A Hidden Cause Of The Storm
The Bible tells us that Satan the Devil, the epitome of selfishness, has an unseen, increasingly pernicious influence over the world. Why is that so? Because he has been cast down from heaven to the vicinity of the earth and is very angry. Indeed, he is bent on causing as much "woe," or trouble, as possible, and the divine institution of marriage is just one object of Satan's malicious anger. - Revelation 12:9, 12.
Referring to the time after Satan's eviction, Jesus said: " Because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will cool off." (Matthew 24:12)
In a similar vein, the apostle Paul wrote: "[People] will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural [or familial] affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God." (2 Timothy 3:2-4) These repugnant characteristics have always existed to some extent, but they have become much more pronounced in recent times, as most people readily acknowledge.
In view of the storm battering the institution of marriage, what can we do to shield ourselves and to enjoy a truly happy and lasting marriage?
Next time; How To Build A Happy Marriage
10.17.2006
10.16.2006
Surging Divorce Rates
Let us look at several countries to see how the popularity of divorce has led to further erosion of marriage. In the United States, according to a recent report, "the number of divorced couples quadrupled between 1970 and 1996." Roughly, 1 in 5 adults has been lashed by the destructive winds of divorce. Who are the most vulnerable to marriage failure? Statistics show that about 60 percent of all divorces occur within the first ten years.
In other countries too, divorce rates have soared. The total number of divorces in England and Wales reached 153,490 in 2004. Australians can expect about 40 percent of their marriages to end in divorce. The republic of Korea saw an increase of 21,800 divorces in just one year - from 2002-2003 - a total of 167,100 couple divorced. Japan, where 1 in every 4 marriages ends in divorce, is now approaching Europe's divorce rate. " Once upon a time it was only the very worst marriages that would end in divorce, " Observed an expert in family studies at the Japan Red Cross University. " Now it has become a simple life style issue."
In many countries long-standing religious institutions and social traditions contributed to marriage stability. However, they can no longer stop the rising tide of social acceptance of divorce. For instance, consider the Roman Catholic Church, where marriage is regarded as something sacred. In 1983 the church relaxed its rules concerning marriage bonds and made it easier for Catholics to end a marriage. Hence, annulments have increased since then.
Obviously, the threads that bind marriage are unraveling. But not all the reasons are obvious. In fact, besides the general breakdown in society, there is another major cause of the increase in failed marriages - one that is hidden from the view of the majority of mankind.
Next time: A Hidden Cause Of The Storm
Let us look at several countries to see how the popularity of divorce has led to further erosion of marriage. In the United States, according to a recent report, "the number of divorced couples quadrupled between 1970 and 1996." Roughly, 1 in 5 adults has been lashed by the destructive winds of divorce. Who are the most vulnerable to marriage failure? Statistics show that about 60 percent of all divorces occur within the first ten years.
In other countries too, divorce rates have soared. The total number of divorces in England and Wales reached 153,490 in 2004. Australians can expect about 40 percent of their marriages to end in divorce. The republic of Korea saw an increase of 21,800 divorces in just one year - from 2002-2003 - a total of 167,100 couple divorced. Japan, where 1 in every 4 marriages ends in divorce, is now approaching Europe's divorce rate. " Once upon a time it was only the very worst marriages that would end in divorce, " Observed an expert in family studies at the Japan Red Cross University. " Now it has become a simple life style issue."
In many countries long-standing religious institutions and social traditions contributed to marriage stability. However, they can no longer stop the rising tide of social acceptance of divorce. For instance, consider the Roman Catholic Church, where marriage is regarded as something sacred. In 1983 the church relaxed its rules concerning marriage bonds and made it easier for Catholics to end a marriage. Hence, annulments have increased since then.
Obviously, the threads that bind marriage are unraveling. But not all the reasons are obvious. In fact, besides the general breakdown in society, there is another major cause of the increase in failed marriages - one that is hidden from the view of the majority of mankind.
Next time: A Hidden Cause Of The Storm
10.14.2006
Altered Perceptions
Perceptions about the nature and purpose of marriage have also changed. You have probably observed a shift in emphasis from loyal and supportive marriage partners to spouses who primarily expect personal fulfillment- often at the expense of their mate.
