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Monday, July 13 Give us each day our bread according to our daily needs.—Luke 11:3. We need to keep material things in their proper place. The apostle Paul highlighted this when writing to Christians living near the end of the Jewish systems of things. He brought up events from Israel’s past, including what happened near Mount Sinai. He warned Christians “not to desire injurious things, as [the Israelites] desired them.” (1 Cor. 10:6, 7, 11) The Israelites let their longing for food turn even Jehovah’s miraculous provisions into “injurious things.” (Num. 11:4-6,31-34) And in conjunction with a golden calf, they ate, drank, and had a good time. (Ex. 32:4-6) Paul cited their experience as a warning for Christians living before the end of the Jewish systems of things in 70 C.E. We now live near the end of a system of things, so we do well to take Paul’s counsel seriously. w24.12 6 ¶13

Sunday, July 12 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.”—Rom. 12:19. When the apostle Paul urged Christians to “yield place to the wrath,” whose wrath was he referring to? According to the context, it is Jehovah’s wrath. We yield place to Jehovah’s wrath by letting him bring about justice in his own time and in his own way. After a brother named John was treated unfairly, he said: “I had to fight the urge to pursue righting the wrong in my own way. Romans 12:19 helped me to wait on Jehovah.” We benefit when we wait on Jehovah to correct a matter. If we do so, we will be spared the burden and frustration of trying to solve the problem ourselves. Jehovah offers to help us. He says, as it were, ‘Leave the injustice to me; I will take care of things.’ If we accept Jehovah’s promise “I will repay,” we can let the matter go, confident that he will handle it in the best possible way. w24.11 6 ¶14-15

Saturday, July 11 God loved the world so much.—John 3:16. Like Jehovah and his Son, we love people. (Prov. 8:31) We feel deep compassion for those who are “without God” and who have “no hope.” (Eph. 2:12) They are drowning in life’s problems, and we have the life vest that they need—the good news of God’s Kingdom. Our love and compassion for such ones motivates us to make every effort to reach them with the good news. That precious message can fill their hearts with hope, help them find the best possible life now, and give them the prospect of “the real life”—everlasting life—in God’s new world. (1 Tim. 6:19) Our love for people also moves us to warn them about the approaching end of this wicked world. (Ezek. 33:7, 8) We want them to know what will happen during the great tribulation—false religion will be removed and the destruction of the entire wicked system will follow at Armageddon.—Rev. 16:14, 16; 17:16, 17; 19:11,19, 20. w24.05 16-17 ¶8-9

Friday, July 10 Keep on asking, and it will be given you.—Luke 11:9. By means of his holy spirit, Jehovah comforts us when we suffer trauma or loss. If you are coping with a heartbreaking trial, you can pour out your heart to Jehovah in prayer as often and for as long as you want. (Ps. 86:3; 88:1) Ask Jehovah repeatedly for his holy spirit. He will never ignore your requests. Has a distressing ordeal left you weak? Holy spirit can empower you to continue worshipping Jehovah faithfully. (Eph. 3:16) How can you work in harmony with your requests for holy spirit? Share in activities that will allow God’s spirit to operate on you. These include attending meetings and witnessing to others. Fill your mind with Jehovah’s thoughts by reading his Word every day. (Phil. 4:8, 9) As you read, take note of Bible characters who experienced trials and meditate on how Jehovah helped them to endure. w24.10 9 ¶12-14

Thursday, July 9 You accepted it not as the word of men but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.—1 Thess. 2:13. Some people claim to have read the Bible dozens of times. But do they truly believe in the Bible? Have they applied it or allowed it to affect the course of their life? Sadly, often the answer is no. What a contrast with Jehovah’s people! We strive to demonstrate that it is at work in our life. Still, it is not always easy to read and apply God’s Word. We may struggle to find time to read. Or we may tend to read at a very rapid pace and not absorb much of what we read. Or we may feel overwhelmed by all the improvements we need to make. Whatever your challenge may be, it is not insurmountable. With Jehovah’s help, you can overcome it. May we be determined to become doers of the Word. Without a doubt, the more we read God’s Word and apply it in our life, the happier we will be.—Jas. 1:25. w24.09 7 ¶15-16

I’ve listened to the first talk 3 or 4 times today there is an awful lot in it and each time I hear something new!

