THE BIBLE-A Textbook for Living

"THE word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword . . . and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart."  (Hebrews 4:12)  This description of what God's Word can accomplish surely stamps the Bible as more than just a good book.

"Its message is as vital to our lives as our next breath," one religion writer put it succinctly.  Then he added:  "When you take the issue of our longing and need for healing today and read the Bible in that light, astonishing results follow."  Like a lamp that burns brightly, the Bible sheds light on the many complex issues and problems of modern-day living. -Psalm 119:105.

Indeed, the wisdom expressed in the Bible has the power to mold our thinking, help us solve problems, improve the quality of our life and equip us with the skills to cope with those situations that we cannot change.  Most important, the Bible enables us to get to know and love God.

Next time: A Book That Gives Purpose

Watchtower, 2000

THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES

HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE:  Early in our marriage, Anita studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses for a brief time.  Then, while I was serving what was to be my final prison sentence, she was again contacted by the Witnesses.  It so happened that on the same day, I prayed to God, saying,  "If you really exist, prove it to me."

When I was released from prison a few months later, I contacted the local vicar and asked him to study the Bible with me and Anita.  He said that he would teach us only church  creeds and a prayer.

Finally, I began reading the Bible, I was surprised to learn that  the Bible condemns the practice of spiritism.  (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)  Later, I found a copy of the Watchtower that the Witnesses  had left with Anita on the day that I prayed to God for help.  What I read moved me to contact the Witnesses.

Our families, our friends and my criminal associates were not happy to learn that we were studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses.  Some said that I was being brainwashed.  In all honesty, my brain needed washed.  I had many personality flaws, a seared conscience, and in addition to other vices, I was smoking up to 60 cigarettes a day.  The Witnesses who helped us to learn about the Bible and those with whom we associated  in  the local congregation were very patient and kind.   Eventually, I freed myself of my bad habits. -2 Corinthians 7:1.

HOW I HAVE BENEFITED:  Anita and I have been married now for 35 years.  One of our children and two of our grandchildren serve Jehovah along with us.  In recent years, Anita and I have been able to spend much of our time helping others learn about the Bible.

Serving Jehovah God has given our lives real purpose and meaning.  Back in 1970, a judge told the court that I could not be reformed.  However, with help from God and guidance from the Bible, I have proved the judge wrong.

Next time: THE BIBLE-Cherished and Suppressed

Watchtower, 2011

A BOOK FOR ALL PEOPLE

A Unique Record of Preservation

There is another reason why the Bible deserves examination.  It has survive both natural and human obstacles.  The record of how it was preserved despite tremendous challenges is truly unique among ancient writings.

The Bible writers evidently recorded their words with ink on papyrus (made from the Egyptian plant of the same name and parchment (made from the skins of animals).  Such writing materials, however, have natural enemies.  Explains scholar Oscar Paret:   "Both of these writing mediums are in the same strong measure endangered by humidity, by mold, and by various maggots.  We know from daily experience how easily paper, and even strong leather, deteriorates in the open air or in a damp room."  So it is not surprising that none of the originals are know to exist; they probably disintegrated long ago.  But if the originals succumbed to  natural foes, how did the Bible survive?

Soon after the originals were written, handwritten copies began to be produced.  In fact, copying the Law and other portions of the Holy Scriptures became a profession in ancient Israel.  The priest Ezra, for example, is described as "a skilled copyist in the law of Moses."  (Ezra 7:6, 11; compare Psalm 465:1)  But the copies produced were also perishable; eventually they had to be replaced by still other handwritten copies.  This process of copying the copies  went on for centuries.  Since humans are not perfect, did copyists' mistakes substantially change the Bible text?  The overwhelming evidence says no!

Not only were the copyists very skilled but they also had a deep respect for the words they copied.  The Hebrew word for "copyist" has reference to counting and recording.  To illustrate the extreme care and accuracy of the copyist, consider the Masoretes, copyists of the Hebrew Scriptures who lived between the sixth and the tenth centuries C.E.  According to scholar Thomas Hartwell Horne, they reckoned  "how many times each letter of the [Hebrew] alphabet occurs in all the Hebrew Scriptures."  Think what that means!   To avoid omitting even a single letter, these copyists counted not just the words they copied  but the letters as well.  Why, according to one scholar's count, they reportedly kept track of  815,14 individual letters in the Hebrew Scriptures!  Such diligent effort ensured a high degree of accuracy.