The transition to this self-centered view of marriage "began in the 1960s and accelerated in the 1970s," states the Journal Of Marriage and Family. Traditional reasons for marriage - such as the desire for love, intimacy, fidelity, children and mutual fulfillment - have weakened.
Several other recent developments have accelerated the transformation of marriage in many lands. First, the traditional roles of the male breadwinner and the female homemaker have changed in many countries. With the entry of women into the paid workplace, there has been a notable rise in the number of dual-career households. Second, childbearing outside marriage is increasingly accepted, leading to more single-parent families. Third, cohabitation as replacement for marriage is growing. Fourth, same sex unions and the movement to legalize them have gained wide approval. Have these modern trends influenced your view of matrimony?
Next time: Surging Divorce Rates
Perceptions about the nature and purpose of marriage have also changed. You have probably observed a shift in emphasis from loyal and supportive marriage partners to spouses who primarily expect personal fulfillment- often at the expense of their mate.
The transition to this self-centered view of marriage "began in the 1960s and accelerated in the 1970s," states the Journal Of Marriage and Family. Traditional reasons for marriage - such as the desire for love, intimacy, fidelity, children and mutual fulfillment - have weakened.
Several other recent developments have accelerated the transformation of marriage in many lands. First, the traditional roles of the male breadwinner and the female homemaker have changed in many countries. With the entry of women into the paid workplace, there has been a notable rise in the number of dual-career households. Second, childbearing outside marriage is increasingly accepted, leading to more single-parent families. Third, cohabitation as replacement for marriage is growing. Fourth, same sex unions and the movement to legalize them have gained wide approval. Have these modern trends influenced your view of matrimony?
Next time: Surging Divorce Rates
10.13.2006
Marriage Under Attack
The attacks on marriage are not new; they go back to the beginning of human history. Qualities and attitudes that developed in our first human parents have led to the marriage crisis we experience today. Adam and Eve sinned whenthey gave in to selfish cravings, and thus "sin entered into the world." (Romans 5:12) The historical record of the Bible states that soon after this, " every inclination of the thoughts of [man's] heart was only bad all the time."- Genesis 6:5.
Not much has changed since then. Among the corrosive inclinations that plague marriage is the uninhibited pusuit of selfish gratification. Marriage itself might seem an outdated institution, no longer viable in a modern world under the spell of a new morality. And the relaxing of laws that regulate the breakup of a marriage has removed most of the stigma once attached to divorce.
Impatient individuals, who seek quick results and instant gratification, give little or no thought to the consequences of divorce. Lured by seductive promises of freedom and independence, they believe that divorce will lead to happiness.
Others when faced with thornlike problems in their relationship turn to therapists and marriage counselors or to books written by such authorities. Sadly, some modern marriage "experts" have proved more adept at promoting divorce than at defending marriage. "For perhaps the first time in human history," states the book, The Case For Marriage, "marriage as an ideal is under a sustained and suprisingly successful attack. Sometimes the attack is direct and ideological, made by 'experts' who believe a lifelong vow of fidelity is unrealistic or oppressive."
Next time:Altered Perceptions
The attacks on marriage are not new; they go back to the beginning of human history. Qualities and attitudes that developed in our first human parents have led to the marriage crisis we experience today. Adam and Eve sinned whenthey gave in to selfish cravings, and thus "sin entered into the world." (Romans 5:12) The historical record of the Bible states that soon after this, " every inclination of the thoughts of [man's] heart was only bad all the time."- Genesis 6:5.
Not much has changed since then. Among the corrosive inclinations that plague marriage is the uninhibited pusuit of selfish gratification. Marriage itself might seem an outdated institution, no longer viable in a modern world under the spell of a new morality. And the relaxing of laws that regulate the breakup of a marriage has removed most of the stigma once attached to divorce.
Impatient individuals, who seek quick results and instant gratification, give little or no thought to the consequences of divorce. Lured by seductive promises of freedom and independence, they believe that divorce will lead to happiness.
Others when faced with thornlike problems in their relationship turn to therapists and marriage counselors or to books written by such authorities. Sadly, some modern marriage "experts" have proved more adept at promoting divorce than at defending marriage. "For perhaps the first time in human history," states the book, The Case For Marriage, "marriage as an ideal is under a sustained and suprisingly successful attack. Sometimes the attack is direct and ideological, made by 'experts' who believe a lifelong vow of fidelity is unrealistic or oppressive."
