If
there are errors in spelling please forgive me. I’m cross eyed about now
and
probably made all kinds of errors.
Enjoy the notes.
I hope
I could add something to your own notes
Agape,
Sandy
Bakersfield CA June 10-13
FRIDAY MORNING, JUNE 10, DAY 1 - 4,442 attendance morning, 4,705 afternoon attendance.
(Attendances were smaller as we had more conventions held this year, last year was overcrowded)
9:50 CONGREGATED TO LET JEHOVAH TEACH US HIS WAYS
Release, updated ‘Good News for People of All Nations’
booklet
Because of increase of languages more were needed. The United States version has 93 languages in the booklet and the largest.
There are 2 other versions for different areas with less languages.
Symbol codes beside the language listings in the index identify the language/country.
Map is provided for individual to show you where their country is and you can do same.
There is another release which looks like a Watchtower magazine but is a brochure.
‘Keep On The Watch! For What? Why Is It Especially Urgent Now?’
Prove you are walking with God by conduct. April 2004 KM has article on groom and dress pertaining to convention, Be Holy in all Your Conduct.
Keep strict watch..Eph 5:15/16 No greater cause for thankfulness…3John 3, 4
Live with soundness of mind…Titus 2:12 This is the way, walk in it you people…Isa 30:21
DEMO-BADGE WEARER IN RESTAURANT:
Waiter wants to give brother back the change and he tells him to keep it, was good service.
He asked about badge and he told him about convention. Waiter asked what did it mean to walk with God?. Brother explained how we go to the Bible and learn to live by it and reads 2 Tim 3:16,17. He tells him about convention and invites him on Sunday. He agrees to go because he has never seen more well behaved people and children in his life. He said he was so impressed with the attitude of everyone.
Anyone clean in hands and innocent in heart….Ps 24: 3 and 5
10:20 NOTHING GOOD HELD BACK FROM THOSE WALKING IN FAULTLESSNESS
Hitler said that ‘this group will be exterminated!’ There were only 20,000 Witnesses back then and today over 6 million so how and why were they victorious in face of that threat?
Read Acts 5: 43-49
We might not be facing extermination but it is just as bad today, pick out words from
2 Tim 3: 1-5 ‘critical times’ ‘without self-control’ ‘fierce’ ‘betrayers’..etc
Jah is interested in us, Ps 84: 11,12 He is a sun and a shield and will not hold back good from us. But shield doesn’t mean we are protected from everything, it does mean he will not let us have anymore than we can endure. Remember, our trials are from Satan, not Jah. James 1:13
EXPERIENCE:
Young sister 16, baptized 6 years, and a pioneer. Had a school class project they had to write an essay on the benefit of blood transfusions. Acts 15:29. She couldn’t. So a brother agreed to help her write the paper on why she personally did not receive blood transfusions.
She was concerned but refused to crack under the pressure.
The results were that she got the highest grade than anyone and the teacher put note on back of her test paper that she looks forward to seeing more of her work in future.
Another sister had tumor removed from her spine and had courage not to take blood. She said she hoped she didn’t die because she didn’t want to never having pioneered. She survived and turned in pioneer application..
Another sister has had a horrible 2 years. Both parents terminal and her dad died on her anniversary. She has been practically living in the hospital for mom’s appointments and is a full time pioneer. She has coped because of family team spirit. They are all sharing in taking care of mother. There are many witnesses in family, pioneers, elders, and between them there is 137 years of full-time service. How does she keep her joy under her circumstances? She does start many days with heavy heart but Ps 126: 5,6 helps her.
She is presently conducting a Bible study with 2, 11 year old Punjabi children. They speak English and the grandmother, who does not, just agreed to study
A brother is being put under pressure because he pioneers so works part time hours and his wife works part time too so they can both pioneer. His boss keeps telling him the only thing holding him back from advancement is his hours. He needs to work more hours. But he has refused and they have lived very simply (as in a 15 foot trailer for 2 years). Recent health problems have made him rethink that job offer because of medical expenses. But they still refuse to compromise. He said what is great help for them is Malachi 3:10. They said they love pioneering together, brings them closer together. What seems like impossible situations become possible with Jehovah’s help.
One brother has very serious family health issues. His youngest daughter has been diagnosed with type 2 abnormality connected with brain stems. She has had 7 surgeries and presently cannot walk due to this disease. She recently went into respiratory failure and they almost lost her. He just had a heart attack but he continues to serve as elder.
He said what has helped them is that he has a wonderful wife, the visible organization and elders and those in the hospital visitation group have them stay at their homes while daughter in hospital. He has learned that with Jah, the more help you need the more help you get. He was also privileged last year to give the baptism talk at the same time his young son got baptized.’
He said when they can’t get to congregation the congregation comes to them. He has become very empathetic when others are ill. Isa 33: 24 is a great help to them.
To what extent we walk with God let us keep on. Philippians 3: 16,17
Happy walking in Jah’s Law Ps 119:1 Jesus was, 1st century Christians were and so can we be.
11:00
KEEP PROVING WHAT YOU YOURSELVES ARE
1. When last time you tested yourself as to faith?
2. Why essential to test regularly? 2 Cor 13:5
What are symptoms of those who do not test themselves? 2 Cor 10:7
They look at surface things, not inner things so they are unsure how to walk. They listen to false stories. They became shipwrecked. Paul was speaking these words also to anointed in his day.
Satan spots our weaknesses so get them fixed. Watchtower 9/15/2002 page 18
How do I test my faith to assure I’m walking with God?
Prayerfully read and meditate on God’s word then continually measure up to it.
Make sure it is reaching our hearts. Jah is looking at our conduct Heb 4: 12,13
He has provided all meetings, all of our spiritual food in its many forms.
Difference between physical and spiritual man. 1 Cor 2: 14,15
Try to describe sunset to blind man but he cannot grasp. Same true of physical man. Cannot grasp paradise or spiritual paradise because they are examined spiritually.
He thinks it is foolish.
Keep proving what you are. Deep personal study and press on to maturity Watchtower 8/15/2000
What about us? Can we be called mature? Mature ones provide stability to the congregations. They have real impact on the congregations.
What can I examine? Be sure you are taking in solid food. Heb 5:14
World says immorality is right and that God does not condemn it. If our perception is not trained we could view things the same way.
EXPERIENCE:
Sister at work and worldly man tries to seduce her but she pushes him away and so is showing Christian maturity.
We have many articles on deep things and we can’t shy away from that we must dig deeper.
James 1: 21-26 Isa 30: 21….
Immature ones may feel testing is a negative thing. But is a positive thing.
Doing will a delight Psalms 40: 8… Luke 21:1
Satan is trying to destroy us today but we have help Joshua 1:9 Luke 13:24
We follow King of Kings.
11:20 LET GOD’S WORD GUIDE YOUR STEPS EVERY
DAY
Jeremiah observed those around him during his preaching assignment and the outcome of their conduct. What conclusion did he reach? Jer 10:23 It is even more so today.
God’s word a lamp to foot. Ps 119:105 If you are in house and lights go out you want to see where you are going you are stumbling around. But God’s word can help us to see things are they are so and help us to make right decisions.
Time and unforeseen circumstances can come upon us quite suddenly and we can find ourselves confronted with issues.
What about conscience issues? Those not so clear cut? If we understand the basic principles we will know what to do.
Scriptures that shed light on future (and now) Matt 7: 13,14 2 Tim 3:1 Rom 13:11…
Make long range decisions in all areas. To benefit from God’s word read it daily even if on for a few moments at a time and then meditate on it. Ps 49:3 Heb 5:14
Learn why a decision. Get Jah’s mind on it. See how factors all relate to one another.
Capture his thinking and implant in heart. Do not stumble others
Rom 12:1 Watchtower 6/15/95 pgs 20-22
EXPERIENCE:
Young pioneer, Amy. Her Bible teacher encouraged her to read the Bible everyday and to real all the literature from the Faithful and Discreet Slave (F&DS). She was encouraged to meditate and this has helped in those issues not so clear cut. Elders can also help in making decisions.
She was encouraged to pioneer after school by her mother and others. She took into consideration Eccl 12:1 and Matt 6:33
DEMONSTRATION:
Brother asked one if he had made arrangements for Convention yet and he hadn’t.
He seemed rather unconcerned about it and also because of work schedule didn’t know how he would go about it. He asked the elder what to do and the elder asked him if he had researched it. He hadn’t. He said he could not make the decision for him but showed him where and how he could find the answers and see for himself.
Bible can guide our steps and God’s Law is perfect. Ps 19:7
Everlasting life can be ours if we allow God’s word to guide us daily.
11:40 KEYNOTE
ADDRESS: WALK WITH GOD IN TURBULENT
TIMES
Since 1914 we are in turbulent times, we are in the last days. Matt 24:3-14
Particularly difficult for God’s people due to persecution Rev 12: 17
many of us have not experienced serious persecution but we all struggle to resist the spirit of the world. Eph 4: 17-19
We have the privilege to walk in God’s path and though we are frail, imperfect humans does God expect us to? Yes. We can. Micah 6:8
How can we do so? Follow life course outlined by God. That is only proper course as he is the source of life so he has every right to direct us. It is most beneficial to walk with him knowing we are heading in the right direction. He has our best interests at heart. It gives us the chance to support his universal sovereignty. It is not always easy but it is possible
Men of old such as Enoch and Noah lived in turbulent times and they were able to resist.