Wednesday, July 8 The men who minister in a fine manner are acquiring for themselves a fine standing and great freeness of speech in the faith.—1 Tim. 3:13. A ministerial servant is a baptized brother who is appointed by holy spirit to help the elders care for many practical matters in the congregation. Ministerial servants are first and foremost spiritual men; they love Jehovah and live by his righteous standards. And they feel a deep love for their Christian brothers and sisters. (Matt. 22:37-39) How can a baptized brother reach out to be a ministerial servant? The Bible outlines the qualifications for those who may be appointed as ministerial servants. (1 Tim. 3:8-10, 12) You can reach out for this privilege by studying these Scriptural qualifications and then working hard to meet them. But first, you need to give careful attention to your motives for reaching out. w24.11 15 ¶4-5

Tuesday, July 7 Become imitators of God.—Eph. 5:1. What are some ways that Jehovah shows generosity? Consider a few examples. Jehovah gives us material things. We may not always have luxuries, but thanks to Jehovah, most of us have what we need. For example, he makes it possible for us to have food, clothing, and shelter. (Ps. 4:8; Matt. 6:31-33; 1 Tim. 6:6-8) Does Jehovah provide for our physical needs merely out of a sense of obligation? Not at all! Consider Jesus’ words found at Matthew 6:25, 26. Speaking of birds, Jesus says: “They do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses.” However, notice what he next says: “Your heavenly Father feeds them.” Then Jesus asks: “Are you not worth more than they are?” The point? If Jehovah cares for the needs of animals, we can be sure that he will provide for us! Like a caring human father, Jehovah provides for his family out of love.—Ps. 145:16; Matt. 6:32. w24.0926-27 ¶4-6

Monday, July 6 Let us not give up in doing what is fine.—Gal. 6:9. At Psalm 15:2, a friend of God is described as “the one who is walking faultlessly, practicing what is right.” The terms “walking” and “practicing” imply action that is both constant and progressive. But can we really ‘walk faultlessly’? Yes. While no human is perfect, Jehovah will view us as “walking faultlessly” if we do our best to obey him. When we dedicate ourselves to God and get baptized, we are just starting on our journey with God. Note that in Bible times, merely belonging to the nation of Israel would not automatically qualify a person to be a guest of Jehovah. Some called on him but not “in truth and righteousness.” (Isa. 48:1) Sincere Israelites had to learn about Jehovah’s requirements and follow them. Similarly, to enjoy God’s approval today, more is required of us than getting baptized and associating with the Christian congregation. We must keep “practicing what is right.” w24.06 9 ¶4; 10 ¶6

Sunday, July 5 Zadok the priest . . . anointed Solomon.—1 Ki. 1:39. Zadok remained loyal to Jehovah despite High Priest Abiathar’s choice to support David’s son Adonijah, who planned to seize the throne. David never doubted Zadok’s loyalty. When Adonijah’s scheme was revealed, David turned to Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to anoint Solomon as king. (1 Ki. 1:32-34) Being with loyal worshippers of Jehovah, such as Nathan and other supporters of King David, must have strengthened and encouraged Zadok. When Solomon became king, he “appointed Zadok the priest in place of Abiathar.” (1 Ki. 2:35) How can you imitate Zadok? If someone close to you chooses to leave Jehovah, make your choice clear. (Josh. 24:15) Jehovah will give you the strength and the courage you need. Rely on him through prayer and by staying close to fellow loyal worshippers. Jehovah treasures your loyalty, and he will reward you for it.—2 Sam. 22:26. w24.07 6-7 ¶16-17