There is, in fact, compelling evidence that the Hebrew and Greek texts on which modern translations are based represent with remarkable fidelity the words of the original writers.  The evidence consists of thousands of handwritten copies of Bible manuscripts-an estimated 6,000 of all or portions of the Hebrew Scriptures and some 5,000 of the Christian Scriptures in Greek-that have survived to our day.  A careful, comparative analysis  of the many existing manuscripts has enable textual scholars to detect  any copyists' errors and determine the original reading.  commenting on the text of the Hebrew Scriptures, scholar William H. Green could thus state:  "It may be safely said that no other work of antiquity has been so accurately transmitted."  Similar confidence can be placed in the text of the Christians Greek Scriptures.

How easily the Bible could have perished were it not for the handwritten copies that replaced the originals, with their precious message!  There is only one reason for is survival-Jehovah is the Preserver and Protector of his Word.  As the Bible itself says, at 1 Peter 1:24, 25; "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like a blossom of grass; the grass becomes withered, and the flower falls off, but the saying of Jehovah endures forever."

Next time: Into the Living Languages of Mankind

Watchtower, 1998

A BOOK FOR ALL PEOPLE

The World's Most Widely Distributed Book

First, the Bible deserves consideration because it is by far the most widely circulated and widely translated book in all human history.  Over 500  years  ago, the first edition printed from movable type came off Johannes Gutenberg's printing press.   Since then, an estimated four billion Bibles,in whole or in part, have been printed.  By 1996 the complete Bible or portions of it had been translated into 2,167 languages and dialects.  More than 90 percent of the human family have access to at least part of the Bible in their own language.  No other book-religious or otherwise-even comes close!

Statistics alone do not prove that the Bible is God's Word.   However, we should certainly expect a written record that is inspired of God to be accessible to people the world over.  After all, the Bible itself tells us that "God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him."  (Acts 10:34, 35) Like no other book, the Bible has crossed national boundaries and has overcome racial and ethnic barriers.  Truly, the Bible is a book for all people!

Next time: A Unique Record of Preservation

Watchtower, 1998

DOES THE DEVIL Make us Sick?

How Does Satan Work?

In almost every instance, the only connection between Satan and human illness is the fact that Satan tempted the first human couple, and they fell into sin.  He and his demons are not the direct cause of each and every malady.  However, Satan is not above trying to influence us to make unwise decisions and compromise our faith, which might result in damage to our health.  He did not bewitch, murder, or strike Adam and Eve with illness.  He persuaded Eve to disobey God, and Adam followed her  path of disobedience.  Sickness and death were part of the outcome. -Romans 5:19.

An unfaithful prophet named Balaam was hired by the king of Moab to curse the nation of Israel, which was threateningly encamped on Moab's borders.  Balaam tried to curse Israel,but he failed because the nation was under Jehovah's protection.  The Moabites then set out to lure Israel into committing idolatry and sexual immorality.  This tactic succeeded and Israel lost Jehovah's protection. - Numbers 22:5, 6,  12, 35; 24:10; 25:1+9; Revelation2:14. 

We can learn an important lesson from that ancient event.  Divine help gives faithful worshipers of God protection from direct attack by wicked spirits.  However, Satan may try to get individuals to compromise their faith.  He may try to lure them into immorality.  Or, like a roaring lion, he may try to scare them into acting in a way that deprives them of God's protection.  (1 Peter 5:8) That is why the apostle Paul calls Satan "the one having the means to cause death." -Hebrews 2:14. 

The grandmother of Owmadji tried to persuade Hawa to use amulets and fetishes as a protection against sickness.  What would have happened if Hawa had given in?  She would have betrayed a lack of complete trust in Jehovah God, and she could no longer have been confident of his protection. -Exodus 20:5; Matthew 4:10; 1 Corinthians 10:21.



Next time: Conclusion of How Does Satan Work?

Watchtower, 1999  

The "Septuagint" Useful in the Past and the Present

Useful in the First Century

The Septuagint was used  extensively by Greek-speaking Jews prior to and during the time of Jesus Christ and his apostles.  Many of the Jews and proselytes who gathered in Jerusalem on the day of  Pentecost 33 C.E. were from the district of Asia, Egypt, Libya, Rome, Crete-areas in which people spoke Greek.  No doubt they customarily read from the Septuagint.   (Acts 2:9-11) Thus, this version proved to be influential in spreading the good news in the first century.

