May

Friday, May 1

There is no partiality with God.​—Rom. 2:11.

After he had delivered his people from slavery in Egypt, Jehovah appointed priests to serve at the tabernacle. Levites were assigned to share in other duties related to that holy tent. Did those who served at the tabernacle or who were encamped close to it enjoy better care from Jehovah than others? No! Jehovah is not partial. Everyone in the encampment had an equal opportunity to enjoy Jehovah’s friendship. For example, Jehovah made sure that the entire nation was able to see the miraculous pillar of cloud and pillar of fire posted above the tabernacle. (Ex. 40:38) When the cloud started to move in a new direction, even those encamped farthest from the tabernacle were able to see that, assemble their belongings, dismantle their family tents, and keep pace with the rest of the nation. (Num. 9:15-23) Similarly today, no matter where we live on earth, we can benefit from Jehovah’s loving, watchful care and protection. w24.06 23:10-12

Saturday, May 2

Get up, and let us run away, for none of us will escape from Absalom!​—2 Sam. 15:14.

David’s life was in danger. His son Absalom was determined to steal the kingdom from him. (2 Sam. 15:12, 13) David needed to leave Jerusalem at once! As his servants were leaving, David realized that someone needed to stay back to keep him informed of Absalom’s plans. So he sent Zadok and other priests back into the city to serve as informants. (2 Sam. 15:27-29) They had to proceed cautiously. David worked out a plan that involved Zadok and Hushai, loyal friends of David’s. (2 Sam. 15:32-37) Following the plan, Hushai won the confidence of Absalom and recommended a military strategy that would give David time to prepare for an attack. Next, Hushai informed Zadok and Abiathar of the plan. (2 Sam. 17:8-16) The two men were then able to send a message to David that played an important role in protecting David’s life.​—2 Sam. 17:21, 22. w24.07 27:9-10

Sunday, May 3

“Come, now, and let us set matters straight between us,” says Jehovah.​—Isa. 1:18.

Some of Jehovah’s servants are deeply troubled by regrets over their past actions, either before or even after baptism. But we do well to remember that Jehovah provided the ransom because of his deep love for us. Surely, he wants us to accept his gift. Jehovah assures us that after we have “set matters straight” with him, he no longer holds our sins against us. How loving of Jehovah not to remember our past sins! At the same time, he never forgets the good we have done. (Ps. 103:9, 12; Heb. 6:10) If you are troubled by regrets about the past, do your best to focus on the present and on the future rather than on the past. You cannot change the past. But you can honor Jehovah in your present circumstances and look ahead to the wonderful future that he has promised you. w24.10 40:8-9

Monday, May 4

Clothe yourselves with the new personality.​—Col. 3:10.

When you read the Bible and look for ways to apply its guidance, you may at times feel overwhelmed. Think of this scenario: Today your Bible reading includes counsel against showing favoritism. (Jas. 2:1-8) You see that you could improve on how you treat others, so you decide to make some changes. Then tomorrow you read a passage that highlights the importance of controlling your speech. (Jas. 3:1-12) You realize that on occasion your speech has been somewhat negative. So you determine that you will be more positive and upbuilding. Your Bible reading the next day includes a warning against becoming a friend of the world. (Jas. 4:4-12) You notice that you need to be more selective in your choice of entertainment. By the fourth day, you might feel rather overwhelmed by all the things you need to work on. Do not be discouraged. Remember that putting on “the new personality” is an ongoing process. w24.09 36:11-12

Tuesday, May 5

Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.​—1 Pet. 3:15.

Jesus knew that it was Jehovah’s view of matters that was most important. He trusted that Jehovah would deal with injustices at the right time. We can imitate Jesus by controlling what we say when we are treated unjustly. Some injustices are minor, and we can simply overlook them. Or we may remain silent to avoid saying something that could make matters worse. (Eccl. 3:7; Jas. 1:19, 20) At other times, we may need to speak up when we observe unfair treatment or when we need to defend the truth. (Acts 6:1, 2) If we do speak, we should try our best to do so calmly and respectfully. We can also imitate Jesus by entrusting ourselves to “the One who judges righteously.”​—1 Pet. 2:23. w24.11 44:10-12

Wednesday, May 6

Joy arises among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.​—Luke 15:10.

