What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

HOW can a person fight discouragement? This was the question put to several traveling overseers, who regularly visit congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses. Their answers can help us to analyze the causes of discouragement and the remedies for this condition that can affect any Christian.

More than analysis is needed to deal with discouragement, but the symptoms may include a lack of interest in prayer or in personal study, a slacking off in meeting attendance, the absence of enthusiasm, and even a certain coldness toward Christian companions. One of the most telling signs, however, is a drop in zeal for evangelizing. Let us examine the symptoms and consider some remedies.

Next time: Discouragement in Our Evangelizing Work

Watchtower, 1999

ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

JEHOVAH supports those who keep remembering him as their Grand Creator. His inspired Word gives them he knowledge needed to be fulling pleasing to him. God's holy spirit guides them in doing the divine will and in "bearing fruit in every good work." (Colossians 1:9, 10) Moreover, Jehovah provides spiritual food and theocratic direction through "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47) In many ways, then, God's people have heaven's blessing as they serve Jehovah and carry out the vital work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom. -Mark 13:10.

True Christians are happy to be occupied in sacred service to Jehovah. Yet, some efforts are meaningless. At times, for instance, dedicated Christians may wonder if their conscientious efforts are really worthwhile. When reflecting on family study and other activities, questions like these my well arise in the mind of a family head: 'Is Jehovah really pleased with what we are doing? Are we fulfilling our whole obligation to God? The congregator's wise words can help to answer such questions.

Next time: Is Everything Vanity?

Watchtower, 1999

The Bible Answers Vital Questions

Shortly after the creation of our first parents, Adam and Eve, a powerful spirit creature approached the woman and challenged Jehovah's truthfulness and the rightfulness of his sovereignty. (Genesis 3:1-5) This creature, Satan the Devil, later alleged that humans would not stay loyal to God under adversity. (Job 2:1-5) How did Jehovah react to this situation? He allowed for the passing of time so that it would become evident that humans cannot successfully direct their steps independent of him. (Jeremiah 10:23) When creatures act contrary to God's laws and principles, the result is sin, which produces injurious conditions. (Ecclesiastes 8:9; 1 John 3:4) Despite these adverse circumstances, however, Jehovah knew that some humans could maintain integrity to him.

Since that woeful rebellion in Eden, some 6,000 years have elapsed. Is that too long? Jehovah could have destroyed Satan and his supporters centuries ago. But has it not been better to wait until every conceivable doubt about the rightness of Jehovah's sovereignty and the integrity of humans to him is dispelled? Is it not true of present judicial systems that a court case to prove who is right and who is wrong may take years?

In view of the importance of the issues facing Jehovah and mankind-universal sovereignty and the integrity of humans-how wise it was of God to allow for time to pass! Now we see clearly what happens when humans ignore God's laws and take charge of their own affairs. The result is widespread evil. And that is why so many innocent people suffer today.

Happily, though, God's Word indicates that wickedness will not last forever. In fact, Jehovah will soon put an end to evil and to those who cause it. "As regards the wicked," Says Proverbs 2:22, "they will be cut off from the very earth; and as for the treacherous, they will be torn away from it. On the other hand, those faithful to God can look forward to a time, now near at hand, when "death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." -Revelation 21:4.

So,then, the Bible clearly explains why the innocent suffer. It also assures us that evil and suffering will soon end. As we experience life's present hardships, however, we need the answer to another vital question.

Next time: What is the Purpose of Life?

Watchtower, 1999

Searching for Jehovah With a Prepared Heart

Love-The Greatest Quality

More than all other qualities, love truly makes the soil of our heart responsive to Jehovah's Word. Thus, when comparing it with faith and hope, the apostle Paul described love as "the greatest of these " qualities. (1 Corinthians 13:13) A heart filled with love for God gets intense satisfaction and joy from obeying him; it certainly does not chafe at God's requirements. The apostle John said: "This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments, and yet his commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3) Along similar lines, Jesus said: " If anyone loves me, he will observe my word, and my Father will love him." (1John 14:23) Note that such love is reciprocated. Yes, Jehovah deeply loves those who are drawn to him in love.

Jehovah knows that we are imperfect and regularly sin against him. Even so, he does not keep himself distant from us. What Jehovah looks for in his servants is "a complete heart," one that moves us to serve him willingly with "a delightful soul ." (1 Chronicles 28:9) Of course, Jehovah knows it takes time and effort for us to cultivate good qualities in our heart and thus to produce the fruitage of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Hence, he is patient with us, "for he himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust." (Psalm 103:14) Reflecting the same attitude, Jesus never severely criticized his disciples for their faults. but patiently helped and encouraged them. Do not such love, mercy and patience of Jehovah and Jesus move you to love them all the more? -Luke 7:47; 2 Peter 3:9.