But how?
Enoch faced strong opposition..unlike Adam and Eve he did not accept Satan’s lie. His faith was based on accurate knowledge of the truth. He kept walking with God for more than 300 years. Paul testified about him. Heb 11:5; 11:1 His faith was so strong and Jah was so real to him that when he prophesied of destruction to come he spoke of it as already happening.
Jude 14, 15
We need to gain and retain our accurate knowledge of Jah’s purposes, need to be guided by God’s thinking, our every thought and action should please Jah and he should influence everything we do.
Noah walked with God. Gen 6:9 He lived in wicked times it was hard for Noah. Humans were very wicked and nephilim were vicious. Gen 6:22
Noah stayed loyal and was a preacher of righteousness. Heb 11:7 Through his faith he condemned the world.
Since the flood violence has continued to escalate down into our day and has gotten worse.
Weapons of destruction have taken millions of lives. Picture of Jesus on white horse in Revelation followed by horsemen shows woes to come. The sword given to the horseman on the fiery-colored horse represented those weapons of destruction.
But we know that Jah did away with violence in Noah’s day so we know he will do so in our day. Rev 11:8
1st Century Christians were known as ‘Belonging to the Way’
Jesus fed others miraculously and so they wanted to make him King. John 6: 10-15
When he ran from it they must have been disappointed. They knew he was more than capable. Why did they then continue to follow him after he refused kingship? For obviously selfish reasons. What they could get out of it. But he taught them spiritual things to change their thinking. John 6: 53,54 It provoked strong reactions. verse 60. He tried to explain it was the spirit that is life giving but they did not listen. verse 66. Yet there were some that though they didn’t understand continued to follow him. verse 68
We could be tested same way today. Can’t understand certain explanations of Bible so will we stop walking with God?
Do we listen to God or opinions of the world? 2 Tim 3: 16,17 Only guidance to direct us is spiritual guidance.
Those who are impatient and disgruntled seek selfish goals.
We must be different. Heb 10:39
Though we live in turbulent times, no matter how turbulent, we will be determined to walk with God now and forever. People walk in the name of their own gods but we walk in the name of our God, Jehovah. Micah 4:5
2:15 FRIDAY
AFTERNOON: AVOID ANY CAUSE FOR
STUMBLING
Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful geyser. Regularly gushes and one gush is about 10 gallons of water. But people appreciate faithfulness. Geysers can become erratic, though, but not Jehovah. He is loyal and perfect. Deut 32:4
Like a shadow cast by the sun human values are ever changing. How does God view us?
Luke 16:10
Three Hebrew boys were good example of those faithful in least would be faithful in much.
Their captors tried to assimilate them into their way of life and to alienate them from Jehovah but they would not even pollute themselves with the food. Dan 1: 8,12,18
Unrighteous riches will fail people. They will throw their money into streets. In world, dishonesty is a way of life and they feel honesty is a sign of weakness and they try to take advantage of honest ones.
But Jehovah’s eyes are upon the good and the bad. He is looking for honesty in us.
Do we pay our taxes? Our debts? Are we giving our best at secular jobs? If we find something lost do we have ‘losers weepers finders creepers’ attitude? Or do we make effort to return? Bible trained conscience will guide us in these areas. Heb 13:18
EXPERIENCE:
A sister wrote a 20 dollar check and gave to bank teller. He gave her back 100 dollars.
She returned to return the money. He said most would have taken the money and ran.
He wanted to know why she didn’t? She said she was a Jehovah’s Witness with a Bible-trained conscience.
How are we doing in the ministry? Heb 13:15 Minimal time or regularly share?
Follow up on interested ones. Others see how we do in the ministry and so does Jehovah.
We want to build a life record for God, he won’t forget. We may not feel we have done anything great in life but we can be like a clock. Doesn’t matter how big or small or cheap or expensive. They all measure time daily, second by second, year by year. We can daily improve, bit by bit.
We want to quit being fashioned after world. Rom 12:2 1Pet 4:3
God will give us the power beyond what is normal 2 Cor 4:7
If God’s power was manifested by success 1,900 years ago it is just as true today.
We may never be asked to do something outstanding but constancy and regularity is what God is looking for.
2:35 KEEP YOUR SENSES COMPLETELY
These are selected scriptures and points from Hosea chapts 1-14
Fornication mentioned 14 times in Hosea. Fornication, adultery, prostitution rampant in Israel and God would demand an accounting.
Hosea 1:2 God told Hosea to take wife of fornication but he was not telling him to marry a fornicator (we know he would not do this) but she would later become one so he was speaking as already happening) She was a virgin.
Gomer’s marriage to Hosea was likened to Israelites marriage to Jehovah. They were virgin when he became their husbandly owner and later they committed spiritual adultery on him.
So when you read acct. of Hosea and Homer and compare to what happened to Israel with Jehovah you will understand.
Chapter 1: verse 3 states there was a child born to Hosea. So that was his son. But verses 6 and 8 speak of 2 other children born to her and they are evidently the children of fornication spoken of in verse 2. so not his. One of them named Lo-am’mi which means ‘not my people’
A punishment in chapter 2:10,11 but also a restoration promised. Rom 9;26 1 Pet 2:10
Hosea would take Gomer back but with restrictions. Hosea chapter 3: 1,2
Though Israel would go into exile, Jah would take her back and out of the wilderness.
We too need to put out welcome to repentant ones. Imitate God’s mercy. Ps 86:5
Jah sees what is in our hearts. Even though we may not be manifesting what we should at the moment he does know our hearts intentions.
But true repentance is by actions and not words. Sacrifices alone do not please Jah. He feels hurt when we turn away from him.
To reap good, we sow good.
But Israel returned God’s kindness in this way for all he had done for them, Hosea 7: 14,16
Their worship was half-hearted, they did not want to walk with God. Chapter 7:4 was explained that meant wrong desires were burning within them.
Sacrifices were required under Law but some did it as act of outward devotion only.
Christendom’s sacrifices are offensive to Jehovah. They have little effect and their religious works bring no delight. Hosea 8:7
Some who engaged in sexual immorality (in our time) increased their field ministry while doing so thinking it would make up for it but it did not. They have overstepped the commandment of God and have dealt treacherously with God. Hosea 6: 7
But Jah takes delight in his sincere people Ps 149:4
Israel’s judgment came in 740 BCE she reaped what she sowed and we cannot evade this rule. Gal 6: 7. Sooner or later we will pay.
None of us are exempt from sin. If we plant corn we harvest corn. We reap what we sow.
Israel committed gross sins. Jah loved them but they repaid with deception and Jah still asked them to come back. Hosea 14:1
They plowed wickedness and reaped unrighteousness.
Our worship needs to be clean and unhypocritical.
Jah’s ways never oppressive. Only when they broke the yolk of God did they get under oppressive yolk of enemy.
We want to hope in Jah constantly and have hope he will save us.
Hosea 11: 1-4 compares to a father who teaches his child to take those first steps and sees his child take first step. He walks beside him putting his arm out for the child to balance onto and continues to be a support for that child right into manhood or womanhood.
We walk with God because we fully believe his ways are upright.
We never want to suffer as an evildoer.
Great forgiveness open to those who have even seriously sinned. Hosea 14: 1-8
As long as Jah lets us walk in his ways let us give a witness and find others whose hearts are right.
3:45 DO NOT PUT APART
‘WHAT GOD HAS YOKED TOGETHER
Marriage is difficult it brings two imperfect people together. They are no longer two but one flesh- let no man put apart. Matt 19:6 They are to love and cherish their wives. ‘Cherish’ means to ‘keep warm’. Eph 5:25-28 They can show their love in small ways such as helping wife with chores, mowing lawn, taking out trash..etc
Wives are to respect their husbands, emphasis on ‘respect’. Headship is necessary so it is mentioned. Eph 5:22
Wife to not speak about husband behind his back. Proverbs 14:1; 12:4
Communication vital as it nourishes relationship like blood nourishes the body. Problems grow without communication or are resolved with it.
Things that should be avoided are romance novels and soap operas. For one, it makes one view their mate as undesirable when compared to these characters. And pornography- must stay away from.
Be wrathful but do not sin. Eph 4: 26,27
Sexual consideration to be given on both sides. No sexually bad practices between them.
Give no reason for suspect (jealousy) whether real or imagined.
Cooperation in home necessary such as in making purchases, always consult.
Not good at all for husband to have a job that takes and keeps him away from home for period of time. Walk with God in your marriage.
4:10 SHOWING RESPECT FOR OUR SACRED GATHERINGS.
