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Saturday, October 24 Your activity will be rewarded.—2 Chron. 15:7. Parents, encourage your child to look for opportunities to share Bible truth with others. (Rom. 10:10) You might compare his efforts to talk about his faith with the efforts needed to play a musical instrument. At first, a learner practices tunes that are simple to play. In time, playing music becomes easier. Similarly, a young Christian might at first use a simple approach when sharing his faith with others. For example, he might ask a schoolmate: “Did you know that engineers often copy designs from nature? Let me show you a fascinating video.” After sharing a video from the series Was It Designed? he might say: “If a scientist gets credit for a design that already exists in nature, who deserves credit for the original?” Such a simple approach might be enough to stimulate a young person’s interest and leave him open to learning more. w24.12 19 ¶17-18

Friday, October 23 He was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd.—Mark 6:34. No doubt you love Jehovah and want to serve others. How can you strengthen your desire to serve? Why not think about the joys that can come from serving your brothers and sisters? Jesus said: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) He lived by this principle. He found real joy in serving others. Consider an example found at Mark 6:31-34. On this occasion, Jesus and his apostles were tired. They were on their way to an isolated place to get some rest. But a crowd got there ahead of them, hoping to be taught by Jesus. He could have said no. After all, he and his companions “had no leisure time even to eat a meal.” Or Jesus could have sent the people away after sharing only one or two truths. But because he was motivated by love, he “started to teach them” until “the hour had grown late.”—Mark 6:35. w24.11 16 ¶9-10

Thursday, October 22 O Jehovah, what is man that you should notice him?—Ps. 144:3. From the Bible, we learn that Jehovah notices those who seem unimportant to others. For example, Jehovah sent the prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons as the future king of Israel. Jesse called seven of his eight sons to meet Samuel but did not include David, the youngest. Yet, it was David whom Jehovah chose. (1 Sam. 16:6, 7, 10-12) Jehovah saw who David really was on the inside—a young man who valued spiritual things. Think about how Jehovah has already shown that he notices you. He offers to give you advice tailored to fit your needs. (Ps. 32:8) How can he do that unless he knows you well? (Ps. 139:1) When you apply Jehovah’s advice and see how it helps you, you will become convinced that Jehovah is interested in you. (1 Chron. 28:9; Acts 17:26, 27) Jehovah takes note of your efforts. He sees your inner qualities and is moved to reach out to you.—Jer. 17:10. w24.10 25-26 ¶7-9

Wednesday, October 21 I saw . . . a great crowd . . . out of all nations.—Rev. 7:9. We are moved to keep zealously preaching by considering what is being accomplished worldwide today. Each year, millions of interested ones attend the Memorial and study the Bible with us. Hundreds of thousands get baptized and join us in the preaching work. We do not know how many may yet respond to our preaching work, but we do know that Jehovah is gathering a great crowd who will survive the coming great tribulation. (Rev. 7:9, 14) The Master of the harvest continues to see potential in the field, so we have good reason to keep preaching. (Luke 10:2) Jesus’ disciples have always been identified by their zealous preaching. When people witnessed the outspokenness of the apostles, “they began to realize that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) As people observe us in the ministry, may they see that we too have been influenced by Jesus’ zealous example. w25.03 18 ¶15; 19 ¶17-18

Tuesday, October 20 The virgins who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast.—Matt. 25:10. In the parable of the virgins, Jesus spoke of ten virgins who went out to meet a bridegroom. (Matt. 25:1-4) They all hoped to accompany the bridegroom to his marriage feast. Jesus described five of them as “discreet” and the other five as “foolish.” The discreet virgins were prepared to wait for the bridegroom as long as needed, even if he arrived late at night. Thus, they brought oil lamps to provide light in the dark. They even brought extra oil in case the bridegroom should delay. So they were prepared to keep their lamps burning. (Matt. 25:6-10) When the bridegroom arrived, the discreet virgins went in with him to the wedding feast. In like manner, anointed Christians who have proved ready by remaining vigilant and faithful until the coming of Christ will be judged worthy of joining the Bridegroom, Jesus, in his heavenly Kingdom.—Rev. 7:1-3. w24.09 21 ¶6

We are now being told by both our organisation and our governments to store food etc for 3 days plus, depending where we are living I know that many Americans have huge houses often with cellars and can easily store things… but most of us in other countries either have small apartments or houses, so space is limited I’m thinking of storing things under the bed etc… I don’t have lots of food here but I’m trying to buy extras as I can So where are you storing food? i need to keep things away from mice and because the house is very damp all dry goods will need to be in a sealed container

Meanwhile in my world I’m still trying to decide whether I buy tea bag’s or potatoes 😆

A lot of countries are now bringing in curfews to try and bring back law and order… they’re rioting over many different things, food shortages, schools, economy etc, but one thing is sure that it’s spreading through Europe It must be so frightening for the friends caught up in this, maybe unable to leave their homes etc It’s good to keep them all in our prayers.