If you at times find it a struggle to pull up deep-rooted, weedlike habits or to break up pockets of hard, claylike traits, do not become downhearted or discouraged. Instead, keep working at making improvements as you "persevere in prayer," including frequent supplication to Jehovah for his spirit. (Romans 12:12) With his willing help, you will, like Ezra, succeed in having a heart fully prepared "to consult the Law of Jehovah and to do it."

Next time:Can the Bible Help Us Today?

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"

The Proper Use of Power

Although he is almighty, Jehovah rules the congregation with love. (1 John4:8) Imitating him, Christian overseers care for God's flock lovingly-using not abusing, their authority. True, overseers sometimes need to "reprove, reprimand, exhort," but this is done "with all long-suffering and art of teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2) So elders constantly meditate on the words that the apostle Peter wrote to those with authority in the congregation: "Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God's inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock." -1 Peter 5:2, 3; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8.

Parents and husbands also have authority granted them by Jehovah, and this power should be used to help, nurture and cherish. (Ephesians 5:22, 28-30; 6:4) Jesus' example shows that authority can be effectively exercised in a loving way. If discipline is balanced and consistent, children do not become downhearted. (Colossians 3:21) Marriages are strengthened when Christian husbands lovingly exercise their headship and wives deeply respect their husbandly head rather than go beyond their God-assigned sphere of influence to dominate or get their way. - Ephesians 5:28, 33; 1 Peter 3:7.

Those with authority in the family and in the congregation should be especially careful to control their anger, since anger instills fear rather than love. The prophet Nahum said: "Jehovah is slow to anger and great in power." (Nahum 1:3; Colossians 3:19) Controlling our anger is a sign of strength, whereas giving vent to it is proof of weakness. (Proverbs 16:32) Both in the family and in the congregation, the goal is to instill love-love of Jehovah, love of one another, and love of right principles. Love is the strongest bond of union and the strongest motivation for doing what is right. -1 Corinthians 13:8; Colossians 3:14.

To know Jehovah is to recognize his power. Through Isaiah, Jehovah said: "Have you not come to know or have you not heard? Jehovah, the Creator of the extremities of the earth,is a God to time indefinite. He does not tire out or grow weary." (Isaiah 40:28) Jehovah's power is inexhaustible. If we rely on him and not on ourselves, he will not forsake us. He assures us: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really hold fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10) How should we respond to his loving care? Like Jesus, let us always use whatever power Jehovah gives us to help and to build up. May we control our tongue so that it heals rather than harms. And may we always stay awake spiritually, standing firm in the faith, and grow mighty in the power of our Grand Creator, Jehovah God. - 1 Corinthians.

Next time:Searching for Jehovah With a Prepared Heart

Watchtower, 2000

"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

POWER can mean a number of things, such as the possession of control, authority, or influence over others; the ability to act or to produce an effect' physical might (strength); or mental or moral efficacy. Humans do not have a good record when it comes to wielding power. Lord Action, a historian, speaking of power in the hands of politicians said: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Modern history abounds with examples showing the general truth of Lord Action's words. During the 20th century, "man has dominated man to his injury" as never before. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Corrupt dictators have grossing abused their power and have snuffed out the lives of millions. Power unrestrained by love, wisdom and justice is dangerous.

Unlike may humans, God always uses his power for good. "As regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) Jehovah directs his power in a controlled way. Patience hold back God's execution of the wicked to give them the opportunity to repent. Love moves him to make the sun shine upon all kinds of men-righteous and unrighteous. Justice will move him finally to use his unlimited power to bring to nothing the one having the means to cause death, Satan the Devil. -Matthew 5:44, 45; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Peter 3:9.

The awesome power of our heavenly Father is a reason for trust and confidence -both in his promises and in his protection. A small child feels safe among strangers when he clutches the hand of his father, since he knows that his father will not let any harm come to him. Likewise, our heavenly Father,the one "abounding in power to save," will protect us from any permanent harm if we walk with him. (Isaiah 63:1; Micah 6:8 ) And as a good Father, Jehovah always fulfills his promises. His unlimited power guarantees that his 'word will have certain success in that for which he has sent it.' -Isaiah 55:11; Titus 1:2.

Why is it so important that we be determined not to lose sight of the protection of our heavenly Father? Because it is possible to be overwhelmed by circumstances and forget where our real security lies. This is seen in the example of King Asa, a man who generally trusted in Jehovah. During Asa's reign, a million-strong army of Ethiopians attacked Judah. Realizing that the military advantage was on the side of the enemies, Asa prayed" "O Jehovah, as to helping, it does not matter with you whether there are many or those with no power. Help us, O Jehovah, you are our God. Do not let mortal man retain strength against you." (2 Chronicles 14:11) Jehovah granted Asa's request and gave him a decisive victory.