We don’t want to act like the world when gathered who give little thought to God and who say there is no God. Ps 10:4
We want not to be fashioned after the world but present our bodies a living sacrifice
Rom 12: 1,2 We don’t want to have no regard for spiritual things Heb 12:16
Remember that at sacred gatherings Jah’s presence is there.
We never use these places for anything other than sacred worship. Mark 11:16
The convention center being used for worship becomes a sacred place.
Sacred meetings are where we praise Jah and worship him and where two or more gathered in Jesus’ name, he is present. Heb 12:2 Matt 18:20
Conduct of children should be dignified. No gum chewing, running around, running back and forth to bathrooms, foolish jesting.
Children do not inherit knowledge, they must be taught it.
Jesus was a good example. Luke 2:46
How do we conduct ourselves in the household of God, a pillar and support of the Truth?
1 Tim 3: 15
EXPERIENCES:
Training begins at home. One sister remembers her parents made her sit by them at meetings and not go to bathroom. They all went to bathroom at home first. In fact, she said she didn’t even know the Kingdom Hall had a bathroom until she was 12 years old. She was taught that Jehovah’s House is not the place to play. (time for everything)
Our worship is everyday as Isa 66:23 indicates ‘new moon to new moon, Sabbath to Sabbath, (regularly, every day.) We need to keep strict watch on how we walk with God Eph 5: 15,16.
One sister was baptized in 1956 and has been going to meetings for 50 years. Really appreciates them. A few years ago suffered a disease neuropathy (something with brain stem) and cannot balance herself, needs walker, has had breast cancer twice, a knee replacement and is hooked up to speaker at home so still won’t miss meetings. She still appreciates the value of Heb 10: 24, 25 and is helped much by Isa 40:29.
4:35 GOOD NEWS FOR PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS
(new release, update on
booklet ‘good news for people of all nations’)
People today really need good news. They are drowning in bad news. One reporter said the ‘entire world is about to go up in flames’ and TV news is thoroughly depressing and overwhelming. But there is good news to be found.
Bible promises all this will be brought to an end by God’s Kingdom.
Why do we preach? Our motive should be out of love for God and we want to bring relief to the oppressed and be moved by pity. 1 John 5:3 Mark 6: 30-34
What should we preach? Our God has become King! Isa 52:7 (by means of God’s Kingdom) Share the good news of Isa 61:1, 2 This prophecy is in effect now. Term ‘bind up’ to wrap firmly, to bandage as you would a wound’ we give support to those who are broken spiritually and physically.
EXPERIENCE:
One sister had cancer but no hope until she studied and got baptized. Though she was terminal she helped others and died with full hope.
When people lose loved ones the resurrection promise brings great hope.
There are those in developing countries with little food and little hope but Jehovah does not forsake them. Many are overwhelmed by depression but are able to climb out of pit of depression.
Because of the changing demographics this new booklet is a godsend. We have so very many more languages now we need to provide for them all. There are many more in United States that is why 3 different versions of booklet was made. Our booklet has 93 languages
The other 2 are thirty something and sixty something languages.
Zechariah 8: 23 is being fulfilled as many nations are taking hold of the skirt of the Jew. We need to provide for those ‘many nations’.
In 1930 there were around 115 lands and today, in 2004, there are over 230.
50 years ago around 60% of the people spoke English it was the mother tongue.
Today, that has changed to around 20% speak English as the mother tongue. There are around 400 languages we must deal with.
In Paris alone there are around 80 languages, in San Diego around 100, in Canada around 125 and in London, England around 300.
Each year many are becoming disciples.
How can we use this booklet to witness to these different languages?
We can use the map to develop rapport with individual. Point out your country and point to yourself and then ask them to point out their country.
On our tracts there were letter symbols of the language but we really had no way of understanding that. So this booklet identifies the symbols of the language. It is also written in first person to personalize it.
Once we establish their language, we point to bold heading which asks them to read the page.
Then we offer brochure or literature in their language so we should be carrying some.
If we don’t have some we point to gray highlight that says we will bring some in their language.
Then point to bold type by ‘my name’ and say your name.
Then point to bold type by ‘your name’ and have them say their name.
Make return visit as soon as possible by getting address or some way to contact.
Use a Please Follow Up form (S-43) and give to secretary who will then promptly forward the form to appropriate person.
Use this form also for deaf people you contact.
Carry this booklet at all times. Zechariah 8:23 Matthew 24:14
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SATURDAY MORNING, JUNE 11, DAY 2 morning attendance 5,471 – afternoon attendance 5,279 37 baptized (many very young ones) assembly before ours, 39 baptized. Release of new brochure, ‘Keep on the Watch For What? Why is it Especially Urgent Now?’ This brochure will be available on DVD and video cassette. Order from your congregation. This brochure meant to stir up interest in people as to where this world is heading. It is for general public or those not acquainted with Bible..also for inactive ones or ones who have not taken a stand yet and it is also for us.
9:50 DAILY TEXT
REMINDERS PROTECT US FROM PITFALLS
Satan sets up pitfalls for us Ps 119: 85-87 God’s word a light to our foot and Examining the Scriptures a guide to life. If we are walking on a dark road and point a flashlight at the ground where our feet are we won’t stumble but if we step outside that light we will.
10:00 SYMPOSIUM: WALKING PROGRESSIVELY AS
MINISTERS
Helping those who speak another language
Watering and cultivating the interest found
Helping
multitudes join us in the ministry
Paul encouraged the Philippians to be progressive Php 3: 13-16 He was himself.
And he was all things to everyone as we need to be. 1 Cor 9: 19-23
Our territories have changed due to the demographics. But this is in fulfillment of Bible prophecy Dan 7:14 How does Jehovah feel about all these ones? 1 Tim 2:4
We should be the same. We see roses, beautiful, all colors, all sizes, all types but they are all the same, they are all roses and are all beautiful. To Jah, all of us are beautiful. It would be wrong for us to have any other view.
We have to meet the challenge of different languages. Jehovah made these languages.
Matthew 28:19 (of ‘all’ nations) 400 languages, 235 lands. But it is a challenge and we want to do it correctly or else speaking into air. 1 Cor 14:9
We may have to learn another language to reach others. At Pentecost, God caused those 120 to speak in other languages and results were that thousands accepted and got baptized.
Holy spirit heightens our desire to communicate with people. It is in your power to work with Jehovah’s spirit and that new booklet will help.
DEMONSTRATION:
Sister meets Korean woman speaks who very little English. But woman is interested and so sister fills out correct form to turn in. There is no one who speaks Korean and so until they can find someone the sister gets a Require brochure in Korean. She studies with the woman.
The woman has her own Korean Bible. The sister has the woman read a paragraph in Korean and then sister reads same in English. Same way with the scriptures. She asks woman to read the question in Korean and then sis reads it in English. Then she asks woman to find the answer in the paragraph and read and then sister reads the answer in paragraph.
In regular door-to-door, one of our pioneer sisters suggests when making calls to go back as soon as possible and often. She always leave question. She notes who she is talking to, a housewife?..or notes things around her, a fish symbol? A flag? Try to know what the objections would be in your area and that is how she determines what kind of question to leave. She is presently studying with a lesbian. She does not pressure students no matter what they are doing. She presently is conducting 7 studies. God wants all to live and not be destroyed 2 Pet 3:9. Ezek 34:11
She keeps that in mind and realizes there is a big difference between reporting a study and making a disciple.
In 1914 there were 5,000 earthwide. Today, there are 5,000 each week being baptized.
It is good to try to teach one point on each visit. Gal 6:6 is what we do, we are orally taught and teach others and those others are orally taught and teach others. Simplicity is the key.
Harvest is great and workers few. We all need to get active as possible.
Take new ones out with you and they will learn from watching you. Make sure you commend them when they speak at doors, it will nourish them like water to a plant. Alleviate their fears, practice with them. Set up objections they will run into and gain them confidence. Tell them also not to be afraid to tell the householder they will come back with an answer. And be sure they (and you) ask the name of the householder as well as giving your name.)
When you are out in territory, ask them if they would like to go over what they had planned to say before they go to the door. Do not rush them. Let them take their time.
11:10
WALKING BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT
We see beauty with our eyes and physical sight is a gift not to be taken lightly. But trusting in our eyes alone is deceptive. We need not only physical sight but spiritual sight, eyes of faith. It is faith and not physical sight that we walk by. 2 Cor 5:7
Refuse to be guided by outward appearance. Trust in what Jehovah tells us to see.
What we see could be an illusion. We must look beyond things that are in front of us.
That race that is set ‘before’ us. Heb 12:1 Do not let anxiety choke the word. Luke 8:13
Cultivate contentment and a waiting attitude. Micah 7:7
Heb 11:24,27 Moses saw gratification for what it was, temporary at best. He had spiritual vision.
Esau wanted instant gratification trading his birthright.
As to the end, human reasoning is that the day is far off-or not at all. But Jesus said that we have entered the end. Matthew 24: 3-14
Paul says that we have entered the end. 2 Timothy 3: 1-5
God’s word forewarns us that we be alert as things develop. 1 Thess 5:3 (Watchtower, Aug 94, page 6 ‘peace and security’ (1st or 15th, don’t know which one, I missed it)
Our way of life should show that we believe the end is near.
