More than all other qualities, love truly makes the soil of our heart responsive to Jehovah's Word. Thus, when comparing it with faith and hope, the apostle Paul described love as "the greatest of these" qualities. (1Corinthians 13:13) A heart filled with love for God gets intense satisfaction and joy from obeying him; it certainly does not chafe at God's requirements. The apostle John said: "This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments and yet his commandments are not burdensome." ( 1 John 5:3) Along similar lines, Jesus said: "If anyone loves me, he will observe my word, and my Father will love him." (John 14:23) Note that Jehovah knows that we are imperfect and regularly sin against him. Even so, he does not keep himself distant from us. What Jehovah looks for in his servants is "a complete heart," one that moves us to serve him willingly with "a delightful soul." ( 1Chronicles 28:9) of course, Jehovah knows that it takes time and effort for us to cultivate good qualities in our heart and thus to produce the fruitage of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Hence, he is patient with us, "for he himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust." (Psalm 103:14) Reflecting the same attitude, Jesus never severely criticized his disciples for their faults but patiently helped and encouraged them. Do not such love, mercy and patience of Jehovah and Jesus move you to love them all the more? -Luke 7:47; 2 Peter 3:9.
If you at times find it a struggle to pull up deeply-rooted, weedlike habits or to break up pockets of hard, claylike traits, do not become downhearted or discouraged. Instead, keep working at making improvement as you "persevere in prayer," including frequent supplication to Jehovah for his spirit. (Romans 12:12) With his willing help, you will, like Ezra, succeed in having a heart fully prepared "to consult the law of Jehovah and do it."
Next time: Can The Problem Of Crime Be Solved?
Awake! 2008
11.30.2009
11.25.2009
A Prepared Heart Is Rich In Faith
A heart strong in faith knows that whatever Jehovah asks or directs through his Word is always right and in our best interests. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) A person with such a heart gets deep satisfaction and contentment from applying the exhortation at Proverbs 3:5, 6, which says: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." A heart lacking in faith, however, would be disinclined to trust in Jehovah, especially if doing so involved sacrifices, such as simplifying one's life in order to focus on Kingdom interests. (Matthew 6:33) For good reason, Jehovah views a faithless heart as "wicked." -Hebrews 3:12.
Our faith in Jehovah is reflected in many areas, including the things we do in the privacy of our own home. Take, for example, the principle at Galatians 6:7: "Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap." our faith in this principle will be reflected in such things as the movies we watch, the books we read, the amount of Bible study we do and in our prayers. Yes, a strong faith that moves us to sow "with a view to a spirit" is a key factor in having a heart that is prepared to accept Jehovah's Word and obey it. -Galatians 6:8.
Next time: Love-The Greatest Quality
Awake! 2000
Our faith in Jehovah is reflected in many areas, including the things we do in the privacy of our own home. Take, for example, the principle at Galatians 6:7: "Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap." our faith in this principle will be reflected in such things as the movies we watch, the books we read, the amount of Bible study we do and in our prayers. Yes, a strong faith that moves us to sow "with a view to a spirit" is a key factor in having a heart that is prepared to accept Jehovah's Word and obey it. -Galatians 6:8.
Next time: Love-The Greatest Quality
Awake! 2000
11.24.2009
Honesty And Godly Fear
The prophet Jeremiah wrote that "the heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) This treachery manifests itself in various ways, such as when we make excuses for ourselves when we do wrong. It also appears when we rationalize away serious personality flaws. Honesty, however, will help us gain the victory over a treacherous heart by assisting us to face the truth about ourselves so that we can improve. The psalmist displayed such honesty when he prayed: "Examine me, O Jehovah, and put me to the test; refine my kidneys and my heart." Clearly, the psalmist had prepared his heart prepared his heart to accept refining and testing by Jehovah, even though it may have meant acknowledging the existence of dross like traits so that these could be overcome. -Psalm 17:3; 26:2.
Godly fear, which includes "the hating of bad," is a powerful aid in this refining process. (Proverbs 8:13) While appreciating Jehovah's loving-kindness and goodness, a person who truly fears Jehovah is ever aware that Jehovah has the power to inflict punishment, even death, upon those who disobey him. Jehovah showed that those who fear him would also obey him when he said about Israel: "If only they would develop this heart of theirs to fear me and to keep all my commandments always, In order that it might go well with them and their sons to time indefinite!" -Deuteronomy 5:29.