After many years of faithful service, however, Asa's confidence in Jehovah's saving power faltered. To avert a military threat from the northern kingdom of Israel, he turned to Syria for help. (2 Chronicles 16:1-3) Although his bribe to the Syrian King Ben-hadad did result in removing the threat from Israel posed to Judah, Asa's convenant with Syria showed a lack of confidence in Jehovah. Hanani the prophet pointedly asked him: "Did not the Ethiopians and the Libyans themselves happen to be a very great military force in multitude, in chariots and in horsemen; and because of your leaning upon Jehovah did he not give them into your hand?" (2 Chronicles 16:7, 8) Nevertheless, Asa rejected this reproof. ( 2 Chronicles 16:9-12) When faced with problems, let us not rely on Human solutions. Instead, let us display confidence in God, for trusting in the power of men will inevitably lead to disappointment. (Amen to this)-Psalm 146:3-5.

Next time: Seek the Power That Jehovah Gives

Watchtower, 2000

JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

Jehovah's Power Guarantees the Fulfillment of His Promises

Jehovah's power is also closely connected with his name and the carrying out of his will. The unique name Jehovah, which means "He Causes to Become," reveals that he causes himself to become the Fulfiller of promises. Nothing or nobody can prevent God from bringing his purposes to fruition, however farfetched skeptics may consider them to be. As Jesus once told his apostles, "with God all things are possible." -Matthew 19:26.

To illustrate, Jehovah once promised Abraham and Sarah that he would make their descendants a great nation. However, they remained childless for many years. They were both very old when Jehovah told them that the promise was about to be fulfilled and Sarah laughed. In reply, the angel said: 'Is anything too extraordinary for Jehovah?" (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:4-8; 18:10-14) Four centuries later, when Moses finally assembled Abraham's descendants-now a great nation-on the plains of Moab, he reminded them that God had fulfilled his promise. Moses said: "You continue to live, because [Jehovah] loved your forefathers so that he chose their seed after them and brought you out of Egypt in his sight with his great power, to drive away nations greater and mightier than you from before you,so as to bring you in, to give you their land as an inheritance as at this day." -Deuteronomy 4:37, 38.

Centuries later, Jesus censured the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection. Why did they refuse to believe God's promise that he would bring back the dead? Jesus told them: "You know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29) The Scriptures assure us that 'all those in the memorial tombs will hear the voice of the Son of man and come out.' (John 5:27-29) If we know what the Bible says about the resurrection, our confidence in the power of God will convince us that the dead will be raised up. God "will actually swallow up death forever . . . for Jehovah himself has spoken it." -Isaiah 25:8.

In the near future, there will come a time when every one of us will need to trust in God's saving power in a special way. Satan the Devil will launch an attack on God's people, who will appear to be unprotected. (Ezekiel 38:14-16) God will then manifest his great power in our behalf, and everyone will have to know that he is Jehovah. (Ezekiel 38:21-23) Now is the time to build our faith and confidence in God the Almighty so that we will not waver at that crucial time.

Without doubt,there are many reasons for meditating on Jehovah's power. As we contemplate his works, we are humbly moved to praise our Grand Creator and give thanks that he uses his power in such a wise and loving way. We will never be intimated if we trust in Jehovah of armies. Our faith in his promises will be unwavering. Remember, though, that we have been created in the image of God. Hence, we also have power-albeit to a limited extent. How can we imitate our Creator in the way we exercise our power? This will be considered in the following article.

Next time:"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

Watchtower, 2000

JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

In the Scriptures, Jehovah is called the "God Almighty," a title that reminds us that we should never underestimate his power or doubt his ability to vanquish his enemies. (Genesis 17:1; Exodus 6:3) Satan's wicked system of things may seem well entrenched, but in Jehovah's eyes "the nations are as a drop from a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales they have been accounted." (Isaiah 40:15) Thanks to such divine power, there is no doubt that good will triumph over evil. At a time when wickedness is rampant, we can take comfort in knowing that "Jehovah of armies, the Powerful One of Israel" will eliminate evil forever. -Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 37:9, 10.

