Monday, October 19
Whoever trusts in his own heart is stupid.—Prov. 28:26.
Leaning too heavily on our own understanding can become a snare. We may begin to feel that we can look at a situation and understand it even though we do not have all the facts. Also, a challenge to evaluating matters accurately may be faced when we have a personality conflict with a brother in the congregation. If we constantly dwell on our differences, we may begin to look at our brother with a measure of suspicion. Thus, if we hear a negative report about this brother, we may be eager to believe it. What is the lesson? Harboring ill feelings toward our brothers can lead to distorted judgments that are not based on the facts. (1 Tim. 6:4, 5) We can prevent our judgment from becoming clouded by refusing to allow envy and jealousy to take root in our hearts. Instead of giving in to such bad feelings, may we recognize our obligation to love our brothers and freely forgive them from the heart.—Col. 3:12-14. w18.08 6 ¶15; 7 ¶18
October 19-25
EXODUS 35-36
Song 92 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Equipped to Do Jehovah’s Work”: (10 min.)
Ex 35:25, 26—Jehovah blessed the willing spirit of his people (w14 12/15 4 ¶4)
Ex 35:30-35—Holy spirit equipped Bezalel and Oholiab for “every sort of work” (w11 12/15 18 ¶6)
Ex 36:1, 2—Jehovah rightly received the credit for their work (w11 12/15 19 ¶7)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
Ex 35:1-3—What can we learn from the Sabbath law? (w05 5/15 23 ¶14)
Ex 35:21—How is the generous spirit of the Israelites an excellent example for us? (w00 11/1 29 ¶1)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?
Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Ex 35:1-24 (th study 11)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (3 min. or less) Use the sample conversation. (th study 11)
Return Visit: (4 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Then direct the householder to our website, and leave a jw.org contact card. (th study 4)
Bible Study: (5 min. or less) bhs 26 ¶18-20 (th study 19)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
2018 Publishing Committee Report: (15 min.) Play the video. Then ask the audience: What changes has the organization made in our printing operations, and why? What endeavors have accelerated because of the reduction in printing? What important role does translation play in the production of spiritual food? What blessings have resulted from digital publishing and video production?
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min. or less) jy chap. 137
Concluding Comments (3 min. or less)
Song 69 and Prayer