Clearly, the object of godly fear is, not to keep us in a state of terrified submission, but to move us to obey our loving Father, who we know has our very best interests at heart. In fact, such godly fear is elevating and even joy inspiring, which was amply demonstrated by Jesus Christ himself. -Isaiah 11:3; Luke 12:5.
Next time: A Prepared Heart Is Rich In Faith
Awake! 2000
Godly fear, which includes "the hating of bad," is a powerful aid in this refining process. (Proverbs 8:13) While appreciating Jehovah's loving-kindness and goodness, a person who truly fears Jehovah is ever aware that Jehovah has the power to inflict punishment, even death, upon those who disobey him. Jehovah showed that those who fear him would also obey him when he said about Israel: "If only they would develop this heart of theirs to fear me and to keep all my commandments always, In order that it might go well with them and their sons to time indefinite!" -Deuteronomy 5:29.
Clearly, the object of godly fear is, not to keep us in a state of terrified submission, but to move us to obey our loving Father, who we know has our very best interests at heart. In fact, such godly fear is elevating and even joy inspiring, which was amply demonstrated by Jesus Christ himself. -Isaiah 11:3; Luke 12:5.
Next time: A Prepared Heart Is Rich In Faith
Awake! 2000
11.20.2009
Humility Softens The Heart
Humility is a vital factor in having a prepared heart because it makes us teachable and helps us to accept more readily loving counsel and correction. Consider the fine example of King Josiah. During his reign a document containing God's Law given through Moses was found. When Josiah heard the words of the Law and realized how far his forefathers had strayed from pure worship, he ripped his garments apart and wept before Jehovah. Why did God's Word so deeply touch the king's heart? The account says that his heart was "soft," so that he humbled himself upon hearing Jehovah's words. Jehovah noted Josiah's humble, receptive heart and blessed him accordingly. - 2 Kings 22:11, 18-20.
Humility enabled Jesus' "unlettered and ordinary" disciples to grasp and apply spiritual truths that escaped those who were "wise and intellectual" but only "in a fleshly way." (Acts 4:13; Luke 10:21; 1 Corinthians 1:26) The latter were not prepared to accept Jehovah's word because their hearts were hardened by pride. Is it any wonder that Jehovah hates pride.-Proverbs 8:13; Daniel 5:20.
Next time: Honesty And Godly Fear
Awake! 2000
Humility enabled Jesus' "unlettered and ordinary" disciples to grasp and apply spiritual truths that escaped those who were "wise and intellectual" but only "in a fleshly way." (Acts 4:13; Luke 10:21; 1 Corinthians 1:26) The latter were not prepared to accept Jehovah's word because their hearts were hardened by pride. Is it any wonder that Jehovah hates pride.-Proverbs 8:13; Daniel 5:20.
Next time: Honesty And Godly Fear
Awake! 2000
11.17.2009
Factors That Enrich The "Soil" Of Our Heart
Let us consider some factors, or qualities, that will enrich the "soil" of our heart so that it favors healthy growth. There are, of course, many things that will improve our heart, but here we will consider six; a recognition of our spiritual need, humility, honesty, godly fear, faith and love.
"Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need," Jesus said. (Matthew 5:3) Like physical hunger that reminds us of our need to eat, an awareness of our spiritual need keeps us hungry for spiritual food. By nature, humans have a craving for such food because it gives them meaning and purpose to life. Pressures from Satan's system of things or sheer laziness when it comes to study may dull our consciousness of this need. Even so, Jesus said: "Man live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth." -Matthew 4:4.
In a literal way, regular balanced and wholesome meals promote bodily health, and they also incline the body to develop an appetite for the next meal when the time arrives. The same is true in a spiritual sense. You may not consider yourself to be a studious person, but if you make a habit to read God's Word daily and you study Bible-based publications on a regular basis, you will find that your appetite increases. In fact, you will eagerly look forward to your times for Bible study. So do not give up easily; work hard to develop a wholesome appetite.
Next time: Humility Softens The Heart
Awake! 2000
"Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need," Jesus said. (Matthew 5:3) Like physical hunger that reminds us of our need to eat, an awareness of our spiritual need keeps us hungry for spiritual food. By nature, humans have a craving for such food because it gives them meaning and purpose to life. Pressures from Satan's system of things or sheer laziness when it comes to study may dull our consciousness of this need. Even so, Jesus said: "Man live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth." -Matthew 4:4.