The expression "Jehovah of armies," which occurs 285 times in the Bible, is another reminder of God's power, the "armies" here referred to are the host of spirit creatures that Jehovah has at his command. (Psalm 103:20, 21; 148:2) In a single night, just of these angels slew 185,000 Assyrian soldier who were threatening Jerusalem. Jerusalem. (2 Kings 19:35) If we recognize the power of Jehovah's celestial armies, we will not easily be intimidated by opposers. the prophet Elisha was unconcerned when trapped by and entire army that was seeking him because, unlike his servant, he could see with the eyes of faith a vast host of heavenly forces supporting him. - 2 Kings 6:15-17.

Jesus was likewise conscious of angelic support when he faced a mob armed with swords and clubs in the Garden of Gethsemane. After telling Peter to return his sword to its place, Jesus told him that, if necessary, He could appeal to his Father for "more than twelve legions of angels." (Matthew 26:47, 52, 53) If we have a similar appreciation for the heavenly armies at God's disposal, we will also trust implicitly in divine backing. The apostle Paul wrote: "What then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who will be against us?" -Romans 8:31.

We have every reason, then, to trust in Jehovah's protection. He always uses his power for good and in harmony with his other qualities -justice, wisdom and love. (Job 37:23; Jeremiah 10:12) While powerful men frequently trample on the poor and humble ones for selfish gain, Jehovah "raises up the lowly one from the very dust' and abounds in power to save.' (Psalm 113:5-7; Isaiah 63:1) As Mary, the modest and unassuming mother of Jesus, understood, "the powerful One" unselfishly exercises his power in behalf of those who fear him, humbling the haughty and exalting the lowly. -Luke 1:46-53.

Next time: Jehovah Reveals His Power to His Servants

Watchtower, 2000

JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

God's Power Is Manifest in Creation

The apostle Paul explained that our Creator's eternal power can be clearly perceived in the things he has made.' (Romans 1:20) Centuries earlier, the psalmist David, who as a shepherd must frequently have looked up at the night sky, perceived the grandeur of the universe and the might of its Maker. He wrote: "When I see your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have prepared, what is mortal man that you keep him in mind, and the son of earthling man that you take care of him?" (Psalm 8:3, 4) Despite his limited knowledge of celestial bodies, David understood that he was very insignificant in comparison with the Creator of our vast universe. Today, astronomers know much about the immensity of the universe and the power that sustains it. For example, they tells us that our sun, every second emits 100,000 million megatons of TNT. A very small fraction of that energy reaches the earth; yet that is enough to sustain all life on our planet. Still, our sun is by no means the most powerful star in the heavens. Some stars radiate in only one second the energy that the sun radiates in a whole day. Imagine, then, the power at the disposal of the One who created such heavenly bodies! Elihu rightfully exclaimed: "As for the Almighty, we have not found him out; he is exalted in power." -Job 37:23.

If we 'search for God's works as David did, we will see evidence of his power everywhere -in wind and waves, in thunder and lightning,in mighty rivers and majestic mountains. (Psalm 111:2; Job 26:12-14) Furthermore, as Jehovah reminded Job, animals testify to his strength. Among these is Behemoth, or the hippopotamus. Jehovah told Job: "Its power is in its hips. . .its strong bones are like wrought iron rods." (Job 40:15-18) The fearsome power of the wild bull was also well-known in Bible times, and David prayed that he might be spared from "the mouth of the lion, and from the horns of wild bulls." -Psalm 22:21;Job 39:9-11.

Because of its strength, the bull is used in the Bible to symbolize Jehovah's power. The apostle John's vision of Jehovah's throne depicts four living creatures, on of which had a fact like a bull. (Revelation 4:6, 7) Evidently, one of the four principle attributes of Jehovah portrayed by these cherubs is power. The others are love, wisdom and justice. Since power is such an important facet of God's personality, a clear understanding of his power and how he uses it will draw us closer to him and help us to imitate his example by using well any power at our disposal. -Ephesians 5:1.

Next time: "Jehovah of Armies, the Powerful One"

Watchtower, 2000

JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

POWER is something many of us take for granted. For example, we give little thought to the electrical power that gives us light and heat or to the convenience of plugging in any electrical appliance we may own. Only an unexpected power outage brings home to us that without power, man's cities would practically shut down. Most of the electricity on which we depend comes indirectly from the earth's most reliable power source-the sun. Every second this solar reactor consumes five million tons of nuclear fuel, showering the earth with life-sustaining energy.

Where does all this solar power come from? Who constructed this celestial power plant? Jehovah God did. Referring to him, Psalm 74:16 says: "You yourself prepared the luminary, even the sun." Yes, Jehovah is the ultimate Source of all power, just as he is the Source of all life. (Psalm 36:9) Never should we take this power for granted. Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah reminds us to look up at the heavenly bodies, such as the sun and the stars and meditate on how they came into existence. "Raise your eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bring forth the army of them even by number, all of who he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing." -Isaiah 40:26; Jeremiah 3
2:17.

