A People for God's Name

Gustavo learned that God's name, Jehovah, is not a mere point of interest for a Bible student. (Exodus 6:3)  It is a vital part of true worship.  Jesus taught his followers to pray:  "Our Father in the heavens, let you name be sanctified."  (Matthew 6:9)  Speaking of Gentiles who became Christians, the disciple James said: "God . . . turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name."  (Acts 15:14 In the first century, the "people for his name" was the Christian congregation.  Is there a people for God's name today?  Yes, and Gustavo came to realize that Jehovah's Witnesses  are that people.

Jehovah's Witnesses are active in 235 lands and territories.  They number over six  million ministers, and another eight million interested ones have attended their meetings.  Widely known for their  public ministry, they fulfill Jesus' words:   "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations."  (Matthew 24:14)  Why, though, did Gustavo feel that he had found a spiritual paradise in association with Jehovah's Witnesses?  He says: "I compared what I had seen in the world and especially in the seminary with what I found among Jehovah's Witnesses.  The great difference is love among the Witnesses."

Others have made similar comments about Jehovah's Witnesses, Miriam, a young Brazilian woman said: "I did not know how to be happy, not even in  my  family.  The first time I saw love in action was among Jehovah's Witnesses."  A man named Christian said:" I occasionally dabbled in spiritism, but religion was not important to me.  I valued more my social position  and my work as an engineer.  Still, when my wife began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, I saw a difference in her.  I was also impressed by the joy and zeal of the Christian women who visited her."  Why do people say such things about Jehovah's Witnesses? 

Next time: What Is the Spiritual Paradise?

The Watchtower, 2001

Jehovah Provides His People a Resting-Place

A SHADED resting-place on a  mountain path is a most welcome sight to a weary traveler.  In Nepal, such resting-places are called chautara.  A typical chautara may be located next to a luxuriant banyan tree, a shady place to sit and rest.  Setting up a chautara is an act of kindness, and most of the benefactors remain anonymous.

Experiences from Nepal show how Jehovah God has become  a Source of joy and spiritual refreshment to many weary "travelers" in this system of things. -Psalm 23:2.

Lil Kumari lives in the beautiful city of Pokhara with a magnificent view of the snow capped Himalaya Mountains.  But worried about family finances, Lil Kumari felt that there was little to look forward to. When one of Jehovah's Witnesses visited her, she was moved  by the Bible's bright hope and immediately requested a home Bible study.

Although Lil Kamari enjoyed the study, it was not easy to continue because of strong family opposition.  But she did not give up.  She attended Christians meetings regularly and applied what she was learning,  especially on the matter of wifely subjection.   (something all women need to learn, as women's rights are a project of Satan's  and is carried too far in today's wicked world.) As a result, her husband  and her mother came to realize that Lil Kumari's Bible study was benefiting the entire family.

Her husband and a number of relatives are now studying God's Word. At a recent assembly held in Pokhara, Lil Kamari enjoyed the program along with 15 of her relatives.  She says: "My home has become a restful place because our family is now united in true worship, and I have found true peace of mind."

Although caste discrimination is illegal in Nepal, it still wields a powerful influence on the people's way of life.  Thus, many are interested in what the Bible has to say about equality and impartiality.  Learning that "God is not partial" greatly changed the life of Surya Maya and her family. -Acts 10:34.

Surya Maya was distressed by the injustice of caste discrimination and the burden of deep-rooted traditions and customs.  Being a devout woman, for years Surya Maya asked her idol gods for help.  But  her prayers went unanswered.  One day she was crying out for help, her six-year-old granddaughter Babita approached her and asked:  "Why are  you crying for  help before idols that can't do anything?"

It turned out that Babita's mother was studying the Bible with one of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Babita enthusiastically invited her grandmother to a Christian meeting.  when Surya Maya attended , she was surprised  to see people of various castes enjoying one another's company without any prejudice.  Immediately she requested a home Bible study.  Although this resulted in her being ostracized by her neighbors, she was not disheartened; neither did her limited ability to read and write prevent her from making spiritual progress.

Eight years have passed, and six members of her family, including her husband and three children, have become Jehovah's Witnesses. Surya Maya is not a full-time minister, a regular pioneer, joyfully helping others to unload their heavy burdens at the real resting-place that only Jehovah can provide.

Next time: JEHOVAH EMPOWERS THE TIRED ONE

Watchtower, 2000

THE BIBLE - A Textbook for Living

Counsel That Endures

Wise King Solomon said: "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."  (Proverbs 3:5, 6)  How uncomplicated, yet profound, those works are!

The Bible is a force for good.  It enable lovers of God to bring their life in harmony with his will and to find happiness in "walking in the law of Jehovah."  (Psalm 119:1)  No matter what our circumstances, the Bible contains the direction and counsel that we need.  (Isaiah 48/:17, 18) Read it daily, meditate on what  you read, and apply it.  It will keep  your mind clear and focused on things that are pure and wholesome.  (Philippians 4:8, 9)  You will learn not only how to live and enjoy life but also how to love the Creator of life.

By following such a course, the Bible will become for you-as it has for millions of others-more than just a good book.  It will truly prove to be a textbook of living!

Next time: Jehovah Provides His People a Resting-Place

Watchtower, 2000

THE BIBLE -Cherished and Suppressed

ERASMUS' fondest hope was that everyone could read and understand the Scriptures.  The Bible's opponents, however, fiercely rejected such an idea.  In fact, Europe at the time was an exceedingly dangerous place for anyone even remotely curious about the Bible's contents.  In England a parliamentary statute was enacted, which ordered that "whoever read the Scriptures in English should forfeit land, chattels, goods and life . . .and that, if they continued obstinate, or relapsed after being pardoned, they should first be hanged for treason against the king, and then burned for heresy against God."

On the European mainland, the Catholic Inquisition ruthlessly hunted down  "heretical" sects, such as the French Waldenses, and singled them out for persecution because of their habit of preaching "from the gospels and epistles and other sacred scriptures, . . . since preaching and exposition of holy scripture [was] completely forbidden to laymen."  Countless men and women suffered excruciating torture and death because of their love for the Bible.  They risked the severest penalties just to recite the Lord's Prayer or the Ten Commandments and to teach them to their children.

Such devotion to the Word of God continued to live in the hearts of many pilgrims who sailed to colonize North America.  In early America, "reading and religion were inextricably intertwined, defining a culture based entirely on familiarity with the Bible," says the book A History of Private Life -Passions of the Renaissance.  In fact, a sermon published in Boston in 1767, recommended:  "Be diligent in reading holy scripture.  Every morning and every evening you must read a chapter of your Bible."

According to the Barna Research Group in Ventura, California, more than 90 percent of Americans own an average of three Bibles.  A recent study shows, though, that while the Bible is still highly regarded there,  "spending time reading it, studying it and apply it . . . is a thing of the past."  Most have only a passing acquaintance with its contents.  One newspaper columnist observed:  "The thought that [the Bible] still might have  an urgent bearing on current problems and concerns seldom occurs."

Next time: The Tide of Secular Thinking

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

THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES

"I have proved the judge wrong"

YEAR BORN: 1954
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ENGLAND
HISTORY: VIOLENT CRIMINAL

MY PAST: I was born in Dudley, a large industrial town in the West Midlands.  From my childhood, Father instilled in me a love of reading.  He also encouraged an appreciation for the marvels of  nature, although he attributed those to evolution.  He taught me that God did not exist.  Even so, my parents sent me to a local Methodist Sunday school.

When I was eight, I saw some local boys set fire to a  boat on the canal.  The police came, but fear stopped me from talking to them.  The boys had threatened me.  I was unjustly accused of the crime and became resentful in response, I vandalized some local schools, churches and factories, leaving a trail of destruction worth thousands of dollars.  By the time I was ten, I had started  breaking into houses and shops to steal.  I became fascinated with fire and committed many acts of arson.  At  school, the teacher described me as uncontrollable.

When I was 12, I discovered a book about the occult and made my own Ouija board.  Because my parents didn't believe in God, they thought that my interest in spiritism was just harmless fun and that it would keep me out of trouble.  But by the time I left school, I had appeared many times before the juvenile court.  I had joined a violent group called skinheads.  I carried a razor and a bike chain as weapons. I found a job but soon lost it because I was sentenced to prison for a brief  time.  After my release, I again began vandalizing property and was arrested and sentenced to two years in  prison.  The judge described me as beyond reform and a menace to society.

After being released from prison, I met up with my former girlfriend,  Anita.  We married, and for a while I didn't steal or cause trouble.  After a few years, though,I returned to a life of crime.  I began breaking into businesses and robbing their safes.  I started taking drugs, drinking heavily and carrying a gun.  I was again arrested and sentenced to prison.

My lifestyle placed Anita under a great deal of stress.  Her doctor gave her a prescription  for tranquilizers but told her that what she really needed was a divorce.  Fortunately for me, she didn't take his advice. 

Next time:  HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY  LIFE

Watchtower, 2011

THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES

HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE

I knew that if I wanted to develop good qualities, I would have to work at it.  But I didn't know where to start.  I decided to go to an evangelical church in Madrid that I had once visited with my parents.  I prayed to God,  using his name, Jehovah.

Soon thereafter, two of Jehovah's Witnesses called at my home.  I eagerly discussed the Bible with them, but I also raised many objections to what they were teaching.  Esther, the Witness who conducted a regular Bible study with me, was very patient.  She and her family showed me a great deal of love and tenderness.  I began attending the meetings conducted by the Witnesses and soon realized that I had found the truth I had been looking for.  (Same here with me)

I had just finished my dramatic arts studies when all sorts of career opportunities opened  up. I secured a role in a production that would be staged in a famous theater in Madrid.  But I also realized that to succeed as an actress, I would have to commit myself totally to the arts.  I finally decided to try to find another form of employment, one that would allow me to focus on serving God.  I took to heart Jesus' words:  "No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other.  You cannot slave for God and for Riches."  (Matthew 6:24)  My boyfriend of eight years did not share my convictions, so I decided to end the relationship.  None of these changes were easy.

HOW I HAVE BENEFITED: At present, I work part-time, providing leisure activities and entertainment for the elderly.  Doing so allows me to spend the majority of my time teaching the Bible to Arabic-speaking people who live in my area.  I have to work hard at learning this new language, but I thoroughly enjoy sharing the good things that I have learned with people who are so hospitable and spiritually  inclined. 

The emptiness that I felt while I was studying to become an actress has now been replaced with a sense of purpose.  I feel that Jehovah has helped me to become a better, happier person.

Next time: " I Have proved the judge wrong"

Watchtower, 2011

Faith Can Change Your Life

Faith Helps Those Looked Down Upon

In Ethiopia, two poorly dressed men came to a meeting for worship conducted by Jehovah's Witnesses.  At the end of the meeting a Witness introduced himself to them in a friendly manner.  The men asked for a handout.  The Witness gave them,  not money, but something better.  He encouraged them to develop faith in God, which is "of much greater value than gold."  (1 Peter 1:7)  One of them responded and began to study the Bible.   This changed his life.  As he grew in faith, he gave up smoking, heavy drinking, immorality and the use of  Khat (an addictive stimulant).  He learned how to support himself instead of begging and now lives a clean, productive life. 

In Italy a 47-year-old man had been sentenced to ten years in prison and was detained in a judicial psychiatric hospital.  One of Jehovah's Witnesses who is authorized to enter prison institutions to give spiritual assistance studied the Bible with him.  The man made rapid progress.  Faith changed his life so much that other prisoners now turned to him for counsel  on how to deal with their problems.  His Bible-based faith has won him respect,esteem and the trust of the prison authorities.                                 

In recent years, newspapers have reported on civil wars in Africa.  Particularly horrifying are accounts of young boys who are trained as soldiers.  These children are drugged, brutalized and forced to engage in dehumanizing behavior against their relatives in order to ensure that their sole loyalty is to the faction for which they are fighting.  Is a Bible-based faith strong enough to change the lives of such youngsters?  In at least two cases,it was.

In Liberia, Alex served as an altar boy in the Catholic Church.  But at the age of 13, he joined a warring faction and became a notorious child soldier.  To make himself brave in battle, he turned to witchcraft.  Alex saw many of his companions killed, but he survived.  In 1997 he met Jehovah's Witnesses and found that  they did not look down on him.  Rather, they helped him to learn what the Bible  says about violence.  Alex left the army.  As his faith began to grow, he followed the Bible command:  "Let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it." -1 Peter 3:11.

Meanwhile, a former child soldier named Samson came through the town where Alex now lived.  He had been a choirboy but in 1993 became a soldier and got involved in drug abuse, spiritism and immorality.  In 1997 he was demobilized. Samson was heading for Monrovia to join a special security force when a friend persuaded him to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witness, and as a result, he developed  a Bible-based faith.  This gave him the courage to abandon his warlike ways.  Both Alex and Samson now live peaceful and moral lives.  Could anything but Bible-based faith make changes in lives that had been so brutalized?

Next time: The Right Kind of Faith

Watchtower, 2000

THE FAMILY-A Human Necessity

Value of Bible Education

In a united Christian family, the importance of regular Bible study is also stressed.  Daily discussion of Bible texts and a weekly study of Sacred Scriptures provide a basis for a united family.  Basic Bible truths and principles should be discussed together in a way that stirs the hearts of all in the family.

Such family sessions should be educational but at the same time enjoyable  and encouraging.  A family in the north of Sweden used to have the children write down questions that came up during the week.  These questions were then discussed at the weekly Bible study.  The questions were often deep and thought-provoking and proved  to be a reflection of the children's thinking abilities and appreciation of Bible teachings.  Some questions were:  "Does Jehovah make everything grow all the time, or did he do it just once?"  "Why does the Bible say that God is not a man?"  Why does the Bible say that God created man 'in his image'  since God is not a man?"  "Didn't Adam and Eve freeze during the winter in Paradise since they were barefoot and didn't have any clothes?"   "Why do we need the moon at night when it should be dark?"  The children are now grown and are serving God as full-time ministers.

When handling family problems, you parents do well to strive to be positive and cheerful.  Be considerate and flexible, yet consistent, when it comes to heeding important principles.  Let the children see that love for God and his right principles always governs your decisions.  The school environment is often very stressful and depressive, and the children need much encouragement in the home to counterbalance such an influence.

Parents do  not pretend to be perfect, admit mistakes and apologize to your children when necessary.  Young people, when Mom and Dad admit a blunder, grow in love for them. -Ecclesiastes 7:16.

Yes, a united family provides a home of peace, security and happiness.  The German poet Goethe once said:  "He is happiest, king or peasant, who finds his happiness at home."  For appreciative parents and children, there should be no place like home.

True, the family is severely threatened today by the pressures of the world in which we live.  But since  the family is from God, it will survive.  Your family will survive, and you will too if you follow God's righteous guidelines for happy family life.

Next time:A BOOK FOR ALL PEOPLE

Watchtower, 1998

YOUTHS-TRAIN YOUR PERCEPTIVE POWERS!

Discernment in Planning Your Education

The Bible says that it is wise to plan for the future.  (Proverbs 21:5)  have  you and your parents discussed your future?  Perhaps you plan to enter the full-time ministry as a pioneer.  Really, no career choice could bring greater satisfaction.  If  you are cultivating good study habits and developing skills in the ministry, you are preparing for this exciting career.  Have  you thought about how you will support yourself in the ministry?  If, in the future, you choose to raise a family, will you be able to care for that added responsibility?  making balanced, realistic decisions about such things requires the use of perceptive powers.

In some places it is still possible to get on-the -job training in a useful skill or profession.  There are youths who learn the family business or receive training from adult friends who have businesses.  Other take courses at school that will be useful in earning a living later.  Where such opportunities are not available, after careful thought parents may arrange for their children to receive some supplementary education after high school.  Planning ahead in this way so as to care for adult responsibilities and especially so as to be able to share in the pioneer service over the long term is not compatible with putting God's Kingdom first.  (Matthew 6:33) And supplementary education does not  rule out pioneering.  One  young  Witness, for example, had wanted to pioneer for a long time.  After she finished high school, her parents - regular pioneers themselves - arranged for her to have some supplementary education.  She was able to pioneer while she received her schooling, and now she has a  skill with which she supports herself as she continues pioneering.

In the matter of supplementary education, each family has the right and responsibility to make its own decision.  When such education is chosen, it can be helpful.  It can, though, be a trap.  If you are considering such education,  what is your goal?  Is it to  prepare yourself to handle adult responsibilities in an honorable way?  Or are you "seeking great things for  yourself"?  (Jeremiah 45:5; 2 Thessalonians 3
:10; 1 Timothy 5:8; 6:9)  What about pursuing supplementary education away from home, perhaps living on a campus?  Would that be  wise in view of Paul's warning that "bad associations spoil useful habits"?   (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Timothy 2:22)  Remember, too, that  "the time left is reduced."  (1 Corinthians 7:29)  How much time will you devote to such education?  Will it consume the bulk  of your youthful years?  If so, how will you apply the Bible's encouragement to "remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood"?  (Ecclesiastes 12:1) Further, will the courses  you take allow time for such vital Christian activities as meeting attendance, field service and personal study?  (Matthew 24:14; Hebrews 10:24, 25) If your perceptive powers are keen, you will never lose sight of spiritual goals as you and your parents  plan for your future.

Next time: Keeping Courtship Honorable

Watchtower, 1999

Conclusion of Young People Ask: Why Won't My Parents Let Me Have Fun?

What though,if you're invited to go out with friends but you aren't sure how your parents will react? When you are face with a decision, the Bible encourages you to consider the options you have, good and bad, and to weigh the consequences. (Deuteronomy 32:29; Proverbs 7:6-23) With regard to the invitation you've received from your friends, what options do you have?

OPTION A: DON'T ASK-JUST GO.
Why You might consider this option: You want to impress your friends with how independent you are. You feel that you know better than your parents, or you have little respect fro their judgment. -Proverbs 15:5.

The consequences: Your friends will learn something about you-that you can be deceitful. if you'd deceive your parents, you might be willing to deceive your friends. If your parents find out, they'll feel hurt and betrayed and you'll likely be grounded! Disobeying your parents and going out anyhow is a foolish option. -Proverbs 12:15.

OPTION B: DON'T ASK - Don't GO.

Why you might consider this option: You think about the offer an decide that the activity doesn't measure up to your principles of that some of those invited would not be good company. (1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 4:8) On the other hand, you might want to go but don't have the courage to ask your parents.

The consequences: If you don't go because you know it's a bad idea, you'll be more confident when answering your friends. But if you don't go simply because you lack the courage to ask your parents, you might end up sitting at home brooding, feeling that you're the only one who's not having fun.

OPTION C: ASK - AND SEE.
You recognize
Why you might consider this option: your parents' authority over you and respect their judgment. (Colossians 3:20) You love your parents and don't want to hurt them by sneaking out behind their backs. (Proverbs 10:1) You also have a chance to present your case.

The consequences: Your parents feel that you love and respect them. And if they view your request as reasonable, they might say yes.

Next time: Why Parents Might Say No

Awake! 2011

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

PREPARE FOR THE MILLENNIUM THAT MATTERS!

THE THOUSAND YEAR REIGN of Christ will bring untold blessings to the human family. Under Jesus' loving direction, mankind will be lifted from its present sorry state to glorious perfection. Think of what that can mean for you. Radiant health! Imaging waking up each morning feeling better than the day before. Millions of men, women and children look forward to living during that happy time. They count on it, pray for it. Their study of the Bible has convinced them that these blessings can be theirs to enjoy.

Before he begins his Thousand Year Reign, however, Jesus Christ must rid the earth of all who oppose his rulership. he will do this at the battle called Armageddon in the Bible. (Revelation 16:16) Genuine Christians on earth will not fight in that war. It is God's war. And it will not be confined to a single geographic location. The Bible says that it will reach to the farthest corners of the earth. Enemies of Christ's rulership will be slain. None of them will escape! -Jeremiah 25:33.

Then Jesus will turn his attention to Satan the Devil and his demons. Picture the scene, as the writer of the book of Revelation saw it: "I saw an angel [Jesus Christ ] coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years." (Revelation 20:1, 2) Later, Satan and his demons will be destroyed forever. -Matthew 25:41.

"A great crowd, which no man [is]able to number," will survive Armageddon. (Revelation 7:9) Christ will guide these to benefit fully from "fountains of waters of life," just as a shepherd guides his sheep to lifesaving waters. (Revelation 7:17) Unhindered in their spiritual progress by Satan and his demons, these Armageddon survivors will gradually be helped to overcome their sinful tendencies until finally they reach perfection!

Under Christ's rulership, living conditions will steadily improve. Jehovah God, through Jesus Christ, will eliminate all causes of pain and sorrow. He "will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be now more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." (Revelation 21:4) The prophet Isaiah rounds out the picture, saying: "At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped. At that time the lame one will climb up just as the stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one will cry out in gladness." (Isaiah 35:5, 6) And the dead, "the great and the small," will come back to life with the prospect of never having to die again! -Revelation 20:12.

Even now, the "great crowd" that will survive Armageddon are being gathered. They are getting ready for Christ's Millennial Reign. Although they do not know when that reign will begin, they are confident that in God's due time, it will be ushered in. You can be among them, but you too must get ready-not by selling your belongings and traveling to some geographic location, but by taking in accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and his purposes through a study of the Bible. At no cost or obligation, Jehovah's Witnesses will gladly show you how a study of the Bible can benefit you and your family. The publisher of this magazine will be happy to provide further information.

The Thousand Years - Literal or Symbolic?

Since most of the Bible book of Revelation was written in symbolic language, a question arises. What about the Thousand Year Reign of Christ mentioned in Revelation? Is it literal or a symbolic period?

There is every indication that a literal thousand year period is meant. Consider: The apostle Paul refers to the Thousand Year Reign of Christ, during which mankind is judged, as a day. (Acts 17:31; Revelation 20:4) The apostle Peter wrote that one day (24 hours) will Jehovah is as a thousand years. (2 Peter 3:8) That would argue that this judgment "day" is literally one thousand years long. In addition, at Revelation 20:3, 5-7) We read four different times, not of "a thousand years," but of "the thousand years." This would seem to indicate a period of definite length.

Next time:HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE GOD'S WORD?

Watchtower, 1999

"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

Will You Put Forth the Effort?

A major factor in the pursuit of wisdom is the diligent study of the Bible. This study, though, should be much more than reading simply for the sake of getting information. Purposeful meditation on what we read is an essential part of studying the Scriptures. Gaining wisdom and discernment involves pondering over how we can use what we are learning in solving problems and in making decisions. Acquiring understanding calls for contemplating how the new material fits in with what we already know. Who will deny that such a relative study of the Bible requires time and energetic effort? The investment of time and energy is spent when 'seeking for silver and searching for hid treasures.' Will you 'buy out the opportune time' to do so? -Ephesians 5:15, 16.

Consider what great treasures await us if we with an honest heart dig deep into the Bible. why, we would find "the very knowledge of God" -the sound, stable life-giving knowledge of our Creator! (John 17:3) "The fear of Jehovah" is also a treasure to gain. How valuable this reverential awe of him is! The healthy fear of displeasing him must govern every aspect of our life, adding a spiritual dimension to all that we do. -Ecclesiastes 12:13.

A keen desire to search and dig for spiritual treasured should be burning within us to facilitate our search,Jehovah had provided excellent digging tools-the timely journals of truth The Watchtower and Awake! , as well as other Bible-based publications. (Matthew 24:45-47) For our education in his Word and ways, Jehovah has also provided Christian meetings. We need to attend these regularly, give ear to what is being said, put forth earnest effort to concentrate on and treasure up key thoughts, and think deeply about our relationship with Jehovah. -Hebrews 10:24, 25.

Next time: You Will Not Fail

Watchtower, 1999

"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

"Pay Attention to Wisdom"

In the loving words of a father, was King Solomon of ancient Israel says: "My son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my own commandments with yourself, so as to pay attention to wisdom with your ear, that you may incline your heart to discernment; if, moreover, you call out for understanding itself and you give forth your voice for discernment itself, if you keep working for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah and you will find the very knowledge of God." -Proverbs 2:1-5.

Do you see where the responsibility for gaining wisdom lies? In these verses, the expression "if you" appears three times. Clearly, it is up to each one of us to seek wisdom and its handmaidens-discernment and understanding. First, though, we need to "receive" and "treasure up" in memory the words of wisdom recorded in the Scriptures. For this we need to study the Bible.

Wisdom is the ability to put God-given knowledge to proper use. And how wonderfully the Bible makes wisdom available! Yet, it contains words of wisdom, such as those recorded in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, and we need to pay attention to these words. We also find in the pages of the Bible many examples that show the benefits of applying godly principles and the pitfalls of ignoring them. (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11) For instance, consider the account of greedy Gehazi, the attendant of the prophet Elisha. (2 Kings 5:20-27) Does it not teach us the wisdom of avoiding greed? And what about the tragic outcome of seemingly harmless visits made by Jacob's daughter Dinah to "the daughters of the land" of Canaan? (Genesis 34:1-31) Do we not readily discern the folly of bad associates? -Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33.

Paying attention to wisdom entails acquiring discernment and understanding . According to Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, discernment is "the power or faculty of the mind by which it distinguishes one thing from another." Godly discernment is the ability to distinguish right from wrong and then to choose the correct course. Unless we 'incline our heart' to discernment or are eager to acquire it, how can we stay on "the road leading off into life?" (Matthew 7:14; compare Deuteronomy 30:19, 20) The study and application of God's Word imparts discernment.

How may we "call out for understanding" -the ability to see how the aspects of a subject relate to one another and to the whole? Age and experience, of course, are factors that can help us to develop greater understanding-but not necessarily so. (Job 12:12; 32:6-12) "With more understanding than older men I behave," said the psalmist "because I observe your [Jehovah's] own orders." He also sang: "The very disclosure of your words gives light, making the experienced ones understand." (Psalm 119:100, 130) Jehovah is "the Ancient of Days," and he has understanding infinitely superior to that of all mankind. (Daniel 7:13) God can impart understanding to an inexperienced one, enabling him to surpass in that quality even those older in years. Therefore, we ought to be diligent in studying and applying God's Word,the Bible.

The repeated phrase "if you" in the opening passage of the second chapter of Proverbs is followed by such expression as "receive," "treasure up," "call out," "keep seeking," "keep searching." Why does the writer use these expression of increasing intensity? Says one reference work: "The sage [here] emphasizes the necessity of earnestness int he pursuit of wisdom." Yes, must earnestly pursue wisdom and its related qualities-discernment and understanding.

Next time: Will You Put Forth the Effort?

Watchtower, 1999

HEED THE WARNING!

Take Refuge Now

To take refuge by seeking Jehovah, we have to be his friends. What does that involve? The Bible answers: "Do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4) To be friends of God, we must rid ourselves of any emotional attachment to the present wicked world, characterized by a rebellious attitude toward God.

The Bible admonishes us: "Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because everything in the world-the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one's means of life-does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." (1 John 2:15-17) Most people today are motivated by fleshly desires-uncontrolled sexual appetite, greedy pursuit of money, and abusive use of power. But to be in Jehovah's side, one must overcome such desires. -Colossians 3:5-8.

You may have read this journal from time to time, and you might agree with its application of Bible prophecies. Yet, you may hesitate to take the further step of associating with Jehovah's Witnesses. If we are faced with a disaster, however, is it enough just to hear the warning? As we can see from the case of the Mount Fugen eruption, we need to act on the warning. Remember, at least 15 news reporters and cameramen intent on securing a scoop lost their lives. In fact, one photographer died with his finger on the shutter button of his camera. A volcanologist-who had remarked, "If one day I have to die, I want it to be at the edge of a volcano"-lost his life just as he had wished. They were all dedicated to their work and their pursuits. Yet, they paid with their lives-the price of ignoring the warning.

Next time: Continue with Take Refuge Now

Watchtower, 2000

HEED THE WARNING!

The Fear-Inspiring Day of Jehovah

What will happen when the tie is ripe for Jehovah to execute his judgment? Listen to his own graphic description of what will then take place: "I will give portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun itself will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah." -Joel2:30,31.

That day, more fearsome and destructive than any local volcanic eruption or earthquake, is imminent. The prophet Zephaniah says: "The great day of Jehovah is near. It is near and there is a hurrying of it very much. . .By the fire of his zeal the whole earth will be devoured, because he will make an extermination ,indeed a terrible one, of all the inhabitants of the earth." Although "neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah's fury," there is a way to survive that fear-inspiring day. -Zephaniah 1:14-18.

Showing how, Zephaniah says: "Before there comes upon you people the burning anger of Jehovah's anger, seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth . . .Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah's anger." (Zephaniah 2:2, 3) We can take refuge by 'seeking Jehovah , seeking righteousness, and meekness and seeking meekness.' Who today are seeking Jehovah?

You no doubt relate the word "Jehovah" to Jehovah's Witnesses because of their preaching work. You may have received this magazine from one of them. They are known as moral citizens who lead upright lives. They are endeavoring to put on a "new personality," which includes developing meekness. (Colossians 3:8-10) This, they admit, results from being educated by Jehovah's visible organization, throughout the earth represented by local congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses. Yes, you can take refuge along with 'the entire association of brothers' among Jehovah's Witnesses the world over. -1 Peter 5:9.

Next time: Take Refuge Now

Watchtower, 2000

FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART

We Need to Work at Being Forgiving

It would be nice to think that in the Christian congregation, there are few occasions when we have to practice the godly course of forgiving. The reality is otherwise. Granted, our Christian brothers and sisters are striving to follow Jesus' pattern of love. (John 13:35; 15:12, 13; Galatians 6:2) They have long worked, and are still working, to abandon ways of thinking, speaking, and acting common to this wicked world. They truly want to manifest the new personality. (Colossians 3:9, 10) Yet, we cannot ignore the fact that the global congregation, and each local congregation, is composed of imperfect humans. Overall, they are certainly better than they once were, yet they are still imperfect.

In the Bible, God deliberately tells us that we can expect imperfection in the congregation, among our brothers and sisters. Consider, for instance, Paul's words recorded at Colossians 3:13: "Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also.{"

Significantly, the Bible here reminds us of the link between God's forgiving us and our duty and need to be forgiving toward others. Why is this a challenge? Because Paul admitted that someone may have "a cause for complaint against another." He realized that such causes would exist. They must have existed in the first century, even among Christian "holy ones," who, had a 'hope reserved for them in the heavens.' (Colossians 1:2, 5) So we can imagine that it would be otherwise today when most true Christians do not have the testimony of the spirit that they are God's chosen ones, holy and loved."? (Colossians 3:12) Hence, we should not conclude that something is exceptionally wrong if in our congregation there are causes for complaint-hurtful feelings over real or supposed wrongs.

The words of Jesus' half brother James also show that we must expect that we may at least occasionally encounter situations that call on us to forgive our brothers. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth." (James 3:13, 14) "Bitter jealousy and contentiousness" in the hearts of true Christians? Yes, James' words clearly suggest that such had surfaced in the first-century congregation and will do so today.

A real example involved two anointed Christians who had a fine reputation for exerting themselves side by side with Paul. You may recall reading about Euodia and Syntyche, members of the Philippian congregation. Though not describing the matter in detail. Philippians 4:2,3 shows that there was some problem between them. Did it begin with a thoughtless, unkind comment, a perceived slight of a relative, or some evidence of competitive jealousy? Whatever its nature, it became so serious that Paul heard about it far away in Rome. Icy silence may have developed between the two spiritual sisters, leading to their keeping each other at a distance at the meetings or making harsh comments about the other to their friends.

Does any of that sound familiar, like what occurred between some in your congregation or something that you were involved in? A problem of that sort may even now exist to a degree. What can we do? In the ancient case , Paul urged those two dedicated sisters "to be of the same mind in the Lord." They may have agreed to discuss the matter, to clear the air, to express a mutual willingness to forgive,and then actually to imitate Jehovah's forgiving attitude. There is not reason to think other than that euodia and Syntyche succeeded, and we too can succeed. Such a forgiving attitude can be applied successfully today.

Next time: Make Peace-Forgive

Watchtower, 1999

ARE YOU LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION?

Keep Your Vision Clear

We are living in times that are becoming more difficult for Christians. Satan and his agents try to blur the distinction between good and bad, clean and unclean, moral and immoral, ethical and unethical. (Romans 1:24-28; 16:17-19) He has made it so easy for us to pollute our hearts and minds by means of a TV remote control or a computer keyboard. Our spiritual vision can become blurred, or out of focus, so that we fail to discern his crafty acts. Our resolve to live up to our dedication can be weakened and our grip on the "plow" loosened if we compromise our spiritual values. -Luke 9:62; Philippians 4:8.

Paul's words to the congregation in Thessalonica are therefore most timely: "This is what God wills, the sanctifying of you, that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you should know how to get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in covetous sexual appetite such as also those nations have which do not know God." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) Immorality has let to some being disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation-those who neglected their dedication to God. They allowed their relationship with God to weaken, so that he no longer counted in their lives. Yet, Paul said: "God called us, not with allowance for uncleanness, but in connection with sanctification. So, then, the man that shows regard is disregarding, not in man, but God, who puts his holy spirit in your." -Thessalonians 4:7, 8.

Next time: What Is Your Determination?

Watchtower, 2001

ARE YOU LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION?

HOW do athletes reach their peak performance? In tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, track, golf, or any other sport, the best reach the top only by unwavering dedication. Physical and mental conditioning are priorities. This fits well with one of the definitions of the word "dedicated," which is "wholly committed to a particular course of thought or action."

However, what does "dedication" mean in the Biblical sense? "Dedicate" translates a Hebrew verb that has the meaning "keep separate; be separated; withdraw." In ancient Israel, High Priest Aaron wore on his turban "the holy sign of dedication," which was a shining plate of pure gold engraved with the Hebrew words for "Holiness belongs to Jehovah." That served as a reminder to the high priest that he must avoid doing anything that would profane the sanctuary "because the sign of dedication, the anointing oil of h is God, [was] upon him." -Exodus 29:6; 39:30; Leviticus 21:12.

We can see in this context that dedication is a serious matter. It implies voluntary identification as a servant of God, and it requires clean conduct. Therefore, we can appreciate why the apostle Peter quoted Jehovah as saying: "You must be holy because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15, 16) As dedicated Christians, we bear a heavy responsibility to live up to our dedication, being faithful to the end. But what is involved in Christian dedication? -Leviticus 19:2; Matthew 24:13.

After we gained accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and his purposes and of Jesus Christ and his role to those purposes, we made the personal decision to serve God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength. (Mark 8:34; 12:30; John 17:3) that might even be viewed as a personal vow, an undeserved dedication to God. Our dedication was not made as a result of an emotional caprice. It was carefully and prayerfully thought through, using the power of reason./ We cannot be like someone who starts to plow a field and then gives up partway through because it is too much hard work or because the harvest seems to be too far off or by no means certain. Consider the examples of some who have 'put their hand to the plow' of theocratic responsibility through thick and thin. -Luke 9:62; Romans 12:1, 2.

Next time: They Did Not Renounce Their Dedication

Watchtower, 2001