References for Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook

© 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

SEPTEMBER 2-8

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 79-81

Show Love for Jehovah’s Glorious Name

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Romans 10:13​—“Call Upon the Name of the Lord”

In the Bible, the expression “call on the name of Jehovah” means more than just knowing God’s name and using it in worship. (Psalm 116:12-14) It includes trusting God and looking to him for help.​—Psalm 20:7; 99:6.

God’s name was important to Jesus Christ. The very first words in his model prayer were: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified,” or made holy. (Matthew 6:9) Jesus also showed that we must come to know, obey, and love the Person behind that name if we are to gain everlasting life.​—John 17:3, 6, 26.

Spiritual Gems

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Joseph

The Name Joseph Given Prominence. In view of Joseph’s prominent position among the sons of Jacob, it was most appropriate that his name was sometimes used to designate all the tribes of Israel (Ps 80:1) or those that came to be included in the northern kingdom. (Ps 78:67; Am 5:6, 15; 6:6) His name also figures in Bible prophecy. In Ezekiel’s prophetic vision, the inheritance of Joseph is a double portion (Eze 47:13), one of the gates of the city “Jehovah Himself Is There” bears the name Joseph (Eze 48:32, 35), and with reference to the reunifying of Jehovah’s people, Joseph is spoken of as chief of the one part of the nation and Judah as chief of the other part. (Eze 37:15-26) Obadiah’s prophecy indicated that “the house of Joseph” would share in the destruction of “the house of Esau” (Ob 18), and that of Zechariah pointed to Jehovah’s saving “the house of Joseph.” (Zec 10:6) Rather than Ephraim, Joseph appears as one of the tribes of spiritual Israel.​—Re 7:8.

The fact that Joseph is listed at Revelation 7:8 suggests that Jacob’s deathbed prophecy would have an application to spiritual Israel. It is noteworthy, therefore, that the Powerful One of Jacob, Jehovah God, provided Christ Jesus as the Fine Shepherd who laid down his life for “the sheep.” (Joh 10:11-16) Christ Jesus is also the foundation cornerstone upon which God’s temple composed of spiritual Israelites rests. (Eph 2:20-22; 1Pe 2:4-6) And this Shepherd and Stone is with the Almighty God.​—Joh 1:1-3; Ac 7:56; Heb 10:12; compare Ge 49:24, 25.

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.

SEPTEMBER 16-22

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 85-87

Prayer Helps Us to Endure

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Are You Reflecting the Glory of Jehovah?

¹⁰ To reflect God’s glory, we also need to “persevere in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12) We can and should pray that Jehovah help us to serve him in an acceptable way. To that end, we can properly ask him for holy spirit, for more faith, for strength to resist temptation, and for ability to ‘handle the word of the truth aright.’ (2 Tim. 2:15; Matt. 6:13; Luke 11:13; 17:5) As a child depends on his father, so we need to depend on our heavenly Father, Jehovah. If we ask him to help us serve him more fully, we can have confidence that he will do so. May we never feel that we are a bother to him! Instead, in prayer let us praise him, thank him, seek his direction especially when under trial, and ask that he help us to serve him in ways that glorify his holy name.​—Ps. 86:12; Jas. 1:5-7.

Spiritual Gems

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Heart

Serving With “a Complete Heart.” The literal heart must be whole to function normally, but the figurative heart can be divided. David prayed: “Unify my heart to fear your name,” suggesting that a person’s heart could be divided with regard to its affections and fears. (Ps 86:11) Such a person may be “halfhearted”​—lukewarmly worshiping God. (Ps 119:113; Re 3:16) An individual can also be of “a double heart” (literally, with a heart and a heart), trying to serve two masters, or deceptively saying one thing while thinking something else. (1Ch 12:33; Ps 12:2, ftn) Jesus strongly denounced such doublehearted hypocrisy.​—Mt 15:7, 8.

SEPTEMBER 23-29

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 88-89

Jehovah’s Rulership Is Best

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Have Unshakable Faith in the Kingdom

¹⁴ Consider what Jehovah promised King David of ancient Israel by means of the Davidic covenant. (Read 2 Samuel 7:12, 16.) Jehovah made this covenant with David during David’s reign in Jerusalem, promising him that the Messiah would be his descendant. (Luke 1:30-33) Thus, Jehovah further narrowed the line of descent of the offspring and established that an heir of David would have “the legal right” to the throne of the Messianic Kingdom. (Ezek. 21:25-27) Through Jesus, David’s kingship “will be firmly established forever.” Indeed, David’s offspring “will endure forever; his throne will endure like the sun.” (Ps. 89:34-37) Yes, the Messiah’s rule will never become corrupt, and its accomplishments will last forever!