For example, when speaking with men from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia and Asia, the disciple Stephen said:  "Joseph sent out and called Jacob his father and all his relatives from that place [Canaan], to the number of seventy-five souls."  (Acts 6:8-10; 7:12-14)  The Hebrew text in Genesis chapter 46 says that the number of Joseph's relatives was seventy.  But the Septuagint uses the number seventy-five.  Apparently Stephen quoted from the Septuagint. - Genesis 46:20, 26, 27.

As the apostle Paul traveled throughout Asia Minor and Greece during the second and third missionary tours, he preached to many Gentiles who feared God and to "Greeks who worshiped God." (Acts 13:16, 26;17:4)  These people had come to fear God or to worship him because they had gained some knowledge of him from the Septuagint.  In preaching to these Greek-speaking people, Paul often quoted  or paraphrased portions of that translation. -Genesis 22:18; Galatians 3:8.

The Christian Greek Scriptures contain some 320 direct quotations and a combined total of perhaps 890 quotations and references from the Hebrew Scriptures.  Most of these are based on the Septuagint.  As a result the quotations taken from that translation came part of the inspired Christian Greek Scriptures.  What  a significant fact this was! Jesus had foretold that the good news of the Kingdom would be preached in all the inhabitant earth.  (Matthew 24:14) To accomplish this, Jehovah would allow his inspired Word to be translated into the various languages read by people worldwide.

Next time: Useful Today

Watchtower, 2002

"SALVATION BELONGS TO JEHOVAH"

AT TIMES, of national crisis and international tension, people look to their government for safety and security. Governments for their part step up programs designed to rally the support of the populace. The more the feeling of patriotism is fostered by such programs, the more spirited and frequent become the observances of patriotic ceremonies.

During a national emergency, patriotic fervor often gives people a sense of unity and strengthen and may promote a spirit of cooperation and civic-mindedness among them. However, "patriotism is as volatile as any emotion," states an article in the New York Times Magazine, since "once released, it can assume ugly forms." Expressions of it may take a turn that can encroach on the civil liberties and religious freedom of certain citizens of the country. True Christians particularly come under pressure to compromise their beliefs. How do they conduct themselves when such an atmosphere engulfs the world around them? What Scriptural principles help them to act with insight and to maintain integrity to God?

Next time: "You Must Not Bow Down to Them"

Watchtower, 2002

KEEP PRACTICING THE THINGS YOU HAVE LEARNED

Reject "False Stories"

Satan tries to break our integrity through the sowing of doubts about what we have been taught. Today, as in the first century, apostates and others seek to destroy the faith of guileless ones. (Galatians 2:4; 5:7, 8) Sometimes they use the media to spread distorted information or even outright lies about the methods and motives of Jehovah's people. Paul warned that some would be turned away from the truth. "There will be a period of time," he wrote, "when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, whereas they will be turned aside to false stories ." -2Timothy 4:3, 4.

Instead of holding to the pattern of healthful words, some were intrigued by "false stories." What were these false stories? Perhaps Paul had in mind fanciful legends, such as those found in the apocryphal book of Tobit. False stories may also have included sensational and speculative rumors. Then, too, some-"in accord with their own desires" -may have been intellectually seduced by those who endorsed a permissive view of God's standards or who were critical of those taking the lead in the congregation. (2 John 9, 10; Jude 4) Whatever stumbling blocks were involved, some evidently preferred falsehoods over the truths of God's Word. Soon they stopped practicing the things they had learned, and this was to their own spiritual detriment. - Peter 3:15, 16.

We can avoid turning aside to false stories today if we scrutinize and are selective about what we listen to and what we read. For example, the media often promote immorality . May people encourage agnosticism or outright atheism. Higher critics ridicule the Bible's claim to divine inspiration. And modern-day apostates keep on trying to sow seeds of doubt in order to subvert the faith of Christians. Regarding a comparable danger posed by false prophets in the first century, the apostle John warned: "Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expression to see whether they originate with God, because may false prophets have gone forth into the world." (1 John 4:1) So we need to be careful.

Next time: Conclusion of Reject "False Stories"

Watchtower, 2002

KEEP PRACTICING THE THINGS YOU HAVE LEARNED

Hold to "the Pattern of Healthful Words"



One aspect of practicing what we have learned entails loyally upholding true worship, despite opposition from unbelievers. Endurance calls for effort. "If anyone wants to come after me," said Jesus, "let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me." (Matthew 16:24) Jesus did not say that we should follow him for only a week, a month, or a year. Rather, he said: "Continually follow me." His words indicate that our discipleship cannot be a mere phrase of our life or a passing devotion that is here today and gone tomorrow. Loyally upholding true worship means that we faithfully endure in the course we have chosen, come what may. How can we do that?



