trials and to prepare for
later realize that we did not respond future trials. w23.09 26 ˚1-2
as well as we should have? We can
pray again about the matter and think Wednesday, January 15
of how we can do better the next [Christ] learned obedience from
time. In turn, Jehovah will grant us the things he suffered.—Heb. 5:8.
his holy spirit so that we can control
Like Jesus, we often learn obedience
our temper and show mildness. Some
under challenging circumstances. For
Bible verses can help us to control our
example, during the early part of the
speech when confronted with difficult
COVID-19 pandemic when we were
situations. God’s spirit can bring those
asked to stop meeting at our King-
texts to mind. (John 14:26) For exam-
dom Halls and to suspend our house-
ple, the principles we find in the book to-house ministry, did you struggle to
of Proverbs can help us to be mild. obey? Yet, your obedience protected
(Prov. 15:18) That Bible book also re- you, united you with fellow believers,
veals the benefits of showing restraint and pleased Jehovah. All of us are
in tense situations.—Prov. 10:19; 17: now better prepared to obey any in-
27; 21:23; 25:15. w23.09 15 ˚6-7 structions we receive during the great
tribulation. Our lives may depend on
Tuesday, January 14
it! (Job 36:11) We choose to obey Je-
I intend always to remind you hovah primarily because we love him
of these things.—2 Pet. 1:12. and we want to please him. (1 John
The apostle Peter knew his life would 5:3) We can never repay Jehovah for
soon end. During his decades of faith- all that he has done for us. (Ps. 116:
ful service, he walked with Jesus, 12) But we can obey him and those
opened up new fields for preaching, who have authority over us. If we
and served as a member of the gov- obey, we show that we are wise. And
erning body. But Peter’s service was the wise make Jehovah’s heart re-
not over. In about 62-64 C.E., he was joice.—Prov. 27:11. w23.10 11 ˚18-19
inspired to write two letters—the Bible
books of 1 and 2 Peter. (2 Pet. 1:13-
15) Peter composed his inspired let-
ters at a time when his fellow believ-
ers were “distressed by various trials.”
Thursday, January 16 rebuilding of the temple. (Hag. 1:8,
Worship the One who made the heaven 13, 14; Zech. 1:3, 16) Encouraged by
the prophets, the repatriated Jews re-
and the earth.—Rev. 14:7.
sumed the temple work in 520 B.C.E.
If an angel were to speak to you, and finished rebuilding it in less than
would you listen to what he had to five years. Because the Jews gave pri-
say? Well, today, an angel is speaking ority to doing God’s will despite un-
“to every nation and tribe and tongue certainties, they received Jehovah’s
and people.” What is he saying? “Fear support. As a result, they worshipped
God and give him glory . . . Wor- Jehovah with joy.—Ezra 6:14-16, 22.
ship the One who made the heaven w23.11 15 ˚6-7
and the earth.” (Rev. 14:6, 7) Jeho-
vah is the only true God whom every- Saturday, January 18
one should worship. How thankful we Walk orderly in the footsteps of the
can be that he has given us the pre- faith that our father Abraham had.
cious opportunity to worship him in —Rom. 4:12.
his great spiritual temple! What exact-
Although many people have heard of
ly is the spiritual temple, and where
Abraham, most know little about him.
can we find the details that explain
However, you know a lot about Abra-
it? The spiritual temple is not a literal
ham. You know, for example, that
building. It is Jehovah’s arrangement
Abraham has been called “the father
for offering acceptable worship based
of all those having faith.” (Rom. 4:11)
on Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. The apos-
You may wonder, though, ‘Can I walk
tle Paul explained this arrangement in
in the footsteps of Abraham and have
the letter that he wrote to the first-
the kind of faith he had?’ Yes, you
century Hebrew Christians living in
can. One way we can develop faith
Judea. w23.10 24 ˚1-2
like that of Abraham is by studying his
Friday, January 17 example. At God’s command, Abra-
ham moved to a distant land, lived
“Not by a military force, nor by in tents for decades, and attempted
power, but by my spirit,” says to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac.
Jehovah.—Zech. 4:6. Those actions reflected strong faith.
In 522 B.C.E., the enemies of the Jews Abraham’s faith and works resulted in
succeeded in having a ban placed on his having God’s approval and friend-
the rebuilding of Jehovah’s tem- ship. (Jas. 2:22, 23) Jehovah wants us
ple. But Zechariah assured the Jews —wants you—to enjoy those same
that Jehovah would use His power- blessings. For that reason, he inspired
ful spirit to remove any obstacles. In the Bible writers Paul and James to
520 B.C.E., King Darius lifted the ban refer to Abraham’s example. w23.12 2
on the temple work and even provided ˚1-2
the Jews with funds and official sup-
port. (Ezra 6:1, 6-10) Jehovah prom-
ised his people that they would have
his backing if they gave priority to the
Sunday, January 19 situations. However, if we were to iso-
Everyone must be quick to listen, late ourselves for an extended period,
we could push away the very means
slow to speak.—Jas. 1:19.
that Jehovah is using to support us.
Sisters, develop good communication So welcome the help of your family,
skills. Christians need to communi- friends, and elders. View them for
cate effectively. In this regard, the dis- what they are—Jehovah’s means of
ciple James provides practical coun- supporting you.—Prov. 17:17; Isa. 32:
sel for us, saying the words above. 1, 2. w24.01 24 ˚12-13
When you listen carefully as others
speak, you show empathy, or “fellow Tuesday, January 21
feeling,” for them. (1 Pet. 3:8) If you No razor should pass over his head.
are not sure that you understand what —Num. 6:5.
a person is saying or how he feels, ask
Nazirites vowed not to cut their hair.
appropriate questions. Then take a
That was a way to show their com-
moment to think before you speak.
plete submission to Jehovah. Sad-
(Prov. 15:28, ftn.) Ask yourself: ‘Is
ly, there were times in Israel’s history
what I am about to say true and up-
when Nazirites were not appreciated
building? Is it tactful and kind?’ Learn
or supported. At times, it must have
from mature sisters who are good
taken real courage for a Nazirite to
communicators. (Prov. 31:26) Pay at-
stick to his vow and stand out as
tention to the way they speak. The
different. (Amos 2:12) Because we
better you learn this skill, the better
choose to submit to Jehovah’s will,
your relationships with others will be. we too stand out as different from
w23.12 21 ˚12 the people around us. We need cour-
Monday, January 20 age to identify ourselves as Jeho-
vah’s Witnesses at work or at school.
Whoever isolates himself . . . rejects And as this world’s attitudes and con-
all practical wisdom.—Prov. 18:1. duct go from bad to worse, we will
Today, Jehovah may use family, likely find it more difficult to live ac-
friends, or the elders to support us. cording to Bible principles and share
However, when we are hurt, we may the good news with others. (2 Tim.
be inclined to withdraw. We just want 1:8; 3:13) Always remember, though,
to be left alone. That is a normal re- that we “make [Jehovah’s] heart re-
action. What can we do to receive joice” when we courageously stand
Jehovah’s support? Fight the urge to out as different from those who do
isolate yourself. When we isolate our- not serve him.—Prov. 27:11; Mal. 3:18.
selves, our focus often narrows, and w24.02 16 ˚7; 17 ˚9
we begin to think only about our-
selves and the problems we are going
through. This type of thinking can af-
fect the decisions we make. Of course,
we all need moments to be alone, es-
pecially when confronted with tragic
Wednesday, January 22 (1) that Jehovah is real, (2) that
Welcome one another. the Bible is his inspired Word, and
(3) that he uses his organization to ac-
—Rom. 15:7.
complish his will. Those who dedicate
Consider the diversity of the congre- themselves to Jehovah should know
gation in Rome. Among them were the basic teachings found in God’s
not only Jews, who were raised to Word and be living in harmony with
obey the Mosaic Law, but also Gen- its standards. They share their faith
tiles, whose background was total- with others to the extent that their
ly different. Some Christians were circumstances allow. (Matt. 28:19, 20)
likely slaves while others were free- Their love for Jehovah has grown,
men—perhaps some were even slave and their heartfelt desire is to give
owners. How could those Chris- him exclusive devotion. Is that not so
tians overcome such differences and of you? w24.03 4-5 ˚6-8
strengthen their love? The apostle
Paul urged them to “welcome one an- Friday, January 24
other.” What did he mean? The word They will become one flesh.
translated “welcome” means to re- —Gen. 2:24.
ceive someone kindly or hospitably,
Abigail was married to Nabal, who the
such as into one’s home or circle of
Bible says was harsh and behaved bad-
friends. For example, Paul told Phile-
ly. (1 Sam. 25:3) It must have been
mon how to welcome the runaway
difficult for Abigail to live with such
slave Onesimus: “Receive him kind-
a man. Could Abigail have found an
ly.” (Philem. 17) And Priscilla and Aq- easy way out of her marriage? She
uila welcomed Apollos, who knew less was given that opportunity when Da-
about Christianity than they did, by vid, Israel’s future king, came to kill
taking “him into their company.” her husband for insulting him and his
(Acts 18:26) Rather than allow their men. (1 Sam. 25:9-13) Abigail could
diversity to divide them, those Chris- have fled, allowing David to carry out
tians overcame their differences and his plan. Yet, she intervened and con-
welcomed one another. w23.07 6 ˚13 vinced David to let Nabal live. (1 Sam.
25:23-27) What could have motivat-
Thursday, January 23
ed her? Abigail loved Jehovah and re-
I will pay my vows to Jehovah. spected his standards for marriage.
—Ps. 116:14. She knew that Jehovah viewed mar-
The main reason you dedicate your- riage as a sacred arrangement. She
self to Jehovah is that you love him. wanted to please God, and that would
Your love is not based on emotion have motivated her to do whatever
alone. Rather, it is rooted in “accurate she could to save her household, in-
knowledge” and “spiritual comprehen- cluding her husband. She acted quick-
sion”—the things that you learned ly to prevent David from murdering
about Jehovah that caused your love Nabal. w24.03 16-17 ˚9-10
for him to grow. (Col. 1:9) Your study
of the Scriptures has convinced you
Saturday, January 25 many other miracles during his min-
I would strengthen you with the words istry. He used his miraculous power
to help tens of thousands of people.
of my mouth.—Job 16:5.
For example, just two of his miracles
Are there some in your congregation —feeding 5,000 men and later 4,000
who are trying to simplify their life in men—may have involved a total of
order to have a greater share in theo- over 27,000 people if we include the
cratic activities? Do you know young women and children who were also
ones who are bravely standing out as present. (Matt. 14:15-21; 15:32-38)
different from others in school, even On both occasions, Jesus also healed
though it is difficult for them to do many who were sick.—Matt. 14:14; 15:
so? What about those who may be 30, 31. w23.04 2 ˚1-2
struggling to remain faithful because
of family opposition? Let us seize Monday, January 27
every opportunity to speak reassur- I, Jehovah your God, am grasping
ingly to such dear fellow worship- your right hand, the One saying to
pers, expressing our appreciation for you, “Do not be afraid. I will help
their self-sacrificing spirit and cour- you.”—Isa. 41:13.
age. (Philem. 4, 5, 7) Jehovah is confi-
After a traumatic event, there may be
dent that we sincerely desire to please
days when we feel weak physically and
him and that we are willing to make
emotionally. Like Elijah, we could feel
sacrifices to live up to our dedication
that it is too hard to get up. We just
vow. He dignifies us by letting us ex-
want to sleep. (1 Ki. 19:5-7) We may
press our love for him in a personal
need help to keep active in Jehovah’s
way. (Prov. 23:15, 16) May we, then,
service. In those moments, Jehovah
be determined to continue serving Je-
assures us of his help as expressed in
hovah, willingly offering him our very
the words of today’s text. King Da-
best. w24.02 18 ˚14; 19 ˚16
vid experienced this help. When faced
Sunday, January 26 with trials and enemies, he said to Je-
hovah: “Your right hand supports
He went through the land doing good me.” (Ps. 18:35) Jehovah often sup-
and healing.—Acts 10:38. ports us by motivating others to help
Picture the scene in late 29 C.E. at the us. For example, once when David
start of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus and his felt weak, his friend Jonathan visited
mother, Mary, are invited to a wed- him to provide emotional support and
ding feast in Cana. Mary is apparent- words of encouragement. (1 Sam. 23:
ly helping to care for the guests. But 16, 17) Similarly, Jehovah chose Eli-
during the wedding feast, a problem sha to provide practical help to Elijah.
arises—the wine runs out. Mary quick- —1 Ki. 19:16, 21; 2 Ki. 2:2. w24.01 23-
ly turns to her son and says: “They 24 ˚10-12
have no wine.” (John 2:1-3) What
does Jesus do? He miraculously turns
water into “fine wine.” (John 2:9,
10) Jesus would go on to perform
Tuesday, January 28 confident that Jehovah will never for-
Jehovah himself gives wisdom; from get our earnest efforts to serve him
during uncertain times. We will no
his mouth come knowledge and
doubt continue to face uncertainties
discernment.—Prov. 2:6.
in these last days, and conditions may
Jehovah is a generous, abundant Pro- even get worse in the future. (2 Tim.
vider. These qualities are reflected in 3:1, 13) However, we do not need to
“true wisdom,” personified in Prov- be consumed by anxiety. Remember
erbs chapter 9 as a woman. The ac- Jehovah’s words to his people in Hag-
count mentions that this figurative gai’s day: “I am with you . . . Do not
woman has fully prepared her meat, be afraid.” (Hag. 2:4, 5) We too can
mixed her wine, and arranged her be sure that Jehovah will be with us as
table in her house. (Prov. 9:2, ftn.) long as we do our best to carry out his
Further, according to verses 4 and 5: will. w23.11 19 ˚20-21
“She [personified wisdom] says to the
one lacking good sense: ‘Come, eat Thursday, January 30
my bread.’ ” Why should we come to I am a sinful man.—Luke 5:8.
true wisdom’s house and eat the meal
The apostle Peter’s shortcomings
she offers? Jehovah wants his children
could easily have been omitted from
to be wise and safe. He does not want the Bible record. However, they were
us to learn life’s lessons the hard way included under inspiration as lessons
—through bitter experience and with for us. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Learning
nagging regrets. That is why “he trea- about this man who had weakness-
sures up practical wisdom for the up- es and feelings like ours can help
right.” (Prov. 2:7) When we have a us to see that Jehovah does not ex-
healthy fear of Jehovah, we will want pect perfection from us. He wants us
to please him. We hear his wise coun- to persevere—to keep trying—despite
sel, and we are happy to apply it. our weaknesses. Why is it necessary
—Jas. 1:25. w23.06 23 ˚14-15 for us to persevere? After we feel that
we have overcome a certain weakness,
Wednesday, January 29
we may suffer a setback. But we still
God is not unrighteous so as to keep working toward our goal. We all
forget your work.—Heb. 6:10. say or do things that we later regret;
Even if we feel limited in what we nonetheless, if we refuse to give up,
can do in God’s service, we can rest Jehovah will help us to keep making
assured that Jehovah appreciates our progress. (1 Pet. 5:10) The compas-
sincere efforts to please him. How do sion Jesus showed Peter despite his
we know? In Zechariah’s day, Jehovah shortcomings can motivate us to con-
asked his prophet to make a crown tinue serving Jehovah. w23.09 20-21
out of the gold and the silver sent ˚2-3
by the exiles in Babylon. (Zech. 6:11)
This “grand crown” would serve as a
“reminder” of their generous contri-
butions. (Zech. 6:14, ftns.) We can be
Friday, January 31 at the hands of King Herod. James
Lord, if you had been here, was put to death, while Peter was mi-
raculously rescued. (Acts 12:1-11) We
my brother would not have died.
may wonder, ‘Why did Jehovah save
—John 11:21.
Peter but not James?’ The Bible does
Jesus could have healed Lazarus, as not say. What we can be sure of is
Martha stated in today’s text. But Je- that Jehovah’s ways are “never un-
sus has in mind doing something even just.” (Deut. 32:4) At times, we may
more remarkable. He promises: “Your be faced with an outcome we did not
brother will rise.” He also says: “I am expect. But because we trust that Je-
the resurrection and the life.” (John hovah’s answer to our prayers will al-
11:23, 25) Yes, he has God-given pow- ways be loving and just, we do not
er over life and death. Earlier, he question the way he chooses to an-
raised a young girl shortly after her swer us.—Job 33:13. w23.11 21 ˚6
death and he also raised a young man,
apparently on the day the man died. Sunday, February 2
(Luke 7:11-15; 8:49-55) But can he The wisdom from above is . . .
resurrect someone who has been dead ready to obey.—Jas. 3:17.
for four days and whose body has
The inspired writer James said that
begun to decay? Mary, Lazarus’ oth-
wise people are “ready to obey.”
er sister, goes out to meet Jesus. She
Think of what that means. We should
repeats what her sister said: “Lord, if
be eager and willing to obey those
you had been here, my brother would
whom Jehovah has entrusted with a
not have died.” (John 11:32) Seeing
measure of authority. Of course, Je-
and hearing Mary and others with her
hovah does not expect us to obey
weeping, Jesus is deeply saddened. someone who asks us to ignore His
Moved by tender compassion for his commands. (Acts 4:18-20) We may be
friends, he gives way to tears. He un- more inclined to obey Jehovah than
derstands how painful it is when a to obey a human. After all, Jehovah
loved one dies. Surely, he is eager always gives perfect direction. (Ps.
to remove the cause of their tears! 19:7) That is hardly the case with hu-
w23.04 10-11 ˚12-13 mans who have authority. Even so,
our heavenly Father has given a mea-
Saturday, February 1
sure of authority to parents, govern-
I will listen to you.—Jer. 29:12. ment officials, and elders. (Prov. 6:20;
When King Hezekiah was extremely 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Pet. 2:13, 14) When we
sick, he begged Jehovah to help him obey them, we are really obeying Je-
recover. In response, Jehovah healed hovah. w23.10 6 ˚2-3
him. (2 Ki. 20:1-6) On the other hand,
when the apostle Paul pleaded with
Jehovah to remove his “thorn in the
flesh,” Jehovah did not remove the
problem. (2 Cor. 12:7-9) The apos-
tles James and Peter both faced death
Monday, February 3 of removing the problem, Jehovah
These words are faithful and true. gave him the power that he needed
to keep serving Him faithfully. (2 Cor.
—Rev. 21:5.
12:7-10) We too may at times receive
One way to strengthen our faith is an answer that differs from what we
by contemplating Jehovah’s power. expect. We can be sure that Jehovah
He has the power to fulfill every- knows exactly how best to help us. He
thing he promises to do. He is, after can even “do more than superabun-
all, Almighty God. (Job 42:2; Mark dantly beyond all the things we ask or
10:27; Eph. 3:20) He assured Abra- conceive.” (Eph. 3:20) For that rea-
ham and Sarah that they would have son, his answer to our prayers could
a son in their old age. (Gen. 17:15- come at a time or in a way that we do
17) He also told Abraham that his de- not anticipate. w23.05 8-9 ˚4-6
scendants would be given the land of
Canaan. During the many years that Wednesday, February 5
Abraham’s descendants, the Israelites, The hour is coming in which all those
were slaves in Egypt, it must have in the memorial tombs will hear his
seemed as if that promise would never voice and come out.—John 5:28, 29.
come true. But it did. He told Mary, a
From time to time, we all do well to
virgin, that she would give birth to his
reflect on the Bible’s promise of a fu-
own Son, whose arrival Jehovah had
ture resurrection. Why? Because we
promised thousands of years earlier in
never know when we might face a life-
the garden of Eden—another promise
threatening illness or suddenly lose
fulfilled! (Gen. 3:15) We strengthen
someone we love in death. (Eccl. 9:11;
our faith in Jehovah’s power to bring
Jas. 4:13, 14) Our resurrection hope
about the new world by reflecting on
can help us endure such challenges.
his record of making and fulfilling his
(1 Thess. 4:13) The Scriptures assure
promises.—Josh. 23:14; Isa. 55:10, 11.
us that our heavenly Father knows us
w23.04 28 ˚10-12
well and loves us dearly. (Luke 12:7)
Tuesday, February 4 Think of how well Jehovah God must
know us in order to re-create us with
O Jehovah, hear my prayer; listen our personality and memories intact.
to my plea for help.—Ps. 143:1. And how loving of Jehovah to give
Jehovah answered David’s prayers for us the opportunity for everlasting life,
deliverance. (1 Sam. 19:10, 18-20; even by resurrecting us if necessary!
2 Sam. 5:17-25) We too can have that Why can we believe in the resurrec-
assurance. (Ps. 145:18) Jehovah may tion promise? Because we are con-
not answer our prayers in the way that vinced that the One making the prom-
we expect. Paul asked God to remove ise has the desire as well as the power,
“a thorn in the flesh.” On three occa- or ability, to fulfill it. w23.04 8-9 ˚2-4
sions, Paul prayed specifically about
this difficult problem. Did Jehovah
answer those prayers? Yes, but not in
the way that Paul had hoped. Instead
Thursday, February 6 wife, Jezebel, hated Jehovah so much
[Joseph and Mary] were accustomed that she tried to wipe out true worship
in the northern kingdom. She even
to go from year to year to Jerusalem
killed many of God’s prophets. (1 Ki.
for the festival of the Passover.
18:4) When Jezebel began hunting
—Luke 2:41.
down God’s prophets to put them to
Joseph and Mary worked together to death, Obadiah took 100 of them and
keep their relationship with Jehovah hid them “by groups of 50 in a cave
strong. They understood the impor- and kept supplying them bread and
tance of worshipping Jehovah togeth- water.” (1 Ki. 18:13, 14) If discovered,
er as a family. (Luke 2:22-24; 4:16) courageous Obadiah would surely
What an excellent example for mar- have been executed. Of course, Oba-
ried couples today! If you have chil- diah was human, and he did not want
dren, as did Joseph and Mary, it may to die. But Obadiah loved Jehovah
be challenging to attend meetings and those who served Him more than
or to schedule time for family wor- he loved his own life. w23.06 16 ˚9-10
ship. It may be even harder to coor-
dinate time to study or pray together Saturday, February 8
as a couple. Yet, remember that when I, Jehovah, am . . . the One guiding
you worship Jehovah together, you you.—Isa. 48:17.
draw closer to him and to each oth-
er. So make worship a priority. If Jehovah continues to lead his people
your marriage is strained, the idea today as he did in the past. He has
of being together for family worship been doing so by means of his Word
may not seem appealing. If so, begin and his Son, the head of the congre-
by considering something short and gation. Can we see evidence that God
enjoyable. This step can strengthen has also continued to use human rep-
your relationship and your desire to resentatives? Yes. Consider, for exam-
do spiritual things as a couple. w23.05 ple, certain developments that took
22 ˚7-8 place in the late 1800’s. Charles Taze
Russell and his associates began to
Friday, February 7 discern that the year 1914 would mark
a turning point regarding the estab-
Obadiah greatly feared Jehovah.
lishment of God’s Kingdom. (Dan. 4:
—1 Ki. 18:3. 25, 26) In reaching that conclusion,
How did wholesome fear affect Obadi- they depended on Bible prophecy.
ah? For one thing, it made him hon- Was Jehovah guiding their Bible re-
est and trustworthy; hence, the king search? He clearly was. In 1914 world
put him in charge of the royal house- events confirmed that God’s Kingdom
hold. (Compare Nehemiah 7:2.) Oba- had begun to rule. World War I broke
diah’s godly fear also gave him ex- out, followed by pestilences, earth-
traordinary courage—a quality that quakes, and food shortages. (Luke
he surely needed. He lived during the 21:10, 11) Jehovah was indeed using
reign of wicked King Ahab. (1 Ki. those sincere Christian men to help
16:30) Also, Ahab’s Baal-worshipping his people. w24.02 22 ˚11
Sunday, February 9 resolve. His aim is “to devour” us,
Many are the hardships of the to destroy our relationship with Jeho-
vah. (1 Pet. 5:8) Christians in the first
righteous one, but Jehovah rescues
century were threatened, beaten, and
him from them all.—Ps. 34:19.
killed because of their determination
As Jehovah’s people, we know that he to stand firm. (Acts 5:27, 28, 40; 7:
loves us and that he wants us to en- 54-60) Satan continues to use per-
joy the best life possible. (Rom. 8:35- secution today. This is evident in the
39) We are also convinced that Bi- brutal treatment of our brothers and
ble principles always benefit us when sisters in Russia and other countries
we apply them. (Isa. 48:17, 18) What, and in the personal attacks by op-
though, if we face challenges that we posers. Satan also uses “crafty acts”
did not expect? For example, a family in addition to blatant frontal attacks.
member might disappoint us in some —Eph. 6:11. w23.07 15-16 ˚6-9
way. We may have serious health is-
sues that limit what we can do in Je- Tuesday, February 11
hovah’s service. We might experience Let us by love grow up in all things.
the devastating effects of a natural di- —Eph. 4:15.
saster. Or we may be persecuted for
The more you study God’s Word, the
our beliefs. When we face such trials,
more your love for Jehovah will grow.
we may wonder: ‘Why is this happen-
That love motivates you to apply what
ing to me? Have I done something
you learn. You make better decisions
wrong? Does this indicate that Jeho-
based on Bible principles. You im-
vah is not blessing me?’ Have you ever
prove your attitude and conduct be-
felt that way? If so, do not be discour-
cause you want to please God. Just as
aged. Many of Jehovah’s loyal ser- a child imitates a loving parent, you
vants have struggled with similar feel- try to imitate your heavenly Father.
ings.—Ps. 22:1, 2; Hab. 1:2, 3. w23.04 (Eph. 5:1, 2) We might ask ourselves:
14 ˚1-2 ‘Is my love for Jehovah stronger now
Monday, February 10 than when I first became a Christian?
Since my baptism, is my way of think-
I have resolved to obey your ing and acting more like Jehovah’s
regulations at all times. way—especially in showing love to my
—Ps. 119:112. brothers and sisters?’ If “the love you
When we face temptation, we imme- had at first” has cooled off somewhat,
diately reject any thought or action do not be discouraged. Something
that could damage our friendship with similar happened to Christians in the
God. Jehovah expects us to be “obe- first century. Jesus did not give up on
dient from the heart.” (Rom. 6:17) them, and he does not give up on us
His guidance is always in our best in- either. (Rev. 2:4, 7) He knows that we
terests, and his laws are nonnegoti- can rekindle the love we felt when we
first learned the truth. w23.07 8 ˚2-3
able. (Isa. 48:17, 18; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10)
The Devil uses physical and emotion-
al attacks in an effort to weaken our
Wednesday, February 12 guests are in the depths of the Grave.”
You, O Jehovah, are good and ready Why, then, do many accept her de-
ceptive invitation that leads to trag-
to forgive.—Ps. 86:5.
edy? (Prov. 9:13-18) A common trap
The apostle Peter made a series of is pornography. Some think that view-
mistakes. First, Peter displayed over- ing pornography is harmless. On the
confidence, boasting that he would contrary, pornography is harmful, de-
prove faithful even if the other apos- grading, and addictive. Immoral im-
tles abandoned Jesus. (Mark 14:27- ages have staying power; they are dif-
29) Next, Peter repeatedly failed to ficult to erase from the mind. What is
keep on the watch. (Mark 14:32, 37- more, pornography does not deaden
41) Then, Peter abandoned Jesus to a wrong desires; it inflames them. (Col.
mob. (Mark 14:50) Finally, Peter de- 3:5; Jas. 1:14, 15) Yes, many who view
nied knowing Jesus three times, even pornography go on to commit im-
swearing to this lie with an oath. moral acts. w23.06 23 ˚10-11
(Mark 14:66-71) How did Peter react
when he realized the gravity of his Friday, February 14
sin? He broke down and wept bitter- It will crush and put an end to all
ly. (Mark 14:72) Instead of rebuking these kingdoms, and it alone will
Peter for his failings, Jesus told his stand forever.—Dan. 2:44.
friend that he would receive greater
responsibilities. (John 21:15-17) Pe- Even though other nations may at
ter knew that he had sinned grave- times challenge the Anglo-American
ly, but he did not give up on him- World Power, they will not replace
self. Why? Because he was convinced it. We know that because “the stone”
that his Master, Jesus, had not giv- representing God’s Kingdom will
en up on him. What is the lesson? Je- crush the feet, the part of the image
hovah wants us to be convinced of his that depicts the Anglo-American alli-
love and forgiveness.—Rom. 8:38, 39. ance. (Dan. 2:34, 35, 44, 45) Are you
w24.03 18-19 ˚13-15 convinced that Daniel’s prophecy re-
garding the feet of iron and clay is
Thursday, February 13 true? If so, that will affect the way you
live your life. You will not seek materi-
Those she has killed are numerous.
al security in a world that will soon be
—Prov. 7:26.
crushed out of existence. (Luke 12:16-
Sexual immorality can cause shame, 21; 1 John 2:15-17) Understanding
a sense of worthlessness, unwant- this prophecy will also help you see
ed pregnancies, and broken families. the importance of the preaching and
Clearly, it is the course of wisdom teaching work. (Matt. 6:33; 28:18-
to avoid the stupid woman’s “house.” 20) After studying this prophecy, why
In addition to facing spiritual death, not ask yourself this question, ‘Do
many immoral people contract dis- the decisions I make show that I am
eases that lead to a premature lit- convinced that God’s Kingdom will
eral death. (Prov. 7:23) Verse 18 of soon put an end to all human govern-
Proverbs chapter 9 concludes: “Her ments?’ w23.08 11 ˚13-14
Saturday, February 15 the house of a prostitute in the Phi-
Each of us will render an account for listine city of Gaza. On that occa-
himself to God.—Rom. 14:12. sion, God empowered Samson to car-
ry away the doors of the city gate,
Modestly accept that your age, health, weakening the city. (Judg. 14:1-4; 16:
and circumstances may limit what you 1-3) The case of Delilah may have
can now do. Like Barzillai, be will- been different, though, because she
ing to decline privileges when physical was likely an Israelite. Delilah accept-
limitations become a problem. (2 Sam. ed a large sum of money from the Phi-
19:35, 36) Like Moses, accept help listines in return for betraying Sam-
and delegate responsibilities to oth- son. w23.09 5 ˚12-13
ers when appropriate. (Ex. 18:21, 22)
Such modesty will prevent you from Monday, February 17
setting unrealistic expectations that
The insight of a man certainly slows
could wear you out. We must also not
down his anger.—Prov. 19:11.
feel responsible for the poor decisions
that others make. We cannot make de- Insight can help us to be mild. An in-
cisions for others; nor can we always sightful person shows restraint when
shield them from the consequences of challenged about his beliefs. Some
the bad choices they make. For exam- questions or challenges are like ice-
ple, a son or a daughter may even- bergs, the greater part lying below the
tually decide to stop serving Jeho- surface. For example, a hidden mo-
vah. That decision can cause untold tive or concern may prompt a person
grief to the parents. However, parents to ask a question. So before answer-
who blame themselves for their child’s ing, we do well to realize that we may
poor decision take on a heavy burden. not know what has moved the person
It is not a weight that Jehovah expects to raise the issue. (Prov. 16:23) Con-
them to bear. w23.08 29 ˚11-12 sider how Gideon responded to the
men of Ephraim. They angrily chal-
Sunday, February 16 lenged him as to why he did not call
[Samson] fell in love with a woman them earlier to join him in the fight
. . . whose name was Delilah. against Israel’s enemies. Was there an
—Judg. 16:4. underlying reason for their conten-
tious attitude? Hurt pride, perhaps?
Samson was imperfect like us, so at
Whatever the case, Gideon wisely re-
times he made bad choices. One de-
spected their feelings and gave them
cision in particular that he made led
a mild answer. The result? Disarmed,
to tragic consequences. After Samson
“they calmed down.”—Judg. 8:1-3.
had served as judge for a while, he
w23.09 16 ˚8-9
“fell in love with a woman in the Val-
ley of Sorek whose name was Deli-
lah.” Previously, Samson had been en-
gaged to a Philistine woman, but that
union “was from Jehovah,” who “was
looking for an opportunity against the
Philistines.” Later, Samson stayed in
Tuesday, February 18 tain your joy, or to accomplish a dif-
ficult assignment. Note how Jehovah
I was the one he was especially fond of
strengthened the prophet Jonah. Jo-
day by day.—Prov. 8:30.
nah had run away from a challeng-
Jehovah and Jesus have the closest ing assignment that Jehovah had giv-
bond that can exist between a father en him. As a result, he almost lost
and a son. No doubt it greatly pained his life in a violent storm and he put
Jehovah to see his Son mistreated, re- the lives of his shipmates in jeopardy.
jected, and tested. Any parent who When he was thrown overboard, he
has lost a child in death knows all too found himself in a place he had nev-
well the intense feelings of grief that er been before—the dark belly of a
such a loss brings. We have strong great fish. What did Jonah do to re-
faith in the resurrection, but that ceive strength in that lonely, isolat-
does not erase the pain we feel when ed place? He prayed.—Jonah 2:1, 2, 7.
a loved one dies. This example helps w23.10 13 ˚4-6
us to understand how Jehovah must
Thursday, February 20
have felt when he watched his beloved
Son suffer and die on that spring day The end of all things has drawn close.
in 33 C.E. (Matt. 3:17) Between now —1 Pet. 4:7.
and the Memorial, why not do a per- Although the apostle Peter addressed
sonal study project or a Family Wor- his letters to the first-century Chris-
ship project that focuses on the ran- tians, Jehovah made these writings
som? And on the day of the Memorial, part of His Word. So we can now ben-
do not forget to watch the special efit from those letters. (Rom. 15:4) We
Morning Worship program. When we are surrounded by people who have
prepare our own heart for the Memo- no faith in Bible prophecy. Oppos-
rial, we will be in a good position to ers may mock us because we have ea-
help others benefit from it too.—Ezra gerly anticipated the end for many
7:10. w24.01 11 ˚10-12 years. Some critics claim that it will
never come. (2 Pet. 3:3, 4) If we hear
Wednesday, February 19 such comments from a householder,
He will make you strong.—1 Pet. 5:10. a workmate, or a family member, our
faith could be shaken. Peter explained
One way that we can receive power what can help us. It may seem to some
from Jehovah is by approaching him that Jehovah is slow to end the pres-
in prayer. In response to our prayers, ent wicked system. Peter’s words can
Jehovah can give us “the power be- help us to keep the right perspec-
yond what is normal.” (2 Cor. 4:7) tive, reminding us that Jehovah’s view
We can also be strengthened when of time is vastly different from that
we read his Word and reflect on it. of humans. (2 Pet. 3:8, 9) To Jeho-
(Ps. 86:11) Jehovah’s message to us in vah a thousand years are like one day.
the Bible “exerts power.” (Heb. 4:12) Jehovah is patient, not wanting any
When you pray to Jehovah and read to be destroyed. When his day arrives,
his Word, you will receive the strength though, this system will end. w23.09
you need in order to endure, to main- 26-27 ˚2-5
Friday, February 21 to many. (Mark 10:29, 30) Some have
It is necessary for us to pay more than become full-time servants. Christian
women have a tremendous impact on
the usual attention to the things we
the worldwide preaching work. (Ps.
have heard, so that we never drift
68:11) Can you plan now to enter the
away.—Heb. 2:1.
full-time ministry? You might serve as
Why did the apostle Paul write his let- a pioneer, a construction volunteer,
ter to the Hebrew Christians in Ju- or a Bethelite. Pray about your goal.
dea? Likely, for two main reasons. Talk to others who have reached such
First, to give them encouragement. a goal, and find out what you need
Most of them had been raised in the to do to qualify. Then make a realistic
Jewish religion. Their former reli- plan. Reaching your goal will open up
gious leaders may have ridiculed them many exciting opportunities for you
for becoming Christians. Why? Be- in Jehovah’s service. w23.12 22 ˚16-17
cause Christians had no impressive
temple to go to for worship, no physi- Sunday, February 23
cal altar on which to make sacrifices The good news has to be preached
to God, and no priests to minister first.—Mark 13:10.
to them. This could have discour-
As the great tribulation draws close,
aged Christ’s disciples and caused
we realize more than ever how urgent
their faith to weaken. (Heb. 3:12, 14) it is to obey the command to share
Some of them might even have been in the preaching work. We may, how-
tempted to go back to Judaism. Sec- ever, find it difficult to focus on our
ond, Paul pointed out to those He- ministry if we have suffered a finan-
brew Christians that they were not cial setback or if we are facing op-
making the effort to understand new position to our preaching work. What
or deep spiritual teachings, the “sol- can help us to put Kingdom interests
id food” found in God’s Word. (Heb. first? Remaining confident that “Jeho-
5:11-14) Evidently, some of them were vah of armies” is on our side. He will
still holding on to the Mosaic Law. support us if we continue to put King-
w23.10 24-25 ˚3-4 dom interests ahead of our own. So
we have nothing to fear. (Hag. 2:4)
Saturday, February 22
Jehovah wants us to focus on the life-
[Treat] younger women as sisters, saving work of making disciples. Hag-
with all chasteness.—1 Tim. 5:2. gai urged Jehovah’s people to make a
Some women choose not to marry. fresh start in their sacred service, as if
(Matt. 19:10-12) Be assured that Je- they were laying the temple’s founda-
hovah and Jesus do not look down on tion again. If they did, Jehovah prom-
single Christians. Around the world, ised to “send a blessing.” (Hag. 2:18,
single sisters are a positive influence 19) We too can be assured that Jeho-
on the congregation. Their love for vah will bless our efforts if we give pri-
ority to the work he has assigned us to
and sincere interest in others motivate
do. w23.11 16 ˚8; 17 ˚11
these Christian women to become
spiritual sisters and spiritual mothers
Monday, February 24 happy David will be to learn that he is
All have sinned.—Rom. 3:23. enjoying life under the Thousand Year
Reign of Jesus, a King from his own
In his letter to the Romans, the apos- family line! This account helps us to
tle Paul stated that all humans are see that even if we cannot do all that
sinners. How, then, can anyone be we had hoped to do for Jehovah, our
viewed as righteous or blameless and God may have other blessings in store
thus gain God’s approval? To help all for us that we could never have antic-
sincere Christians answer that ques- ipated. w23.04 16 ˚8-10
tion, Paul pointed to Abraham. Jeho-
vah declared Abraham righteous while Wednesday, February 26
he was dwelling in the land of Canaan. Jehovah will not forsake his people.
Why could Jehovah declare Abraham —Ps. 94:14.
righteous? Was it because Abraham
You may find that specific portions of
perfectly kept the Mosaic Law? Cer-
the Bible can be particularly comfort-
tainly not. (Rom. 4:13) That Law was
ing when you are afraid. For example,
delivered to the nation of Israel more
you may find encouragement in the
than 400 years after God declared
books of Job, Psalms, and Proverbs
Abraham righteous. Essentially, then,
as well as in Jesus’ words found in
on what basis did God declare Abra-
Matthew chapter 6. As you pray to Je-
ham righteous? In His undeserved
hovah and read his Word, you will feel
kindness, Jehovah declared Abraham
his comfort. We can have confidence
righteous because of his faith.—Rom.
that Jehovah will be there for us dur-
4:2-4. w23.12 3 ˚4-5
ing dark times in our life. We will nev-
Tuesday, February 25 er be alone. (Ps. 23:4) Jehovah prom-
ises to guard, stabilize, support, and
Do whatever is in your heart. comfort us. Regarding Jehovah, Isa-
—1 Chron. 17:2. iah 26:3 says: “You will safeguard
On the very night that the prophet those who fully lean on you; you will
Nathan spoke the above to King Da- give them continuous peace, because
vid, Jehovah told Nathan that David it is in you that they trust.” So trust
would not be the one to build the tem- in Jehovah, and take advantage of the
ple. (1 Chron. 17:3, 4, 11, 12) How means he uses to help you. If you do,
did David react when he received this you will regain strength even during
message? He focused on gathering the difficult times. w24.01 25 ˚16-17
funds and the materials that his son
Solomon would need for the project.