Saturday, July 4 Do not be afraid. I will help you.—Isa. 41:13. Throughout the ages, the message from God has strengthened his servants when they had a difficult task to complete. Take, for example, the prophet Jeremiah. He was hesitant when Jehovah gave him the assignment to preach. Jeremiah said: “I do not know how to speak, for I am just a boy.” (Jer. 1:6) How did he overcome his lack of confidence? He drew strength from God’s word. He said: “It became like a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was tired of holding it in.” (Jer. 20:8, 9) Although Jeremiah had a difficult territory, the message he was assigned to proclaim gave him the strength he needed to do the work. Christians draw strength from the message in God’s Word. The apostle Paul said that taking in accurate knowledge would motivate his brothers “to walk worthily of Jehovah” as they continued “bearing fruit in every good work.”—Col. 1:9, 10. w24.04 14-15 ¶2-4

Friday, July 3 I, Jehovah, am searching the heart . . . to give to each one according to his ways.—Jer. 17:10. In Jonah’s day, the Ninevites had an opportunity to repent. Further, remember what Jesus said about the “resurrection of judgment.” It will include “those who practiced vile things.” (John 5:29) So it seems that there may be some hope for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah too. It is possible that at least some of those people will be resurrected, and we may have the opportunity to teach them about Jehovah and Jesus Christ. Jehovah has always been the one “searching the heart, examining the innermost thoughts.” When it comes to the future resurrection, he will, as always, “give to each one according to his ways.” Jehovah will be firm when necessary but merciful whenever possible. So we should not assume that a person has no hope of a resurrection unless we know that to be the case! w24.05 5-6 ¶15-16

Thursday, July 2 Concerning the eating of food offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world.—1 Cor. 8:4. Immature Christians often struggle when faced with situations that call for reasoning on Bible principles and applying them. If no Bible law exists, some might feel that they can do whatever they want. Others might ask for a rule when no rule is required. For instance, Christians in Corinth apparently asked the apostle Paul for a rule about whether they could eat food that had been offered to an idol. Rather than tell them what to do, Paul acknowledged the role of the conscience and the fact that each person has a “right to choose.” He reasoned on principles that would allow each individual to be at peace with his conscience while not stumbling others. (1 Cor. 8:7-9) Paul was thus helping the Corinthians to grow up spiritually so that they could use their own powers of discernment instead of depending on someone else or simply looking for rules. w24.04 5 ¶14

Wednesday, July 1 I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned.—Ps. 37:25. Some of Jehovah’s servants are feeling the effects of old age, struggling with poor health, or living with a disability. That may cause them to feel uncertain of their worth in Jehovah’s eyes. They may ask, ‘Am I still useful to Jehovah?’ The writer of Psalm 71 expressed a similar concern. He prayed: “Do not abandon me when my strength fails.” (Ps. 71:9, 18) Nevertheless, the psalmist remained convinced that if he served his God loyally, Jehovah would guide and support him. As the psalmist learned, Jehovah finds pleasure in those who do their best to serve Him despite their limitations. (Ps. 37:23-25) Older ones, see your situation from Jehovah’s viewpoint. He can help you to thrive spiritually even though you may be struggling physically. (Ps. 92:12-15) Rather than focus on what you are no longer able to do, concentrate on what you can do. w24.10 28 ¶14-16

Tuesday, June 30 God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones.—Heb. 6:10. None of us should feel that we are entitled to receive Jehovah’s mercy even if we have spent many years in his service. Of course, Jehovah appreciates our record of faithfulness. He gave us his Son as a free gift, not as payment for services rendered. If we were to claim that we have earned mercy or that we are entitled to special consideration, we would, in effect, be saying that Christ died for nothing. (Compare Galatians 2:21.) The apostle Paul knew that he could not earn God’s favor. Why, then, did he work so hard in Jehovah’s service? Not to prove himself deserving, but to show appreciation for Jehovah’s undeserved kindness. (Eph. 3:7) Like Paul, we continue to serve zealously, not to earn Jehovah’s mercy, but to show appreciation for it. w25.01 27 ¶5-6

