THE WORD: October 2011

You must love your neighbor as yourself.—Matt. 22:39.

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Lana‘i City

Image by Joel Abroad via FlickrThat love (a‧ga′pe in Greek) is a moral love that takes into account duty, principle, and propriety, but it can be warm and intense. (1 Pet. 1:22) It is reflected in selfless words and deeds. (1 Cor. 13:4-7) Because love is a product of God’s holy spirit, it enables true Christians to do what others cannot do, such as overcome racial, cultural, and political barriers. (John 13:34, 35; Gal. 5:22) Sheeplike ones cannot help but be moved when they see such love. For example, when a young Jewish man in Israel attended his first Christian meeting, he was amazed to see Jewish and Arab brothers worshipping Jehovah side by side. As a result, he began to attend meetings regularly and accepted a Bible study. Do you show such heartfelt love to your brothers? And do you make it a point to extend a warm welcome to newcomers at your Kingdom Hall, regardless of their nationality, skin color, or social standing? w10 1/15 3:18, 19

The dragon grew wrathful at the woman, and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.—Rev. 12:17.

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The apostle John saw an “angel flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell on the earth.” (Rev. 14:6) Jehovah’s servants are thus assured of angelic backing as they preach the good news of the established Kingdom despite the Devil’s vicious opposition. Today, angels do not lead us to honesthearted ones by speaking to us as an angel spoke to Philip and directed him to the Ethiopian eunuch. (Acts 8:26-29) However, many modern-day experiences give evidence that angels behind the scenes are supporting our Kingdom-preaching work and guiding us to those “rightly disposed for everlasting life.” (Acts 13:48) How important it is, then, to share in the ministry regularly!—John 4:23, 24. w09 5/15 3:17, 18

The spirit and the bride keep on saying: “Come!”—Rev. 22:17.

The spirit, working through the anointed bride class, is extending this invitation regarding life’s water. If you have accepted the call to “come!” are you determined to say, “Come!”? What a privilege it is to be able to share in this lifesaving work! This vital work is now being accomplished under the guidance of holy spirit. We read how the holy spirit was involved in the first century in opening up new territories for missionaries. The apostle Paul and his companions were “forbidden by the holy spirit to speak the word in the district of Asia”; nor were they permitted to go into Bithynia. We do not know exactly how the spirit prevented their going into those places, yet it is clear that the spirit led Paul into the vast field of Europe. He received a vision of a Macedonian man pleading for help. (Acts 16:6-10) Today, Jehovah’s spirit is likewise directing the worldwide preaching. w10 3/15 2:10-12

Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah.—Ps. 19:14.

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Today, many simply do not want to hear what the Bible says. If we are to persevere in speaking the word of God, it is important that we study the Scriptures in a manner that allows us to absorb their message fully. Regularity—not a hit-or-miss approach—should mark our study habits. How important it is that we take time to meditate on what we read, so that Bible truths sink deep down into the heart! Surely, we should strive to improve the quality of our personal study. Another way to benefit from Jehovah’s holy spirit is to “consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) Exerting ourselves to be in regular attendance at Christian meetings, listening carefully, and applying what we learn are fine ways to be guided by the spirit. w10 2/15 1:11, 12

Love never fails.—1 Cor. 13:8.

the first page from the First Epistle of John

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Love is a basic human need. Yet, genuine love of God and neighbor is woefully lacking. We see happening what the Bible foretold about these last days. Men are “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, . . . lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5) God’s Word warns us against misguided love. And the Bible describes what happens when such love takes root in one’s heart. (1 Tim. 6:9, 10) Though Demas was associated with Paul, Demas turned to loving what the world offered. (2 Tim. 4:10) The apostle John warned Christians against this very danger. (1 John 2:15, 16) Loving the world and its transitory things and ways is not compatible with loving God and what originates with him. We are no part of this world, though we are still living in it. Thus, we have the challenge of avoiding the world’s distorted view of love. It is vital that we not let ourselves be trapped by misguided or perverted love. w09 12/15 4:1-3

Christ offered up supplications and also petitions to the One who was able to save him.—Heb. 5:7.