(1 Chron. 29:1-5) Immediately after
informing David that he would not be
the one to build the temple, Jehovah
made a covenant with him. Jehovah
promised David that one of his de-
scendants would rule forever. (2 Sam.
7:16) In the new world, imagine how
Thursday, February 27 hovah cherishes your self-sacrificing
No weapon formed against you will efforts to worship him as you care for
your family and treat them with love
have any success.—Isa. 54:17.
and respect.—Rom. 12:10. w24.02 18
The inspired words of the scripture ˚11, 13
above are being fulfilled today. The
following comforting words also ap- Saturday, March 1
ply to our time: “All your sons will be The hope does not lead to
taught by Jehovah, and the peace of disappointment.—Rom. 5:5.
your sons will be abundant. You will
be firmly established in righteousness. The new world is not yet here. Note,
. . . You will fear nothing and have however, some of the things that are
no cause for terror, for it will not here—the stars, the trees, the ani-
come near you.” (Isa. 54:13, 14) Even mals, and your fellow humans. No
“the god of this system of things,” Sa- one would doubt that all these things
tan himself, is powerless to stop the are real, even though there was a
educational work that Jehovah’s peo- time when they did not exist. They are
now here only because Jehovah creat-
ple are carrying out. (2 Cor. 4:4) Pure
ed them. (Gen. 1:1, 26, 27) Our God
worship has been restored, and it will
has also purposed to establish a new
never be corrupted again. It is here
world. He will fulfill that purpose. In
to stay, for all eternity. No weapon
the new world, people will enjoy end-
formed against us will succeed! w24.02
less life in perfect health. At God’s ap-
4 ˚10
pointed time, the new world will be-
Friday, February 28 come as real as the universe around us
today. (Isa. 65:17; Rev. 21:3, 4) In the
Whoever has greater affection for meantime, use every opportunity you
father or mother than for me is not have to strengthen your faith. Build
worthy of me.—Matt. 10:37. appreciation for the ransom. Con-
As Christians, we take our dedication template Jehovah’s power. Fill your
vow to Jehovah seriously. This af- life with spiritual activities. By do-
fects our decisions and actions re- ing so, you can be among “those who
garding family matters. We diligently through faith and patience inherit the
care for our Scriptural family respon- promises.”—Heb. 6:11, 12. w23.04 31
sibilities, but we never put the desires ˚18-19
of our family members ahead of what
Jehovah requires of us. (Matt. 10:35,
36; 1 Tim. 5:8) Sometimes, that may
mean sacrificing a measure of peace
with relatives in order to please Je-
hovah. He created the family arrange-
ment, and he wants us to have a hap-
py family. (Eph. 3:14, 15) If we want to
be truly happy, we need to do things
Jehovah’s way. Never doubt that Je-
Sunday, March 2 will accomplish his purpose by means
Did I not tell you that if you would of his Kingdom. (Dan. 2:44; Rev. 21:
3, 4) However, until that time, Je-
believe you would see the glory
hovah is permitting Satan to rule the
of God?—John 11:40.
world. (John 12:31; Rev. 12:9) If Je-
Jesus raises his eyes and prays public- hovah were to solve mankind’s prob-
ly. He wants to give Jehovah all the lems now, it could appear as if Satan’s
credit for what happens next. Then rulership were having a measure of
Jesus calls out: “Lazarus, come out!” success. So while we must wait for Je-
(John 11:43) And Lazarus walks out hovah to fulfill certain promises, this
of the tomb! Jesus has just done does not mean that he leaves us with-
what some thought would have been out help. Jehovah will come to our
impossible. This account strengthens aid. w23.05 8 ˚4; 9-10 ˚7-8
our faith in the resurrection hope.
How so? Recall Jesus’ promise to Tuesday, March 4
Martha: “Your brother will rise.” Know how you should answer each
(John 11:23) Like his Father, Jesus person.—Col. 4:6.
has the desire and the power to fulfill
How can we help others to benefit
that promise. His tears revealed that
from the Memorial? A first step, of
he has a heartfelt yearning to undo
course, is to invite them. In addition
death and the sorrow that it caus- to contacting those we meet in our
es. And the moment Lazarus walked regular ministry, we can make a list of
out of the tomb, Jesus proved that he people to invite. These could include
has the power to raise the dead. Also, our relatives, workmates, schoolmates,
think about Jesus’ reminder to Mar- and others. Even if we do not have
tha that is mentioned in today’s text. enough printed copies of the invita-
We have sound reasons for believing tion, we can share a link to the elec-
that God’s promise of a resurrection tronic version. Who knows how many
will come true. w23.04 11-12 ˚15-16 will respond! (Eccl. 11:6) Keep in mind
that those we invite may have ques-
Monday, March 3 tions—especially if they have never at-
Jehovah is near to all those calling on tended one of our meetings. We do
him, to all who call on him in truth. well to anticipate their questions and
—Ps. 145:18. prepare to answer them. Even after
they attend the Memorial, newly in-
We may need to change what we pray
terested ones may have further ques-
for as we discern Jehovah’s will more
tions. We want to do whatever we can
clearly. We must remember that Jeho-
—before, during, and after the Memo-
vah has a purpose, and he will fulfill rial—to help those “rightly disposed”
it according to his established timeta- to benefit from this observance.—Acts
ble. That purpose includes completely 13:48. w24.01 12 ˚13, 15; 13 ˚16
and permanently eliminating all prob-
lems that cause so much suffering to-
day—problems such as natural disas-
ters, sickness, and death. Jehovah
Wednesday, March 5 replied: “My clan is the least in Ma-
You are a mist that appears nasseh, and I am the most insignif-
for a little while and then icant in my father’s house.” (Judg. 6:
15) He felt unqualified for the as-
disappears.—Jas. 4:14.
signment, but Jehovah knew better.
The Bible describes eight resurrec- With Jehovah’s help, Gideon complet-
tions of people raised to life on earth. ed his assignment successfully. Elders
Why not make a careful examination do their best to display modesty and
of each account? As you do, look for humility in all things. (Acts 20:18, 19)
lessons you can learn. Think about They do not exaggerate their abilities
how each example demonstrates God’s or accomplishments; nor do they beat
desire and power to restore the dead themselves up for their flaws or fail-
to life. Above all, reflect on the most ings. w23.06 3 ˚4-5
important resurrection—that of Je-
sus. Remember that his resurrection Friday, March 7
was confirmed by hundreds of eyewit-
He will crush your head.
nesses and gives us a solid basis for
—Gen. 3:15.
our faith. (1 Cor. 15:3-6, 20-22) How
thankful we are for Jehovah’s prom- The crushing of Satan’s head is still
ise of the resurrection! We can be sure over 1,000 years away. (Rev. 20:7-10)
that this promise will come true, for Before that happens, the Bible fore-
Jehovah has the desire and the pow- tells these earthshaking events. First,
er to fulfill it. Let us be determined the nations will proclaim “peace and
to keep strengthening our faith in this security!” (1 Thess. 5:2, 3) “Instant-
precious hope. By doing so, we will ly,” the great tribulation will begin
draw ever closer to the God who, in ef- when the nations attack all false re-
fect, promises each of us, ‘Your loved ligion. (Rev. 17:16) After that, Je-
ones will rise!’—John 11:23. w23.04 8 sus will pronounce judgment on hu-
˚2; 12 ˚17; 13 ˚20 mankind, separating the sheep from
the goats. (Matt. 25:31-33, 46) Sa-
Thursday, March 6 tan, though, will not be idle. In his
Walk in modesty with your God! hatred, he will incite a coalition of na-
—Mic. 6:8. tions that the Bible calls Gog of the
land of Magog to attack Jehovah’s
Modesty and humility are closely
pure worshippers. (Ezek. 38:2, 10,
linked traits. We show that we are
11) At some point, the anointed rem-
modest by having a proper view of
nant will be gathered to heaven to
ourselves and of our limitations. We
join Christ and his heavenly forces to
show that we are humble by display-
fight the war of Armageddon, the fina-
ing lowliness of mind. (Phil. 2:3) Gen-
le of the great tribulation. (Matt. 24:
erally, a modest person is also a hum-
31; Rev. 16:14, 16) Then Christ’s Thou-
ble person. Gideon was a modest and
sand Year Reign over the earth will
humble man. When Jehovah’s angel
begin.—Rev. 20:6. w23.10 20-21 ˚9-10
told Gideon that he had been cho-
sen to deliver Israel from the pow-
erful Midianites, that humble man
Saturday, March 8 cause, as recorded at Genesis 1:28,
Your servant has feared Jehovah Jehovah had told Adam and Eve that
their offspring would fill the earth. Or
from his youth.—1 Ki. 18:12.
perhaps Satan thought that Jehovah
Today many of Jehovah’s servants live would allow Adam and Eve to produce
in lands where our work is banned. imperfect offspring who would nev-
They show the secular authorities due er be able to reach perfection. (Eccl.
respect, but like Obadiah, these pre- 7:20; Rom. 3:23) In that case, the
cious brothers and sisters give to Je- Devil would no doubt have accused
hovah what belongs to Him—exclu- Jehovah of being a failure. Why? Be-
sive devotion. (Matt. 22:21) They cause this option would not accom-
demonstrate their fear of God by plish God’s purpose, that is, to fill the
obeying him rather than men. (Acts 5: Paradise earth with perfect, obedient
29) They do this by continuing to pro- descendants of Adam and Eve. w23.11
claim the good news and by discreet- 6 ˚15-16
ly meeting together. (Matt. 10:16, 28)
They are concerned that their broth- Monday, March 10
ers and sisters get much-needed spiri- Do not go beyond the things that
tual food. Consider the example of are written.—1 Cor. 4:6.
Henri, who lives in an African land
Jehovah gives us clear direction
where our work was banned for a
through his Word and through his or-
time. During the ban, Henri volun-
ganization. We have no reason to
teered to distribute spiritual food to
add to the instruction he provides.
his fellow Witnesses. He wrote: “I am (Prov. 3:5-7) Therefore, we do not
shy by nature. . . . Jehovah . . . gave go beyond what is written in the Bi-
me the courage I needed.” Can you ble or make rules for fellow believ-
see yourself being as courageous as ers about personal matters. Satan em-
Henri was? You can be if you develop ploys “empty deception” and “the
a healthy fear of God. w23.06 16 ˚9, 11 elementary things of the world” to
mislead and divide people. (Col. 2:8)
Sunday, March 9
In the first century, these included
Through one man sin entered philosophies based on human reason-
into the world.—Rom. 5:12. ings, unscriptural Jewish teachings,
When Adam and Eve rebelled, it may and the teaching that Christians must
have seemed that Satan had thwart- observe the Mosaic Law. These were
ed God’s purpose to fill the earth with deceptions because they took people’s
perfect, obedient people. Satan might attention away from the true Source
have thought that Jehovah had very of wisdom, Jehovah. Today, Satan
few options left. One option was to uses the media and social networks to
put Adam and Eve to death and create spread conspiracy theories and false
another perfect couple to fulfill His news reports promoted by political
purpose for mankind. But if God had leaders. w23.07 16 ˚11-12
done that, the Devil would have ac-
cused Him of being a liar. Why? Be-
Tuesday, March 11 “keep abstaining . . . from blood.”
How great your works are, (Acts 15:28, 29) We steadfastly obey
this command when we make medi-
O Jehovah! How very deep
cal decisions. We also strictly ad-
your thoughts are!—Ps. 92:5.
here to Jehovah’s high moral stan-
Jehovah resolved the rebellion of Sa- dards. Using vivid figurative language,
tan and the first humans in a way the apostle Paul advises us to “dead-
that must have dumbfounded Satan. en” our body members—that is, to
Instead of proving to be a liar, Je- take strong measures in order to elim-
hovah proved to be truthful by al- inate wrong fleshly desires. We avoid
lowing Adam and Eve to have chil- looking at or doing anything that
dren. And instead of proving to be a could lead to sexual immorality.—Col.
failure, Jehovah proved to be victori- 3:5; Job 31:1. w23.07 15 ˚5-6
ous. He kept his purpose moving for-
ward by providing an “offspring” who Thursday, March 13
would save obedient descendants of He finally opened his heart to her.
Adam and Eve. (Gen. 3:15; 22:18) Sa- —Judg. 16:17.
tan must have been stunned by Jeho-
Was Samson so trusting—so blinded
vah’s ransom arrangement! Why? Be-
by his love for Delilah—that he failed
cause it is an arrangement based on
to discern what she was up to? What-
unselfish love. (Matt. 20:28; John 3:
ever the case, Delilah repeatedly pres-
16) That quality is not present in Sa- sured Samson to reveal the source of
tan’s selfish character. So, what will his strength, and he ultimately gave
take place because of the ransom ar- in to her demands. Sadly, Samson al-
rangement? By the end of the Millen- lowed himself to get into a situation
nium, perfect, obedient descendants that led to the loss of his strength
of Adam and Eve will inhabit a para- and the loss of Jehovah’s approval
dise earth—just as Jehovah originally for a time. (Judg. 16:16-20) Samson
purposed. w23.11 6 ˚17 experienced painful consequences be-
cause of trusting Delilah rather than
Wednesday, March 12
Jehovah. The Philistines captured and
God will judge.—Heb. 13:4. blinded Samson. He was imprisoned
We uphold Jehovah’s law regarding in Gaza, and he became a lowly grind-
the sanctity of life and blood. Why? er of grain. Then he was humiliat-
Because Jehovah says that blood rep- ed when the Philistines gathered for a
resents life, a precious gift from him. celebration. They offered a great sac-
(Lev. 17:14) When Jehovah first al- rifice to their false god Dagon, as if
lowed humans to eat the flesh of ani- he had given Samson into their hands.
mals, he directed them not to eat They brought Samson from prison to
the blood. (Gen. 9:4) He repeated the party to provide “some amuse-
this command when he gave the Mo- ment”—to make fun of him.—Judg.
saic Law to Israel. (Lev. 17:10) And 16:21-25. w23.09 5-6 ˚13-14
he directed the first-century govern-
ing body to decree that all Christians
Friday, March 14 ing healthful food, welcoming back
Take into consideration what is fine loved ones as they are resurrected,
and teaching people who lived centu-
from the viewpoint of all men.
ries ago about the fulfillment of Bible
—Rom. 12:17.
prophecies. Such meditation will help
Perhaps a coworker or a schoolmate to keep you in expectation and pro-
questions our Christian stand on cer- tect you against becoming indifferent
tain moral issues. We will do our best to the times we live in. By “having this
to defend our convictions while re- advance knowledge” of our future, we
specting our listener’s view. (1 Pet. 3: will “not be led astray” by false teach-
15) It is often helpful to view the ques- ers. w23.09 27 ˚5-6
tion as a way to learn what he cares
about rather than as an attack or a Sunday, March 16
challenge. Regardless of the reason Be obedient to your parents in union
why someone has raised an issue, we with the Lord, for this is righteous.
do well to respond in a gentle, kind —Eph. 6:1.
way. Our answer may then move him
Young people are surrounded by
to reconsider his viewpoint. If a work-
peers who tend to be “disobedient
mate asks, for example, why we do not
to parents.” (2 Tim. 3:1, 2) Why do
celebrate birthdays, consider: Could
many of them disobey? Some feel that
he be wondering whether we are al-
their parents are hypocritical. The
lowed to have a good time? We may
children are expected to do what the
be able to ease our workmate’s con-
parents themselves fail to do. Oth-
cerns by expressing how much we ap-
ers view their parents’ advice as out-
preciate his interest in fellow workers.
dated, impractical, or overly strict.
That might open the way to a relaxed
If you are a young person, do you
conversation about what the Bible in-
ever feel that way? Many find it dif-
dicates regarding the subject of birth-
ficult to apply Jehovah’s command
days. w23.09 17 ˚10-11 found in today’s text. What can help
Saturday, March 15 you to do so? You can learn obedi-
ence from the best example—Jesus.
Be on your guard so that you may not (1 Pet. 2:21-24) He was a perfect hu-
be led astray with them by the error of man with imperfect parents. But Je-
the lawless people and fall from your sus honored his parents even when
own steadfastness.—2 Pet. 3:17. they made mistakes and misunder-
What a privilege we have to use the stood him at times.—Ex. 20:12. w23.10
time that remains to give a witness to 7 ˚4-5
people of all nations. The apostle Pe-
ter urges us to “keep close in
mind” Jehovah’s day. (2 Pet. 3:11, 12)
How? We do well to meditate—every
day, if possible—on the blessings of
the new world. Visualize yourself tak-
ing a breath of really clean air, eat-
Monday, March 17 Anglo-American World Power. God’s
The former commandment is set aside people who live under the rule of
“the king of the north” are endur-
because it is weak and ineffective.
ing direct persecution by this king.
—Heb. 7:18.
Some Witnesses have been beaten and
The apostle Paul explained that the thrown into prison for their faith.
sacrifices the Law required could not Rather than intimidate our brothers,
fully remove sin. For that reason, the the actions of “the king of the north”
Law had been “set aside.” So Paul build their faith. Why? Because our
went on to teach some deeper truths. brothers know that the persecution of
He reminded his fellow Christians of God’s people fulfills prophetic state-
“a better hope” based on Jesus’ sac- ments made by Daniel. (Dan. 11:41)
rifice that could truly help them draw Our knowing that can help us to keep
“near to God.” (Heb. 7:19) Paul ex- our hope strong and our integrity in-
plained to his Hebrew brothers why tact. w23.08 11 ˚15-16
their Christian worship was far su-
perior to the worship they of- Wednesday, March 19
fered in the past. The features of the Whoever touches you touches the
Jewish religion were only “a shadow pupil of my eye.—Zech. 2:8.
of the things to come, but the reali-
Because he loves us, Jehovah is sen-
ty belongs to the Christ.” (Col. 2:17)
sitive to our feelings and is eager to
The shadow that an object casts is
protect us. He feels hurt when we are
only a general shape of the real thing
hurt. As a result, we can rightly pray:
that casts the shadow. So, too, the an-
“Guard me like the pupil of your eye.”
cient Jewish pattern of worship was
(Ps. 17:8) The eye is a sensitive and
just a shadow of the reality that was precious part of the body. So when
to come. We need to understand the Jehovah compares us to the pupil of
arrangement Jehovah has put in place his eye, it is as if he were saying,
for us to have our sins forgiven so ‘Anyone who harms you, my people,
that we can offer acceptable worship. harms what is precious to me.’ Jeho-
w23.10 25 ˚4-5 vah wants us to be convinced that he
Tuesday, March 18 loves us personally. But he knows that
because of past experiences, we may
In the time of the end the king of wonder whether he could love us. Or
the south will engage with him in a we may be facing situations right now
pushing, and against him the king that test our confidence in Jehovah’s
of the north will storm.—Dan. 11:40. love. What will strengthen our con-
Daniel chapter 11 speaks of two kings, fidence? Learning how Jehovah ex-
or political powers, who struggle with presses his love toward Jesus, the
each other for world domination. By anointed, and all of us. w24.01 27 ˚6-7
comparing this prophecy with others
in the Bible, we can identify “the king
of the north” as Russia and its allies
and “the king of the south” as the
Thursday, March 20 our reach. It means that we can devel-
The hand of our God was over us, op faith in God and in Christ, which
can actually lead to divine approval.
and he rescued us from the hand
On the other hand, the “works” dis-
of the enemy.—Ezra 8:31.
cussed in James chapter 2 are not
Ezra had seen how Jehovah support- the “works of law” mentioned by Paul.
ed His people in times of test. Years James is referring to the works, or ac-
earlier, in 484 B.C.E., Ezra was like- tivities, that Christians do in their dai-
ly living in Babylon when King Ahas- ly life. (Jas. 2:24) Such works indicate
uerus issued a decree to exterminate whether a Christian has genuine faith
the Jews throughout the Persian Em- in God or not. w23.12 3 ˚8; 4-5 ˚10-11
pire. (Esther 3:7, 13-15) Ezra’s life was
in danger! In response to this threat, Saturday, March 22
the Jews “in every province” fasted A husband is head of his wife.
and mourned, no doubt turning to Je- —Eph. 5:23.
hovah in prayer for guidance. (Esther
Sisters who are considering marriage
4:3) Imagine how Ezra and his fellow
should choose their mate very care-
Jews felt when the tables were turned
fully. Remember, you will come under
on those who had plotted to destroy
the headship of the man you marry.
the Jews! (Esther 9:1, 2) What Ezra
(Rom. 7:2; Eph. 5:33) So ask yourself:
experienced during those challenging
‘Is he a mature Christian? Is he put-
times may have prepared him for fu-
ting spiritual interests first in his life?
ture tests and very likely strengthened Does he make wise decisions? Can
his confidence in Jehovah’s ability to he admit his mistakes? Does he re-
protect His people. w23.11 17 ˚12-13 spect women? Does he have the skills
Friday, March 21 needed to support me spiritually, ma-
terially, and emotionally?’ Of course,
God counts righteousness apart if you want to find a good prospective
from works.—Rom. 4:6. husband, you will need to be a good
The apostle Paul was primarily refer- prospective wife. A good wife is “a
ring to “works of law,” the law of helper” for her husband and “a com-
Moses, given at Mount Sinai. (Rom. plement” of him. (Gen. 2:18) And be-
3:21, 28) It seems that in Paul’s day cause she loves Jehovah, she works
some Jewish Christians were having to enhance her husband’s reputation.
a hard time accepting that the Mosa- (Prov. 31:11, 12; 1 Tim. 3:11) You can
ic Law and the works required by that prepare for this role by deepening
Law had been done away with. Con- your love for Jehovah and by being
sequently, Paul pointed to Abraham’s a helper to others at home and in the
example to prove that a righteous congregation. w23.12 22-23 ˚18-19
standing with God does not result
from “works of law.” It comes from
faith. That is encouraging because
knowing this gives us confidence that
a good standing with God is within
Sunday, March 23 the Memorial of his death each year?
If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, When we do, we benefit ourselves and
others in many ways. (Isa. 48:17, 18)
let him keep asking God.—Jas. 1:5.
We grow in our love for Jehovah and
Jehovah promises to give us the wis- Jesus. We show how much we ap-
dom we need to make good deci- preciate what they have done for us.
sions. We especially need godly wis- We strengthen our bonds with our fel-
dom when making decisions that will low believers. And we may help oth-
affect the rest of our life. He also ers learn how they too can enjoy the
gives us the power to endure. Just blessings that the ransom makes pos-
as he did for the apostle Paul, Jeho- sible. Let us do all we can, then, to
vah will give us the power we need be ready for this year’s Memorial
to endure our trials. (Phil. 4:13) One —the most important day of the year!
means that he uses is our spiritual w24.01 14 ˚18-19
family. The night before Jesus sacri-
ficed his life, he prayed earnestly. He Tuesday, March 25
begged Jehovah to spare him the re- I, Jehovah, am . . . the One
proach of being considered a blas- guiding you.—Isa. 48:17.
phemer. Instead of doing that, Je-
How does Jehovah guide us? Primari-
hovah helped Jesus by sending one
ly, by means of his written Word,
of his angelic brothers to strengthen
the Bible. However, he also uses hu-
him. (Luke 22:42, 43) Jehovah may
man representatives. For example, he
also help us by means of an encour-
uses “the faithful and discreet slave”
aging call or visit from one of our
to provide spiritual food that helps
brothers or sisters. All of us can look us make wise decisions. (Matt. 24:45)
for opportunities to offer “a good Jehovah also uses other capable men
word” to fellow believers.—Prov. 12: to guide us. For example, circuit over-
25. w23.05 10-11 ˚9-11 seers and congregation elders provide
Monday, March 24 encouragement and instruction that
can help us get through difficult times.
Keep encouraging one another How grateful we are for reliable guid-
and building one another up. ance during these critical last days! It
—1 Thess. 5:11. helps us maintain Jehovah’s approval
Inactive ones who attend the Memo- and keeps us on the road to life.
rial may have been afraid that they Even so, we might occasionally find it
would not be well-received. So avoid a challenge to follow Jehovah’s guid-
putting them on the spot by asking ance, especially when it is conveyed
embarrassing questions or by mak- by imperfect men. At such times, we
ing comments that could be hurtful. especially need confidence that Jeho-
These brothers and sisters are our fel- vah is the one leading his people and
low believers. We are happy to wor- that following his guidance results in
ship with them once again! (Ps. 119: blessings. w24.02 20 ˚2-3
176; Acts 20:35) Is it any wonder
that Jesus arranged for us to observe
Wednesday, March 26 thousands, hundreds, fifties, and even
Love, not in word or with the tongue, tens. (Deut. 1:15) God’s people were
well cared for. We find a similar exam-
but in deed and truth.—1 John 3:18.
ple in Elijah. He had been taking the
We can grow in our love for God by lead in pure worship among the Isra-
diligently studying his Word. As you elites for decades. But the time came
read the Bible, try to discern what when Jehovah transferred him to a
each passage reveals about Jehovah. different assignment, down south in
Ask yourself: ‘How does this account Judah. (2 Ki. 2:1; 2 Chron. 21:12)
show that Jehovah loves me? What Were faithful people in the ten-tribe
reasons does it give me to love Jeho- kingdom of Israel abandoned? No. Eli-
vah?’ Another way we can grow in our jah had been training Elisha for years.
love for Jehovah is by regularly open- Jehovah’s purpose kept advancing,
ing our heart to him in prayer. (Ps. 25: and he cared for his faithful worship-
4, 5) Jehovah, in turn, will answer our pers. w24.02 5 ˚12
prayers. (1 John 3:21, 22) We should
also grow in our love for others. Some Friday, March 28
years after his conversion, the apos- Go on walking as children of light.
tle Paul met a fine young man named —Eph. 5:8.
Timothy. Timothy loved Jehovah, and
The Ephesian Christians had embraced
he loved people. Paul told the Philip- the light of Scriptural truth. (Ps. 119:
pians: “I have no one else of a dis- 105) These Ephesians had abandoned
position like [Timothy’s] who will gen- their false religious practices and im-
uinely care for your concerns.” (Phil. moral conduct. They had “become im-
2:20) Paul was obviously impressed itators of God” and were doing their
by Timothy’s love for the brothers best to worship Jehovah and to please
and sisters. No doubt the congrega- him. (Eph. 5:1) In a similar way, before
tions that Timothy served looked for- we learned the truth, we were in reli-
ward to his visits.—1 Cor. 4:17. w23.07 gious and moral darkness. Some of us
9 ˚7-10 celebrated false religious holidays; oth-
ers of us pursued an immoral life-
Thursday, March 27 style. But once we learned about Jeho-
I will never abandon you.—Heb. 13:5. vah’s standards of right and wrong, we
made changes. We began to bring our
Before Israel entered the Promised
life into harmony with his righteous re-
Land, Moses died. Without that faith-
quirements. And as a result, we have
ful man, were God’s people left in the
enjoyed many benefits. (Isa. 48:17)
lurch? No. As long as they were faith-
Now, though, we face ongoing chal-
ful, Jehovah provided for them. Be-
lenges. We need to stay away from the
fore Moses died, Jehovah told him to darkness that we left behind and “go
commission Joshua to lead the peo- on walking as children of light.” w24.03
ple. Moses had been training Joshua 21 ˚6-7
for decades. (Ex. 33:11; Deut. 34:9) In
addition, there were many other capa-
ble men taking the lead—chiefs of
Saturday, March 29 deciding, especially if the decision will
To the extent we have made progress, affect her. (1 Cor. 13:4, 5) On anoth-
let us go on walking orderly in this er occasion, Abraham decided to ex-
same course.—Phil. 3:16. tend hospitality to unexpected visi-
tors. He asked Sarah to drop what she
You may feel that you are not ready was doing and prepare a large quanti-
for dedication and baptism. Perhaps ty of bread. (Gen. 18:6) Sarah act-
you still need to make changes in ed quickly and supported Abraham’s
your life to conform to Jehovah’s decision. Wives, you can imitate Sa-
standards, or perhaps you need more rah by supporting your husband’s de-
time to strengthen your faith. (Col. 2: cisions. When you do, you strengthen
6, 7) Not all students progress at the your marriage.—1 Pet. 3:5, 6. w23.05
same pace, and not all young ones 24-25 ˚16-17
are ready for dedication and baptism
at the same age. Try to evaluate your Monday, March 31
spiritual progress according to what
The wisdom from above is . . .
you are able to do and not in compar-
ready to obey.—Jas. 3:17.
ison with someone else. (Gal. 6:4, 5)
Even if you realize that you are not After Gideon was appointed as judge,
yet ready to dedicate yourself to Je- his obedience and courage were test-
hovah, keep that step before you as ed. He was given the dangerous as-
a goal. Pray for Jehovah’s blessing on signment to destroy his father’s Baal
your efforts to make whatever chang- altar. (Judg. 6:25, 26) Later, after
es are necessary. (Phil. 2:13) You gathering an army, Gideon was twice
can be certain that he will hear your directed to reduce its size. (Judg. 7:
prayer and respond.—1 John 5:14. 2-7) Finally, he was told to attack
w24.03 5 ˚9-10 the enemy camp in the dead of night.
(Judg. 7:9-11) Elders should be “ready
Sunday, March 30 to obey.” An obedient elder readily
Husbands, . . . continue dwelling with submits to what the Scriptures say and
to direction from God’s organization.
[your wives] according to knowledge.
He thus sets a good example for oth-
—1 Pet. 3:7.
ers. Still, his obedience may be tested.
On one occasion, Sarah was dis- He may, for instance, find it hard to
tressed, and she vented her feelings keep up with the direction he receives.
to Abraham, even blaming him. Abra- In some cases, he may wonder wheth-
ham knew that Sarah was a submis- er certain direction is really practical
sive and supportive wife. He listened or wise. Or he may be asked to take
to her and tried to resolve the issue. on an assignment that could put his
(Gen. 16:5, 6) What can we learn? freedom at risk. How can elders imi-
Husbands, you have the authority tate Gideon’s obedience in such sit-
to make decisions for your family. uations? Listen carefully to direction
(1 Cor. 11:3) Yet, the loving thing to and apply it. w23.06 4-5 ˚9-11
do would be to listen attentively and
consider your wife’s opinion before
Tuesday, April 1 the number of times we can pray
What have you done to me? . . . Why to him. Jesus understood that Jeho-
vah values prayer. Long before com-
have you tricked me?—Gen. 29:25.
ing to earth, he saw his Father answer
Servants of Jehovah in Bible times the prayers of faithful men and wom-
faced challenges that they did not ex- en. For example, Jesus was at his Fa-
pect. Consider Jacob. He was com- ther’s side when He answered the sin-
manded by his father to take a wife cere prayers of Hannah, David, and
from the daughters of Laban, a be- Elijah, to name a few. (1 Sam. 1:10,
lieving relative, and was assured that 11, 20; 1 Ki. 19:4-6; Ps. 32:5) No won-
Jehovah would bless him richly. (Gen. der Jesus taught his disciples to pray
28:1-4) So Jacob did the right thing. often and with confidence!—Matt. 7:7-
He left the land of Canaan and jour- 11. w23.05 2 ˚1, 3
neyed to the home of Laban, who had
two daughters—Leah and Rachel. Ja- Thursday, April 3
cob fell in love with Laban’s youn- Trembling at men is a snare, but
ger daughter, Rachel, and agreed to the one trusting in Jehovah will
work seven years for her father before be protected.—Prov. 29:25.
marrying her. (Gen. 29:18) But mat-
High Priest Jehoiada feared Jeho-
ters did not turn out as Jacob had
vah. This was evident when Jeze-
hoped. Laban tricked him into mar-
bel’s daughter, Athaliah, usurped the
rying his older daughter, Leah. La-
throne in Judah. She was ruthless
ban allowed Jacob to marry Rachel a
and so greedy for power that she
week later, but only if he worked sev-
tried to murder the entire royal line
en more years. (Gen. 29:26, 27) La-
—her own grandsons! (2 Chron. 22:
ban was also unfair in his business
10, 11) One of those children—Je-
dealings with Jacob. In all, Laban ex- hoash—survived because Jehoiada’s
ploited Jacob for 20 years!—Gen. 31: wife, Jehoshabeath, rescued him. She
41, 42. w23.04 15 ˚5 and her husband hid the child and
Wednesday, April 2 took care of him. In this way Je-
hoiada and Jehoshabeath helped pre-
Pour out your hearts before him. serve the Davidic line of kings. Jehoi-
—Ps. 62:8. ada was loyal to Jehovah and did not
Whom can we turn to when we need tremble in fear of Athaliah. When Je-
comfort and guidance? We know the hoash was seven years old, Jehoiada
answer to that question. We can ap- again proved his loyalty to Jehovah.
proach Jehovah God in prayer. Je- He formed a plan. If it succeeded,
hovah invites us to do just that. He Jehoash would become king, David’s
wants us to pray often—to “pray con- rightful heir. If the plan failed, how-
stantly.” (1 Thess. 5:17) We can free- ever, Jehoiada would almost certainly
ly approach him in prayer and seek lose his life. With Jehovah’s blessing,
his guidance in all aspects of our the plan succeeded. w23.06 17 ˚12-13
life. (Prov. 3:5, 6) Being the generous
God he is, Jehovah places no limit on
Friday, April 4 godly woman. Her modesty protect-
Know that the Most High is Ruler ed her from acting presumptuously.
She listened to the advice of her old-
in the kingdom of mankind and
er cousin Mordecai and followed it.
that he grants it to whomever
(Esther 2:10, 20, 22) You can demon-
he wants.—Dan. 4:25.
strate similar modesty by seeking out
King Nebuchadnezzar could easily and applying good advice. (Titus 2:
have viewed that message as sedi- 3-5) Esther showed modesty in anoth-
tious and could have put Daniel to er way. She was “beautifully formed
death. But Daniel showed courage and attractive in appearance”; yet,
and delivered it anyway. What may she did not draw undue attention to
have helped Daniel to be courageous herself.—Esther 2:7, 15. w23.12 19-20
throughout his life? While young, ˚6-8
Daniel surely learned from the exam-
ple of his mother and father. (Deut. Sunday, April 6
6:6-9) Daniel knew not only the ba- God is greater than our hearts and
sics of the Law, such as the Ten Com- knows all things.—1 John 3:20.
mandments, but also the details re-
Excessive guilt is a weight we were
garding what an Israelite could and
never meant to carry. If we confessed
could not eat. (Lev. 11:4-8; Dan. 1:8,
our sin, repented, and are taking steps
11-13) Daniel also learned the history to avoid repeating our sin, we can
of God’s people and knew what hap- trust that Jehovah has forgiven us.
pened to them when they failed to live (Acts 3:19) After we have taken those
by Jehovah’s standards. (Dan. 9:10, steps, Jehovah does not want us to
11) Experiences throughout Daniel’s continue to feel guilty. He knows how
life made him confident that Jehovah damaging persistent guilt can be. (Ps.
and His powerful angels were support- 31:10) If we become overwhelmed
ing him.—Dan. 2:19-24; 10:12, 18, 19. with sadness, we might give up in
w23.08 3 ˚5-6 our race for life. (2 Cor. 2:7) When
plagued with excessive guilt, focus on
Saturday, April 5
the “true forgiveness” that God pro-
Wisdom is with the modest ones. vides. (Ps. 130:4) When he forgives
—Prov. 11:2. those who sincerely repent, he prom-
Rebekah was an intelligent and deci- ises: “I will no longer remember their
sive woman who took the initiative in sin.” (Jer. 31:34) This means that Je-
appropriate ways throughout her life. hovah will not thereafter hold your
(Gen. 24:58; 27:5-17) Yet, she was re- past sins against you. Do not pun-
spectful and submissive. (Gen. 24:17, ish yourself because your past mis-
18, 65) If you humbly support Jeho- takes may limit what you can now do
vah’s arrangements, as Rebekah did, in his service. Jehovah does not keep
you will be a positive influence on thinking about your sins, and neither
your family and on the congregation. should you. w23.08 30-31 ˚14-15
Modesty is a quality that all mature
Christians need. Esther was a modest,
Monday, April 7 And many interested people are mo-
Be steadfast, immovable. tivated to start on the road to life by
what they see and hear. Think, too, of
—1 Cor. 15:58.
how the Memorial unites our global
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Je- brotherhood. No wonder the Memo-
hovah’s Witnesses who listened to the rial holds such a special place in our
guidance given by our organization heart! w24.01 8 ˚1-3
avoided the undue anxieties experi- Memorial Bible reading:
enced by those who listened to mis- (Daytime events: Nisan 9)
leading information. (Matt. 24:45) We Luke 19:29-44
must not lose sight of “the more im-
portant things.” (Phil. 1:9, 10) Dis- Wednesday, April 9
tractions can take an excessive God loved the world so much that he
amount of our time and attention gave his only-begotten Son, so that
away from more beneficial pursuits. everyone exercising faith in him might
Ordinary features of life—such as eat- not be destroyed but have everlasting
ing, drinking, recreation, and secular life.—John 3:16.
work—could become distractions if
The more we meditate on the price
we allow them to become the focus of
Jehovah and Jesus paid, the more we
our life. (Luke 21:34, 35) In addition,
can understand how much they love
every day we are bombarded with
every one of us. (Gal. 2:20) The ran-
news reports about social disputes
som is a gift of love. Jehovah has
and political issues. We cannot af-
proved his love for us by sacrificing
ford to be distracted by these debates.
what was most precious to him—Je-
Otherwise, we may begin to take sides
sus. Jehovah allowed his Son to suffer
in our mind and heart. Satan uses var-
and die in our behalf. Jehovah does
ious methods with the goal of weak- not keep his feelings to himself, but he
ening our determination to do what is warmly expresses his love. (Jer. 31:3)
right. w23.07 16-17 ˚12-13 Jehovah has drawn us to him because
Tuesday, April 8 he loves us. (Compare Deuteronomy
7:7, 8.) Nothing and no one can sepa-
Keep doing this in remembrance rate us from that love. (Rom. 8:38,
of me.—Luke 22:19. 39) How does this love make you feel?
For Jehovah’s people, the Memorial w24.01 28 ˚10-11
of Christ’s death is the most impor- Memorial Bible reading:
tant day of the year. It is the only (Daytime events: Nisan 10)
event that Jesus specifically com- Luke 19:45-48; Matthew 21:18, 19;
21:12, 13
manded his followers to observe.
(Luke 22:19, 20) It reminds us of
ways we can show appreciation for Je-
sus’ sacrifice. (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) It also
gives us an opportunity to enjoy “an
interchange of encouragement” with
our brothers and sisters. (Rom. 1:12)
Thursday, April 10 20:28) Hence, at his baptism, Jesus
On the basis of hope . . . , presented himself to do what Jehovah
creation . . . will . . . be set wanted. (John 6:38; Gal. 1:4) Jesus’
life was offered “once for all time” to
free.—Rom. 8:20, 21.
atone for, or cover permanently, the
Anointed Christians cherish their heav- sins of everyone who exercises faith in
enly hope. One of them, Brother Fred- Christ.—Heb. 10:5-7, 10. w23.10 26-27
erick Franz, said from his heart: “Our ˚10-11
hope is a sure thing, and it will be Memorial Bible reading:
fulfilled fully to every last one of the (Daytime events: Nisan 12)
144,000 members of the little flock Luke 22:1-6; Mark 14:1, 2, 10, 11
to a degree beyond what we have even
imagined.” In 1991 Brother Franz af- MEMORIAL DATE
firmed: “[We] have not lost our sense After Sundown
of value of that hope. . . . We are ap- Saturday, April 12
preciating it all the more the longer
The gift God gives is everlasting life by
we have to wait for it. It is something
worth waiting for . . . I evaluate our
Christ Jesus our Lord.—Rom. 6:23.
hope more highly than ever before.” On our own, we could never redeem
Whether we expect to enjoy everlast- ourselves from sin and death. (Ps. 49:
ing life in heaven or on earth, we have 7, 8) So at great cost to himself and
a glorious hope that gives us reason to to his dear Son, Jehovah arranged for
rejoice. And our joyful hope can grow Jesus to give his life in our behalf.
even stronger. w23.12 9 ˚6; 10 ˚8 The more we meditate on what Je-
Memorial Bible reading: hovah and Jesus sacrificed for us, the
(Daytime events: Nisan 11) more we will appreciate the ransom.