Paul urged his coworker Timothy: "Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:13) What did Paul mean? The Greek word here rendered "pattern" literally refers to an artist's sketch. Although not overly detailed, such a representation has well defined boundaries so that a discerning viewer can perceive the overall picture. Similarly, the pattern of truth that Paul taught Timothy and others was not designed to give a specific answer to every conceivable question. Yet, this body of teaching provides sufficient guidance-an outline, as it were-so that honesthearted ones can perceive what Jehovah requires of them. To please God, of course, they would need to keep holding to that pattern of truth by practicing what they have learned.



In the first century, such individuals as Hymenaeus, Alexander, and Philetus were advocating ideas that did not fit "the pattern of healthful words." (1Timothy 1:18, 20; 2 Timothy 2:16, 17) How could the early Christians avoid being led astray by apostates? By carefully studying the inspired writings and applying them in life. Those walking in accord with the example they had in Paul and other faithful ones were able to recognize and reject anything that did not conform to the pattern of truth they had been taught. (Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 5:14) Instead of being "mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words," they continued moving ahead in their positive course of godly devotion. (1 Timothy 6:3-6) We do the same thing when we keep putting into practice the truths we have learned. How faith-strengthening it is to see that the millions serving Jehovah throughout the earth are maintaining a firm hold on the pattern of Bible truth they have been taught. -1Thessalonians 1:2-5.

Next time: Reject "False Stories"

Watchtower, 2002

KEEP PRACTICING THE THINGS YOU HAVE LEARNED

RELIGION is Gaining Ground, but Morality is Losing Ground." This headline in the newsletter Emerging Trends summarized the results of a nationwide poll in the United States. Evidently, that country has seen an increase in the number of people who attend church and say that religion holds and important place in their life. However, the report says: "Despite these impressive figures, many Americans clearly question the impact religious faith is having on individual lives and society as a whole."

This situation is not unique to just one country. Throughout the world, many people who say that they accept the Bible and are religious are not letting the Scriptures exert any real influence in their life. (2 Timothy 3:5) "We still hold the Bible in high regard," stated the head of our research group," but in terms of actually spending time reading it, studying it and applying it-that is a thing of the past." With genuine Christians, however, the situation is different. The application of counsel from God's Word has brought about changes in their thinking and conduct. And their new personality that they display is readily noted by others. (Colossians 3:5-10) For followers of Jesus,the Bible is not an unused book that gathers dust on a shelf. On the contrary, the apostle Paul told Christians in Philippi: "The things that you learned as well as accepted and heard and saw in connection with me, practice these; and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9) Christians do more than accept the truth of God's Word. They act on what they learn, continually, on the job, in the congregation and in all other areas of life.

Putting God's laws and principles into practice is not easy. We live in a world that is under the power of Satan the Devil, whom the Bible calls "the god of this system of things." (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19) Therefore, it is essential to be on guard against anything that would hinder us from pursuing a career of integrity to Jehovah God. How can we be integrity keepers?

Next time: Hold to "the Pattern of Healthful Words"

Watchtower,2002

"PAY MORE THAN USUAL ATTENTION"

Fully Benefit From Personal Study

We benefit greatly from 'paying more than the usual attention' during periods of personal study and meditation. Reading and pondering over the Bible and Christian publications will furnish us precious opportunities to embed the truths of God's Word in our heart, This, in turn, will have a profound effect on the way we think and act. Indeed,it will help us to find delight in doing Jehovah's will. (Psalm 1:2; 40:8) Therefore, we need to develop our powers of concentration so that they serve us well when we study. It is so easy to be distracted! Minor interruptions-a phone call or a noise may cause us to lose focus. Or we may have a short attention span to begin with. We may sit down with good intentions of feeding spiritually, but before long the mind may,in effect, be grazing in other pastures. How can we "pay more than the usual attention" during personal study of God's Word?

It is beneficial to make a schedule and choose a setting most conductive to study. For most of us, time and privacy are rare commodities . We may feel as if the rushy of daily events is sweeping us along like a twig in a swift stream. Really, we need to fight the current, as it were, and seek a small island of calm. We cannot simply wait for an opportunity to study to present itself. Instead, we need to take comfort of the situation by making time for personal study. (Ephesians 5:15, 16) Some set aside a brief period in the morning when there may be less distraction. Others find that the evening affords a better opportunity. The point is that we must not ignore the vital need to take in accurate knowledge of God and his Son. (John 17:3) Let us therefore schedule time for personal study and then stick to that schedule.

