Scripture of the Day:

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Honor Jehovah with your valuable things.—Proverbs 3:9.

As Christians, we all possess valuable things of one kind or another. They might include a measure of health and strength, inborn mental abilities, or financial resources. Because we love Jehovah, we are happy to use those things in his service and thus respond to the inspired exhortation above. On the other hand, the Bible also speaks of valueless things and warns against wasting our resources in pursuit of them. Proverbs 12:11 says: “The one cultivating his ground will himself be satisfied with bread, but the one pursuing valueless things is in want of heart.” If a man spends his time and energy working hard to support his family, he stands a good chance of achieving relative security. (1 Tim. 5:8) If, however, he wastes his resources pursuing valueless things, he demonstrates “want of heart,” a lack of balanced judgment and good motivation. Very likely, such a man will find himself in need.

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Pursue . . . godly devotion.—1 Tim. 6:11.

Devotion involves being ardently dedicated and loyal. One Bible dictionary notes that the Greek word translated “godly devotion” describes “the good and careful cherishing of the fear of God.” In our sinful state, we cannot manifest perfect godly devotion. But we can pursue it. This calls on us to follow Christ’s model as closely as possible. (1 Pet. 2:21) Thus, we will not be like the hypocrites who ‘have a form of godly devotion but prove false to its power.’ (2 Tim. 3:5) This does not mean that true godly devotion has nothing to do with outward appearances. It certainly does. For instance, whether we are choosing a wedding dress or deciding what to wear while shopping, our appearance should always harmonize with our claim “to reverence God.” (1 Tim. 2:9, 10) Yes, the pursuit of godly devotion requires that we take God’s righteous standards into consideration in our daily lives

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[Jehovah] will not leave his loyal ones.—Ps. 37:28.

It is the tenth century B.C.E. and a time of decision. Civil war has narrowly been avoided by granting Israel’s restless northern tribes a measure of independence. Their newly appointed king, Jeroboam, quickly moves to consolidate his power by establishing a new State religion. He demands complete allegiance from his subjects. What will faithful servants of Jehovah do? Will they remain loyal to the God they worship? Thousands do, and Jehovah watches over them as they maintain their integrity. (1 Ki. 12:1-33; 2 Chron. 11:13, 14) The loyalty of God’s servants is being tested in our day too. “Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone,” warns the Bible. Can we successfully “take [our] stand against him, solid in the faith”? (1 Pet. 5:8, 9) Jehovah did not leave his loyal ones then, and he will not do so today.

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Those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those in accord with the spirit on the things of the spirit.—Romans 8:5.

How can we avoid having our thinking—and thus our actions—dominated by the spirit of the world? We must put a filter on our mind, striving to block out the world’s propaganda to the extent possible. For example, when choosing entertainment, we refuse to let our minds be sullied by programs that glorify immorality or violence. We realize that God’s holy, or clean, spirit will not reside in a dirty mind. (Ps. 11:5; 2 Cor. 6:15-18) In addition, we invite God’s spirit into our minds through regular Bible reading, prayer, meditation, and meeting attendance. And we work along with that spirit as we regularly share in the Christian preaching work. As Paul states, “the minding of the flesh means death, but the minding of the spirit means life and peace.”—Rom. 8:6.

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Even until old age and gray-headedness, O God, do not leave me.—Psalms 71:18.

All in the congregation can benefit from associating with older Christians. Through study, observation, and experience, faithful older worshippers of Jehovah have accumulated priceless knowledge. They have learned to exercise patience and show empathy, and passing on what they have learned to the next generation brings them great joy and satisfaction. Younger ones, be wise and draw on this source of knowledge as you would draw up water from a deep well. (Prov. 20:5) Do you let older ones know that you cherish them as Jehovah cherishes them? One way you can do so is by telling them how much you love them for their faithfulness and how you value their opinions. Moreover, by acting on what you learn from them, you demonstrate that your respect for them is sincere. Many elderly Christians can recall the wise advice they received from faithful older ones and how acting on it has benefited them throughout their lives.

