Monday, May 19
I have appointed you a father of many nations.—Rom. 4:17.
Jehovah promised that through Abraham many nations would be blessed. However, when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90, the promised son had not yet appeared. From a human standpoint, it seemed impossible for Abraham and Sarah to have a son. That was a real test for Abraham. “Yet based on hope, he had faith that he would become the father of many nations.” (Rom. 4:18, 19) And sure enough, that hope was realized. He did become father to Isaac, the long-hoped-for son. (Rom. 4:20-22) We can have God’s approval and be counted righteous as God’s friends, as Abraham was. In fact, Paul touched on that, writing: “The words ‘it was counted to him’ were not written for [Abraham’s] sake only, but also for our sake, to whom it will be counted, because we believe in Him who raised Jesus.” (Rom. 4:23, 24) Like Abraham, we need to have both faith and works as well as hope. w23.12 7 ¶16-17
MAY 19-25
PROVERBS 14
Song 89 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Ponder Each Step When a Disaster Strikes
(10 min.)
Beware of believing “every word” you hear (Pr 14:15; w23.02 22-23 ¶10-12)
Do not simply rely on your instinct or past experience (Pr 14:12)
Do not listen to those who reject guidance from Jehovah’s organization (Pr 14:7)
FOR MEDITATION: Elders, are you prepared to follow direction and rely on Jehovah when disaster strikes?—w24.07 5 ¶11.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 14:1-21 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Share something from the Bible with a person who tells you that he is concerned about the economy. (lmd lesson 3 point 3)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a magazine on a topic that the person showed interest in during your last conversation. (lmd lesson 9 point 4)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) Encourage your student to read the Bible daily, and show him how to reach his goal. (th study 19)
Song 126
7. Remain Prepared for a Disaster
(15 min.) Discussion.
To be handled by an elder. If provided, include reminders from the branch office and the body of elders.
As we endure “the last days,” we expect troubles to increase. (2Ti 3:1; study note on Mt 24:8, nwtsty) When facing a disaster, Jehovah’s people often receive timely and lifesaving direction. Our survival then may depend on our obedient preparation now, both spiritually and physically.—Pr 14:6, 8.
Prepare spiritually: Develop a good routine. Increase your skills in various forms of the ministry. Do not panic if you are temporarily separated from others in the congregation. (Pr 14:30) You are never isolated from Jehovah God and Christ Jesus.—od 176 ¶15-17
Prepare physically: In addition to go bags, each household should have a reasonable reserve of food, water, medicine, and similar items in case it is necessary to shelter in place for an extended period of time.—Pr 22:3; g17.5 4
Play the VIDEO Are You Prepared for a Disaster? Then ask the audience:
How can Jehovah help us during times of disaster?
What practical steps can we take to prepare?
How can we help others who are affected by disasters?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 26 ¶18-22, box on p. 209