In a literal way, regular balanced and wholesome meals promote bodily health, and they also incline the body to develop an appetite for the next meal when the time arrives. The same is true in a spiritual sense. You may not consider yourself to be a studious person, but if you make a habit to read God's Word daily and you study Bible-based publications on a regular basis, you will find that your appetite increases. In fact, you will eagerly look forward to your times for Bible study. So do not give up easily; work hard to develop a wholesome appetite.
Next time: Humility Softens The Heart
Awake! 2000
11.16.2009
Preparing Our Heart
"To prepare " means "to make ready beforehand for some purpose: put into condition for a particular use, application, or disposition." Of course, if you have come to an accurate knowledge of God's Word and have dedicated your life to Jehovah, then your heart had certainly proved to be in a prepared state and can be compared to "the fine soil" that Jesus spoke about in his parable of the sower. -Matthew 13:18-23.
Nevertheless, our heart needs constant attention and refinement. Why? For two reasons. First, because harmful tendencies, like weeds in a garden, can readily take root, especially during these "last days" when " the air" of Satan's system is more than ever filled with hurtful seeds of fleshly thinking. (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Ephesians 2:2) The second reason concerns the soil itself, harden, and become unfruitful. Or too many people may carelessly walk over the garden and tread down the soil into a hard mass. The figurative soil of our heart is similar. It may become infertile if neglected or trodden down by people who have no interest in our spiritual well-being.
How important it is, then, for all of us to apply the Bible's admonition: "More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life." -Proverbs 4:23.
Next time: Factors That Enrich The "Soil" Of Our Heart
Nevertheless, our heart needs constant attention and refinement. Why? For two reasons. First, because harmful tendencies, like weeds in a garden, can readily take root, especially during these "last days" when " the air" of Satan's system is more than ever filled with hurtful seeds of fleshly thinking. (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Ephesians 2:2) The second reason concerns the soil itself, harden, and become unfruitful. Or too many people may carelessly walk over the garden and tread down the soil into a hard mass. The figurative soil of our heart is similar. It may become infertile if neglected or trodden down by people who have no interest in our spiritual well-being.
How important it is, then, for all of us to apply the Bible's admonition: "More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life." -Proverbs 4:23.
Next time: Factors That Enrich The "Soil" Of Our Heart
11.13.2009
Searching For Jehovah With A Prepared Heart
Israelite priest Ezra was an outstanding researcher, scholar, copyist and teacher of the Law. For Christians today he is also a fine example of whole-souled service. How so? In that he maintained his godly devotion even while living in Babylon, a city filled with false gods and demon worship.
Ezra's godly devotion did not just happen. He worked at it. Indeed, he tells us that he "had prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do it." -Ezra 7:10.
Like Ezra, Jehovah's people today want to do all that Jehovah asks of them while living in a world that is hostile to true worship. So let us examine ways in which we too can prepare our heart, the inner person-including our thoughts, attitudes, desires and motivations-to "consult the law of Jehovah and to do it."
Next time: Preparing Our Heart
Awake!
Ezra's godly devotion did not just happen. He worked at it. Indeed, he tells us that he "had prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do it." -Ezra 7:10.
Like Ezra, Jehovah's people today want to do all that Jehovah asks of them while living in a world that is hostile to true worship. So let us examine ways in which we too can prepare our heart, the inner person-including our thoughts, attitudes, desires and motivations-to "consult the law of Jehovah and to do it."
Next time: Preparing Our Heart
Awake!
11.10.2009
The Proper Use Of Power
Although he is almighty, Jehovah rules the congregation with love. (1 John 4:8) Imitating him, Christian overseers care for God's flock lovingly-using, not abusing, their authority. True, overseers sometimes need to "reprove, reprimand, exhort," but this is done "with all long-suffering and art of teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2) So elders constantly meditate on the words that the apostle Peter wrote to those with authority in the congregation: "Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither as lording it over those who are God's inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock." - 1 Peter 5:2, 3; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8.
Parents and husbands also have authority granted them by Jehovah, and this power should be used to help, nurture, and cherish. (Ephesians 5:22, 28-30; 6:4) Jesus' example shows that authority can be effectively exercised in a loving way. If discipline is balanced and consistent, children do not become downhearted. (Colossians 3:21) Marriages are strengthened when Christian husbands lovingly exercise their headship and wives deeply respect their husbandly head rather than go beyond their God-assigned sphere of influence to dominate or get their way. - Ephesians 5:28, 33; 1 Peter 3:7.
