References for Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook

© 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

SEPTEMBER 9-15

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 82-84

Appreciate the Privileges That You Have

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Lessons From the Birds of the Heavens

Inhabitants of Jerusalem were familiar with swallows, which customarily build their nests under the eaves of buildings. Some made their nests in Solomon’s temple. Likely, swallows that nested in the temple area each year found it a place of safety, where they could rear their young undisturbed.

The composer of Psalm 84​—one of the sons of Korah, who served at the temple for one week every six months—​noticed those nests in the temple area.[2] Longing to be like the swallow that had a permanent home in Jehovah’s house, he exclaimed: “How lovely your grand tabernacle is, O Jehovah of armies! My whole being yearns, yes, I am faint with longing, for the courtyards of Jehovah . . . Even the bird finds a home there and the swallow a nest for herself, where she cares for her young near your grand altar, O Jehovah of armies, my King and my God!” (Psalm 84:1-3) Do we, along with our young ones, show a similar longing and appreciation for regularly being with the congregation of God’s people?​—Psalm 26:8, 12.

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Cultivate Reasonable Expectations, and Be Joyful

Advanced age or failing health may place certain limits on what we can do in Jehovah’s service. If you are a parent, you may have the impression that you benefit little from personal study or Christian meetings because much of your time and energy is taken up by young children. However, could it be that concentrating on your limitations could at times prevent you from seeing what is still within your reach?

Thousands of years ago, a certain Levite expressed a desire that was impossible for him to satisfy. He was privileged to serve for two weeks every year at the temple. However, he expressed the laudable desire to dwell permanently near the altar. (Ps. 84:1-3) What helped this faithful man to be content? He realized that even a single day in the temple courtyards was a unique privilege. (Ps. 84:4, 5, 10) Similarly, rather than dwelling on our limitations, we should try to discern and appreciate possibilities that are within our reach.

Spiritual Gems

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Fatherless Boy

Since it was easy to lose sight of these bereaved and defenseless ones, Jehovah used the expression “fatherless boy” in describing the degree of Israel’s righteousness or of its deviation therefrom. When the nation was enjoying good spiritual health, the fatherless boy was cared for. When justice became perverted in the land, the fatherless boy was sure to be neglected, and this was a symptom of national decay. (Ps 82:3; 94:6; Isa 1:17, 23; Jer 7:5-7; 22:3; Eze 22:7; Zec 7:9-11; Mal 3:5) Jehovah’s curse was on those who oppressed the fatherless boy. (De 27:19; Isa 10:1, 2) Jehovah describes himself as the Redeemer (Pr 23:10, 11), Helper (Ps 10:14), and Father (Ps 68:5) of such ones. He is the One executing judgment in their behalf (De 10:17, 18), showing them mercy (Ho 14:3), giving them relief (Ps 146:9), and preserving them alive.​—Jer 49:11.

One of the identifying marks of real Christianity is its consideration for those bereaved by loss of husband or parents. The disciple James writes to Christians: “The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.”​—Jas 1:27.

OCTOBER 14-20

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 96-99

“Proclaim the Good News”!

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What Will Happen on Judgment Day?

As depicted in the picture on the right, many people imagine that on Judgment Day billions of souls will be brought before God’s throne to be judged according to their former deeds​—some to be rewarded with life in heaven, others to be tormented in hell. The Bible shows, however, that the purpose of Judgment Day is to rescue people from injustice. (Psalm 96:13) God has appointed Jesus to be the Judge who will restore justice to mankind.​—Read Isaiah 11:1-5; Acts 17:31.