Meditation-the process of pondering over what we have learned through study-is invaluable. It help us to get God's thoughts off the printed page and into our heart. Meditation helps us to see how to apply Bible counsel so that we become "doers of the word and not hearers only." (James 1:22-25) Moreover, meditation helps us to draw ever closer to Jehovah, for it enables us to reflect on his qualities and how they are highlighted in the material being considered during periods of study.

To benefit fully from study and meditation, we must keep the mind clear of distractions. In order to make room for new information when we meditate, we need to shut out the distractions of present-day living. Doing this takes time and solitude, yet, how refreshing it is to partake of the spiritual food and the waters of truth found in God's Word!

What if our attention span to short and our mind starts to wander after a brief period if study? Some have found that they can increase their powers of concentration while studying by starting out with shorter periods of study and gradually lengthening them. Our goal should be to linger in study rather than to rush through it. We need to cultivate an avid interest in the subject under consideration. And we can do further research using the vast amount of material provided by the faithful and discreet slave class. There is great value in peering into "the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10) Doing so enables us to enhance our knowledge of God and to develop our perceptive powers. (Hebrews 5:14) If we are diligent students of God's Word, we will also be "adequately qualified to teach others." -2 Timothy 2:2.

Attending Christian meetings and engaging in personal study will go a long way in helping us to develop and maintain an intimate relationship with Jehovah. Evidently, that was the case with the psalmist who said to God: "How do I love your law! All day long it is my concern." (Psalm 119:97) By all means, then, let us regularly attend meetings , assemblies and conventions. And may we buy out time for Bible study and meditation. We will be richly awarded for thus paying "more than the usual attention" to God's Word.

Next time: KEEP PRACTICING THE THINGS YOU HAVE LEARNED

Watchtower, 2002

Bible Truth Set Them Free

JESUS CHRIST said to a group of listeners: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) As the following examples show, that freedom includes freedom from the demons, the liars and deceivers behind the occult. -John 8:44.

Each of these experiences highlights the liberating power of Bible truth. Yes, it alone truly sets people free. Why not examine the Bible for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

Timothy-Who lives in West Africa is deaf and mute. Because regular doctors could not help him, he went to faith healers, but in vain. "My heart was broken by the deception," he wrote. Then Timothy studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, who explained to him God's purpose to remove all sickness and disabilities. Timothy said, "I eagerly await the day in God's new world when the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped . . . and the tongue of the speechless one will cry out in gladness.' " (Isaiah 35:1-6) In the meantime, he enjoys using a portable DVD player to share Bible truths with other people who are hearing impaired, helping them find true freedom.

Susanna - was a temple priestess in Brazil. She wanted to use here paranormal powers to help the needy. Additionally, she enjoyed "talking with her dead mother.' In time, however, her "mother pleaded with her to kill herself and live with her in the spirit world. This tormented Susanna and gave her nightmares. Then Susanna and her husband began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. They had a hard fight 'opposing the Devil,' but eventually he fled from them.' (James 4:7) Now they have peace, and Susanna no longer has nightmares. "I have so many things to thank Jehovah for," she wrote, "but I am most thankful that he led us out of spiritual darkness."

Next time: Conclusion of Bible Truth Set Them Free

Awake! 2011

Who Is Really Behind the Occult?

CONCERNING our Creator, the Bible says: "God is light and there is no darkness at all in union with him." (1 John 1:5) That is especially true in a spiritual sense. So could the true God be the power behind the occult? Or is there a sinister force involved?

Foremost among occult practices are divination and spiritism, which include astrology, numerology, psalmisty and sorcery, as well as communicating with the "dead" and casting spells. These practices have a very long history, most dating back to ancient Babylon, the ruins of which lie in Iraq. (Isaiah 47:1, 12, 13) From Babylon, occult practices spread around the ancient world and became deeply entrenched in many cultures and civilizations.

Consider an event that occurred in the city of Philippi in ancient Macedonia. There, a small group of Christian ministers, which included the apostle Paul and the physician Luke, encountered a girl who had occult powers. Note how the Bible writer Luke revealed the secret source of her powers. He wrote: "A certain servant girl with a spirit, a demon of divination, met us. She used to furnish her masters with much gain by practicing the art of prediction." -Acts 16:16-18.

