References for “Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook”

References for Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook

SEPTEMBER 1-7

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PROVERBS 29

Reject Unscriptural Beliefs and Customs

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Visions of Those in the Invisible Heavens

Like prisoners in chains, millions of people are shackled by superstition and the dread of evil spirits. They look to charms, amulets, and magic potions to protect themselves. There is no need for you to do so. The Bible gives this comforting assurance: “The eyes of Jehovah are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) The true God, Jehovah, who is far more powerful than Satan, will protect you if you trust in Him.

To gain Jehovah’s protection, you need to learn what is pleasing to him and then do it. For example, in the first century, Christians in the city of Ephesus collected all their books on magic and burned them. (Acts 19:19, 20) Similarly, to have God’s protection, you must dispose of charms, amulets, fetishes, magic books, “protective” strings, and anything else connected with demonistic practices.

SEPTEMBER 8-14

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PROVERBS 30

“Give Me Neither Poverty Nor Riches”

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Living Within One’s Means—How It Can Be Done

Save up money before buying. Although it may seem old-fashioned, saving up money before making a purchase is actually one of the wisest ways to keep out of financial trouble. Doing so keeps many out of debt and its associated plagues, such as high interest rates, which ultimately add to the price of everything a person buys. In the Bible, the ant is depicted as being “wise” because of saving up “food supplies even in the harvest” for future use.—Proverbs 6:6-8; 30:24, 25.

SEPTEMBER 15-21

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PROVERBS 31

Lessons From a Mother’s Loving Instructions

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Inculcate Moral Values in Your Children

Teach the whole truth about sex. Warnings are necessary. (1 Corinthians 6:18; James 1:14, 15) However, the Bible primarily portrays sex as a gift of God, not as a trap of Satan. (Proverbs 5:18, 19; Song of Solomon 1:2) Telling your teens only about the dangers may leave them with a distorted, unscriptural view of the topic. “My parents put a lot of emphasis on sexual immorality,” says a young woman in France named Corrina, “and that gave me a negative attitude toward sex relations.”

Make sure that your children get the whole truth about sex. “What I have always tried to get across to my teens,” says a mother in Mexico named Nadia, “is that sex is beautiful and natural and that Jehovah God gave it to humans for them to enjoy. But it has its proper place within marriage. It can give us happiness or suffering, depending on how we use it.”

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Talking to Children About Alcohol

Take the initiative to discuss the topic. “The use of alcohol can be confusing to young ones,” says Mark, a father in Britain. “I asked my eight-year-old son if he thought it was right or wrong to drink alcohol. I kept the atmosphere relaxed and informal, and this helped him to express his views openly.”

You will leave a deeper impression if you address the subject of alcohol on several occasions. Depending on the age of your child, include discussions about alcohol along with other life lessons, such as road safety and sex education.

Set the example. Children are like sponges—they absorb their surroundings—and research indicates that parents influence their children the most. This means that if you drink alcohol as a primary way to calm down or relieve stress, your child will get the message that alcohol is the answer to life’s anxieties. So be a good role model. Make sure you use alcohol responsibly.

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Teaching Children Humility

Encourage giving. Prove to your child that “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) How? Together you might prepare a list of people in need of help with shopping, transportation, or repair work. Then take your child along as you assist some of them. Allow your child to see your joy and satisfaction as you care for the needs of others. That way you will teach your child humility in the most powerful way—by example.—Bible principle: Luke 6:38.

OCTOBER 6-12

Spiritual Gems | ECCLESIASTES 5-6

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Questions From Readers

Ecclesiastes 5:8 refers to a ruler who oppresses the poor and denies them justice. The ruler ought to remember that he is likely being watched by someone who has a higher post or more authority in government than he has. In fact, there may be others who have even higher positions. Sadly, in human governments, all these rulers may be corrupt, and the common people must cope with misrule on many levels.

Yet, no matter how hopeless matters might seem, we can take comfort in knowing that Jehovah is ‘watching even high officials’ in human governments. We can appeal to God and throw our burdens on him. (Ps. 55:22; Phil. 4:6, 7) We know that “the eyes of Jehovah are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.”—2 Chron. 16:9.

Consequently, Ecclesiastes 5:8 brings to mind the real situation of men in government; there is always someone with greater authority. More important, the verse can help us reflect on the fact that Jehovah is the highest, yes, the Supreme Authority. He is now ruling through his Son, Jesus Christ, King of the Kingdom. The Almighty, who is observing all, is completely just and fair, and so is his Son.

OCTOBER 20-26

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | ECCLESIASTES 9-10

Keep a Proper View of Your Trials

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Is Your Recreation Beneficial?

THROUGHOUT the Bible, we find statements indicating that Jehovah wants us not only to live but also to enjoy life. For instance, Psalm 104:14, 15 states that Jehovah is causing “food to go forth from the earth, and wine that makes the heart of mortal man rejoice, to make the face shine with oil, and bread that sustains the very heart of mortal man.” Indeed, Jehovah makes crops grow to yield grain, oil, and wine for our sustenance. But wine also ‘makes the heart rejoice.’ It goes beyond what is strictly necessary to maintain life and adds to our joy. (Eccl. 9:7; 10:19) Yes, Jehovah wants us to be joyful, our hearts filled with “good cheer.”—Acts 14:16, 17.

² There is, therefore, no reason to feel guilty when we once in a while schedule some time to “observe intently the birds of heaven” and “the lilies of the field” or to enjoy some other activities that refresh us and enrich our life. (Matt. 6:26, 28; Ps. 8:3, 4) A wholesome life is a “gift of God.” (Eccl. 3:12, 13) Viewing leisure time as part of that gift will move us to use it in a way that will bring pleasure to the Giver.