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For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12.

Now why did the Apostle Paul use the term 'wrestling'? Because it conveys the idea of hand-to-hand combat and a struggle at close quarters. Thus, by using that term, Paul stressed that each individual has a personal fight with wicked spirits. Whether we live in a country where belief in wicked spirits is prevalent or not, we should never forget that when we were baptized (dedicated our selves to Almighty God (YHWH)), we stepped on the wrestling mat so to speak. At least from dedication onward, each genuine follower of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is locked in combat with the forces of evil. No wonder that Paul saw the need to urge Christians in Ephesus three times to "stand firm"! (Ephesians 6:11, 13-14).

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Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11.

Wicked spirits use not one but various cunning devices - and for good reason. In the course of time, some believers who have stood firm against one kind of trial have given in when faced with another. Hence, the Devil and the demons closely observe the behavior of each one of us to detect our weakest spot. Then they try to exploit any spiritual weakness we may have. Thankfully, though, we can recognize many of the Devil's methods, for they are revealed in the the inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible. (2 Corinthians 2:11) Earlier in this publication, we discussed such schemes as the lure of materialism, harmful association, and sexual immorality.

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Hebrew 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (New American Standard Bible, NASB)

Jesus (Yeshua) is our high priest as revealed by this scripture. As such, His right to this position has been guaranteed by remaining faithful until the enemies of the Truth had him put to death as recorded at Hebrews 2:9-14, "But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying, "I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BRETHREN, IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE." 13 And again, "I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM." And again, "BEHOLD, I AND THE CHILDREN WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN ME." 14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" (NASB).

This scripture brings out how he well knows mankind by saying, "he also himself likewise took part of the same." It is very important to have, 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus," (NASB) A mediator for us with God (YHWH) that clearly Understands Mankind.

But fear not, Jesus will gather the remnant of the flock that believes in the Truth as recorded at Jeremiah 23:3, And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. " (Authorized King James; AV). Here we note, "they shall be fruitful and increase," but of course, this does not mean they would be large in number as brought out at Matthew 8:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.." (AV).

However, it is the loving obligation of all true Christians to try and assist those that are on the "broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction," we must out of neighbor love try to assist those in darkness see the Truth. This is made clear at Luke 1:79, "TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet into the way of peace." (NASB), just as we would try and assist our neighbors with a physical illiness. This was given as a commission to true Christians by their leader at Matthew 24:14, ""This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. " (NASB); so clearly out of 'agape' love we must try and assist them in coming to a knowledge of Truth as the Truth will make them free from false doctrine.

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You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things.—Revelation 4:11.

How beautiful the earth is! The trees, the flowers, the animals, the oceans, the mountains, and the waterfalls—Jehovah has made them all. “The earth is full of [God’s] productions,” states Psalm 104:24. How grateful we can be that Jehovah has lovingly given us a body and a mind that allow us to enjoy the earth and the good things on it! Should not heartfelt appreciation for the wondrous creation make us want to serve him? Another reason to serve Jehovah is found in the words of the Israelite leader Joshua. Near the end of his life, Joshua told God’s people: “You well know with all your hearts and with all your souls that not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you.”—Josh. 23:14

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Taste and see that Jehovah is good.—Psalms 34:8.

Your first love for the truth was important, but as time went by, you needed a deeper love to face new challenges that put your faith to the test. However, Jehovah sustained you. (1 Cor. 10:13) Thus, your experiences constitute another way you can prove to yourself the good, acceptable will of God. (Josh. 23:14) To illustrate, consider the situation in which the Israelites found themselves when Jehovah stated his purpose to deliver them from slavery in Egypt. God identified himself to Moses, saying: “I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be.” (Ex. 3:7, 8, 13, 14) In effect, Jehovah was saying that he would take on any role necessary to free his people. Later, the Israelites saw Jehovah reveal different facets of his personality—as the Almighty, as a Judge, a Leader, a Deliverer, a Warrior, and a Provider.—Ex. 12:12; 13:21; 14:24-31; 16:4; Neh. 9:9-15.