Next time:Altered Perceptions
10.12.2006
Can Marriage Withstand The Storm?
Homes that looked sturdy were swept off their foundations, their structures ripped to shreds. As monster storms hit large areas around the globe recently, the quality and durability of countless buildings were put to the ultimate test.
A storm of another nature, however, is wreaking havoc on the foundation and structure of the age-old institution of marriage. "For better or worse, marriage has been displaced from its pivotal position in personal and social life," states family historian Stephanie Coontz.
Can you see the affects of such a trend? Do you feel that marrian is losing its honored place in society? If so, why is this happening? And what hope does anyone have of securing or maintaining a happy marriage? First, though, what is putting marriage in danger?
Next time: Marriage Under Attack
Homes that looked sturdy were swept off their foundations, their structures ripped to shreds. As monster storms hit large areas around the globe recently, the quality and durability of countless buildings were put to the ultimate test.
A storm of another nature, however, is wreaking havoc on the foundation and structure of the age-old institution of marriage. "For better or worse, marriage has been displaced from its pivotal position in personal and social life," states family historian Stephanie Coontz.
Can you see the affects of such a trend? Do you feel that marrian is losing its honored place in society? If so, why is this happening? And what hope does anyone have of securing or maintaining a happy marriage? First, though, what is putting marriage in danger?
Next time: Marriage Under Attack
10.10.2006
Give Back To Jehovah
Because we recognize Jehovah as the Giver of every good gift, our hearts are stirred to express appreciation for the blessings we receive. How can we do that? One way is by helping others to enjoy these same blessings. (Matthew 28:19) In over 230 lands, Jehovah's Witnesses are busy to do just that. As they do so, they expend their limited personal resources - time, energy and material possessions- to assist others to "come to an accurate knowledge of truth." - Timothy 2:4.
Consider the pioneers living in Glendale, California U.S.A. Every Saturday morning, they travel about 65 miles round-trip to visit a federal detention center. Even though they can spend no more than a few hours on each visit with the prisoners, they are not discouraged. One of them says: " It is so rewarding to serve in this unque territory. We are doing it with much joy. We have so many interested ones that it is hard to keep up. Presently, we are studying with five people, and four others have requested a Bible study."
Zealous Christian ministers are happy to offer their services free of charge to perform this lifesaving work. They reflect the attitude of Jesus, who said: " You received free, give free." (Matthew 10:8) Millions around the world are engaged in similar unselfish service, and as a result, crowds of honesthearted ones are responding and are becoming disciples. In the past five years alone, nearly 1.7 million have dedicated their lives to Jehovah. Caring for the needs of this ongoing expansion requires the production of Bibles and Bible-based publications as well as the building of new Kingdom Halls and other meeting places. Where does the money to supply these needs come from? Entirely from voluntary donations.
Because of the poor economic conditions in some parts of the world, many struggle to provide the bare necessities of life for their families. According to the magazine New Scientist, one billion people spend at least 70 percent of their household income on food. Many of our Christian brothers and sisters are in that situation. Without help from fellow believers, they simply could not afford such things as Christian publications or suitable Kingdom Halls.
Of course, that does not mean that such ones are content to let others carry their load. But they need assistance. Moses, when encouraging the Israelites to make material contributions as a way of thanking Jehovah for their blessings, said: " The gift of each one's hand should be in proportion to the blessing of Jehovah your God that he has given you." (Deuteronomy 16:17) Hence, when Jesus saw a widow contribute "two small coins of very little value" in the temple, he praised her to his disciples. She did what she could. (Luke 21:2, 3) Similarly, Christians in poorer circumstances do what they can. And if there is a deficiency, it can be supplied by contributions from fellow Christians who are not so materially poor. - 2 Corinthians 8:13-15.
When we give back to God in such ways, it is important that we have the right motive. (2 Corinthians 8:12) Paul said: " Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver ." (2 Corinthians 9:7) By giving freely from the heart, we both support the theocratic expansions that is now taking place and increase our own joy. - Acts 20:35.
