Excessive Guilt (Modified Talk)

Imagine walking around with a heavy load on your shoulders. Unless you were exceptionally strong, would you not become weighed down after awhile?

There is nothing necessarily wrong with feelings of guilt, but excessive guilt can be destructive: it could be just like carrying a heavy load around with us that ultimately weighs us down.

Please notice how King David described the excessive guilt he felt in Psalm 38:3-8.

(after reading)

Before Jehovah extended forgiveness to him, David felt sick and his guilt was like a heavy burden that he could not bear. Similarly, some today feel guilty because of sins they committed before becoming Witnesses or others feel discouraged because of sins committed after learning the truth. While not all guilt is bad and a healthy sense of guilt might help us to abandon a sinful course, the danger is excessive guilt. But just what do we mean by excessive guilt?

It means that the guilt one feels continues even after he/she has repented and Jehovah has extended forgiveness (compare Proverbs 28:13). This kind of guilt can be harmful and unbearably burdensome. Therefore, how can we avoid it?

Notice David's words in Psalm 39:4-5.

(after reading)

David emphasizes that life is short; it is like a quick breath or short exhalation. Consequently, instead of living in the past or reflecting on old mistakes, we need to look forward and make our future days count (Philippians 3:13). It is possible to concentrate on the future by putting spiritual goals first and obeying God's commands. Furthermore, it is imperative to use our time wisely (Ephesians 5:15-17).

However, despite our best efforts, feelings of excessive guilt might well up from time to time. One way to combat these feelings is found in Psalm 39:12.

(after reading)

Jehovah invites us to approach him in prayer and we should pray even if feelings of guilt make it difficult to pray. After all, Jehovah knows there are times when it's difficult for us to suppplicaste him. However, the holy spirit can plead in our behalf and we can use prayers recorded in the Bible like Psalm 51 or Psalm 65 when it''s difficult for us to articulate our thoughts. In the final analysis, Jehovah appreciates our sincere efforts and takes our whole life course into consideration.

May we take comfort in the words of Isaiah 55:7.

Everlasting Arms (Modified Talk)

[This was given some time ago-EF]

There is no time better than the present to seek Jehovah’s everlasting arms: we remain in a pandemic, we’re living in critical times, and Satan keeps challenging our faith. There is no better place than the loving arms of our heavenly Father. Please notice what Moses recorded in Deuteronomy 33:26 (Read).

Did you notice what Jehovah wants to do for his people? He wants to help us. Jehovah wills for us to be morally upright and he willingly imparts the strength that helps us to endure.

The Bible emphasizes this point in the next verse, Deuteronomy 33:27 (Read):

What a comforting thought to consider Jehovah as our refuge; he is like a place where we can hide when trouble arises. He is our strong tower. We also have Jehovah’s everlasting arms beneath us in order to support us and make sure that we never fall or totter. He sustains and empowers us to do his will: God lovingly uses his power in our behalf.

But what if we experience a spiritual slip? Maybe it’s temporary and requires discipline from Jehovah. Nevertheless, we can be confident that if we rely on God in times of distress or when we err, Jehovah will put his caring and everlasting arms beneath us. He will gently raise us up until we regain our spiritual balance and once again, stand firm.

In view of the spiritual resources that Jehovah has provided, we have reason to affirm the words of Deuteronomy 33:29 (read)

Who is there like Jehovah’s people today? We are spiritually fed, we enjoy God’s support and his salvation. Yes, we have good reason to trust in divine salvation just as Moses did.

[Picture and concluding words]

In the picture, the brother has likely lost his wife and he’s gotten older in Jehovah’s service, but he continues to study the Bible and meditate on it. The result is that our brother feels empowered to attend meetings and to give Jehovah his best, even during hard times. The picture also may depict the flood of Noah’s day.

Isaiah 11:6-9 (Minor and Major Fulfillment of Prophecy)-Modified Talk

Numerous Bible prophecies have a minor and major fulfilment; they are fulfilled in spiritual and physical senses. Isaiah 11 illustrates this principle since the prophecy applies to ancient Israelites, to our modern spiritual paradise as Jehovah's Witnesses, and to the coming earthly paradise. Tonight, we learn how the knowledge of Jehovah fills the earth today, but also how divine knowledge will pervade the earth during Jesus’ millennial reign.