Yes, this girl's powers did not come from the true God, Jehovah, but from a demon, an evil spirit. Hence, Paul and his companions refused to listen to her. Perhaps you are now wondering: 'Who are demons? And where did they come from?' Again, note the Bible's answers.

Next time: Who Are the Demons?

Awake! 2011

MESSENGERS OF GODLY PEACE PRONOUNCED HAPPY

Identifying God's Messengers Today

What about today? Many in the world feel a sense of foreboding when they observe the deterioration of human society. Those with a love of righteousness are pained at heart when they see the hypocrisy and sheer wickedness of Christendom. As Jehovah foretold through Ezekiel, they "are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the midst of it." (Ezekiel 9:4) However, many do not realize what Jehovah's purposes are. They need to be told.

Does anyone speak out with the fearless spirit of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel? Jesus indicated that someone would. When foretelling events of our day, he said: "This good news of the kingdom will be approached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) Who today is fulfilling that prophecy, serving as a messenger, a preacher of good news? Similarities between our day and the time of ancient Israel help us to answer that question.

During the dark days of World War I , Jehovah's modern-day people, the remnant of the anointed "Israel of God," went into a captivity similar to that of Israel in Babylon. (Galatians 6:16) They suffered spiritual exile in Babylon the Great, the world conglomerate of false religions,of which Christendom is the most prominent and reprehensible. Nevertheless, Jehovah's words to Ezekiel showed that they were not abandoned. He said: "I will also collect you from the lands among which you have been scattered, and I will give you the soil of Israel." (Ezekiel 11:17) In order to fulfill that promise for ancient Israel, Jehovah raised up the Persian Cyrus, who overthrew the Babylonian World Power and opened the way for a remnant of Israel to return to their land. But what of today?

Next time: Conclusion of Identifying God's Messengers Today

Watchtower, 1997

WHEN GENEROSITY ABOUNDS

Coming to the Giver of Wisdom

In modern times, millions have also been drawn to Jehovah's organization because they have perceived that "the Israel of God" are "a wise and understanding people," not by nature, but because God's perfect laws and principles guide them. (Galatians 6:16) Baptism figures show that in recent years hundreds of thousands of new disciples each year have said,in effect, to spiritual Israel: "We will go with you people." (Zechariah 8:23) How amazed these new ones are when they see the banquet of spiritual food that Jehovah has spread before his servants! They had never seen the like of it in their former religions. -Isaiah 25:6.

Next time: Giving to the Greatest Giver

Watchtower, 1999

WHEN GENEROSITY ABOUNDS

IF YOU had the opportunity to present a gift to a king, what would you give him? What if he were the wealthiest and wisest ruler in the world? Could you think of any gift that would please him? Some three thousand years ago, the queen of Sheba had to ponder those questions while preparing to visit just such a ruler -King Solomon of Israel.

Her gift, the Bible tells us, included 120 talents of gold "and a very great deal of balsam oil and precious stones." At today's prices, the gold alone was worth about $40, 000,000. Balsam oil, an aromatic and medicinal oil, was ranked with gold as a precious commodity. While the Bible does not say how much oil the queen gave Solomon, it does tell us that her gift remained unequaled. -1 Kings 10:10.

The queen of Sheba was obviously a wealthy and generous woman. What is more, her generosity was returned to her. "King Solomon," the Bible says, "gave the queen of Sheba all her delight for which she had asked,besides the value of what she brought to the king." (2 Chronicles 9:12) True, it may have been the custom for royalty to exchange gifts; yet, the Bible specifically mentions Solomon's "openhandedness." ( 1Kings10:13) Solomon himself wrote: "The generous soul will itself be made fat, and the one freely watering others will himself also be freely watered." -Proverbs 11:25.

Of course,the queen of Sheba also made a big sacrifice in time and effort to visit Solomon. Apparently Sheba was in the area of the present-day Republic of Yemen; so the queen and her camel train traveled well over 1,000 miles to Jerusalem. As Jesus said, "she came from the ends of the earth." Why did the queen of Sheba go to so much trouble? She came primarily "to hear the wisdom of Solomon." -Luke 11:31. First Kings 10:1, 2 says that the queen of Sheba "came to test [Solomon] with perplexing questions . . . [she]began to speak to him all that happened to be close to her heart." How did Solomon respond? "Solomon, in turn, went on to tell her all her matters. There proved to be no matter hidden from the king that he did not tell her." -1 Kings 10:3

Astounded at what she heard and saw, the queen humbly replied: "Happy are these servants of yours who are standing before you constantly, listening to your wisdom!" (1 Kings 10:4-8) She did not pronounce Solomon's servants happy because they were surrounded by opulence-although they were. Rather, Solomon's servants were blessed because they could constantly listen to Solomon's God-given wisdom. What a fine example the queen of Sheba is for Jehovah's people today, who bask in the wisdom of the Creator himself and that of his Son, Jesus Christ!