Sharing in the preaching work and making voluntary contributions are two ways that we can give to Jehovah in return for the blessings he has given us. And how encouraging it is to know that Jehovah wishes to bestow his blessing upon many more sincere ones, who presently may not know him! (2 Peter 3:9) Let us, therefore, continue to use our resources in God's service so as to find honest-hearted ones and assist them to develop such qualities as obedience, faith and appreciation. That way, we will have the joy of helping them to "taste and see that Jehovah is good." - Psalm 34:8.
Because we recognize Jehovah as the Giver of every good gift, our hearts are stirred to express appreciation for the blessings we receive. How can we do that? One way is by helping others to enjoy these same blessings. (Matthew 28:19) In over 230 lands, Jehovah's Witnesses are busy to do just that. As they do so, they expend their limited personal resources - time, energy and material possessions- to assist others to "come to an accurate knowledge of truth." - Timothy 2:4.
Consider the pioneers living in Glendale, California U.S.A. Every Saturday morning, they travel about 65 miles round-trip to visit a federal detention center. Even though they can spend no more than a few hours on each visit with the prisoners, they are not discouraged. One of them says: " It is so rewarding to serve in this unque territory. We are doing it with much joy. We have so many interested ones that it is hard to keep up. Presently, we are studying with five people, and four others have requested a Bible study."
Zealous Christian ministers are happy to offer their services free of charge to perform this lifesaving work. They reflect the attitude of Jesus, who said: " You received free, give free." (Matthew 10:8) Millions around the world are engaged in similar unselfish service, and as a result, crowds of honesthearted ones are responding and are becoming disciples. In the past five years alone, nearly 1.7 million have dedicated their lives to Jehovah. Caring for the needs of this ongoing expansion requires the production of Bibles and Bible-based publications as well as the building of new Kingdom Halls and other meeting places. Where does the money to supply these needs come from? Entirely from voluntary donations.
Because of the poor economic conditions in some parts of the world, many struggle to provide the bare necessities of life for their families. According to the magazine New Scientist, one billion people spend at least 70 percent of their household income on food. Many of our Christian brothers and sisters are in that situation. Without help from fellow believers, they simply could not afford such things as Christian publications or suitable Kingdom Halls.
Of course, that does not mean that such ones are content to let others carry their load. But they need assistance. Moses, when encouraging the Israelites to make material contributions as a way of thanking Jehovah for their blessings, said: " The gift of each one's hand should be in proportion to the blessing of Jehovah your God that he has given you." (Deuteronomy 16:17) Hence, when Jesus saw a widow contribute "two small coins of very little value" in the temple, he praised her to his disciples. She did what she could. (Luke 21:2, 3) Similarly, Christians in poorer circumstances do what they can. And if there is a deficiency, it can be supplied by contributions from fellow Christians who are not so materially poor. - 2 Corinthians 8:13-15.
When we give back to God in such ways, it is important that we have the right motive. (2 Corinthians 8:12) Paul said: " Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver ." (2 Corinthians 9:7) By giving freely from the heart, we both support the theocratic expansions that is now taking place and increase our own joy. - Acts 20:35.
Sharing in the preaching work and making voluntary contributions are two ways that we can give to Jehovah in return for the blessings he has given us. And how encouraging it is to know that Jehovah wishes to bestow his blessing upon many more sincere ones, who presently may not know him! (2 Peter 3:9) Let us, therefore, continue to use our resources in God's service so as to find honest-hearted ones and assist them to develop such qualities as obedience, faith and appreciation. That way, we will have the joy of helping them to "taste and see that Jehovah is good." - Psalm 34:8.
10.09.2006
Present-Day Blessings
These accounts demonstrate that the lives of those who serve God are truly meaningful. As Jehovah's people develop such qualities as obedience, faith and appreciation of spiritual things, they are richly blessed.
How are we blessed? Well, while millions within the Christendom suffer from spiritual famine, we can be "radiant over the goodness of Jehovah." (Jeremiah 31:12) Through Jesus Christ and "the faithful and discreet slave," Jehovah has provided a bountiful supply of spiritual food that helps us to remain on "the road leading off into life." (Matthew 7:13, 14; 24:45; John 17:3) Association with our Christian brotherhood is another rich blessing. At meetings and on other occasions, being with fellow worshipers who demonstrate love and who earnestly endeavor to put on "the new personality" is a source of great happiness. (Colossians 3:8-10; Psalm 133:1) However, our greatest blessing is the precious privilege of having a personal relationship with Jehovah God and of following in the footsteps of his Son, Christ Jesus. - Romans 5:1, 8; Philippians 3:8.