Read Isaiah 11:3-5:

"And he will find delight in the fear of Jehovah. He will not judge by what appears to his eyes, Nor reprove simply according to what his ears hear. He will judge the lowly with fairness, And with uprightness he will give reproof in behalf of the meek ones of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth And put the wicked to death with the breath of his lips. Righteousness will be the belt around his waist, And faithfulness the belt of his hips."

Isaiah chapter 11 is a messianic prophecy: it speaks about the glorious reign of Jesus Christ.

Notice what kind of judge that Christ will be in the earthly paradise. Unlike human judges today, Jesus will be impartial and he will not judge based on outward appearances or external factors. Rather, Christ will judge the “secret person of the heart” (1 Peter 3:4). In this way, he sets an example for Christian elders, who must judge all sortsd of matters in the congregation today.

Christ gives reproof (correction) “with uprightness,” which serves as a model for how elders should offer counsel to erring sheep.

Counsel should be given with mildness, and for the benefit of Jehovah’s people. However, Jehovah’s knowledge fills the earth in other ways. Please turn to Isaiah 11:6-8 and let’s read those verses together:

"The wolf will reside for a while with the lamb, And with the young goat the leopard will lie down, And the calf and the lion and the fattened animal will all be together; And a little boy will lead them. The cow and the bear will feed together, And their young will lie down together. The lion will eat straw like the bull. The nursing child will play over the lair of a cobra, And a weaned child will put his hand over the den of a poisonous snake."

How will this prophecy be fulfilled?

It might seem difficult to believe that wild animals will be at peace with humans (including young children), but scientists who have carefully studied wild animals report that they do have a "tremendous capacity for warm affection.” Therefore, it’s not totally surprising when Isaiah prophesies that a little boy will lead wild animals, and “a weaned child” will place his hand “over the den of a poisonous snake.” Our Grand Creator Jehovah can remove some of the fear that animals began to experience after the flood of Noah’s day (Genesis 9:2-3). Hosea 2:18 prophesies that humans and beasts will one day “lie down in security” when knowledge of Jehovah fills the earth.

Finally, Isaiah speaks of how divine knowledge will affect humans in Isaiah 11:9, if you’ll turn there with me:

"They will not cause any harm Or any ruin in all my holy mountain, Because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah As the waters cover the sea."

[Use picture here]

We see a threefold fulfilment with this verse. When the Israelites were released from Babylon by Cyrus the Great in late 538 or early 537 BCE, they did not have to fear wild animals or beastly men. In today’s spiritual paradise where divine knowledge has become abundant, we already witness violent humans becoming peaceful. Beastly men have forsaken their violent ways because they’re taught by Jehovah; however, the prophecy also will be fulfilled in the paradise earth where humans will practice no harm or ruin in Jehovah’s holy mountain:

“In the new world, we will experience to the full the blessings of the spiritual paradise. Then, our spiritual paradise will have its perfect counterpart—a literal paradise under the rulership of God’s Kingdom. During that time of global restoration, Jehovah will continue to mold earth’s inhabitants, educating them to a degree that we might now find hard to imagine" (Watchtower, June 16, pages 8-9).

Job and the Creation of Jehovah (Modified Talk)

The name Job apparently means "object of hostility." From the Bible book of Job, we know that Satan poured out much hostility on a man of integrity who was blameless and upright (Job 1:1). Satan took away his wealth, his beloved children, he attacked Job's health and three companions of Job told him that he was suffering because of some sin that he had committed. Furthermore, Job's wife told him to curse God and die.

[use the picture here]

How do you think Job felt after this vicious attack? Quite frankly, he became consumed with his own problems and the unfair criticism he received from his "comforters." However, notice what Jehovah said in Job 37:14

" Listen to this, Job; Stop and consider carefully the wonderful works of God."

What did Job need to do to regain his spiritual balance?

Allow the audience to comment.

Afterwards:

When we feel overwhelmed by our trials, observing creation can help us to remember Jehovah’s greatness; it can strengthen our desire cleave to him and build our confidence in God's ability to care for us. See Matthew 6:26.

Show the video

Then ask the audience:

How did this video strengthen your trust in Jehovah?

Conclude

Prepare Spiritually As the Fiery-Colored Horse Gallops Along (Modified Talk)

As the end of this system approaches, we can expect more civil unrest, war, and violence to occur. As Revelation 6:4 prophesies, the fiery-colored horse that represents war will continue galloping until Jesus steps in to destroy Satan's godless system of things (compare Zechariah 6:1-2).