Monday, June 29 To the extent we have made progress, let us go on walking orderly in this same course.—Phil. 3:16. After reviewing the qualifications to serve as elders, some ministerial servants might feel that they could never qualify. But remember that neither Jehovah nor his organization expects you to display these qualities perfectly. (1 Pet. 2:21) And it is Jehovah’s powerful spirit that helps you to develop these qualifications. (Phil. 2:13) Is there a particular quality that you would like to improve on? Pray to Jehovah about it. Research the topic, and ask one of the elders for suggestions on how to improve. Reach out! Ask Jehovah to train and mold you to be even more useful in serving him and the congregation. (Isa. 64:8) May Jehovah richly bless your efforts to qualify to serve as an elder. w24.11 25 ¶17-18

Sunday, June 28 There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.—Acts 20:35. We know from experience that we feel good when we receive a gift. Still, we feel even greater happiness when we are the giver. By creating us the way he did, Jehovah allows us to influence our happiness. We can increase our joy by looking for additional opportunities to give. Is that not a wonderful aspect of how we are made? (Ps. 139:14) The Scriptures assure us that giving brings happiness, so it is little wonder that the Bible describes Jehovah as “the happy God.” (1 Tim. 1:11) He is the original and greatest Giver. Because of him, “we have life and move and exist,” as the apostle Paul stated. (Acts 17:28) Indeed, “every good gift and every perfect present” comes from Jehovah. (Jas. 1:17) All of us would probably like to experience even more of the happiness that comes from giving. We can do so by imitating Jehovah’s generosity.—Eph. 5:1. w24.09 26 ¶1-4

I came here to say that! It’s down to algorithms… they follow you around the internet and give you content that it thinks you would like to see ! I’ve never come across an apostate account on Instagram etc, the only time I may see any kind of apostate on FB is if they’re commenting on a news article and then I avoid it like the plague! I came here to say that! It’s down to algorithms… they follow you around the internet and give you content that it thinks you would like to see ! I’ve never come across an apostate account on Instagram etc, the only time I may see any kind of apostate on FB is if they’re commenting on a news article and then I avoid it like the plague!

Saturday, June 27 Go on bringing them up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.—Eph. 6:4. What about baptized minors—those under 18 years of age—who engage in serious wrongdoing? The body of elders will arrange for two elders to meet with the minor and his Christian parents. The elders will find out what steps the parents have already taken to help their child come to repentance. If the minor has a good attitude and the parents are reaching him, the two elders might decide that it is not necessary to take the matter any further. After all, it is the parents’ God-given responsibility to provide loving correction to their children. (Deut. 6:6, 7; Prov. 6:20; 22:6; Eph. 6:2-4) The elders will thereafter occasionally check with the parents to make sure that the minor is getting the help he needs. However, what if a baptized minor unrepentantly persists in a wrong course? In that case, a committee of elders will meet with him along with his Christian parents. w24.08 24 ¶18

Friday, June 26 You will . . . see the distinction between a righteous person and a wicked person.—Mal. 3:18. The Bible names more than 40 men who ruled as kings of Israel. The good kings did some bad things. Consider good King David. Jehovah said: “My servant David . . . walked after me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes.” (1 Ki. 14:8) Yet, that man committed sexual immorality with a married woman and conspired to have her husband killed in battle. (2 Sam. 11:4, 14, 15) On the other hand, many of the unfaithful kings did some good things. Consider Rehoboam. In Jehovah’s eyes, he “did what was bad.” (2 Chron. 12:14) Yet, Rehoboam obeyed God’s order to have ten tribes break away from his kingdom. He also benefited his nation by fortifying its cities. (1 Ki. 12:21-24; 2 Chron. 11:5-12) How did Jehovah determine whether a king was faithful in His eyes? Evidently, He took into consideration his heart condition, his repentance, and his adherence to true worship. w24.07 20 ¶1-3