DEMONSTRATION:
Brother was talking to himself in a hotel room about making more money and how it was affecting him. He was married but his job kept him away a lot and in motel rooms. He was going over in his mind how he was missing meetings, and missing his wife and how it was also putting more pressure on his wife. He was thinking how there was a time he never would have done this. He thought he could control his job and his hours and even his travel time but now the job was controlling him. Luke 18:8
He thought about how he had never taken the matter of this job to Jehovah in prayer. He let the prestige of the job dictate, instead.
Does our lifestyle show we believe this is the time of the end? We need to have confidence in Jehovah and not thrust aside our faith. 1 Tim 1: 19
Our faith will protect us against being deceived by Satan’s system. We don’t want to look back to those things that will be destroyed but we want to look ahead to the real life, the real future.
11:30 GO ON WALKING AS
JESUS CHRIST WALKED
The world is a wilderness so easy to get lost in. Imagine hiking in the mountains and you get separated and lost, darkness is closing in, you’re getting cold and beginning to feel hopeless and afraid. But if you have a guide with you that has knowledge of the area and can lead you to safety you are relieved. He tells you to just follow in his footsteps.
This is what Jesus asks us to do, to follow in his footsteps, he will lead us through this wilderness of the world.
Meditate on Jesus’ life course. 1st John 2:6 says that if you say you are in union with him then you are obligated to follow him. We don’t need to see Jesus. John 15:10 says to ‘remain in his love and observe his commandments’.
Jesus reassured his disciples that he would be with them all the days. How was that fulfilled? There are 3 ways.
He sent a helper at Pentecost. We have that same helper today, that same holy spirit that guides us today.
We have the Faithful and Discreet Slave to spiritually feed us. The entire body of anointed followers are represented by a governing body on earth today.
We have the elders, gifts in men.
Though these things are distinct yet they all work together. Example. Elders are appointed by the governing body. These men fit the holy spirit and pray for holy spirit and produce holy spirit.
If you walk with Jesus you must also walk with God. 1 Pet 2:21
Jesus is the perfect model and set example for elders.
Jesus is a model of forgiveness for us. Remember how Peter denied him? Yet Christ forgave him. Are we forgiving or do we hold a grudge? We are actually under obligation to surrender our souls for one another. Could you give up your life for someone you have something against? Or the other way around?
Young ones. What do you plan on doing after school? World won’t offer you any spiritual opportunities. Youth have certain strength, vitality. They can be influenced by what parents suggest they do. So parents want to encourage children to serve Jehovah.
One brother had experienced full time
service when younger so could vouch for it. Always encouraged his children. Now one of his sons has just been invited to
Bethel and the other is going to pioneer school. Mal 3: 10
Imitate Jesus’ loyalty. He was a perfect man and could have been anything he wanted successfully. But he emptied himself and took a slave’s form Php 2:7
Jesus loved his own till the end even though they showed such weaknesses.
If we develop negativity and criticism toward others we will be disloyal. Do right and enjoy a good conscience. Set example for others. This is Satan’s world he wants you to focus on anything as long as it isn’t God’s will. (so, doesn’t have to be anything bad, just as long as it takes your time and attention)
Jesus’ way is so much happier if we take his yoke..Matt 11:28 He is such a source of refreshment and we can be too. We all have a race to endure and we will endure and win that race by walking with Jehovah. Heb 12:1
11:50 WALKING WITH JEHOVAH BY APPOINTMENT
(baptism talk)
Brother
asked candidates to look out over audience and see all the smiling faces. We are so happy they are here and have
chosen to walk with God.
Walking
with a friend is enjoyable, some people even make appointment to do so. Amos 3:3
What does
Jehovah ask of us? Micah
6:8
How can we
walk with an invisible God? We make
an unreserved dedication to him, the Most High. We vow to do his will Ps 40:8. That’s what dedication means, all else
is second place. When Amos said to
‘walk together’ it meant to have a common purpose. Our common purpose is to sanctify God’s
holy name.
Whatever we
do we do all things for God’s glory.
1 Cor 10:31
At the end
of each day reflect on what you did.
Did you do anything for Jehovah?
Don’t let
anything sidetrack you. Satan loves
new ones.
After Jesus
was baptized Satan wasted no time in tempting him
He tempted him when he got hungry.
He then
twisted the scriptures.
He offered
him the world in exchange for one act of worship. Don’t do anything against Jah just to
satisfy flesh.
Satan’s
tactics have not changed. Gal 5:
19-21
We don’t
have to actually have the material things, maybe we can’t afford them. But if our mind is focused on material
things and our desire for them is unbalanced it can turn us from the truth. We need to keep on the complete suit of
armor. Eph 6:
11,12
Satan will
not give up, he did not give up with Jesus. Luke 4: 13 shows he retired until
another convenient time.
Two years later was another convenient
time when Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death. Matt 16:21 Peter tried to discourage him from such
thoughts and Jesus said to ‘get behind me Satan!’ Peter was an apostle and an elder and
showed weakness. Even though Satan
is relentless we can stand firm and come off victorious.
Walking
with God does take effort. Being
nourished with words of faith from the Bible will help us..so we need to read
and meditate. 1 Tim 4:6 and verse
10 tells us to ‘rest our hope on a living God’
Our
meetings in our own congregations help keep our faith alive. Strive to be there and to have regular
share in ministry. Improve in our
skills, take suggestions from the Kingdom Ministry and the
platform..etc
Our resolve
should be to walk after Jehovah
Deut 13:4
He is
grasping our right hand Isa 41: 13
and Jah lives up to his promises.
Because we have set our affection on him he will protect us Ps 91:14. Protect him means to ‘put on
high’
so we are
out of the reach of enemies.
SATURDAY
AFTERNOON
2:15 AVOID ANY CAUSE FOR
STUMBLING
EXPERIENCE:
A brother
was delivering some boxes to a mini mart and tripped on a mop. He bruised his knees and elbows. The customers just watched him lie there
and were laughing. One of the
employees yelled out ‘Be careful, that’s a new mop!’ What would he do? He didn’t blame the
mop, he didn’t blame the people. He
got up, composed himself and moved on.
You too, get up and move on.
We don’t want to allow ourselves to be stumbled nor do we want to stumble
others. Mark
9:42
As to
ourselves, if anything is making us
stumble get rid of it. If you had a hand that was turning gangrene and couldn’t
stop it you would have to cut it off to save your life.
How can we
avoid allowing ourselves to be stumbled by unkind remarks, changes in
organization..etc?
Remember the account of the slave who
owed the other one 100 denarii but then that one, although having been forgiven
by the king for a greater amount of money, choked and had his fellow slave
thrown in prison. Matt 18:
23-35
Could that
be us? We have been given a huge
debt and Jehovah is that King. How
has he dealt with our debt owed him?
Has he not forgiven us? Jah
is looking down at us. Wouldn’t it be better to just let it pass if someone says
something that hurts us? Ps
19:11
Remember,
our persecution if from Satan, so don’t leave Jehovah, don’t stop going to
meetings because of these things,
don’t get enraged at Jehovah.
Proverbs 19:3
When a
person stumbles they reach out and grab hold of something to keep them from
falling.
Jehovah
reaches out to break our fall when we stumble. He gives us a supporting
arm.
Keep our
hope real and think on what Jehovah has done for you.
Show
empathy for others’ faults, Jah sees good in them so should
you.
Focus on
the important things, we are in the
time of the end.
Even if the
person committed a serious offense against you keep things in perspective and
avoid stumbling others. Keep the
big picture in mind. Col
3:13
What if you
lived back in time of Christ and are a Christian. In the temple of the Greek
gods meat is used in worship and in sacrifice to them. Some of the meat makes its way to the
meat market. There is no way to know which meat was used in that temple. You’re a mature Christian and have no
problem with it 1 Cor 10: 25. So you plan on having meat for
dinner.
You’ve
invited a brother over to eat with you.
You are both at the market buying the food and he is a new
Christian. He used to be involved
in that temple worship and is very concerned about the meat. Are you going to ignore him and buy the
meat anyway? Or are you going to
take into consideration this brother’s conscience and not stumble him? Verses 23 and 24.
DEMONSTRATION:
Brother
and sister have moved into a new congregation and notice they frown on
alcohol. Get togethers never have
any alcohol at them. The last
congregation they were in was not like that.
Rather
than stumbling anyone they made a point that when they have anyone over they
will not offer any alcohol and they will be sure their personal alcohol is kept
out of sight.
Most
of the women in this congregation didn’t wear jewelry or hardly any
makeup.
What
will you do in a case like that?
There
is a time coming when all stumbling blocks will be removed
permanently.
Matt 13: 41
2:35 KEEP YOUR SENSES
COMPLETELY
Don’t
put needless weights on shoulders making walking with God
hard.