Since we can expect more civil unrest in the future, it is imperative for us to be prepared, both spiritually and physically. How can we prepare in both ways?

To prepare spiritually, we should identify Bible principles and scriptural accounts that build our trust in Jehovah and his earthly organization. Moreover, we should strengthen our determination to be neutral regarding this world's political affairs. 1 Peter 4:7-8 likewise emphasizes the need to have intense love for one another, so it is important to build strong friendships within the Christian congregation.

We can prepare physically by having an effective plan to shelter in place and we need to have a reasonable amount of supplies to facilitate such preparation.

What if we have to leave our homes? In that case, we'll need a go bag, personal protective equipment and money, and we'll want to make sure that the elders know how to contact us. Furthermore, we need to know their contact details. Isaiah 32:1-2 reminds us that the elders are a source of protection within the congregation: they have our best interests at heart.

Watch the video

Ask the questions after watching the video

Conclude

Are You Ready to Obey, Even When Directions Are Hard to Understand? (Modified Talk)

                                            Based on Ezra 5 and 6

From time to time, it's good to ask ourselves whether we are "ready to obey" (James 3:17) even when the direction given is hard for us to understand. In going over this material for the talk, it's a question that I pondered for myself and my household.

When we think back to Israel's situation in the 6th century BCE, we know they experienced the fall of Babylon in 539 BCE by the Medes and Persians. Then Cyrus gave the decree that allowed Jehovah's people to repatriate Judah and start building the second temple in Jerusalem. Of course, there was a delay in building the temple because some Israelites got diverted by material interests; moreover, the Persians imposed a ban on the work in the days of King Artaxerxes.

Nevertheless, please notice how Ezra 5:1-2 describes the action taken by faithful Israelites who returned to Judah.

(After reading)

Two men who took the lead in the trip back to Babylon and the rebuilding work were Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Jeshua. Yet there was one problem even in 520 BCE.

Due to the crafty activity of some avid Persian opposers, a ban was still imposed on the building work in Jerusalem. Hence, what would the faithful Israelites do? Would they prove to be readily obedient despite the ban? After all, it must have been difficult for them to understand how they were supposed to keep working with a ban in place.

However, let's see what Ezra 5:3, 17 reveals.

So what happened? Instead of being deterred by the opposers, the Israelites reminded their opponents of Cyrus' decree. This was a manifestation of wisdom on their part since the wrong response could have hindered the temple-building work.

Nevertheless, it was no coincidence that the work continued. If we remember from the opening part of Ezra, Jehovah initially stirred the heart of King Cyrus to put this decree into effect and now we see Jehovah further directing the work in this part of Ezra.

What was the outcome of the Israelites acting with tactfulness and relying on Jehovah's direction? Please turn with me to Ezra 6:7-8.

We can see Jehovah's hand at work in the ancient temple-building process. Not only were God's people allowed to continue working but King Darius gave the order that "From the royal treasury, from the tax collected in the region Beyond the River, the temple-building expenses" were to be "promptly given" to the builders so that they could "continue without interruption." What a blessing Israel received since the nation readily obeyed Jehovah even when the command seemed hard to understand, and we know the temple was eventually completed in 515 BCE all to Jehovah's praise.

Picture and application:

Natural disasters (fire, hurricanes), pandemic, and the building of our local Kingdom Hall.

As we contemplate future events and the precious promises that Jehovah has given us, may all of us be ready to obey as we keep busy in theocratic work.

The Hearer of Prayer (Jehovah) Deserves To Be Praised (Modified Talk)

Praise Jehovah, The Hearer of Prayer

We have many good reasons to praise Jehovah, the hearer of prayer (Psalm 65:2). Through prayer, we gain the needed power to serve Jehovah faithfully, and prayer helps us to develop a close relationship with God as we see divine promises fulfilled in our personal life and organizationally. Tonight, we’ll examine three comforting aspects regarding Jehovah, the hearer of prayer.

1) The inspired psalmist David shows there is an important connection between prayer and our personal relationship with Jehovah in Psalm 61:1, 8:

Hear, O God, my cry for help. Do pay attention to my prayer. (verse 1)

Then I will sing praises to your name forever, As I pay my vows day after day. (Verse 8)

There may be times when we make certain promises to Jehovah while praying. We may promise him that we’ll exert ourselves to overcome some weakness or we may vow to develop a Christian quality. We also might vow to increase some aspect of our theocratic service. How can we demonstrate seriousness regarding these vows? We can make them a regular matter of prayer, maybe even praying about these vows on a daily basis. Praying incessantly about promises that we have made to Jehovah will likewise help us to keep our vows.

