Friday, August 20
Take up the large shield of faith.—Eph. 6:16.
In ancient times, a soldier would feel humiliated if he returned home without his shield. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote: “To have abandoned one’s shield is the height of disgrace.” That is one reason why soldiers made sure to keep a firm hold on their shields. We keep a firm hold on our shield of faith by regularly attending Christian meetings and by speaking about Jehovah’s name and his Kingdom to others. (Heb. 10:23-25) In addition, we prayerfully read God’s Word every day and apply its counsel and direction in all that we do. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Then, no weapon that Satan uses against us will cause us any lasting harm. (Isa. 54:17) Our “large shield of faith” will protect us. We will stand firm, shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters. And we will do more than win our daily battles—we will have the honor of being on Jesus’ side when he wins the war against Satan and his followers.—Rev. 17:14; 20:10. w19.11 19 ¶18-19
August 16-22
DEUTERONOMY 27-28
Song 89 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“All These Blessings Will . . . Overtake You”: (10 min.)
Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
Bible Reading: (4 min.) De 28:1-14 (th study 11)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 6)
Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Give the householder a meeting invitation, and introduce (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? (th study 3)
Bible Study: (5 min.) lvs 234 ¶21-22 (th study 9)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
“How Creation Reveals God’s Love”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Creation Reveals Jehovah’s Love.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 12 ¶7-14
Concluding Comments (3 min.)
Song 14 and Prayer