Also noteworthy was the queen's next comment to Solomon: "May Jehovah your God come to be blessed." (1 Kings 10:9) Evidently,she saw Jehovah's hand in Solomon's wisdom and prosperity. This accords with what Jehovah earlier promised to Israel. 'Keeping my regulations,' he said, "is wisdom on your part and understanding on your part before the eyes of the peoples who will certainly say, "This great nation is undoubtedly a wise and understanding people.' " - Deuteronomy 4:5-7.

Next time:Coming to the Giver of Wisdom

Watchtower, 1999

BENEFITS FROM LOVING GOD'S WORD

Glorious Future Benefits

The sowing of Kingdom seed continues to bring great benefits to mankind. In recent years more than 300,000 persons each year have allowed the Bible's message to take root in their hearts to the extent that they have dedicated their lives to Jehovah and symbolized this by means of water baptism. what a glorious future awaits them!

Soon, lovers of God's Word know that Jehovah God will rise up to magnify his name. "Babylon the Great," the world empire of false religion, will be destroyed. (Revelation 18:2, 8) Then, those who refuse to live in harmony with God's Word will be put to death by the King, Jesus Christ. (Psalm 2:9-11; Daniel 2:44) Afterward, God's Kingdom will bring permanent relief from crime, war and other disasters. There will no longer be need to comfort people because of pain, sickness and death. -Revelation 21:3, 4.

What glorious good works will then be accomplished by those who love God's Word! Armageddon survivors will start with the joyful task of transforming this earth into a paradise. They will have the thrilling privilege of preparing for the needs of dead humans who are now resting in the grave and held in God's memory with the prospect of sharing in the resurrection of the dead. (John 5:28, 29) During that time, perfect direction will flow to earth's inhabitants from the Sovereign Lord, Jehovah, through his exalted Son, Jesus Christ. 'Scrolls will be opened,' revealing Jehovah's instructions for new world living. -Revelation 20:12.

In Jehovah's due time, the complete body of faithful anointed Christians will be raised to their heavenly reward as "joint heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:17) During the Thousand Year Reign of Christ, all humans on earth who love God's Word will be uplifted to perfection of mind and body. After proving faithful under a final test, they will be rewarded with everlasting life and will come to enjoy "the glorious freedom of the children of God." (Romans 8:21; Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10) What a wonderful time that will be! Truly, whether Jehovah has granted us a heavenly or an earthly hope, an enduring love of his Word and a determination to live according to godly wisdom will safeguard us. And in the future it 'will glorify us because we embrace it.' -Proverbs 4:6, 8.

Next time: WHEN GENEROSITY ABOUNDS

Watchtower, 1999

HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE GOD'S WORD?

A Prince Who Dared to Be Different

The contents of the 119th Psalm harmonizes well with what we know of Hezekiah when he was still a young prince. Some Bible scholars suggest that Hezekiah was the writer of the psalm. While this is not certain, we do know that Hezekiah had great respect for God's Word. By this life course, he showed that he was in heart harmony with the words at Psalm 119:97. Of Hezekiah, the Bible states: " He kept sticking to Jehovah. he did not turn aside from following him, but he continued keeping his commandments that Jehovah had commanded Moses." -2 Kings 18:6.

By all accounts, Hezekiah did not grown up in a godly family. His father King Ahaz, was a faithless idolater who had at least one of his sons-Hezekiah's own brother-burned alive as a sacrifice to a false god! (2 Kings 16:3) Despite this bad example, Hezekiah was able to "cleanse his path" of pagan influences by getting acquainted with God's Word. -2 Chronicles 29:2.

As Hezekiah grew up, he saw firsthand how his idolatrous father handled affairs of State. Judah was surrounded by enemies. There was Rezin,m the king of Syria, who joined with King Pekah of Israel in besieging Jerusalem. (2 kings 16:5, 6) There were the Edomites and the Philistines, who made successful forays into Judah and even captured some Judean cities. (2 Chronicles 28:16-19) How did Ahaz deal with these crises? Instead of appealing to Jehovah for help against Syria, Ahaz turned to the king of Asyria, bribing him with gold and silver, including that from the temple treasury. But that did not bring lasting peace to Judah. - 2 Kings 16:6, 8.