2) Prayer to Jehovah gives us an opportunity to show that we trust him.

Trust in him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us. (Selah)-Psalm 62:8

All of God’s people know that we should manifest unwavering trust in him at all times. Should we not also pour out our hearts to him in prayer? However, there may be times when it becomes difficult to pray and leave matters in God’s hands. Why might that be the case? One reason is that Jehovah doesn’t always reply to our prayers overnight. It may take time for him to respond, and that will require trust on our part. The 4/15/2015 WT uses the example of a child to illustrate why we need to exercise patience when we pray to Jehovah:

“A child cannot rightly expect a parent to grant every request or to do so right away. Some of a child’s requests may be mere passing whims. Others must wait till the time is right.”

Some requests may not be in a child’s best interests. That may also be the case when we approach Jehovah in prayer. Yet the scriptures promise that Jehovah knows our limitations; he remembers that we are dust. God promises that along with trials, he will make a way out. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).

3) We can be confident that Jehovah hears the prayers of all right-hearted ones.

Psalm 65:1-2: Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; We will pay our vows to you.

O Hearer of prayer, to you people of all sorts will come.

Before Jesus became human, he witnessed Jehovah being the Hearer of prayer. Later, when carrying out his earthly ministry, Jesus prayed all night to his heavenly Father (Luke 6:12). Prayer was not just a psychological crutch for Jesus, but he truly believed that God listened to his prayers. Jehovah was real to Jesus, and if we follow his example, Jehovah will be real for us too.

Psalm 65:2 says that all sorts of people will come to the hearer of prayer. Therefore, we also learn that Jehovah is not partial (Acts 10:34-35). Even in the days of King Solomon, foreigners could prayerfully approach Israel’s God at the temple in Jerusalem, and offer sacrifice (1 Kings 8:41-42). Jehovah listens to the prayers of all those who fear him and work righteousness. The important factor is our heart condition, and what our hearts motivate us to do.

Eliphaz Was Not A Source of Comfort (Modified Talk)

Job was a man in need of comfort: he lost his wealth and property, all of his children were killed, and he was struck with an awful disease that covered his body. Furthermore, Job's family and friends turned against him as they blamed him for all the trouble he experienced.

You probably remember that one of the so-called comforters who came to visit Job was named Eliphaz. Yet did he provide the comfort that Job so badly needed?

Turn with me to Job 15:14-16

(After reading)

Eliphaz insisted that no matter what human servants of Jehovah do, they just can't please him. He claimed that not even the angels or the heavens are pure in Jehovah's eyes--how much less is man! In this way, Eliphaz blamed Job for the calamities he suffered and even worse, he put Jehovah in a bad light.

Today, we have to avoid the trap into which Eliphaz fell. Jehovah's servants must be on guard against thinking that God expects too much from us, and we surely would not want to try encouraging a depressed brother or sister by giving him/her the impression that Jehovah is never pleased with wholehearted service given to him.

Another way that Eliphaz failed to give proper counsel is found in Job 15:20

(After reading)

Did you notice what Eliphaz implied about Job? He indicated that the reason for Job's suffering was his wickedness? How discouraging such counsel must have been. Eliphaz and Job's other friends were supposed to be comforting him, but instead, Eliphaz offered only hurtful words. What a lesson we learn about the need for weighing our words carefully and not speaking thoughtlessly as Proverbs 12:18 warns. Yes, thoughtless words can injure like a sword.

In Job 16:1-2, we see the results that came from the discouraging words of Eliphaz.

Job referred to Eliphaz and the other two men who came with him as "troublesome comforters." Instead of making Job feel better, Eliphaz made him feel worse and he did not speak the truth about Jehovah. Suffering hardship does not necessarily mean that we have displeased God: even righteous people can expect to have tribulation in their life (Psalm 34:14).

While Eliphaz spoke words that did not upbuild or encourage, we on the other hand can speak consoling words to the depressed (1 Thessalonians 5:14). We can offer consolation by sincerely commending others and remind our brothers and sisters of how Jehovah drew them through his Son, so he must love them (John 6:44-45). Jehovah cares for those who are brokenhearted or crushed in spirit and it's good to let our brothers know that he does. In this way, we allow our words to be like soothing ointment that brings comfort in times of distress and we avoid the mistake of Eliphaz.