Monday, October 19 When you spread a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; and you will be happy, because they have nothing with which to repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous ones.—Luke 14:13, 14. Brothers, you demonstrate that you are “hospitable” when you do good things for others, including those outside your circle of close friends. (1 Pet. 4:9) One reference work describes a hospitable man this way: “The door of his house—and of his heart—must be open to strangers.” Ask yourself, ‘What is my reputation when it comes to welcoming visitors?’ (Heb. 13:2, 16) A hospitable man shares what he can with visitors, including lowly ones of little means and hardworking servants, such as circuit overseers and visiting speakers.—Gen. 18:2-8;Prov. 3:27; Acts 16:15; Rom. 12:13. w24.11 21 ¶6

Sunday, October 18 Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.—Matt. 6:9. Our love for Jehovah moves us to sanctify his name. We want to have a part in clearing his name of the reproach that Satan has brought on it by his malicious lies. (Gen. 3:1-5; Job 2:4; John 8:44) In our ministry, we are eager to stand up for our God, telling the truth about him to all who will listen. We want everyone to know that his greatest quality is love, that his way of ruling is righteous and just, and that his Kingdom will soon end all suffering and bring peace and happiness to the human family. (Ps. 37:10, 11,29; 1 John 4:8) When we defend Jehovah’s reputation in our ministry, we sanctify his name. We also have the satisfaction of knowing that we are living up to our name. w24.05 18 ¶12

Saturday, October 17 We have this treasure in earthen vessels.—2 Cor. 4:7. What is this treasure? It is the lifesaving work of preaching the Kingdom message. (2 Cor. 4:1) What are the earthen vessels? They represent God’s servants, who take the good news to others. In Paul’s day, merchants used clay jars to transport valuable goods, such as food, wine, and money. Similarly, Jehovah entrusts us with the valuable message of the good news. With Jehovah’s backing, we can have the strength needed to deliver our message faithfully. At times, we may experience fear of man or fear of rejection. How can we overcome that challenge? Consider the prayer of the apostles when they were ordered not to preach. Rather than give in to fear, they asked Jehovah to help them keep speaking with boldness. Jehovah immediately answered their prayer. (Acts 4:18, 29, 31) If fear of man affects you sometimes, ask Jehovah to help you conquer your fear of man with your love for people. w24.04 16 ¶8-9

Friday, October 16 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways. Do not stray onto her paths.—Prov. 7:25. Solomon’s account illustrates what can happen to any worshipper of Jehovah. He might fall into serious sin and later feel that everything occurred suddenly. Or he might say, “It just happened.” And yet, if he thinks about what actually occurred, he will likely discover that he took some unwise steps that led to his transgression. Those steps might have involved bad association, unwholesome entertainment, or frequenting questionable places—whether in person or online. Perhaps he had also stopped praying, reading the Bible, attending meetings, or sharing in the ministry. Like the young man discussed in Proverbs, he may not have committed the sin so suddenly after all. What is the lesson for us? We need to avoid not only the sin itself but also the steps that lead to sin. Solomon makes that very point after relating the account.—Matt. 5:29, 30. w24.07 16 ¶10-11

Thursday, October 15 From Jehovah you will receive the . . . reward.—Col. 3:24. Today, elders can be certain that Jehovah sees and values their fine work. In addition to shepherding, teaching, and preaching, many elders support construction projects and disaster relief efforts. Others serve on Patient Visitation Groups or Hospital Liaison Committees. Elders who make themselves available for such work see the congregation as Jehovah’s arrangement. They are whole-souled in their assignments and have full trust that God will reward them for what they do. (Col. 3:23, 24) Not all can be elders. But all of us have something to offer Jehovah. Our God appreciates it when we do our best to serve him. He notices our contributions to the worldwide work, no matter how modest. And he rejoices when we overlook an offense and extend forgiveness. Trust that Jehovah values what you can do. He loves you for it, and he will reward you.—Luke 21:1-4. w24.06 23 ¶12-13