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The kingdom of the heavens is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three large measures of flour, until the whole mass was fermented.—Matthew 13:33.

In this illustration, Jesus referred to the normal process of making bread. The housewife deliberately added the leaven, and the results were positive. The leaven was hidden in the mass of flour. Thus, the leavening process was hidden from the view of the housewife. Spiritual growth too is unseen to human eyes, and it is also pervasive. In the illustration, the leaven ferments the whole mass, all “three large measures of flour.” (Luke 13:21) Like leaven, the Kingdom-preaching work that has prompted the spiritual growth has expanded to the point that the Kingdom is now being preached “to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8; Matt. 24:14) What a wonderful privilege it is to be part of this amazing expansion of the Kingdom work!

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Faith follows the thing heard.—Romams 10:17.

To attain and maintain strong faith, a Christian must keep meditating on the precious truths found in God’s Word. “The faithful and discreet slave” has provided many fine publications that are designed to help us get to know Christ better and thus be in a position to imitate him. (Matt. 24:45-47) Prayer is another aid in building strong faith. Jesus’ followers once pleaded with him: “Give us more faith.” We can humbly beg God to do the same. (Luke 17:5) To that end, we should pray for the help of God’s holy spirit; faith is one aspect of “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Gal. 5:22) Further, obeying God’s commands strengthens our faith. For instance, having an increased share in the preaching work will likely produce in us a deep happiness. And as we reflect on the blessings that come from “seeking first the kingdom and [God’s] righteousness,” our faith will grow.—Matt. 6:33.

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If errors were what you watch, O Jah, O Jehovah, who could stand?—Psalms 130:3.

Why did the onetime persecutor Saul embrace the faith of his victims? To Timothy, Paul wrote: “I was shown mercy [so] that by means of me as the foremost case Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his long-suffering for a sample of those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life.” (1 Tim. 1:16) Jehovah forgave Paul, and receiving such undeserved kindness and mercy moved him to show love to others by preaching the good news to them. Jehovah likewise forgives our sins and mistakes. (Ps. 103:8-14) Without God’s mercy, none of us would have the joy of sacred service, nor could we look forward to receiving everlasting life. God’s undeserved kindness has been great toward all of us. Like Paul, therefore, we should desire to extend love to others by preaching to them and teaching them the truth and by strengthening our fellow believers.—Acts 14:21-23.

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I did not hold back my heart from any sort of rejoicing.—Ecclesiast 2:10.

Like many people today, Solomon tried to find satisfaction by pursuing a life of pleasure. Where did he search for pleasure? According to Ecclesiastes chapter 2, he ‘cheered his flesh with wine’—at the same time maintaining self-control—and pursued such activities as landscaping, designing palaces, listening to music, and enjoying good food. Does the Bible condemn having a good time with friends? Not at all. Solomon notes, for instance, that enjoying a meal in a relaxed atmosphere after a hard day’s work is a gift of God. (Eccl. 2:24; 3:12, 13) Moreover, Jehovah himself invites young ones to ‘rejoice and let their heart do them good’ in a responsible way. (Eccl. 11:9) We need relaxation and wholesome entertainment. (Compare Mark 6:31.) However, recreation should not become the primary purpose of our life.—Eccl. 2:10, 11.

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Keep on holding fast what you have.—Revelation 3:11.

Do you remember when you first learned about the wonderful prospect that Jehovah offers to obedient mankind? If you formerly practiced another religion, how did you feel when God’s purposes were explained to you in the light of Scripture or when teachings that were once difficult to understand were clarified? Perhaps you realized that you had been misled. But how you rejoice now that you have been enlightened! If you were raised by Christian parents, do you recall how you felt when you became convinced that what you were learning about Jehovah was the truth and you decided to live in harmony with it? (Rom. 12:2) Many of your spiritual brothers will tell you that they felt elated, close to Jehovah, and grateful that he had drawn them. (John 6:44) Their happiness moved them to share in Christian activities. They were so full of joy that they wanted to share what they felt with everyone. Did you have a similar experience?