Put Faith in Jehovah Your God! (Modified Talk)

What does it mean to put faith in Jehovah God? What benefits can we expect by placing our faith in the living God?

King Jehoshaphat and the people of ancient Judah provide answers to these questions.

They simultaneously faced three menacing groups of enemies: the Moabites, Ammonites, and the Ammonim. This "large crowd" (2 Chronicles 20:1-2) threatened Judah and King Jehoshaphat. How would they handle this threat? Please turn to 2 Chronicles 20:12-13.

Did you notice the attitude of Jehoshaphat when these forces came against him? He immediately turned to Jehovah in prayer.

There were men, little ones and wives standing before Jehovah at that time. Nevertheless, whether young or old, they strove to follow Jehovah’s direction, and he protected them from their enemies.

One way that Jehovah came to their aid was by raising up a Levite, Jahaziel. He spoke encouraging words to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Please turn with me to 2 Chronicles 20:17 to find out more about this Levite.

Jehovah comforted his people by providing them with clear direction: the battle was not theirs, but Jehovah's. Their faith in him was rewarded, but the people of Judah must have wondered what would happen next since they were instructed to go out against their enemies without using weapons. Yet their comfort would be in the fact that Jehovah promised to be with them.

If we turn to 2 Chronicles 20:21-22, we see Jehovah's response to the Judeans' faith. (Read).

Jahaziel told God's people to "stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah."

That is not how armies normally fight battles, but those instructions did not come from a human: they originated with Jehovah. Therefore, with full trust in his God, Jehoshaphat implicitly followed divine instructions. When the king and his people went out to meet the enemy, he placed unarmed singers at the front of his troops, not the most skilled soldiers. Jehovah did not let Jehoshaphat down; He soundly defeated the Moabites, Ammonites, and the people from the region of Seir by making them strike one another down. Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were rewarded for their faith in Jehovah.

Discuss picture 

Conclusion:

When Gog of Magog attacks Jehovah’s people during the great tribulation, those who put faith in Jehovah and who trust those whom he is using to take the lead will have nothing to fear (2 Chron. 20:20). Their faith in Jehovah God will be rewarded with an imperishable gift--everlasting life.

"If a man dies, shall he live again?"--Job and the Resurrection (Modified Talk)

The well-known "Collins Dictionary" defines death as "the permanent end of the life of a person or animal."

This definition ties in well with the title of our Treasures talk this week: If a man dies, can he live again?

That question, which comes from the book of Job, is a rhetorical question. As we know, rhetorical questions makes us think and they usually have a presupposed answer which is either yes or no. So what about the question, if a man dies, can he live again?

If we consider this question from the human angle, let's see what answer we get from Job 14:1,2, 4, 10. (Read)

Human life is temporary and uncertain like a shadow and it's filled with trouble; humans are powerless to prevent death and once a person dies, no mortal can restore his or her life.

The elixir of immortality: some alchemists in the past tried to produce elixirs that would produce immortality and the Chinese Taoists believed that they could change the body’s chemistry by means of meditation, breathing exercises, special dieting and thus produce human immortality or invulnerability. However, in harmony with the words of Job, none of these things worked. The miraculous fountain of life keeps eluding humanity's grasp, but does this mean that death is permanent as the Collins Dictionary says?

Looking at Job 14:7-9, we find a brighter prospect. (Read)

Maybe Job had the vibrant olive tree in mind when he spoke so assuredly about the dead coming back to life again. Job knew that Jehovah is the God who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:9). However, not only will Jehovah raise the dead, Job 14:14-15 tells us something else about our God.

After reading

If a man dies, can he live again? Jehovah loves and deeply appreciates his loyal ones: he has a special yearning to raise them from the dead.

The Hebrew word rendered "a yearning" is “unquestionably one of the strongest words to express the emotion of longing desires,” says one scholar. Yes, not only does Jehovah remember his worshippers but he longs to raise them from the dead.

As we think about our picture for tonight and meditation question, I believe we all can give a vibrant "yes" to the rhetorical question that Job posed. Jehovah will call the dead through his Son and the dead will answer by rising to life again.

Remain Humble and Modest Before Jehovah (Modified Talk)

There is one indispensable quality that all servants of Jehovah need--that is humility. In addition to humility, we also need to be modest or aware of our limitations. King Saul was initially humble and modest, but did he remain that way?