Since Jehovah is vigorous in power, we can rest assured that the sun will continue to provide us the light and heat on which our lives depend. However, we rely on the power of God for much more than our basic individual needs. Our redemption from sin and death, our hope for the future, and our trust in Jehovah are all inseparably linked to his exercise of power. (Psalm 28:6-9; Isaiah 50:2) The Bible abounds with examples that testify to Jehovah's power to create and redeem, to save his people and destroy his enemies.

Next time: God's Power Is Manifest to Creation

Watchtower, 2000

God Does Answer Prayers

Modern-Day Examples

A young woman in India was in serious need of comfort. Married at 21, she had two children. But soon after the birth of the second child, her husband died. Suddenly, at the age of 24, she was a widow with a 2-month old daughter and a 22-month old son. No wonder she needed comfort! Where could she turn? One night. In deep distress, she prayed, saying, 'Heavenly Father, please comfort me through your Word."

The next morning, she had a visitor. He was one of Jehovah's Witnesses. That day, his house-to-house ministry had been difficult because few had opened the door to him. Tired and rather discouraged, he was about to go home, but somehow he felt impelled to visit just one more house. That was where he met the young widow. She invited him in and accepted a publication that explained the Bible. The woman drew great comfort from reading that publication and from her discussion with the Witness. She learned of God's promise to raise the dead and of God's Kingdom, which will soon make the earth a paradise. Most important, she came to know and love the one true God, Jehovah, who had answered her prayer. Nora, who lives in the city of George. South Africa, set aside a month to share in the full-time evangelizing work. Before starting, she earnestly prayed to Jehovah to help her to find someone who was genuinely interested in studying the Bible. The territory she was assigned to work included the home or a person who had been very rude to Nora on previous visits. Courageously, Nora called at that home again. To her surprise, she found that a new tenant, named Noleen, had moved in. Moreover, Noleen and her mother had been praying to god for help to understand the Bible. "When I offered them a Bible study," explains Nora, "they were delighted." Noleen and her mother progressed quickly. In time, they both began to share with Nora in the spiritual healing work.

Another example showing the power of prayer is that of a couple who live in the South African city of Johannesburg. On a Saturday night in 1996, Dennis and Carol's marriage reached the breaking point. As a last resort, they decided to pray for help, which they repeatedly did until late into the night. The next morning, at 11 o'clock, two of Jehovah's Witnesses knocked at their door. Dennis answered the door and told them to wait until he called his wife. Dennis then warned Carol that if she invited the Jehovah's Witnesses in, it might be hard to get rid of them. Carol reminded Dennis that they had been praying for help and that this might be God's answer to our prayers. So the Witnesses were invited in, and a Bible study was started in the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. Dennis and Carol were thrilled with what they learned. That same afternoon, they attended their first meeting at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. By applying the knowledge they had learned from the Bible, Dennis and Carol found solutions to their marital problems. They are now happy, baptized praisers of Jehovah and regularly share in their Bible - based beliefs with their neighbors.

Next time: What if You Feel Unworthy to Pray?

Watchtower, 2000

God Does Answer Prayers

AT THAT time, the Christian congregation was made up of believing Jews, proselytes, and Samaritans. Cornelius was an uncircumcised Gentile and not part of the Christian congregation. Does that mean that his prayers were in vain? No. Jehovah God took note of Cornelius and his prayerful works. -Acts 10:4.

Through angelic guidance, Cornelius was brought into contact with the Christian congregation. (Acts 10:30-33) As a result, he and his household were privileged to become the first uncircumcised Gentiles to be accepted into the Christian congregation. Jehovah God deemed Cornelius' personal experience worthy of being included in the Bible record. No doubt, he made many changes to being life into complete harmony with God's standards. (Isaiah 2:2-4; John 17:16) Cornelius' experience should be of great encouragement to people of all nations who are seeking God's favor today. Consider some examples.

Next time: Modern-Day Examples

Watchtower, 2000

The Power of Prayer

A Time for Spiritual Healing

God promises to heal mankind of all physical, mental and emotional maladies during the Thousand Year Reign of his Son over the earth. (Revelation 20:1-3; 21:3-5. Sincere Christians eagerly await this promised future, with full faith in God's power to make it a reality. While not expecting such miraculous healing now, they pray to God for his comfort and strength to cope with trials. (Psalm 55:22) When they fall sick, they may also pray for God's guidance in obtaining the best medical treatment within their economic means.

