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Áine

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Everything posted by Áine

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  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
  7. 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
  8. 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!
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Saturday, June 20 Many of the Corinthians who heard began to believe and be baptized.—Acts 18:8. What helped the Corinthians to get baptized? (2 Cor. 10:4, 5) God’s Word and his powerful holy spirit helped them to make drastic changes in their life. (Heb. 4:12) Those in Corinth who accepted the good news about Christ were able to abandon such habits and practices as drunkenness, thievery, and homosexuality. (1 Cor. 6:9-11) Note that although some in Corinth had deeply entrenched habits to overcome, they did not conclude that it would be too difficult for them to become Christians. They put forth diligent effort to get on the cramped road leading to everlasting life. (Matt. 7:13, 14) Are you struggling to overcome a bad habit or a wrong practice in order to get baptized? Never give up the fight! Beg Jehovah for his holy spirit to help you to resist craving what is bad. w25.036 ¶15-17
  17. and now Isreal and Hezbollah https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cy9r022nqz9t?post=asset%3A9dbc889e-5adb-4624-a483-aa4255a4a0b0#post
  18. More ceasefires this time between Israel and Lebanon https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cy9r022nqz9t?post=asset%3Ae1d8675e-b880-4e20-879b-5ac4bec968e6#post
  19. Friday, June 19 You were publicly exposed both to reproaches and to tribulations.—Heb. 10:33. The apostle Paul could speak with conviction about what it takes to endure. He reminded Christians that when enduring trials, they needed to rely not on themselves but on Jehovah. Paul could say with courage: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid.” (Heb. 13:6) Some of our brothers are enduring persecution right now. We can loyally support them by means of our prayers and, at times, in practical ways. The Bible clearly says, however, that “all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” (2 Tim. 3:12) For that reason, all of us need to prepare for what lies ahead. Let us continue to trust fully in Jehovah, confident that he will help us to endure any trial that may come our way. In due time, he will bring relief to all his faithful worshippers.—2 Thess. 1:7, 8. w24.09 13 ¶17-18
  20. I’ve investigated my family tree for many years and now have it back (with documentation) to the 1400’s and then taken it back further to the 11th century.. I find it fascinating, I also had my DNA tested
  21. Thursday, June 18 Sadness in a godly way produces repentance leading to salvation.—2 Cor. 7:10. The apostle Paul noted that the “rebuke given by the majority [was] sufficient for such a man.” (2 Cor. 2:5-8) In other words, the discipline had served its purpose toward the man who previously had sexual relations with his stepmother. (1 Cor. 5:1) What purpose? To lead him to repentance. (Heb. 12:11) Paul therefore directed the congregation: “Kindly forgive and comfort” the erring brother, and “confirm your love for him.” Note that Paul wanted the congregation to do more than merely allow the man back among Jehovah’s people. Paul wanted them to assure the repentant man by their words, manner, and actions that they truly forgave him and loved him. They would thus make it clear that they welcomed his return to the congregation. w24.08 15 ¶4; 16-17 ¶6-8
  22. It’sa great book, one of the best you’ve written I think… Thanks Matt
  23. Wednesday, June 17 We became reconciled to God through the death of his Son.—Rom. 5:10. Adam and Eve lost their precious relationship with their Father, Jehovah. Originally, Adam and Eve were part of God’s family. (Luke 3:38) But when they disobeyed Jehovah, they were expelled from his family before they started to have children. (Gen. 3:23, 24; 4:1) As their descendants, we therefore need to be reconciled to Jehovah. (Rom. 5:10, 11) In other words, we need to develop a good relationship with him. According to one reference work, the Greek word used here for “reconcile” can mean to “make a friend out of an enemy.” Amazingly, Jehovah is the one who took the initiative to make this possible. How? By means of the atonement arrangement, which Jehovah put in place for restoring a good relationship between him and sinful humans. It involves exchanging one thing for another of equal value. In this way, something that is lost or destroyed can be regained or replaced. w25.02 3-4 ¶7-8

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