Jehovah picked Saul as the first human king of Israel, yet how did he react to this divine selection? Let's notice Saul's reaction in 1 Samuel 9:21 (read)

Was Saul humble and modest at the outset? Yes, since he referred to his family as insignificant and the smallest tribe in Israel. Saul displayed lowliness of mind, and he was aware of his limitations. 1 Samuel 10:20-22 confirms this point. (read)

When Saul was officially selected, where was he? He was "hiding himself among the luggage." Why did he do this? Saul was humble and modest at first: he did not assume more responsibility despite being chosen by Jehovah through the prophet Samuel. However, did Saul remain humble and modest? He did not but later displayed presumptuous and undue pride. This ancient king is a warning example for us today: he illustrates how we must always work on being humble and modest.

However, as long as Saul relied on Jehovah, he kept a proper estimation of himself. For example, he did not act rashly when others unfairly criticized him. Let's read 1 Samuel 10:27.

Who criticized Saul. The scripture says it was "worthless men." How did Saul react to their unjust criticisms? He refused to answer or respond in kind. 1 Samuel 11:12-13 further illustrates how Saul viewed criticism.

So did Saul take undue criticism to heart? No, he did not, and the reason why is because he was humble and modest. Saul refused to punish Israelites who spoke out against his kingship even though he could have felt justified in defending his God-given position, and when he defeated the Ammonites, to whom did he direct the credit? Saul gave credit to Jehovah. What humility he first displayed.

One other way that Saul showed humility and modesty is mentioned in 1 Samuel 11:5-7 (read)

Saul followed the leadings of Jehovah's spirit. Did you notice the courage he displayed because the spirit of Jehovah empowered Saul and he humbly followed the spirit's leadings? What a good start that Saul had; he should have continued to show humility and modesty.

[picture and discussion]

Humility will help us view our privileges and abilities as gifts from Jehovah. (Romans 12:3, 16; 1Corinthians 4:7) Also, if we are humble, we will continue to rely on Jehovah for guidance.

May we start and then remain humble and modest before Jehovah.

Choosing Good Friends (Nehemiah 13:1-5)-Modified Talk

One of the most important decisions we can make is our choice of friends: friendships affect our relationship with Jehovah in a positive or negative way. Therefore, loyalty to Jehovah is paramount even when choosing our associates. 

In Nehemiah's day, High Priest Eliashib faced a challenge that tested his loyalty and it could have resulted in adverse consequences for the nation of Israel, if Nehemiah had not decided to take swift action. Please turn to Nehemiah 13:1-2; it tells us about a restriction that Jehovah placed on Israel. Learning about this law will help us to understand tonight's material in our Treasures talk.

(After reading)

Since the Ammonites and Moabites adamantly opposed Jehovah's people Israel and would not assist the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land, the Mosaic law commanded that no Ammonite or Moabite could enter the congregation of Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3). What this command likely meant was that no Ammonite or Moabite could ever gain full legal membership to the Israelite nation or have full privileges like natural Israelites did. We learn this point from the example of Ruth and Zelek, one of David's chief warriors. However, despite this prohibition, notice what Eliashib did, according to Nehemiah 13:4-5.

Eliashib permitted Tobiah, an Ammonite, to use the dining hall in Jehovah's temple. Why did Eliashib allow this Ammonite to use part of the temple in defiance of Jehovah's law? 

Tobiah had become a close associate of Eliashib; furthermore, Tobiah and his son Jehohanan married Jewish women and evidently gained the favor of numerous Jews (Neh. 6:17-19). One of Eliashib’s grandsons was married to an intimate associate of Tobiah. (Neh. 13:28) These familial and social bonds may account for why High Priest Eliashib allowed an unbelieving opposer to influence him. However, Nehemiah refused to let this bad associate of Eliashib's infect Jehovah's holy nation. Please read Nehemiah 13:7-9 with me.

Nehemiah threw all of Tobiah’s household furniture out of the storeroom, then he cleansed them. In this way, Nehemiah demonstrated loyalty to Jehovah because he did not allow God's High Priest to associate with a known enemy of Jehovah. What lesson does this account teach us?