Some religions encourage the sick to pray to be healed now, pointing to the miraculous cures that Jesus and his apostles performed. But such miracles were done for a special purpose. They served to prove that Jesus Christ was the true Messiah and to show that God's favor had been transferred from the Jewish nation to the young Christian congregation. Back then, miraculous gifts were needed to strengthen the faith of the newly established Christian congregation. When the infant congregation got on its feet, as it were, and became mature, the miraculous gifts were "done away with." -1 Corinthians 13:8, 11.

At this crucial time, Jehovah God is directing his worshipers in the more important work of spiritual healing. While they yet have time, people desperately need to respond to this appeal: "Search for Jehovah, you people, while he may be found. Call to him while he proves to be near. Let the wicked man leave his way, and harmful man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will forgive in a large way." - Isaiah 55:6, 7.

This spiritual healing of repentant sinners is being accomplished through the preaching of the good news of God's Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) By empowering his servants to carry out his lifesaving work, Jehovah God is helping millions of people from all nations to repent of their sins and come into a favorable relationship with him before the end of this wicked system. All who sincerely pray for such spiritual healing and all who pray for help to perform this healing work are indeed having their prayers answered.

Next time:God Does Answer Prayers

Watchtower,2000

The Power of Prayer

ELIEZER believes in the power of prayer. With remarkable, childlike faith, he makes this humble request: "Jehovah the God of my master Abraham, cause it to happen, please, before me this day and perform loving-kindness with my master Abraham. Here I am stationed at a fountain of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. What must occur is that the young woman to whom I shall say, 'Let your water jar down, please, that I may take a drink,' and who will indeed say, 'Take a drink, and I shall also water your camels,' this is the one you must assign to your servant, to Isaac; and by this let me know that you have performed loyal love with my master." -Genesis 24:12-14.

Eliezer's confidence in the power of prayer is not in vain. Why, the very first woman who comes to the well happens to be the granddaughter of Abraham's brother! Her name is Rebekah, and she is single, morally chaste and beautiful. Remarkably, she not only gives Eliezer a drink but kindly offers to quench the thirst of all his camel. Later, after a family consultation, Rebekah willingly agrees to go back with Eliezer to a distant land to become the wife of Abraham's son Isaac. What a dramatic and clear answer to Eliezer's prayer back at a time when God occasionally intervened miraculously in events!

We can learn much from Eliezer's prayer. It showed his outstanding faith, humility, and unselfish concern for the needs of others. Eliezer's prayer also showed his submission to Jehovah's way of dealing with mankind. No doubt he was aware of God's special attachment to Abraham as well as His promise that future blessings would come to all mankind through Abraham. (Genesis 12:3) Thus, Eliezer started his prayer with the words: "Jehovah the God of my master Abraham.

Jesus Christ was the descendant of Abraham who would be the means for blessing all obedient mankind. (Genesis 22:18) If we want our prayers to be answered today, we need to show humble recognition of God's way of dealing with mankind through his Son, Jesus Christ said: "If you remain in union with me and my sayings remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will take place for you." -John 15:7.

A follower of Christ who experience the truthfulness of these words of Jesus was the apostle Paul. His belief in the power of prayer was certainly not in vain. He encouraged fellow Christians to take all their anxieties to God in prayer and testified: "For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who impart power to me." (Philippians 4:6, 7, 13) Does this mean that all of Paul's prayers requests to God were granted? Let us see.

Next time: Not All Requests Are Granted

Watchtower, 2000

ARE YOU MOVED TO ACT AS JESUS WAS?

None of us would view the mind of Christ as unique to the first century-to Jesus and the early disciples of whom the apostle Paul wrote: "We do have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16) And we would readily admit that we are obliged to preach the good news and to make disciples. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) Yet, it is beneficial to reflect on our own motives for doing that work. It should not be out of a mere sense of duty. Love for God is a primary reason why we share in the ministry, and truly being like Jesus includes being moved by compassion to preach and teach. -Matthew 22:37-39.

Granted, it is not always easy to feel compassion for those who do not share our beliefs, especially when we encounter apathy, rejection, or opposition. Yet, if we were to lose our love and compassion for people, we could lose a vital motivation for sharing in the Christian ministry. How, then, may we cultivate compassion? We can try to see people as Jesus saw them, as "skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36) Does that not describe many today? They have been neglected and blinded spiritually by false religious shepherds. As a result, they do not know of the sound guidance found in the Bible nor of the Paradise conditions that God's Kingdom will soon bring to our earth. They face the problems of daily life-including poverty, family discord, sickness and death- without having the Kingdom hope. We have what they need: "the life-saving good news of God's Kingdom now established in heaven!