Thursday, June 25 Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.—Isa. 41:10. Consider how our life would be if we were not serving Jehovah. Doing so can help us to stick to a faithful course and conclude as did the psalmist: “As for me, drawing near to God is good for me.” (Ps. 73:28) We can face whatever challenges come our way during these last days because we “slave for a living and true God.” (1 Thess. 1:9) Our God is a real Person who acts in behalf of those who worship him. He proved to be with his servants in the past, and he is with us today. We will soon face the greatest tribulation to occur on earth. But we will not face it alone. May we all “be of good courage and say: ‘Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid.’”—Heb. 13:5, 6. w24.06 25 ¶17-18

Wednesday, June 24 I am coming against you in the name of Jehovah of armies.—1 Sam. 17:45. Likely while he was still a teenager, David visited the army camp of the Israelites. He found that the soldiers were terrified because a giant Philistine named Goliath had come out to “taunt the battle line of Israel.” (1 Sam. 17:10, 11) The soldiers’ fear was a result of their focusing on the giant and the taunts they heard on the battlefield. (1 Sam. 17:24, 25) David, however, viewed the situation from a different perspective. He viewed what was happening as a challenge, not merely against the battle line of Israel but against “the battle line of the living God.” (1 Sam. 17:26) David had Jehovah foremost in mind. David trusted that the God who had helped him when he was a shepherd would help him again in this situation. Certain of God’s backing, David faced Goliath and, of course, he won!—1 Sam. 17:45-51. w24.06 21 ¶7

Tuesday, June 23 Let your words always be gracious.—Col. 4:6. If you would like to begin a courtship with someone, you could arrange to have a conversation with that person, either in a public setting or by telephone. Clearly express your intentions. (1 Cor. 14:9) If needed, give the person time to think about how to respond. (Prov. 15:28) And if the person is not interested in pursuing a relationship, respect his feelings. What if someone expresses interest in you? It likely took courage for that person to approach you, so be kind and respectful. If you need time to consider whether you agree to start a courtship, say so. However, try to provide a response as soon as possible. (Prov. 13:12) If you are not interested, express that fact kindly and clearly. If you are interested, discuss your feelings and expectations regarding courtship. Your expectations may differ from the other person’s. w24.05 23-24 ¶12-13

Monday, June 22 Look! My servants will eat, but you will go hungry.—Isa. 65:13. Isaiah’s prophecy draws a vivid contrast between what life is like for those inside the spiritual paradise and what life is like for those outside. Jehovah abundantly satisfies the spiritual needs of his worshippers. We have his holy spirit, his written Word, and ample spiritual food so that we can “eat, . . . drink, . . . [and] rejoice.” (Compare Revelation 22:17.) In sharp contrast, those who are outside the spiritual paradise “go hungry . . . , go thirsty . . . , [and] suffer shame.” Their spiritual needs are not being satisfied. (Amos 8:11) Jehovah generously supplies His people with what they need, including spiritual food. (Joel 2:21-24) He does so through the Bible and our Bible-based publications, our website, as well as our meetings, assemblies, and conventions. We can partake of spiritual provisions every day, and as a result, we feel healthier and more refreshed. w24.04 21 ¶5-6

Sunday, June 21 If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God.—Jas. 1:5. Jehovah promises to give us the wisdom to discern whether a certain path will please him. He gives such wisdom “generously to all and without reproaching.” Once you have prayed for Jehovah’s direction, pay careful attention to his answer. To illustrate: If you got lost while traveling, you might ask a local resident for help. But would you then walk away before he had a chance to reply? Of course not. You would listen carefully to his directions. Similarly, after you ask Jehovah for wisdom, try to discern his answer by finding out which Bible laws and principles apply to your situation. For example, when deciding whether to attend a social gathering, you might consider what the Bible says about wild parties, bad associations, and the need to put Kingdom interests ahead of your personal preferences.—Matt. 6:33; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 15:33. w25.01 16 ¶6-7