Brace
up mind for activity, keep senses, be balanced. 1 Pet 1:13
Courtship. Many are looking for mates but hard to
find. Some go to the Internet to
find Witnesses. But you don’t know
who they are. Would you invite a
stranger into your home Would you
let them associate with your children?
Some deliberately hide who they are. Avoid such a thing. Form no marriage alliance with them.
Deut 7: 34 Prov
14:15
(Friends,
this was not at Convention but is what happened in my congregation.) Last year a sister got involved with
someone on the Internet. I was close to her and yet had no idea what was going
on.
We are in California and next thing we
knew she moved to Alaska and we haven’t heard from her since. We really are worried about her and I
have personally wondered if any harm has been done to her. But the elders know something and it
isn’t good because I was constantly asking if anyone had heard from her and how
she was. The elders approached me
one day and said they were aware of my concern and asked me to please not
inquire anymore about it. So
friends, don’t take this Internet dating thing lightly, or at all, doesn’t
matter who these ones say they are you have absolutely no way of
knowing!
Physical
heath. Use balance and be
reasonable. Not going to have perfect health now.
Matt
6: 25, 33 Sometimes the methods and
procedures are steeped in spiritism and some are unaware and are innocently
drawn into something. Isa 1:13 It
isn’t worth the risk.
Watchtower
1994 Dec 15 page 22 The real
solution is God’s Kingdom.
Be
careful of business ventures. Prov 2: 10,11 Some justify it by thinking it will
allow them to do more in the Truth.
When they get involved in these get rich schemes usually greed is at the
root.
DEMONSTRATION:
A
brother drops by and tells brother he remembered he wanted to pioneer and he
wanted to help him with it. But the
brother tells him that another brother made him an offer on getting his own
business on the Internet. Brother
asked him if it would require money up front?
He
said yes and if fact, most of his savings.
Brother
asked him what if he lost all his savings?
He said it would be a disaster but the other brother guarantees it would
not fail.
He
reminded him that businesses fail all the time. He asked if he would have more or less
time for Jehovah He said less
time. He showed him the scripture
at Luke 14 where Jesus said to ‘count the cost’ The brother rethinks it and
decides to keep his goal to pioneer.
2:55 WHOLESOME ACTIVITIES THAT
REFRESH
Jehovah
wants us to have fun. Eccl 3:
4,12,13
We
all get loaded down and need relaxation. mark 6: 31
People
today are more concerned with pleasures than God 1 Tim 3: 4
Bodily
training good for just a little.
Focus is on serving God.
Even
when brothers ate a meal,
spirituality was their focus. Acts 2: 46, 47
When
the brothers were sent to homes to witness sometimes they were offered
meals. These meals were eaten
during their witnessing work, not just recreation, eating at someone’s
home.
So
our gatherings should always include upbuilding
spirituality.
Entertainment
of world is terrible. Doesn’t matter what our personal choice might
be.
God’s
Law should be our entertainment guide.
Eph 5: 10
Bethelites
have good training. Have we visited
Bethel? Do we go on vacations to
other states and places? Could we
make it a point once in our lives to go to Bethel?
Muslims
go to Mecca at least once a year.
Invite
poor, elderly, to your home for meal.
If they can’t come, bring meal to them.
If
you have a get together and invite weak ones be careful. You don’t want them to corrupt
others. Most should be doing well
spiritually. Have a diverse group
but better to have smaller gatherings.
large ones are hard to control.
Be sure to have proper oversight.
It
isn’t the activities it is the bonding together that is
important.
Some
good rules. Whether small or large
group have someone who will oversee and who will be there the whole time and
will be the last one to go home.
If having alcohol will
cause stumbling, don’t have it.
If underage children there be sure to
have something they will be able to drink.
Be careful of music
even if only background music. Can
be indecent.
Parents,
be sure to know gathering your children are going to if you are not
there.
If teenage, will there be slow
dancing? And if so, why? Are they getting
married?
No
cause for stumbling 2 Cor 6: 3 - 1 Cor 10: 31-33 First things first Matt 6:33
Soon,
we will have great activities forever on a paradise earth.
3:25 JEHOVAH IS OUR
SHEPHERD
shepherds
were courageous. Had to protect
their sheep from wild animals. Tenderly treated them when they were born by
picking them up and keeping them cuddled in the folds of their garment against
their bosom. He bends down to pick
the baby up.
Jehovah
is the shepherd of our souls.
David
went through very difficult times yet it was he who wrote the 23rd
Psalms.
Oct 1, 1994 Watchtower
Jesus is our shepherd. He surrendered his
soul for his sheep. John 10: 15
Col
1: 19 all fullness dwells in him
and all treasures of wisdom are in him.
Ps
23 Jehovah was David’s
shepherd
Promised
land foreshadowed our spiritual paradise and future
paradise.
Literal
sheep do well when relaxed. We
should be relaxed with our spiritual shepherds.
Tracks
of righteousness may be hard to follow but this narrow road leads to
life.
How
does Jehovah lead us there? Through
his word and organization. For his name sake.
(we
have his name)
Jah
is leading us today should make us confident. God is not shielding us from all
calamity now but more important he is protecting our spirituality. Ps
91:10
It
isn’t our short term life he is concerned with but our long term
life.
Why
does David in the 23rd Psalm change from He (1st 3 verses)
to You? Because it becomes more
intimate as danger brings him closer.
As
a group we are promised protection.
Never will he allow us to be effaced off the earth.
That
protection is our heredity possession. No one can take it away from us. Isa 54: 17
if
we should individually die Jehovah will resurrect us.
Jah
promises to reserve unrighteous for judgment but to shield the righteous
others.
EXPERIENCE:
Brother
got very ill eleven years ago, had aneurysm. He was scared to have surgery. Liaison committee helped, no problems
with the blood issue. But he had faith in the resurrection hope so he agreed to
it. The aneurysm broke and he had a
stroke. He has had continued
complications and developed a pulmonary embolism. He went back and had a
procedure.
He
limps now and one arm is paralyzed.
He cannot work and his medical expenses are unreal.
But,
Jehovah’s hand is not short, as he said.
He is a school overseer, a book study overseer, he pioneers each
April
We,
too, have a spiritual banquet. Our
cup is well filled and our spiritual heart rejoices.
A
cup of well filled joy. We are the
sheep of God’s pasturage. Ps 79:
13
But
though Jah has responsibility to us what of us to him?
Let’s
walk in Jesus’ footsteps.
Let
Jah’s thinking guide ours as Jesus let it guide his. Prov 3;
5,6
What
is trust? Prov 3:
5
We
cannot eat at Jah’s table and the table of demons. 1 Cor 10; 21
If
we are not on Jesus’side we are against him. Matt 12: 30
David
endured many trials. When we are
far from Jehovah there is no true happiness.
3:55 BUYING OUT THE OPPORTUNE TIME
We
walk with God not with the world.
He is invisible but we walk with him by doing his will. We make sure of the more important
things Php 1:10 We buy out the
opportune time
Eph
5: 15,16. Opportune denotes
‘urgency’.
TV,
some good, some bad. Control
it. One brother says when he plans
on watching a program, if it is an hour long he turns the TV off after the
hour. He never lets the TV keep
running.
We
really don’t understand time but remember, time goes only one
way’.
EXPERIENCE:
One
family all start day with daily text.
They all make arrangements on Wednesday to come home early from work to
have a family study. Mom has all
stuff ready, pencils, books, and she even makes tea for the family. It is very enjoyable for them. Daughter has been able to start study
with 2 other students. Homework gets done after study.
There
are many Arabic in Glendale, CA and a brother learned Arabic in order to help.
Another brother came from the middle east to work with them. Consequently they now have a book
study. Next month, in July, it will
be the first time that Antelope Valley, CA will have a public talk in
Arabic.
One
very young sister says that the way Jah is closer to her is when she
studies. She feels that He is
speaking to her. She has a twin
sister and they both do personal Bible reading but one is reading in the Hebrew
scriptures and one in the Greek scriptures so that they can compare the
two. They want to personally
perceive what the will of God
is. Eph 5: 17
Circumstances
can change our lives – or we can change our circumstances.
If
you set a goal of 10 hours a month and something wants to disrupt it don’t let
it. If you are doing all you can,
stick to it.
4:15 WALKING IN THE PATH OF INCREASING
LIGHT
We
can’t do without light. One gloomy
day after another and everything needs light or will lead to death. No life without spiritual light, as
well. Path of righteous one gets
brighter.
Prov
4: 18,19 Jehovah does not leave us
in the dark. Our organization has improved
Isa
60: 17. Many changes since
1919. Check Proclaimer’s book to
see the dates and changes. Must be
gradual progress. Can’t take too
much. Like coming out of a dark
theater on a sunny day, your eyes hurt, can’t focus. So light must be
gradual.
To
name a few, we have learned there are only 2 organizations, Jehovah’s and
Satan’s.
In
1934 we learned that Jesus died on a stake not a cross.
In
2002 we had understanding of how we worship God in spirit.
We
need to stay in center of organization.