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Image via WikipediaJesus’ experience as a human on earth taught him new aspects of obedience. (Heb. 5:8) It may seem that there could be nothing more for Jesus to learn about serving Jehovah. After all, he had enjoyed intimate association with Jehovah for unknown aeons and had been God’s “master worker” during creation. (Prov. 8:30) Nevertheless, personally enduring in faith as a human despite suffering proved his complete integrity. Although he was a perfect man, Jesus did not try to remain perfectly obedient on his own. He prayed for God’s help to remain obedient. For us to remain obedient, we too need a humble, prayerful attitude. For this reason, the apostle Paul counseled Christians: “Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus,” who “humbled himself and became obedient as far as death.”—Phil. 2:5-8. w09 9/15 2:2, 3

Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.—Matt. 22:21.

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What sort of “things” do we owe Caesar, that is, the governmental authorities? When Jesus uttered those words, the discussion centered on taxes. So to maintain a clean conscience before God and men, Christians obey the laws of the land, including those pertaining to the paying of taxes. (Rom. 13:5, 6) But we recognize that Jehovah is the Supreme Sovereign, the only true God, whom we love with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11) We therefore render to Jehovah God submission without reservation. (Ps. 86:11, 12) Many countries offer social programs or services to help those in need of material support. There is nothing wrong with a Christian’s receiving such assistance—provided that he qualifies. Speaking truth with our neighbor would rule out giving false or misleading information to governmental authorities in order to receive public assistance. w09 6/15 3:16, 17

Remove vexation from your heart, and ward off calamity from your flesh; for youth and the prime of life are vanity.—Eccl. 11:10.

Ecclesiastes, (קֹהֶלֶת, Kohelet, "son of ...

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“O youth, enjoy yourself while you are young! Let your heart lead you to enjoyment in the days of your youth.” (Eccl. 11:9, Tanakh—The Holy Scriptures) So wrote wise King Solomon of ancient Israel. The Originator of this message, Jehovah God, certainly wants you youths to be happy. More than that, Jehovah wants your joy to last beyond the time of youth. However, those days of youth are often marred by painful mistakes that may affect a person’s future happiness. Even faithful Job bemoaned having to face “the consequences of the errors of [his] youth.” (Job 13:26) During adolescence and the following early years of life, a young Christian often has to make weighty decisions. Bad judgment can leave deep emotional scars and create problems that may affect the rest of his life. w09 5/15 2:1

He reasoned with them from the Scriptures.—Acts 17:2.

Christ’s true followers give the interests of God’s Kingdom priority in life, proclaiming it worldwide, with the help of Jehovah’s spirit. (Zech. 4:6) Are you having a regular share in this work? Are you trying to improve as a Kingdom proclaimer, perhaps by spending more time in the ministry or by being more effective in it? Some have tried to improve the quality of their ministry by making better use of the Bible. “The word of God is alive and exerts power,” wrote the apostle Paul, who made it his custom to reason from the Scriptures. (Heb. 4:12; Acts 17:3) So if it has not been your custom to use the Bible regularly in your ministry, why not make it your goal to do so? Perhaps you could select a few key texts that explain what God’s Kingdom is and how it will solve specific problems that concern people in your neighborhood. Then be prepared to read them as you preach from door to door. w10 1/15 3:7, 9

Beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.—Matt. 9:38

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Image via WikipediaJesus did not stop with just saying what is quoted above. After speaking those words, “he summoned his twelve disciples” and sent them out on a preaching, or ‘harvesting,’ tour. (Matt. 9:35-38; 10:1, 5) Later, Jesus “designated seventy others and sent them forth by twos” to do the same work. (Luke 10:1, 2) The need for more Kingdom proclaimers is also great today. The worldwide Memorial attendance for the 2009 service year was 18,168,323. It exceeded the total number of Jehovah’s Witnesses by over 10 million. The fields are indeed ripe for harvesting. (John 4:34, 35) We should, therefore, pray and ask for more workers. But how can we act in harmony with such requests? We can do so by becoming more effective ministers as we zealously share in the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.—Matt. 28:19, 20; Mark 13:10. w10 2/15 2:1, 2

You husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with [your wives] . . . assigning them honor.—1 Pet. 3:7.