Those with authority in the family and in the congregation should be especially careful to control their anger, since anger instills fear rather than love. The prophet Nathan said: "Jehovah is slow to anger and great in power." (Nahum 1:3; Colossians 3:19) Controlling our anger is a sign of strength, whereas giving vent to it is proof of weakness. (Proverbs 16:32) Both in the family and in the congregation, the goal is to instill love-love of Jehovah, love of one another and love of right principles. Love is motivation for doing what is right. - 1 Corinthians 13:8, 13; Colossians 1:14.
To know Jehovah is to recognize his power. Through Isaiah, Jehovah said: "Have you not come to know or have you not heard? Jehovah, the Creator of the extremities of the earth, is a God to time indefinite. He does not tire out or grow weary." (Isaiah 40:28) Jehovah's power is inexhaustible. If we rely on him and not on ourselves, he will not forsake us. He assures us: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10) How should we respond to his loving care? Like Jesus, let us always use whatever power Jehovah gives us to help and to build up. May we control our tongue so that it heals rather than harms. And may we always stay awake spiritually, stand firm in the faith, and grow mighty in the power of our Grand Creator, Jehovah God. -1Corinthians 16:13.
Next time: Searching For Jehovah With A Prepared Heart
Awake! 2000
Parents and husbands also have authority granted them by Jehovah, and this power should be used to help, nurture, and cherish. (Ephesians 5:22, 28-30; 6:4) Jesus' example shows that authority can be effectively exercised in a loving way. If discipline is balanced and consistent, children do not become downhearted. (Colossians 3:21) Marriages are strengthened when Christian husbands lovingly exercise their headship and wives deeply respect their husbandly head rather than go beyond their God-assigned sphere of influence to dominate or get their way. - Ephesians 5:28, 33; 1 Peter 3:7.
Those with authority in the family and in the congregation should be especially careful to control their anger, since anger instills fear rather than love. The prophet Nathan said: "Jehovah is slow to anger and great in power." (Nahum 1:3; Colossians 3:19) Controlling our anger is a sign of strength, whereas giving vent to it is proof of weakness. (Proverbs 16:32) Both in the family and in the congregation, the goal is to instill love-love of Jehovah, love of one another and love of right principles. Love is motivation for doing what is right. - 1 Corinthians 13:8, 13; Colossians 1:14.
To know Jehovah is to recognize his power. Through Isaiah, Jehovah said: "Have you not come to know or have you not heard? Jehovah, the Creator of the extremities of the earth, is a God to time indefinite. He does not tire out or grow weary." (Isaiah 40:28) Jehovah's power is inexhaustible. If we rely on him and not on ourselves, he will not forsake us. He assures us: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10) How should we respond to his loving care? Like Jesus, let us always use whatever power Jehovah gives us to help and to build up. May we control our tongue so that it heals rather than harms. And may we always stay awake spiritually, stand firm in the faith, and grow mighty in the power of our Grand Creator, Jehovah God. -1Corinthians 16:13.
Next time: Searching For Jehovah With A Prepared Heart
Awake! 2000
11.09.2009
The Power To Hurt And The Power To Heal
Not all the power we possess comes directly from God. The tongue, for example, has the power to hurt as well as to heal. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," warns Solomon. (Proverbs 18:21) The results of Satan's brief conversation with Eve show how much havoc can be wrought by words. (Genesis 3:1-5; James 3:5) We too can do much damage with the tongue. Disparaging remarks about a young girl's weight could launch her on the road to anorexia. A thoughtless repetition of some slander might ruin a lifelong friendship. Yes, the tongue needs to be controlled.
However, the tongue can build up as well as tear down. The Bible proverb says: "There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing." (Proverbs 12:18) Wise Christians use the power of the tongue to comfort the depressed and the bereaved. Sympathetic words can encourage teenagers who are battling harmful peer pressure. A thoughtful tongue can reassure elderly brothers and sisters that they are still needed and loved. Kindly words can brighten the day of those who are sick. Above all, we can employ our tongue to share the powerful Kingdom message with all who listen. Proclaiming the Word of God is within our power if our heart is in it. The Bible says: "Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it." -Proverbs 3:27.
Next time: The Proper Use Of Power
Awake! 2000
However, the tongue can build up as well as tear down. The Bible proverb says: "There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing." (Proverbs 12:18) Wise Christians use the power of the tongue to comfort the depressed and the bereaved. Sympathetic words can encourage teenagers who are battling harmful peer pressure. A thoughtful tongue can reassure elderly brothers and sisters that they are still needed and loved. Kindly words can brighten the day of those who are sick. Above all, we can employ our tongue to share the powerful Kingdom message with all who listen. Proclaiming the Word of God is within our power if our heart is in it. The Bible says: "Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it." -Proverbs 3:27.