SEPTEMBER 30–OCTOBER 6

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 90-91

To Lengthen Your Life, Trust In Jehovah

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The Search for Long Life

Not all scientists agree that antiaging treatments can prolong human life far beyond what is attainable today. True, human life expectancy has steadily increased since the 19th century. But this is mainly due to better hygiene, successful measures against infectious diseases, and the use of antibiotics and vaccines. Some geneticists believe that the human life span has more or less reached its natural limit.

About 3,500 years ago, the Bible writer Moses acknowledged: “The span of our life is 70 years, or 80 if one is especially strong. But they are filled with trouble and sorrow; they quickly pass by, and away we fly.” (Psalm 90:10) Despite man’s efforts to extend our life span, life remains basically the way Moses described it.

On the other hand, creatures like the red sea urchin or one species of the quahog clam can live over 200 years, and trees like the giant sequoia can live thousands of years. When we compare our life span with that of these and other living things, do we not wonder, ‘Is this life of 70 or 80 years all there is?’

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What Is God’s Name?

That is a question many have wondered about. Perhaps you have too. It might be put this way: If the universe and everything in it had to have a cause or a creator, where did God come from?

Scientists generally agree that the material universe had a beginning. In harmony with this basic concept, the first verse of the Bible says: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”​—Genesis 1:1.

The universe could not have created itself; it could not have come from nothing. Nothing cannot produce something. If nothing existed before the beginning of the universe, there would be no universe today. Though it is hard for us to comprehend fully, an eternal, nonmaterial first cause was necessary. Jehovah God, an infinitely powerful and wise spirit being, is that First Cause.​—John 4:24.

The Bible says of God: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the productive land, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” (Psalm 90:2) Thus, God himself has always existed. Then, “in the beginning” he created the material universe.​—Revelation 4:11.

Spiritual Gems

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Do You Have a Guardian Angel?

The Bible does not teach that each individual has a guardian angel. True, Jesus once said: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones [Christ’s disciples], for I tell you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) However, rather than implying that each person has a guardian angel, Jesus was simply saying that angels take an active interest in each of his disciples. Hence, true worshippers do not take unwise and careless risks, presuming that God’s angels will protect them.

Does that mean that angels do not help humans? No. (Psalm 91:11) Some feel quite strongly that God has provided them with angelic protection and guidance. Kenneth, mentioned in the opening article, is one who feels that way. Though we cannot be dogmatic, he may be correct. Jehovah’s Witnesses frequently see evidence of angelic intervention as they engage in their preaching work. However, because angels are invisible, we cannot say to what extent God uses them in helping individuals with various matters. Nevertheless, we cannot go wrong by thanking the Almighty for whatever support he may have provided.​—Colossians 3:15; James 1:17, 18.

OCTOBER 7-13

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 92-95

Spiritual Gems

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“O the Depth of God’s . . . Wisdom!”

¹⁸ Notice how the apostle Paul expressed the uniqueness of Jehovah’s wisdom: “O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are!” (Romans 11:33) By opening the verse with the exclamation “O,” Paul showed strong emotion​—in this case, profound awe. The Greek word he chose for “depth” is closely related to the word for “abyss.” Hence, his words evoke a vivid mental picture. When we contemplate Jehovah’s wisdom, it is as if we were gazing into a limitless, bottomless chasm, a realm so deep, so vast that we could never even grasp its immensity, let alone trace it out or map it in detail. (Psalm 92:5) Is that not a humbling thought?

OCTOBER 14-20

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 96-99

“Proclaim the Good News”!

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What Is the Good News?

CHRISTIANS are to preach the “good news of the kingdom” by telling others about it, explaining that the Kingdom is the future world government that will rule the earth in righteousness. Yet, the expression “good news” is also used in other ways in the Bible. For example, we find reference to “the good news of salvation” (Psalm 96:2); “the good news of God” (Romans 15:16); and “the good news about Jesus Christ.”​—Mark 1:1.

