Wednesday, July 9 Sovereign Lord Jehovah, remember me, please, and strengthen me.​—Judg. 16:28.

[Áine]

Wednesday, July 9

Sovereign Lord Jehovah, remember me, please, and strengthen me.—Judg. 16:28.

 

What comes to your mind when you hear the name Samson? You likely think of a man of outstanding strength. That is true. But Samson made a bad decision that led to painful results. Still, Jehovah focused on Samson’s overall record of faithfulness, which He included in the Bible for our benefit. Jehovah used Samson to accomplish amazing things to help His chosen people, Israel. Centuries after Samson’s death, Jehovah inspired the apostle Paul to include Samson’s name in a list of outstanding men of faith. (Heb. 11:32-34) Samson’s example can encourage us. He relied on Jehovah, even during challenging circumstances. We can draw encouragement as well as learn other practical lessons from his example. w23.09 2 ¶1-2

[Andrey]

11 hours ago, Áine said:

Wednesday, July 9

Sovereign Lord Jehovah, remember me, please, and strengthen me.—Judg. 16:28.

But Samson made a bad decision that led to painful results. Still, Jehovah focused on Samson’s overall record of faithfulness, which He included in the Bible for our benefit.  w23.09 2 ¶1-2

 

It may be that among our brothers and sisters, there are those who can simply irritate us with their behavior. Every time we hear about someone that he is clumsy, makes a lot of mistakes. Some kind of non-spiritual person!

 

For there is no righteous man on earth who always does good and never sins.—Ecclesiastes 7:20

 

But Jehovah does not think so. Jehovah views each of his servants as a treasure, a quality (branded) tool that he needs for cooperation.

 

So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.—Matthew 10:31

 

Jehovah's great love for his creations, for people, especially for those who are devoted to Him, prompts him to cover up their mistakes that they commit and that may irritate him. It's as if he's looking for something good to praise. Even if a brother or sister seems insignificant in our eyes, Jehovah can, to our surprise, use such people to carry out His will in the Organization.

 

Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.—1 Peter 4:8

 

What am I looking for in our dear brothers and sisters? Jehovah's example motivates me to do these things: Still, Jehovah focused on Samson’s overall record of faithfulness… Samson’s example can encourage us. He relied on Jehovah, even during challenging circumstances.

 

*** w23 November pp. 11-12 par. 14 How to Keep Our Love for One Another Strong ***
14 Let us take a closer look at Peter’s words. The first part of verse 8 describes the type of love we need to have—“intense love.” The word Peter used for “intense” literally means “stretched out.” The second part of the verse describes the effect that intense love can have. It covers the sins of our brothers. We could picture it this way: We grasp our love with both hands, as if it were an extendable piece of fabric, and stretch it out more and more until it covers, not one, not two, but “a multitude of sins.” To cover is a descriptive way of saying to forgive. Just as a piece of fabric can cover a stain, love can cover the weaknesses and imperfections of others.
https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2023641&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=22

 

 

 

*Thinking out loud. 

[Andrey]

Anthony Griffin: “Who Touched Me?”

https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=share&wtlocale=E&lank=pub-jwb-125_4_VIDEO&ts=00:07:03

 

Quote

About 15 years ago, I was in a class with presiding overseers, as they were known at the time, and I noticed a brother in the front of the class who never answered. He never raised his hand. He was very disengaged. And mostly, he just stared at the whiteboard.

 

So I said to myself: ‘I wonder what he’s thinking? ‘It’s so sad. He’s missing out on all this good education.’ 

 

Then the instructor asked the question, “How many of you had challenges coming to school?” Lo and behold he raised his hand. And the instructor called on him. We’re shocked, waiting for what he’s going to say. 

 

This is what he said: “Brothers, “I have a serious brain disease “and only have months to live. “My only prayer “was just to live long enough to attend this class. “It’s been hard to concentrate. “But I’m here, and I’m thankful. “Today is Thursday, and if I die today, I’ll die the happiest man who ever lived.” 

 

I misjudged that man. I viewed him as disinterested and disengaged, and he was struggling just to stay alive. He touched me that day. He touched me in a way I will never forget.

 

Every brother or sister who comes into your life is like a book that contains a beautiful story. Take time to open the book; ask them questions. Thumb through the pages of their life. You’ll be amazed at what you learn and what you come to love about them because now you know their story. You know why Jehovah loves them.

 

[just1-4all]

Todays text reminds there will always be good ways to use one's gift of physical strength and bad ways to use it. The Nephilim and Samson both had superhuman strength. The Nephilim used their strength for wicked purposes, Samson was the direct opposite. Especially in his final self-sacrificing act of faith as he begged Jehovah for one last opportunity to glorify His name.

 

It reminds me of how we can feel so overwhelmingly indebted to Jehovah because of past sins and poor decisions. But as we learn from Samson's case, Jehovah was still willing to listen and grant his request to use him to accomplish His will against the Philistines.

Edited 1 hour ago by just1-4all

[Dolce vita]

54 minutes ago, Andrey said:

Anthony Griffin: “Who Touched Me?”

https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=share&wtlocale=E&lank=pub-jwb-125_4_VIDEO&ts=00:07:03

 

 

" He touched me in a way I will never forget."

Thank you so much, Brother Andrei, for focusing on this chosen piece. I was very struck by this example. What a masterful lesson! I, too, will never forget it.

1 hour ago, Andrey said:

Anthony Griffin: “Who Touched Me?”

https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=share&wtlocale=E&lank=pub-jwb-125_4_VIDEO&ts=00:07:03