If a sinner repents, that is a cause for great joy! (Luke 15:7) Who deserves the credit? Do the elders? Recall what the apostle Paul wrote about sinners: “Perhaps God may give them repentance.” (2 Tim. 2:25) A study note on that verse comments: “The credit for such a change in thinking and attitude goes, not to any human, but to Jehovah, who helps the wayward Christian make this vital change. Paul goes on to mention some of the beautiful results of such repentance​—it leads the sinner to a more accurate knowledge of the truth, it helps him come back to his proper senses, and it enables him to escape from Satan’s snares.​—2Ti 2:26.” When a wrongdoer repents, the committee will arrange for shepherding visits so that the person can continue to receive the help he needs to fight against Satan’s snares and to make straight paths for his feet.​—Heb. 12:12, 13. w24.08 34:14-15

Thursday, May 7

You are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate from the loaves and were satisfied.​—John 6:26.

A crowd that Jesus had fed were focused on satisfying their physical needs and desires. How so? The following day, they saw that Jesus and his apostles had left. So the crowd boarded some boats that had arrived from Tiberias and headed toward Capernaum to find Jesus. (John 6:22-24) Did they do that mainly to hear more about the Kingdom? No. They were primarily thinking about their physical need for bread. How do we know? Note what happened when the crowd caught up with Jesus near Capernaum. Jesus openly said that their priority was satisfying their temporary physical needs. He acknowledged that they “ate from the loaves and were satisfied” with “food that perishes.” He urged them to work instead for “food that remains for everlasting life.” (John 6:26, 27) Jesus said that his Father would provide such food. w24.12 48:8-9

Friday, May 8

The heart of the wise one gives his mouth insight and adds persuasiveness to his speech.​—Prov. 16:23.

To be more effective as a teacher, brothers, base your public teaching and private counsel on God’s Word. Be a good student of the Bible and of our publications. (Prov. 15:28) As you study, take careful note of the proper application of the Scriptures. And when teaching, try hard to reach the heart of those in your audience. You can improve as a teacher if you ask for and apply suggestions from experienced elders. (1 Tim. 5:17) Elders need to be able to encourage their brothers and sisters; however, elders must at times counsel or even reprove them. In either case, elders must always be kind. If you are gentle and loving and you base your teaching on God’s Word, you will be effective because you will be imitating the Great Teacher, Jesus.​—Matt. 11:28-30; 2 Tim. 2:24. w24.11 47:16

Saturday, May 9

Declare his glory among the nations.​—Ps. 96:3.

We can glorify Jehovah by what we say about him. Jehovah’s people are invited to “sing to Jehovah,” to “praise his name,” to “proclaim the good news of his salvation,” and to “declare his glory among the nations.” (Ps. 96:1-3) All these are ways in which we can glorify our heavenly Father. (Acts 4:29) We can also glorify Jehovah with our valuable things. True worshippers have always honored Jehovah in that way. (Prov. 3:9) For example, the Israelites contributed toward building and maintaining the temple. (2 Ki. 12:4, 5; 1 Chron. 29:3-9) Caring disciples of Christ ministered to him and his apostles “from their belongings.” (Luke 8:1-3) First-century Christians also contributed relief aid for their spiritual brothers and sisters. (Acts 11:27-29) Today we too can glorify Jehovah by means of our voluntary donations. w25.01 1:8, 11

Sunday, May 10

Can anyone deny water to prevent these from being baptized?​—Acts 10:47.

What helped Cornelius to get baptized? We read that he “feared God together with all his household.” And Cornelius made supplication to God continually. (Acts 10:2) When Peter declared the good news to Cornelius, he and his family accepted Christ and promptly got baptized. (Acts 10:47, 48) Cornelius was no doubt willing to make whatever adjustments were required of him so that he could worship Jehovah together with his family. (Josh. 24:15; Acts 10:24, 33) Cornelius could have allowed his position to prevent him from becoming a Christian. But he did not allow that to happen. Does accepting the truth require that you make significant changes in your life? If so, Jehovah will be your Helper. He will bless your determination to serve him in harmony with Bible principles. w25.03 9:12-13

Monday, May 11

Reject irreverent false stories.​—1 Tim. 4:7.