Eventually, Ahaz died and Hezekiah became king at 25 years of age. (2 Chronicles 29:1) He was relatively young, but that did not prevent him from becoming a successful king. Rather than imitate the conduct of his unfaithful father, he stuck to Jehovah's Law. This included a special commandment for kings: "When [the king] takes his seat on the throne of his kingdom, he must write in a book for himself a copy of this law from that which is in the charge of the priests, the Levites. And it must continue with him, and he must read in it all the days of his life,in order that he may learn to fear Jehovah his God so as to keep all the word of this law." (Deuteronomy 17:18, 19) By reading God's Word daily, Hezekiah would learn to fear Jehovah and avoid repeating the mistakes of his ungodly father.

Not only were the kings of Israel encouraged to give constant thought to God's Word but all God-fearing Israelites were to do so. The first Psalm describes a truly happy man as one whose "delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night." (Psalm 1:1, 2) Of such a man, the psalmist says: "Everything he does will succeed." (Psalm 1:3) In contrast, of the one lacking faith in Jehovah God, the Bible says: "He is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways." (James 1:8) All of us want to be happy and successful. Regular, meaningful Bible reading can contribute to our happiness.

Next time: God's Word Sustained Jesus

Watchtower, 1999

HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE GOD'S WORD?

HUNDREDS of millions of men and women own a copy of the Bible. But there is a difference between owning a Bible and loving God's Word. Can a person rightly claim to love God's Word if he seldom reads it? Of course not! In contrast, women who once had little regard for the Bible now read it every day. They have learned to love God's Word, and like the psalmist, they now make God's Word their concern "all day long." -Psalm 119:97.

One who learned to love God's Word is Nasho Dori. Along with fellow believers, he endured for many decades, serving Jehovah in his native Albania. During much of that time, Jehovah's Witnesses were banned, and these faithful Christians received little Bible literature. Yet, Brothers Dori's faith remained strong. How so? "My goal," he said, was "to read the Bible for at least an hour each day, which I did for some 60 years before my eyesight failed." Until recently, the entire Bible was not available in Albania, but Brother Dori had learned Greek as a child, so he read the Bible in that language. Regular Bible reading sustained Brother Dori through various trials, and it can sustain us as well.

Next time: "Form a Longing" for God's Word

Watchtower, 1999

What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Discouragement and Relationships

Certain human relationships, either in the family or in the congregation can cause discouragement. For instance, there is the feeling of not being understood. The imperfections of fellow believers may also discourage us. Once again, the Scriptures can be of great help to us.

"The whole association of brothers" worldwide makes up a large spiritual family. (1 Peter 2:17) But the feeling of belonging to a united people can fade when difficulties arise because of personality conflicts. Evidently, first-century Christians were not immune to such problems, since the apostle Paul repeatedly had to remind them to live together in unity. For example, he exhorted two Christian women-Euodia and Syntyche-to resolve their differences. -1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 4:2, 3.

If this is the problem, how can we rekindle a sincere love for our brothers and sisters? By reminding ourselves that Christ died for them and that they, like us, have exercised faith in his ransom sacrifice. We can also bear in mind that many of our brothers are prepared to imitate Jesus Christ by risking their lives for us.

Some years ago, in Paris, France, a young Witness did not hesitate to grab hold of a suitcase containing a bomb that had been put outside the Kingdom Hall. He ran down several flights of stairs before throwing it into a fountain, where it exploded. Asked what motivated him to risk his life in this way, he answered: "I realized that our lives were in danger. So I thought it was better for me to die alone that for all of us to be killed." What a blessing it is to have such companions who are ready to follow Jesus' example so closely!

Additionally, we can meditate on the spirit of cooperation that existed among Jehovah's Witnesses who were in the concentration camps during World War II. More recently, our brothers and sisters in Malawi just as faithfully stood their ground as true Christians. Does not the thought that our brothers in the local congregation would act in the same way under adverse circumstances move us to overlook or at least minimize daily tensions and difficulties? If we cultivate the mind of Christ, our everyday relations with fellow worshipers will be a source of refreshment, not discouragement.

Next time: Discouraging Personal Feelings

Watchtower, 1999