Luke 20:1-47 When Adam sinned, he forfeited the
prospect of everlasting life not only
Friday, April 11 for himself but also for all his chil-
It is not possible for the blood of bulls dren. In order to buy back what Adam
and of goats to take sins away. lost, Jesus offered his own perfect life
—Heb. 10:4. as a sacrifice. During his entire life on
Outside the entrance of the ancient earth, Jesus “committed no sin, nor
tabernacle was a copper altar on was deception found in his mouth.”
which animal sacrifices were offered (1 Pet. 2:22) At the time of his death,
to Jehovah. (Ex. 27:1, 2; 40:29) How- Jesus’ perfect life corresponded ex-
ever, those sacrifices could not pro- actly to the life Adam lost.—1 Cor. 15:
vide complete forgiveness of sins for 45; 1 Tim. 2:6. w24.01 10 ˚5-6
the people. (Heb. 10:1-3) The contin- Memorial Bible reading:
(Daytime events: Nisan 13)
ual sacrifices of animals at the taber-
Luke 22:7-13; Mark 14:12-16
nacle pointed to the one sacrifice that
(Events after sunset: Nisan 14)
would fully redeem humankind. Jesus Luke 22:14-65
knew that Jehovah had sent him to
the earth to offer his human life as a
ransom sacrifice for mankind. (Matt.
Sunday, April 13 be zealous in our service and wor-
He entered into the holy place, not ship. (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) One of the best
ways to show our appreciation is to
with the blood of goats and of young
help others become Witnesses of Je-
bulls, but with his own blood, once for
hovah and disciples of Jesus. (Matt.
all time, and obtained an everlasting
28:19, 20) This is what the apostle
deliverance for us.—Heb. 9:12. Paul did. He knew that Jehovah’s will
After Jesus was resurrected, he en- is that “all sorts of people should be
tered the Most Holy of the spiritu- saved and come to an accurate knowl-
al temple. Here we can clearly see the edge of truth.”—1 Tim. 2:3, 4. w23.10
superiority of Jehovah’s arrangement 22-23 ˚13-14
for pure worship based on the ransom Memorial Bible reading:
sacrifice and the priesthood of Jesus (Daytime events: Nisan 15)
Christ. The high priest in Israel en- Matthew 27:62-66
tered a man-made Most Holy with the
Tuesday, April 15
blood of animal sacrifices, but Jesus
entered “into heaven itself,” the holi- Death will be no more, neither will
est place of all, to appear before Je- mourning nor outcry nor pain be
hovah. There he presented the value anymore.—Rev. 21:4.
of his perfect human life in our be- Many of us use this heartwarming Bi-
half “to do away with sin through ble passage about life in Paradise
the sacrifice of himself.” (Heb. 9:24- when preaching to others. How can
26) Whether our hope is heavenly or we assure others—and ourselves—that
earthly, we all can worship Jehovah in the blessings described at Revelation
his spiritual temple. w23.10 28 ˚13-14 21:3, 4 will come true? Jehovah not
Memorial Bible reading: only made this heartwarming promise
(Daytime events: Nisan 14) but also provided convincing reasons
Luke 22:66-71 why we can put our trust in it. We find
reasons to trust in Jehovah’s promise
Monday, April 14
of Paradise in the verses that follow.
Let us, then, approach the throne of There we read: “The One seated on
undeserved kindness with freeness the throne said: ‘Look! I am making
of speech.—Heb. 4:16. all things new.’ Also he says: ‘Write,
Think about Jesus’ role in the heavens for these words are faithful and true.’
as our reigning King and sympathetic And he said to me: ‘They have come
High Priest. Through him we can ap- to pass! I am the Alpha and the Ome-
proach God’s “throne of undeserved ga, the beginning and the end.’ ”—Rev.
kindness” in prayer and ask for mer- 21:5, 6a. w23.11 3 ˚3-5
cy and help “at the right time.” (Heb. Memorial Bible reading:
(Daytime events: Nisan 16)
4:14, 15) May we never let a day pass
Luke 24:1-12
without reflecting on what Jehovah
and Jesus have done and are doing
for us. Their love for us should touch
our heart deeply and compel us to
Wednesday, April 16 their loyalty to God’s Kingdom. For
Keep on urging the younger men instance, during election campaigns,
a Christian might feel tempted to sup-
to be sound in mind.—Titus 2:6.
port one political party or candidate
A young man shows that he has devel- over another. He may not go so far as
oped sound thinking ability by making to vote; but in his mind and heart, he
good choices in dress and grooming. takes sides. How important it is that
Often, fashion trends are designed we remain politically neutral not only
and promoted by people who have no in our actions but also in our thoughts
regard for Jehovah or who lead im- and feelings!—John 15:18, 19. w23.08
moral lives. Their immoral thinking is 12 ˚17
reflected in clothing styles that are
tight-fitting or tend to make men look Friday, April 18
like women. When choosing what to May Jehovah be praised, who daily
wear, a young man who is growing to carries our load.—Ps. 68:19.
Christian maturity will be guided by
As we run our race for life, we must
Bible principles and by good examples
“run in such a way that [we] may
in the congregation. He can ask him-
win it.” (1 Cor. 9:24) Jesus said that
self: ‘Do my choices show that I am
we could “become weighed down with
sound in mind and considerate of oth-
overeating and heavy drinking and
ers? Does the way I dress make it easy
anxieties of life.” (Luke 21:34) These
for others to believe that I am devot-
and other scriptures can help you to
ed to serving God?’ (1 Cor. 10:31-33)
identify adjustments you might need
A young man with thinking ability will
to make as you run your race for life.
gain the respect of not only his broth-
We can be sure that we will win the
ers and sisters but also his heavenly
race for life because Jehovah will give
Father. w23.12 26 ˚7 us the strength we need. (Isa. 40:29-
Thursday, April 17 31) Therefore, do not slow down! Imi-
tate the apostle Paul, who put his
My Kingdom is no part of this world. all into acquiring the prize set be-
If my Kingdom were part of this world, fore him. (Phil. 3:13, 14) No one can
my attendants would have fought. run this race for you, but with Je-
—John 18:36. hovah’s help you can succeed. Jeho-
In the past, “the king of the south” vah can help you carry your loads and
has made direct attacks on Jehovah’s throw off unnecessary weights. With
people. (Dan. 11:40) During the first Jehovah on your side, you will be able
half of the 20th century, for example, to run your race with endurance and
many brothers were imprisoned be- win! w23.08 31 ˚16-17
cause of their Christian neutrality and
some Witness children were expelled
from school for the same reason. In
recent decades, though, Jehovah’s
servants living in the realm of that
king have faced more subtle tests of
Saturday, April 19 light the Bible’s beneficial moral stan-
Honor your father and your mother. dards. When confronted by someone
—Ex. 20:12. who has strong views, we should not
quickly assume that we know what he
When Jesus was 12 years old, his believes. For example, what if your
parents left him behind in Jerusa- schoolmate says that it is ridiculous
lem. (Luke 2:46-52) It was ultimate- to believe in God? Should you assume
ly Joseph and Mary’s responsibility to that he strongly believes in evolu-
make sure that all their children were tion and knows a lot about it? Actual-
among the group who were travel- ly, he may not have given the sub-
ing home after the festival. When ject much thought. Perhaps you could
Joseph and Mary finally found Je- direct him to material about creation
sus, Mary blamed him for the trou- found on jw.org. He might later be
ble he had caused them! Jesus could willing to discuss an article or a video
have pointed out how unjust this was. found there. Yes, a respectful re-
Instead, he gave his parents a sim- sponse may move him to reconsider
ple and respectful reply. Joseph and his view. w23.09 17 ˚12-13
Mary, however, “did not understand
what he was saying to them.” Still, Monday, April 21
Jesus “continued subject to them.” You, O Jehovah, are good and ready
Young ones, do you ever find it hard to forgive; you abound in loyal love
to obey your parents when they make for all those who call on you.
mistakes or when they misunderstand —Ps. 86:5.
you? What can help? Think about how
Jehovah feels. The Bible says that We can be confident that Jehovah will
when you obey your parents, “this is use us and bless us even if we have
well-pleasing to the Lord.” (Col. 3:20) made mistakes, provided that we do
Jehovah knows when your parents do all we can to correct our ways and
not fully understand you or when they continue to rely on him. (Prov. 28:
make rules that are less than perfect. 13) Samson was not perfect; yet, he
But when you choose to obey them did not give up in his efforts to serve
anyway, you make him happy. w23.10 Jehovah, even after his mistake with
7 ˚5-6 Delilah. And Jehovah did not give up
on him. God once again used Samson
Sunday, April 20 in a mighty way. Jehovah still con-
sidered him to be a man of outstand-
Be reasonable, displaying all mildness
ing faith, including him in the list of
toward all men.—Titus 3:2.
faithful ones found in Hebrews chap-
A schoolmate might assert that Jeho- ter 11. How encouraging it is to know
vah’s Witnesses should change their that we serve such a loving heaven-
view of homosexuality. We may need ly Father who yearns to strengthen us,
to assure him that we respectfully rec- especially when we are weak! So like
ognize that each person has the right Samson, let us beg Jehovah: “Remem-
to make his own choices. (1 Pet. 2: ber me, please, and strengthen me.”
17) We might then be able to high- —Judg. 16:28. w23.09 7 ˚18-19
Tuesday, April 22 tics is to confuse people so that they
Keep close in mind the presence of are unable to discern what is right and
what is wrong. (Isa. 5:20; 2 Cor. 4:4)
the day of Jehovah.—2 Pet. 3:12.
It is no wonder that many movies,
As we keep close in mind Jehovah’s television shows, and websites pro-
day, we are moved to share the good mote ideas that go against Jehovah’s
news with others. Still, in some cir- righteous standards! Satan is trying to
cumstances we may hesitate to speak deceive us into thinking that unclean
up. Why? We may temporarily give in practices and lifestyles are harmless.
to fear of man. That happened to Pe- —Eph. 5:6. w24.03 22 ˚8-10
ter. On the night of Jesus’ trial, Pe-
ter failed to identify himself as one Thursday, April 24
of Jesus’ disciples and repeatedly de- These men are offering sacred
nied even knowing him. (Matt. 26:69- service in a typical representation
75) This same apostle, however, could and a shadow of the heavenly
later say with conviction: “Do not things.—Heb. 8:5.
fear what they fear, nor be disturbed.”
(1 Pet. 3:14) Peter’s words assure us The tabernacle was a tentlike struc-
that we can overcome fear of man. ture that the Israelites initially carried
What can help us to overcome fear with them as they moved from place
to place. They used it for nearly 500
of man? Peter tells us: “Sanctify the
years until a permanent temple was
Christ as Lord in your hearts.” (1 Pet.
built in Jerusalem. (Ex. 25:8, 9; Num.
3:15) This includes meditating on the
9:22) The tabernacle was the cen-
position and the power of our Lord
tral place for the Israelites to offer
and King, Christ Jesus. w23.09 27-28
their sacrifices and their worship.
˚6-8
(Ex. 29:43-46) However, the taberna-
Wednesday, April 23 cle also represented something much
greater. It was “a shadow of the heav-
Let sexual immorality and every sort enly things,” and it pictured Jeho-
of uncleanness . . . not even be vah’s great spiritual temple. The apos-
mentioned among you.—Eph. 5:3. tle Paul said that “this tent [or,
We must continue to fight against be- tabernacle] is an illustration for the
coming entangled in “the unfruitful present time.” (Heb. 9:9) So by the
works that belong to the darkness.” time he wrote to the Hebrews, the
(Eph. 5:11) Experience has shown spiritual temple had already become a
that the more a person looks at, lis- reality for Christians. It came into ex-
tens to, or talks about unclean, im- istence in 29 C.E. That year, Jesus got
moral things, the easier it will be for baptized and began serving as Jeho-
him to fall into wrongdoing. (Gen. vah’s “great high priest” in the spiritu-
3:6; Jas. 1:14, 15) Satan’s world tries al temple.—Heb. 4:14; Acts 10:37, 38.
to deceive us, to make us believe that w23.10 25-26 ˚6-7
what Jehovah calls immoral and un-
clean is not wrong at all. (2 Pet. 2:
19) One of the Devil’s long-used tac-
Friday, April 25 to his repentant people with these
Let your reasonableness become words: “You became precious in my
eyes, you were honored, and I have
known to all men.—Phil. 4:5.
loved you.” (Isa. 43:4, 5) God’s love
To flourish spiritually, Christians must has not changed. Even if we have
be flexible, ready to bend. How? We made serious mistakes, when we re-
must be reasonable by adapting when pent and return to Jehovah, we will
our personal circumstances change find his love for us intact. He promis-
and by respecting the viewpoints and es that “he will forgive in a large way.”
decisions of others. As Jehovah’s ser- (Isa. 55:7) The Bible describes this
vants, we want to be reasonable. We forgiveness as bringing “seasons of re-
also want to be humble and compas- freshing . . . from Jehovah himself.”
sionate. Jehovah is called “the Rock” —Acts 3:19. w24.01 27 ˚4-5
because he is steadfast, immovable.
(Deut. 32:4) However, he is also rea- Sunday, April 27
sonable. As events unfold, our God The hand of Jehovah my God
continues to adapt in order to cause was upon me.—Ezra 7:28.
his purpose to be realized. Jehovah
Jehovah can help us when we are fac-
created humans in his image with the
ing a challenge. For example, when
ability to adjust to changing circum-
asking our employer for time off so
stances. He provided clear Bible prin-
that we can attend a convention or
ciples that help us to make wise de-
when asking for an adjusted work
cisions no matter what challenges we
schedule so that we can attend all our
may face. Jehovah’s own example and
meetings, we create an opportunity
the principles he has given us are ev- to see Jehovah’s hand in our life. We
idence that while being “the Rock,” may be surprised at how well things
Jehovah is also reasonable. w23.07 20 turn out. As a result, our confidence
˚1-3 in Jehovah grows stronger. Ezra hum-
Saturday, April 26 bly turned to Jehovah for help. Each
time he felt overwhelmed by his re-
When anxieties overwhelmed me, sponsibilities, Ezra humbly prayed
you comforted and soothed me. to Jehovah. (Ezra 8:21-23; 9:3-5)
—Ps. 94:19. Ezra’s attitude moved those around
In the Bible, Jehovah compares him- him to support him and to imitate
self to an affectionate mother. (Isa. his faith. (Ezra 10:1-4) When we feel
66:12, 13) Just imagine a mother who overwhelmed by anxieties about our
lovingly cares for her little child and material needs or about our family’s
makes sure he has what he needs. safety, we must confidently turn to
When we are in pain, we can count on Jehovah in prayer. w23.11 18 ˚15-17
Jehovah’s love. He does not give up
on us when we do something wrong.
(Ps. 103:8) The nation of Israel dis-
appointed Jehovah time and again;
yet, he expressed his unfailing love
Monday, April 28 bilities you could have in the future.
[Abraham] put faith in Jehovah, and You might have the goal of being a
full-time minister, a ministerial ser-
He counted it to him as righteousness.
vant, and later a congregation elder.
—Gen. 15:6.
You might also want to get married
Jehovah does not say that if we want and have children. (Eph. 6:4; 1 Tim.
to be declared righteous we must do 3:1) To reach these goals and be suc-
exactly what Abraham did. In fact, cessful, you need Christian maturity.
there are many ways in which we can w23.12 24 ˚1-2
manifest faith through our works. We
can welcome new ones in the con- Wednesday, April 30
gregation, help brothers and sisters Time will fail me if I go on to relate
who are in genuine need, and do good about Gideon.—Heb. 11:32.
to our family members, all of which
Christian elders have been entrusted
are things that God will approve of
with the care of Jehovah’s precious
and bless. (Rom. 15:7; 1 Tim. 5:4, 8;
sheep. These devoted men treasure
1 John 3:18) An especially fine work
their privilege to serve their brothers
that gives evidence of our faith is our
and sisters, and they work hard to be
zealously sharing the good news with
“shepherds who . . . really shepherd.”
others. (1 Tim. 4:16) All of us can
(Jer. 23:4; 1 Pet. 5:2) How thankful
show by our deeds that we have faith
we are to have such men in our con-
that Jehovah’s promises will come
gregations! Elders can learn from the
true and that his ways are best. And example of Judge Gideon. (Heb. 6:
if we do, we have the firm assurance 12) He was both a protector and a
that God will count us as righteous shepherd of God’s people. (Judg. 2:
and will call us his friends. w23.12 2 16; 1 Chron. 17:6) Like Gideon, el-
˚3; 6 ˚15 ders have been appointed to care for
Tuesday, April 29 God’s people during a very turbulent
time. (Acts 20:28; 2 Tim. 3:1) We can
Be strong and prove yourself a man. learn from Gideon’s modesty, humili-
—1 Ki. 2:2. ty, and obedience. His endurance was
Close to his death, King David in- tested as he carried out his assign-
structed Solomon with the above ments. Whether we serve as an elder
words. (1 Ki. 2:1, 3) All Christian men or not, we can grow in appreciation
today do well to apply that advice. To for our elders. We can support these
be successful, they must learn to obey hardworking spiritual men.—Heb. 13:
God’s laws and apply Bible principles 17. w23.06 2 ˚1; 3 ˚3
in all aspects of their life. (Luke 2:
52) Why is it so important for young
brothers to become mature Chris-
tian men? A Christian man fulfills vi-
tal roles in the family and in the con-
gregation. Young brothers, no doubt
you have thought about the responsi-
Thursday, May 1 ular ways. But the answers we do re-
A great famine was about to come. ceive are just what we need to remain
loyal to our heavenly Father. So be
—Acts 11:28.
on the lookout for Jehovah’s answers
First-century Christians were not to your prayers. From time to time,
spared when a great famine came “on pause and reflect on how Jehovah
the entire inhabited earth.” No doubt is answering your prayers. (Ps. 66:19,
family heads worried about how they 20) We must show faith, not just by
would provide for their household. praying to Jehovah, but also by ac-
And what about young people who cepting his answer to our prayers in
had been planning to expand their whatever form it comes.—Heb. 11:6.
ministry? Might they have felt that w23.05 11 ˚13; 12 ˚15-16
they should delay those plans? Re-
gardless of their circumstances, the Saturday, May 3
Christians adapted. They continued To do your will, O my God, is my
to preach in any way that they could, delight.—Ps. 40:8.
and they gladly shared their material
When we dedicated ourselves to Je-
belongings with fellow believers in Ju-
hovah, we vowed to worship him and
dea. (Acts 11:29, 30) Those who re-
to do his will. We must keep that vow.
ceived relief supplies saw Jehovah’s
Living up to our dedication is not a
support firsthand. (Matt. 6:31-33)
burden. After all, Jehovah created us
They must have felt closer to their fel-
to do his will. (Rev. 4:11) He put with-
low believers who had come to their
in us a spiritual need and created us in
assistance. And those who made do-
his image. As a result, we are able to
nations or who otherwise shared in draw close to him and to find delight
the relief work experienced the hap- in doing his will. What is more, when
piness that comes from giving.—Acts we do God’s will and follow his Son,
20:35. w23.04 16 ˚12-13 we “find refreshment” for ourselves.
Friday, May 2 (Matt. 11:28-30) So strengthen your
love for Jehovah by meditating on all
We know that we are to have the the good he has done for you and the
things we ask for, since we have blessings he has in store for you. The
asked them of him.—1 John 5:15. more your love for God grows, the
At times, Jehovah answers the prayers easier it will be for you to obey him.
of his people by moving unbelievers (1 John 5:3) Jesus succeeded in doing
to act in their behalf. For example, he God’s will because he prayed to Jeho-
moved King Artaxerxes to grant Ne- vah for help and kept focused on his
hemiah’s request to return to Jerusa- reward. (Heb. 5:7; 12:2) Like Jesus,
lem so that he could help with rebuild- pray to Jehovah for strength and keep
ing the city. (Neh. 2:3-6) Today, too, the hope of everlasting life clearly in
Jehovah can move even those who do mind. w23.08 27-28 ˚4-5
not worship him to come to our res-
cue when we are in need. Our prayers
are not usually answered in spectac-
Sunday, May 4 ter receiving assurance from Jehovah,
Do you despise the riches of his kind- Gideon was absolutely convinced that
ness and forbearance and patience, God would support him as he protect-
ed God’s people. Elders living in areas
because you do not know that God
where the work is under ban imitate
in his kindness is trying to lead you
Gideon. They courageously take the
to repentance?—Rom. 2:4.
lead at the meetings and in the minis-
We all appreciate people who are pa- try despite the threat of arrest, inter-
tient. Why is that the case? We re- rogation, loss of employment, or vi-
spect those who can wait for some- olence. During the great tribulation,
thing without getting frustrated. We elders will need courage to obey in-
appreciate that others are patient structions they will receive—regard-
with us when we make mistakes. And less of the dangers involved. w23.06
we are grateful that our Bible teach- 5-6 ˚12-13
er was patient with us as we strug-
gled to learn, accept, or apply a Bible Tuesday, May 6
teaching. Above all, how thankful we Those honoring me I will honor.
are that Jehovah God is patient with —1 Sam. 2:30.
us! Although we value patience in oth-
ers, we ourselves may not always find Jehovah had High Priest Jehoiada’s
it easy to be patient. For example, we fine deeds recorded for our instruc-
may struggle to stay calm when stuck tion. (Rom. 15:4) And when Jehoia-
in traffic, especially if we are running da died, he was given the exception-
late. We may lose our temper when al honor of being buried “in the City
others irritate us. And, at times, we of David along with the kings, be-
could find it hard to keep waiting for cause he had done good in Israel
Jehovah’s promised new world. How- with respect to the true God and His
ever, in all these cases, we need to be house.” (2 Chron. 24:15, 16) The ac-
more patient. w23.08 20 ˚1-2 count about Jehoiada can help all of
us to develop fear of God. Christian
Monday, May 5 overseers can imitate Jehoiada by re-
maining alert and by loyally protect-
He sent all the other men of Israel
ing God’s flock. (Acts 20:28) Older
back home, and he kept only
ones can learn from Jehoiada that
the 300 men.—Judg. 7:8. when they fear Jehovah and remain
At Jehovah’s request, Gideon reduced loyal, He can use them to accomplish
his army by more than 99 percent. His purpose. Young ones can take
He may have thought: ‘Is this change note of how Jehovah treated Jehoi-
really necessary? Will this work?’ ada and imitate Him by treating loy-
Nevertheless, Gideon obeyed. Elders al older ones with dignity and respect,
today imitate Gideon by implement- especially those with a long record of
ing recommended changes in theo- faithful service. (Prov. 16:31) Let us
cratic direction. (Heb. 13:17) Gide- loyally support “those who are taking
on obeyed Jehovah despite his fears the lead” by obeying them.—Heb. 13:
and the risk involved. (Judg. 9:17) Af- 17. w23.06 17 ˚14-15
Wednesday, May 7 For example, Ezekiel paid close at-
The lips of the righteous one nourish tention as an angel took detailed
measurements of the visionary tem-
many.—Prov. 10:21.
ple. This vision strengthened Eze-
At meetings, use discretion when de- kiel, and it provides us with practi-
ciding how often you will volunteer cal lessons about how we can uphold
to comment. If we raise our hand too Jehovah’s standards for pure worship.
often, we might make the conductor (Ezek. 40:1-4; 43:10-12) We also ben-
feel pressured to call on us repeatedly efit when we take time to study about
even though others have not yet had and meditate on the deeper things of
an opportunity. This could discourage God’s Word. We can have a steadfast
others from raising their hand. (Eccl. heart, trusting fully in Jehovah.—Ps.
3:7) When many publishers raise their 112:7. w23.07 18 ˚15-16
hand during a study, we may not get
to comment as often as we would like. Friday, May 9
At times, the conductor may not be Safeguard . . . thinking ability.
able to call on us at all. That can be —Prov. 3:21.
disappointing, but we should try not
The Bible is filled with good exam-
to take it personally when we are not
ples for young men to imitate. Those
called on. (Eccl. 7:9) If you are unable
men from the past loved God and han-
to comment as often as you would
dled various responsibilities in caring
like, why not listen carefully as others
for his people. You can also find good
participate and then after the meeting
examples among the mature Christian
commend them for their comment? men in your own family and in your
Your brothers and sisters may find congregation. (Heb. 13:7) And you
your commendation just as encourag- have the perfect example of Jesus
ing as the comments you would have Christ. (1 Pet. 2:21) As you care-
given. w23.04 23-24 ˚14-16 fully study these examples, consider
Thursday, May 8 their outstanding qualities. (Heb. 12:
1, 2) Then decide how you will imi-
My heart is steadfast, O God. tate these men. A man with think-
—Ps. 57:7. ing ability considers his options care-
Study God’s Word and meditate on fully before acting. So work hard to
it. Just as a tree can stand strong gain and maintain that ability. Begin
if it has deep roots, we can remain by learning Bible principles and think-
firm if our faith is deeply rooted in ing about why these are beneficial.
God’s Word. As a tree grows, its roots Then use those principles to help you
grow deeper and spread farther. When make decisions that will please Jeho-
we study and meditate, we strengthen vah. (Ps. 119:9) That is a major step
our faith and deepen our conviction toward becoming a mature Christian
that God’s ways are best. (Col. 2: man.—Prov. 2:11, 12; Heb. 5:14. w23.12
6, 7) Reflect on how Jehovah’s in- 24-25 ˚4-5
struction, guidance, and protection
helped his servants in times past.
Saturday, May 10 rest assured that you are not a fail-
[Be] ready to make a defense before ure. Even reaching a simple goal often
requires time and hard work. The fact
everyone who demands of you a
that you still want to reach your goal
reason for the hope you have, but
shows that you treasure your relation-
doing so with a mild temper and ship with Jehovah and want to give
deep respect.—1 Pet. 3:15. him your best. Jehovah values your
Parents can effectively teach their efforts. Of course, he does not ex-
children how to respond mildly when pect more from you than what you can
their beliefs are challenged. (Jas. 3: give. (Ps. 103:14; Mic. 6:8) So your
13) Some parents have practice ses- goal should be reasonable, according
sions during family worship. They to what your circumstances allow.
consider topics that might come up at w23.05 26 ˚1-2
school, discuss and demonstrate how
Monday, May 12
to give an answer, and teach their chil-
dren how to speak in a mild, appeal- If God is for us, who will be against
ing way. Practice sessions can help us?—Rom. 8:31.
Christians to present convincing ar- Courageous people may experience
guments and to convince themselves fear, but they do not allow it to stop
that they have sound reasons for their them from doing what is right. Daniel
beliefs. The “Young People Ask” se- was a very courageous young man. He
ries on jw.org includes worksheets for studied the writings of God’s proph-
teenagers. Those are designed to help ets, including the prophecies of Jer-
young ones to reinforce their beliefs emiah. From that study, Daniel lat-
and to prepare answers in their own er discerned that the long captivity
words. By studying this series as a of the Jews in Babylon was soon to
family, we all can learn how to defend end. (Dan. 9:2) Seeing Bible prophe-
our faith in a mild, appealing way. cy come true no doubt strengthened
w23.09 17 ˚10; 18 ˚15-16 Daniel’s trust in Jehovah, and those
who have strong trust in God can
Sunday, May 11 be remarkably courageous. (Compare
Let us not give up in doing what is Romans 8:32, 37-39.) Most important,
fine, for in due time we will reap Daniel prayed to his heavenly Fa-
if we do not tire out.—Gal. 6:9. ther often. (Dan. 6:10) He confessed
his sins to Jehovah and shared his
Have you ever set a spiritual goal but
feelings with Him. And Daniel asked
struggled to achieve it? If so, you are
for help. (Dan. 9:4, 5, 19) He was
not alone. For example, Philip want-
a human like us, so he was not born
ed to improve the quality and frequen-
with courage. Instead, he developed
cy of his prayers, but he struggled to
that quality through study and prayer
find time to pray. Erika’s goal was to
and by trusting in Jehovah. w23.08 3
be punctual for meetings for field ser-
˚4; 4 ˚7
vice; yet, she still arrived late for near-
ly every meeting. If you currently have
a goal that you have not yet achieved,
Tuesday, May 13 be late!” (Hab. 2:3) Did God provide
Let your light shine before men, so that assurance for the benefit of Ha-
bakkuk only? Or do His words have
that they may see your fine works
meaning for us today? Under inspira-
and give glory to your Father who
tion, the apostle Paul applied those
is in the heavens.—Matt. 5:16.
words to Christians, who are in expec-
When we obey the superior authori- tation of the new world. (Heb. 10:37)
ties, we benefit ourselves and others. Yes, we can be sure that even if our
How so? For one thing, we avoid the promised deliverance seems to delay,
punishment that comes to those who “it will without fail come true. It will
disobey the law. (Rom. 13:1, 4) Our not be late!” w23.04 30 ˚16
personal obedience can affect how
the authorities view Jehovah’s Wit- Thursday, May 15
nesses as a whole. For instance, some All the Israelites began to murmur
decades ago in Nigeria, soldiers en- against Moses.—Num. 14:2.
tered a Kingdom Hall during a con-
The Israelites rejected the clear proof
gregation meeting, looking for rioters
that Jehovah was using Moses as His
who were protesting the payment of
representative. (Num. 14:10, 11) Re-
taxes. But the officer in charge told
peatedly, they refused to recognize
the soldiers to leave, saying: “Jeho-
Moses’ role. As a result, that gener-
vah’s Witnesses are not tax agita-
ation of Israelites was denied entry
tors.” Every time you obey the law,
into the Promised Land. (Num. 14:30)
you could enhance the reputation
However, some Israelites did follow
of Jehovah’s people—a reputation Jehovah’s guidance. For example, Je-
that may one day help protect your hovah noted: “Caleb . . . kept fol-
fellow believers. w23.10 9 ˚13 lowing after me wholeheartedly.”
Wednesday, May 14 (Num. 14:24) God rewarded Caleb,
even granting him his preferred choice
You need endurance, so that after you of land in Canaan. (Josh. 14:12-14)
have done the will of God, you may The next generation of Israelites also
receive the fulfillment of the promise. set a good example in following Je-
—Heb. 10:36. hovah’s guidance. When Joshua suc-
Some of Jehovah’s servants have been ceeded Moses as the appointed leader
waiting for the end of this system of of the Israelites, they “deeply respect-
things for a long time. From a human ed him all the days of his life.” (Josh.
standpoint, the fulfillment of God’s 4:14) As a result, Jehovah blessed
promise might seem to be delaying. them by bringing them into the land
Jehovah addressed that concern when that he had promised.—Josh. 21:43,
he assured the prophet Habakkuk: 44. w24.02 21 ˚6-7
“The vision is yet for its appointed
time, and it is rushing toward its end,
and it will not lie. Even if it should
delay, keep in expectation of it! For it
will without fail come true. It will not
Friday, May 16 dards, you are being given a valuable
Whoever loves God must also love his gift. (Prov. 2:1, 10-12) Your parents
can provide training in many ways. As
brother.—1 John 4:21.
you apply the Scriptural advice you
Just as a doctor is able to get some receive, you will make your parents
information about the health of our happy. More important, you will make
heart when checking our pulse, we God happy and will build a lasting
can get some information about the friendship with him. (Prov. 22:6; 23:
strength of our love for God by check- 15, 24) Does that not give you good
ing our love for others. If we no- reason to imitate the example of Je-
tice that our love for fellow believers hoash when he was young? w23.09 8-9
has weakened somewhat, this may in- ˚3-5
dicate that our love for God is also
growing weak. But when we regularly Sunday, May 18
show love for fellow believers, this sig- I will listen to you.—Jer. 29:12.
nals that our love for God is strong.
Jehovah promises to listen to our
We should be concerned if our love
prayers. Our God loves his faithful
for our brothers and sisters is grow-
worshippers, so he will never ignore
ing weak. Why? Because it would
their prayers. (Ps. 10:17; 37:28) How-
mean that we are in spiritual danger.
ever, this does not mean that he will
The apostle John makes that clear
grant us all our requests. We may have
when he reminds us: “The one who to wait until the new world before we
does not love his brother, whom he receive some of the things we ask for.
has seen, cannot love God, whom he Jehovah considers how our requests
has not seen.” (1 John 4:20) What is relate to his overall purpose. (Isa. 55:
the lesson for us? Jehovah is pleased 8, 9) Part of that purpose includes fill-
with us only if we “love one another.” ing the earth with men and women
—1 John 4:7-9, 11. w23.11 8 ˚3; 9 ˚5-6 who are joyfully united under his rul-
ership. But Satan claims that humans
Saturday, May 17
would be better off ruling themselves.
Your father and your mother will (Gen. 3:1-5) To prove that the Dev-
rejoice.—Prov. 23:25. il’s claim is a lie, Jehovah has al-
When he was young, King Jehoash lowed humans to govern themselves.
made a wise decision. Being with- Yet, human rule has caused many of
out a father, he followed the direc- the problems we face today. (Eccl.
tion of faithful High Priest Jehoiada. 8:9) We understand that Jehovah will
That priest instructed Jehoash as if not remove all these problems at this
he were his own son. In response, Je- time. w23.11 21 ˚4-5
hoash wisely decided to take the lead
in pure worship and serve Jehovah.
Jehoash even arranged for Jehovah’s
temple to be repaired. (2 Chron. 24:1,
2, 4, 13, 14) If you are being taught to
love Jehovah and to live by his stan-
Monday, May 19 a comment at a congregation meet-
I have appointed you a father of many ing strengthened you? Has a publica-
tion, a video, or an original song en-
nations.—Rom. 4:17.
couraged you? Has someone shared a
Jehovah promised that through Abra- reassuring thought or scripture with
ham many nations would be blessed. you? We might easily take for grant-
However, when Abraham was 100 ed our loving brotherhood and the
years old and Sarah was 90, the prom- spiritual food we receive. Yet, they
ised son had not yet appeared. From are extraordinary gifts from Jeho-
a human standpoint, it seemed im- vah. (Isa. 65:13; Mark 10:29, 30) They
possible for Abraham and Sarah to prove that he cares about you. (Isa.
have a son. That was a real test for 49:14-16) And they prove that he is
Abraham. “Yet based on hope, he had worthy of your trust. w24.01 4-5 ˚9-10
faith that he would become the fa-
ther of many nations.” (Rom. 4:18, 19) Wednesday, May 21
And sure enough, that hope was real- Grant to your slaves to keep
ized. He did become father to Isaac, speaking your word with
the long-hoped-for son. (Rom. 4:20- all boldness.—Acts 4:29.
22) We can have God’s approval and
be counted righteous as God’s friends, Just before returning to heaven, Je-
as Abraham was. In fact, Paul touched sus reminded his disciples of their as-
on that, writing: “The words ‘it was signment to give a witness about him
counted to him’ were not written for “in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Sa-
[Abraham’s] sake only, but also for maria, and to the most distant part of
our sake, to whom it will be counted, the earth.” (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:46-48)
because we believe in Him who raised A short time later, the Jewish lead-
Jesus.” (Rom. 4:23, 24) Like Abra- ers seized the apostles Peter and John
ham, we need to have both faith and and brought them before the Sanhe-
works as well as hope. w23.12 7 ˚16-17 drin, demanding that these faithful
men stop preaching, even threatening
Tuesday, May 20 them. (Acts 4:18, 21) Peter and John
You have seen my affliction; you are said: “Whether it is right in the sight
aware of my deep distress.—Ps. 31:7. of God to listen to you rather than to
God, judge for yourselves. But as for
When you face a trial that makes you us, we cannot stop speaking about the
afraid, remember that Jehovah takes things we have seen and heard.” (Acts
note of the trial and of how that 4:19, 20) When Peter and John were
trial makes you feel. For example, Je- released, the disciples raised their
hovah noticed not only the mistreat- voices to Jehovah in a prayer that fo-
ment of the Israelites in Egypt but also cused on his will. Jehovah answered
“the pains they [suffered].” (Ex. 3:7) that sincere prayer.—Acts 4:31. w23.05
You may wonder, though, how Je- 5 ˚11-12
hovah is supporting you while you
face a frightening trial. So ask him
to help you to see his support. (2 Ki.
6:15-17) Then consider: Has a talk or
Thursday, May 22 5:12) All the problems we see in the
This is my Son, the beloved. world—the deaths, the wars, the mis-
ery—have come about because of the
—Matt. 17:5.
lies that Satan has spread. Does Jeho-
For untold ages, Jehovah and his be- vah feel pain because of such slander
loved Son forged a close bond of deep and its results? Without a doubt. Yet,
love and affection. Their relationship Jehovah is not bitter, or resentful.
is the oldest in the universe. Jeho- In fact, he remains “the happy God.”
vah clearly expressed his love for Je- —1 Tim. 1:11. w24.02 8 ˚1-2
sus, as we read in today’s text. Jeho-
vah could have simply said, ‘This is Saturday, May 24
the one whom I have approved.’ How- How could I commit this great badness
ever, he wanted us to know how much and actually sin against God?
he loves Jesus, so he called him “my —Gen. 39:9.
Son, the beloved.” Jehovah was proud
of who Jesus was and of what he How can you show a similar resolve to
that of Joseph? You can decide now
was about to do. (Eph. 1:7) And Je-
what you will do if a temptation aris-
sus had no doubts about his Father’s
es. Learn to say no immediately to
feelings for him. Jehovah’s love was
things that Jehovah hates, even re-
so real to Jesus that he could feel it
fusing to dwell on them. (Ps. 97:10;
deep inside. He repeatedly expressed
119:165) That way you will not waver
with confidence that the Father loved
when tempted. In your case, you may
him.—John 3:35; 10:17; 17:24. w24.01
know that you have found the truth
28 ˚8
and that you want to serve Jehovah
Friday, May 23 with all your heart but something still
holds you back from dedication and
A good name is to be chosen rather baptism. You can take to heart the ex-
than great wealth.—Prov. 22:1. ample of King David. You can beg Je-
Imagine this: Someone you care hovah: “Search through me, O God,
about says something terrible about and know my heart. Examine me,
you. You know that it is a lie; yet, and know my anxious thoughts. See
some believe it. Even worse, they be- whether there is in me any harmful
gin repeating the lie, and many others way, and lead me in the way of eter-
believe it too. How would you feel? nity.” (Ps. 139:23, 24) Jehovah bless-
Most likely, the slander would make es those who are “earnestly seeking
you feel bad, would it not? This sce- him.” Your working toward the goal
nario can help us understand how Je- of dedication and baptism shows him
hovah felt when his reputation was you are doing just that.—Heb. 11:6.
tarnished. One of his spirit sons lied w24.03 6 ˚13-15
about him to the first woman, Eve.
She believed the lie. That lie led our
first parents to rebel against Jeho-
vah. As a result, sin and death entered
the human family. (Gen. 3:1-6; Rom.
