Saturday, November 6 Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid.​—Heb. 13:6.

[Áine]

Saturday, November 6

Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid.—Heb. 13:6.

 

When our enemies ban our worship, they hope to make us afraid to serve Jehovah. In addition to the ban, they may circulate false stories, send officials to search our homes, drag us to court, or even imprison some of us. They hope that we will be terrified because they managed to put a small number of us in prison. If we were to allow them to instill fear in our heart, we might even begin to “ban” our own worship. We would not want to become like those described at Leviticus 26:36, 37. We will not allow fear to cause us to reduce or to stop our spiritual activities. We trust completely in Jehovah and refuse to panic. (Isa. 28:16) We prayerfully seek Jehovah’s guidance. We know that with his backing, not even the most powerful human government can prevent us from faithfully worshipping our God. Rather than intimidate us, opposition can motivate us to serve Jehovah more fully. w19.07 9-10 ¶6-7

[Elnathan]

Paul was once inspired to say, ‘For when iam weak, then iam powerful.’ When we are faced with opposition & persecution, we prayerfully rely on Jehovah. Knowing that with Jehovah’s backing we can fearlessly continue to worship Him regardless of their threats. 

[wingslikeeagles]

Hebrews 13v6 is so similar to Psalm 118v6:  "Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid, What can man do to me?"

 

Although its not explicitly stated it is likely that David wrote this Psalm based on what is said. Can you think of 2 imperfect men who faced as much as Paul & David (Maybe Job, but not many others!)

So to see both of these men telling us not to be afraid because Jehovah is on our side carries a lot of weight.

 

[Honeybarrel]

An interesting line there in the middle of the days text- if we allow fear in our heart we might even begin to “ban” our own worship…

This is an excellent reminder that Fear can be debilitating. Godly fear is a very different thing. But fear of itself creates anxiety, and stimulates the fight or flight response. Fear / anxiety stimulates the production of cortisone which has many negative physiological effects on the body. It suppresses the immune system also. 
Every time we pick up the bible and read from his word (instead of a newspaper) we are giving added spiritual protection to our minds & hearts not just spiritually but PHYSICALLY too! Even better if we do it “in an undertone” too. Actually reading it aloud if possible. This allows Gods word to enter through our eyes, and our ears along with the vibrations or resonance of our body. 
Note to self - must also do this more often! 😅😜🙏

[Vinnie]

 It takes courage to do what is right in Jehovah's eyes while we live in this twisted world. If we are going to side with what is righteous and true and with Jehovah, we must stand our ground no matter what.  Daniel did and he was protected from fierce hungry lions.  The three Hebrews did and not even a furnace heated 7x hotter could harm them. Jehovah doesn't always miraculously protect us in ways we see but in many ways that are unseen such as having his favor, being marked as righteous, having an approved standing.  Then no matter what this world throws at us, or does to us, Jehovah who loves us so much will make all things right.

[daydream]

I wonder how the brothers were able to endure the vicious persecution under the Nazi regime. What things did they do right that help cement their deep bonds with each other, besides their reliance on Jehovah? 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Jehovah's_Witnesses_in_Nazi_Germany

Quote

...the group came under increasing public and governmental persecution from 1933, with many expelled from jobs and schools, deprived of income, and suffering beatings and imprisonment.

Spoiler

Back then, life was simpler, people had a lot of time for meaningful interactions, the public was less resistant to the good news. No electronic gadgets and technologies to hold them back from spending time cultivating deep relationships. As we become more advanced, we become more detached from one another, sticking only to those with whom we have an affinity for. Relationships are at most superficial. Prejudices still remain.

I regret not getting to know our Russian brothers and now with the ban, have no way of communicating with them without incriminating them. How wonderful it would be if we could reach out to our long suffering brothers in destitute countries during these favourable times before this small window of opportunity closes. Perhaps then we might feel a bit more aware of their day to day struggles. Being able to get to know them on a personal level, will add a new dimension to our prayers during times of adversity. Get to know as many individuals as we can. Especially those who desperately need a kind word or two.

The Great Tribulation is closing in on us and we need to ask ourselves : are we making a meaningful contribution to better the lives of our hard pressed friends throughout the world or is it only to those in our preferred circles of friends? We need to  purposefully reach out those in need. Treat them as you would someone close and dear to you. 

To do this we need to get out of our comfort zones. Yea, it's inconvenient, we get hurt but Jehovah appreciates the trouble we take to take care of his little lambs

Winter is coming

 

 

Edited November 6, 2021 by happiness IS