When you thus ponder the spiritual needs of those around you, does not your heart move, you want to do all you can to tell them about God's loving purpose? Yes, ours is a work of compassion. When we feel for people as Jesus did, it will be evident in our tone of voice, our facial expression, our manner of teaching. All of that will make our message more appealing to those who are "rightly disposed for everlasting life." -Acts 13:48.

Our love and compassion should, of course, be manifest in our whole life course. This includes our being kind to the disadvantage, sick and poor-doing what we reasonably can to relieve their suffering. It encompasses our efforts in word and deed to dispel the grief of those who have lost loved ones in death. (Luke 7:11-15; John 11:33-35) Yet, such manifestations of love, kindness and compassion must not become the main focus of out good works, as they are with some humanitarians. Of much more lasting significance are efforts motivated by similar divine qualities but manifested in sharing in the work of Christian preaching and teaching. Recall what Jesus said about the Jewish religious leaders: "You give the tenth of the mint and the dill and the cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness. These things it was binging to do, yet not to disregard the other things." (Matthew 23:23) With Jesus it was not one or the other-either helping people with their physical needs or teaching them the life-giving spiritual matters. Jesus did both. Still, it is clear that his teaching work was foremost because the good he thus accomplished could be of everlasting help. - John 20:16.

How grateful we can be that Jehovah has revealed the mind of Christ to us! By means of the Gospels, we can come to know better the thoughts, feelings, qualities, activities and priorities of the greatest man who ever lived. it is up to us to read , meditate upon, and put into practice what the Bible reveals about Jesus, we must first learn to think, feel, and evaluate matters as he did, to the best of our ability as imperfect humans. Let us, then, be determined to cultivate and demonstrate the mind of Christ. There is no better way to live, no better way to treat people,and no better way for us and others to draw close to the one whom he perfectly reflected, our tender God, Jehovah. -2 Corinthians 1:3; Hebrews 1:
3.

Next time: The Power of Prayer

Watchtower, 2000

GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

His Prehuman Existence

Our close associates can have an effect on us, influencing our thoughts, feelings and actions for good or for bad. (Proverbs 13:20) Consider the association that Jesus had in the heavens before coming to earth. The Gospel of John calls attention to Jesus' prehuman existence as "the Word, or Spokesman, of God. Says John: "In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. This one was in the beginning with God." (John 1:1, 2) Since Jehovah had no beginning, the Word's being with God from "the beginning" must refer to the start of God's creative works. (Psalm 90:2) Jesus is "the firstborn of all creation." Hence, he existed before other spirit creatures and the physical universe were created.- Colossians 1:15; Revelation 3:14.

According to some scientific estimates,the physical universe has existed for at least 12 billion years. If those estimates are anywhere near correct, God's firstborn Son enjoyed close association with his Father for eons before the creation of Adam. (Compare Micah 5:2) A tender and deep bond thus developed between the two of them. As wisdom personified, this firstborn Son in his prehuman existence is represented as saying: "I cam to be the one [Jehovah]was specially fond of day by day, I being glad before him all the time. (Proverbs 8:30) Surely spending countless ages in intimate association with the Source of love had a profound effect on God's Son! (1 John 4:8) This S0on came to know and reflect his Father's thoughts, feelings and ways as no one else could. -Matthew 11:27.

Next time: Earthly Life and Influences

Watchtower, 2000

GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

WHAT did Jesus look like? What color was his hair? His skin? His eyes? How tall was he? How much did he weigh? Over the centuries, artistic representations of Jesus have varied from the reasonable to the far-fetched. Some have depicted him as manly and vibrant, while others have portrayed him as frail and pallid.

The Bible, however, does not focus attention on Jesus' appearance. (No one knows what he looks like because no one has seen him except as a very bright light much as the sun, to try to look at him is like looking straight into the sun for awhile. No one would live) Rather, Jehovah saw fit to reveal something far more significant: The kind of person Jesus was. The Gospel accounts not only report what Jesus said and did but also reveal the depth of feeling and and the pattern of thinking behind his words and actions. These four inspired accounts referred to as "the mind of Christ." ( 1 Corinthians 2:16) It is important that we become acquainted with the thoughts, feelings and personality of Jesus. Why? For at least two reasons.

First, the mind of Christ gives us a glimpse into the mind of Jehovah God. Jesus was so intimately acquainted with his Father (No,not like that, get your minds out of the gutter people) that he could say: 'Who the Son is no one knows but the Father, and who the Father is, no one knows but the Son, and he to whom the Son is willing to reveal to him." (Luke 10:22) It is as if Jesus was saying, 'if you want to know what Jehovah is like, look to me.' (John 14:9) Thus, when we study what the Gospels reveal about the way Jesus thought and felt, we are, in effect, learning how Jehovah thinks and feels. Such knowledge enables us to draw closer to our God. -James 4:8.