Sunday, May 25 ing them. He will replace the present
He does not need to offer up sacrifices heaven and the present earth with “a
new heaven and a new earth”—that is,
daily.—Heb. 7:27.
a new government and a new human
The high priest was authorized to rep- society. Jehovah will make the earth
resent the people before God. Israel’s and humans like new by bringing them
first high priest, Aaron, was appointed to a state of perfection. As Isaiah
by Jehovah when the tabernacle was foretold, the entire earth will be made
inaugurated. However, as the apos- into a gardenlike park—a global Eden.
tle Paul explained, “many had to be- We will also be made new, or expe-
come priests in succession because rience restoration, on a personal lev-
death prevented them from continu- el. The lame, the blind, and the deaf
ing as such.” (Heb. 7:23-26) And as will be healed, and even the dead will
imperfect men, those high priests had be restored to life.—Isa. 25:8; 35:1-7.
to offer sacrifices for their own sins. w23.11 4 ˚9-10
Herein lies a sharp contrast between
Israel’s high priests and the great Tuesday, May 27
High Priest, Jesus Christ. As our High Prove yourselves ready.—Matt. 24:44.
Priest, Jesus Christ is “a minister . . .
The “great tribulation” will strike sud-
of the true tent, which Jehovah set
denly. (Matt. 24:21) Unlike many oth-
up, and not man.” (Heb. 8:1, 2) Paul
er disasters, however, the great trib-
explained that “because [Jesus] con- ulation will not catch everyone off
tinues alive forever, his priesthood guard. About 2,000 years ago, Jesus
has no successors.” Paul added that warned his followers to get ready for
Jesus is “undefiled, separated from that day. If we are prepared, it will be
the sinners” and that unlike the high easier for us to go through that dif-
priests of Israel, “he does not need to ficult time and to help others to do
offer up sacrifices daily” for his own the same. (Luke 21:36) We will need
sins. w23.10 26 ˚8-9 endurance to obey Jehovah, trusting
that he will protect us. What will we
Monday, May 26
do if our brothers lose some or all of
The former heaven and the former their material things? (Hab. 3:17, 18)
earth had passed away.—Rev. 21:1. We will need compassion to move us
“The former heaven” refers to po- to provide them with relief. How will
litical governments influenced by Sa- we react if, as a result of the attack by
tan and his demons. (Matt. 4:8, 9; a coalition of nations, we have to live
1 John 5:19) As used in the Bible, in close quarters with our brothers
“earth” can refer to the earth’s inhab- and sisters for a while? (Ezek. 38:10-
itants. (Gen. 11:1; Ps. 96:1) Thus, “the 12) We will need strong love for them
former earth” refers to today’s wick- to help us get through that difficult
time. w23.07 2 ˚2-3
ed human society. Jehovah will not
merely remodel, or fix up, the exist-
ing “heaven” and “earth”; rather, he
will make a clean sweep by replac-
Wednesday, May 28 about what Achish would do to him.
Keep strict watch that how you walk is How did David conquer his fears? In
Psalm 56, David expresses his feel-
not as unwise but as wise persons,
ings while he was in Gath. That psalm
making the best use of your time.
lays bare David’s fears, but it also re-
—Eph. 5:15, 16.
veals how he conquered those fears.
Married couples can learn from the When he felt afraid, David trusted in
example of Aquila and Priscilla, a cou- Jehovah. (Ps. 56:1-3, 11) His trust was
ple appreciated by many early Chris- not misplaced. With Jehovah’s bless-
tians. (Rom. 16:3, 4) They worked, ing, David devised an unusual but ef-
preached, and helped others togeth- fective strategy: He pretended to be
er. (Acts 18:2, 3, 24-26) In fact, when- crazy! Achish now viewed David more
ever the Bible mentions Aquila and as an irritant than a threat, so Da-
Priscilla, it always mentions them vid was able to escape.—1 Sam. 21:13–
together. How can couples imitate 22:1. w24.01 2 ˚1-3
them? Think about the many things
that you and your spouse need to Friday, May 30
do. Could you handle some of these Those with him who are called and
tasks as a couple instead of individu- chosen and faithful will do so.
ally? For example, Aquila and Pris- —Rev. 17:14.
cilla preached together. Do you regu-
Who are the ones mentioned in to-
larly make plans to do the same?
day’s text? The resurrected anointed
Aquila and Priscilla also worked to-
ones! So when the last of the anointed
gether. You and your spouse may not
on earth are taken to heaven near the
have the same job, but could you end of the great tribulation, one of
do household chores together? (Eccl. their first assignments will be to fight.
4:9) When you help each other per- After being raised to heaven, they will
form a task, you feel more like a team serve along with Christ and his holy
and you have the opportunity to talk. angels, waging the final war against
w23.05 22-23 ˚10-12 God’s enemies. Think of it! On earth,
some anointed Christians are elder-
Thursday, May 29
ly, even frail. But once resurrected to
When I am afraid, I put my trust in life in heaven, they will be mighty and
you.—Ps. 56:3. immortal spirit creatures, assigned to
Everyone feels afraid at times. For in- fight alongside their Warrior-King, Je-
stance, when King Saul was trying to sus Christ. After the war of Armaged-
hunt David down, David decided to don has been fought, they will share in
flee to the Philistine city of Gath. The guiding mankind to perfection. With-
king of Gath, Achish, soon learned out a doubt, they will then do their
that David was the mighty warrior beloved brothers and sisters on earth
who was celebrated in song as having a lot more good in heaven than they
struck down “tens of thousands” of ever could as mere imperfect humans!
Philistines. David “became very much w24.02 6-7 ˚15-16
afraid.” (1 Sam. 21:10-12) He worried
Saturday, May 31 listened to them. But later, opposers
Keep walking by spirit and you will “persuaded the crowds,” and some of
carry out no fleshly desire at all. those same people stoned Paul and
left him for dead. (Acts 14:19) But
—Gal. 5:16.
Barnabas and Paul continued preach-
Some who are ready for dedication ing elsewhere. The results? They
and baptism still hold back. They may made “quite a few disciples,” and
wonder, ‘What if afterward I commit a their words and example strengthened
serious sin and get disfellowshipped?’ their fellow believers. (Acts 14:21, 22)
If you have that fear, be assured that Many benefited because Barnabas and
Jehovah will give you everything you Paul did not give up in the face of sud-
need “to walk worthily of [him] in or- den persecution. As long as we do not
der to please him fully.” (Col. 1:10) He give up in the work Jehovah has asked
will also give you the strength to do us to do, we will be blessed. w23.04 16-
what is right. He has already proved 17 ˚13-14
that he can do that by how he has
dealt with many others. (1 Cor. 10:13) Monday, June 2
That is one reason why relatively few Listen, O Jehovah, to my prayer; and
people are expelled from the Chris- pay attention to my pleas for help.
tian congregation. Jehovah equips his I call on you in the day of my
people to remain faithful. Every im- distress, for you will answer me.
perfect human is tempted to do wrong —Ps. 86:6, 7.
things. (Jas. 1:14) However, whether
you act on temptation is a choice King David faced many dangerous en-
—your choice. The fact is that ulti- emies throughout his life, and he of-
mately you are the one who is in con- ten sought Jehovah’s help in prayer.
trol of how you will live. Though some David was sure that Jehovah heard
people may make claims to the con- and answered his prayers. You can
trary, you can learn to control your have that same confidence. The Bi-
impulses. w24.03 5 ˚11-12 ble assures us that Jehovah can give
us the wisdom and the power we need
Sunday, June 1 to endure. He may use our spiritual
family or even those who do not wor-
We must enter into the Kingdom of
ship him at present to help us in some
God through many tribulations. way. While Jehovah may not always
—Acts 14:22. answer our prayers in the way that
Jehovah blessed the first-century we expect, we know that he will an-
Christians as they adapted to chang- swer them. He will provide just what
ing circumstances. They were of- we need and exactly when we need it.
ten persecuted, sometimes when they So continue to pray in faith, confident
may have least expected it. Consider that Jehovah will care for you now
what happened to Barnabas and the and that he will “satisfy the desire of
apostle Paul while they were preach- every living thing” in the new world
ing in the area of Lystra. At first, they to come.—Ps. 145:16. w23.05 8 ˚4; 13
were warmly received by those who ˚17-18
Tuesday, June 3 a wrong you committed, humbly turn
With what will I repay Jehovah for to Jehovah in prayer, admit your er-
ror, and ask him to forgive you. (Ps.
all the good he has done for me?
25:11; 51:3, 4) Apologize to those you
—Ps. 116:12.
may have wronged, and if necessary,
It is good to focus on the blessings seek the help of the elders. (Jas. 5:14,
received when reaching a goal. What 15) Learn from your mistakes, and try
blessings could you focus on? If your to avoid repeating them. As you do,
goal relates to Bible reading or prayer, you can be certain that Jehovah will
think about how it will strengthen show you mercy and provide you with
your friendship with Jehovah. (Ps. the support you need.—Ps. 103:8-13.
145:18, 19) If your goal is to culti- w23.08 28-29 ˚8-9
vate a Christian quality, focus on how
it will improve your relationships with Thursday, June 5
others. (Col. 3:14) Why not make a Jehoash continued doing what was
list of all the reasons why you want right in Jehovah’s eyes all the days
to reach your goal? Regularly consult that Jehoiada the priest instructed
that list. Also, spend time with those him.—2 Ki. 12:2.
who will motivate you. (Prov. 13:20) King Jehoash benefited from the good
Realistically, though, we all have days influence of Jehoiada. As a result, the
when we do not feel motivated. Does young king wanted to please Jehovah.
this mean that we cannot work on our But after Jehoiada died, Jehoash lis-
goal? No. We can still work toward tened to apostate princes. (2 Chron.
our goal even when we are not mo- 24:4, 17, 18) Deeply hurt, Jehovah
tivated. Though this will require self- “kept sending prophets among them
discipline, the results are worthwhile. to bring them back . . . , but they
w23.05 27-28 ˚5-8 refused to listen.” They did not even
listen to Jehoiada’s son Zechariah,
Wednesday, June 4 who was not only Jehovah’s prophet
Whatever a person is sowing, this and priest but also Jehoash’s cousin.
he will also reap.—Gal. 6:7. In fact, King Jehoash had Zechariah
Knowing that we are accountable for killed. (2 Chron. 22:11; 24:19-22) Je-
our decisions can prompt us to con- hoash did not maintain a healthy
fess our sins, correct our errors, and fear of Jehovah. Jehovah had stat-
avoid repeating our mistakes. Taking
ed: “Those despising me will be treat-
ed with contempt.” (1 Sam. 2:30) A
such actions can help us to stay in
small Syrian army later defeated Je-
the race for life. If you cannot undo
hoash’s “very large army” and “se-
a poor decision, accept your current
verely wounded” him. (2 Chron. 24:
situation. Do not waste your emotion-
24, 25) Jehoash was assassinated by
al and mental energy justifying your-
his own servants for killing Zechariah.
self or blaming yourself or others. In-
w23.06 18-19 ˚16-17
stead, acknowledge your mistakes and
work to make the best of your present
circumstances. If you feel guilty about
Friday, June 6 trusted that Jehovah would give him
You were once darkness, but you strength, and he was not disappoint-
ed. (Judg. 6:14, 34) Once, Gideon and
are now light.—Eph. 5:8.
his men were pursuing two Midianite
The apostle Paul had spent quite some kings on foot while the kings may have
time in Ephesus, preaching and teach- been riding camels. (Judg. 8:12, 21)
ing the good news. (Acts 19:1, 8-10; Yet, with God’s help, the determined
20:20, 21) He loved his brothers very Israelites prevailed. Elders can likewise
much and wanted to help them to re- rely on Jehovah, the one who “never
main faithful to Jehovah. The Ephe- tires out or grows weary.” He will give
sians to whom Paul wrote were once them strength when they need it.—Isa.
enslaved to false religious ideas and 40:28, 29. w23.06 6 ˚14, 16
superstitions. Ephesus was famous
for its gross immorality and brazen Sunday, June 8
conduct. Obscene talk was common- [Jehovah] will neither desert you nor
ly heard in the city’s theaters and abandon you.—Deut. 31:6.
even at religious festivals. (Eph. 5:3)
Many of its inhabitants were “past We can have a steadfast heart no mat-
all moral sense,” an expression that ter what trials we may face. So trust
literally means “having ceased to feel in Jehovah. Consider how Barak suc-
pain.” (Eph. 4:17-19) Before learning ceeded because of trusting in Jeho-
what was truly right or truly wrong, vah’s direction. Although neither a
the Ephesians did not feel pangs of shield nor a lance could be seen in
conscience. Paul could thus describe all the land, Jehovah instructed him
them as being “in darkness mental- to go into battle against the well-
ly and alienated from the life that be- equipped military forces of the Ca-
longs to God.” Some of the Ephesians, naanite army chief Sisera. (Judg.
though, did not remain in darkness. 5:8) The prophetess Deborah told Ba-
w24.03 20 ˚2, 4; 21 ˚5-6 rak to go down to the level plain to
meet Sisera and his 900 chariots.
Saturday, June 7 Even though the chariots would
Those hoping in Jehovah will regain offer a clear advantage on the flat
power. . . . They will . . . not tire out. ground, Barak obeyed. As the sol-
—Isa. 40:31. diers descended Mount Tabor, Je-
hovah sent pouring rains from heav-
Gideon’s assignment as judge involved en. Sisera’s chariots became mired in
a lot of physical exertion. When the mud, and Jehovah gave Barak the vic-
Midianites fled during the nighttime tory. (Judg. 4:1-7, 10, 13-16) Similar-
battle, Gideon chased after them from ly, Jehovah will give us the victory if
the Valley of Jezreel all the way to the we trust in him and in the direction he
Jordan River. (Judg. 7:22) Did Gideon provides through his representatives.
stop at the Jordan? No! Though tired, w23.07 19 ˚17-18
he and his 300 men crossed over and
continued the pursuit. Finally, they
caught up with the Midianites and de-
feated them. (Judg. 8:4-12) Gideon
Monday, June 9 From Daniel’s description of the
The one who has endured to the end dream image, we learn several impor-
will be saved.—Matt. 24:13. tant truths. First, the Anglo-American
World Power has shown its strength in
Patience is essential for our salvation. some ways. For example, it played a
Like faithful servants of the past, we key role in winning World War I and
need to wait patiently for God to ful- World War II. However, this world
fill his promises. (Heb. 6:11, 12) The power has been weakened and will
Bible compares our situation to that continue to be weakened by internal
of a farmer. (Jas. 5:7, 8) A farm- conflicts among its own citizens. Sec-
er works hard to plant and water his ond, this alliance will be the last world
crop, but he does not know exactly power to rule before God’s Kingdom
when it will grow. So the farmer waits puts an end to all human kingdoms.
patiently, trusting that he will reap a w23.08 10-11 ˚12-13
crop. Likewise, we stay busy in spiri-
tual activities even though we “do not Wednesday, June 11
know on what day [our] Lord is com- In my distress I called on Jehovah,
ing.” (Matt. 24:42) We wait patiently, to my God I kept crying for help.
confident that in his due time, Jeho- From his temple he heard my voice.
vah will fulfill all that he has prom- —Ps. 18:6.
ised. If we were to become impatient,
we might get tired of waiting and At times, David felt distressed be-
start drifting away from the truth. We cause of all the problems and trials
could also begin to pursue things that he was facing. (Ps. 18:4, 5) Yet, Je-
might give us instant gratification. hovah’s tender love and care re-
But if we are patient, we can endure freshed him. Jehovah led his exhaust-
to the end and be saved.—Mic. 7:7. ed friend to “grassy pastures” and
w23.08 22 ˚7 “well-watered resting-places.” As a re-
sult, David recovered his strength and
Tuesday, June 10 was able to keep going. (Ps. 18:28-32;
23:2) Similarly today, “it is because of
The toes of the feet were partly of iron
Jehovah’s loyal love that we have not
and partly of clay.—Dan. 2:42.
come to our finish” when faced with
By comparing the prophecy at Dan- life’s trials and struggles. (Lam. 3:
iel 2:41-43 with others in the books 22; Col. 1:11) David’s life was often
of Daniel and Revelation, we can in danger, and he had many power-
conclude that the feet represent the ful enemies. However, Jehovah’s love
Anglo-American alliance, the dom- made him feel safe and protected. Da-
inant world power today. Regard- vid could feel that Jehovah was with
ing this world power, Daniel says that him in every situation, and that re-
“the kingdom will be partly strong assured him. Thus, he could sing:
and partly fragile.” Why partly frag- “[Jehovah] rescued me from all my
ile? Because the common people, pic- fears.” (Ps. 34:4) David’s fears were
tured by the soft clay, undermine its real, but Jehovah’s love was stronger
ability to act with ironlike strength. than his fears. w24.01 30 ˚15-17
Thursday, June 12 16-18) Yes, Peter saw things he could
If sinners try to entice you, do not never have anticipated. How glad he
must have been that he did not allow
consent.—Prov. 1:10.
any negative feelings about himself to
Learn from Jehoash’s bad decisions. cause him to miss out on these bless-
After High Priest Jehoiada died, Je- ings! w23.09 21 ˚4-5
hoash chose bad associates. (2 Chron.
24:17, 18) He decided to listen to the Saturday, June 14
princes of Judah who did not love Jesus said to him: “I say to you,
Jehovah. You likely agree that Jeho- not up to seven times, but up to
ash should have avoided those trou- 77 times.”—Matt. 18:22.
blemakers. Instead, he listened to his
so-called friends. In fact, when Jeho- In his first letter, the apostle Peter
ash’s cousin Zechariah tried to correct used the expression “intense love.”
him, Jehoash had him put to death. Such love covers, not just a few sins,
but “a multitude of sins.” (1 Pet.
(2 Chron. 24:20, 21; Matt. 23:35)
4:8) Perhaps Peter recalled the les-
How terrible and foolish! Jehoash be-
son about forgiveness that Jesus had
gan his life well, but sadly he became
taught him years earlier. At the time,
an apostate and a murderer. Finally,
Peter likely believed that he was being
his own servants killed him. (2 Chron.
generous when he suggested that he
24:22-25) How different his life would
would forgive his brother “up to sev-
have turned out had he continued to
en times.” But Jesus taught him—and
listen to Jehovah and to those who
us—to forgive “up to 77 times,” mean-
loved Him! w23.09 9 ˚6
ing without limit. (Matt. 18:21) If you
Friday, June 13 have found it hard to apply this coun-
sel, take heart! All of Jehovah’s im-
Stop being afraid.—Luke 5:10. perfect servants have at times strug-
Jesus knew that the apostle Peter gled to forgive. The important thing
could remain faithful. So Jesus kindly now is for you to take any neces-
told Peter to “stop being afraid.” Je- sary steps to forgive your brother
sus’ confidence in Peter had a lasting and to make peace with him. w23.09
effect on him. Peter and his brother 29 ˚12
Andrew later abandoned their fishing
business and became full-time follow-
ers of the Messiah, a decision that led
to remarkable blessings. (Mark 1:16-
18) Peter had many wonderful experi-
ences as a follower of Christ. He saw
Jesus heal the sick, expel demons,
and even raise the dead. (Matt. 8:14-
17; Mark 5:37, 41, 42) Peter also wit-
nessed a vision of Jesus’ future King-
dom glory, an event that had a great
impact on him. (Mark 9:1-8; 2 Pet. 1:
Sunday, June 15 Only “the anointed priests” were al-
I called out to Jehovah, and he lowed inside the Holy to perform
answered me.—Jonah 2:2. their sacred duties. (Num. 3:3, 7, 10)
The Most Holy contained the gold-
In the belly of the fish, Jonah was con- en ark of the covenant that represent-
fident that Jehovah would listen to his ed Jehovah’s presence. (Ex. 25:21, 22)
humble and repentant prayer and that Only the high priest was allowed to
Jehovah would help him. Later, Jonah pass beyond the curtain into the Most
was returned to dry land, and he was Holy on the annual Day of Atone-
ready to accept and fulfill his next as- ment. (Lev. 16:2, 17) He entered with
signment. (Jonah 2:10–3:4) During a the blood of animals to make atone-
trial, do you ever feel too anxious to ment for his own sins and for those
express yourself clearly in prayer? Or of the entire nation. Eventually, Jeho-
do you feel too weak to study? Re- vah made clear the real significance
member that Jehovah understands of these features of the tabernacle.
your situation perfectly. So even when —Heb. 9:6, 7. w23.10 27 ˚12
you offer a simple prayer, you can be
sure that he will give you exactly what Tuesday, June 17
you need. (Eph. 3:20) If your physi-
Love one another.—John 15:17.
cal or emotional pain makes it dif-
ficult for you to read and study, you Again and again in God’s Word, we
might try listening to audio recordings find the command to “love one anoth-
of the Bible or of Bible-based publica- er.” (John 15:12; Rom. 13:8; 1 Thess.
tions. You may also find it helpful to 4:9; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 John 4:11) However,
listen to one of our songs or to watch love is a quality of the heart, or the
a video on jw.org. By praying to Jeho- inner person, and no human can see
vah and by looking for the answer in into our heart. So, then, how can we
the spiritual provisions that he makes make our love for one another visible?
available, you invite him to make you By our words and actions. There are
strong. w23.10 13 ˚6; 14 ˚9 various ways in which we can show our
brothers and sisters that we love them.
Monday, June 16 Here are some examples: “Speak the
The holy spirit makes it clear that the truth with one another.” (Zech. 8:16)
way into the holy place had not yet “Keep peace with one another.” (Mark
been revealed while the first tent was 9:50) Take the lead “in showing honor
standing.—Heb. 9:8. to one another.” (Rom. 12:10) “Wel-
come one another.” (Rom. 15:7) “Con-
The tabernacle and the temples that tinue . . . forgiving one another.” (Col.
were built later in Jerusalem had the 3:13) “Go on carrying the burdens of
same basic layout. Inside were two one another.” (Gal. 6:2) “Keep com-
compartments—“the Holy Place” and forting one another.” (1 Thess. 4:18)
“the Most Holy”—that were separated “Keep . . . building one another up.”
by an embroidered curtain. (Heb. 9: (1 Thess. 5:11) “Pray for one another.”
2-5; Ex. 26:31-33) Inside the Holy was —Jas. 5:16. w23.11 9 ˚7-8
a golden lampstand, an altar for burn-
ing incense, and a table of showbread.
Wednesday, June 18 time off without pay. Jehovah expects
Rejoice in the hope.—Rom. 12:12. us to pray repeatedly about our con-
cerns. Jesus implied that some of our
Every day, we make decisions that re- requests would not be granted right
quire strong faith. For example, we away. (Luke 11:9) So do not give up!
make decisions involving our associa- Pray earnestly and repeatedly. (Luke
tions, entertainment, education, mar- 18:1-7) When we do so, we show Jeho-
riage, children, and secular work. vah that our request is not just a pass-
We do well to ask ourselves: ‘Do my ing whim. We also demonstrate our
choices show that I am certain that faith in his ability to help us. w23.11 22
this system is temporary and will soon ˚10-11
be replaced by God’s new world? Or
are my choices influenced by peo- Friday, June 20
ple who live as if death were the end Hope does not lead to disappointment.
of everything?’ (Matt. 6:19, 20; Luke —Rom. 5:5.
12:16-21) We will make the best deci-
Jehovah promised his friend Abraham
sions if we strengthen our faith that
that all nations of the earth would
the new world is close at hand. We
be blessed by means of his offspring.
also face trials that require strong
(Gen. 15:5; 22:18) Because Abraham
faith. We may face persecution,
had deep faith in God, he was con-
chronic illness, or other things that
vinced that God’s promise would
can cause us to become discouraged.
come true. Even so, when Abraham
At first, we might meet our trial with
was 100 years of age and his wife was
determination. But if it drags on—as 90, that faithful couple still did not
trials often do—we will need strong have a son. (Gen. 21:1-7) Yet, the Bi-
faith in order to endure and to contin- ble says: “Based on hope, [Abraham]
ue serving Jehovah with joy.—1 Pet. 1: had faith that he would become the
6, 7. w23.04 27 ˚4-5 father of many nations according to
what had been said.” (Rom. 4:18) You
Thursday, June 19
know that Abraham’s hope was real-
Pray constantly.—1 Thess. 5:17. ized. He did become father to the son
Jehovah expects us to act in harmo- he had long hoped for, Isaac. What
ny with our prayers. For example, a was the basis for Abraham’s confi-
brother may ask Jehovah to help him dence? Because of his close person-
get time off from his secular work so al relationship with Jehovah, Abra-
that he can attend a regional conven- ham was “fully convinced that what
tion. How might Jehovah answer that [God] had promised” would come
prayer? He might give the brother the true. (Rom. 4:21) Jehovah approved
courage he needs to approach his em- of Abraham and declared him righ-
ployer. But the brother will still need teous because of his faith.—Jas. 2:23.
to follow through by making the re- w23.12 8 ˚1-2
quest. He may need to ask repeated-
ly. He may even offer to trade shifts
with another employee or take the
Saturday, June 21 vah and get baptized, you can be sure
The person faithful in what is least that thereafter he will “pour out on
you a blessing until there is nothing
is faithful also in much, and the
lacking.” (Mal. 3:10; Jer. 17:8) Bap-
person unrighteous in what is least
tism is just the beginning. You will
is unrighteous also in much.
want to do your best to live up to your
—Luke 16:10. dedication vow, even in the face of
A young man who is reliable diligently temptations or tests of faith. (Eccl. 5:
cares for all his responsibilities. Con- 4, 5) As a disciple of Jesus, you will
sider the perfect example of Jesus. follow Jesus’ example and commands
He was never careless or irresponsi- as closely as possible.—Matt. 28:19,
ble. Instead, he fulfilled the assign- 20; 1 Pet. 2:21. w24.03 8 ˚1-3
ments that Jehovah gave him, even
when it was difficult to do so. He Monday, June 23
loved people—especially his disci- A man will leave his father and
ples—and he willingly gave his life for his mother and he will stick to
them. (John 13:1) In imitation of Je- his wife.—Gen. 2:24.
sus, work hard to fulfill any assign-
What if you and your spouse do not
ment that you are given. If you are
enjoy spending time together? What
not certain how to do it, be humble
can you do? Consider a campfire.
and ask for help from mature broth-
It does not start blazing instantly. It
ers. Never settle for doing the bare
needs to be fed slowly with progres-
minimum. (Rom. 12:11) Instead, com- sively bigger pieces of wood. Sim-
plete your assignment, doing it “for ilarly, why not start by spending just
Jehovah, and not for men.” (Col. 3: a few moments together each day?
23) Of course, you are not perfect, Make sure to do something that you
so be modest and admit any mistakes both enjoy. (Jas. 3:18) By starting
you make.—Prov. 11:2. w23.12 26 ˚8 small, you may begin to rekindle your
love. Respect is vital in a marriage. It
Sunday, June 22
is like the oxygen that allows a camp-
Blessed is the man who puts his trust fire to burn brightly. Without oxygen,
in Jehovah.—Jer. 17:7. a fire quickly goes out. Similarly, with-
It is a joy to get baptized and become out respect, a couple will find that
part of Jehovah’s family. Those who their love can quickly grow cold. On
are in that privileged position would the other hand, a husband and wife
agree with the psalmist David, who who strive to show respect for each
said: “Happy is the one whom you other are working to keep their love
[Jehovah] choose and bring near to alive. Yet, bear in mind that it is, not a
reside in your courtyards.” (Ps. 65:4) matter of whether you think that you
Jehovah does not bring just anyone show respect, but a matter of whether
into his courtyards. He chooses those your spouse feels respected. w23.05 22
who prove that they want to have a ˚9; 24 ˚14-15
close relationship with him. (Jas. 4:8)
When you dedicate yourself to Jeho-
Tuesday, June 24 not really have the desire to reach it.
When anxieties overwhelmed me, Meditate on what Jehovah has done
for you. (Ps. 143:5) The apostle Paul
you comforted and soothed me.
meditated on Jehovah’s undeserved
—Ps. 94:19.
kindness toward him, and this moti-
In the Bible, faithful servants of God vated him to work hard for Jehovah.
speak of times when they were in dis- (1 Cor. 15:9, 10; 1 Tim. 1:12-14) Simi-
tress and trembling because of their larly, the more you meditate on what
enemies or other pressures. (Ps. 18:4; Jehovah has done for you, the more
55:1, 5) Similarly, we could be facing motivated you will feel to reach your
opposition at school, at work, from goal.—Ps. 116:12. w23.05 27 ˚3-5
our family, or from the government.
We could even be facing death be- Thursday, June 26
cause of a medical problem. During Praise the name of Jehovah.
such times, we may feel as helpless as —Ps. 113:1.
a small child. How does Jehovah help
We please our heavenly Father when
us in moments like these? He com-
we praise his name. (Ps. 119:108)
forts and soothes us. So regularly
Does this mean, though, that the
spend time with Jehovah—praying to
almighty God is like imperfect hu-
him and reading his Word. (Ps. 77:
mans who crave praise because they
1, 12-14) Then when you are under
are needy or insecure? No. When we
stress, your first thought will likely be
praise our heavenly Father, we help to
to turn to your heavenly Father. Share
refute a lie that involves us person-
your fears and concerns with Jeho-
ally. Satan claims that no human will
vah. Let him talk to you and console loyally defend God’s name. None of us
you through the Scriptures.—Ps. 119: have integrity, according to him. He
28. w24.01 24-25 ˚14-16 says that all of us would turn against
Wednesday, June 25 God if we thought that we would ben-
efit by doing so. (Job 1:9-11; 2:4) But
God is the one who . . . energizes you, faithful Job proved Satan a liar. What
giving you both the desire and the about you? Each of us has the privi-
power to act.—Phil. 2:13. lege of loyally standing up for our Fa-
Motivation plays a key role in reach- ther’s name and of pleasing him by
ing spiritual goals. A motivated per- serving him with integrity. (Prov. 27:
son has a strong incentive or desire to 11) It is truly an honor to do so.
work toward his goal. And the more w24.02 8-9 ˚3-5
motivated we are, the more likely we
are to reach our goals. So, what can
you do to feel more motivated? Pray
for more motivation. By means of his
spirit, Jehovah can motivate you to
reach your goal. Sometimes we set a
goal because we know we should, and
that is a good thing. But we may
Friday, June 27 standards? Do I courageously up-
Put faith in his prophets, and you will hold Jehovah’s standards even though
some may call me intolerant for do-
be successful.—2 Chron. 20:20.
ing so?’ As indicated at 2 Timothy 2:
After the days of Moses and Joshua, 20-22, we may also need to be careful
Jehovah raised up judges to guide his when choosing our close associates
people. Then, during the time of the within the Christian congregation. We
kings, Jehovah appointed prophets bear in mind that some may not help
to guide his people. Faithful kings us to remain faithful in our service to
heeded the counsel of the prophets. Jehovah. w24.03 22-23 ˚11-12
For example, King David humbly ac-
cepted correction from the prophet Sunday, June 29
Nathan. (2 Sam. 12:7, 13; 1 Chron. 17: Jehovah is very tender in affection.
3, 4) King Jehoshaphat relied on the —Jas. 5:11.
prophet Jahaziel for guidance and en-
Have you ever tried to imagine what
couraged the people of Judah to “put
Jehovah is like? Although Jehovah is
faith in [God’s] prophets.” (2 Chron.
invisible, the Bible describes him in
20:14, 15) When in distress, King Hez-
various ways. Jehovah is called “a sun
ekiah turned to the prophet Isaiah.
and a shield” and “a consuming fire.”
(Isa. 37:1-6) Each time the kings fol-
(Ps. 84:11; Heb. 12:29) His presence
lowed Jehovah’s guidance, they were
is described as being similar to a sap-
blessed and the nation was protect-
phire stone, a glowing metal, and a
ed. (2 Chron. 20:29, 30; 32:22) It was
brilliant rainbow. (Ezek. 1:26-28) Be-
obvious that Jehovah was using his cause we cannot see Jehovah, we may
prophets to guide his people. w24.02 find it difficult to believe that he loves
21 ˚8 us. Some think that Jehovah could
Saturday, June 28 never love them because of their past
experiences in life. Jehovah under-
Do not be sharers with them. stands such feelings and how they af-
—Eph. 5:7. fect us. To help us, he reveals his
Satan wants us to associate with peo- beautiful personality in his Word. The
ple who make it harder for us to stick one word that best describes Jeho-
to Jehovah’s standards. We need to vah is love. (1 John 4:8) Love defines
remember that our association is not him. It influences everything he does.
limited to those we spend time with in God’s love is so warm and so power-
person. It includes those we interact ful that he even extends it to those
with on social media. We must fight who do not love him.—Matt. 5:44, 45.
against the world’s thinking that im- w24.01 26 ˚1-3
moral conduct is acceptable. We know
better. (Eph. 4:19, 20) We do well to
ask ourselves: ‘Do I make it a point to
avoid all unnecessary association with
workmates, classmates, or others who
do not respect Jehovah’s righteous
Monday, June 30 used here, the Greek verb translated
He would speak to them from the “moved with pity” refers to an intense
compassion felt deep inside the body.
pillar of cloud.—Ps. 99:7.
Such deep compassion, which is an ex-
Jehovah appointed Moses to lead the pression of love, also moved Jesus to
Israelites out of Egypt, and as vis- feed the hungry and to cure a leper.
ible evidence He provided a pillar of (Matt. 15:32; Mark 1:41) We can be
cloud by day and one of fire by night. sure that Jehovah, the God of “ten-
(Ex. 13:21) Moses followed the pillar, der compassion,” and his Son deeply
which led him and the Israelites to the love us and are pained by our suffer-
Red Sea. The people panicked when ing. (Luke 1:78; 1 Pet. 5:7) How they
they thought that they were trapped must long to remove all the woes that
between the sea and the pursuing afflict humankind! w23.04 3 ˚4-5
Egyptian army. But it was no mistake.
Jehovah had intentionally led his peo- Wednesday, July 2
ple there by means of Moses. (Ex. O you who love Jehovah, hate what is
14:2) God then delivered them in a bad. He is guarding the lives of his
most astonishing way. (Ex. 14:26-28) loyal ones; he rescues them from the
For 40 years thereafter, Moses contin- hand of the wicked.—Ps. 97:10.
ued to depend on the pillar of cloud
to guide God’s people through the wil- We can take practical steps to mini-
derness. (Ex. 33:7, 9, 10) From the pil- mize our exposure to the wrong think-
lar Jehovah spoke to Moses, who in ing and ideas popular in Satan’s sys-
turn conveyed His instructions to the tem. We can fill our mind with
wholesome thoughts by reading and
people. The Israelites had ample evi-
studying the Bible. Attending meet-
dence that Jehovah was using Moses
ings and taking part in the ministry
to guide them. w24.02 21 ˚4-5
will also safeguard our thinking. Je-
Tuesday, July 1 hovah, in turn, promises that he will
not let us be tempted beyond what we
He went through the land doing good can bear. (1 Cor. 10:12, 13) Each of us
and healing.—Acts 10:38. needs to pray more than ever to re-
All that Jesus said and did, includ- main faithful to Jehovah during these
ing the miracles he performed, per- difficult last days. Jehovah wants us
fectly reflected his Father’s thinking to ‘pour out our hearts before him’ in
and feelings. (John 14:9) What can prayer. (Ps. 62:8) Praise Jehovah and
we learn from Jesus’ miracles? Jesus thank him for all that he does. Ask
and his Father deeply love us. While him to help you to be courageous in
on earth, Jesus showed the depth of the ministry. Beg him for help to deal
his love for people by using his mirac- with any problems and to resist any
ulous power to ease their suffering. temptation that you may be facing.
On one occasion, two blind men cried Do not let anything or anyone stop
out to him for help. (Matt. 20:30-34) you from regularly praying to Jeho-
Notice that Jesus was “moved with vah. w23.05 7 ˚17-18
pity” and then he healed them. As
Thursday, July 3 Jew, especially family heads, faced
Let us consider one another . . . , a decision: to leave Babylon or to
encouraging one another. stay behind. That decision might not
have been an easy one to make. Old
—Heb. 10:24, 25.
age prevented many from risking the
Why do we attend congregation meet- hardships of the trip. And since most
ings? Primarily, to praise Jehovah. of the Jews had been born in Babylon,
(Ps. 26:12; 111:1) We also attend it was the only home they had ever
meetings so that we can encourage known. To them, Israel was the land
one another during these difficult of their ancestors. Some Jews had ap-
times. (1 Thess. 5:11) When we raise parently become very successful in
our hand and give a comment, we Babylon, so they may have found it
contribute toward both of these ob- hard to leave their comfortable homes
jectives. But when commenting, we or their businesses and settle in an un-
may face challenges. We may feel anx- familiar land. w23.05 14 ˚1-2
ious about commenting, or we may
keenly desire to participate but are Saturday, July 5
not called on as often as we would Prove yourselves ready.
like. How can we deal with these chal- —Matt. 24:44.
lenges? The apostle Paul said that we
should focus on “encouraging one an- God’s Word encourages us to keep
other.” When we realize that others cultivating endurance, compassion,
in the audience can be encouraged by and love. Luke 21:19 says: “By
even a simple expression of our faith, your endurance you will preserve your
we will feel better about volunteering lives.” Colossians 3:12 states: “Clothe
to comment. And if we are not called yourselves with . . . compassion.” And
on often, we can be happy that oth- 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 10 says: “You
ers in the congregation will have the yourselves are taught by God to love
opportunity to comment.—1 Pet. 3:8. one another. . . . But we urge you,
w23.04 20 ˚1-3 brothers, to go on doing so in full-
er measure.” All these verses were ad-
Friday, July 4 dressed to disciples who had already
shown endurance, compassion, and
Go up to Jerusalem, . . . and rebuild
love. Yet, they had to continue de-
the house of Jehovah.—Ezra 1:3.
veloping these qualities. We must do
The word had gone out! The Jews, the same. To help you, consider how
who had been captives in Babylon the early Christians demonstrated
for some 70 years, were free to re- these qualities. Then you will see how
turn to their homeland, Israel. (Ezra you can imitate those disciples and,
1:2-4) Only Jehovah could have ac- as a result, prove yourself ready for
complished this. Babylon would not the great tribulation. Then when the
normally release its captives. (Isa. 14: great tribulation begins, you will have
4, 17) But Babylon had been over- learned how to endure and you will
thrown, and the new ruler had told be determined to continue to endure.
the Jews that they could leave. Every w23.07 3 ˚4, 8
Sunday, July 6 approve of Paul’s service? Definitely!
A highway will be there, . . . the Way And Jehovah rewarded him for his ef-
forts. (2 Tim. 4:7, 8) Similarly, Jeho-
of Holiness.—Isa. 35:8.
vah is pleased to see us working to-
Whether we are of the anointed or of ward our goal even when we do not
the “other sheep,” we need to remain feel motivated to do so. He is pleased
on “the Way of Holiness” as it takes because although we may not always
us through the spiritual paradise and be doing it out of love for that activi-
leads us to future Kingdom blessings. ty, he knows that we are doing it out of
(John 10:16) Since 1919 C.E., millions love for him. Just as Jehovah blessed
of men, women, and children have left Paul, He will bless us for our efforts.
Babylon the Great, the world empire (Ps. 126:5) And as we experience Je-
of false religion, and have begun trav- hovah’s blessing, we may even start to
eling on that figurative road. When feel motivated. w23.05 29 ˚9-10
the Jews left Babylon, Jehovah saw
to it that obstacles in their way were Tuesday, July 8
removed. (Isa. 57:14) What about the Jehovah’s day is coming.
modern-day “Way of Holiness”? For —1 Thess. 5:2.
many centuries leading up to 1919, Je-
hovah used God-fearing men to help The apostle Paul compared those who
clear the way out of Babylon the will not survive Jehovah’s day to peo-
Great. (Compare Isaiah 40:3.) They ple who are asleep. They are unaware
did necessary preparatory work—spir- of their surroundings or the pass-
itual roadwork—to make it possible ing of time. Hence, they cannot dis-
later for righthearted people to leave cern important developments or re-
Babylon the Great and enter the spir- spond to them. Most people today
itual paradise, where pure worship of are asleep in a spiritual sense. (Rom.