How does Jehovah feel if we choose friends who do not love him? The disciple James wrote: “Adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)

We do not want to associate with any willful sinners since the Bible cautions us about mixing clean with unclean things (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). Moreover, if we're going to be loyal to Jehovah, would this not include avoiding bad association in person and on television or with other forms of entertainment like social media?

Discuss the picture and "ask yourself" question at the end.

Ezra’s Conduct Brought Honor to Jehovah (Modified Talk)

As our heavenly parent, Jehovah is worthy of all due honor. Just as we honor our earthly parents, so we should accord Jehovah the honor that he deserves. This is why from time to time, it is good to ask ourselves whether our conduct honors Jehovah.

Ezra 7:6 calls Ezra, "a copyist who was well-versed in the Law of Moses." He was skilled in his assignment and took it seriously: the biblical accounts about Ezra teach us that he loved God's word. Please notice what Ezra 7:10 states.

Note the three reasons why Ezra prepared his heart: in order to study, to make personal application, and to teach Jehovah's law. 

How can we imitate his example? It is important not only to read the Bible, but we need to study God's Word, and think deeply about what we read. That includes meditating on the application of Bible principles. This is one way that our conduct can honor Jehovah.

However, recall that the third reason Ezra prepared his heart was so he could teach others about God. Ezra 7:25 bring out a similar point.

(After reading)

Ezra was a wise man because he listened to Jehovah's law and had God's holy spirit. The Persian world-ruler recognized godly wisdom in Ezra and commissioned him with broad civil powers within the juridical domain of Judah. (Ezra 7:12-26) Ezra was thus equipped with authority from Jehovah and the Persian king, and this enabled him to teach others. 

Hence, another way that we can honor Jehovah like Ezra did, is by teaching others, whether in the field ministry or by communicating divine wisdom in the congregation. We can only accomplish this task through Jehovah's powerful spirit.

Yet, out of all the qualities that we might possess, there is one quality that we must have in order for Jehovah to use us fully. Turn with me to Ezra 8:21-23 and notice how he set an example for those who want to honor Jehovah.

Read Ezra 8:21-23.

Ezra humbled himself before Jehovah. The Insight book states: "One who humbles himself before God can expect to have God’s guidance."

Think about the heavy responsibility that Ezra had: he led numerous Israelites back from Babylon while they carried gold and silver to rebuild the temple. Although they needed protection for this journey, Ezra did not want to ask the king of Persia for a military escort because it would have shown reliance on military might instead of Jehovah. So Ezra proclaimed a fast instead to make the Israelites humble themselves before Jehovah. As a result of their humble reliance on God, they completed the hazardous trip from Babylon to Jerusalem successfully, all to the honor of Jehovah.

[Discuss picture of brother being commended by his employer]

Closing question: Ask Yourself: ‘Do unbelievers respect me for my godly conduct?’

Jehovah Considers Life to Be Precious (Modified Talk)

When something is precious to us, it's valuable and not to be treated lightly or carelessly. The Bible often teaches us that human life is precious to Jehovah: he is the source of life, breath, and all things (Psalm 36:9; Revelation 4:11). He is the reason we're alive.

Another way that we know human life is precious to Jehovah is by studying the ancient cities of refuge in Israel. If we turn to Deuteronomy 19:2-3, notice what Moses wrote under inspiration about the accessibility of these ancient cities.

The Israelites had to set up three cities to the west of the Jordan and three cities of refuge to the east: notice that these cities also had to be easily accessible to an unintentional manslayer in order that he could arrive safely to the city.

The roads to the city of refuge were kept in good repair and Jewish tradition even states that signposts were erected to help fugitives reach the cities. In this way, Jehovah illustrated how precious life is to him and it prevented the unintentional manslayer from going to a foreign land that would be filled with idolatry.

In addition, ordained cities of refuge protected the Israelites from bloodguilt. Deuteronomy 19:10 demonstrates this point. Read Deuteronomy 19:10.

No bloodguilt would come upon Israel if the nation adhered to Jehovah's commands regarding the cities of refuge. This arrangement permitted Jehovah to show mercy to an unintentional manslayer, but it did not mean that God merely overlooked killing that happened through negligence. The Israelites were supposed to take steps to prevent such killing. Furthermore, the manslayer needed to present his case before the elders of the city, then if they judged his case to be accidental, the one found to have committed the act unintentionally had to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the current high priest. So he might spend his whole life there, depending on the age and service of the high priest.

These consequences emphasized how precious and sacred that life is: Jehovah does not take illegitimate killing lightly, even if it's unintentional.