Second, our knowing the mind of Christ helps us to "follow his steps closely." (1 Peter 2:21) Following Jesus is not simply a matter of repeating his words and copying his deeds. Since speech and actions are influenced by thoughts and feelings, following Christ requires that we have the same "mental attitude" that he had. (Philippians 2:5) In other words, if we are to truly act like Christ, we must first learn to think and feel like him, that is, to the best of our ability as imperfect humans. Let us, then with the help of Gospel writers, peer into the mind of Christ. We will. first discuss factors that influenced the way Jesus thought and felt.

Next time: His Prehuman Existence

Watchtower,2000

LET US BE THE SORT THAT HAVE FAITH

Bringing Examples of Faith to Life

Paul also built faith by powerful use of examples. As you read Hebrews chapter 11, note how he brings the examples of Bible characters to life. He says, for instance, that Moses "continued steadfast as seeing the one who is invisible." In other words, Jehovah was so real to Moses that it was as if he could see the invisible God. Could the same be true of us? It is easy to talk about a relationship with Jehovah, but to build and strengthen that relationship requires work. That is work we need to do! Is Jehovah so real to us that we take him into consideration when making decisions, including minor ones? Faith of that kind will help us to endure even the worse opposition.

Consider, too, the faith of Enoch. The opposition he faced is difficult for us to imagine. Enoch had to deliver a stinging message of judgment against the wicked people living then. (Jude 14, 15) The persecution that threatened this faithful man was evidently so vicious, so violent, that Jehovah "transferred him," taking him from the living state to the sleep of death before the enemies could lay hold of him. So Enoch did not get to see the fulfillment of the prophecy to be uttered. However, he received a gift that was in some respects, even better. -Hebrews 11:5; Genesis 5:22-24.

Paul explains: "Before his transference [Enoch] had the witness that he had pleased God well." (Hebrews 11:5) What did this mean? Before he went into the sleep of death, Enoch may have had a vision of some kind, perhaps of the earthly Paradise in which he will awaken one day soon. In any case, Jehovah let Enoch know that He was well pleased by his faithful course. Enoch had made Jehovah's heart rejoice. (Compare Proverbs 27:11) Thinking of Enoch's life is touching, is it not? Would you like to live such a life of faith? Then ponder over such examples; see them as real people. Be determined to live by faith, day by day. Remember, too, that the sort that have faith do not serve Jehovah on the basis of a date or deadline when God will fulfill all his promises. Rather, we are resolved to serve Jehovah forever! Doing so means the very best of life in this system of things and in the next.

Next time: How to Grow Stronger in the Faith

Watchtower, 1999

MAY WE NEVER SHRINK BACK TO DESTRUCTION

Why We Should Never Shrink Back to Destruction

True Christians today have equally powerful reasons for not shrinking back. First, let us remember what a blessing we have in the pure for of worship that Jehovah has given us. Like the first-century Christians, we live at a time when members of the more popular religions sneer at us and mock us, pointing proudly to their impressive religious edifices and the antiquity of their traditions. Jehovah assures us, though, that he approves of our form of worship. In fact, we enjoy blessings today that the first-century Christians did not have. You might wonder, 'How can that be?' After all, they lived when the spiritual temple came into operation. Christ became its High Priest upon his baptism in 29 C.E. Some of them had seen the miracle-working Son of God. Even after his death, there were more miracles. As foretold, though, such gifts eventually ceased. -1Corinthians 13:8)

However, we live during a significant fulfillment of the extensive temple prophecy of Ezekiel chapters 40-48. Thus, we have seen the restoration of God's arrangement for pure worship. that spiritual temple has been cleansed of all forms of religious pollution and idolatry. (Ezekiel 43:9; Malachi 3:1-5) Think of the advantages that this cleansing has given us.

During the first century, the future looked dark for the organized Christian congregation. Jesus had foretold that it would be as if a newly planted wheat field were oversown with weeds, making the wheat virtually indistinguishable from the weeds. (Matthew 13:24-30) And so it was. By the end of the first century, when the aged apostle John was acting as the final restraint against corruption, apostasy was already flourishing. (2 Thessalonians 2:6; 1John 2:18) Not long after the death of the apostles, a separate clergy class arose, oppressing the flock and wearing distinctive garb. Apostasy spread like gangrene. How discouraging for faithful Christians! They saw the newly established arrangement for pure worship become overwhelmed by a corrupted form. This developed less than a century after Christ founded the congregation.

Next time: Continue with: Why We Should Never Shrink Back to Destruction

Watchtower, 1999