Wednesday, October 14 Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are crushed in spirit.—Ps. 34:18. Are you coping with emotional distress caused by disappointment or by betrayal from someone you trusted? Regardless of how a person has treated you, your heavenly Father loves you. When coping with betrayal, we can be comforted by David’s reassuring words found in today’s text. One reference work says that those “crushed in spirit” may refer to “those who have nothing good to look forward to.” How does Jehovah respond to those who feel that way because of bitter disappointment? Like a loving parent who holds and comforts a child in distress, Jehovah “is close to” us—ever compassionate and ready to help us if we feel crushed by betrayal or loss. He is eager to comfort and soothe our broken heart and pained spirit. And he gives us many things to look forward to that help us endure our present trials.—Isa. 65:17. w24.12 23 ¶13-14

Tuesday, October 13 You think, not God’s thoughts, but those of men.—Matt. 16:23. Consider one occasion when the apostle Peter did not reflect Jehovah’s thinking on matters. Jesus had told his apostles that he would have to go to Jerusalem, be handed over to the religious leaders there, endure torture, and then be put to death. (Matt. 16:21) Peter may have found it hard to accept that Jehovah would allow Jesus—the hope of Israel and the promised Messiah—to be put to death. (Matt. 16:16) So Peter took Jesus aside and said: “Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this happen to you at all.” (Matt. 16:22) Because Peter did not reflect Jehovah’s thinking on the matter, he was not thinking in agreement with Jesus. Peter may have had good intentions, but Jesus rejected Peter’s advice. There is a lesson for us. Leading a self-sparing life was not Jehovah’s will for Jesus. On that occasion, Peter learned a valuable lesson about making God’s thoughts his thoughts. w25.03 9 ¶5-6

Monday, October 12 A man is declared righteous . . . only through faith in Jesus Christ.—Gal. 2:16. Being declared righteous means that the charges against us have been dropped and that our record has been expunged, or wiped clean. By doing this, Jehovah does not violate his own standards of justice. He does not declare us righteous on our own merit; nor does he condone our sins. But because of our faith in the atonement arrangement and the ransom price that was paid, Jehovah has a basis for canceling our debts. (Rom. 3:24) What does this mean for each of us? Those who have been selected to rule with Jesus in heaven have already been declared righteous as children of God. (Titus 3:7;1 John 3:1) Their sins have been forgiven. They no longer have, as it were, a criminal record, and thus they qualify to be in the Kingdom. (Rom. 8:1, 2, 30) Those who have an earthly hope have been declared righteous as friends of God, and their sins are forgiven.—Jas. 2:21-23. w25.02 5 ¶17; 7 ¶18

Sunday, October 11 Husbands, keep on loving your wives.—Col. 3:19. Jehovah hates anyone who is violent. (Ps. 11:5) He specifically condemns husbands who abuse their wife. (Mal. 2:16) If a husband does not treat his wife well, his relationship with God will be affected. Jehovah may not even listen to his prayers. (1 Pet. 3:7) Some husbands abuse their wife with angry words and hurtful speech. But Jehovah hates “anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech.” (Eph. 4:31, 32) A husband who speaks harshly to his wife damages not only his marriage but also his friendship with God. (Jas. 1:26) The same can be said of a husband who views pornography. He too damages his relationship with Jehovah. He also degrades his wife. Jehovah expects a husband to remain loyal to his wife not only in actions but also in thoughts. Jesus said that a man who looks at another woman in a passionate way has already committed adultery “in his heart.”—Matt. 5:28, 29. w25.01 9 ¶6-8

Saturday, October 10 If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever . . . The bread that I will give is my flesh in behalf of the life of the world.—John 6:51. What Jesus said to his apostles during the Lord’s Evening Meal stands in contrast with what he said to the crowd in Galilee, where he was speaking in a way that was broader in scope. When Jesus was in Galilee in 32 C.E., he was mainly addressing Jews who wanted bread from him. However, he called their attention to something much more beneficial than literal food. He identified a provision by which they could gain everlasting life. And Jesus said that those who died could be resurrected on the last day and live forever. He was not referring to a chosen few, a limited number, as he did later during the Lord’s Evening Meal. Rather, in Galilee he focused on a blessing that would be available to all people. w24.12 11 ¶10-11