If we don’t accept changes that means we have a critical spirit. We need to understand how Jehovah is
heading things just as those people that went against Moses. They did not see Jah’s hand in matters
and who he was using. They paid for it too.
EXPERIENCE:
Our
brother went to federal prison for stand on neutrality. He said it was the best thing to ever
happen to him. It forced him to
really study the Bible.
Another
very old brother said that when ever changes are made he checks them out
thoroughly. Two brothers have 126
years in truth between them. They
have had the prophetic word made more sure
2 Pet 1: 19
The
light from God’s word may not remove stumbling blocks but it helps us to see
them.
4:35 KEEP ON THE WATCH – THE HOUR OF JUDGMENT
HAS ARRIVED
We
must keep on the watch, don’t know the day, Jesus said no one knows so prove
ready.
Like
a thief it will come unannounced.
When it comes be doing good.
Matt 24: 36, 42, 44
1
Thess 5:2.
When
Jesus said ‘at an hour you don’t think’ (vs 44) he was talking to his
disciples, not to the world. So
we need to be on the watch.
One
will be taken along, so no matter how close you are you will be separated. You could be standing next to a family
member at that time and if they have not taken that stand Jah will take one
right at that moment. You feel the
time is not yet? Do not cool
off. Feeling that will cause you to
cool off you lose sense of urgency.
Matt 24: 37-39
(This
is my own thought here..the fact is the important time is the time you are
living at this moment, not the day of armageddon or the tribulation. I say this because we can die
anytime. Any moment. So the relationship we have with Jah
when we die is really the important thing)
The
dedication we made did not have a time limit. Not knowing the time gives us a
chance to prove whether we are serving Jah from love. We are, in reality, serving Jehovah
forever.
Do
not allow this world’s anxieties push us off course. (cannot impress enough how many times in
this convention the reading of the Bible was made emphatic). READ THE BIBLE EVERY DAY, MEDITATE ON
IT!)
Do
not look back, remember Lot’s wife, she didn’t want to let that gross, immoral
system go. Isn’t that what this
system is? Look beyond it’s
glittering lights. See it for what
it is.
Satan
will twist our perception of things.
(Again,
my own thought here. Like those Christmas lights, they look so pretty you ooh
and ahh about it and you don’t think of what they stand for, the prettiness
makes you not see the total disrespect and disloyalty that those lights stand
for. Imagine how those lights hurt Jesus.
He died making his Father’s name known and those who celebrate Christmas
with those pretty lights are calling God, Jesus and not
Jehovah.
I don’t know how it is where you live
but here in Bakersfield they have tours every Christmas season right in town to
go look at the peoples’ lights and decorations in their yards. Everyone is out to outdo the other. I would not be surprised if our brothers go on these
tours or just drive around town like so many others do gawking at the glitter
not thinking about what it really is. I hear every year how Witnesses think it
is so pretty. I always make sure I
tell them how ugly they are because they are a slap in the face to Jehovah and
Jesus.)
Let’s
get hold of the ‘real’ life. Rev 1:
10 shows we are in the Lord’s Day (since 1914)
Rev
14: 16, 17 shows there is an angel flying in mid heaven directing the good
news.
We
know the hour of judgment has arrived, he is saying so. This period to be brief,
including the pronouncement to turn to God and then the judgment. Must hate bad and love
good.
We
have to do all that is expected of us and trust in Jah. Sometimes? No, all times.
Rev
14 shows the Lamb standing upon Mt Zion with the 144,000 so Satan didn’t stop
the Kingdom of God, after all, and we are now in The Lord’s
Day.
Ancient
Babylon, full of magic and politics and immorality had God’s people in bondage
from which he freed them. Today, in
1919, God has freed his people again from Babylon the Great. Set free to now
preach and tell others to separate themselves from Babylon, her final
destruction imminent. Rev
18:21
The
Wild Beast and its Image. Rev 13:2
Why wrong to worship it? Rev 14: 9,10 because the Wild Beast represents
human rulership against God.
We
are no part of any of it.
John 15:19 1 John 2:
15-17
Let’s
walk with God instead of running with the world. If so, sudden persecution will not be a
surprise. And, too, it isn’t often
persecution that can dishearten one, it is just life.
Matt
6: 14
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY MORNING – JUNE 12, DAY 3
morning
attendance 5,535 afternoon attendance 5, 269
9:50 DAILY TEXT REMINDERS HELP US TO GO ON
WALKING WITH GOD
EXAMPLES:
One
brother, elder, full time job, on the Committee makes time for daily text at
dinner time.
It
has helped his children in wanting to participate at meetings. It has to be a relaxed, unrushed
atmosphere. They are sure to read
the Watchtower article that text is taken from.
We
spread seeds in many ways. In our everyday conversations, the way we look,
dress, just life. And we don’t know
how those seeds are reaching people and you might not even be aware of the
effect you are having on someone without doing formal or informal
witnessing.
People
do watch us.
(This
is my own experience. I remember sitting on the bus one day and overheard the
bus driver talking to a passenger about Jehovah’s Witnesses and he was
commenting on the children. He was saying ‘well, maybe I don’t agree with their
beliefs but you know these children know their Bibles and they are the nicest
children that ride the bus’. I
thought that kind of fit the example the Convention was
using)
10:00 GUARD AGAINST ‘ABANDONING THE STRAIGHT
PATH’
Some
Christians started walking the straight path but then…2 Pet 2:
15-20
This
was the feeling of the Psalmist Ps
119: 101
We
need to pay more than the usual attention.
Set priorities, don’t forsake gathering together for worship, do not
isolate yourself. Prov
18:1
What
helps not to abandon path?
Gain thinking ability from Jah Prov 2: 10-14
Our
faith is a large field to use against apostates. Apostates have drawn a line in the sand
and separated themselves. Do not
invite into home either physically or through their literature, Internet.. etc.
The
ones we invite in are the Faithful Steward who have good news. Faith can bring us contentment with what
we have so we do not strive for materialism. Power of riches is
deceptive.
Some
leave family to make more money and stay away for long periods of time and this
tends to split up families.
Our
best relationship is with Jehovah do everything you can not to damage
it.
Let’s
show a waiting attitude for Jehovah.
He has blessed us in incomparable ways.
We
learned the truth and have been set free.
We understand doctrines and truths and know the difference between true
and false teachings.
God
gives us hope and joy. He gives us
the unity of a great brotherhood.
He has given us the understanding that these governments will soon be
replaced and thereby free so many from hopelessness.
He
is lovingly still drawing people out of this system by
droves.
Let’s
stay off that broad and spacious road where there is plenty of elbow room that
makes it so very easy.
Stay
on the narrow road to life.
Before
the flood, God felt hurt at his heart of how the people had turned from
him. We don’t want to cause that
kind of pain in his heart now.
Our
gratitude to Jehovah will help keep us loyal, so keep Jehovah before us, now and
forever.
10:20 YOUTHS-WALK IN THE PATH OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Brother
asked young ones to think about what Jehovah is thinking of them as he sees them
at the Convention since Friday? They know Jehovah must be so
happy. He tells them to consider
the scripture in Eccl 11:9 . God wants them to rejoice but not with free
rein. God will bring them into
judgment for their actions and choices.
Ward
off calamity by Prov 4:
10
Accept
the fatherly advice of the elders they want them to succeed. Might be difficult to walk in the right
tracks but they don’t want to stumble themselves. verses 11 and
12.
Little
ones face difficulties too. With
the flag and the holiday. Help them
to make an effective witness. Even
the youngest ones can understand the issues. LEARNING FROM GREAT TEACHER book,
page 155 paragraphs 1-3
Father
did a great demonstration with a very young one. He explained about birthdays and the
murders that took place at them and how Jesus and his apostles never celebrated
not even Jesus’ birth. Explained
about pagan holiday mixed in with Christmas. One thing that impressed the child was
when father asked, ‘would you have wanted to be at Herod’s birthday party when
John the baptizer had his head cut off?’
The
child was able to give an effective witness to his
teacher.
An
even younger child was explained the flag salute by using Great Teacher book and
the illustrations and pictures of the image. Really explained so well about the
Hebrew boys.
Then
the mother pretended to be the teacher and practiced with her what she would
say.
It
was very effective for such a small child.
A simple scripture the child remembered and understood was 1 John 5:
21
Bad
people do bad by feeding themselves with badness. They actually gain strength from
it. Makes them stronger to do more
bad. We feed on goodness and that
gives us strength to do better.
It’s a matter of the food we choose and food does strengthen and help
keep alive, good or bad.
Children
have friends who are not worshipers of Jah but who are not so bad. But do they encourage you to stay in the
truth, to stay out of trouble? No,
and they have dead works, or their activities are ungodly or wasteful. Bad people have no future. Prov 4: 19
EXPERIENCES OF YOUNG
PEOPLE:
Couple
of experiences of young people who are very
spiritual-minded.
Parents
trained their son’s thinking that ‘those outside the congregation may be nice
and even respectful but do they want to know Jah?’
