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Saturday, August 2

You

cannot slave for God and for Riches.—Matt.6:24.

A subtle challenge to your pursuing spiritual goals may even come from fellow believers. ‘Why be a pioneer?’ some may ask. ‘You can lead a normal life and still share in the preaching work. Get a good job and guarantee your financial security.’ This may seem to be sound advice, but would you really be training yourself with godly devotion as your aim if you were to follow it? Some Christians in Timothy’s time apparently had similar thoughts. (1 Tim. 6:17) Rather than making a life of ease your goal, cultivate a self-sacrificing spirit. "Be ready to do without the comforts of life, as one of the army of Christ Jesus." (2 Tim. 2:3, The English Biblei n Basic English) In Paul’s company, Timothy learned the secret of being content in even the most difficult circumstances. (Phil. 4:11, 12; 1 Tim. 6:6-8) You can do the same. Are you willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom? w07 5/1 3:17-19

Sunday, August 3

Hearer of prayer,even to you people of all flesh will come.—Ps.65:2.

Among the many gifts from God is the opportunity we have to approach him in prayer at any time, knowing that he listens to us. Jehovah has delegated to his beloved Son the authority both to rule and to judge. However, he does not delegate to others, including his Son, the hearing of prayers. He personally listens to our prayers. The loving, personal concern that Jehovah thus shows draws us close to him. We are also drawn to Jehovah when we consider what he has in store for humankind. He has promised to bring an end to sickness, sorrow, and death. (Rev. 21:3, 4) Once mankind is brought to perfection, no one will suffer depression, discouragement, or tragedy. Hunger, poverty, and war will be no more. (Ps. 46:9; 72:16) The earth will be transformed into a paradise. Jehovah will bring these blessings, not because he has to, but because he loves us. w06 12/1 1:18, 19

Monday, August 4

You

are. . .showing endurance, and you have borne up for my name’s sake and have not grown weary.—Rev.2:3.

The heightened appreciation Jesus had for his followers’ trials became evident after he was resurrected. Consider his letters to the seven congregations in Asia Minor, as penned by the apostle John. To the congregation in Smyrna, Jesus said: "I know your tribulation and poverty." Here, Jesus was saying, in effect, ‘I fully understand your problems; I really know what you are going through.’ Then, with both the compassion and the authority borne of his own suffering to the very death, Jesus added: "Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev. 2:8-10) The letters to the seven congregations are filled with expressions that reflect Jesus’ full awareness of his disciples’ challenges and his genuine appreciation for their life of integrity.—Rev. 2:1–3:22. w07 2/1 1:17, 18

Tuesday, August 5

Keep

from becoming causes for stumbling to Jews as well as Greeks and to the congregation of God.—1 Cor.10:32.

At times, the Bible uses the term "congregation" in a more limited or defined sense, not applying it to the entire group of 144,000 anointed ones making up "the congregation of God." For example, if a Christian in ancient Corinth acted improperly, that might be a cause for stumbling to some. Would it, though, have the potential to stumble any and all Greeks, Jews, or anointed ones from that time down till today? Hardly. It thus seems that in this verse "the congregation of God" applies to Christians living at a certain time. Accordingly, one can speak of God’s guiding, providing for, or blessing the congregation, meaning all Christians at a given time, wherever they are located. Or we can speak of the happiness and peace prevailing in God’s congregation today, meaning among the whole Christian brotherhood. w07 4/15 1:11

Wednesday, August 6

exhort you as aliens and temporary residents to keep abstaining from fleshly desires.—1 Pet.2:11.

The Festival of Booths foreshadowed the joyous ingathering of those who exercise faith in Jesus Christ. The ingathering began at Pentecost 33 C.E., when Jesus’ 120 disciples were anointed to become part of "a holy priesthood." As the Israelites lived in booths for a few days, anointed ones know that they are mere "temporary residents" in this ungodly world. Their hope is a heavenly one. (1 Pet. 2:5) That ingathering of anointed Christians reaches its conclusion during these "last days," when the final ones of the 144,000 are gathered. (2 Tim. 3:1) During the ancient festival, 70 bulls were offered. (Num. 29:12-34) The number 70 represents 7 multiplied by 10, numbers that represent heavenly and earthly perfection. Hence, the sacrifice of Jesus will benefit faithful ones from all 70 families of mankind that descended from Noah.—Gen. 10:1-29. w07 1/1 1:16, 17

Thursday, August 7

Persevere

in prayer.—Rom.12:12.

Our persistent prayers can counteract influences that could weaken our faith. Of course, this does not mean that a mere outward show of offering prayers is a remedy against loss of faith. (Matt. 6:7, 8) When we are moved to pray because we realize that we are fully dependent upon God, then prayer draws us close to God and strengthens our faith. And since faith is required for salvation, Jesus encouraged his disciples "always to pray and not to give up"! (Luke 18:1; 2 Thess. 3:13) Granted, the coming of "the great day of Jehovah" does not depend on our prayers—it will come whether we pray for it or not. (Zeph. 1:14) But whether we will personally receive justice and survive God’s war or not depends on the faith we have and the prayerful course we pursue. Millions of faithful servants of Jehovah today prove by their prayers, patience, and perseverance that they do have faith. w06 12/15 3:17-19

Friday, August 8

set the pattern for you.—John13:15.

It took ongoing efforts by Jesus to adjust the attitudes of his apostles. For example, a rivalry developed among them that manifested itself again toward the end of Jesus’ ministry. They argued about who among them seemed to be the greatest. (Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45) Not long after the second of such occasions, Jesus arranged to celebrate privately his last Passover with them. On that occasion, not one of them took the initiative to do the customary menial service of washing the dusty feet of the others. But Jesus did it. Husbands who exercise a humble attitude like that of Jesus will likely have the cooperation and support of their wives. But patience is needed. That very Passover night, the apostles argued again regarding which one of them seemed to be the greatest. (Luke 22:24) Changes in attitudes and conduct often take time and are gradual. Yet, how rewarding when positive results are realized, as they were among the apostles! w07 2/15 1:19, 20

Saturday, August 9

Let

your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one.—Col.4:6.

When someone asks why God allows suffering, how do we respond? We may be inclined to launch right into a detailed explanation, starting with what happened in the garden of Eden. In some cases, that may be fine. A word of caution is in order, though. Some groundwork may be needed. (Prov. 25:11) If the person is particularly disturbed about the prevalence of evil in the world, it is likely that evil has touched him or his loved ones personally. It may be wise, then, to start by showing genuine empathy. The apostle Paul counseled Christians: "Weep with people who weep." (Rom. 12:15) Showing empathy, or "fellow feeling," may touch the person. (1 Pet. 3:8) If he understands that we care about him, he is more likely to listen to what we have to say. w07 5/15 1:4, 5

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