Jehovah had been restored. w23.05 11:8) They are indifferent to evidence
15-16 ˚8-9 that we are living in “the last days”
and that the great tribulation will
Monday, July 7 come soon. (2 Pet. 3:3, 4) However,
we recognize that the inspired counsel
Serve Jehovah with rejoicing. Come
to stay awake becomes more urgent
into his presence with joyful shouting.
with each passing day. (1 Thess. 5:6)
—Ps. 100:2.
Therefore, we must keep calm and
Jehovah wants us to serve him happily steady. Why? So that we do not get
and willingly. (2 Cor. 9:7) So should we caught up in today’s political or so-
keep working toward a spiritual goal cial issues. The pressure to take sides
if we do not feel like it? Consider in these matters will increase as Jeho-
the apostle Paul’s example. He said: vah’s day draws closer. Still, we need
“I strictly discipline my body and lead not be anxious about how we will re-
it as a slave.” (1 Cor. 9:25-27, ftn.) spond. God’s spirit can help us to have
Paul forced himself to do what was a calm and steady state of mind and to
right even when he may have felt in- make wise decisions.—Luke 12:11, 12.
clined to do otherwise. Did Jehovah w23.06 10 ˚6-7
Wednesday, July 9 half. (Ps. 27:1, 3) We are more likely
Sovereign Lord Jehovah, remember to endure the future great tribulation
if we endure trials today. (Rom. 5:3)
me, please, and strengthen me.
Why can we say that? Many brothers
—Judg. 16:28.
have found that each test of faith that
What comes to your mind when you they endured helped them withstand
hear the name Samson? You like- the next challenge. Endurance refined
ly think of a man of outstanding them, strengthening their faith that
strength. That is true. But Samson Jehovah is ready and willing to help.
made a bad decision that led to pain- Faith, in turn, helped them endure the
ful results. Still, Jehovah focused on next trial.—Jas. 1:2-4. w23.07 3 ˚7-8
Samson’s overall record of faithful-
ness, which He included in the Bible Friday, July 11
for our benefit. Jehovah used Samson I will . . . show you consideration.
to accomplish amazing things to help —Gen. 19:21.
His chosen people, Israel. Centuries
Jehovah’s humility and compassion
after Samson’s death, Jehovah in-
move him to be reasonable. For ex-
spired the apostle Paul to include
ample, Jehovah’s humility was evi-
Samson’s name in a list of outstand-
dent when he was about to destroy
ing men of faith. (Heb. 11:32-34) Sam-
the wicked people of Sodom. Through
son’s example can encourage us. He
his angels, Jehovah instructed righ-
relied on Jehovah, even during chal-
teous Lot to flee to the mountain-
lenging circumstances. We can draw ous region. Lot was afraid to go there.
encouragement as well as learn oth- So he pleaded that he and his fami-
er practical lessons from his example. ly be allowed to take refuge in Zoar, a
w23.09 2 ˚1-2 small town that was slated for de-
Thursday, July 10 struction. Jehovah could have insist-
ed that Lot follow His instructions to
Let your petitions be made known the letter. Instead, he granted Lot’s
to God.—Phil. 4:6. request, even though it meant sparing
We can build up our endurance by Zoar. (Gen. 19:18-22) Centuries later,
frequently and earnestly sharing our Jehovah showed compassion toward
concerns with Jehovah. (1 Thess. 5: the inhabitants of Nineveh. He sent
17) Perhaps you are not facing a se- the prophet Jonah to announce the
vere trial right now. Even so, do you imminent destruction of the city and
seek Jehovah’s guidance whenever its wicked inhabitants. But when the
you feel upset, confused, or over- Ninevites repented, Jehovah felt sor-
whelmed? If you regularly turn to our ry for them and spared the city.—Jo-
God for help with your day-to-day nah 3:1, 10; 4:10, 11. w23.07 21 ˚5
challenges now, you will not hes-
itate to do so when you face big-
ger challenges in the future. You will
then be confident that he knows pre-
cisely when and how to act in your be-
Saturday, July 12 is that so? Because Jehovah “cannot
They killed [Jehoash] . . . , but they lie.” (Titus 1:2) That statement makes
the words that we read at Revela-
did not bury him in the burial places
tion 21:5, 6 completely reliable. Con-
of the kings.—2 Chron. 24:25.
sider the word “Look!” The Greek
What can we learn from the example term translated “look!” is used repeat-
of Jehoash? He was like a tree with edly in the book of Revelation. What
shallow roots that depended on the follows the exclamation? God’s state-
support of a stake. When the stake ment: “I am making all things new.”
—Jehoiada—was gone and the winds True, Jehovah is speaking about fu-
of apostasy blew, Jehoash toppled ture changes, but for him this prom-
over. This powerfully illustrates that ise is so certain to come true that
our fear of God must not depend he speaks of these changes as if they
solely on the good influence of fel- were already taking place.—Isa. 46:10.
low Christians, including family mem- w23.11 3-4 ˚7-8
bers. To remain spiritually strong, we
must strengthen our own godly devo- Monday, July 14
tion and fear through regular study, He went outside and wept bitterly.
meditation, and prayer. (Jer. 17:7, 8; —Matt. 26:75.
Col 2:6, 7) Jehovah does not really
The apostle Peter struggled with his
ask much of us. What he requires
weaknesses. Consider a few examples.
is summed up at Ecclesiastes 12:13,
When Jesus explained how he would
which says: “Fear the true God and suffer and die in fulfillment of Bible
keep his commandments, for this is prophecy, Peter rebuked him. (Mark
the whole obligation of man.” When 8:31-33) Repeatedly, Peter and the
we fear God, we will be able to face other apostles argued about who was
future tests and stand firm. Nothing the greatest. (Mark 9:33, 34) On the
will be able to damage our friendship last night before Jesus’ death, Peter
with Jehovah. w23.06 19 ˚17-19 impulsively cut off a man’s ear. (John
18:10) That same night, Peter gave in
Sunday, July 13
to fear and three times denied know-
Look! I am making all things new. ing his friend Jesus. (Mark 14:66-72)
—Rev. 21:5. That led Peter to weep bitterly. Jesus
God’s guarantee begins with the in- did not give up on his disheartened
troduction: “The One seated on apostle. After Jesus was resurrected,
the throne said.” (Rev. 21:5a) These he gave Peter the opportunity to re-
words introduce one of only three in- affirm his love for him. Jesus invit-
stances in the book of Revelation ed Peter to serve humbly as a shep-
when Jehovah speaks in the visions. herd of his sheep. (John 21:15-17)
So this guarantee is provided, not by Peter responded positively. He was in
a powerful angel, not even by the res- Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost
urrected Jesus, but by Jehovah him- and among the first to be anointed by
self! This fact highlights the trustwor- holy spirit. w23.09 22 ˚6-7
thiness of the words that follow. Why
Tuesday, July 15 wrong viewpoints. Family members
Shepherd my little sheep. and acquaintances may appeal to our
emotions and encourage us to com-
—John 21:16.
promise. For example, they may claim
“Shepherd the flock of God,” the that giving in to our desires does
apostle Peter urged his fellow elders. not matter and that the Bible’s moral
(1 Pet. 5:1-4) If you are an elder, we standards are outdated. At times, we
know that you love your brothers and might reason that the direction Je-
sisters and want to shepherd them. hovah gives us is not sufficient. We
However, you may at times feel that might even be tempted to “go beyond
you are so busy or so tired that you the things that are written.”—1 Cor.
cannot fulfill that assignment. What 4:6. w23.07 16 ˚10-11
can you do? Pour out your concerns
to Jehovah. Peter wrote: “If anyone Thursday, July 17
ministers, let him do so as depend- A true friend shows love at all times
ing on the strength that God sup- and is a brother who is born for times
plies.” (1 Pet. 4:11) Your brothers and of distress.—Prov. 17:17.
sisters may be facing problems that
Mary, the mother of Jesus, needed
cannot be fully solved in this system
strength. She was not married; yet,
of things. But remember that “the
she was to become pregnant. She had
chief shepherd,” Jesus Christ, can
no experience raising children of her
help them beyond what you can do.
own, but she was to care for the boy
He can do so both today and in the
who would become the Messiah. And
new world. God asks elders simply to
since she had never had sexual rela-
love their brothers, to shepherd their
tions, how would Mary explain all of
brothers, and to become “examples to
this to her fiancé, Joseph? (Luke 1:
the flock.” w23.09 29-30 ˚13-14 26-33) How did Mary receive the
Wednesday, July 16 strength? She sought help from oth-
ers. For example, she asked Gabriel to
Jehovah knows that the reasonings of provide further information concern-
the wise men are futile.—1 Cor. 3:20. ing the assignment. (Luke 1:34)
We must avoid resorting to using hu- Shortly thereafter, she traveled all the
man reasoning. If we look at mat- way to “the mountainous country” of
ters from a human standpoint, we Judah to visit her relative Elizabeth.
may leave out Jehovah and his stan- Elizabeth commended Mary and was
dards. (1 Cor. 3:19) “The wisdom of inspired by Jehovah to share an en-
this world” often appeals to flesh- couraging prophecy about Mary’s un-
ly desires. A few Christians in Perga- born son. (Luke 1:39-45) Mary said
mum and Thyatira adopted the idol- that Jehovah had “acted mightily with
atrous and immoral views common in his arm.” (Luke 1:46-51) Through Ga-
those cities. Jesus sent strong counsel briel and Elizabeth, Jehovah strength-
to both congregations for their tolera- ened Mary. w23.10 14-15 ˚10-12
tion of sexual immorality. (Rev. 2:14,
20) Today, we face pressure to adopt
Friday, July 18 might appointed men imitate Gide-
He made us to be a kingdom, priests on? They can credit Jehovah for what
they accomplish. (1 Cor. 4:6, 7) For
to his God and Father.—Rev. 1:6.
example, if an elder is commended for
A limited number of Christ’s disci- his teaching ability, he can direct at-
ples have been anointed with holy tention to the source of the instruc-
spirit, and they enjoy a special rela- tion, God’s Word, or to the training
tionship with Jehovah. These 144,000 we receive from Jehovah’s organiza-
are to serve as priests in the heavens tion. Elders might at times reflect on
with Jesus. (Rev. 14:1) The Holy of whether they are drawing undue at-
the tabernacle represents their spirit- tention to themselves. w23.06 4 ˚7-8
begotten condition while on earth as
sons of God. (Rom. 8:15-17) The Most Sunday, July 20
Holy of the tabernacle represents My thoughts are not your thoughts.
heaven, where Jehovah dwells. “The —Isa. 55:8.
curtain” that separated the Holy from
If we do not receive what we asked for
the Most Holy represents Jesus’ flesh-
in prayer, we might ask ourselves, ‘Am
ly body that was a barrier to his enter-
I praying for the right thing?’ Often,
ing heaven as the great High Priest of
we think that we know what is best for
the spiritual temple. By giving up his
us. But the things we ask for may not
human body as a sacrifice for man-
benefit us in the long run. If we are
kind, Jesus opened up the way to
praying about a problem, there may
heavenly life for all anointed Chris-
be a better solution to the problem
tians. They must also give up their than the one we are asking for. And
fleshly body to receive their heavenly some things we ask for may not be in
reward.—Heb. 10:19, 20; 1 Cor. 15:50. harmony with Jehovah’s will. (1 John
w23.10 28 ˚13 5:14) For instance, consider the ex-
Saturday, July 19 ample of parents who asked Jeho-
vah to keep their child in the truth.
Time will fail me if I go on to relate That seems like an appropriate re-
about Gideon.—Heb. 11:32. quest. Yet, Jehovah will not force any
Gideon responded mildly when the of us to serve him. He wants all of
Ephraimites criticized him. (Judg. 8: us, including our children, to choose
1-3) He did not reply in anger. He to worship him. (Deut. 10:12, 13; 30:
showed lowliness of mind by listening 19, 20) So the parents could instead
to their concerns, and he tactfully de- ask Jehovah to help them reach their
fused the tense situation. Wise elders child’s heart so that he will be moved
imitate Gideon by listening careful- to love Jehovah and to become His
ly and responding mildly if criticized. friend.—Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4. w23.11
(Jas. 3:13) They thus contribute to 21 ˚5; 23 ˚12
the peace in the congregation. When
Gideon was honored for the victory
over Midian, he focused the attention
on Jehovah. (Judg. 8:22, 23) How
Monday, July 21 even of our lives.” (2 Cor. 1:8; 11:23-
Keep comforting one another. 27) Christians today, too, can expect
tribulation of some sort. (2 Tim. 3:
—1 Thess. 4:18.
12) As you put faith in Jesus and fol-
Why is giving comfort to others an im- low him, friends and relatives may be
portant expression of our love? Ac- hostile. Has your determination to be
cording to a Bible reference work, the honest in all things created problems
word that Paul used for “comfort” for you at work? (Heb. 13:18) Have
means “standing beside a person to you faced governmental opposition
encourage him when he is undergoing because you shared your hope with
severe testing.” Thus, by giving com- others? No matter what type of tribu-
fort, we help a fellow believer who is lation we may encounter, though,
in distress to get up and to continue Paul says we should rejoice. w23.12 10-
walking on the road to life. Each time 11 ˚9-10
we offer a brother or a sister a shoul-
der to cry on, we express our love for Wednesday, July 23
our fellow believer. (2 Cor. 7:6, 7, 13) You have brought great trouble on me.
Feeling compassion and giving com- —Gen. 34:30.
fort are closely related. In what way?
Jacob endured many problems. Two
A compassionate person is moved to
of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi,
comfort others and to try to relieve
brought disgrace on the family and re-
their suffering. So first we feel com-
proach on Jehovah’s name. In ad-
passion; then we give comfort. Note
dition, Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel,
how Paul connects Jehovah’s compas- died while giving birth to their second
sion to the comfort He gives. Paul child. And because of a severe fam-
describes Jehovah as “the Father of ine, Jacob was forced to move to the
tender mercies and the God of all land of Egypt in his old age. (Gen.
comfort.”—2 Cor. 1:3. w23.11 9-10 35:16-19; 37:28; 45:9-11, 28) Through
˚8-10 it all, Jacob never lost faith in Jeho-
vah and in His promises. In turn, Je-
Tuesday, July 22
hovah showed Jacob that he had His
Rejoice while in tribulations. favor. For example, Jehovah blessed
—Rom. 5:3. Jacob materially. And just think of
All followers of Christ can expect trib- how grateful Jacob must have been
ulation. Consider the apostle Paul’s to Jehovah when he was reunited with
example. He said to those in Thessa- Joseph—the son whom he had long
lonica: “When we were with you, we thought to be dead! Jacob’s close
used to tell you in advance that we friendship with Jehovah enabled him
would suffer tribulation, and that is to face his trials successfully. (Gen.
what has happened.” (1 Thess. 3:4) 30:43; 32:9, 10; 46:28-30) When we
And to the Corinthians, he wrote: maintain a close friendship with Jeho-
“We do not want you to be unaware, vah, we too can successfully deal with
brothers, of the tribulation we expe- unexpected trials. w23.04 15 ˚6-7
rienced . . . We were very uncertain
Thursday, July 24 course, these elders are imperfect and
Jehovah is my Shepherd. I will lack make mistakes. Moses and Joshua
erred at times, as did the apostles.
nothing.—Ps. 23:1.
(Num. 20:12; Josh. 9:14, 15; Rom.
Psalm 23 is a song that expresses con- 3:23) Still, Christ is carefully guid-
fidence in Jehovah’s love and tender ing the faithful slave and the appoint-
care. David, the writer of this psalm, ed elders, and he will continue to do
describes the strong bond that exist- so. We therefore have every reason to
ed between him and his Shepherd, Je- trust the guidance that he is providing
hovah. David felt safe letting Jehovah through those appointed to take the
direct him, and he was totally depen- lead. w24.02 23-24 ˚13-14
dent on Him. David knew that Je-
hovah’s love would pursue him all Saturday, July 26
the days of his life. What made him Become imitators of God, as beloved
so confident? David felt well cared children.—Eph. 5:1.
for because Jehovah’s provisions had
Today we can please Jehovah by
been constant. David also enjoyed Je-
speaking about him with warmth,
hovah’s friendship and favor. That
gratitude, and love. When we are in
is why he was sure that no matter
the ministry, we keep in mind that our
what the future would bring, Jeho-
main objective is to draw people to
vah would continue to care for all
Jehovah, to help them to see our be-
his needs. David’s trust in Jehovah’s
loved Father as we do. (Jas. 4:8) We
tender love was more powerful than
are delighted to show people how the
any of his worries and gave him deep
Bible describes Jehovah, revealing his
happiness and satisfaction.—Ps. 16:11. love, justice, wisdom, power, and oth-
w24.01 29 ˚12-13 er appealing qualities. We also praise
Friday, July 25 Jehovah and please him by striving to
imitate him. When we do so, we stand
I am with you all the days until the out in this wicked world. People may
conclusion of the system of things. notice that we are different and may
—Matt. 28:20. wonder why. (Matt. 5:14-16) As we
Since World War II, Jehovah’s people interact with them in our day-to-day
in many lands have enjoyed a measure life, we may be able to explain why
of peace and freedom while carrying we act as we do. As a result, sincere
out the preaching work. In fact, the ones feel drawn to our God. When
work has flourished. Today the mem- we praise Jehovah in these ways, we
bers of the Governing Body continue bring delight to his heart.—1 Tim. 2:
to look to Christ for guidance. They 3, 4. w24.02 10 ˚7
want the instructions they give to
the brothers to reflect heaven’s view
of matters. In turn, circuit overseers
and elders provide direction to the
congregations. Anointed elders are in
Christ’s “right hand.” (Rev. 2:1) Of
Sunday, July 27 of others, lovers of spiritual treasures,
Be able both to encourage . . . and to modest, humble, praisers of God,
obedient to parents, thankful, loyal,
reprove.—Titus 1:9.
having great affection for their fami-
To become a mature Christian man, lies, open to agreement, always speak-
you will need to develop practical ing well of others, self-controlled,
skills. These will help you to shoulder mild, lovers of goodness, trustworthy,
responsibilities in the congregation, yielding, lowly in mind, lovers of God
to hold a secular job to support your- rather than lovers of pleasures, moti-
self or a family, and to have healthy vated by genuine godly devotion; and
relationships with others. For exam- to these people stick closely.” Do you
ple, learn to read and write well. The discuss with your family or fellow be-
Bible says that a happy and success- lievers what life will be like in the new
ful man spends time each day read- world? w24.01 6 ˚13-14
ing God’s Word and meditating on it.
(Ps. 1:1-3) By reading the Bible daily, Tuesday, July 29
he will get to know Jehovah’s way of I have approved you.—Luke 3:22.
thinking, which will help him to think
How reassuring it is to know that Je-
clearly and to reason well. (Prov. 1:
hovah approves of his people as a
3, 4) Our brothers and sisters look to
group! The Bible says: “Jehovah takes
capable men for Bible-based instruc-
pleasure in his people.” (Ps. 149:4) At
tion and advice. If you can read and
times, however, some get so discour-
write well, you will be able to pre- aged that they may wonder, ‘Does
pare informative, faith-strengthening Jehovah approve of me personally?’
talks and comments. You will also be A number of Jehovah’s faithful wor-
able to take meaningful notes that shippers in Bible times had mo-
will help you to build your own faith ments when they struggled with such
and to encourage others. w23.12 26-27 thoughts. (1 Sam. 1:6-10; Job 29:2, 4;
˚9-11 Ps. 51:11) The Bible clearly shows that
imperfect humans can gain Jehovah’s
Monday, July 28
approval, or goodwill. How? We must
The one who is in union with you exercise faith in Jesus Christ and get
is greater than the one who is in baptized. (John 3:16) We thus dem-
union with the world.—1 John 4:4. onstrate publicly that we have repent-
When you feel afraid, meditate on ed of our sins and made a promise
what Jehovah will do in the future to God to do his will. (Acts 2:38; 3:
when Satan is gone. A demonstration 19) Jehovah is delighted when we take
on the 2014 regional convention pro- these steps to cultivate a relationship
gram depicted a father discussing with with him. As long as we continue to
his family how 2 Timothy 3:1-5 might do our best to live up to our dedica-
tion vow, Jehovah approves of us and
be worded if those verses foretold
considers us his close friends.—Ps. 25:
what it would be like in Paradise: “In
14. w24.03 26 ˚1-2
the new world the happiest of times
will be here. For men will be lovers
Wednesday, July 30 would like to keep us so busy with this
We cannot stop speaking about the world’s pursuits that we have no time
for our service to God. (1 John 5:19)
things we have seen and heard.
It would be all too easy for a Chris-
—Acts 4:20.
tian to put material possessions, secu-
We can imitate the disciples by contin- lar education, or his career ahead of
uing to preach even when secular au- opportunities to serve Jehovah. Were
thorities demand that we stop. We can that to happen, it would indicate that
be confident that Jehovah will help us he is being affected by the world’s
to accomplish our ministry. So pray thinking. Of course, these things are
for boldness and wisdom as well as not wrong in themselves, but they
for Jehovah’s help to deal with prob- should never take first place in our
lems. Many of us are coping with life. w24.03 24 ˚16-17
physical or emotional challenges, the
loss of a loved one, a difficult family Friday, August 1
situation, persecution, or some other Many are the hardships of the
problem. And such things as pandem- righteous one, but Jehovah rescues
ics and wars have made many of these him from them all.—Ps. 34:19.
challenges even harder to deal with.
Note two important points in the
Pour out your heart to Jehovah. Tell
above psalm: (1) Righteous people
him about your situation just as you
face problems. (2) Jehovah delivers
would tell a close friend. Be assured
us from our trials. How does Jeho-
that Jehovah “will act in your behalf.”
vah deliver us? One way is by help-
(Ps. 37:3, 5) Persevering in prayer will
ing us to have a realistic view of life
help us to “endure under tribulation.”
in this system of things. While Jeho-
(Rom. 12:12) Jehovah knows what his
vah does promise that we will have joy
worshippers are going through—“he
in serving him, he does not guarantee
hears their cry for help.”—Ps. 145:18,
a worry-free life now. (Isa. 66:14) He
19. w23.05 5-6 ˚12-15 urges us to focus on our future—the
Thursday, July 31 time when we will have the life that
he wants us to enjoy forever. (2 Cor.
Keep on making sure of what is 4:16-18) In the meantime, he helps us
acceptable to the Lord. to keep going each day. (Lam. 3:22-
—Eph. 5:10. 24) What can we learn from the ex-
When we have important decisions to amples of faithful worshippers of Je-
make, we need to perceive “what the hovah, both in Bible times and in our
will of Jehovah is” and then act in day? We may face unexpected prob-
harmony with it. (Eph. 5:17) By iden- lems. But when we lean on Jehovah,
tifying Bible principles that apply he will never fail to sustain us.—Ps.
to our situation, we are actually seek- 55:22. w23.04 14-15 ˚3-4
ing God’s thinking on the matter.
Then as we apply his principles, we
will more likely make good decisions.
“The wicked one,” our enemy Satan,
Saturday, August 2 in your own words, you will show that
Be in subjection to the superior you have prepared well and that you
authorities.—Rom. 13:1. have a clear understanding of the ma-
terial. What if you try some of these
We can learn from the examples of suggestions but still feel too anxious
Joseph and Mary, who were ready to to comment more than once or twice?
obey the superior authorities even Be assured that Jehovah will appre-
when it was inconvenient. (Luke 2:1-6) ciate your sincere efforts to do what
When Mary was about nine months you can. (Luke 21:1-4) Giving your
pregnant, she and Joseph faced a test best does not mean putting an un-
of obedience. Augustus, who ruled the bearable strain on yourself. (Phil. 4:5)
Roman Empire, called for a census. Jo- Determine what you can do, set a goal
seph and Mary had to travel to Beth-
to do it, and pray for a calm heart.
lehem, a journey of up to 150 kilo-
Initially, that goal may be to make one
meters (93 mi) through hilly country.
brief comment. w23.04 21 ˚6-8
That trip would be uncomfortable, es-
pecially for Mary. The couple may have Monday, August 4
worried about her safety and that of
their unborn baby. What if she were Put on the breastplate . . . and the . . .
to go into labor while traveling? She helmet.—1 Thess. 5:8.
was carrying the future Messiah in The apostle Paul compares us to sol-
her womb. Would that excuse them diers who are alert and dressed for
from obeying the government? Joseph battle. A soldier on active duty is ex-
and Mary did not allow any of those pected to be prepared for battle at
concerns to influence whether they all times. It is similar with us. We re-
would obey the law. Jehovah blessed main ready for Jehovah’s day by wear-
their obedience. Mary arrived safely ing a breastplate of faith and love and
in Bethlehem, gave birth to a healthy a helmet of hope. A breastplate pro-
baby, and even helped to fulfill Bible tected a soldier’s heart. Faith and love
prophecy!—Mic. 5:2. w23.10 8 ˚9; 9 protect our figurative heart. They will
˚11-12 help us to keep serving God and fol-
Sunday, August 3 lowing Jesus. Faith assures us that
Jehovah will reward us for seeking
[Encourage] one another. him with all our heart. (Heb. 11:6)
—Heb. 10:25. It will move us to remain loyal to
What if the very thought of comment- our Leader, Jesus, even if we have
ing at meetings makes you nervous? to endure hardships. We can build the
You may find it helpful to prepare faith to face life’s challenges by noting
well. (Prov. 21:5) The more familiar modern-day examples of individuals
you are with the material, the more who maintained integrity despite per-
at ease you will feel about volun- secution or economic hardship. And
teering to comment. Also, make your we can avoid the snare of materialism
comments brief. (Prov. 15:23; 17:27) by imitating ones who simplified their
A short answer gives you less to wor- life to put Kingdom interests first.
ry about. By making a brief comment w23.06 10 ˚8-9
Tuesday, August 5 Others are determined to keep travel-
The one who looks at the clouds ing on it until they reach their desti-
nation. What is that destination? For
will not reap.—Eccl. 11:4.
those with a heavenly hope, “the Way
Self-control is the ability to control of Holiness” leads to “the paradise of
one’s feelings and actions. It is re- God” in heaven. (Rev. 2:7) For those
quired in order to move us to reach with an earthly hope, that highway
our goals, especially if a goal is dif- leads to perfection at the end of the
ficult to reach or if we do not feel 1,000 years. If you are traveling on
motivated. Remember, self-control is that highway today, do not look back.
part of the fruitage of the spirit, And do not leave it until you have
so ask Jehovah for holy spirit to help completed your journey to the new
you cultivate that important quali- world! w23.05 17 ˚15; 19 ˚16-18
ty. (Luke 11:13; Gal. 5:22, 23) Do not
wait for perfect circumstances. In this Thursday, August 7
world, we will likely never have ideal We love, because he first loved us.
circumstances. If we wait for them, —1 John 4:19.
we may never reach our goal. We
The decision to dedicate yourself to
may lack motivation because our goal
Jehovah is only natural when you
seems very hard to achieve. If this
think of all that he has done for you.
is true in your case, could you break
(Ps. 116:12-14) The Bible rightly calls
down your goal into smaller ones? If
Jehovah the Giver of “every good gift
your goal is to cultivate a quality, why
and every perfect present.” (Jas. 1:17)
not first work on displaying it in small
The greatest of those gifts is the sacri-
ways? If your goal is to read the en-
fice of his Son, Jesus. Just think! The
tire Bible, could you start by sched-
ransom has made it possible for you
uling shorter periods of reading time? to have a close relationship with Je-
w23.05 29 ˚11-13 hovah. And he has given you the pros-
Wednesday, August 6 pect of living forever. (1 John 4:9,
10) Dedicating yourself to Jehovah
The path of the righteous is like the is a way to show your appreciation for
bright morning light that grows that greatest expression of love ever
brighter and brighter until full made, along with all the other bless-
daylight.—Prov. 4:18. ings Jehovah has given you.—Deut.
Throughout the last days, Jehovah 16:17; 2 Cor. 5:15. w24.03 5 ˚8
has used his organization to provide
a steady flow of spiritual food to help
all of us to keep traveling on “the Way
of Holiness.” (Isa. 35:8; 48:17; 60:17)
We might say that whenever some-
one accepts a Bible study, he has an
opportunity to step onto “the Way of
Holiness.” Some travel only a short
distance and then leave the highway.
Friday, August 8 ther or children or fields for my sake
The one walking in his uprightness and for the sake of the good news
who will not get 100 times more now
fears Jehovah.—Prov. 14:2.
in this period of time—houses, broth-
Regarding the moral standards pro- ers, sisters, mothers, children, and
moted by this world, we feel as did fields, with persecutions—and in the
righteous Lot. He “was greatly dis- coming system of things, everlast-
tressed by the brazen conduct of the ing life.” (Mark 10:29, 30) The bless-
lawless people,” knowing that our ings that you have received are tru-
heavenly Father hates bad conduct. ly greater than any sacrifices that you
(2 Pet. 2:7, 8) Fear of God and love have made.—Ps. 37:4. w24.03 9 ˚5
for him moved Lot to reject the low
moral standards of the people around Sunday, August 10
him. We too are surrounded by people A true friend shows love at all times,
who have little or no respect for Jeho- and is a brother who is born for
vah’s moral standards. Despite that, times of distress.—Prov. 17:17.
we can remain morally clean if we
maintain our love for God and culti- When Christians in Judea experi-
enced a great famine, the brothers
vate a healthy fear of him. To that
in the congregation in Antioch were
end, Jehovah provides loving encour-
“determined, each according to what
agement and motivation by means of
he could afford, to send relief to the
the book of Proverbs. All Christians,
brothers living in Judea.” (Acts 11:27-
men and women, young and old, can
30) Although the brothers affected by
truly benefit from considering the
the famine lived some distance away,
wise counsel found there. When we
the Christians in Antioch were deter-
fear Jehovah, we are careful not to
mined to help them. (1 John 3:17, 18)
excuse bad behavior. w23.06 20 ˚1-2;
We too can show compassion today
21 ˚5
when we learn that fellow worshippers
Saturday, August 9 have been affected by a disaster. We
readily respond—perhaps by asking
If anyone wants to come after me, let the elders if we can assist on a project,
him disown himself and pick up his by donating to the worldwide work,
torture stake day after day and keep or by praying for those affected by
following me.—Luke 9:23. the disaster. Our brothers and sisters
Perhaps you have faced opposition may also need help to meet their basic
from family members, or perhaps you needs. When our King, Christ Jesus,
have sacrificed certain material pur- comes to execute judgment, may he
suits to put Kingdom interests first. find us showing compassion and invite
(Matt. 6:33) If so, you can be cer- us to “inherit the Kingdom.”—Matt.
tain that Jehovah has noticed your 25:34-40. w23.07 4 ˚9-10; 6 ˚12
faithful works. (Heb. 6:10) Likely, you
have experienced the truthfulness of
Jesus’ words: “No one has left house
or brothers or sisters or mother or fa-
Monday, August 11 ful and true. . . . They have come
Let your reasonableness become to pass!” Third, when Jehovah starts
something, he brings it to its suc-
known to all men.—Phil. 4:5.
cessful conclusion, as confirmed by
Jesus imitated Jehovah’s reasonable- the expression: “I am the Alpha and
ness. He was sent to earth to preach the Omega.” (Rev. 21:6) Jehovah will
to “the lost sheep of the house of prove that Satan is a liar and a failure.
Israel.” But he showed reasonableness So when someone says, “This sounds
in carrying out that assignment. On too good to be true,” read and explain
one occasion, a non-Israelite woman Revelation 21:5, 6. Show how Jehovah
begged him to heal her daughter who has guaranteed his promise by signing
was “cruelly demon possessed.” Je- it, as it were, with his own signature.
sus compassionately did as the woman —Isa. 65:16. w23.11 7 ˚18-19
asked and healed her daughter. (Matt.
15:21-28) Consider another example. Wednesday, August 13
Earlier in his ministry, Jesus declared: I will make you a great nation.
“Whoever disowns me . . . , I will also —Gen. 12:2.
disown him.” (Matt. 10:33) But did he
Jehovah made that promise to Abra-
disown Peter, who denied him three
ham when he was a childless 75-year-
times? No. Jesus took into account
old man. Did Abraham see that prom-
Peter’s repentance and faith. After be-
ise fulfilled? Not completely. After
ing resurrected, Jesus appeared to crossing the Euphrates River and wait-
Peter and very likely assured him of ing 25 years, Abraham did see the mi-
his forgiveness and love. (Luke 24: raculous birth of his son Isaac, and
33, 34) Both Jehovah God and Jesus after another 60 years, his grandsons
Christ are reasonable. What about us? Esau and Jacob were born. (Heb. 6:
Jehovah expects us to be reasonable. 15) But Abraham never saw his de-
w23.07 21 ˚6-7 scendants become a great nation and
inherit the Promised Land. However,
Tuesday, August 12
that faithful man did enjoy a close
Death will be no more.—Rev. 21:4. friendship with his Creator. (Jas. 2:
What assurances can we share with 23) And when Abraham is resurrect-
those who doubt that God’s prom- ed, how thrilled he will be to learn
ise of Paradise will come true? First, that his faith and patience resulted
Jehovah himself makes the promise. in blessings for all nations! (Gen. 22:
The book of Revelation states: “The 18) What is the lesson? We personally
One seated on the throne said: ‘Look! may not see all of Jehovah’s promis-
I am making all things new.’ ” He has es fulfilled right away. However, if we
the wisdom, the power, and the desire are patient like Abraham, we can be
to make his promise come true. Sec- sure that Jehovah will reward us now
ond, the fulfillment of his promise is and even more so in His promised new
so certain that from Jehovah’s view- world.—Mark 10:29, 30. w23.08 24 ˚14
point, it has already happened. He
rightly says: “These words are faith-
Thursday, August 14 share meals with Gentiles, something
During the time he was searching he would never have done earlier.
However, some Jewish Christians felt
for Jehovah, the true God made
that Jews and Gentiles should not
him prosper.—2 Chron. 26:5.
eat together. When some who had
As a youth, King Uzziah was humble. that viewpoint came to Antioch, Pe-
He learned “to fear the true God.” ter stopped eating with his Gentile
And Jehovah blessed him for most of brothers, likely out of fear of offend-
his 68 years. (2 Chron. 26:1-4) Uzziah ing Jewish Christians. The apostle
defeated many of the nation’s enemies Paul saw this hypocrisy and rebuked
and strengthened Jerusalem’s defens- Peter publicly. (Gal. 2:13, 14) Despite
es. (2 Chron. 26:6-15) Uzziah was this setback, Peter persevered. w23.09
surely happy with all that God had 22 ˚8
helped him to do. (Eccl. 3:12, 13) King
Uzziah was accustomed to having oth- Saturday, August 16
ers follow his instructions. Did that He will firmly ground you.
make him think he could do anything —1 Pet. 5:10.
he wanted? Well, one day Uzziah de-
An honest self-examination may re-
cided to enter Jehovah’s temple and
veal that you have certain weakness-
presumptuously tried to burn incense
es, but do not be discouraged. “The
on the altar, which kings were not al-
Lord is kind,” and he will help you to
lowed to do. (2 Chron. 26:16-18) High
improve. (1 Pet. 2:3) The apostle Pe-
Priest Azariah tried to correct him,
ter assures us: “God . . . will himself
but Uzziah got very angry. Sadly, Uz- finish your training. He will make you
ziah ruined his record of faithful ser- firm.” Peter once felt unworthy to be
vice and was punished with leprosy. in the presence of God’s Son. (Luke
(2 Chron. 26:19-21) How different his 5:8) But with the loving support of
life would have turned out had he re- Jehovah and of Jesus, Peter perse-
mained humble! w23.09 10 ˚9-10 vered as a follower of Christ. Peter
thus was approved to gain “entrance
Friday, August 15
into the everlasting Kingdom of our
He . . . separated himself, fearing Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet.
those of the circumcised class. 1:11) What a reward! If you persevere
—Gal. 2:12. as Peter did and allow yourself to be
Even after he became an anointed trained by Jehovah, you too will re-
Christian, the apostle Peter had to ceive the reward of everlasting life.
deal with his weaknesses. In 36 C.E., You will “attain the goal of your faith,
Peter was present when the uncircum- your salvation.”—1 Pet. 1:9. w23.09 31
cised Gentile Cornelius was anointed ˚16-17
with holy spirit, which was clear evi-
dence that “God is not partial” and
that Gentiles could be part of the
Christian congregation. (Acts 10:34,
44, 45) Peter thereafter felt free to
Sunday, August 17 us with power. (Rom. 4:3, 18, 19) Our
Worship the One who made the heaven hope strengthens us to endure trials,
and the earth.—Rev. 14:7. preach the good news, and carry out
various assignments in the congrega-
The ancient tabernacle had one court- tion. (1 Thess. 1:3) That same hope
yard—a fenced, open area where the strengthened the apostle Paul. He was
priests performed their duties. The “hard-pressed,” “perplexed,” “perse-
large copper altar of burnt offering cuted,” and “knocked down.” His life
was located in the courtyard, along was even in danger. (2 Cor. 4:8-10)
with a copper basin of water that the Paul gained the strength to endure by
priests used to cleanse themselves focusing on his hope. (2 Cor. 4:16-
before performing their sacred ser- 18) Paul focused on his future hope of
vice. (Ex. 30:17-20; 40:6-8) Today, the eternal life in heaven. Paul meditated
remnant of Christ’s anointed broth- on that hope, and as a result, he felt
ers faithfully serve in the earthly inner “renewed from day to day.” w23.10 15-
courtyard of the spiritual temple. The 16 ˚14-17
presence of the large basin of water is
an important reminder for them, as it Tuesday, August 19
is for all Christians, to remain morally Jehovah will give strength to his
and spiritually clean. Where, then, do
people. Jehovah will bless his people
the “great crowd” offer their worship?
with peace.—Ps. 29:11.
The apostle John saw them “stand-
ing before the throne,” in what cor- When praying, consider if it is Jeho-
responds on earth to the outer court- vah’s time to grant your request. We
yard, where “they are rendering [God] may feel that we need an immediate
sacred service day and night in his tem- answer to our prayers. Really, though,
ple.” (Rev. 7:9, 13-15) How we cher- Jehovah knows the best time to help.
ish having a place in Jehovah’s ar- (Heb. 4:16) When we do not receive
rangement for pure worship! w23.10 28 what we ask for right away, we may
˚15-16 think that Jehovah’s answer is ‘No.’