Next time: The Proper Use Of Power
Awake! 2000
11.04.2009
"Giving To The Tired One Power"
Further, Jehovah gives power to his servants when they carry out their ministry. We read in Isaiah's prophecy: "He is giving to the tired one power; and to the one without dynamic energy he makes full might abound . . . . Those who are hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not tire out." (Isaiah 40:29-31) The apostle Paul personally received power to perform his ministry. As a result, his ministry was effective. To Christians in Thessalonica, he wrote: "The good news we preach did not turn up among you with speech alone but also with power and with holy spirit." (1 Thessalonians 1:5) His preaching and teaching had the power to work great changes in the lives of those who listened to him.
When confronted by an indifferent spirit in our territory - a territory in which we may have preached repeatedly for years with little response-we may become disheartened by the opposition, ridicule and apathy he met up with. "I am not going to make mention of [God], and I shall speak no more in his name," he told himself. But he could not keep quiet. His message "proved to be like a burning fire shut up in [his]bones." (Jeremiah 20:9) What gave him renewed power in the face of so much adversity? "Jehovah was with me like a terrible mighty one," Jeremiah said. (Jeremiah 20:11) Jeremiah's appreciation of the vital importance of his message and of his God-given assignment made him responsive to Jehovah's encouragement.
Next time: The Power To Hurt And The Power To Heal
Awake! 2000
When confronted by an indifferent spirit in our territory - a territory in which we may have preached repeatedly for years with little response-we may become disheartened by the opposition, ridicule and apathy he met up with. "I am not going to make mention of [God], and I shall speak no more in his name," he told himself. But he could not keep quiet. His message "proved to be like a burning fire shut up in [his]bones." (Jeremiah 20:9) What gave him renewed power in the face of so much adversity? "Jehovah was with me like a terrible mighty one," Jeremiah said. (Jeremiah 20:11) Jeremiah's appreciation of the vital importance of his message and of his God-given assignment made him responsive to Jehovah's encouragement.
Next time: The Power To Hurt And The Power To Heal
Awake! 2000
11.03.2009
The Conclusion of Seek The Power That God Gives
Second, we can draw spiritual strength from the Bible. (Hebrews 4:12) The power of God's word was evident during the days of King Josiah. Although this Judean king had already removed pagan idols from the land, the unexpected discovery of the Law of Jehovah in the temple motivated him to intensify this cleansing program. After Josiah had personally read the Law to the people, the whole nation made a covenant with Jehovah, and a second, more vigorous, campaign against idolatry was launched. The fine outcome of Josiah's reform was that during "all his days they did not turn aside from following Jehovah." -2 Chronicles 34:33.
Third, we draw strength from Jehovah through Christian association. Paul encouraged Christians to attend meetings regularly in order to "incite to love and fine works" and to encourage one another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) When Peter was miraculously released from prison,he wanted to be with his brothers, so he went straight to the house of the mother of John Mark, where "quite a few were gathered together praying." (Acts 12:12) Of course, they could all have stayed at home and prayed. But they chose to come together and pray and encourage one another during that difficult time. Near the end of Paul's long and hazardous journey to Rome, he met up with some brothers in Puteoli and later with others who had traveled to meet him. His reaction? "Upon catching sight of them [the latter], Paul thanked God and took courage." (Acts 28:13-15) He was strengthened by being with fellow Christians once again. We too draw strength from association with fellow Christians. As long as we are free and able to associate with one another, we must not try to walk alone along the camped road leading off into life. -Proverbs 18:1; Matthew 7:14.
Through regular prayer, study of God's Word, and association with fellow believers, we "go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength." (Ephesians 6:10) All of us undoubtedly need "power in the Lord." Some suffer from debilitating illnesses, others from the ravages of old age or from the loss of a lifetime companion. (Psalm 41:3) Others endure the opposition of an unbelieving mate. Parents, especially single parents, may find that caring for a full-time job while bringing up a family is an exhausting responsibility. Young Christians need the strength to stand up to peer pressure and to say no to drugs and immorality. No one should hesitate to ask Jehovah for "power beyond what is normal" to cope with such challenges. - 2 Chronicles 4:7.