Reflecting on such blessings, we realize how precious our service is to God really is. Perhaps we think of Jesus' parable of a traveling merchant who sought out fine pearls. Jesus said of this man. " Upon finding one pearl of high value, away he went and promptly sold all the things he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:46) Surely that is how we feel about our relationship with God, our privilege of serving him, our Christian association, our Christian hope, and all other blessings related to our faith. There is nothing more precious in our lives.
Next time: Give Back To Jehovah
These accounts demonstrate that the lives of those who serve God are truly meaningful. As Jehovah's people develop such qualities as obedience, faith and appreciation of spiritual things, they are richly blessed.
How are we blessed? Well, while millions within the Christendom suffer from spiritual famine, we can be "radiant over the goodness of Jehovah." (Jeremiah 31:12) Through Jesus Christ and "the faithful and discreet slave," Jehovah has provided a bountiful supply of spiritual food that helps us to remain on "the road leading off into life." (Matthew 7:13, 14; 24:45; John 17:3) Association with our Christian brotherhood is another rich blessing. At meetings and on other occasions, being with fellow worshipers who demonstrate love and who earnestly endeavor to put on "the new personality" is a source of great happiness. (Colossians 3:8-10; Psalm 133:1) However, our greatest blessing is the precious privilege of having a personal relationship with Jehovah God and of following in the footsteps of his Son, Christ Jesus. - Romans 5:1, 8; Philippians 3:8.
Reflecting on such blessings, we realize how precious our service is to God really is. Perhaps we think of Jesus' parable of a traveling merchant who sought out fine pearls. Jesus said of this man. " Upon finding one pearl of high value, away he went and promptly sold all the things he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:46) Surely that is how we feel about our relationship with God, our privilege of serving him, our Christian association, our Christian hope, and all other blessings related to our faith. There is nothing more precious in our lives.
Next time: Give Back To Jehovah
10.08.2006
Jehovah Blesses His Servants
Noah was an outstanding servant of God. At Genesis 6:8, we read: "Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah." Why? Because Noah was obedient. The account says: " Noah walked with the true God." Noah upheld Jehovah's righteous principles and obeyed his commands. At a time when the world had sunk into violence and depravity, Noah was move "to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so." (Genesis 6:9, 22) As a result, Jehovah directed him to construct "an ark for the saving of [Noah's] household." (Hebrew 11:7) In this way, Noah and his family- and through them the human race-survived the destruction of that generation. And Noah died with the hope of being resurrected to the prospect of eternal life on a paradise earth. What rich blessings he received!
Abraham too had qualities that pleased Jehovah. Foremost among these was faith. (Hebrews 11:8-10) Abraham left a comfortable life in Ur and later in Haran because he had faith in Jehovah's promise that his seed would become many and be a blessing for all nations. (Genesis 12:2,3)Despite long years of testing, his faith was rewarded when his son Isaac was born. Through him, Abraham became the ancestor of God's chosen nation, Israel, and eventually of the Messiah. (Romans 4:19-21) Moreover, he is "the father of all those having faith," and he came to be called "Jehovah's friend," (Romans 4:11; James 2:23; Galatians 3:7, 29) What a meaningful life he lived, and how richly he was blessed!
Consider, too, the faithful man Moses. Outstanding among his qualities was his appreciation of spiritual things. Moses turned his back on all the riches of Egypt and "continued steadfast as seeing the one who is invisible." ( Hebrews 11:27) After 40 years in Midian, he returned to Egypt as an old man and stood up to the greatest power of the time, Pharaoh, to demand freedom for his brothers. (Exodus 7:1-7) He saw the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the destruction of Pharaoh's armies. Jehovah used him to give the Law to Israel and to mediate his covenant with the new nation. For 40 years, Moses led the nation of Israel in the wilderness. His life had a real purpose, and he enjoyed wonderfully rich blessings of service.