But his answer could in effect be ‘Not
Monday, August 18 yet.’ For example, a young brother
Because of the promise of God, . . . prayed to be cured of his illness. But
he became powerful by his faith. his health did not improve. If Jeho-
vah had miraculously cured him, Sa-
—Rom. 4:20.
tan could have argued that the brother
One way that Jehovah supplies pow- continued serving Jehovah only be-
er to us is through the elders. (Isa. 32: cause he had been healed. (Job 1:9-11;
1, 2) So when you feel anxious, share 2:4) Additionally, Jehovah has already
your concerns with the elders. When set the time to cure all sicknesses. (Isa.
they offer you help, accept it grate- 33:24; Rev. 21:3, 4) And until then,
fully. By means of them, Jeho- we cannot expect miraculous cures. So
vah can make you strong. Our Bible- the brother could ask Jehovah to give
based hope of everlasting life him the strength and the peace of mind
—either in an earthly Paradise or in to endure his illness and to continue
the heavenly Kingdom—can also fill serving God faithfully. w23.11 24 ˚13
Wednesday, August 20 us. God does not base his approv-
He has not dealt with us according al on the amount of work we do in
his service or on the privileges we en-
to our sins, nor has he repaid us what
joy. He grants his approval because of
our errors deserve.—Ps. 103:10.
our faithful endurance. And no mat-
Samson had made a serious mistake, ter what our age, circumstance, or
but he did not give up. He looked for ability is, all of us can endure. Are
an opportunity to fulfill his God-given you faithfully enduring a trial right
assignment against the Philistines. now? If so, take comfort in knowing
(Judg. 16:28-30) Samson begged Je- that you have God’s approval. Realiz-
hovah: “Let me take revenge on the ing that we have God’s approval can
Philistines.” The true God answered have a powerful effect on us. It can
Samson’s plea and restored his mirac- strengthen our hope. w23.12 11 ˚13-14
ulous strength. As a result, Samson
was more successful against the Phi- Friday, August 22
listines on this occasion than ever be- Prove yourself a man.—1 Ki. 2:2.
fore. Although Samson experienced
A Christian man must learn to com-
the painful consequences of his mis-
municate well. A man who is a good
take, he did not stop trying to do
communicator listens to and acknowl-
Jehovah’s will. Even if we make a
edges the thoughts and feelings of
mistake and need reproof or lose a others. (Prov. 20:5) He can learn to
privilege, we must not give up. Re- read another person’s tone of voice,
member, Jehovah does not give up facial expressions, and body lan-
on us. (Ps. 103:8, 9) Despite our mis- guage. You cannot learn to do
takes, we can still be useful to Je- this without spending time with peo-
hovah, just as Samson was. w23.09 6 ple. If you constantly use electron-
˚15-16 ic tools to communicate, such as
email and texting, your ability to com-
Thursday, August 21
municate with people in person could
Endurance [produces] an approved weaken. Therefore, create opportu-
condition; the approved condition, nities to talk with others in person.
in turn, hope.—Rom. 5:4. (2 John 12) A mature Christian man
Your endurance brings Jehovah’s ap- must also be able to support himself
proval. This does not mean that Je- and his household. (1 Tim. 5:8) It is
hovah is pleased that you are ex- good to learn a skill that will help you
periencing trials or problems. What to find employment. (Acts 18:2, 3; 20:
God approves of is you. Your endur- 34; Eph. 4:28) Gain the reputation of
ance results in an approved condition. being someone who works hard and
What an amazing blessing! (Ps. 5:12) who sticks to a task until it is complet-
ed. If you do, you will be more like-
Recall that Abraham endured tests
ly to get a job and keep it. w23.12 27
and enjoyed divine approval. Jehovah
˚12-13
viewed him as His friend and count-
ed him as righteous. (Gen. 15:6; Rom.
4:13, 22) The same can be true of
Saturday, August 23 movable when it comes to uphold-
Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a ing Jehovah’s laws and standards. He
is “ready to obey” and does not com-
thief in the night.—1 Thess. 5:2.
promise. On the other hand, he needs
When the Bible speaks of “Jehovah’s to be “reasonable,” or flexible, when
day,” it refers to the time when Jeho- the situation allows for it or even re-
vah judges his enemies and brings sal- quires it. (Jas. 3:17) A Christian who
vation to his people. In the past, Je- has learned to have this balanced view
hovah at times carried out judgments. will avoid the extremes of being either
(Isa. 13:1, 6; Ezek. 13:5; Zeph. 1:8) In excessively rigid or overly permissive.
our time, “Jehovah’s day” begins with w23.07 14 ˚1-2
the attack on Babylon the Great and
culminates in the battle of Armaged- Monday, August 25
don. To survive that “day,” we need Though you never saw him, you love
to prepare now. Jesus taught that we him.—1 Pet. 1:8.
must not only get ready for the “great
Jesus had to stand up to temptations
tribulation” but also “keep ready” for
from Satan the Devil, including direct
it. (Matt. 24:21; Luke 12:40) In his
attacks on his loyalty to God. (Matt.
first inspired letter to the Thessalo-
4:1-11) Satan was determined to make
nians, the apostle Paul used a number
Jesus sin so that he would not be able
of illustrations to help Christians keep
to pay the ransom. During his earthly
ready for Jehovah’s great day of judg-
ministry, Jesus endured further tests.
ment. Paul knew that Jehovah’s day
He faced persecution and threats to
would not come right then. (2 Thess. his life. (Luke 4:28, 29; 13:31) He had
2:1-3) Still, he urged his brothers to to deal with the imperfections of his
prepare for that day as if it were com- followers. (Mark 9:33, 34) When he
ing tomorrow, and we too can apply was on trial for his life, he was tor-
his counsel. w23.06 8 ˚1-2 tured and ridiculed. Then he was exe-
Sunday, August 24 cuted in an extremely painful and hu-
miliating way. (Heb. 12:1-3) He had to
My beloved brothers, be steadfast, endure the final part of his trial on his
immovable.—1 Cor. 15:58. own, without Jehovah’s protection.
In the late 1970’s, a 60-story skyscrap- (Matt. 27:46) Clearly, the ransom cost
er gradually rose above the skyline Jesus a great deal. Do we not feel
of Tokyo, Japan. Observers wondered deep love for Jesus when we reflect
how it would be able to withstand the on how he willingly sacrificed so much
frequent earthquakes in that city. The in our behalf? w24.01 10-11 ˚7-9
secret? Engineers designed the build-
ing to be rigid yet flexible enough to
absorb seismic shocks. Christians are
like that skyscraper. In what way? A
Christian must maintain a balance
between steadfastness and flexibili-
ty. He needs to be strong and im-
Tuesday, August 26 you face a test, you will not need to
All who are hasty surely head for spend time debating what to do. You
will have already shut the door on all
poverty.—Prov. 21:5.
options except one—faithfulness to Je-
Patience helps us in our dealings with hovah. You will remain firmly resolved
others. It helps us to listen attentive- to please Jehovah. You will in that
ly when others speak. (Jas. 1:19) Pa- sense be like Job. Even though he
tience also promotes peace. It pro- faced extremely difficult trials, he reso-
tects us from reacting too quickly and lutely stated: “I will not renounce my
saying something unkind when we are integrity!”—Job 27:5. w24.03 9 ˚6-7
under stress. And if we are patient, we
will be slow to anger when someone Thursday, August 28
hurts our feelings. Instead of retaliat- Jehovah is near to all those calling on
ing, we will “continue putting up with him, to all who call on him in truth.
one another and forgiving one an- —Ps. 145:18.
other freely.” (Col. 3:12, 13) Patience
Jehovah, “the God of love,” is with
can also help us to make better deci-
us! (2 Cor. 13:11) He is interested in
sions. Instead of being hasty or impul-
us personally. We are convinced that
sive, we will take the time to research we are “surrounded by His loyal love.”
and evaluate the options that we have. (Ps. 32:10) The more we meditate on
For example, if we are looking for how he has shown us his love, the
work, we might be inclined to accept more real he becomes and the closer
the first offer we receive. However, if we feel to him. We can approach him
we are patient, we will take the time freely and tell him how much we need
to consider the impact the job could his love. We can share all our wor-
have on our family and spiritual life. ries with him, confident that he under-
By being patient, we may avoid mak- stands and that he is eager to help us.
ing a bad decision. w23.08 22 ˚8-9 (Ps. 145:19) Just as we are drawn to a
warm fire on a cold day, we are drawn
Wednesday, August 27
to Jehovah’s warm love. Although Je-
I see in my body another law warring hovah’s love is powerful, it is also ten-
against the law of my mind and der. So welcome Jehovah’s warm love
leading me captive to sin’s law in your life. And may we all respond
that is in my body.—Rom. 7:23. to his love by exclaiming: “I love Je-
hovah”!—Ps. 116:1. w24.01 31 ˚19-20
If you feel discouraged by your sinful
tendencies, thinking about the promise
you made to Jehovah when you ded-
icated yourself to him will strengthen
your resolve to fight against tempta-
tion. How? When you make a dedica-
tion to Jehovah, you disown yourself.
This means that you say no to personal
desires and ambitions that would dis-
please Jehovah. (Matt. 16:24) So when
Friday, August 29 ings of compassion and related quali-
I have made your name known. ties become part of our personality,
we cannot help but give comfort to
—John 17:26.
those in distress. As Jesus stated,
Jesus did more than just inform peo- “out of the abundance of the heart
ple that God’s name is Jehovah. the mouth speaks. The good man
The Jews whom Jesus taught already out of his good treasure sends out
knew God’s name. But Jesus took the good things.” (Matt. 12:34, 35) Giv-
lead in being “the one who . . . ex- ing comfort to our brothers and sis-
plained Him.” (John 1:17, 18) For ex- ters in need is truly an important way
ample, the Hebrew Scriptures reveal in which we express our love to them.
that Jehovah is merciful and compas- w23.11 10 ˚10-11
sionate. (Ex. 34:5-7) Jesus made that
truth clearer than ever when he re- Sunday, August 31
lated the parable of the wayward son Those having insight will understand.
and his father. When we read about —Dan. 12:10.
that father catching sight of his repen-
We need to ask for help if we are to
tant son “while he was still a long way
understand Bible prophecy. Consid-
off,” running to meet him, embracing
er this illustration. Imagine that you
him, and forgiving him wholehearted-
are visiting an unfamiliar place but
ly, we see a most vivid picture of Je-
a friend who is traveling with you
hovah’s mercy and compassion. (Luke
is well-acquainted with the area. He
15:11-32) Jesus revealed his Father as
knows exactly where you are and
He truly is. w24.02 10 ˚8-9 where each road leads. No doubt you
Saturday, August 30 would be glad that your friend agreed
to come with you! In a similar way,
Comfort others . . . with the comfort Jehovah knows where we are in the
that we receive from God.—2 Cor. 1:4. stream of time and what is on the
Jehovah brings refreshment and com- road ahead of us. So to understand Bi-
fort to those who are distressed. How ble prophecy, we must humbly ask for
can we imitate Jehovah in feeling Jehovah’s help. (Dan. 2:28; 2 Pet. 1:
compassion and in providing comfort 19, 20) Like any good parent, Jehovah
to others? One way we can do so wants his children to have a happy fu-
is by cultivating qualities in our heart ture. (Jer. 29:11) But unlike any hu-
that are related to giving comfort. man parent, Jehovah can foretell the
What are some of these qualities? future with complete accuracy. He
What will help us to maintain the had prophecies recorded in his Word
love that we need in order to “keep so that we can know about important
comforting one another” from day to events before they happen.—Isa. 46:
day? (1 Thess. 4:18) We need to culti- 10. w23.08 8 ˚3-4
vate such tender qualities as fellow
feeling, brotherly affection, and kind-
ness. (Col. 3:12; 1 Pet. 3:8) How will
these qualities help us? When feel-
Monday, September 1 Study, think about how each para-
A daybreak will visit us from on high. graph ties in to the theme of the arti-
—Luke 1:78. cle. If you do, you will likely have
something to offer throughout the les-
God has given Jesus the power to son. Additionally, you might prepare
solve all mankind’s problems. By to comment on paragraphs that dis-
means of his miracles, Jesus demon- cuss deeper truths that are more dif-
strated his power to conquer obsta- ficult to explain. Why? Because there
cles that we could never overcome may be fewer volunteers during that
on our own. For example, he has the part of the lesson. What if you find
power to free us from the root cause that after several meetings you still
of mankind’s problems—inherited sin have not had an opportunity to com-
and its effects, sickness and death. ment? Tell the conductor before the
(Matt. 9:1-6; Rom. 5:12, 18, 19) His meeting which question you would
miraculous works proved that he can like to answer. w23.04 21-22 ˚9-10
cure “every sort of” sickness and even
resurrect the dead. (Matt. 4:23; John Wednesday, September 3
11:43, 44) Also, he has the power to Joseph . . . did as the angel of
control violent windstorms and defeat Jehovah had directed him, and he
wicked spirits. (Mark 4:37-39; Luke took his wife home.—Matt. 1:24.
8:2) How reassuring it is to know that
Jehovah has placed such power in the Joseph readily applied Jehovah’s di-
hands of his Son! We can be fully con- rection, and that made him a bet-
fident that the future blessings under ter husband. On at least three oc-
God’s Kingdom will come true. The casions, he received instructions from
miracles Jesus performed as a man God regarding his family. Each time,
on earth teach us what he will do on he obeyed promptly, even when it
a much greater scale as the heavenly meant making big changes. (Matt. 1:
King of God’s Kingdom. w23.04 3 ˚5-7 20; 2:13-15, 19-21) By following God’s
direction, Joseph protected Mary,
Tuesday, September 2 supported her, and provided for her.
Imagine how Joseph’s actions must
The spirit searches into all things,
have deepened Mary’s love and re-
even the deep things of God.
spect for him! Husbands, you can im-
—1 Cor. 2:10.
itate Joseph by seeking Bible-based
If you are in a large congregation and advice on caring for your family.
feel that your hand is frequently over- When you apply this advice, even if it
looked, you might be tempted to give means making changes, you show love
up. But do not stop trying to com- for your wife and you strengthen your
ment. Prepare several comments for marriage. A sister in Vanuatu who has
each meeting. Then if you are not been married for over 20 years says:
chosen to comment early in the study, “When my husband seeks and applies
you will still have opportunities to Jehovah’s direction, I respect him
comment as the meeting progresses. more. I feel secure, and I have confi-
When preparing for the Watchtower dence in his decisions.” w23.05 21 ˚5
Thursday, September 4 goal. (Rom. 7:23) Or we may just feel
A highway will be there, yes, a way tired. (Matt. 26:43) What can help
us to overcome a setback or a bad
called the Way of Holiness.—Isa. 35:8.
day? Remember that a setback does
The Jews returning from Babylon not mean you have failed. The Bible
were to become “a holy people” to says that we may repeatedly experi-
their God. (Deut. 7:6) That did not ence problems or difficulties. How-
mean, though, that they did not need ever, it also makes clear that we can
to make changes in order to please get up again. Yes, by moving forward
Jehovah. Most of the Jews born in despite a setback, you prove to Jeho-
Babylon had apparently become ac- vah that you want to please him. How
customed to some of the thinking happy Jehovah must be when he sees
and standards of the Babylonians. De- you continuing to strive for your goal!
cades after the first Jews returned to w23.05 30 ˚14-15
Israel, Governor Nehemiah was aston-
ished to find out that children born in Saturday, September 6
Israel had not even learned the lan- [Become] examples to the flock.
guage of the Jews. (Deut. 6:6, 7; Neh. —1 Pet. 5:3.
13:23, 24) How could those young
Pioneering helps a young man to learn
ones learn to love and worship Je-
how to work effectively with a va-
hovah if they could not understand
riety of people. It also helps him to
Hebrew—the main language in which
make a reasonable budget and live
God’s Word was written? (Ezra 10:3,
by it. (Phil. 4:11-13) A good step-
44) So those Jews had significant
ping stone to full-time service is aux-
changes to make, but it would be iliary pioneering, which helps one be
much easier for them to make those ready to take up regular pioneering.
changes in Israel, where pure worship Pioneering may open the door to oth-
was gradually being restored.—Neh. er forms of full-time service, includ-
8:8, 9. w23.05 15 ˚6-7 ing serving as a construction servant
Friday, September 5 or a Bethelite. Christian men should
have the goal of qualifying to serve
Jehovah supports all who are falling their brothers and sisters as congre-
and raises up all who are bowed down. gation elders. The Bible says that men
—Ps. 145:14. who are reaching out for this role are
Unfortunately, no matter how moti- “desirous of a fine work.” (1 Tim. 3:1)
vated or disciplined we are, we may First, a brother must qualify to serve
still have setbacks. For example, “un- as a ministerial servant. Ministerial
expected events” may rob us of the servants assist the elders in many
time we need to work on our goal. practical ways. Both elders and minis-
(Eccl. 9:11) We may face a difficulty terial servants humbly serve their
that leaves us feeling discouraged and brothers and sisters and share zeal-
with little strength. (Prov. 24:10) Our ously in the ministry. w23.12 28 ˚14-16
imperfect flesh may cause us to act in
a way that does not help us with our
Sunday, September 7 the branch office; hence, it is impor-
While he was still a boy, he started tant to learn to love and respect our
elders now. No matter what happens,
to search for the God of David his
let us keep our senses, not focusing
forefather.—2 Chron. 34:3.
on their imperfections, but focusing
King Josiah was a teenager when he on the fact that Jehovah through
started to search for Jehovah. He Christ is guiding these faithful men.
wanted to learn about Jehovah and Just as a helmet protected a soldier’s
do His will. However, life was not easy head, our hope of salvation protects
for this young king. He had to take our thinking. We recognize that what
a stand for pure worship when false this world offers is worthless. (Phil.
worship was prevalent. And indeed 3:8) Our hope helps us to remain calm
he did! Before Josiah was 20 years and steady. w23.06 11-12 ˚11-12
old, he began to remove false worship
from the nation. (2 Chron. 34:1, 2) Tuesday, September 9
Even if you are very young, you can A stupid woman is loud. She is
decide to imitate Josiah by searching ignorant.—Prov. 9:13.
for Jehovah and learning to appreci-
Those hearing the “stupid woman”
ate His qualities. That fine course
face a choice: Will they accept her in-
will move you to dedicate yourself to
vitation or reject it? There are valid
him. What will that dedication mean
reasons why we should avoid sexual-
in your daily life? Luke, who got bap-
ly immoral conduct. The “stupid wom-
tized at age 14, says, “From now on,
an” is described as saying: “Stolen
I will put serving Jehovah first in my
waters are sweet.” (Prov. 9:17) What
life and will try to make him hap-
are “stolen waters”? The Bible lik-
py.” (Mark 12:30) What a blessing it ens sexual intimacies that a married
will be for you if you desire to do the couple may enjoy to refreshing water.
same! w23.09 11 ˚12-13 (Prov. 5:15-18) Husband and wife can
Monday, September 8 find pleasure in appropriate sexual
acts within their legal marriage. How
Show respect for those who are different, though, with “stolen wa-
working hard among you and ters.” That may refer to illicit, immor-
presiding over you in the Lord. al sex. Such often occurs in secret,
—1 Thess. 5:12. just as a thief often steals in secret.
When the apostle Paul wrote this let- The “stolen waters” may seem partic-
ter, the Thessalonian congregation ularly sweet if those involved feel that
was less than a year old. Its appoint- they are getting away with their sin-
ed men were likely inexperienced and ful course. What a sad deception! Je-
may have made mistakes. Still, they hovah sees all. Nothing could be more
deserved respect. As the great tribula- bitter than losing his favor, so there is
tion approaches, we may need to de- nothing “sweet” about that tragic loss.
pend on local elders for direction even —1 Cor. 6:9, 10. w23.06 22 ˚7-9
more than we do now. We may lose
contact with world headquarters and
Wednesday, September 10 instructed his people to do when an-
Even if I do it against my will, I still cient Babylon was attacked: “Go, my
people, enter your inner rooms, and
have a stewardship entrusted to me.
shut your doors behind you. Hide
—1 Cor. 9:17.
yourself for a brief moment until the
What if, for a time, you feel that your wrath has passed by.” (Isa. 26:20) It
prayers have become mechanical or seems that those words also apply to
that your ministry is in a rut? Do us who will face the great tribulation.
not conclude that you have lost Jeho- w23.07 6-7 ˚14-16
vah’s spirit. You are an imperfect hu-
man, and your feelings can fluctuate. Friday, September 12
If your zeal starts to diminish, reflect The scene of this world is changing.
on the example of the apostle Paul. —1 Cor. 7:31.
Although he tried to imitate Jesus, he
Have a reputation for being reason-
knew that at times he might not feel as
able. Ask yourself: ‘Do people per-
motivated as at other times. Paul was
ceive me as being reasonable, yield-
determined to accomplish his ministry
ing, and tolerant? Or do they view me
despite how he might feel at the mo-
as a rigid, harsh, or headstrong per-
ment. Similarly, do not let your im-
son? Do I listen to others and yield
perfect feelings make your decisions
to their wishes when appropriate?’
for you. Resolve that you will do the
The degree to which we are reason-
right thing despite how you feel. Your
able reflects the extent to which we
actions should in time affect your are imitating Jehovah and Jesus. Rea-
feelings for the better.—1 Cor. 9:16. sonableness involves being flexible
w24.03 11-12 ˚12-13 when our circumstances change. Such
Thursday, September 11 changes can create unexpected hard-
ships for us. We may face a health
Demonstrate the proof of your love emergency. Or sudden changes in the
to them.—2 Cor. 8:24. economy or in the political climate
We can show love to our brothers where we live may completely disrupt
and sisters by welcoming them into our life. (Eccl. 9:11) Even a change in
our circle of friends. (2 Cor. 6:11-13) a theocratic assignment can test us.
Many of us belong to congregations We can successfully adapt to new cir-
made up of brothers and sisters who cumstances if we take the following
are from different backgrounds and four steps: (1) accept reality, (2) look
who have a variety of personalities. to the future, (3) focus on the posi-
We can strengthen our love for all of tive, and (4) do things for others.
them by focusing on their good qual- w23.07 21-22 ˚7-8
ities. When we learn to see others
as Jehovah sees them, we prove that
we love them. Love will be vital dur-
ing the great tribulation. When that
tribulation begins, where will we find
protection? Consider what Jehovah
Saturday, September 13 ine the rich details. An excellent way
You are someone very precious. to study the Bible is to see how the
various parts of its message connect
—Dan. 9:23.
together. Endeavor to understand not
The prophet Daniel was a young man only what truths you believe but also
when the Babylonians made him a pris- why you believe them. To understand
oner of war and dragged him far away God’s Word fully, we must learn deep
from his homeland. But Daniel ob- Bible truths. The apostle Paul urged
viously impressed his captors. They his Christian brothers and sisters to
saw “what appear[ed] to the eyes” study God’s Word diligently so that
—that Daniel was “without any de- they could “comprehend fully what is
fect, of good appearance” and that the breadth and length and height and
he came from an influential family. depth” of the truth. Then they would
(1 Sam. 16:7) For those reasons, the become further “rooted and estab-
Babylonians trained him to become an lished” in their faith. (Eph. 3:14-19)
elite member of their society. (Dan. 1: We need to do the same. w23.10 18 ˚1-3
3, 4, 6) Jehovah loved Daniel be-
cause of the type of person that this Monday, September 15
young man chose to be. In fact, Dan- Brothers, take as a pattern of the
iel may have been only in his late teens suffering of evil and the exercising of
or early 20’s when Jehovah mentioned patience the prophets who spoke in
him favorably together with Noah and the name of Jehovah.—Jas. 5:10.
Job, men who had spent many de-
cades building a good reputation with The Bible contains many examples of
God. (Gen. 5:32; 6:9, 10; Job 42:16, 17; people who were patient. Why not
Ezek. 14:14) And Jehovah continued make it a study project to examine
to love Daniel throughout his long and such examples? For instance, although
remarkable life.—Dan. 10:11, 19. w23.08 David was anointed at an early age
2 ˚1-2 to be the future king of Israel, he
had to wait many years before he re-
Sunday, September 14 ceived the kingship. Simeon and Anna
worshipped Jehovah faithfully while
Comprehend fully what is the breadth
they waited for the promised Messiah.
and length and height and depth.
(Luke 2:25, 36-38) As you study such
—Eph. 3:18.
accounts, look for the answers to the
When deciding whether to buy a following questions: What may have
house, you would want to examine all helped this person to show patience?
the aspects of your future home in How did he benefit by being patient?
person. We can do something simi- How can I imitate him? You might also
lar when we read and study the Bible. benefit by learning about those who
If you just read it quickly, you may did not show patience. (1 Sam. 13:8-
learn only basic facts—“the elemen- 14) You might ask: ‘What may have
tary things of the sacred pronounce- contributed to their lack of patience?
ments of God.” (Heb. 5:12) Instead, as What consequences did they face?’
with the house, go “inside” to exam- w23.08 25 ˚15
Tuesday, September 16 were still imperfect sinners. But be-
We have believed and have come to cause of their faith, God viewed them
as blameless, especially when com-
know that you are the Holy One of
pared with those who had no standing
God.—John 6:69.
with him. (Eph. 2:12) As the apostle
The apostle Peter was loyal; he did Paul makes clear in his letter, faith is
not let anything cause him to give central to having a personal relation-
up permanently. He demonstrated his ship with God. That was true in the
loyalty on one occasion when Jesus case of both Abraham and David, and
said something that his disciples did it is true of us as well. w23.12 3 ˚6-7
not understand. (John 6:68) With-
out waiting for an explanation, many Thursday, September 18
stopped following Jesus. But not Pe- Always offer to God a sacrifice of
ter. He recognized that only Jesus praise, that is, the fruit of our lips
had “sayings of everlasting life.” Jesus that make public declaration to his
knew that Peter and the other apos- name.—Heb. 13:15.
tles would abandon him. Neverthe-
less, Jesus expressed confidence that Today all Christians have the privi-
Peter would recover and remain faith- lege of offering sacrifices to Jeho-
vah by using their time, energy, and
ful. (Luke 22:31, 32) Jesus under-
resources to further the interests of
stood that “the spirit . . . is eager, but
God’s Kingdom. We can show that we
the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38) Ac-
cherish our privilege to worship Jeho-
cordingly, even after Peter denied
vah by offering him our very best sac-
knowing him, Jesus did not give up on
rifices. The apostle Paul outlines vari-
his apostle. The resurrected Jesus ap-
ous aspects of our worship that we
peared to Peter—evidently when Pe-
should never neglect. (Heb. 10:22-
ter was alone. (Mark 16:7; Luke 24:
25) These include approaching Jeho-
34; 1 Cor. 15:5) How that must have
vah in prayer, making public declara-
encouraged the downcast apostle!
tion of our hope, meeting together as
w23.09 22 ˚9-10 a congregation, and encouraging one
Wednesday, September 17 another “all the more so as [we] see
[Jehovah’s] day drawing near.” To-
Happy are those whose lawless deeds ward the end of the Revelation ac-
have been pardoned and whose sins count, Jehovah’s angel states the fol-
have been covered.—Rom. 4:7. lowing twice for emphasis: “Worship
God pardons or covers over the sins God!” (Rev. 19:10; 22:9) May we nev-
of those who put faith in him. He er forget this deep spiritual truth re-
forgives them completely and no lon- garding Jehovah’s great spiritual tem-
ger takes their sins into account. (Ps. ple and the cherished privilege we
32:1, 2) He views such individuals as have to worship our great God! w23.10
guiltless and righteous on the basis 29 ˚17-18
of their faith. Although they were de-
clared righteous, Abraham, David,
and other faithful worshippers of God
Friday, September 19 stretching the limits of our natural in-
Continue loving one another. clination to love. For example, what if
a brother offends or hurts us in some
—1 John 4:7.
way? Our instinct may be to retal-
We all want to “continue loving one iate rather than to show love. Yet, Pe-
another.” However, it is important for ter learned from Jesus that retaliation
us to remember that Jesus warned does not please God. (John 18:10, 11)
that “the love of the greater number Peter wrote: “Do not pay back inju-
[would] grow cold.” (Matt. 24:12) Je- ry for injury or insult for insult. In-
sus was not saying that this would oc- stead, repay with a blessing.” (1 Pet.
cur on a large scale among his dis- 3:9) Allow intense love to move you
ciples. Nonetheless, we should remain to be kind and considerate. w23.09 28-
alert so that we are not influenced by 29 ˚9-11
the lack of love in the world around
us. With that thought in mind, let us Sunday, September 21
consider this important question: Is Women should likewise be . . .
there a way to test whether our love moderate in habits, faithful in
for our brothers is strong? One way to all things.—1 Tim. 3:11.
determine the strength of our love is
We are amazed at how quickly a child
to examine how we handle certain sit-
grows into an adult. This growth
uations in life. (2 Cor. 8:8) One such
seems to take place automatically.
situation is mentioned by the apostle
However, growing to Christian matu-
Peter: “Above all things, have intense
rity is by no means automatic. (1 Cor.
love for one another, because love
13:11; Heb. 6:1) To reach that goal, we
covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Pet. need a deep personal relationship with
4:8) So the weaknesses and imperfec- Jehovah. We also need his holy spir-
tions of others can put our love to the it as we cultivate godly qualities, de-
test. w23.11 10-11 ˚12-13 velop practical skills, and prepare for
Saturday, September 20 future responsibilities. (Prov. 1:5) Je-
hovah made humans to be male or fe-
Love one another.—John 13:34. male. (Gen. 1:27) Obviously, men and
We cannot obey Jesus’ command women are physically different, but
about love if we show love to some they are different in other ways as
in the congregation but not to others. well. For example, Jehovah made men
Granted, we may feel closer to some and women to fulfill specific roles, so
than to others, as did Jesus. (John they need qualities and skills that will
13:23; 20:2) But the apostle Peter re- help them to carry out their respec-
minds us that we should strive to have tive assignments.—Gen. 2:18. w23.12
“brotherly affection”—a warm family- 18 ˚1-2
like attachment—for all our brothers
and sisters. (1 Pet. 2:17) Peter urged
us to “love one another intensely
from the heart.” (1 Pet. 1:22) In this
context, to love “intensely” involves
Monday, September 22 ly. Why? Because we may at times be
Make disciples of people of all the offended by the imperfections of oth-
ers. We may also find it difficult to put
nations, baptizing them in the name
up with our own shortcomings, espe-
of the Father and of the Son.
cially if we make the same mistakes
—Matt. 28:19.
time and again. We need to persevere
Did Jesus want others to use his Fa- in Jehovah’s service (1) when a fel-
ther’s personal name? Certainly. low believer offends us, (2) when our
Some pious religious leaders of the spouse disappoints us, and (3) when
day may have held that God’s name we are disappointed with ourselves.
was too sacred to pronounce, but Je- w24.03 14 ˚1-2
sus never allowed such unscriptural
traditions to prevent him from hon- Wednesday, September 24
oring his Father’s name. Consider the To the extent we have made progress,
time when he cured a demonized man let us go on walking orderly in this
in the region of the Gerasenes. The same course.—Phil. 3:16.
people became fearful and begged Je-
From time to time, you will hear the
sus to leave, so he did not stay in
experiences of brothers and sisters
that region. (Mark 5:16, 17) Still, Je-
who have reached out to expand their
sus wanted Jehovah’s name to be
sacred service. Perhaps they attend-
known there. So he commissioned the
ed the School for Kingdom Evangeliz-
man he had cured to tell people, not
ers or moved to where there is a great-
what Jesus had done, but what Jeho-
er need. If you can set such a goal,
vah had done. (Mark 5:19) He wants by all means do so. Jehovah’s peo-
the same today—that we make his Fa- ple are eager to expand their ministry.
ther’s name known throughout the (Acts 16:9) What, though, if right now
whole world! (Matt. 24:14; 28:20) you are unable to do that? Do not
When we do our part, we please our think that you are inferior to those
King, Jesus. w24.02 10 ˚10 who can. The Christian race is one of
endurance. (Matt. 10:22) Do not un-
Tuesday, September 23
derestimate the value of serving Jeho-
You have persevered for the sake of vah according to your abilities and cir-
my name.—Rev. 2:3. cumstances. That is an important way
We are truly blessed to be part of Je- that you can keep following Jesus af-
hovah’s organization during these tur- ter baptism.—Ps. 26:1. w24.03 10 ˚11
bulent last days. As world conditions
deteriorate, Jehovah provides us with
a united, spiritual family of broth-
ers and sisters. (Ps. 133:1) He helps
us to have strong family bonds. (Eph.
5:33–6:1) And he gives us the insight
and wisdom we need to have true in-
ner peace. We must, however, work
hard to keep serving Jehovah faithful-
Thursday, September 25 (Luke 6:12, 13) And Jesus prayed re-
He kindly forgave us all our peatedly on the night before he died
as he focused on completing the most
trespasses.—Col. 2:13.
challenging aspect of his earthly as-
Our heavenly Father promises to for- signment. (Matt. 26:39, 42, 44) Jesus’
give us if we are repentant. (Ps. 86:5) example teaches us that no matter
So if we are truly sorry for the sins how busy we are, we need to set aside
we have committed, we can take Je- time to pray. Like Jesus, we may need
hovah at his word—he has forgiven us. to reserve time for prayer—getting up
Remember that Jehovah is not rigid, early in the morning or staying up a
or inflexible. He never demands more little later in the evening. When we do,
of us than we can reasonably do. He we show Jehovah that we appreciate
appreciates whatever we do for him as this special gift. w23.05 3 ˚4-5
long as we are doing our best. Also,
reflect on Bible examples of those Saturday, September 27
who served Jehovah whole-souled. The love of God has been poured out
Think of the apostle Paul. He exert- into our hearts through the holy spirit,
ed himself zealously for years, travel- which was given to us.—Rom. 5:5.
ing thousands of miles and establish-
Notice the expression “poured out” in
ing many congregations. Yet, when
the text above. One reference work
circumstances limited his share in the
describes it as “come upon us like a
preaching work, did he lose God’s ap-
stream.” What a powerful image to
proval? No. He continued to do what
highlight the abundance of Jehovah’s
he could, and Jehovah blessed him.
love for the anointed! The anointed
(Acts 28:30, 31) Similarly, what we
know that they are “loved by God.”
can give to Jehovah may vary at
(Jude 1) The apostle John expressed
times. But what matters to him is why
their feelings when he wrote: “See
we do it. w24.03 27 ˚7, 9 what sort of love the Father has giv-
Friday, September 26 en us, that we should be called chil-
dren of God!” (1 John 3:1) Is Jeho-
Early in the morning, [Jesus] left vah’s love limited to the anointed? No,
for an isolated place, and there Jehovah has proved his love for all
he began praying.—Mark 1:35. of us. What is the greatest confirma-
By means of his own prayers to Jeho- tion of Jehovah’s love? The ransom
vah, Jesus set an example for his dis- —the most extraordinary act of love
ciples to follow. Throughout his min- in the universe!—John 3:16; Rom. 5:8.
istry, Jesus prayed frequently. He had w24.01 28 ˚9-10
to set aside time to pray because he
was often busy and surrounded by
many people. (Mark 6:31, 45, 46) He
got up early in the morning so that he
could have time alone to pray. On at
least one occasion, he prayed all night
before making an important decision.
Sunday, September 28 sensed God’s forgiveness. (Ps. 32:2)
My enemies will retreat on the day You attended Christian meetings and
began to share with others the won-
that I call for help. Of this I am
derful things you had learned. As
confident: God is on my side.
a dedicated and baptized Christian,
—Ps. 56:9.
you are now walking on the road to
The verse above reveals a way that life, determined not to lose your way.
David conquered his fears. Even (Matt. 7:13, 14) May you stand firm,
though his life was in jeopardy, he steadfast in your devotion to Jehovah
meditated on what Jehovah would yet and immovable in your obedience to
do for him. David knew that Jehovah his commands. w23.07 17 ˚14; 19 ˚19
would rescue him at the right time. Af-
ter all, Jehovah had declared that Da- Tuesday, September 30
vid would be the next king of Israel. God is faithful, and he will not let
(1 Sam. 16:1, 13) To David, what- you be tempted beyond what you can
ever Jehovah promised was as good bear, but along with the temptation he
as fulfilled. What has Jehovah prom- will also make the way out so that
ised to do for you? We do not ex- you may be able to endure it.
pect him to shield us from all prob- —1 Cor. 10:13.
lems. Still, whatever trials you may
face in this system of things, Jehovah By reflecting on your prayer of ded-
will do away with them in the coming ication to Jehovah, you will find the
new world. (Isa. 25:7-9) Our Creator strength to resist any temptation. For
is surely strong enough to raise the example, would you start flirting with
another person’s mate? Certainly not!
dead, to heal us, and to remove all op-
You will have already said no to that.
posers.—1 John 4:4. w24.01 6 ˚12-13
You will thus spare yourself the an-
Monday, September 29 guish of having to deal with improp-
er feelings after they have taken root.
Happy is the one whose transgression You will “turn away” from “the path
is pardoned, whose sin is covered. of the wicked.” (Prov. 4:14, 15) Re-
—Ps. 32:1. calling Jesus’ determination to please
Reflect on your dedication and bap- his Father, you will quickly and firmly
tism. You took those steps because reject anything that you know would
you wanted to stand on Jehovah’s displease the God to whom you are
side. Think back to what helped you dedicated. (Matt. 4:10; John 8:29)
to become convinced that you had The fact is that trials and temptations
found the truth. You took in accu- give you an opportunity to show that
rate knowledge of Jehovah and grew you are determined to keep following
to respect and love him as your heav- Jesus. As you do, you can be assured
enly Father. You developed faith and that Jehovah will help you. w24.03 9-
were motivated to repent. Your heart 10 ˚8-10
moved you to abandon wrong prac-
tices and to live in harmony with
God’s will. You felt relief when you
Wednesday, October 1 out Jehovah’s help? (1 Cor. 1:26-31)
The wisdom from above is . . . When we are humble, we do not have
to take credit for the good things we
ready to obey.—Jas. 3:17.
do for others. We are content with
Do you ever struggle to be obedi- knowing that Jehovah sees and val-
ent? King David did, so he prayed to ues what we do. (Compare Matthew 6:
God: “Stir within me a willingness to 2-4; Heb. 13:16) Surely, we please Je-
obey you.” (Ps. 51:12) David loved Je- hovah when we imitate Jesus in show-
hovah. Still, David at times struggled ing humility.—1 Pet. 5:6. w23.04 4 ˚9;
to be obedient, and so do we. Why? 5 ˚11-12
First, we have inherited a tendency
to be disobedient. Second, Satan con- Friday, October 3
stantly tries to incite us to rebel, as he Look out not only for your own
did. (2 Cor. 11:3) Third, we are sur- interests, but also for the interests
rounded by this world’s rebellious atti- of others.—Phil. 2:4.
tude, “the spirit that is now at work in
Under inspiration, the apostle Paul
the sons of disobedience.” (Eph. 2:2)
encouraged Christians to look out for
We must work hard not only to fight
the interests of others. How can we
our tendency to sin but also to resist
apply that counsel during meetings?
the pressure that the Devil and this
By remembering that others, like us,
world put on us to disobey. We must
want to participate. Think about it
put forth effort to obey Jehovah and
this way. When you are having a con-
those whom he has appointed to a po-
versation with your friends, would
sition of authority. w23.10 6 ˚1
you talk so much that they have little
Thursday, October 2 opportunity to speak? Of course not!
You want them to share in the conver-
You have saved the fine wine sation. Similarly, at meetings, we want
until now.—John 2:10. to allow as many as possible to com-
What can we learn from Jesus’ mir- ment. In fact, one of the best ways
acle of turning water into wine? We to encourage our brothers and sisters
learn a lesson in humility. Jesus did is by giving them a chance to express
not boast about the miracle; in fact, their faith. (1 Cor. 10:24) So keep our
he never boasted about his accom- comments brief, thus allowing time
plishments. On the contrary, he hum- for more to participate. Even when
bly and repeatedly gave all glory and you give a short comment, avoid talk-
credit to his Father. (John 5:19, 30; 8: ing about too many points. If you cov-
28) If we imitate Jesus by keeping a er everything in the paragraph, there
humble view of ourselves, we will not will be little left for others to say.
boast about our achievements. Let us w23.04 22-23 ˚11-13
boast, not about ourselves, but about
the wonderful God we are privileged
to serve. (Jer. 9:23, 24) Let us give
him due credit. After all, what good
could we possibly accomplish with-
Saturday, October 4 strong. As humans, how can we de-
I do all things for the sake of the good velop mildness and at the same time
be strong? Not by sheer willpower. A
news, in order to share it with others.
key is praying for God’s spirit, asking
—1 Cor. 9:23.
him to help us cultivate this beauti-
We must remember how important it ful quality. Experience shows that this
is to continue helping others, espe- can be done. Many Witnesses have re-
cially through our Christian ministry. sponded mildly when confronted by
In our ministry, we need to be flexi- opposers, leaving a favorable impres-
ble. We meet people who have differ- sion on observers.—2 Tim. 2:24, 25.
ent beliefs and attitudes and who w23.09 15 ˚3
come from a variety of backgrounds.