Next time: "Giving To The Tired One Power"
Awake! 2000
Third, we draw strength from Jehovah through Christian association. Paul encouraged Christians to attend meetings regularly in order to "incite to love and fine works" and to encourage one another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) When Peter was miraculously released from prison,he wanted to be with his brothers, so he went straight to the house of the mother of John Mark, where "quite a few were gathered together praying." (Acts 12:12) Of course, they could all have stayed at home and prayed. But they chose to come together and pray and encourage one another during that difficult time. Near the end of Paul's long and hazardous journey to Rome, he met up with some brothers in Puteoli and later with others who had traveled to meet him. His reaction? "Upon catching sight of them [the latter], Paul thanked God and took courage." (Acts 28:13-15) He was strengthened by being with fellow Christians once again. We too draw strength from association with fellow Christians. As long as we are free and able to associate with one another, we must not try to walk alone along the camped road leading off into life. -Proverbs 18:1; Matthew 7:14.
Through regular prayer, study of God's Word, and association with fellow believers, we "go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength." (Ephesians 6:10) All of us undoubtedly need "power in the Lord." Some suffer from debilitating illnesses, others from the ravages of old age or from the loss of a lifetime companion. (Psalm 41:3) Others endure the opposition of an unbelieving mate. Parents, especially single parents, may find that caring for a full-time job while bringing up a family is an exhausting responsibility. Young Christians need the strength to stand up to peer pressure and to say no to drugs and immorality. No one should hesitate to ask Jehovah for "power beyond what is normal" to cope with such challenges. - 2 Chronicles 4:7.
Next time: "Giving To The Tired One Power"
Awake! 2000
11.02.2009
Seek The Power That Jehovah Gives
Jehovah can empower his servants as well as protect them. The Bible urges us to "search for Jehovah and his strength." (Psalm105:4) Why? Because when we do things in God's strength, our power will be used for the benefit, rather than the harm, of others. Nowhere do we find a better example of this than in Jesus Christ, who performed many miracles in "Jehovah's power." )Luke 5:17) Jesus could have dedicated himself to becoming rich, famous, or even an all-powerful king. (Luke 4:5-7) Instead, he used the power God gave him to train and to teach, to help and to heal. (Mark 7:37; John 7:46) What a fine example for us!
Furthermore, when we do things in "the strength that God supplies," this will help us to keep humble. (1 Peter 4:11) Men who seek power for themselves become presumptuous. A case in point is Assyrian King Esar-haddon, who boastfully declared: "I am powerful, I am all powerful, I am a hero, I am gigantic, I am colossal." In contrast, Jehovah "chose the weak things of he world, that he might put the strong things to shame." Thus, if a true Christian boasts, he boasts in Jehovah, for he knows that what he has done has not been accomplished in his own strength. 'Humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God' will bring true exaltation. -1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 1 Peter 5:6,
How do we draw on God's strength? First of all, we have to ask for it in prayer. Jesus assured his disciples that his Father would give holy spirit to those requesting it. (Luke 11:10-13) Consider hos this imbued Christ's disciples with power when they chose to obey God rather than the religious leaders who had ordered them to stop witnessing about Jesus. When they prayed for Jehovah's help, their sincere prayer was answered, and holy spirit empowered them to continue preaching the good news with boldness. -Acts 4:19, 20, 29-31, 33.
Next time: Conclusion of Seek The Power That Jehovah Gives
Awake! 2000
Furthermore, when we do things in "the strength that God supplies," this will help us to keep humble. (1 Peter 4:11) Men who seek power for themselves become presumptuous. A case in point is Assyrian King Esar-haddon, who boastfully declared: "I am powerful, I am all powerful, I am a hero, I am gigantic, I am colossal." In contrast, Jehovah "chose the weak things of he world, that he might put the strong things to shame." Thus, if a true Christian boasts, he boasts in Jehovah, for he knows that what he has done has not been accomplished in his own strength. 'Humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God' will bring true exaltation. -1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 1 Peter 5:6,
How do we draw on God's strength? First of all, we have to ask for it in prayer. Jesus assured his disciples that his Father would give holy spirit to those requesting it. (Luke 11:10-13) Consider hos this imbued Christ's disciples with power when they chose to obey God rather than the religious leaders who had ordered them to stop witnessing about Jesus. When they prayed for Jehovah's help, their sincere prayer was answered, and holy spirit empowered them to continue preaching the good news with boldness. -Acts 4:19, 20, 29-31, 33.
Next time: Conclusion of Seek The Power That Jehovah Gives
Awake! 2000
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