Next time: Present -Day Blessings
Noah was an outstanding servant of God. At Genesis 6:8, we read: "Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah." Why? Because Noah was obedient. The account says: " Noah walked with the true God." Noah upheld Jehovah's righteous principles and obeyed his commands. At a time when the world had sunk into violence and depravity, Noah was move "to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so." (Genesis 6:9, 22) As a result, Jehovah directed him to construct "an ark for the saving of [Noah's] household." (Hebrew 11:7) In this way, Noah and his family- and through them the human race-survived the destruction of that generation. And Noah died with the hope of being resurrected to the prospect of eternal life on a paradise earth. What rich blessings he received!
Abraham too had qualities that pleased Jehovah. Foremost among these was faith. (Hebrews 11:8-10) Abraham left a comfortable life in Ur and later in Haran because he had faith in Jehovah's promise that his seed would become many and be a blessing for all nations. (Genesis 12:2,3)Despite long years of testing, his faith was rewarded when his son Isaac was born. Through him, Abraham became the ancestor of God's chosen nation, Israel, and eventually of the Messiah. (Romans 4:19-21) Moreover, he is "the father of all those having faith," and he came to be called "Jehovah's friend," (Romans 4:11; James 2:23; Galatians 3:7, 29) What a meaningful life he lived, and how richly he was blessed!
Consider, too, the faithful man Moses. Outstanding among his qualities was his appreciation of spiritual things. Moses turned his back on all the riches of Egypt and "continued steadfast as seeing the one who is invisible." ( Hebrews 11:27) After 40 years in Midian, he returned to Egypt as an old man and stood up to the greatest power of the time, Pharaoh, to demand freedom for his brothers. (Exodus 7:1-7) He saw the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the destruction of Pharaoh's armies. Jehovah used him to give the Law to Israel and to mediate his covenant with the new nation. For 40 years, Moses led the nation of Israel in the wilderness. His life had a real purpose, and he enjoyed wonderfully rich blessings of service.
Next time: Present -Day Blessings
10.06.2006
"The Blessings Of Jehovah - That Is What Makes Rich"
All of us want to be blessed. The American Heritage College Dictionary says that blessings promote "happiness, well-being, or prosperity." Since Jehovah is the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present," every real, lasting blessing originates with our Loving Creator. (James 1:17) He showers blessings upon all mankind, even upon those who do not know him. Jesus said of his Father: " He makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) However, Jehovah shows special concern for those who love him.-Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Job 1:1; 42:12.
The psalmist wrote: " Jehovah himself will not hold back anything good from those walking in faultlessness." (Psalm 84:11) Yes, those who serve Jehovah have rich, meaningful lives. They know that "the blessing of Jehovah-that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it." The Bible also says: " Those being blessed by [Jehovah] will themselves possess the earth." (Proverbs 10:22; Psalm 37:22, 29) What a blessing that will be!
How can we receive Jehovah's blessing? For one thing, we need to cultivate qualities that are pleasing to him. (Deuteronomy 30:16, 19, 20; Micah 6:8) We see this in the example of three of Jehovah's servants in ancient times.
Next time: Jehovah Blesses His Servants
All of us want to be blessed. The American Heritage College Dictionary says that blessings promote "happiness, well-being, or prosperity." Since Jehovah is the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present," every real, lasting blessing originates with our Loving Creator. (James 1:17) He showers blessings upon all mankind, even upon those who do not know him. Jesus said of his Father: " He makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) However, Jehovah shows special concern for those who love him.-Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Job 1:1; 42:12.
The psalmist wrote: " Jehovah himself will not hold back anything good from those walking in faultlessness." (Psalm 84:11) Yes, those who serve Jehovah have rich, meaningful lives. They know that "the blessing of Jehovah-that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it." The Bible also says: " Those being blessed by [Jehovah] will themselves possess the earth." (Proverbs 10:22; Psalm 37:22, 29) What a blessing that will be!
How can we receive Jehovah's blessing? For one thing, we need to cultivate qualities that are pleasing to him. (Deuteronomy 30:16, 19, 20; Micah 6:8) We see this in the example of three of Jehovah's servants in ancient times.
