Continue to Satisfy Your "Spiritual Need"

 In this article, we will first consider what we can learn from a Phoenician woman who begged Jesus to help her. This account highlights three qualities that must be developed by those who are conscious of their spiritual need. Then we will discuss the examples set by the apostles Peter and Paul as well as King David, who were all spiritual men. 

AN EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY, PERSISTENCE, AND FAITH

On one occasion, a Phoenician woman approached Jesus. Her daughter was "cruelly demon possessed." (Matthew15:21-28) The woman fell to her knees and begged Jesus for help. This Phoenician woman displayed noteworthy qualities when she approached Jesus. Consider some of these. 

Next time: Continue to Satisfy Your "Spiritual Needs" -AN EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY, PERSISTENCE, AND FAITH

From the jw.org publications

Continue to Satisfy Your "Spiritual Need"

 "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need." - MATTHEW 5:3. 

JEHOVAH has created humans with basic needs. For example, to sustain our life, we need food, clothing, and shelter. If we lack any one of these necessities, even for a brief time, life becomes a trial. In addition to creating us with a need for those material things, Jehovah has also created us with a spiritual need. (Read Matthew 5:3) If we want to be truly happy, we have to be aware of that need and continue to sastify it.

What does it mean to be "conscious" of our "spiritual need"? The original language expression conveys the idea of being a beggar for the spirit. That phrase creates a powerful mental picture. Imagine a scraggly figure in rags, crouching on the corner of a city street. Heus weak from a lack of food, shunned because of his appearance, and exposed to the searing heat of the day to the bitter cold of night.  The beggar is keenly aware that he will need help if he is to improve his situation in life.  Similarly, someone who is conscious of his spiritual need-a beggar of the spirit-will need help to improve his situation. So he is eager to take advantages of the abundant spiritual provisions that Jehovah supplies to those who love Him.

Next time: Continue to Satisfy Your "Spiritual Need" 

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Do You Remember?

What are three things that can make our personal prayers more meaningful?

 (1) We can reflect on Jehovah's qualities. (2) We can think about what we are dealing with and mention it, such as our need to forgive someone. (3) We can linger in prayer. This will more likely allow us to express our inner thoughts. - w25.10, pp. 19-20. 

How can we help older ones?

We can visit or call those that are older. We may also be able to accompany them to medical appointments. Or we can work with older ones in different forms of the ministry. - w25.11, pp. 6-7.

What are key aspects of an honorable Christians wedding?

Comply with any relevant requirements. Ensure that the atmosphere of the ceremony and reception reflects the fruitage of God's spirit. Be modest in your attire and be sure to avoid unscriptural customs. Communicate well while planning the wedding. -  w25.12, pp. 21-24. 

Next time: Continue to Satisfy Your "Spiritual Need" 

From the jw.org publications

 

Do You Remember?

 What can we learn from God's for how he dealt with David?

Though David committed grave sins, when he sincerely repented, Jehovah forgave him.(1 Kings 9:4,5) Once God forgives, he does not hold a past error against the sinner or bring it up in the future. - w25.08,  p.17.

If a Bible student struggles with a point, what can you do?

If he still struggles with a point after you have to teach it well from the Bible, move past it and plan to return to it later. -w25.09,bp.24.

The Bible says that sin has "deceptive power." (Hebrews 3:13) How so?

Sin can entice us to commit wrong acts. It can also deceive us into having persistent doubts, such as whether God really loves us. - w25.10, p.16.

Next time: Do You Remember? -Conclusion 

From the jw.org publications

25

Do you Remember?

 

What did Jesus mean when he prayed: "I have made your name known to them"? (John 17:26) His disciples already knew God's name. But Jesus made known to them the Person behind the name, including his purposes, activities, and qualities. -W25.05,pp.20-21.

If we are modest, what do we recognize?

We recognize that we do not know some things. For example,  we do not know when the end will come or how Jehovah may act at that time. Nor do we know what will happen tomorrow or how well Jehovah knows  us. - w 25:06,pp. 15-18.

'What can help us benefit from an article or public talk? 

We can ask ourselves: what evidence is being used to convince the audience? Is there an effective illustration that I can use when teaching? Who might be interested in this topic? - w25.07,p. 29.

Next time: Do You Remember? - Continue

From the jw.org publications

Do You Remember?

 Have you carefully read this year's issue of the Watchtower? Well, see if you can answer the following questions: 

What motivates us to give Jehovah glory?

We do so because we deeply respect Jehovah and dearly love him. We also glorify him because we wants others to know him. - w25:01, p.3. 

If someone offends us, how can we be more forgiving? 

We do not simply ignore our feelings; yet, letting go of anger and resentment can help us to avoid being damaged by bitterness. - w25.02, pp. 15-16. 

Why is the disciple Mark a good example for younger brothers?

Mark willingly accepted an assignment to serve. Even though he was likely hurt and disappointed over a situation, Mark did not quit. He cultivated his relationship with Paul and other mature ones. - w25.04, p. 27. 

Next time: Do You Remember? - Continue

From the jw.org publications

Older Ones-You Are an Asset to the Congregation

Older Ones - You Are an Asset to the Congregation - STAY AS ACTIVE AS YOU CAN

 Studies indicate that many elderly men and women who are involved in helping others have better health, sharper thinking, and a longer life. 

Of course, doing good works will not remove all the effects of aging. Only God's Kingdom will accomplish that by reversing the real cause of aging and death-our sinful condition. - ROMANS 5:12.

Still, the service you render to Jehovah-which includes helping others come to know him-keeps your hope strong and may even benefit your health. Older ones, please know that Jehovah values what you do in his service and that the congregation treasures your example of faith. 

Next time: Older Ones-You Are an Asset to the Congregation - It Meant Her Life

From the jw.org publications 

Older Ones - You Are an Asset to the Congregation -JEHOVAH VALUES YOUR FAITHFUL SERVICE - Conclusion

 With that in mind, focus on what you can do. For example, in which forms of ministry can you still participate-even if it is for short periods of time? Might you be able to help others by means of a brief phone call or a card? Simple acts of love can have a powerful effect on your fellow believers, especially when these acts come from a longtime servant of Jehovah. 

Some have physical limitations. Note and experience from East Africa in the accompanying box "It Meant Her Life." 

Bear in mind that your record of faith and loyalty can encourage others. You are a living example of endurance, and you can be assured that "God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones." - HEBREWS 6:10. 

Next time: Older Ones-You Are an Asset to the Congregation - STAY AS ACTIVE AS YOU CAN

From the jw.org publications

Older Ones-You Are An Asset to the Congregation - JEHOVAH VALUES YOUR FAITHFUL SERVICE

 The Scriptures are filled with examples of people who were limited by their circumstances, but who were loved by Jehovah. Consider Simeon, an elderly Israelite who was alive when Jesus was born. During Simeon's visits to the temple, he would likely have seen younger men caring for the essential work there. But what about Simeon himself? From a human standpoint, he could have thought that in his old age he had little value in Jehovah's eyes. But Jehovah saw things differently. He saw Simeon as "righteous and devout" and blessed him with the privilege of seeing the infant Jesus. Jehovah even used Simeon to deliver a prophecy about his future Messiah! (Luke 2:25-35) Clearly, Jehovah looked past Simeon's elderly body and saw a man with strong faith, "and holy spirit was upon him." 

You too can be assured that Jehovah values your faithful service to him despite any limitations you may have. In his eyes, a sacrifice is "especially acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what a person does not have." - 2 CORINTHIANS 8:12. 

Next time: Older Ones-You Are an Asset to the Congregation - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications