DOES THE DEVIL Make us Sick?

The Long-Term Solution

Sickness is not God's fault.  "With evil things God cannot be tried nor does he  himself try anyone."  (James 1:13)  If one of his worshipers gets sick, Jehovah  sustains him spiritually.  "Jehovah himself will sustain him upon a divan of illness; all his bed you will certainly change during his sickness."  (Psalm 41:3)  Yes, God has compassion.   He wants to help us, not hurt us.

Indeed, Jehovah has a long-term solution for sickness-Jesus' death and resurrection.  By means of Jesus' ransom sacrifice, righthearted ones are redeemed from their sinful condition and will eventually have access to perfect health and eternal life in a paradise earth.  (Matthew 5:5; John 3:16) Jesus' miracles were a preview of the true healing that  God's Kingdom will bring.  God will also remove Satan and  his demons.  (Romans 16:20) Indeed, Jehovah has wonderful things in store for those who exercise faith in him. We just need to be patient and endure.

In the meantime, God dispenses practical wisdom and spiritual direction by means of the Bible and the worldwide brotherhood of faithful worshipers.  He show us how to avoid the vices that cause health problems.  And he provides us with  true friends who will help when problems arise.

Think again of Job.  Going to a witch doctor would have been the worse thing Job could have done!  It would have deprived him of God's protection, and he would have lost out on all the blessings that awaited him after  his ordeal.  God did not forget Job,and he will not forget us.  "You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave,"  Says the disciple James.  (James 5:11) If  we  never give  up, we too will receive wonderful blessings in God's due time.

What happened to little Owmadji?  Her mother remembered an article in The Watchtower's companion magazine, Awake!  About oral rehydration therapy.  She followed its instructions and prepared the solution for Owmadji to drink.  Now the little girl is fine and healthy.

Next time: YOUTHS-RESIST THE SPIRITS OF THE WORLD

Watchtower, 1999

IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT KIND OF MESSENGER

The Messenger's Good News for Zion!

But there is more. Isaiah 52:7 tells of good news for Jerusalem: "How comely upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, the one publishing peace, the one bringing good news of something better, the one publishing salvation, the one saying to Zion: 'Your God has become king!' " Imagine how thrilling it was to see a messenger approaching Jerusalem from the mountains! He must have news of God's goodwill. Jerusalem and her temple are to be rebuilt! And the messenger proclaims with triumphant enthusiasm: "Your God has become king!"

When Jehovah allowed the Babylonians to overturn his typical throne on which the kings of David's line sat, it might have seemed that He was no longer King. Marduk, Babylon's chief god, appeared to be king instead. However, when Zion's God overthrew Babylon, he demonstrated his universal sovereignty-that he was the greatest King. And to underscore this fact, Jerusalem, "the city of the great King," was to be reestablished, along with its temple. (Matthew 5:35) As for the messenger who brought such good news, although his feet were dusty, soiled and bruised, in the eyes of the lovers of Zion and her God, they looked, oh, so comely!

In a prophetic sense, Babylon's fall meant that God's kingdom was established and the hearer of good news was proclaimer of that fact. Further, this ancient courier, foretold through Isaiah, prefigured a messenger of grander good news-grander because of its sublime content and its Kingdom theme, with marvelous implications for all people of faith.

Ezekiel too was given glowing prophecies of restoration. He prophesied: "This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, . . .'I will also cause the cities to be inhabited, and the devastated places must be rebuilt, and people will certainly say: "That land yonder which was laid desolate has become like the garden of Eden." ' " -Ezekiel 36:33, 35.

In Babylonian captivity, God's people had been mourning over Zion. (Psalm 137:1) Now, they could rejoice. Isaiah exhorted: "Become cheerful, cry out joyfully in unison, you devastated places of Jerusalem, for Jehovah has comforted his people; he has repurchased Jerusalem. Jehovah has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth must see the salvation of our God." -Isaiah 52:9, 10.

Next time: Conclusion of The Messenger's Good News for Zion!

Watchtower, 1997

"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

'The Upright Will Reside in the Earth'

Summing up the objective of his counsel on wisdom, Solomon states: "The purpose is that you may walk in the way of good people and that the paths of righteous ones you may keep." (Proverbs 2:20) What a wonderful purpose wisdom serves! It helps us lead a happy and satisfying life that meets with God's approval.

Consider also the grand blessings that are in store for those who "walk in the way of good people." Solomon continues: "The upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it. As regards the wicked, they will be cut off from the very earth; and as for the treacherous, they will be torn away from it." (Proverbs 2:21, 22) May you be among the blameless who will reside forever in God's righteous world. -2 Peter 3:13.

Next time: What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Watchtower, 1999

REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

Effects of Advancing Age

Solomon next points to difficulties "in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the men of vital energy have bent themselves, and the grinding women have quit working because they have become few, and the ladies seeing at the windows have found it dark." (Ecclesiastes 12:3) The "house" denotes the human body. (Matthew 12:43-45) 2 Corinthians 5:1-8) Its "keepers" are the arms and hands, which protect the body and supply its needs. In old age they often tremble with weakness, nervousness and palsy. "The men of vital energy" -the legs -no longer are sturdy pillars but have weakened and bend so that the feet merely shuffle along. Yet, are you not happy to see elderly fellow believers at Christian meetings?

The grinding women have quit working because they have become few" -but how? The teeth may have decayed or been lost, with few if any left. Grinding solid food is difficult or ceased altogether. "The ladies seeing at the windows" -the eyes coupled with the mental faculties by which we see -become dim, if not completely dark.

"And," continues the congregator, "the doors onto the street have been closed, when the sound of the grinding mill becomes low, and one gets up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song sound low." (Ecclesiastes 12:4) The two doors of the mouth-the lips-no longer open much at all to express what is in the "house," or body, of those advanced age who do not serve God. Nothing is sent forth on "the street" of public life. Yet, what about zealous elderly Kingdom proclaimers? (Job 41:14) They may walk slowly from house to house and some may speak with difficulty, but they surely praise Jah! -Psalm 113:1.

The sound of the grinding mill becomes low as food is chewed with toothless gums. On his bed an old man does not sleep soundly. Even the chirping of a bird disturbs him. Few are the songs that he sings, and his rendering of any melody is feeble. "All the daughters of son"-the melodic notes -"sound low." The elderly one's hearing of music song produced by other is poor. However, older anointed ones and their companions, some of whom also are not so young, keep on raising their voices in songs of praise to God at Christian meetings. How glad we are to have them at our side, extolling Jehovah in the congregation! -Psalm 149:1.

How sad the lot of oldsters, especially by those who have ignored the Creator! Says the congregator: "Also, they have become afraid merely at what is high, and there are terrors in the way. And the almond tree carries blossoms, and the grasshopper drags itself along, and the caper berry bursts , because man is walking to his long-lasting house and the wailers have marched around in the street." (Ecclesiastes 12:5) At the top of a high staircase, many of the aged are fearful of falling. Even looking up at something high may make them dizzy. When they must go out into crowded streets, they are struck with terror at the thought of injury or assault by thieves.

Next time: Conclusion of Effects of Advancing Age

Watchtower, 1999

Searching for Jehovah With a Prepared Heart

ISRAELITE priest Ezra was an outstanding researcher, scholar, copyist and teacher of the Law. For Christians today he is also a fine example of whole-souled service. How so? In that he maintained his godly devotion even while living in Babylon, a city filled with false gods and demon worship.

Ezra's godly devotion did not just happen. He worked at it. Indeed, he tells us that he "had prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do it." -Ezra 7:10.

Like Ezra, Jehovah's people today want to do all that Jehovah asks of them while living in a world that is hostile to true worship. So let us examine ways in which we too can prepare our heart, the inner person-including our thoughts, attitudes, desires and motivations-to "consult the law of Jehovah and to do it."

Next time: Preparing Our Heart

Watchtower, 2000

"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

Conclusion of Seek the Power That Jehovah Gives

Second we can draw spiritual strength from the Bible. (Hebrews 4:12) The power of God's word was evident during the days of King Josiah. Although this Judean king had already removed pagan idols from the land, the unexpected discovery of the Law of Jehovah in the temple motivated hm to intensify this cleansing program. After Josiah had personally read the Law to the people, the whole nation made a covenant with Jehovah, and a second, more vigorous, campaign against idolatry was launched. The fine outcome of Josiah's reform was that during "all his days they did not turn aside from following Jehovah." - 2 Chronicles 34:33.

Third, we draw strength from Jehovah through Christian association. Paul encouraged Christians to attend meetings regularly in order to "incite to love and fine works" and to encourage on another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Of course, they could all have stayed at home and prayed. But they chose to come together to pray and encourage one another during that difficult arduous journey to Rome, he met up with some brothers in Puteoli and later with others who had traveled to meet him. His reaction? "Upon catching sight of them [the latter], Paul thanked God and took courage." (Acts 28:13-15) He was strengthened by being with fellow Christians once again. We too draw strength from association with fellow Christians. As long as we are free and able to associate with one another, we must not try to walk alone along the cramped road leading off into life. -Proverbs 18:1; Matthew 7:14.

Through regular prayer, study of God's Word, and association with fellow believers, we "go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength." (Ephesians 6:10) All of us undoubtedly need "power in the Lord." Some suffer from debilitating illnesses, others from the ravages of old age or from the loss of a lifetime companion. (Psalm 41:3) Others endure the opposition of an unbelieving mate. Parents, especially single parents, may find that caring for a full-time job while bringing up a family is an exhausting responsibility. Young Christians need the strength to stand up to peer pressure and to say no to drugs and immorality. No one should hesitate to ask Jehovah for "power beyond what is normal" to cope with such challenges. 2 Corinthians 4:7.

Next time: "Giving to the Tired One Power"

Watchtower, 2000

LET US BE THE SORT THAT HAVE FAITH

THE next time you are in a Kingdom Hall full of worshipers of Jehovah, pause to look at those around you. Think of the many ways in which they show faith. You may see elderly ones who have served God for decades, youths who daily stand up to peer pressure and parents who work hard to raise God-fearing children. There are congregation elders and ministerial servants, who shoulder many responsibilities. Yes, you may see spiritual brothers and sisters of every age who surmount all manner of obstacles in order to serve Jehovah. How precious the faith of each one! -1 Peter 1:7.

Few imperfect humans, if any, have understood the importance of faith better than did the apostle Paul. In fact, he noted that genuine faith leads to the preserving alive of the soul." (Hebrews 10:39) Paul knew, though, that faith is subject to attack and erosion in this faithless world. He was deeply concerned about the Hebrew Christians in Jerusalem and Judea, who were struggling to preserve their faith. As we look at parts of Hebrew chapters 10and 11, let us take note of the methods that Paul used to build up their faith. In the process, we will see how we can build stronger faith in ourselves and in those around us.

Next time: Express Confidence in One Another

Watchtower, 1999

FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART

SHE was likely a prostitute, not someone you would expect to find in the home of a religious person. If some were shocked to see her there, what she did was more shocking. She approached the man with the highest morals and displayed her appreciation for his works, washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair.

That man, Jesus, was not repelled by this woman, "known in the city to be a sinner." But Simon the Pharisee, whose home it was, was concerned that she was a sinner. Jesus responded by telling of two men in debt to a lender. One owed a lot-about two year's wages for a laborer. The other owed a tenth of that-less than three months' wages. When neither could repay, the lender "freely forgave them both." Clearly, the one forgiven more had greater reason to respond in love. After tying in the woman's kind act, Jesus added the principle: "He who is forgiven little, loves little." Then he told her: "Your sins are forgiven." -Luke 7:36-48.

Ask yourself, 'Had I been that woman or if I were in a similar situation and mercy was shown me, would I then be harshly unforgiving toward others? You might answer, 'Certainly not!' Still, do you truly believe that you are inclined to forgive? Is that your basic nature? have you often done so readily, and would others describe you as being forgiving? Let us see why each of us ought to give this our frank, introspective attention.

Next time: Forgiveness Needed-And Shown to Us

Watchtower, 1999

Cultivate Intimacy With Jehovah

"DRAW close to God, and he will draw close to you," wrote the disciple James. (James 4:8) And the psalmist David sang: "The intimacy with Jehovah belongs to those fearful of him." (Psalm 25:14) Clearly, Jehovah God wants us to have an intimate relationship with him. Yet, not everyone worshiping God and obeying his laws necessarily feels close to him.

What about you? Do you have a close personal relationship with God? Undoubtedly, You want to draw closer to him. How may we cultivate intimacy with God? What would this mean for us? The third chapter of the Bible book of Proverbs provides answers.

Manifest Loving-Kindness And Trueness

King Solomon of ancient Israel commences the third chapter of Proverbs with the words: "My son, my law, do not forget, and my commandments may your heart observe, because length of days and years of life and peace will be added to you." (Proverbs 3:1, 2) Since Solomon wrote under divine inspiration, this fatherly advice is really coming from Jehovah God, and is directed to us. We are counseled here to abide by God's reminders-his law, or teaching, and his commandments-recorded in the Bible. If we do this, "length of days and years of life and peace will be added to us. Yes, even now we can enjoy a peaceful life and can avoid pursuits that expose us to the danger of early death that often befalls evildoers. Moreover, we can entertain the hope of eternal life in a peaceful new world. -Proverbs 1:24-31; 2:21, 22.

Continuing Solomon says: "May loving-kindness and trueness themselves not leave you. Tie them about your throat. Write them upon the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and good insight in the eyes of God and of earthling man." - Proverbs 3:3, 4.

The original language word for "loving-kindness" is alternately rendered "loyal love" and entails fidelity, solidarity and loyalty. Are we determined to remain attached to Jehovah come what may? Do we display loving-kindness in our relationship with fellow believers? Do we work to remain close to them? In day-to-day dealings with them, do we keep 'the law of loving-kindness upon our tongue' even under trying conditions? -Proverbs 31:26.

Being abundant in loving-kindness, Jehovah is "ready to forgive." (Psalm 86:5) If we have repented of our past sins and are now making straight paths for our feet, we are assured that "seasons of refreshing" will come from Jehovah. (Acts3:19) Should we not imitate our God by forgiving others of their trespasses? -Matthew 6:14, 15.

Jehovah is the "God of truth," and he wants "trueness" from those seeking intimacy with him. (Psalm 31:5) Can we really expect Jehovah to be our friend if we lead a double life-acting one way around Christian associates and another way when they are out of their sight-like"men of untruth" who hide what kind of people they are? (Psalm 26:4) How foolish that would be, since "all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes" of Jehovah! -Hebrews 4:13.

Loving-kindness and trueness are to be valued as a priceless necklace 'tied about our throat,' for they help us 'find favor in the eyes of God and earthling man.' We need not only to display these qualities outwardly but also to engrave them on the tablet of our heart,' making them an intrinsic part of our personality.

Next time: Cultivate Implicit Trust In Jehovah

Watchtower, 2000