The apostle Paul was adaptable, and Monday, October 6
we can learn from his example. Je- I prayed, and Jehovah granted
sus appointed Paul as “an apostle to my petition that I asked of him.
the nations.” (Rom. 11:13) In that —1 Sam. 1:27.
role, Paul preached to Jews, Greeks,
In an awe-inspiring vision, the apos-
intellectuals, humble peasants, digni-
tle John saw 24 elders in the heavens
taries, and kings. In order to reach
worshipping Jehovah. They praised
the hearts of such a diverse audience,
God, acknowledging that he is worthy
Paul became “all things to people of
to receive “the glory and the honor
all sorts.” (1 Cor. 9:19-22) He paid
and the power.” (Rev. 4:10, 11) Faith-
attention to the culture, background,
ful angels also have a multitude of
and beliefs of his audience and adapt-
reasons to praise and honor Jehovah.
ed his approach accordingly. We too
They are in heaven with him and have
can be more effective in our ministry
come to know him well. They see his
if we are resourceful and adjust our qualities revealed in what he does. As
approach to fit the needs of our listen- they observe Jehovah in action, they
ers. w23.07 23 ˚11-12 are moved to praise him. (Job 38:4-7)
Sunday, October 5 We too want to include praise to Je-
hovah in our prayers, expressing what
A slave of the Lord does not need we love and appreciate about him. As
to fight, but needs to be gentle you read and study the Bible, try to
toward all.—2 Tim. 2:24. identify the qualities manifested by
Mildness is a strength, not a weak- Jehovah that especially appeal to you.
ness. It takes inner strength to keep (Job 37:23; Rom. 11:33) Then tell Je-
calm when facing a trying situation. hovah how you feel about those qual-
Mildness is one aspect of “the fruit- ities. We can also praise Jehovah for
age of the spirit.” (Gal. 5:22, 23) acting in our behalf and in behalf of
A form of the Greek word rendered our entire spiritual family.—1 Sam. 2:
“mildness” was at times used to de- 1, 2. w23.05 3-4 ˚6-7
scribe a wild horse that had been
tamed. Picture a wild horse that be-
comes gentle. That is, gentle, yet
Tuesday, October 7 miss a beat. True, at that time, we
Walk worthily of Jehovah. will be under attack by Gog of Ma-
gog, a hostile coalition of nations.
—Col. 1:10.
(Ezek. 38:18-20) But that brief attack
In 1919, Babylon the Great lost its hold will fail; it will not stop God’s people
over God’s people. That year, a “faith- from worshipping Jehovah. He will
ful and discreet slave” came on the surely rescue them! In a vision, the
scene, just in time to welcome hon- apostle John saw the “great crowd”
esthearted ones to the newly opened of Christ’s other sheep. John was told
“Way of Holiness.” (Matt. 24:45-47; that this “great crowd” comes “out of
Isa. 35:8) Thanks in part to the faith- the great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:9, 14)
ful “road workers” of the past, those Yes, they will be kept safe! w24.02 5-6
setting foot on that highway could in- ˚13-14
crease their knowledge of Jehovah’s
purposes. (Prov. 4:18) They could Thursday, October 9
also bring their life into harmony with Do not put out the fire of the spirit.
Jehovah’s requirements. Jehovah has —1 Thess. 5:19.
not expected his people to make the
What can we do to receive holy spir-
necessary changes all at once. Rath-
it? We can pray for it, study God’s
er, he has refined his people over time.
inspired Word, and associate with his
How happy we will all be when we are
spirit-directed organization. Doing so
able to please our God in everything will help us to cultivate “the fruit-
we do! Every road needs regular main- age of the spirit.” (Gal. 5:22, 23) God
tenance. Since 1919, roadwork on “the grants his spirit only to those who
Way of Holiness” has continued, with maintain clean thinking and clean
a view to making it possible for more conduct. He would not continue to
people to leave Babylon the Great. give us his spirit if we were to harbor
w23.05 17 ˚15; 19 ˚16 unclean thoughts and act on them.
(1 Thess. 4:7, 8) To keep receiving
Wednesday, October 8
holy spirit, we must also “not treat
I will never leave you.—Heb. 13:5. prophecies with contempt.” (1 Thess.
The Governing Body has personally 5:20) “Prophecies” here refer to mes-
been training helpers to the various sages produced by God’s spirit, in-
committees of the Governing Body. cluding those concerning Jehovah’s
These helpers are right now faithful- day and the urgency of our times. We
ly carrying a heavy load of respon- do not push that day off in our mind,
sibility. They are well-prepared to con- thinking that Armageddon will not
tinue the work of caring for Christ’s happen in our lifetime. Instead, we
sheep. When the last of the anoint- keep it close in mind by maintaining
ed are taken to heaven near the end right conduct and keeping busy with
of the great tribulation, pure wor- “deeds of godly devotion.”—2 Pet. 3:
ship will keep right on going here on 11, 12. w23.06 12 ˚13-14
earth. Thanks to the leadership of Je-
sus Christ, God’s worshippers will not
Friday, October 10 others. We will endure any challenges
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning that come our way. When our fellow
of wisdom.—Prov. 9:10. believers suffer, we will do our best
to give them relief by showing com-
What should we as Christians do if a passion and providing for their needs.
pornographic image shows up on our And we will stick close to our broth-
electronic device? We should imme- ers and sisters, whom we have already
diately reject the image. We can be grown to love. Jehovah will then re-
helped to take such action if we recall ward us with eternal life in a world
that our most treasured possession where all disasters and tribulations
is our relationship with Jehovah. Ac- will be forgotten.—Isa. 65:17. w23.07 7
tually, images that are not general- ˚16-17
ly considered pornographic might be
sexually arousing. Why avoid them? Sunday, October 12
Because we do not want to take even [Jehovah] will make you firm, he will
a small step toward committing adul- make you strong, he will firmly ground
tery in our heart. (Matt. 5:28, 29) An you.—1 Pet. 5:10.
elder in Thailand named David says:
“I ask myself: ‘Even though the im- God’s Word often describes faithful
ages may not be pornographic, will men as powerful. But even the stron-
Jehovah be pleased if I keep looking gest among them did not always feel
at them?’ This kind of reasoning helps strong. For example, on some occa-
me to act wisely.” We are helped to sions King David felt that he was “as
act wisely by cultivating a healthy fear strong as a mountain,” but on other
of displeasing Jehovah. Godly fear is occasions he “became terrified.” (Ps.
“the beginning,” or foundation, “of 30:7) Although Samson was excep-
wisdom.” w23.06 23 ˚12-13 tionally powerful when he was moved
by God’s spirit, he recognized that
Saturday, October 11 without the power that comes from
God, he would “grow weak and be-
Go, my people, enter your inner
come like all other men.” (Judg. 14:
rooms.—Isa. 26:20.
5, 6; 16:17) These faithful men were
The “inner rooms” may refer to our strong only because Jehovah gave
congregations. During the great tribu- them power. The apostle Paul ac-
lation, we will find the protection that knowledged that he too needed pow-
Jehovah promises as we remain unit- er from Jehovah. (2 Cor. 12:9, 10)
ed with fellow believers. Therefore, we He contended with health problems.
must work hard now not just to toler- (Gal. 4:13, 14) At times, he also strug-
ate our brothers and sisters but also to gled to do the right thing. (Rom. 7:
love them. Our survival may depend 18, 19) And sometimes he felt anx-
on it! “The great day of Jehovah” will ious and uncertain. (2 Cor. 1:8, 9)
bring distress on humankind. (Zeph. Yet, when Paul was weak, he became
1:14, 15) Jehovah’s people will face powerful. How? Jehovah gave Paul
hardships too. But if we prepare now, the power he lacked. He made Paul
we will be able to stay calm and help strong. w23.10 12 ˚1-2
Monday, October 13 aging me to live by God’s standards?
Jehovah sees into the heart. Do they talk about Jehovah and his
valuable truths? Do they show respect
—1 Sam. 16:7.
for God’s standards? Do they just tell
If we at times struggle with feelings of me what I might want to hear, or do
worthlessness, we can remember that they have the courage to correct me
in his own way, Jehovah drew us to if I stray?’ (Prov. 27:5, 6, 17) Frankly,
him. (John 6:44) He sees the good in if your friends do not love Jehovah,
us that we may not see in ourselves, you do not need them. But if you
and he knows our heart. (2 Chron. 6: have friends who love Jehovah, hang
30) So we can trust him when he says on to them—they will be good for
that we are precious. (1 John 3:19, you!—Prov. 13:20. w23.09 9-10 ˚6-7
20) Before learning the truth, some of
us did things that may still fill us with Wednesday, October 15
guilt. (1 Pet. 4:3) Even faithful Chris- I am the Alpha and the Omega.
tians battle against sinful inclinations. —Rev. 1:8.
Does your heart condemn you? If so,
The letter alpha begins the Greek al-
take comfort in knowing that faithful
phabet, and the letter omega con-
servants of Jehovah have struggled
cludes it. By using the description
with similar feelings. For example, the
“the Alpha and the Omega,” Jehovah
apostle Paul felt miserable when re-
indicates that when he starts some-
flecting on his imperfections. (Rom. 7:
thing, he brings it to its successful
24) Of course, Paul had repented of
conclusion. After Jehovah created
his sins and got baptized. Still, he re- Adam and Eve, He said to them: “Be
ferred to himself as “the least of the fruitful and become many, fill the
apostles” and the “foremost” sinner. earth and subdue it.” (Gen. 1:28) At
—1 Cor. 15:9; 1 Tim. 1:15. w24.03 27 that moment, Jehovah, in effect, said
˚5-6 “Alpha.” He clearly stated his pur-
Tuesday, October 14 pose: The time would come when per-
fect, obedient descendants of Adam
They abandoned the house of and Eve would fill the earth and trans-
Jehovah.—2 Chron. 24:18. form it into a paradise. At that fu-
One lesson we can learn from King ture time, Jehovah will, in a sense,
Jehoash’s bad decision is that we need say “Omega.” After completing the
to choose friends who will be a good creation of “the heavens and the
influence on us—friends who love Je- earth and everything in them,” Jeho-
hovah and who want to make him hap- vah gave a guarantee. He guaranteed
py. We do not need to limit our asso- that he would without fail carry out
ciation to those in our own age group. his purpose for mankind and for the
Remember, Jehoash was much youn- earth. It would be fully accomplished
ger than his friend Jehoiada. Regard- at the end of that seventh day.—Gen.
ing your choice of friends, ask your- 2:1-3. w23.11 5 ˚13-14
self: ‘Do they help me to strengthen
my faith in Jehovah? Are they encour-
Thursday, October 16 and righteousness.” (Eph. 5:9) One
Clear up the way of Jehovah! Make way we can receive holy spirit is by
praying for it. Jesus said that Jeho-
a straight highway through the desert
vah will “give holy spirit to those ask-
for our God.—Isa. 40:3.
ing him.” (Luke 11:13) And when we
The difficult literal journey from Bab- praise Jehovah together at Christian
ylon to Israel could take about four meetings, we also receive holy spirit.
months, but Jehovah promised that (Eph. 5:19, 20) The wholesome influ-
any obstacles that seemed to prevent ence of God’s holy spirit will help us to
their return would be cleared away. In live in a way that pleases God. w24.03
the minds of faithful Jews, the bene- 23-24 ˚13-15
fits of returning to Israel far out-
weighed any sacrifices they would Saturday, October 18
make. The greatest blessing involved Keep on asking, and it will be given
their worship. There was no temple of you; keep on seeking, and you will
Jehovah in Babylon. There was no al- find; keep on knocking, and it will
tar where the Israelites could offer be opened to you.—Luke 11:9.
up the sacrifices required by the Mo-
Do you need more patience? If so,
saic Law, and there was no orga-
pray for it. Patience is an aspect of the
nized priesthood to offer those sac-
fruitage of the spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23)
rifices. In addition, Jehovah’s people
So we can pray for holy spirit and ask
were greatly outnumbered by pagan
Jehovah to help us cultivate its fruit-
men and women, who had no re-
age. If we face a situation that tests
gard for Jehovah or his standards.
our patience, we “keep on asking”
So God-fearing Jews—thousands of
for holy spirit to help us be patient.
them—were looking forward to re-
(Luke 11:13) We can also ask Jehovah
turning to their homeland where they
to help us see matters from his point
could restore pure worship. w23.05 14- of view. Then after praying, we need
15 ˚3-4 to do our best to be patient each
Friday, October 17 day. The more we pray for patience
and strive to be patient, the more
Go on walking as children of light. this quality will take root in our heart
—Eph. 5:8. and become part of our personality. It
We need the help of God’s holy spirit also helps to meditate on Bible exam-
so that we can keep conducting our- ples. The Bible contains many exam-
selves “as children of light.” Why? Be- ples of people who were patient. By
cause it is a definite challenge to re- meditating on those accounts, we can
main clean in this immoral world. learn ways to demonstrate patience.
(1 Thess. 4:3-5, 7, 8) Holy spirit can w23.08 22 ˚10-11
help us to combat the thinking of the
world, including its philosophies and
viewpoints that conflict with God’s
thinking. Holy spirit can also help us
to produce “every sort of goodness
Sunday, October 19 (Dan. 2:16) That took courage and
Let down your nets for a catch. faith. There is no record that Dan-
iel had ever interpreted dreams be-
—Luke 5:4.
fore. He asked his companions “to
Jesus assured the apostle Peter of Je- pray for mercy from the God of heav-
hovah’s support. The resurrected Je- en concerning this secret.” (Dan. 2:
sus provided Peter and his fellow apos- 18) Jehovah answered those prayers.
tles with another miraculous catch of With God’s help, Daniel interpreted
fish. (John 21:4-6) This miracle no Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Daniel’s life
doubt reassured Peter that Jehovah and the lives of his companions were
could easily supply the material things spared. w23.08 3 ˚4
he needed. Perhaps the apostle then
recalled Jesus’ words that Jehovah Tuesday, October 21
would provide for those who keep The one who has endured to the end
“seeking first the Kingdom.” (Matt. 6: will be saved.—Matt. 24:13.
33) In line with that, Peter made the
Consider the benefits of being patient.
ministry, not the fishing business, his
When we are patient, we are happi-
priority. He gave a bold witness on
er and calmer. Thus, patience can im-
the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., help-
prove our mental and physical health.
ing thousands to accept the good
When we are patient with others, we
news. (Acts 2:14, 37-41) He thereafter
enjoy better relationships with them.
helped the Samaritans and the Gen-
Our congregation becomes more unit-
tiles to accept Christ. (Acts 8:14-17;
ed. If someone provokes us, our be-
10:44-48) Jehovah certainly used Pe-
ing slow to anger can prevent the situ-
ter in a mighty way to bring people of ation from getting worse. (Ps. 37:8,
all sorts into the congregation. w23.09 ftn.; Prov. 14:29) But most of all, we
20 ˚1; 23 ˚11 imitate our heavenly Father and draw
Monday, October 20 even closer to him. What an appeal-
ing and beneficial quality patience is!
If you do not make the dream known While we may not always find it easy
to me, along with its interpretation, to be patient, with Jehovah’s help, we
you will be dismembered.—Dan. 2:5. can continue to cultivate this quality.
About two years after the Babylonians And as we patiently wait for the new
destroyed Jerusalem, King Nebuchad- world, we can be confident that “the
nezzar of Babylon had a disturbing eye of Jehovah watches over those
dream about an immense image. He fearing him, those waiting for his loyal
threatened to kill all his wise men, in- love.” (Ps. 33:18) May we all be deter-
cluding Daniel, if they could not tell mined to continue clothing ourselves
him what he had dreamed and also with patience. w23.08 22 ˚7; 25 ˚16-17
give the interpretation. (Dan. 2:3-5)
Daniel had to act quickly; otherwise,
lives would be lost. He “went in and
asked the king to grant him time to
tell the interpretation to the king.”
Wednesday, October 22 how that compares with the Christian
Faith by itself, without works, arrangement today. Or perhaps you
could make an in-depth study of the
is dead.—Jas. 2:17.
prophecies that Jesus fulfilled during
James pointed out that a man might his life and ministry on earth. You can
claim to have faith, but where are his find a lot of joy in studying such sub-
corresponding works? (Jas. 2:1-5, 9) jects with the help of the Watch Tower
James also mentioned someone who Publications Index or the Research Guide
saw ‘a brother or a sister lacking cloth- for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Doing deep Bi-
ing or food’ but did not provide prac- ble study can strengthen your faith
tical help. Even if that one claimed to and help you “find the knowledge of
have faith, it was not backed up by ac- God.”—Prov. 2:4, 5. w23.10 18-19 ˚3-5
tions; therefore, it was useless. (Jas.
2:14-16) James referred to Rahab as Friday, October 24
a positive example of faith in action. Above all things, have intense love for
(Jas. 2:25, 26) She had heard about one another, because love covers
Jehovah and recognized that he was a multitude of sins.—1 Pet. 4:8.
supporting the Israelites. (Josh. 2:
The word the apostle Peter used for
9-11) She showed her faith by her
“intense” literally means “stretched
actions—she protected two Israelite
out.” The second part of the verse de-
spies when their lives were in dan-
scribes the effect that intense love can
ger. As a result, this imperfect, non-
have. It covers the sins of our broth-
Israelite woman was declared righ-
ers. We could picture it this way: We
teous, just as Abraham had been. The
grasp our love with both hands, as
example she set emphasizes the im-
if it were an extendable piece of fab-
portance of having faith backed up by
ric, and stretch it out more and more
works. w23.12 5-6 ˚12-13 until it covers, not one, not two, but
Thursday, October 23 “a multitude of sins.” To cover is a de-
scriptive way of saying to forgive.
May you be rooted and established Just as a piece of fabric can cover a
on the foundation.—Eph. 3:17. stain, love can cover the weaknesses
As Christians, we are not content with and imperfections of others. Our love
having only a superficial understand- for others should be strong enough
ing of the Bible. With the help of that we can forgive the imperfections
God’s holy spirit, we are eager to of our fellow believers—even if that
learn “even the deep things of God.” requires considerable effort at times.
(1 Cor. 2:9, 10) Why not start a per- (Col. 3:13) When we succeed in for-
sonal study project that will draw you giving others, we show that our love is
closer to Jehovah? For example, you strong and that we want to please Je-
could explore how he demonstrated hovah. w23.11 11-12 ˚13-15
his love for his ancient servants and
how that proves that he loves you
too. You might examine Jehovah’s ar-
rangement for worship in Israel and
Saturday, October 25 tian women you know whose example
Shaphan began to read from it before you can imitate? Note their appeal-
the king.—2 Chron. 34:18. ing qualities; then consider how you
can manifest them. An important as-
As an adult, King Josiah began to pect of Christian maturity is humility.
have the temple renovated. During If a woman is humble, she will enjoy
that work, “the book of Jehovah’s a good relationship with Jehovah and
Law given through Moses” was with others. For example, a woman
found. On hearing it read, the king who loves Jehovah humbly chooses
was moved to take action by comply- to support the principle of headship
ing with what it said. (2 Chron. 34: that her heavenly Father established.
14, 19-21) Would you like to read (1 Cor. 11:3) That principle has spe-
the Bible regularly? If you are trying, cific applications in the congregation
how is it going? Do you keep track and in the family arrangement. w23.12
of verses that may help you personal- 18-19 ˚3-5
ly? When Josiah was about 39 years
old, he made a mistake that cost Monday, October 27
him his life. He trusted in himself in- Husbands should love their wives
stead of asking Jehovah for guidance. as their own bodies.—Eph. 5:28.
(2 Chron. 35:20-25) There is a les-
son here. No matter how old we are or Jehovah expects a husband to love
how long we have been studying the his wife and to care for her physical,
Bible, we must keep searching for Je- emotional, and spiritual needs. Devel-
hovah. That involves regularly praying oping thinking ability, having respect
for his guidance, studying his Word, for women, and being reliable, will
and benefiting from the advice of ma- help you as a marriage mate. After
ture Christians. We will then be less you have married, you may become a
likely to make big mistakes and more father. What can you learn from Je-
likely to be happy.—Jas. 1:25. w23.09 hovah about being a good father?
12 ˚15-16 (Eph. 6:4) Jehovah openly told his
Son, Jesus, that he loved him and ap-
Sunday, October 26 proved of him. (Matt. 3:17) If you be-
come a father, make sure that you
God opposes the haughty ones, but
regularly assure your children that
he gives undeserved kindness to the
you love them. Generously commend
humble ones.—Jas. 4:6.
them for the good things that they
The Bible mentions many remark- do. Fathers who imitate Jehovah’s ex-
able women who loved Jehovah and ample help their children to develop
served him. They were “moderate in into mature Christian men and wom-
habits” and “faithful in all things.” en. You can prepare now for this role
(1 Tim. 3:11) In addition, sisters can by lovingly caring for others in your
find in their own congregation exam- family and in the congregation and
ples of mature Christian women who by learning to express your love and
are worthy of imitation. Young sisters, appreciation for them.—John 15:9.
why not identify a few mature Chris- w23.12 28-29 ˚17-18
Tuesday, October 28 Similarly, the Levites took the lead in
[Jehovah] is the stability of your praising Jehovah. They humbly admit-
ted that their words could never fully
times.—Isa. 33:6.
express the praise that Jehovah’s sa-
As faithful servants of Jehovah, we cred name deserves. (Neh. 9:5) With-
face difficulties and infirmities that out a doubt, such humble, heartfelt
are common to all mankind. We may praise brought joy to Jehovah’s heart.
also have to endure opposition or per- w24.02 9 ˚6
secution from those who hate God’s
people. Though Jehovah does not Thursday, October 30
shield us from such hardships, he To the extent we have made progress,
does promise to help us. (Isa. 41: let us go on walking orderly in this
10) With his assistance, we can main- same course.—Phil. 3:16.
tain our joy, make good decisions,
and stay loyal to him even through Jehovah will not consider you a fail-
the most difficult situations. Jeho- ure for not achieving a goal that was
vah promises to give us what the Bi- out of your reach. (2 Cor. 8:12) View
the setback as a learning experience.
ble calls “the peace of God.” (Phil. 4:
Keep in mind what you have already
6, 7) This peace refers to the calm-
achieved. The Bible says that “God is
ness and tranquility of mind and heart
not unrighteous so as to forget your
that result from our precious relation-
work.” (Heb. 6:10) So neither should
ship with him. This peace “surpasses
you forget. Reflect on what you have
all understanding”; it is more wonder-
already accomplished—be it develop-
ful than we can imagine. Have you
ing a friendship with Jehovah, speak-
ever felt surprisingly calm after pray-
ing to others about him, or getting
ing fervently to Jehovah? That feeling
baptized. Just as you have progressed
is “the peace of God.” w24.01 20 ˚2;
and reached spiritual goals in the
21 ˚4 past, you can continue to progress to-
Wednesday, October 29 ward your current goal. With Jeho-
vah’s help, you can reach your goal.
Let me praise Jehovah; let everything As you continue working toward your
within me praise his holy name. spiritual goal, do not forget to enjoy
—Ps. 103:1. seeing how Jehovah helps and blesses
Love for God moves faithful people you along the way. (2 Cor. 4:7) If you
to praise his name wholeheartedly. do not give up, you will receive even
King David understood that to praise greater blessings.—Gal. 6:9. w23.05 31
Jehovah’s name is to praise Jehovah ˚16-18
himself. Jehovah’s name involves his
reputation, so it brings to mind all his
beautiful qualities and his marvelous
deeds. David wanted to treat his Fa-
ther’s name as holy and to praise it.
He wanted to do so with “everything
within” him—that is, wholeheartedly.
Friday, October 31 hand. Explaining this can prevent
The Father himself has affection for them from being disappointed when
you, because you have had affection others are chosen instead of them.
(1 Tim. 6:18) All of us can prepare up-
for me and have believed that I came
building comments that honor Jeho-
as God’s representative.—John 16:27.
vah and encourage our fellow Chris-
Jehovah loves to express warm ap- tians. (Prov. 25:11) While we may
proval of those for whom he has affec- occasionally offer a brief personal ex-
tion. The Scriptures report two occa- perience, we should refrain from talk-
sions when He told Jesus that he was ing too much about ourselves. (Prov.
His beloved, approved Son. (Matt. 3: 27:2; 2 Cor. 10:18) Instead, we en-
17; 17:5) Would you like to hear Jeho- deavor to keep the focus on Jehovah,
vah reassure you of his approval? Je- his Word, and his people as a whole.
hovah does not speak to us audibly, —Rev. 4:11. w23.04 24-25 ˚17-18
but he speaks to us through the pages
of his Word. We can “hear” Jehovah’s Sunday, November 2
voice of approval when we read Jesus’ Let us not sleep on as the rest do, but
words in the Gospels. Jesus perfect- let us stay awake and keep our senses.
ly reflected his Father’s personality. —1 Thess. 5:6.
So when we read that Jesus expressed
Love is essential to stay awake and
his approval of his imperfect but faith-
keep our senses. (Matt. 22:37-39)
ful followers, we can picture Jehovah
Love for God helps us to endure in
saying those words to us. (John 15:9,
preaching despite any trouble this
15) If trials occur, they do not mean
might bring on us. (2 Tim. 1:7, 8)
that we have lost God’s approval.
Because our love extends to those
Rather, they provide us with opportu-
who do not share our faith, we keep
nities to prove the depth of our love preaching, even witnessing by tele-
for God and our trust in him.—Jas. 1: phone and by letter. We do not give up
12. w24.03 28 ˚10-11 hope that one day our neighbors will
Saturday, November 1 change and begin to do what is right.
(Ezek. 18:27, 28) Our love of neigh-
Out of the mouth of children and bor includes fellow Christians. We
infants, you have brought forth praise. show such love by “encouraging one
—Matt. 21:16. another and building one another up.”
If you are a parent, help your young (1 Thess. 5:11) Like soldiers serving
ones to prepare comments appropri- side by side in combat, we encourage
ate to their age. At times, serious one another. We would never know-
matters, such as marital problems or ingly hurt our brothers and sisters or
moral issues, are considered during repay injury for injury. (1 Thess. 5:13,
a study, but there will probably be 15) We also show our love by respect-
a paragraph or two that a child can ing the brothers who are presiding
comment on. Also, help your children over the congregation.—1 Thess. 5:12.
understand why they will not likely be w23.06 10 ˚6; 11 ˚10-11
called on every time they raise their
Monday, November 3 (Job 14:14, 15, ftn.) Jehovah has the
When [Jehovah] says something, same longing for all his worshippers
who have died. He is eager to bring
will he not do it?—Num. 23:19.
them back to life, healthy and happy.
One way we can strengthen our faith is What about the billions who have died
by meditating on the ransom. The ran- without having a chance to learn the
som is a guarantee that God’s promis- truth about Jehovah? Our loving God
es will come true. When we carefully wants to resurrect them too. (Acts 24:
reflect on why the ransom was provid- 15) He wants them to have the oppor-
ed and what it involved, we strength- tunity to become his friends and live
en our faith that God’s promise of forever on earth.—John 3:16. w23.04
endless life in a better world is sure 9 ˚5-6
to be fulfilled. Why can we say that?
Well, what did the ransom involve? Je- Wednesday, November 5
hovah sent his beloved firstborn Son, By God we will gain power.
his closest companion, from heaven to —Ps. 108:13.
be born as a perfect human. While on
How can you strengthen your hope?
earth, Jesus endured all kinds of hard-
If, for example, you have the hope to
ships. Then he suffered and died a
live forever on earth, read about the
painful death. What a high price Jeho-
Bible’s description of the Paradise and
vah paid! Our loving God would never
meditate on it. (Isa. 25:8; 32:16-18)
have allowed his Son to suffer and die
Reflect on what life will be like in the
just to provide a better but very brief
new world. Imagine yourself there. If
life for us. (John 3:16; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19) we keep the hope of the new world
Having paid so high a price, Jehovah firmly in mind, our problems will be
will see to it that unending life in the “momentary and light.” (2 Cor. 4:17)
new world becomes a reality. w23.04 27 Through the hope Jehovah has given
˚8-9 you, he will make you strong. He has
Tuesday, November 4 already provided what you need to re-
ceive strength from him. So when you
Where are your stings, O Death? need help to fulfill an assignment, to
—Hos. 13:14. endure a trial, or to maintain your joy,
Does Jehovah have the desire to res- approach Jehovah in earnest prayer
urrect the dead? Without question, and seek his guidance through per-
he does. He inspired a number of Bi- sonal study. Accept encouragement
ble writers to record his promise of a from your Christian brothers and sis-
future resurrection. (Isa. 26:19; Rev. ters. Keep your hope clear and bright.
20:11-13) And when Jehovah makes Then you will be “strengthened with
a promise, he always fulfills it. (Josh. all power according to [God’s] glori-
23:14) Jehovah is, in fact, eager to ous might so that you may endure ful-
restore the dead to life. Consider the ly with patience and joy.”—Col. 1:11.
words of the patriarch Job. He was w23.10 17 ˚19-20
sure that even if he died, Jehovah
would yearn to see him live again.
Thursday, November 6 can be confident that we will always
Give thanks for everything. have exactly what we need in order to
endure and to remain faithful to him.
—1 Thess. 5:18.
Jehovah expects us to trust in him.
We have many reasons to thank Jeho- (Heb. 11:6) At times, our trials may
vah in prayer. We can thank him for seem insurmountable. We might even
any good thing that we have; after all, begin to doubt whether Jehovah will
every good gift comes from him. (Jas. help us. But the Bible assures us that
1:17) For example, we can express our by God’s power we can “scale a wall.”
appreciation for the beauty of the (Ps. 18:29) So instead of giving in
earth and the marvels of creation. We to our doubts, we should pray in full
can also express gratitude for our life, faith, trusting that Jehovah will an-
our family, our friends, and our hope. swer our prayers.—Jas. 1:6, 7. w23.11
And we want to thank Jehovah for al- 22 ˚8-9
lowing us to enjoy his precious friend-
ship. We may need to make a spe- Saturday, November 8
cial effort to think about the reasons [Love’s] flames are a blazing fire, the
that we personally have to be grate- flame of Jah. Surging waters cannot
ful to Jehovah. We live in an unthank- extinguish love, nor can rivers wash it
ful world. People are often focused on away.—Song of Sol. 8:6, 7.
what they want rather than on what
What a beautiful description of true
they can do to show appreciation for
love! These words contain a reassur-
what they have. If that attitude were
ing truth for married couples: You
to rub off on us, our prayers could
can have unfailing love for each oth-
become a list of requests. To prevent
er. Whether a married couple will
that from happening, we need to con-
have unfailing love as long as they
tinue to cultivate and express appre-
live depends on them. To illustrate, a
ciation for all that Jehovah does for
campfire has the potential to burn in-
us.—Luke 6:45. w23.05 4 ˚8-9
definitely—but only if it is fed. If left
Friday, November 7 unattended, the fire will eventually go
out. Likewise, the love between a hus-
Keep asking in faith, not doubting band and wife can remain strong in-
at all.—Jas. 1:6. definitely—but only if they nurture
As our loving Father, Jehovah does their relationship. At times, a couple
not like to see us in pain. (Isa. 63:9) could feel that their love is cooling
Still, he does not prevent all our off, especially when they are weighed
trials, which can be likened to riv- down by financial hardship, health
ers or flames. (Isa. 43:2) However, concerns, or the pressures of rais-
he does promise to help us “pass ing children. So to keep “the flame
through” them. And he will not al- of Jah” alive, both husband and wife
low our trials to cause us permanent should work to have a strong relation-
harm. Jehovah also gives us his pow- ship with Jehovah. w23.05 20-21 ˚1-3
erful holy spirit to help us endure.
(Luke 11:13; Phil. 4:13) As a result, we
Sunday, November 9 we will not be fooled by any demonic
Do not be afraid.—Dan. 10:19. propaganda or trickery. (Prov. 14:15;
1 Tim. 4:1) As a group, God’s servants
To develop courage, what do we need will survive the great tribulation. In-
to do? Our parents may urge us to dividually, though, we do not know
be courageous, but they cannot pass what tomorrow will bring. (Jas. 4:
this quality on to us as if it were 14) Still, whether we live through the
a family heirloom. Gaining courage great tribulation or die before then,
is like learning a new skill. One way we will be rewarded with everlasting
you can master the skill is by closely life if we remain faithful. May we
watching the instructor’s actions and all focus on our wonderful hope and
then copying his example. In a sim- keep ready for Jehovah’s day! w23.06
ilar way, we learn to be courageous 13 ˚15-16
by closely looking at how others show
this quality and then copying their ex- Tuesday, November 11
ample. Like Daniel, we need to know He has revealed his confidential matter
God’s Word well. We must form a to his servants.—Amos 3:7.
close bond with Jehovah by talking
We do not know how some Bible
to him freely and often. And we need
prophecies will be fulfilled. (Dan. 12:
to trust in Jehovah, being convinced
8, 9) But just because we do not ful-
that we have his backing. Then when
ly comprehend how a prophecy will be
our faith is tested, we will be coura-
fulfilled does not mean that it will not
geous. Courageous people often gain
come true. Without a doubt, we can
the respect of others. They may also
trust that Jehovah will reveal to us
attract honesthearted people to Jeho- what we need to know at exactly the
vah. Certainly, we have good reasons right time, just as he did in the past.
to develop courage. w23.08 2 ˚2; 4 A proclamation of “peace and securi-
˚8-9 ty” will be made. (1 Thess. 5:3) Then
Monday, November 10 the world’s political powers will turn
on false religion and wipe it out. (Rev.
Make sure of all things. 17:16, 17) They will then attack God’s
—1 Thess. 5:21. people. (Ezek. 38:18, 19) These events
The Greek word rendered “make sure will lead directly to the final war of
of” was used in connection with test- Armageddon. (Rev. 16:14, 16) We can
ing precious metals. Thus, we need to be certain that these events will short-
test what we hear or what we read to ly take place. Until then, let us con-
determine whether it is genuine. This tinue to show our appreciation to our
will be even more important for us as loving heavenly Father by paying at-
the great tribulation approaches. In- tention to Bible prophecy and by help-
stead of naively accepting what oth- ing others to do the same. w23.08 13
ers say, we use our thinking abili- ˚19-20
ty to compare what we read or what
we hear with what the Bible and Je-
hovah’s organization say. In doing so,
Wednesday, November 12 . . . run with endurance the race that
Let us continue loving one another, is set before us.” Did Paul mean that
because love is from God. there was no load a Christian should
carry? No, that was not his point.
—1 John 4:7.
Rather, he meant that we need to get
When the apostle Paul was discuss- rid of every unnecessary weight. This
ing faith, hope, and love, he con- type of weight could hinder us and
cluded by saying that “the greatest cause us to tire out. To endure, we
of these [qualities] is love.” (1 Cor. must quickly identify and discard any
13:13) Why could Paul say this? In unnecessary weight that could slow us
the future, we will no longer need to down. At the same time, however, we
have faith in God’s promises about his do not want to cast aside loads that
new world or hope that those promis- we should carry. Otherwise, we could
es will be fulfilled because they will al- disqualify ourselves from the race.
ready be realized. But we will always —2 Tim. 2:5. w23.08 26 ˚1-2
need to have love for Jehovah and
for people. In fact, our love for them Friday, November 14
will keep growing forever. Also, love Do not let your adornment
identifies us as true Christians. Jesus be external.—1 Pet. 3:3.
told his apostles: “By this all will know
that you are my disciples—if you have Reasonableness helps us to respect the
love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) views of others. For example, some of
Further, having love for one anoth- our sisters like to wear makeup, where-
er keeps us united. Paul called love as others prefer not to. Some Chris-
“a perfect bond of union.” (Col. 3:14) tians enjoy drinking alcohol in mod-
The apostle John wrote to fellow be- eration, but others decide to abstain
lievers: “Whoever loves God must from it. All Christians desire good
also love his brother.” (1 John 4:21) health but choose different methods
When we show love for one another, of health care. If we felt so strong-
we show our love for God. w23.11 8 ly about our own choices that we tried
˚1, 3 to promote them in the congregation,
we could stumble others and cause di-
Thursday, November 13 visions. (1 Cor. 8:9; 10:23, 24) For in-
stance, instead of strictly regulating
Throw off every weight.—Heb. 12:1.
the way we dress, Jehovah has given
The Bible compares our life as Chris- us principles to follow. We are to dress
tians to a race. The runners who suc- in a way that is appropriate for minis-
cessfully cross the finish line are re- ters of God, showing reasonableness,
warded with everlasting life. (2 Tim. modesty, and “soundness of mind.”
4:7, 8) We need to make every ef- (1 Tim. 2:9, 10) Therefore, we do not
fort to keep on running, especially draw undue attention to ourselves by
because the finish line is closer than how we dress. Bible principles will also
ever. The apostle Paul identified what help elders to avoid setting arbitrary
will help us to win the race. He direct- rules about clothing and hairstyles.
ed us to “throw off every weight and w23.07 23-24 ˚13-14
Saturday, November 15 been misinformed about our beliefs.
Listen intently to me, and eat what (Acts 28:22) Furthermore, we are liv-
ing in “the last days,” a time when
is good, and you will find great delight
many are “not open to any agree-
in what is truly rich.—Isa. 55:2.
ment” and are even “fierce.” (2 Tim.
Jehovah has laid the basis for us 3:1, 3) You may wonder, ‘How can I
to enjoy a blessed outcome. Those be gentle and gracious when someone
responding to the invitation from challenges my Bible-based beliefs?’
the loud and “stupid woman” focus What will help you? In a word—mild-
on enjoying “sweet,” secret pleasures. ness. A mild person does not get easi-
Their outcome is in “the depths of ly upset but is able to control himself
the Grave.” (Prov. 9:13, 17, 18) How when faced with frustrations and un-
different it is for those who accept certainties. w23.09 14 ˚1-2
the invitation from “true wisdom”!
(Prov. 9:1) We are learning to love Monday, November 17
what Jehovah loves and to hate what You will appoint them as princes
he hates. (Ps. 97:10) And we find sat- in all the earth.—Ps. 45:16.
isfaction in inviting others to benefit
At times, we receive counsel that safe-
from “true wisdom.” It is as if we were
guards us from such things as materi-
to “call out from the heights above
alism and activities that can put us in
the city: ‘Whoever is inexperienced,
danger of breaking God’s laws. Here,
let him come in here.’ ” The bene-
too, we are blessed by following the
fits for us and for those who respond
guidance Jehovah provides. (Isa. 48:
are not just for the here and now.
17, 18; 1 Tim. 6:9, 10) No doubt Jeho-
They are enduring, allowing us to
vah will continue to use human repre-
“live” forever as we “walk forward in sentatives to provide guidance during
the way of understanding.”—Prov. 9: the great tribulation and on into the
3, 4, 6. w23.06 24 ˚17-18 Thousand Year Reign. Will we keep
Sunday, November 16 following that direction? Much may
depend on how we respond to the
The one slow to anger is better than a guidance that Jehovah is providing
mighty man, and the one controlling now. Therefore, let us always follow
his temper than one conquering a city. Jehovah’s guidance, including that
—Prov. 16:32. which is provided by the men who
How do you feel when a workmate or are appointed to watch over us. (Isa.
a schoolmate asks you about your be- 32:1, 2; Heb. 13:17) And as we do,
liefs? Do you feel nervous? Most of we have every reason to trust in our
us do. But such a question may offer Guide, Jehovah, who leads us away
insight into the other person’s think- from spiritual danger and toward our
ing or beliefs, giving us an opportuni- destination—everlasting life in the
ty to share the good news. At times, new world. w24.02 25 ˚17-18
though, a person may raise a question
in a challenging manner. That should
not surprise us. After all, some have
Tuesday, November 18 4:5, 6) It also tells us that “who-
By undeserved kindness you have ever opposes the authority has tak-
en a stand against the arrangement of
been saved.—Eph. 2:5.