Next time: Jehovah Blesses His Servants
10.04.2006
"Long-Suffering Toward All"
Jehovah's long-suffering toward mankin places us under a moral obligation to "be long-suffering toward all." (1 Thessalonians 5:14) This means being patient with non-witness family members, neighbors,colleagues at work and classmates. Many prejudices have been overcome by Witnesses who, sometimes for many years, put up with sarcastic remarks or outright opposition from people with whom they associated at work or at school. (Colossians 4:5, 6) The apostle Peter wrote: " Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection." - 1Peter 2:12.
Jehovah's long-suffering will mean salvation for millions. (2 Peter3:9, 15) IF we imitate Jehovah's love and long-suffering, we will patiently continue preaching the good news of God's Kingdom and teaching others to submit to Christ's Kingdom rule. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 13:10)
If we were to stop preaching, it would be as if we wanted to limit Jehovah's long-suffering and failed to recognize its purpose, which is to bring people to repentance.- Romans 2:4.
In his letter to Christians in Colossae, Asia Minor, Paul wrote: " That is also why from the day we heard of it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God, being made powerful with all power to the extent of his glorious might so as to endure fully and be long-suffering with joy." - Colossians 1:9-11.
Jehovah's continued long-suffering, or patience, will not be a test to us if we are "filled with the accurate knowledge of his will," which is that "all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." (1Timothy 2:4) We will "go on bearing fruit in every good work," particularly that of preaching "this good news of the kingdom." (Matthew 24:14)
If we faithfully continue to do this, Jehovah will make us "powerful with all power," enabling us "to fully endure and be long-suffering with joy." So doing, we will "walk worthily of Jehovah," and we will have the peace that comes from knowing that we are "fully pleasing him."
May we be thoroughly convinced of the wisdom of Jehovah's long-suffering. It works for our salvation and for the salvation of those who listen to our preaching and teaching. (1Timothy 4:16) Cultivating the fruitage of the spirit-love, kindness, goodness, mildness and self-control-will enable us to be joyfully long-suffering. We will be better able to live at peace with members of our family as well as with our brothers and sisters, within the congregation. Long-suffering will also help us to be patient with our workmates or schoolmates. And our long-suffering will have a purpose, that of saving wrongdoers and of glorifying the God of long-suffering , Jehovah.
Jehovah's long-suffering toward mankin places us under a moral obligation to "be long-suffering toward all." (1 Thessalonians 5:14) This means being patient with non-witness family members, neighbors,colleagues at work and classmates. Many prejudices have been overcome by Witnesses who, sometimes for many years, put up with sarcastic remarks or outright opposition from people with whom they associated at work or at school. (Colossians 4:5, 6) The apostle Peter wrote: " Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection." - 1Peter 2:12.
Jehovah's long-suffering will mean salvation for millions. (2 Peter3:9, 15) IF we imitate Jehovah's love and long-suffering, we will patiently continue preaching the good news of God's Kingdom and teaching others to submit to Christ's Kingdom rule. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 13:10)
If we were to stop preaching, it would be as if we wanted to limit Jehovah's long-suffering and failed to recognize its purpose, which is to bring people to repentance.- Romans 2:4.
In his letter to Christians in Colossae, Asia Minor, Paul wrote: " That is also why from the day we heard of it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God, being made powerful with all power to the extent of his glorious might so as to endure fully and be long-suffering with joy." - Colossians 1:9-11.
Jehovah's continued long-suffering, or patience, will not be a test to us if we are "filled with the accurate knowledge of his will," which is that "all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." (1Timothy 2:4) We will "go on bearing fruit in every good work," particularly that of preaching "this good news of the kingdom." (Matthew 24:14)
If we faithfully continue to do this, Jehovah will make us "powerful with all power," enabling us "to fully endure and be long-suffering with joy." So doing, we will "walk worthily of Jehovah," and we will have the peace that comes from knowing that we are "fully pleasing him."
May we be thoroughly convinced of the wisdom of Jehovah's long-suffering. It works for our salvation and for the salvation of those who listen to our preaching and teaching. (1Timothy 4:16) Cultivating the fruitage of the spirit-love, kindness, goodness, mildness and self-control-will enable us to be joyfully long-suffering. We will be better able to live at peace with members of our family as well as with our brothers and sisters, within the congregation. Long-suffering will also help us to be patient with our workmates or schoolmates. And our long-suffering will have a purpose, that of saving wrongdoers and of glorifying the God of long-suffering , Jehovah.
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