Tuesday, July 20
There are companions ready to crush one another, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.—Prov. 18:24.
We may find it difficult to open up to others because someone might have hurt us in the past. (Prov. 18:19) Or we may feel that we lack the time and energy to cultivate close relationships. However, we should not give up. If we want our brothers to stand by us when trials come, we must learn to trust them now with our thoughts and feelings. That is an important step toward becoming true friends. (1 Pet. 1:22) Jesus showed that he trusted his friends by communicating openly with them. (John 15:15) We can imitate him by sharing our joys, concerns, and disappointments with others. Listen carefully as someone talks to you, and you may learn that you have many thoughts, feelings, and goals in common. If you take the initiative to have warm and open conversations with others, your friendships with them are likely to grow.—Prov. 27:9. w19.11 4 ¶8-9
July 19-25
DEUTERONOMY 16-18
Song 115 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Principles for Judging Righteously”: (10 min.)
Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
Bible Reading: (4 min.) De 16:9-22 (th study 5)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a magazine to address a topic raised by the householder. (th study 3)
Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 4)
Talk: (5 min.) it-1 519 ¶4—Theme: Does the Christian Congregation Have Judges? (th study 18)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
Could You Serve as a Regular Pioneer?: (10 min.) Discussion by the service overseer based on the articles “Could You Try It for One Year?” and “Schedules for Regular Pioneering” in the July 2016 Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook. Play and discuss the video Jehovah Supports Our Ministry.
Local Needs: (5 min.)
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 11 ¶1-8, intro video
Concluding Comments (3 min.)
Song 60 and Prayer