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Image by © Salim Photography/ www.salimphoto.com via FlickrHow can a husband exercise his authority and at the same time treat his wife as someone worthy of honor? One way a husband can honor his wife is by carefully considering her point of view and her feelings before he makes decisions that affect the family. Perhaps a decision has to be made regarding a move or a change of job or regarding everyday matters, such as where to take a vacation or how to adjust the family budget so as to cope with the rising cost of living. Because the family will be affected, it would be beneficial and kind for the husband to consider his wife’s opinion, as it may help him to arrive at a balanced, more considerate decision, and it will be easier for her to support him. (Prov. 15:22) Christian husbands who honor their wives gain not only the love and respect of their wives but, more important, the approval of Jehovah.—Eph. 5:28, 29. w09 7/15 2:6, 7

Bad associations spoil useful habits.—1 Cor. 15:33.

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When a Bible student begins to make changes in his lifestyle, he may face a real challenge regarding friendships. He may have companions whose company he enjoys but who do not live by the Bible’s moral code. In the past, he may regularly have spent time socializing with them. Now, though, he sees that their activities could have a bad influence on him, and he feels the need to limit his contact with such companions. Even so, he may feel that if he does not associate with them, he is being disloyal. If you face this challenge, remember that a true friend will be happy that you are trying to improve your life. He or she may even want to join with you in learning about Jehovah. On the other hand, false friends will “go on speaking abusively of you” because you do not run with them to “the same low sink of debauchery.” (1 Pet. 4:3, 4) Really, it is these friends who are being disloyal to you, not the reverse. w09 10/15 4:12, 13

Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men.—Rom. 12:17, 18.

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Displaying good manners in difficult situations brings good results. In Japan, for example, a certain Witness faced ridicule from both a householder and his guest. With a courteous attitude, the brother left the door. As he continued preaching in the territory, he noticed that the guest was watching him from a short distance away. When the brother approached him, the man said: “I’m sorry about what happened. Even though we said unkind things to you, I noticed that you kept smiling. What do I have to do to be like that?” Because that man had lost his job and his mother had just died, he lacked all hope of being happy. The Witness offered him a Bible study, which the man accepted. Soon he was studying twice a week. w09 11/15 5:12, 13

One man died for all.—2 Cor. 5:14.

Image via WikipediaHow did you feel upon learning what the Son of God did for you? (2 Cor. 5:15) Likely you felt deep gratitude. That helped to move you to dedicate your life to God and to ‘live no longer for yourself, but for him who died for you.’ Being baptized in the name of the Son means acknowledging what Jesus has done for you and accepting his authority as “the Chief Agent of life.” (Acts 3:15; 5:31) Previously, you had no relationship with the Creator, and actually you had no valid hope. But by exercising faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and being baptized, you now have a relationship with the Father. (Eph. 2:12, 13) “You who were once alienated and enemies because your minds were on the works that were wicked,” wrote the apostle Paul, “[God] now has again reconciled by means of [Jesus’] fleshly body through his death, in order to present you holy and unblemished.”—Col. 1:21, 22. w10 3/15 1:11

Both if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah.—Rom. 14:8.