Another lesson we learn from the cities of refuge is found in Deuteronomy 19:11-13 (read). The cities of refuge were not meant to protect willful murderers. If an Israelite hated his brother or slandered him, it was comparable to murdering him. Yes, anyone hating his brother or willfully taking a fellow believer's life would be accountable to Jehovah, the supreme life-giver (1 John 3:14-16); and since Jehovah has not changed today, in what ways does he expect us to treat human life with care? See Malachi 3:6.

A) driving while texting; B) speeding or careless driving C) avoid working unsafely

Maintain Joy Despite Disappointments (Modified Talk)

Have you ever wanted to fulfill a theocratic assignment but couldn't because of health problems, advanced age or some other factor? These situations can be disappointing; however, it's good to know that we're not alone if we've faced this situation before. One biblical example that could guide us when these things arise is King David, when he desired to build the temple in Jerusalem.

David was a zealous worshiper of Jehovah, a man after God's own heart who fulfilled numerous assignments in Jehovah's service (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). He was a shepherd, musician, prophet and king. More importantly, David placed complete trust in the Most High God no matter what duty he performed. It is no wonder that David desired to build a beautiful temple for his God. Please notice his words at 1 Chronicles 17:1-2 (Read).

Jehovah blessed the son of Jesse with plenty of material wealth: the king had an impressive dwelling but he said the ark of the covenant was "under tent cloths." In light of his zeal for true worship, it is no surprise that David wanted to build a temple to Jehovah. What joy the temple would bring to lovers of Jehovah and how it would magnify the living and true God. Even the prophet Nathan encouraged David to carry out whatever his heart desired in this respect. Nevertheless, Jehovah had other things in mind for David. Please read 1 Chronicles 17:4.

Although he earnestly desired to build the temple in Jerusalem, Jehovah informed David that he would not be the one to accomplish this significant theocratic task. Can you imagine how David must have felt? He was undoubtedly disappointed, but did he slow down in his theocratic activity? Did he allow Jehovah's decision to take away his godly joy? We find the answers in 1 Chronicles 17:7; 18:14.

Jehovah personally chose David to lead his people: he was a divinely chosen ruler and shepherd of Israel. Even after Jehovah told David that he could not build the temple, he continued to immerse himself in theocratic activities. David did not allow this limitation to diminish his joy, and he threw his whole heart into supporting the temple project. What an example that David set for us when we cannot fulfill an assignment due to health, age or maybe we need to develop a Christian quality to a fuller degree like humility.

Compare Acts 18:5.

Training Children in the Ways of Jehovah (Modified Talk)

There is no greater gift that parents could give children than to train them in Jehovah's ways: no material gift or form of secular education is able to surpass a good relationship with our creator. However, what does it take for parents to bring up children who truly love Jehovah? Please turn to Deuteronomy 6:5

Jehovah told the ancient Israelites that they had to cultivate love for him first in their own hearts before they could teach their children how to love God. Parents should love Jehovah with their whole being as Deuteronomy directs. How can parents do that? By studying God's Word consistently and by meditating on what they learn. In this way, our children will notice what we love to talk about in our daily conversations: spiritual things. What we're learning from God's Word will just flow freely from our heart (Luke 6:45), and it will play a large part in the development of our children's spirituality.

A second point is found in Deuteronomy 6:6 (read) In addition to study and meditation, parents need to set a good example by applying Bible principles. From the time they're infants, children closely observe their parents and learn from them. They see what the values and interests of a parent are, then make those values and interests their own. Children are good at discerning parental love for Jehovah. For instance, we could say that we love Jehovah, but children look for tangible signs of such love like study, meeting attendance, and the field ministry. If we apply God's commandments, our love for Jehovah will be evident to our children.

A third way to train our children is expressed in Deuteronomy 6:7 (read) When should we discuss Jehovah and biblical truths with our children? As Deuteronomy implies, it could be when we do chores together, travel together or while we relax. Does this mean that we constantly lecture our children? No, but we can speak upbuilding spiritual words to them and point out wondrous aspects of Jehovah's creation and teach them about the variety in creation. Furthermore we can be thankful that Jehovah's organization has provided a wealth of information to help parents train their children. For instance, the Awake! magazine covers numerous subjects that are beneficial for young ones. Using the Awake! and other spiritual resources may help our children to develop their own appreciation for publications of the faithful and discreet slave.