If you hear negative stories regarding the organization or the brothers who are taking the lead, remember how God’s enemies treated Jesus and the first-century disciples. Today, Jehovah’s people are being persecuted and maligned exactly as the Bible foretold. (Matt. 5:11, 12) False stories will not mislead us if we recognize their source and take immediate action. What action should we take? Reject false stories. The apostle Paul gave clear instructions on what to do if we are exposed to false stories. He told Timothy to “command certain ones not to . . . pay attention to false stories” and to “reject irreverent false stories.” (1 Tim. 1:3, 4) We reject false stories because we recognize the source of the information. We hold to the “wholesome words” of truth.​—2 Tim. 1:13. w24.04 15:16-17

Tuesday, May 12

By smooth talk and flattering speech they seduce the hearts of unsuspecting ones.​—Rom. 16:18.

Remain united with those who are loyal to Jehovah. God wants us to be united in our worship. We will remain united as long as we cling to the truth. Any who deviate from the truth create divisions within the congregation, so God warns us to “avoid them.” Otherwise, we ourselves could be drawn away from the truth. (Rom. 16:17) When we recognize the truth and hold firmly to it, we will stay spiritually safe and healthy. (Eph. 4:15, 16) We will be protected from Satan’s false teachings and propaganda, and we will remain secure in Jehovah’s care during the great tribulation. Keep holding firmly to what is true, “and the God of peace will be with you.”​—Phil. 4:8, 9. w24.07 28:16-17

Wednesday, May 13

This man offered one sacrifice for sins for all time.​—Heb. 10:12.

Jesus focused special attention on people who felt weighed down by sin and invited them to become his followers. He knew that sin was the root cause of mankind’s ills. So he reached out to men and women who were known to be sinners. Using an illustration, he explained: “Healthy people do not need a physician, but those who are ill do.” He added: “I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.” (Matt. 9:12, 13) Jesus lived up to those words. He gently forgave the sins of the woman who washed his feet with her tears. (Luke 7:37-50) He taught vital truths to the Samaritan woman at the well, though he knew of her immoral lifestyle. (John 4:7, 17-19, 25, 26) God even empowered Jesus to undo the end result of all sin​—death. How? Jesus resurrected people​—male and female, children and adults.​—Matt. 11:5. w24.08 31:9-10

Thursday, May 14

He will judge the inhabited earth with righteousness and the peoples with his faithfulness.​—Ps. 96:13.

How will Jehovah glorify his name in the near future? By means of his judgments. Soon he will execute Babylon the Great for bringing reproach on his holy name. (Rev. 17:5, 16; 19:1, 2) Some who witness the destruction of Babylon the Great might join us in true worship. Finally, at Armageddon, Jehovah will destroy Satan’s entire system, eliminating all those who oppose him and blaspheme his name but saving all those who love and obey him and who are proud to give him glory. (Mark 8:38; 2 Thess. 1:6-10) After the final test that follows Christ’s Thousand Year Reign, Jehovah will have completely sanctified his name. (Rev. 20:7-10) At that time, “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah as the waters cover the sea.” (Hab. 2:14) How thrilling it will be when everyone alive will be giving Jehovah the glory due his name! w25.01 1:15-16

Friday, May 15

You need to endure as part of your discipline.​—Heb. 12:7.

What would help the Hebrew Christians to endure the opposition they faced? The apostle Paul knew that they needed to have the right view of their trials. He thus explained that God may allow tests of faith as part of a Christian’s training. Such training can help one to cultivate and refine vital Christian qualities. By focusing on the end result of such trials, those Hebrew Christians would find it easier to endure. (Heb. 12:11) Paul urged the Hebrew Christians to endure trials with greater determination. He was in a good position to write to them about this. As a former persecutor of Christians, he knew what they were up against. He also knew how to endure persecution. After all, he experienced various forms of opposition after becoming a Christian.​—2 Cor. 11:23-25. w24.09 37:16-17

Saturday, May 16

Keep on the watch.​—Matt. 25:13.