(My
thought. I have always felt that way. When I meet a worldly person who is really
sweet, who is religious, who appears moral..it is easy to get attracted to
someone like that and want to be friends with them. But I have always used that one simple
reasoning. Do they want to know
Jah? Of course, to determine this
you need to witness to them to see.
If they don’t, you cannot associate with them. Just be cordial but don’t get involved
with them unless to help them with truth or in some way they might come into
need. Maybe that will move
them.)
So
the sister’s son has always gone through school looking for good Witnesses. No after school activities does he get
involved in. Or even hanging out
after school like so many do.
He
takes advantages of invitations of friends and even then he does not let that
limit his service and spiritual time.
He realizes that bad associations spoils useful habits and you need to
watch your associates in and out of the congregation.
One
sister, who is an auxiliary pioneer now, had a school mate since 1st
grade, not in truth.
But
they made a pact together they would not get involved with boys in
school.
Well,
her friend with different morals did not stick by that pact. She broke the
promise.
The sister attended a mandatory AIDS
class in her school and was shocked with the graphic information she had to
see. She said ‘no young person
should ever see that stuff’.
And
she stated how there was no class instruction on not having sex before marriage,
but rather how to protect yourself while having sex.
Listen
to your parents who give good counsel and to Jehovah who gives good counsel. It
will follow you for the rest of your life. prov 4: 20 – 23. Safeguard your heart and listen to
God.
One
other young brother is home schooled and he feels it has kept him out of
trouble. He is pioneering and this
has helped to keep Jah first in his life.
It also gives him confidence at the door. He was brought up well. And his goal is to be a servant in the
congregation and improve on his return visits.
Another
15 year old pioneer set priorities that after high school she wanted a job that
would allow her the time to serve Jah while her school mates were looking at how
much money they could make. So she
went to a community college and got a good job full time and is pioneering. Do
not be lukewarm in congregation and be able to give an effective
witness.
It
took one brother a while to get on path of righteousness. He was involved with
truth when younger but never got baptized and went into the world. But he always felt he would return
someday as he was given a good foundation.
He did return in 2002 and set goals for meetings, service and he realized
only then how much he had missed being involved with the truth and so last year
he got baptized.
He is now a congregation literature
servant and has conducted a book study and last year he auxiliary pioneered for
the first time.
He
had been going to college for a teaching degree and much more education is
needed to complete for it but he
has put it off and decided to auxiliary pioneer the rest of this summer to see
if he can permanently pioneer. Prov
4:26
11:10 DRAMA- FOCUSES ON APOSTLE
PAUL
(This
was such an incredible drama. When
that thunder and lightening came down and struck Paul (Saul) blind, we all
jumped in our seats it was so wonderfully realistic. I don’t know about you all but I
cry when these things are brought into reality. It is so different seeing than
reading. I can’t help but think
when we actually see Jehovah go into action at the Great Tribulation and then
finally, Armageddon there will not be a dry tear anywhere for seeing our Great
God in action and our faith realized.
I pray we are all there to see it.
But I imagine, if we have to be resurrected this will be just as amazing
and faith strengthening. Might be
‘after the fact’ but no less emotional and wondrous.)
I
loved the way Luke narrated the whole account.
Wasn’t
it amazing that when Paul made his witness of how he had changed from a
persecutor and why he had -and when they saw with their eyes that he healed a
blind man they still wouldn’t listen or believe? They chose to stone him. They were blinded by their own
bigotry. But Paul didn’t quit
because he knew we would have to enter the Kingdom through many
tribulations.
Another
good work of removing demon from that girl and yet he was taken before
magistrate. They were told that
‘Jews did not belong with the Romans.’
So they were thrown in prison (little did they know at this time Paul was
a Roman) which he soon defended himself with that
knowledge.
Paul
was never frightened by opponents and in prison they all prayed and
sang.
Paul
never gave up nor lost his conviction.
Though he was finally killed, his faith, while under persecution spread
far and wide, nothing deterred him.
11:55 BEAR THOROUGH WITNESS TODAY DESPITE
OPPOSITION
We
want to keep in mind that the drama really did happen. Jehovah had it recorded for our
endurance and comfort. The great
cloud of witnesses at Heb 11 and 12:1 all had to endure tests of faith. So we must too.
Good
man Abel, killed by his jealous brother.
Jeremiah,
faithful prophet thrown in well by his very own people because of the witness
they did not like.
Jesus,
himself, tortured and hung on a stake.
Why? He exposed hypocrisy in
his day and was determined to do God’s will no matter
what.
We
are preaching the good news but in it hypocrisy is exposed so we can’t expect
the world to love us but to hate us.
We all will be tested for our faith that is what the Bible
says..
1
Pet 1: 6,7
Paul
was not discouraged away from God by his trials. He had many 2 Cor 11:
23….
He
considered everything else a lot of refuse once finding the truth Php 3:
8
He
considered his preaching an obligation 1 Cor 9: 16
Paul
did not allow verbal or physical abuse to stop him from helping others know
truth.
We
mustn’t allow anything or anyone that comes against us to stop us (and it will
come)
World
war 2 and today in Russia and other places of persecution going on right now,
has not stopped the Witnesses. Our
organization has only increased under this persecution.
Paul
and others also never directed undo attention to themselves but always to God
and to Jesus. People wanted to make
them gods- but no. They wouldn’t
hear of it.
I
thought it was interesting in the drama that when the people were bowing down to
Paul and the others as gods because of the miracles they had done and then when
Paul said they were just men like they were, the people didn’t like that. They turned away from them after
that. They weren’t interested in
them once they found they were ‘mere’ mortals.
Shows
where their hearts were, they were not interested in spiritual things at
all.
When
Paul brought before magistrate for excising demon from girl he gave a powerful
witness and was not afraid to say it was the people who were wrong in being
involved in spiritism.
He
never tried to run when thrown in jail.
After Jehovah miraculously freed them and the jailer was going to kill
himself, Paul stopped him. Paul
stayed around, even though an escaped prisoner, and went to home of jailer to
witness. Whole family came in truth.
Paul
understood that having Jah’s blessing did not guarantee protection now.
2
Tim 3: 10-12
The
amazing thing brought to our attention was this. As to our integrity
,
WE DO NOT HAVE A BREAKING
POINT
1
Cor 10: 13 God will always make the
way out. When we have gone as far
as our flesh can go under tests of endurance, God will make the way
out.
Paul
was not embittered by his tests. He
did so much good and suffered so much you would think he could be bitter but he
was not. He was joyful and long
suffering. He made a wonderful
witness before Agrippa. What helped
him to endure so?
His
hope with everlasting life in view.
He saw, and felt, and smelled, and tasted the
paradise..
If
we have similar tests as Paul, we know we too can stand up. If we do not have those kinds of tests,
we still can stand up. Whatever the
test will be, it will be a test for us as an individual.
(My
thoughts here..it has to be a test that will be particularly difficult for us
but maybe not a problem for someone else or else it wouldn’t involve a test of
faith. Satan would not use it unless it is something that can make us
buckle. So in other words, we don’t
have to be stood up against a wall in front of a firing squad, it might be a
mate, a family member, something about ourselves)
We
want to be a cause for praise and honor at revelation of Jesus. It is a privilege to represent
Jehovah.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON, PUBLIC
TALK
2:00 WALKING WITH GOD BRINGS BLESSIINGS NOW
AND FOREVER
Parents
are proud of their child’s first wobbly steps. Even take pictures of it. They walk beside the child with and
extended arm for guidance.
After
their first steps they need more guidance.
Especially when they get to running.
The
most important guidance will be the mental regulating of
Jehovah.
Bible
uses walking as metaphor to ‘walk through life’
There
is someone that knows you better than anyone else to help you and guide you
through life. Our Heavenly Father.
No matter our age, we all are in desperate need for his
guidance.
This
is something we all need to really appreciate. Jer 10: 23 So this shows we have no reliable
ability independent from God.
But
we can have courage because we do not have to walk alone.
So
what does it mean to ‘walk with God’?
Here
is what it doesn’t mean. He is
invisible so we can not do so literally.
Also,
we are not robots who cannot think for ourselves.
First
time expression found is at Gen 5: 25 regarding Enoch. The expression denotes to ‘continually
walk through life’ with God.
Enoch
walked with God, how? He trusted,
obeyed, relied on Jehovah for guidance.
It
bought persecution and Jehovah was put into a prophetic trance and spared death
pangs. But before he died he was
assured of God’s approval of him and his love for him.
What
about us today?
Mal
3: 16 shows that God has not changed.
Micah 4: 1, 2 shows that in ‘final’ part of days many would walk with
God but not the majority, verse
5. So it is a great privilege to be
able to do so.
How
can we? Listen to and walk with
others who do. Follow in Christ’s
footsteps.
Listen
to that voice behind you Isa 30:24
What
does that mean, behind you? God’s voice from the past is speaking to you,
information in the Bible that was written long ago.
If
we don’t have a fixed reference point we can go around in circles and get lost,
so think in a straight line and use God’s word as a reference
point.
EXPERIENCE:
(Evolution
of a Christian) A young man grew up angry and violent. Became a boxer and went into army, beat
a soldier up real bad, got married and beat his wife and even his
father.