Friday, October 9 I will multiply my signs and my miracles in the land of Egypt.—Ex. 7:3. Moses served as a prophet, a judge, a commander, and a historian. He led the nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and personally witnessed many of Jehovah’s miracles. Jehovah used him to write the first five books of the Bible, Psalm 90, and possibly Psalm 91. He also likely wrote the book of Job. Shortly before he died, at the age of 120, Moses called together all the Israelites to remind them of the things they had seen and experienced. They had witnessed the many signs and miracles performed by Jehovah as well as His judgments against Egypt. (Ex. 7:4) They had walked through the parted waters of the Red Sea and had seen the destruction of Pharaoh’s army. (Ex. 14:29-31) In the wilderness, they had experienced Jehovah’s protection and care. (Deut. 8:3, 4) Now, poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses grasped this last opportunity to encourage the people. w24.11 8-9 ¶3-4

Thursday, October 8 Mary Magdalene came and brought the news to the disciples: “I have seen the Lord!”—John 20:18. Early on the morning of Nisan 16, a number of loyal women went to the place where Jesus had been lying lifeless. (Luke 24:1, 10) Let us focus on the experience of one of the women, Mary Magdalene. When Mary arrived at the tomb, she found it empty. She ran to tell Peter and John and then followed them as they raced to the tomb. After confirming that the tomb was empty, the men returned home. But not Mary. She stayed there, weeping. Little did she know that Jesus was watching. He observed this faithful woman’s tears and was deeply moved. So he appeared to Mary and then did something simple that greatly encouraged her. He spoke to her and gave her an important assignment—to share the news of his resurrection with his brothers.—John 20:17, 18. w24.10 13 ¶7

I would love to see a genuine source for this?

Wednesday, October 7 Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you.—Heb. 13:7. Whenever Jehovah gives his people an assignment, he expects them to carry it out in an organized way. (1 Cor. 14:33) For example, it is God’s will for the good news to be preached in all the inhabited earth. (Matt. 24:14) Jehovah has put Jesus in charge of that work. Jesus has seen to it that it is carried out in an organized fashion. In the first century, as congregations were established in various places, elders were appointed to give direction and take the lead. (Acts 14:23) In Jerusalem a central body of elders, consisting of the apostles and older men, made certain decisions that all the congregations were expected to comply with. (Acts 15:2; 16:4) As a result of their obedience to the instructions they received, “the congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number.”—Acts 16:5. w24.04 8 ¶1

Tuesday, October 6 The Law has a shadow of the good things to come.—Heb. 10:1. Early Christians of a Jewish background faced a big challenge. At one time, the Jews had been Jehovah’s chosen people. Jerusalem was the earthly seat of God’s Kingdom, and the temple was the center of pure worship. All faithful Jews followed the Mosaic Law as explained by their religious leaders. Those teachings governed their diet, their view of circumcision, and even their association with Gentiles. However, Jehovah no longer accepted the Jewish sacrifices after Jesus’ death. That presented a challenge for Jewish Christians who were used to following the Law. (Heb. 10:1, 4, 10) Even mature Christians, such as the apostle Peter, struggled to adapt to some of these changes. (Acts 10:9-14; Gal. 2:11-14) Because of their new beliefs, those Christians became a target of the Jewish religious leaders. w24.09 9 ¶4

Monday, October 5 Jehovah is the examiner of hearts.—Prov. 17:3. Gomer, the wife of the prophet Hosea, left Hosea for other men. Was she beyond help? Jehovah, who can read hearts, told Hosea: “Go once again, love the woman who is loved by another man and is committing adultery, just as Jehovah loves the people of Israel while they turn to other gods.” (Hos. 3:1; Prov. 16:2) Note that Hosea’s wife was still involved in a course of serious sin. Yet, Jehovah told Hosea to reach out to her and offer forgiveness and reconciliation. Similarly, Jehovah had not given up on his obstinate people. Even though they were caught up in terrible sins, he still loved them and continued to reach out and help them to repent and change their ways. This example suggests that Jehovah, “the examiner of hearts,” will reach out to an individual who is still involved in serious sin and try to lead that one to repentance. w24.08 10 ¶7

Sunday, October 4 I keep Jehovah before me constantly. Because he is at my right hand, I will never be shaken.—Ps. 16:8. To strengthen our fear of Jehovah, we need to focus on pleasing him in every decision we make. As you read Bible accounts, ask yourself, ‘If I had been in that situation, what decision would I have made?’ For example, picture yourself listening as the ten Israelite chieftains gave their negative report after they spied out the land that Jehovah had promised to give to the Israelites. Would you have believed the report and given in to the fear of man, or would your love for Jehovah and your desire to please him have won out? An entire generation of Israelites failed to recognize the truth that Joshua and Caleb spoke. As a result, they lost the opportunity to enter the Promised Land.—Num. 14:10, 22, 23. w24.07 10 ¶7