With each passing day, our ministry becomes more urgent. Why? Because time is running out. Consider what Jesus foretold about the preaching work in the last days, as recorded at Mark 13:10. According to Matthew’s parallel account, Jesus said that the good news would be preached in all the inhabited earth before “the end” comes. (Matt. 24:14) That expression refers to the complete end of Satan’s wicked system of things. Jehovah has set the “day and hour” for the events that will soon unfold. (Matt. 24:36; Acts 1:7) Each day brings us one day closer to that time. (Rom. 13:11) Meanwhile, we must keep preaching until the end comes. As we reflect on our ministry, we do well to consider a soul-searching question: Why do we preach the good news? Put simply, love motivates us to preach. What we do in the preaching work reflects our love​—our love for the good news, our love for people and, above all, our love for Jehovah and his name. w24.05 20:2-3

Sunday, May 17

God saw everything he had made, and look! it was very good.​—Gen. 1:31.

Parents, encourage your child to think about the natural world. While you are walking in the countryside or gardening, draw your child’s attention to the intriguing patterns that can be seen in nature. Why? These patterns give evidence of intelligence and wise design. Spiral patterns, for instance, have been studied by scientists for many years. Biophysicist Nicola Fameli explains that when you count the number of spirals found in nature, you discover a certain series of numbers. These make up what is called the Fibonacci sequence. Spiral patterns can be observed in many things, such as the shape of some galaxies, the pattern of nautilus shells, the leaves of plants, and the head of sunflowers. w24.12 50:7

Monday, May 18

He is your life.​—Deut. 30:20.

Moses, David, and John lived in time periods and circumstances that were different from ours. But we have much in common with them. They served the true God, and so do we. Like them, we pray to Jehovah, rely on him, and look to him for guidance. And like those men of old, we are confident that Jehovah richly blesses those who obey him. Let us, therefore, heed the parting words of those older men by obeying Jehovah’s commandments. Then we will have true success in all that we do. We will have life and “endure a long time,” yes, forever! And we will have the joy of pleasing our loving heavenly Father, who fulfills all his promises in ways far beyond anything we can anticipate or even imagine.​—Eph. 3:20. w24.11 45:20-21

Tuesday, May 19

God has assigned the respective ones in the congregation.​—1 Cor. 12:28.

In the first century, some brothers were appointed as ministerial servants. (1 Tim. 3:8) It seems that they were the ones who performed the “helpful services” that the apostle Paul wrote about. Ministerial servants evidently cared for necessary matters so that the elders could focus on teaching and shepherding. For example, ministerial servants may have helped to make copies of the Scriptures or may have purchased materials needed for copying. Consider some helpful services that ministerial servants perform in your congregation. (1 Pet. 4:10) They may be assigned to care for congregation accounts or territories, to order literature and make it available to the publishers, to operate audio and video equipment, to serve as attendants, or to help maintain the Kingdom Hall. All these services are necessary for the congregation to function properly.​—1 Cor. 14:40. w24.10 42:4-5

Wednesday, May 20

For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.​—Phil. 4:13.

We will be able to endure any trial, great or small, if we remember that Jehovah is alive and that he is there to sustain us. After all, he is the Almighty, and he can give us the power to endure. We have every reason, therefore, to face our trials with confidence. Our experiencing Jehovah’s support during smaller trials convinces us that he will also help us during greater trials. Consider two personal experiences that increased King David’s confidence in Jehovah. When David was a young shepherd, a bear and a lion each carried off one of his father’s sheep. On both occasions, David courageously chased after the animals and saved the sheep. Yet, he did not claim the victory for himself. He knew that Jehovah was behind it. (1 Sam. 17:34-37) By meditating on those experiences, David gained confidence that the living God would strengthen him in the future. w24.06 25:5-6

Thursday, May 21

When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, it is foolish and humiliating.​—Prov. 18:13.

