January 20-26
PSALMS 138-139
Song 93 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Do Not Let Nervousness Hold You Back
(10 min.)
We want to praise Jehovah with all our heart (Ps 138:1)
When you feel nervous about participating in a meeting, rely on Jehovah for help (Ps 138:3)
Being nervous can be a good sign (Ps 138:6; w19.01 10 ¶10)
TIP: Keeping our comments brief can help reduce our anxiety.—w23.04 21 ¶7.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
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Ps 139:21, 22—Are Christians required to forgive everyone? (it-1 862 ¶4)
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What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 139:1-18 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 2 point 3)
5. Making Disciples
(4 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Offer and demonstrate a Bible study. (lmd lesson 10 point 3)
6. Talk
(5 min.) ijwyp article 105—Theme: How Can I Overcome Shyness? (th study 16)
Song 59
7. You Can Thrive in Your Ministry Despite Being Shy
(15 min.) Discussion.
Would you describe yourself as someone who is shy? Do you generally prefer to go unnoticed? Do you get a knot in your stomach at the thought of talking to others? At times, being shy can hold us back from doing things that we would like to do. However, many who have struggled with shyness have been able to reach out and even thrive in their ministry. What can we learn from their example?
Play the VIDEO Giving My All Despite Being Shy. Then ask the audience:
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How has Sister Lee benefited from applying her grandmother’s advice to “put everything into serving Jehovah”?
The Bible indicates that Moses, Jeremiah, and Timothy may have struggled with shyness. (Ex 3:11; 4:10; Jer 1:6-8; 1Ti 4:12) Still, they were able to accomplish great things in Jehovah’s service because he was with them. (Ex 4:12; Jer 20:11; 2Ti 1:6-8)
Read Isaiah 43:1, 2. Then ask the audience:
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What promise does Jehovah make to his worshippers?
How can Jehovah help those who are shy to thrive in their ministry today?
Play the VIDEO How Your Baptism Leads to More Happiness—Excerpt. Then ask the audience:
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How has Sister Jackson felt Jehovah’s power and support in her ministry?
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How can the ministry help a person who is shy?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 21 ¶8-13, box on p. 169
