Leaderboard

@Pikachu @Mike047 @Denton The scriptures have always been there. What changes is when we take the time to read them carefully and apply them in our life. When we meditate on Jehovah’s Word, that’s when we begin ‘putting meaning into it’ and allowing it to reach our heart — just as was done when the Law was read and explained to the people. (Nehemiah 8:8) Just to clarify, this was simply a meditation on one of the five principles Brother Flegel highlighted in the first part of the annual meeting. It wasn’t meant to introduce something new, but to reflect on how applying what Jehovah has already given us can deepen its meaning for us personally.

Thank you so much! I needed this today. Reading your spiritual considerations is something I always look forward to doing since they are encouraging and uplifting. I'm grateful you've shared your hard work with us.

thank you so much for this.

I have thought a lot about Jehovah's invitation, “do not be afraid,” often repeated to his people in ancient times. Jesus also used this expression and its derivatives on numerous occasions. This is not just a simple slogan that is easy to offer in conversation when someone expresses suffering and asks for a comforting, encouraging response. It is not a denial of the reality that the person is going through. It is simply a highlighting of Genesis 3:15. Fear has become instinctive and primal since that day. We must all face it with faith. Jehovah and Jesus always strive to shift the center of gravity of our fears and breakdowns (betraying, denying, not holding on until the end, being so tired of everything...). The idea is therefore to reorient courage, not to anesthetize it in order to wake it up later. Courage and faith go hand in hand. They must not sleep, they have to walk. We are at war, the fighting on the front lines is exhausting, and sometimes we just want the hostilities to stop. We would like to lay our heads on a pillow, close our eyes, and drift off into a sweet dream. So it really takes courage to fight against sleep and stay awake until the end. Thank you David for this topic.

Thank you so much for sharing this, I really needed to hear it. This is exactly the kind of encouragement me and my wife currently needs. Thank you once more 🙏

This is so beautiful, so moving, that my eyes and heart are brimming, dear one. Your pictures are reaching me too. I can so relate to what you are saying and am facing some prolonged health challenges too that just a few years back I'd hoped wouldn't be the case. I feel for you. That inflammation causes daily pain and discomfort for you too and that can be so not easy to keep staying steady. Good on you for holding onto Jehovah's hand and having this wise and sensible perspective. Yes, as you've expressed so well, Jehovah is a kind God and realistic and is not concerned with what the world fusses about... as if the external is all there is to a person. Sure, we present the best we can under the circumstances out of respect and love for Jah and our bros. and sis. But it is the inner person that he loves so much. That quiet plodding on staying faithful in our core in our deepest, most private place inside.... Jehovah sees and will take note and have an answer for the one taunting him. Your endurance in your trialsome days of being able to do less than you would like to does not go unnoticed. As the study we did this weekend shared... we are precious in his eyes. How blessed we are that though we suffer physically, and can feel quite alone or down at times humanly-speaking, we do have ones who care in the congregation, but they may not know our situation or are busy trying to stay afloat themselves. But just today at the meeting, I went to speak again to a sister new to the congregation and she is so lovely. She would not have known that I was feeling a bit at a loose end with fatigue and life's pressures of late, but somehow the sister's kind eyes and soft words reminded me of how wonderful it is that there are some in the truth who remember to give of their goodness. Usually I'm the one giving out endlessly, but this day it went the other way, so that was nice. Even those who have been faithful for a long time as you too evidently have been, need that gift from time to time. will be mentioning you in my prayers tonight. Take care, dear heart... Our heavenly Father knows what we need. xx

Well presented, David, as usual, and so helpful to our brothers and sisters going through trials.

Appreciate your clear, logical, and scriptural reasoning- also, the sensibleness - and heart. Thanks so very much, dear brother.

Excellent synopsis. Very well expressed. I especially appreciate these lines: "Judgment remained real, but mercy governed how far it went." "Accountability exists, but opportunity remains open." Yes, Jehovah has all of his personality and character in perfect balance and is helping us to reflect him daily as best we can. We are so blessed. Thanks for your thoughtful post.

That is truly amazing, David. What a discerning and kind Creator we have and how loving that our ears will discern sounds in nature described in just the right way, so it is not overwhelming but simply beautiful.

So well put together. Thanks.

Thank you for your kind words. They truly touched my heart. Looking back, I can see that Jehovah has always taken care of me—especially when life was low. He has also been there in every joy. I do not regret the losses I’ve had. They served their purpose at the right time, even if I did not understand it then. Micah 6:8 says: “He has told you, O man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you? Only to exercise justice, to cherish loyalty, and to walk modestly with your God.” For me, walking modestly means accepting what is, trusting Jehovah, and not fighting what cannot be changed. Jehovah knows our hearts. He understands our limits. And He never forgets those who keep holding on to Him.

What a great explanation of something that we take for granted without understanding. Thanks.

Job’s false comforters prove your expression accurate. Where I live, there’s an old saying about dining out: If you can’t afford to leave a tip, don’t go out to eat. It reminds me—if we’re going to visit someone with the intent to comfort them, we shouldn’t go empty-handed. We don’t need eloquent speeches; we need simple, heartfelt words like, “I’m here for you,” “I’ve been praying for you,” or when the moment allows, “Would it be all right if I said a prayer?” And when we can honestly say, “Jehovah has helped me—I know he can help you,” that’s not just sympathy. That’s sharing the very comfort we were comforted with.