Suppose you are invited to a social gathering. Should you attend? If you are not acquainted with the host or the arrangements, you will need to ask him such questions as: “Where and when will the gathering be held? How large will it be? Who will supervise it? Who will attend? What activities are planned? Will alcoholic drinks be served?” The answers to these questions will help you to make a wise decision. Next, facts in hand, look carefully at the full picture. For example, what if you learn that individuals who have no regard for Bible principles will attend the gathering or that alcoholic beverages will be served without supervision? Do you see the potential for this gathering to turn into a wild party? (1 Pet. 4:3) When you have seen the whole picture, you will be well on your way to making a good decision. w25.01 3:4-5

Friday, May 22

Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be made as white as snow.​—Isa. 1:18.

Jehovah uses word pictures to help us appreciate how by means of the ransom sacrifice, he wipes out the sins of repentant ones. It is extremely difficult to remove scarlet or crimson stains from a cloth. Yet, by means of this word picture, Jehovah assures us that our sins can be washed clean so thoroughly that they are no longer visible. Sins are also likened to “debts.” (Matt. 6:12; Luke 11:4) So every time we sin against Jehovah, it is as if we are going further and further into debt. We owe him a huge amount! But when Jehovah forgives us, it is as if he cancels the debt that would otherwise be charged against our account. He does not demand repayment of sins that have been forgiven. What a refreshing illustration to describe the relief we feel when Jehovah forgives us! w25.02 7:9-10

Saturday, May 23

Children are not expected to save up for their parents, but the parents for their children.​—2 Cor. 12:14.

Parents may need to receive some practical help as they grow old, and many children are happy to arrange for that. (1 Tim. 5:4) But Christian parents recognize that their greatest joy comes, not from raising children with a view to getting financial support from them, but from helping their children to become servants of Jehovah. (3 John 4) By your example, teach your children to trust in Jehovah as you help them prepare to support themselves. From the time they are young, show them the value of hard work. (Prov. 29:21; Eph. 4:28) As they grow, help them to do their best at school. Christian parents do well to research and apply Bible principles to help their children decide how to use education wisely. This will equip their children to support themselves and to have a full share in the Christian ministry. w25.03 13:15-16

Sunday, May 24

Put on the new personality.​—Eph. 4:24.

Isaiah chapter 65 contains Jehovah’s description of what it would be like for those who would dwell in the spiritual paradise. The initial fulfillment of this prophecy was back in 537 B.C.E. At that time, repentant Jews were released from captivity in Babylon and they returned to their homeland. Jehovah blessed his people and helped them to make the devastated city of Jerusalem beautiful again and to restore its temple as the center of true worship in Israel. (Isa. 51:11; Zech. 8:3) A second fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy began in 1919 C.E. when Jehovah’s modern-day worshippers were set free from captivity to Babylon the Great. Then the spiritual paradise started to take shape throughout the earth. Zealous Kingdom proclaimers formed many congregations and produced spiritual fruitage. Men and women who once exhibited violent, animalistic tendencies “put on the new personality that was created according to God’s will.” w24.04 17:3-4

Monday, May 25

Each one will carry his own load.​—Gal. 6:5.

In some lands, parents or other adults may be expected to choose a mate for their single relatives. In other lands, family or friends find a potential mate for a single person and then arrange for the man and the woman to meet to see whether they are compatible. If you are asked to arrange a courtship or a marriage, consider the preferences and needs of both parties. Once you identify a prospective mate, find out as much as you can about the individual’s personality, qualities and, above all, spirituality. A close relationship with Jehovah is much more important than money, education, or social status. Remember, however, that the single brother and the single sister should make the final decision about whether to get married. w24.05 21:11

Tuesday, May 26

A true friend shows love at all times.​—Prov. 17:17.

We can support courting couples by what we say or do not say. At times, we may need to control ourselves. (Prov. 12:18) For instance, we may be eager to tell others that a couple have begun dating, but the couple may want to share the news themselves. We should not gossip about a courting couple or criticize them about personal matters. (Prov. 20:19; Rom. 14:10; 1 Thess. 4:11) Furthermore, the couple may not appreciate comments or questions implying that they should or will get married. What if a couple decide to end the courtship? We should avoid prying into the matter or taking sides. (1 Pet. 4:15) A breakup does not necessarily mean that the couple failed. Usually, it simply means that the courtship achieved its purpose​—it helped the couple come to a good decision. However, that decision may still have caused them emotional pain. So we can look for ways to support them. w24.05 22:15-16

Wednesday, May 27

If you become discouraged in the day of distress, your strength will be meager.​—Prov. 24:10.