God.” Our relative subjection to the
The apostle Paul enjoyed a satisfying superior authorities is part of Jeho-
life in Jehovah’s service, but he had vah’s temporary arrangement to main-
many challenges to overcome. Paul tain order. Therefore, we must “ren-
often traveled long distances, and der to all their dues,” including taxes,
travel was not easy in those days. respect, and obedience. (Rom. 13:1-7)
On his journeys, Paul was sometimes We may view a law as being inconve-
“in dangers from rivers” and “in dan- nient, unfair, or costly to obey. But we
gers from robbers.” He was also oc- obey Jehovah, and he tells us to obey
casionally subjected to physical mis- these authorities as long as they do
treatment from opposers. (2 Cor. not ask us to break his commands.
11:23-27) And Paul’s Christian broth- —Acts 5:29. w23.10 8 ˚9-10
ers did not always show appreciation
for his sincere efforts to help them. Thursday, November 20
(2 Cor. 10:10; Phil. 4:15) What helped Jehovah’s spirit empowered him.
Paul to keep going in Jehovah’s ser- —Judg. 15:14.
vice? Paul learned much about Je-
When Samson was born, the Philis-
hovah’s personality from the Scrip-
tines were ruling over the nation of
tures and from his own experiences.
Israel and oppressing it. (Judg. 13:1)
Paul became convinced that Jehovah
Their harsh rulership brought great
God loved him. (Rom. 8:38, 39; Eph. suffering to the Israelites. Jehovah
2:4, 5) And he came to love Jeho- chose Samson to “take the lead in sav-
vah very much. Paul showed his love ing Israel out of the hand of the Philis-
for Jehovah “by ministering and con- tines.” (Judg. 13:5) To fulfill this chal-
tinuing to minister to the holy ones.” lenging assignment, Samson would
—Heb. 6:10. w23.07 9 ˚5-6 have to rely on Jehovah. On one oc-
casion, a Philistine military force had
Wednesday, November 19
come to capture Samson at Lehi, ev-
Be in subjection to the superior idently in Judah. The men of Judah
authorities.—Rom. 13:1. were afraid, so they decided to hand
Many people acknowledge that we Samson over to the enemy. Samson’s
need the secular governments and own people bound him securely with
that we should obey at least some of two new ropes and brought him to the
the laws set by these “superior author- Philistines. (Judg. 15:9-13) However,
ities.” But those same people may hes- “Jehovah’s spirit empowered” Samson
itate to obey a law that seems unfair and he freed himself from the ropes.
or appears to require too much. The He then “found a fresh jawbone of a
Bible acknowledges that human gov- male donkey,” picked it up, and used
ernments cause suffering, are under it to strike down 1,000 Philistine men!
Satan’s control, and will soon be de- —Judg. 15:14-16. w23.09 2 ˚3-4
stroyed. (Ps. 110:5, 6; Eccl. 8:9; Luke
Friday, November 21 of years before learning the truth. He
This is according to the eternal decisively left those immoral practices
behind. Still, he at times struggled
purpose that he formed in connection
with wrong desires. What helped him
with the Christ, Jesus our Lord.
to persevere? He explains: “Jehovah
—Eph. 3:11.
strengthens us.” He adds: “With Je-
Jehovah has progressively revealed his hovah’s spirit . . . , I have learned that
“eternal purpose” in the Bible. One it is possible to [continue] in the way
way or another, he always succeeds be- of the truth . . . Jehovah has been able
cause he “has made everything work to use me, and despite my imperfec-
for his purpose.” (Prov. 16:4) And the tions he continually strengthens me.”
results of what Jehovah does will en- w23.09 23 ˚12
dure forever. What is Jehovah’s pur-
pose, and what adjustments has he Sunday, November 23
made in order to accomplish it? God The result of humility and the fear
told the first humans what his purpose of Jehovah is riches and glory and
was for them. They were to “be fruitful life.—Prov. 22:4.
and become many, fill the earth and
Young brothers, you will not auto-
subdue it, and have in subjection . . .
matically become a mature Christian
every living creature” on earth. (Gen.
man. You need to choose good exam-
1:28) When Adam and Eve rebelled,
ples to imitate, develop thinking abil-
causing sin to enter the human fami-
ity, be reliable, acquire practical life
ly, Jehovah’s purpose was not thwart-
skills, and prepare for future roles.
ed. He adjusted the way it would be
You may at times feel overwhelmed
achieved. Immediately, he determined
when you contemplate the work
to set up a Kingdom in heaven that ahead. But you can succeed. Remem-
would accomplish his original purpose ber that Jehovah is eager to help you.
for mankind and the earth.—Matt. 25: (Isa. 41:10, 13) Of course, your broth-
34. w23.10 20 ˚6-7 ers and sisters in the congregation will
Saturday, November 22 help you too. When you reach your
full potential as a mature Christian
If Jehovah had not been my helper, man, your life will be rich and satis-
I would soon have perished. fying. We love you, young brothers!
—Ps. 94:17. May Jehovah richly bless you as you
Jehovah can help us to persevere. It work now to become mature Christian
may be a struggle to carry on, es- men. w23.12 29 ˚19-20
pecially if we are coping with a per-
sistent weakness. At times, our weak-
nesses may seem more challenging
than those that the apostle Peter
faced. But Jehovah can give us the
strength not to give up. (Ps. 94:18, 19)
For example, one brother engaged in
a homosexual lifestyle for a number
Monday, November 24 right from wrong and then to choose
Overlook an offense.—Prov. 19:11. the wise course. Consider the example
of Abigail. Her husband made a bad
Imagine that you are at a gathering decision that was going to have a se-
with a group of brothers and sisters. rious impact on his entire household.
You are having a pleasant time and Abigail took immediate action. Her
you take a group picture. In fact, you good judgment saved lives. (1 Sam.
take two more pictures in case the 25:14-23, 32-35) Discernment also
first picture does not turn out well. helps us to know when to speak and
Now you have three pictures. But in when to keep silent. And it helps us to
one of them, you notice that a broth- maintain balance when showing per-
er is frowning. So you delete it be- sonal interest in others.—1 Thess. 4:
cause you have two other pictures in 11. w23.12 20 ˚8-9
which everyone in the group, includ-
ing that brother, is smiling. We usual- Wednesday, November 26
ly have good memories of times spent Let us rejoice, based on hope of the
with our brothers and sisters. But sup- glory of God.—Rom. 5:2.
pose that on one of those occasions, a
The apostle Paul wrote those words
brother or a sister says or does some-
to the congregation in Rome. The
thing that is unkind. What should we
brothers and sisters there had learned
do with that memory? Why not try to
about Jehovah and Jesus, had exer-
delete it just as you would delete one
cised faith, and had become Chris-
of those pictures? (Eph. 4:32) We can
tians. God thus “declared [them] righ-
afford to because we have many good
teous as a result of faith,” and he
memories of pleasant association with
anointed them with holy spirit. (Rom.
that individual. Those are the kinds of
5:1) Yes, they gained a valid, wonder-
memories we want to keep and trea-
ful hope. Paul later wrote to anointed
sure. w23.11 12-13 ˚16-17 Christians in Ephesus about the hope
Tuesday, November 25 to which they were called. That hope
included receiving “an inheritance
Women should adorn themselves in for the holy ones.” (Eph. 1:18) And
appropriate dress, . . . in the way Paul also indicated to the Colossians
that is proper for women professing where their hope would be realized.
devotion to God.—1 Tim. 2:9, 10. He called it “the hope that is being re-
The Greek words used here suggest served for you in the heavens.” (Col.
that a Christian woman’s dress would 1:4, 5) The hope of anointed Chris-
be respectable and would show con- tians, then, is that they be resurrect-
sideration for the feelings or opinions ed to everlasting life in heaven, where
of others. How we admire our mature they will reign with Christ.—1 Thess.
Christian sisters for dressing mod- 4:13-17; Rev. 20:6. w23.12 9 ˚4-5
estly! Discernment is another qual-
ity that all mature Christian sisters
demonstrate. What is discernment? It
is good judgment—the ability to tell
Thursday, November 27 tan is a vicious liar and that Jehovah
The peace of God that surpasses all does have loyal servants, who keep
their integrity even under the most
understanding will guard your hearts
severe tests! Do you want to please
and your mental powers.—Phil. 4:7.
your reigning King? Keep praising Je-
The original word for “guard” was a hovah’s name, helping others to know
military expression and was used to our God as he truly is. When you
refer to soldiers who guarded a city do, you are following in Jesus’ steps.
and kept it safe from attack. The in- (1 Pet. 2:21) Like Jesus, you are mak-
habitants of a guarded city slept in ing Jehovah rejoice and are proving
peace, knowing that troops were post- His adversary, Satan, to be a debased
ed at the gates. Similarly, when the liar! w24.02 11-12 ˚11-13
peace of God guards our hearts and
minds, we feel calm, knowing that we Saturday, November 29
are safe. (Ps. 4:8) As in the case of With what will I repay Jehovah for
Hannah, even if our situation does all the good he has done for me?
not change immediately, we can still —Ps. 116:12.
feel a measure of peace. (1 Sam. 1:
During the past five years, more than
16-18) And when we feel calm, we of-
a million people have been baptized as
ten find it easier to think clearly and
Jehovah’s Witnesses. When you dedi-
make wise decisions. What can we do?
cate yourself to Jehovah, you choose
When you are troubled, summon the
to become a disciple of Jesus Christ
guard, so to speak. How? Pray un-
and make the doing of God’s will the
til you feel the peace of God. (Luke
most important thing in your life.
11:9; 1 Thess. 5:17) If you are facing What will Christian dedication require
a crisis, persevere in prayer, and you of you? Jesus said: “If anyone wants
will experience Jehovah’s peace as it to come after me, let him disown him-
guards your heart and mind.—Rom. self.” (Matt. 16:24) The Greek phrase
12:12. w24.01 21 ˚5-6 translated “let him disown himself”
Friday, November 28 can also be rendered “he must say no
to himself.” As a dedicated servant of
Our Father in the heavens, let your Jehovah, you will need to say no to
name be sanctified.—Matt. 6:9. anything that conflicts with his will.
To sanctify his Father’s name, Jesus (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) That includes say-
endured every torment, insult, and ing no to “the works of the flesh,”
slander heaped on him. He knew that such as sexual immorality. (Gal. 5:19-
he had obeyed his Father in all things; 21; 1 Cor. 6:18) Will such restrictions
he had nothing to be ashamed of. make your life difficult? Not if you
(Heb. 12:2) He also knew that Sa- love Jehovah and are convinced that
tan was directly attacking him in those his laws are for your own good.—Ps.
dark hours. (Luke 22:2-4; 23:33, 34) 119:97; Isa. 48:17, 18. w24.03 2 ˚1; 3 ˚4
Satan surely hoped to break Jesus’
integrity; yet, Satan failed miserably!
Jesus proved conclusively that Sa-
Sunday, November 30 tails about those he will resurrect, in-
I have approved you. cluding their genetic code, their ex-
periences in life, and their memories.
—Luke 3:22.
Clearly, we can believe in Jehovah’s
Jehovah gives his holy spirit to those promise of a future resurrection be-
whom he approves of. (Matt. 12:18) cause we know that he has both the
We can ask ourselves, ‘Have I been desire and the power to fulfill it. Con-
able to display some aspect of the sider another reason for believing in
fruitage of God’s spirit in my life?’ God’s promise of a resurrection: Je-
Do you notice that you are more pa- hovah has already done it. In Bible
tient with others than you were be- times, he empowered a handful of
fore you came to know Jehovah? faithful men, including Jesus, to raise
Actually, the more you learn to dis- the dead. w23.04 9-10 ˚7-9
play the fruitage of God’s spirit, the
more evident it will be to you that Tuesday, December 2
you have Jehovah’s approval! Jeho- Let your words always be gracious,
vah applies the value of the ransom to seasoned with salt.—Col. 4:6.
those whom he approves of. (1 Tim. 2:
If we express ourselves with tact and
5, 6) But what if our heart resists
mildness, people may be more willing
the idea that Jehovah approves of us,
to listen and to continue the conver-
even though we have faith in the ran-
sation. Of course, if someone wants
som and are baptized? Remember, we to win a debate or to ridicule our
cannot always trust our own feelings beliefs, we are not obligated to an-
but we can trust Jehovah. He consid- swer him further. (Prov. 26:4) But
ers those who have faith in the ransom such a person may be the exception;
to be righteous in his eyes and promis- some—perhaps many—will listen.
es to bless them.—Ps. 5:12; Rom. 3:26. Clearly, there is great value in mak-
w24.03 30 ˚15; 31 ˚17 ing mildness a personal goal. Pray to
Jehovah for the strength you need to
Monday, December 1
remain mild when responding to con-
The dead are raised up. troversial questions or unjust criti-
—Luke 20:37. cism. Remember, your mild attitude
Does Jehovah have the power to res- can prevent differences of opinion
urrect the dead? Absolutely! He is from escalating into arguments. And
“the Almighty.” (Rev. 1:8) So he is your mild, respectful answer may ac-
powerful enough to defeat any ene- tually move some listeners to change
my, even death. (1 Cor. 15:26) An- their view about us and about Bi-
other reason why we know that God ble truths. Be “always ready to make
is capable of resurrecting the dead is a defense” of your beliefs, “doing so
that he has a limitless memory. He with a mild temper and deep respect.”
calls each star by its name. (Isa. 40: (1 Pet. 3:15) Yes, let mildness be your
26) Also, he remembers those who strength! w23.09 19 ˚18-19
have died. (Job 14:13; Luke 20:38) He
can easily remember the smallest de-
Wednesday, December 3 to hurt our Father, we will hate even
Clothe yourselves with . . . patience. the very thought of sinning. Marta, a
sister in Croatia who was tempted to
—Col. 3:12.
commit immorality, wrote: “I found it
Consider four ways we can demon- hard to think clearly and to suppress
strate patience. First, a patient per- the urge to enjoy the temporary plea-
son is slow to anger. He tries to stay sure of sin. But fear of Jehovah pro-
calm and to hold back from retaliating tected me.” How did fear of God do
when provoked or under stress. (Ex. that? Marta said that she meditated
34:6) Second, a patient person can on the consequences that a bad deci-
wait calmly. If something takes longer sion would bring. We can do the same.
than expected, such a person tries to w23.06 20-21 ˚3-4
avoid becoming restless or irritable.
(Matt. 18:26, 27) Third, a patient per- Friday, December 5
son is not rash. When a patient person “The nations will have to know that
has an important task to accomplish, I am Jehovah,” declares the Sovereign
he does not rush into it; nor does he Lord Jehovah, “when I am sanctified
rush through it. Rather, he sets aside among you before their eyes.”
a reasonable amount of time to plan —Ezek. 36:23.
what he will do. Then he gives the
task the time that it requires. Fourth, Jesus knew that Jehovah’s purpose is
a patient person strives to bear trials to sanctify His name, to clear it of
all reproach. That is why our Mas-
without complaining. He does his best
ter taught his followers to pray: “Our
to continue enduring while maintain-
Father in the heavens, let your name
ing a positive attitude. (Col. 1:11) As
be sanctified.” (Matt. 6:9) Jesus un-
Christians, we need to show all these
derstood that this is the greatest is-
facets of patience. w23.08 20-21 ˚3-6
sue facing all creation. No intelligent
Thursday, December 4 creature in the universe has ever done
more to sanctify Jehovah’s name than
Jehovah is the examiner of hearts. Jesus has. Yet, when Jesus was arrest-
—Prov. 17:3. ed, what sin did his enemies accuse
A key reason to protect our figurative him of? Blasphemy! Jesus surely felt
heart is that Jehovah examines our that to abuse or to slander his Father’s
heart. This means that he looks past holy name was the most repugnant
what we appear to be to others and of sins. He was deeply disturbed that
sees who we really are on the inside. he would be charged and convicted of
He will love us if we fill our mind this crime. That may have been the
with his life-giving wisdom. (John 4: main reason why Jesus was “in such
14) We will thereby leave no room for agony” in the hours leading up to his
the moral and spiritual poison com- arrest.—Luke 22:41-44. w24.02 11 ˚11
ing from Satan and his world. (1 John
5:18, 19) As we draw closer to Jeho-
vah, our love and respect for him
will grow. Because we do not want
Saturday, December 6 are essential skills for every Christian.
By wisdom a house is built up. (1 Tim. 4:13) So do not allow any ob-
stacle to stop you from learning to
—Prov. 24:3.
read and write well. How will you be
In our race for life, we must love rewarded? Such skills may help you to
Jehovah and Jesus more than we find and keep a job. You will become
love our relatives. (Matt. 10:37) This a better student and teacher of God’s
does not mean, however, that we Word. Best of all, you will draw closer
can neglect our family obligations, as to Jehovah as you read his Word and
though these were holding us back meditate on it.—1 Tim. 4:15. w23.12 20
from pleasing God and Christ. On ˚10-11
the contrary, to be acceptable to God
and Christ, we need to fulfill our Monday, December 8
role in the family. (1 Tim. 5:4, 8) Jehovah knows how to rescue people
When we do, we will be happier. Af- of godly devotion out of trial.
ter all, Jehovah designed families to —2 Pet. 2:9.
thrive when husband and wife treat
each other with love and respect, Ask for Jehovah’s help to resist temp-
when parents love and train their chil- tation. As imperfect humans, we have
a constant struggle against the temp-
dren, and when children obey their
tation to do what is wrong. Satan is
parents. (Eph. 5:33; 6:1, 4) Whatever
doing all he can to make that struggle
your role is in the family, trust in the
as hard as possible. One way he tries
wisdom found in the Bible instead of
to corrupt our thinking is by means
relying on mere emotions, culture, or
of debased entertainment. Such en-
what so-called experts may say. Make
tertainment can fill our mind with un-
good use of our Bible-based publica-
clean thoughts—thoughts that defile
tions. These contain practical sugges-
our inner person and can lead to seri-
tions on how to apply Bible principles.
ous sin. (Mark 7:21-23; Jas. 1:14, 15)
w23.08 28 ˚6-7
We need Jehovah’s help if we are to
Sunday, December 7 overcome the temptation to do what
is wrong. Jesus included the follow-
Read it in an undertone day and ing petition in the model prayer: “Do
night, in order to observe carefully not bring us into temptation, but de-
all that is written in it; for then your liver us from the wicked one.” (Matt.
way will be successful and then you 6:13) Jehovah wants to come to our
will act wisely.—Josh. 1:8. aid, but we must ask him for his help.
A Christian woman needs to develop We must also act in harmony with our
practical skills. Some skills that a girl prayers. w23.05 6-7 ˚15-17
learns in childhood will continue to
benefit her throughout her life. For ex-
ample, learn to read and write well. In
some cultures, reading and writing are
not considered to be important skills
for women to learn. However, they
Tuesday, December 9 him. On the other hand, the apos-
A threefold cord cannot quickly tle Paul obeyed when the Christian
older men in Jerusalem directed him
be torn apart.—Eccl. 4:12.
to take four men to the temple and
When a couple value their friendship cleanse himself ceremonially to show
with their heavenly Father, they readi- that he was observing the Law. Paul
ly apply his advice, which in turn helps knew that Christians were no longer
them to avoid and overcome problems under the Law. And he had not done
that could cause their love for each anything wrong. Still, Paul “took the
other to cool off. Spiritual people also men the next day and cleansed him-
strive to imitate Jehovah and culti- self ceremonially along with them.”
vate qualities that he displays, such as (Acts 21:23, 24, 26) Paul’s obedi-
kindness, patience, and forgiveness. ence promoted unity.—Rom. 14:19, 21.
(Eph. 4:32–5:1) A couple who display w23.10 10 ˚15-16
such qualities make it easier for love
to thrive. A sister named Lena, who Thursday, December 11
has been married for more than 25 Close friendship with Jehovah belongs
years, says, “It’s easy to love and re- to those who fear him.—Ps. 25:14.
spect a spiritual person.” Consider a
You probably would not think of fear
Bible example. When Jehovah had to
as an important quality for a good
choose a couple to be the parents of
friendship. However, those who want
the future Messiah, He chose Joseph
to have a close friendship with Jeho-
and Mary out of the many descen-
vah must “fear him.” No matter how
dants of David. Why? They both had long we have been serving Jehovah,
a personal relationship with Jehovah, all of us need to maintain a healthy
and Jehovah knew that they would fear of him. But what does it mean to
build their marriage around their love fear God? A person who has a prop-
for him. w23.05 21 ˚3-4 er fear of God loves Him and does
Wednesday, December 10 not want to do anything that would
damage his relationship with Him. Je-
Be obedient to those who are taking sus had such “godly fear.” (Heb. 5:7)
the lead among you.—Heb. 13:17. He did not feel a morbid dread of Je-
Although our Leader, Jesus, is per- hovah. (Isa. 11:2, 3) Instead, he felt a
fect, those whom he uses to take the deep love for him and wanted to obey
lead here on earth are not. We may him. (John 14:21, 31) Like Jesus, we
struggle to obey them, especially if feel deep respect and awe for Jehovah
they ask us to do something that we because He is loving, wise, just, and
do not want to do. The apostle Pe- powerful. We also know that Jehovah
ter once hesitated to obey. When in- loves us and is affected by how we re-
structed by an angel to eat animals spond to his guidance. We can either
that were unclean under the Mosaic make Jehovah feel pain or make his
Law, Peter refused—not once, but heart rejoice.—Ps. 78:41; Prov. 27:11.
three times! (Acts 10:9-16) Why? The w23.06 14 ˚1-2; 15 ˚5
new direction did not make sense to
Friday, December 12 30) Yet, those Christians endured.
As soon as he was strong, his heart (Rev. 2:3) How? They reflected on
Scriptural examples of endurance,
became haughty to his own ruin, and
such as Job. (Jas. 5:10, 11) They
he acted unfaithfully against Jehovah.
prayed for strength. (Acts 4:29-31)
—2 Chron. 26:16.
And they focused on the good results
When King Uzziah became power- of their endurance. (Acts 5:41) We
ful, he forgot that Jehovah was the too can endure if we regularly study
Source of his strength and prosperi- examples of endurance in God’s Word
ty. What is the lesson? We do well and in our publications and meditate
to remind ourselves that our bless- on them. w23.07 3 ˚5-6
ings and privileges come from Jeho-
vah. Rather than boast about our Sunday, December 14
accomplishments, we should give Je- Keep on, then, seeking first the
hovah the credit for what we are able Kingdom and his righteousness,
to do. (1 Cor. 4:7) We must humbly and all these other things will
realize that we are imperfect and need be added to you.—Matt. 6:33.
discipline. A brother in his 60’s wrote:
Jehovah and Jesus will not give up on
“I have learned not to take myself too
us. The apostle Peter was at a criti-
seriously. When I receive discipline
cal crossroads in his life after he de-
for the childish mistakes that I some-
nied Christ. Would he quit, or would
times make, I try to get back up and
he persevere as Christ’s disciple? Je-
keep moving forward.” The reality is
sus had supplicated Jehovah that Pe-
that when we fear Jehovah and keep a
ter’s faith would not give out. Jesus
humble view of ourselves, our life will
told Peter about that prayer and ex-
turn out well.—Prov. 22:4. w23.09 10
pressed confidence that Peter would
˚10-11
later be able to strengthen his broth-
Saturday, December 13 ers. (Luke 22:31, 32) How it must
have reassured Peter to think back
You need endurance, so that after you on Jesus’ words! When we come to
have done the will of God, you may a crossroads in our life, Jehovah may
receive the fulfillment of the promise. use caring shepherds to provide the
—Heb. 10:36. assurance we need to remain faithful.
The early Christians needed to en- (Eph. 4:8, 11) Just as Jehovah provid-
dure. Besides dealing with problems ed materially for Peter and the other
common to all people, they faced apostles, He will care for our material
additional trials. Many of them were needs when we put the ministry first in
persecuted, not only by Jewish reli- our life. w23.09 24-25 ˚14-15
gious leaders and the Roman authori-
ties but also by their own families.
(Matt. 10:21) And within the congre-
gation, sometimes they had to fight
the influence of the apostates and
their divisive teachings. (Acts 20:29,
Monday, December 15 lowing points in mind: (1) Only God’s
The one showing favor to the lowly is Kingdom will bring complete and per-
manent healing. (Isa. 33:24) (2) Each
lending to Jehovah, and He will repay
Christian must be “fully convinced” of
him for what he does.—Prov. 19:17.
what is best for him. (Rom. 14:5)
Jehovah notices even the smallest act (3) We do not judge others or put a
of kindness that we extend to oth- stumbling block before them. (Rom.
ers. He views it as a valuable sacrifice 14:13) (4) Christians show love and do
and as a debt that he is going to re- not put their freedom to make per-
pay. If you formerly served as a minis- sonal choices ahead of the unity of
terial servant or an elder, Jehovah re- the congregation.—Rom. 14:15, 19, 20.
members the work you did in the past w23.07 24 ˚15
and the love that motivated you to do
it. (1 Cor. 15:58) He also observes the Wednesday, December 17
love that you continue to show. Jeho- He is holy to Jehovah all the days
vah wants all of us to grow in love for of his Naziriteship.—Num. 6:8.
him and for others. We can strength-
Do you treasure your relationship
en our love for Jehovah by reading
with Jehovah? No doubt you do!
his Word and meditating on it and by
Since ancient times, untold multi-
regularly talking to him in prayer. We
tudes have felt the same way as you
can grow in our love for our brothers
do. (Ps. 104:33, 34) Many have made
and sisters by assisting them in prac-
sacrifices to worship Jehovah. That
tical ways. As our love grows, we will was certainly the case with those in
draw ever closer to Jehovah and to ancient Israel known as Nazirites, or
our spiritual family. And we will enjoy dedicated ones. This term aptly de-
those friendships forever! w23.07 10 scribes the zealous Israelites who
˚11; 11 ˚13; 13 ˚18 made certain personal sacrifices to
Tuesday, December 16 serve Jehovah in a special way. The
Mosaic Law allowed for a man or a
Each one will carry his own load. woman to make a special vow to Je-
—Gal. 6:5. hovah by choosing to live as a Naz-
Each Christian must decide how to irite for a period of time. (Num. 6:
care for his own health. Only a few 1, 2) That vow, or solemn promise,
specific Bible laws, such as the com- involved following guidelines that the
mands to abstain from blood and rest of the Israelites did not have to
from spiritism, affect a Christian’s observe. Why, then, would an Israel-
choice of medical treatment. (Acts 15: ite choose to take the Nazirite vow?
20; Gal. 5:19, 20) Other areas are mat- Such an Israelite was likely motivated
ters of personal preference. No mat- by deep love for Jehovah and sincere
ter how strongly we feel about a form gratitude for His rich blessing.—Deut.
of treatment, we need to respect the 6:5; 16:17. w24.02 14 ˚1-2
right of our brothers and sisters to
make their own health-care decisions.
In this regard, we should keep the fol-
Thursday, December 18 is for us to imitate our forgiving Fa-
Jehovah . . . shows loyal love to ther! (Eph. 4:32–5:1) Remember, too,
that as the end draws near, we need to
those who love him and keep his
remain close to our brothers and sis-
commandments.—Dan. 9:4.
ters. We can expect persecution to in-
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for tensify. We may even find ourselves in
“loyalty,” or “loyal love,” conveys the prison for our faith. If that happens,
idea of a warm and loving attach- we will need our brothers and sisters
ment that is often used to describe more than ever.—Prov. 17:17. w24.03
the love that God has for his ser- 15-16 ˚6-7
vants. The same word is also used to
describe the love shown among God’s Saturday, December 20
servants. (2 Sam. 9:6, 7) Our loyalty A man’s footsteps are directed
can become stronger over time. Con- by Jehovah.—Prov. 20:24.
sider how this proved true for Daniel.
The Scriptures contain accounts of
Daniel’s loyalty to Jehovah was test-
youths who drew close to Jehovah,
ed throughout his life. But one of the
had his favor, and saw their life turn
greatest tests came when he was in his
out well. David was one of them. At
90’s. Members of the royal court dis-
a young age, he chose God’s side and
liked Daniel and had little respect for
later became a loyal king. (1 Ki. 3:6; 9:
the God he worshipped. So they de-
4, 5; 14:8) You can be encouraged and
vised a plot to have Daniel killed.
motivated by studying about David’s
They had a decree issued that would life and faithful service. Or you can
test whether Daniel would be loyal to focus your study project on the exam-
his God or to the king. All Daniel had ple of Mark or of Timothy. You will
to do to prove his loyalty to the king see that they served Jehovah from a
was to stop praying to Jehovah for 30 young age and gained a lasting rec-
days. Daniel refused to compromise. ord of God’s approval. How your
—Dan. 6:12-15, 20-22. w23.08 5 ˚10-12 life turns out may be determined by
how you use it right now. Your trust-
Friday, December 19
ing in Jehovah and not in your own
Continue loving one another. understanding will lead to His direct-
—1 John 4:7. ing your steps. You can have a hap-
Jehovah wants us to persevere in py and rewarding life. Remember, Je-
showing love to our brothers and sis- hovah values what you do for him.
ters. If someone fails to show some What better way could you use your
Christian quality, we can assume that life than by serving our loving heaven-
he wants to follow Bible principles ly Father? w23.09 13 ˚18-19
and that he simply acted thoughtless-
ly. (Prov. 12:18) God loves his faith-
ful servants despite their shortcom-
ings. He does not cut us off when we
make mistakes; nor does he stay re-
sentful. (Ps. 103:9) How important it
Sunday, December 21 claimed that the water in this loca-
Continue . . . forgiving one another tion was also theirs. Despite this,
Isaac acted peacefully. (Gen. 26:19-
freely.—Col. 3:13.
25) What helped him to remain mild
The apostle Paul knew that his Chris- even when others seemed determined
tian brothers and sisters were im- to provoke him? He surely observed
perfect. For example, he was mis- the example of his parents, learning
judged soon after he started to much from the peaceful ways of Abra-
associate with the congregation. (Acts ham and “the quiet and mild spirit” of
9:26) Later, some spoke about him Sarah.—1 Pet. 3:4-6; Gen. 21:22-34.
behind his back to damage his rep- w23.09 15 ˚4
utation. (2 Cor. 10:10) Paul saw a re-
sponsible brother make a wrong deci- Tuesday, December 23
sion that may have stumbled others. I have purposed it, and I will also
(Gal. 2:11, 12) And one of Paul’s close carry it out.—Isa. 46:11.
companions, Mark, greatly disappoint-
Jehovah lovingly sent his firstborn Son
ed him. (Acts 15:37, 38) Paul could
to the earth to teach people about the
have allowed any one of these situa-
Kingdom and to give his life to ran-
tions to cause him to refuse to asso-
som us from sin and death. Then Je-
ciate with the offenders. Yet, he main-
sus was resurrected back to heaven to
tained a positive view of his brothers
rule as King of God’s Kingdom. The
and sisters and remained active in Je-
main theme of the Bible is that Jeho-
hovah’s service. What helped Paul to
vah’s name will be vindicated as he ful-
persevere? Paul loved his brothers and
fills his purpose for the earth by means
sisters. Paul’s love for others helped
of his Kingdom under Christ. Jeho-
him to focus, not on their imperfec- vah’s purpose cannot be changed. He
tions, but on their fine qualities. Love has guaranteed that he will carry it out
also helped Paul to do what is men- with success. (Isa. 46:10, ftn.; Heb. 6:
tioned in today’s text. w24.03 15 ˚4-5 17, 18) In time, the earth will be trans-
Monday, December 22 formed into a paradise where perfect,
righteous descendants of Adam and
A slave of the Lord does not need Eve will “enjoy life forever.” (Ps. 22:
to fight, but needs to be gentle 26) More than that, Jehovah has an
toward all.—2 Tim. 2:24. even broader purpose in mind. His ul-
The Bible contains many accounts timate purpose is to unite all his intel-
that highlight the value of mildness. ligent creatures in heaven and on
Take the example of Isaac. When earth. Then all those living will loy-
he settled in the Philistine territo- ally submit to him as their Sovereign.
ry of Gerar, his envious neighbors (Eph. 1:8-11) Are you not amazed at
stopped up wells that his father’s ser- the beautiful way that Jehovah accom-
vants had dug. Instead of fighting for plishes his purpose? w23.10 20 ˚7-8
his rights, Isaac moved his house-
hold farther away and dug other wells.
(Gen. 26:12-18) But the Philistines
Wednesday, December 24 end of all things has drawn close.
“Be strong, . . . for I am with you,” Therefore, . . . have intense love for
one another.” (1 Pet. 4:7, 8) As the
declares Jehovah of armies.
end of this wicked world draws ever
—Hag. 2:4.
closer, what can we expect? Speaking
When the Jews who left Babylon ar- about his followers, Jesus foretold:
rived in Jerusalem, it was not long “You will be hated by all the nations
before they were affected by unstable on account of my name.” (Matt. 24:9)
economic and political conditions as To withstand such hatred, we need to
well as opposition. Some therefore remain united. As we do that, Satan’s
found it hard to focus on rebuilding efforts to divide us will fail, for we are
Jehovah’s temple. Thus, Jehovah com- held close together by love.—Phil. 2:
missioned two prophets, Haggai and 1, 2. w23.11 13 ˚18-19
Zechariah, to rekindle the people’s
zeal, which proved to be effective. Friday, December 26
(Hag. 1:1; Zech. 1:1) Nearly 50 years We are God’s fellow workers.
later, however, the Jews again reached —1 Cor. 3:9.
a low point. Ezra, a skilled copyist of
The truths of God’s Word have enor-
the Law, then came from Babylon to
mous power. By teaching people
Jerusalem to encourage God’s people
about Jehovah and what he is truly
to give priority to true worship. (Ezra
like, we get to see something wonder-
7:1, 6) Just as the prophecies of Hag-
ful. The blindfold of satanic lies grad-
gai and Zechariah helped God’s peo- ually comes off, and these individu-
ple in the past to continue to trust als begin to see our beloved Father as
in Jehovah during opposition, they we do. They are filled with awe at his
can help us today to remain confident limitless power. (Isa. 40:26) They are
in Jehovah’s support despite life’s un- assured by his perfect justice. (Deut.
certainties.—Prov. 22:19. w23.11 14-15 32:4) They are enlightened by his pro-
˚2-3 found wisdom. (Isa. 55:9; Rom. 11:
33) And they are comforted to learn
Thursday, December 25
that he is the personification of love.
Clothe yourselves with love, for it is (1 John 4:8) As they draw close to
a perfect bond of union.—Col. 3:14. Jehovah, their hope of living forever
How do we express our love for fellow as his children becomes sure. What a
believers? One way we do so is by giv- marvelous privilege we have to help
ing them comfort. We will be able to people draw close to their Father!
“keep comforting one another” if we When we do so, Jehovah considers
are moved by compassion. (1 Thess. us his “fellow workers.”—1 Cor. 3:5.
4:18) How can we keep our love for w24.02 12 ˚15
one another strong? By doing our ut-
most to forgive the mistakes of oth-
ers. Why is it especially important to-
day to show our love for one another?
Note the reason that Peter gives: “The
Saturday, December 27 things can cause friction. Instead of
Better for you not to vow than to recognizing that each has a part in the
problem and therefore should work to
vow and not pay.—Eccl. 5:5.
resolve it, they may blame their mate.
If you are a Bible student or if you They may even come to see separa-
are being raised by parents who are tion or divorce as the solution. But is
Witnesses, are you thinking about get- giving up on the marriage the answer?
ting baptized? That is a commendable No. Jehovah directs that married peo-
goal! Before getting baptized, though, ple respect the marriage arrangement
you will need to dedicate yourself to even if their mate is difficult to live
Jehovah. How do you dedicate your- with. w24.03 16 ˚8; 17 ˚11
self to Jehovah? You promise him in
prayer that you will worship only him Monday, December 29
and that you will put his will first in The hope does not lead to
your life. Really, you are promising disappointment.—Rom. 5:5.
Jehovah that you will continue to love
After your dedication and baptism,
him “with your whole heart and with
your hope of living forever on a par-
your whole soul and with your whole
adise earth continued to grow as you
mind and with your whole strength.”
learned more and matured spiritually.
(Mark 12:30) Your dedication is made
(Heb. 5:13–6:1) You have likely expe-
in private, between you and Jeho-
rienced what is mentioned at Romans
vah. In contrast, baptism is public; it
5:2-4. You had various tribulations,
shows onlookers that you have made
but you endured them and sensed
a dedication. Your dedication is a sa-
God’s approval. Confident of God’s fa-
cred vow, and Jehovah expects you to
vor, you now have even greater rea-
live up to it, just as you expect that of
son to expect to receive the things
yourself.—Eccl. 5:4. w24.03 2 ˚2; 3 ˚5 he has promised. Your hope has be-
Sunday, December 28 come stronger than what you had ini-
tially. It is more real to you, more
Each one of you must love his wife personal. It affects you more intense-
as he does himself; on the other hand, ly, influencing every aspect of your
the wife should have deep respect for life and changing how you treat your
her husband.—Eph. 5:33. family, how you make decisions, and
All marriages have difficulties. The Bi- even how you use your time. The
ble frankly acknowledges that married apostle Paul adds a very important
people will have “tribulation in their point regarding the hope that you
flesh.” (1 Cor. 7:28) Why? Because possess after receiving God’s approv-
marriage brings two imperfect peo- al. He assures you that your hope will
ple together, each with different char- be fulfilled.—Rom. 15:13. w23.12 12-13
acteristics, likes, and dislikes. Mates ˚16-19
may come from different cultures or
backgrounds. They may, in time, dis-
play traits that were not noticeable
before the wedding. Any of those
Tuesday, December 30 Wednesday, December 31
[Jehovah] is the stability of your In God I put my trust; I am not afraid.
times.—Isa. 33:6. —Ps. 56:4.
When we go through a difficult trial, When you feel afraid, ask yourself,
our feelings, thoughts, and reactions ‘What has Jehovah already done?’ Re-
may not be as balanced as they nor- flect on what he has created. For ex-
mally are. We could feel as if we ample, when we “observe intently”
were being tossed from one strong how Jehovah cares for the birds and
emotion to the next. How does Je- the flowers—which were not created
hovah help us when such emotions in his image and are not capable of
begin flooding over us? He assures worshipping him—we will build up our
us that he will stabilize us. When a trust that he will care for us too.
ship encounters a storm, it may be- (Matt. 6:25-32) Consider also what
gin to rock dangerously from side to Jehovah has done for his worship-
side. To counteract this movement, pers. You might study a Bible charac-
many ships have stabilizers that ex- ter who showed outstanding faith, or
tend from each side of the ship un- you might read the experience of a
der the water. These stabilizers can modern-day servant of Jehovah. Ad-
significantly reduce the rocking of the ditionally, meditate on how Jehovah
ship, making the situation safer and has already cared for you. How did he
more bearable for passengers. How- draw you to the truth? (John 6:44)
ever, many stabilization systems work How has he answered your prayers?
best when the ship is moving forward. (1 John 5:14) How are you benefit-
Similarly, Jehovah will stabilize us as ing every day from the sacrifice of his
we move forward faithfully in times beloved Son?—Eph. 1:7; Heb. 4:14-16.
of trial. w24.01 22 ˚7-8 w24.01 4 ˚6; 7 ˚17