Tuesday, May 6
Those honoring me I will honor.—1 Sam. 2:30.
Jehovah had High Priest Jehoiada’s fine deeds recorded for our instruction. (Rom. 15:4) And when Jehoiada died, he was given the exceptional honor of being buried “in the City of David along with the kings, because he had done good in Israel with respect to the true God and His house.” (2 Chron. 24:15, 16) The account about Jehoiada can help all of us to develop fear of God. Christian overseers can imitate Jehoiada by remaining alert and by loyally protecting God’s flock. (Acts 20:28) Older ones can learn from Jehoiada that when they fear Jehovah and remain loyal, He can use them to accomplish His purpose. Young ones can take note of how Jehovah treated Jehoiada and imitate Him by treating loyal older ones with dignity and respect, especially those with a long record of faithful service. (Prov. 16:31) Let us loyally support “those who are taking the lead” by obeying them.—Heb. 13:17. w23.06 17 ¶14-15
Wednesday, May 7
The lips of the righteous one nourish many.—Prov. 10:21.
At meetings, use discretion when deciding how often you will volunteer to comment. If we raise our hand too often, we might make the conductor feel pressured to call on us repeatedly even though others have not yet had an opportunity. This could discourage others from raising their hand. (Eccl. 3:7) When many publishers raise their hand during a study, we may not get to comment as often as we would like. At times, the conductor may not be able to call on us at all. That can be disappointing, but we should try not to take it personally when we are not called on. (Eccl. 7:9) If you are unable to comment as often as you would like, why not listen carefully as others participate and then after the meeting commend them for their comment? Your brothers and sisters may find your commendation just as encouraging as the comments you would have given. w23.04 23-24 ¶14-16
Thursday, May 8
My heart is steadfast, O God.—Ps. 57:7.
Study God’s Word and meditate on it. Just as a tree can stand strong if it has deep roots, we can remain firm if our faith is deeply rooted in God’s Word. As a tree grows, its roots grow deeper and spread farther. When we study and meditate, we strengthen our faith and deepen our conviction that God’s ways are best. (Col. 2:6, 7) Reflect on how Jehovah’s instruction, guidance, and protection helped his servants in times past. For example, Ezekiel paid close attention as an angel took detailed measurements of the visionary temple. This vision strengthened Ezekiel, and it provides us with practical lessons about how we can uphold Jehovah’s standards for pure worship. (Ezek. 40:1-4; 43:10-12) We also benefit when we take time to study about and meditate on the deeper things of God’s Word. We can have a steadfast heart, trusting fully in Jehovah.—Ps. 112:7. w23.07 18 ¶15-16