Started
studying and saw ‘return evil to evil to no one’ so he gave up boxing but he was
still violent. So he studied more
and that refined his spirit even more.
One time he was going to react to someone violently and stopped suddenly
and a wave of shame overcame him and he wasn’t able to carry out his
actions.
We
want to walk with others who walk with God, last year one quarter million were
baptized and we are all heading in the same direction. We are all getting same information, we
all speak in agreement and do not march to the beat of our own
drummer.
Heb
10: 25 1 Cor 1:
10
An 18 year old girl from Ecuador asked her brother-in-law Witness who created God? He said that God had no beginning or end. She got interested and started studying and going to meetings secretly as her family opposed. But whenever she got back from meetings she got beaten. Her own fleshly sister didn’t care. But when she showed her the welts and bruises on her back her fleshly sister also started studying. Now they are both baptized Witnesses.
So we follow the perfect example, Jesus. He left us a model. This meaning of model is ‘underwriting’ In school, children had waxed tablets with the alphabet on it and they were to make an exact copy of the letter beneath the letter on the tablet.
(Made me think of our day. I remember way back in school we had that lined paper.
The alphabet was printed on the paper, both upper case and lower case.
There would be a line right under each line of lettering so we could copy the one above.
Guess except for the wax model it was the same thing!)
Jesus set the pattern for us, he not only talked about it he did it. He didn’t just ‘talk the talk’ but he ‘walked the walk’. John 13: 15
We will come to many forks in the road as we go through life. What will we do? Remember what Jesus did and what he would have done. That is how you get the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2: 16
What are the blessings of walking with God? This world is just like a mine field at night but God’s light helps us to locate them and step around them. We are children of light Eph 5: 8
It is so bad for unbelievers because they are blinded in the darkness.
The light of truth brings hope and joy by walking in it.
Php 4: 7 brings peace of God and inner calm in the most trying circumstances.
If we believe God is near he will watch over us. What can puny man do to us? He can never take our life saving faith away!
Do not be quick to give up on those who sin.
If you stumble do not give up. Prov 24; 16 Isa 40: 29-30
Jehovah even forgives large, serious sins.
EXPERIENCE:
Enrique from New York arrested several times, in gangs, before age 15 he killed someone and got 20 years. His father became a Witness and went to the prison to witness to him.
While he was in solitary confinement he prayed., he got out after 7 years but went back to his old ways and got another 15 years. He got out again after 7 years, straightened out and 3 years later was baptized.. He realized that God never gave up on him.
Life is a gift so even a short walk is a blessing. Ps 90:10
Jehovah wants us to walk with him forever John 3: 36
There is such a walk that brings blessings now and forever. When people use expression, ‘Is this all there is? or ‘We go from cradle to grave?’ is that all there is?
Not for those who walk with God. If you let him lead you by the hand, like a little toddler,
and obey and rely and trust Jehovah, your journey need never end.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Prov 19: 20 Listen to counsel, accept discipline and become wise.
Prov 14: 1 The senseless one says there is no God..no Jehovah.
Rap music designed to corrupt you as most entertainment today.
We want simple life, Prov 30: 8, 9 To do God’s will Eccl 7; 11, 12 Keep seeking God’s things and we will have what we need Matt 6; 33
1 Cor 7: 31 Scene of world is changing. Don’t put all your eggs in basket of world they will be crushed just a necessary few. Put most of your eggs in Jehovah’s basket where they will be protected.
To get an idea of the love of money stabbing you over with many pains 1 Tim 6: 9, 10 think about pricking your finger with a pin. That really hurts. Now imagine that pain all over your body.
There is a famine in the land for Word of God Amos 8: 11
What is normal today is bad but that is all that the people know but we live in a different world.
3:20 WALK WORTHILY OF JEHOVAH..FULLY PLEASING
HIM. (Col 1: 9…)
We have been built up by this convention. We know more now than ever about what it means to walk with God.
People walk in the name of their own gods Micah 4;5 but they don’t know what they are doing. They don’t know how to live. We are different.
2 things connected or linked to walking with God are- having accurate knowledge and- bearing fruit in every good work. This is why the world does not know how to walk.
They do not possess those 2 links. (of course, we can teach them if they want it)
It is not enough to acknowledge that God exists we must have accurate knowledge.
I Col 1: 11 promises that if we are trying to walk with him he will give us power from his glorious might.
Jehovah gives us light from the Bible to walk with him knowing which path to follow.
We need to do normal things but concentrate on vital things.
Keep sense of urgency, take nothing in a casual manner. Keep Enoch and Noah in mind.
One of the brothers said that the Faithful and Discreet Slave wants us to focus on those 2 individuals. 2 of the speakers at Convention spoke of them and it appears Jehovah wants us to focus on them.
Part of walking with God entails marriage and how we view it.
Respect for sacred gatherings.
Keep strict watch on yourself. Don’t think you are ‘just in truth’ do strict and not casual scrutinizing of yourself.
Be careful of stumbling others. Even unkind words have stumbled some out of truth.
They have a responsibility but we are blood guilty too.
We are in a judgment period since 1914 so
we have a great responsibility.
The phrase ‘go on’ walking indicates that one can get started on the right track but get off it because it says to ‘go on’.
Two weeks ago at Convention a retarded girl who is older actually but has mind of 6 year old is hearing impaired. When she saw the drama of Paul healing it was so very real to her that she actually went up to the brother who played Paul and asked him to heal her.
Wow, how did he explain his way out of that! They didn’t go into much detail except that they tried to explain it was just pretending.
Comments made at this convention. ‘You people dress for God.’
A Bible student went to someone and said that ‘your organization is willing to adjust to the Bible and not the other way around.’
Another said, (these are employees..) ‘We love you people, you are the best and the children are not disruptive like others’
There was a woman there who works our conventions and asks to work our conventions.
She said that when we come they only need 10 people on staff to keep things under control and when other groups come they need 350 on staff.
She said this even includes other religious groups who are totally out of control.
A sister who used to work at the convention center (in my congregation) and worked other conventions said the other groups, even religious ones are really out of control. She mentioned particularly the Pentecostal convention.
The kids were running all over the place, tearing stuff off the walls, putting whipped cream in keyholes…etc and the parents were just letting them run loose.
As regards the new brochure, Keep on the Watch’ the brothers are planning a special campaign for the latter part of Oct/ early /Nov
We’ll hear more on that later. They want this to have as wide a distribution as possible people need this info who are concerned about these critical times.
What did Enoch do that pleased God well. He showed faith and courage in giving that message. We live in chilling times today and must give the message.
Noah showed great faith. It hadn’t rained ever. Yet he built that ark. He lived at a time of very violent people, the nephilim. He witnesses to people who were influenced by the nephilim and were violent themselves.
In United States in recent years not many problems but we need to be prepared. Last year and this year dramas focusing on those serving Jehovah will be persecuted. All will be.
2 Tim 3: 12 1 John 2: 6
Our objective is to walk with God now and forever. What are brothers emphasizing at conventions. To keep doing what we are doing- more fully. 1 Thess 4: 1
How are we doing? Keep testing 2 Cor 13: 5
Set goals for ourselves. Keep improving in our walk.
Sometimes problems that beset us make us feel helpless and defenseless. Ps 143: 8
Be whole hearted in field ministry.
Some have great physical limitations but do very much. Watchtower experiences show that.
We leave it in Jehovah’s hands. He encourages to try more and do what we can do.
But while we may think we cannot do more Jehovah can see our full potential.
So rely on him in prayer.
(my comments here) I was sitting beside a young couple,
Alberto and Veronica. He was in wheelchair with his head in one of those big
metal cages that holds your head from moving.
I thought he had broken
his neck maybe. He had that thing
actually bolted into his head!
Veronica had to keep
putting some balm at the insertion point.
He sat still all day. He
couldn’t turn to left or right. But
he was alert and had look of peace on his face the whole
day.
I finally asked her what
was wrong. He had cancer and he had
a huge tumor in his neck that was in the bone and messed up the vertebrae in his
neck. They are tying to shrink the
tumor and then they will be able to fix the vertebrae. But I thought of how we complain of
little things and not get to meetings (I sure have) and then you see these
people of great faith who want to be there no matter how difficult. This includes an older sister who was a
double amputee. What impressed me
of those who had these disabilities is that they all had looks of peace on their
face and not of the suffering they surely had to be
feeling!!!!)
Let us always offer the fruit of lips Heb 13: 15
Those not associated , those who go to Memorial, help them progress.
Don’t be casual about our relationship with God or in helping others to be ready for that final judgment.
Isa 2: 2, 3 shows that all nations drawn to Jehovah? Why? To be instructed how to walk with him and in his paths. This prophecy is being fulfilled now. We are part of it.
1930’s there were 30,000 Witnesses now there are over 6 million. The last 8 years, 250,000-300,000 have been baptized each year.
Final thought. Is there something I can do to walk with Jehovah, to progress and to improve and to help others to do the same?