Few trials can leave us feeling more discouraged than when a family member or a close friend leaves Jehovah. (Ps. 78:40) The closer our bond is with the person, the more difficult it can be to accept the situation. If you have had such a painful experience, Zadok’s example of loyalty can strengthen you. He remained loyal to Jehovah when his close associate Abiathar chose to be disloyal. This came about when King David lay on his deathbed. His son Adonijah tried to seize the throne that Jehovah had promised to Solomon. (1 Chron. 22:9, 10) Abiathar chose to support Adonijah. (1 Ki. 1:5-8) In doing so, Abiathar was being disloyal not only to David and Zadok but also to Jehovah! For decades, Zadok and Abiathar had worked closely together as priests.​—2 Sam. 8:17; 15:29; 19:11-14. w24.07 27:14-15

Thursday, May 28

Happy is the man who is always on guard.​—Prov. 28:14.

We can be certain that keeping on guard against temptation is worth the effort. Whatever “temporary enjoyment” sin may offer, living by Jehovah’s standards will make us far happier. (Heb. 11:25; Ps. 19:8) That is because we are designed to live according to his ways. (Gen. 1:27) Thus we will enjoy a clean conscience and keep ourselves in line for everlasting life. (1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 1:3; Jude 20, 21) True, “the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41) But this does not mean that we are helpless. Jehovah stands ready to give us the needed power. (2 Cor. 4:7) Note, however, that it is the power beyond what is normal that God provides. The normal power​—the effort we put forth from day to day to guard against temptation—​is our responsibility to supply. Jehovah will answer our prayers for added strength when we need it. (1 Cor. 10:13) Yes, with Jehovah’s help, we can keep on guard against temptation. w24.07 29:19-21

Friday, May 29

Reprove before all onlookers those who practice sin.​—1 Tim. 5:20.

The apostle Paul wrote the words of today’s text to his fellow elder Timothy in connection with how to handle “those who practice sin.” What did he mean? He did not necessarily mean that the whole congregation were the “onlookers.” Rather, he was referring to those few who might already know of the sins. They could be eyewitnesses, or they could be those whom the wrongdoer confided in. The elders would discreetly make them aware that the matter was handled and that the sinner was corrected. In some instances, the wrongdoing may have become widely known in the congregation or is likely to become known. In such a case, the “onlookers” would include the entire congregation. So an elder would announce to the congregation that the brother or the sister has been reproved. Why? Paul answers: “As a warning to the rest” not to fall into sin. w24.08 34:16-17

Saturday, May 30

These are the true sayings of God.​—Rev. 19:9.

We must keep busy in Jehovah’s service right up to the end. Anointed ones must remain watchful in order to be “taken along” by Jesus to their heavenly reward. (Matt. 24:40) With great anticipation, such ones look forward to “being gathered together” to Jesus in heaven. After the war of Armageddon, they will share as Jesus’ bride in the marriage of the Lamb. (2 Thess. 2:1) Though judgment is fast approaching, there is no reason for us to be afraid. If we remain faithful, our loving heavenly Father will give us “the power beyond what is normal” so that we “may succeed . . . in standing before the Son of man.” (2 Cor. 4:7; Luke 21:36) Whether our hope is heavenly or earthly, we will please our Father if we heed the warnings found in Jesus’ parables. Through Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, our names will be “found written down in the book” of life.​—Dan. 12:1; Rev. 3:5. w24.09 38:19-20

Sunday, May 31

Drawing near to God is good for me.​—Ps. 73:28.

You can find peace of mind with the help of God’s Word. How? Contemplate the value of what you have​—including treasures in heaven—​and compare this to the outcome for those whose only reward is what this world has to offer. They may completely rely on their achievements in this life because they anticipate nothing else in the future. For you, however, Jehovah promises blessings far beyond anything you could ever imagine. (Ps. 145:16) Also, consider this: Can we ever really know how our life would have turned out if we had made different decisions? One thing is certain: Those who make choices based on their love of God and love of neighbor never miss out on anything that is truly good. w24.10 43:12-13