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Just as our confidence in a surgeon may grow as we learn of his reputation, so our trust in Jehovah will grow as we continue to learn about him. Hence, we continue to study God’s Word carefully because that will help us to love him in a way that will dispel any fear of belonging to him. (1 John 4:18) Jehovah grants freedom of choice to all people. His Word says: “You must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring, by loving Jehovah your God.” (Deut. 30:19, 20) He wants us to express our love for him by freely choosing to serve him. Rather than robbing us of freedom, belonging to the God we love will surely make and keep us happy. As sinners, we do not deserve to belong to a perfect God. Only God’s undeserved kindness makes it possible.—2 Tim. 1:9. w10 1/15 2:17-19

[God’s] will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.—1 Tim. 2:4

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We engage in a campaign to help people break free from false religious teachings, including the practice of idolatry. Our house-to-house ministry enables us to meet all sorts of people. One young Asian girl remembers how her mother performed rituals in front of numerous images in their home. Reasoning that not all the images could represent the true God, the girl often prayed that she could get to know his real identity. When she answered a knock on the door of her house, she found two Witnesses who were ready to help her learn the true God’s distinctive name, Jehovah. And how grateful she was to learn the truth about idols! Now she demonstrates commendable zeal by sharing diligently in field service, helping other people spiritually.—Ps. 83:18; 115:4-8; 1 John 5:21. w09 6/15 2:6

Always [be] ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you.—1 Pet. 3:15.

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“Handling the word of the truth aright” involves more than explaining Scriptural truths accurately. (2 Tim. 2:15) We should be careful that we do not use the Bible to intimidate people. Though we can use the Scriptures to defend the truth, as Jesus did when he was tempted by the Devil, the Bible is not a club with which to browbeat our listeners. (Deut. 6:16; 8:3; 10:20; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10) When handled properly, what can the truth of God’s Word accomplish? (2 Cor. 10:4, 5) Scriptural truth can overturn “strongly entrenched things,” that is, expose false doctrines, harmful practices, and philosophies that reflect imperfect human wisdom. We can use the Bible to cut away any ideas that are “raised up against the knowledge of God.” The teachings of the Bible can be used to help others bring their thinking in line with the truth. w10 2/15 2:11, 12

Your God whom you are serving with constancy, he himself will rescue you.—Dan. 6:16.

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The prophet Daniel demonstrated the importance of regularity in worship. (Dan. 6:4-10, 19-22) He did not change his spiritual routine—his habit of praying to God “three times in a day, . . . as he had been regularly doing”—even for one month, although that meant being thrown into the lions’ pit. How clearly his actions indicated to observers that nothing is more important than regular worship of Jehovah! (Matt. 5:16) Daniel was willing to die rather than neglect his spiritual routine. What about us? What sacrifices are we making or are we willing to make in order to declare the good news of God’s Kingdom with constancy? Why, we should not let a month go by without speaking about Jehovah to others! If at all possible, should we not endeavor to participate in the ministry each week? w10 2/15 3:14, 16

There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.—Acts 20:35.

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Image via WikipediaThere is no body of knowledge more precious or more important than the good news. It is a priceless gift that has been given to us, bringing us great joy. And it brings us added joy when we share that gift with others. What can you do to strengthen your love for the good news even further? While reading God’s Word, pause at times to reflect on what you read. For example, imagine yourself accompanying Jesus during his earthly ministry or traveling along with the apostle Paul. Picture yourself in the new world, and envision how different life will be. Reflect on the blessings you have received through your obedience to the good news. If you keep your love for the good news strong, those whom you teach will sense that love. For good reason, then, we should carefully ponder what we have learned and pay attention to what we teach.—1 Tim. 4:15, 16. w09 7/15 3:13, 14

USE YOUR WILL POWER BROTHER/ SISTER

Greetings: May I Reach-Out Across The Time & Space That Separate Us And Offer You My Hand In Friendship And Offer A Sincere Prayer, That You Will Be Blessed With A Richer And Fuller Life,Because Of This Message!

Shahbaz Alexis aka"The Cat In That Hat"

My PERSONAL PRAYER: "Oh Divine Providence I Ask Not For More Riches, But For More Wisdom With Which To Accept And Use Wisely, The Riches I Received At Birth. Consisting In The Form Of The Power, To Use And To Control And Direct My Mind To Whatever Ends I Desire"

Shahbaz Alexis aka"The Cat In That Hat"
Peace & Much Love.

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