Simply stated, the good news includes all the truths about which Jesus spoke and his disciples wrote. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told his followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) So the work of true Christians is not just to inform others about the Kingdom; they must also endeavor to make disciples.

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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.

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Peace for a Thousand Years​—And Beyond!

¹⁸ That harmonious relationship was interrupted when humans, influenced by Satan, rebelled against Jehovah’s sovereignty. Since 1914, however, the Messianic Kingdom has been taking progressive steps to restore that unity and harmony. (Eph. 1:9, 10) During the Thousand Year Reign, marvelous things presently “unseen” will be brought to reality. Then comes “the end,” that is, the close of Christ’s Millennial Reign. What will happen then? Though given “all authority . . . in heaven and on the earth,” Jesus is not ambitious. He has no intention of usurping Jehovah’s place. He humbly “hands over the kingdom to his God and Father.” He will use his unique position and authority “to the glory of God.”​—Matt. 28:18; Phil. 2:9-11.

¹⁹ By then, the earthly subjects of the Kingdom will have been brought to perfection. They will follow Jesus’ example and humbly and willingly acknowledge Jehovah’s sovereignty. They will have the opportunity to demonstrate their desire to do that by successfully passing the final test. (Rev. 20:7-10) Thereafter, all rebels​—human and spirit—​will be eliminated forever. What a joyful and jubilant time that will be! The entire universal family will happily praise Jehovah, who will be “all things to everyone.”​—Read Psalm 99:1-3.

Spiritual Gems

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Song

References to “a new song” appear not only in the Psalms but also in the writings of Isaiah and the apostle John. (Ps 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Isa 42:10; Re 5:9; 14:3) An examination of the context surrounding most occurrences of the expression “new song” reveals that such is sung because of a new development in Jehovah’s exercise of his universal sovereignty. As joyfully proclaimed in Psalm 96:10: “Jehovah himself has become king.” The new developments in Jehovah’s extension of his kingship, as well as what these signify for heaven and earth, appear to be the subject of this “new song.”​—Ps 96:11-13; 98:9; Isa 42:10, 13.

OCTOBER 21-27

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 100-102

Respond to Jehovah’s Loyal Love

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Will You Heed Jehovah’s Clear Warnings?

⁷ What is involved in avoiding false teachers? We do not receive them into our homes or greet them. We also refuse to read their literature, watch TV programs that feature them, examine their Web sites, or add our comments to their blogs. Why do we take such a firm stand? Because of love. We love “the God of truth,” so we are not interested in twisted teachings that contradict his Word of truth. (Ps. 31:5; John 17:17) We also love Jehovah’s organization, through which we have been taught thrilling truths​—including Jehovah’s name and its meaning, God’s purpose for the earth, the condition of the dead, and the hope of the resurrection. Can you recall how you felt when you first learned these and other precious truths? Why, then, allow yourself to be soured by anyone who would denigrate the organization through which you learned these truths?​—John 6:66-69.

⁸ No matter what false teachers may say, we will not follow them! Why go to such dried-up wells only to be deceived and disappointed? Instead, let us be determined to remain loyal to Jehovah and to the organization that has a long record of quenching our thirst with the pure and refreshing waters of truth from God’s inspired Word.​—Isa. 55:1-3; Matt. 24:45-47.

Spiritual Gems

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Pelican

When the pelican is gorged with food, it often flies away to a lonely place, where it takes a melancholy posture, with its head sunk on its shoulders, so motionless that it might be mistaken from a distance for a white stone. The bird assumes this attitude for hours at a time, thus befitting the melancholy inactivity to which the psalmist refers when he illustrates the poignancy of his grief by writing: “I do resemble the pelican of the wilderness.” (Ps 102:6) Here “wilderness” does not necessarily connote a desert, but simply an area away from human habitations, perhaps a swamp. During certain seasons, swamps in the northern Jordan Valley are still the home of pelicans. Three varieties of pelicans are found in Israel. The most common is the eastern white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus); the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) and the pink-backed pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) are seen less often.

The pelican shows a distinct preference for uncultivated places, where it will not be disturbed by man. There it nests and hatches its young and retires after fishing. Because of this fondness for lonely, desolate places, this bird is used in the Bible as a symbol of utter desolation. To symbolize Edom’s coming desolation, Isaiah foretold that the pelican would take possession of that land. (Isa 34:11) Zephaniah prophesied that pelicans would dwell among the pillar capitals of Nineveh, indicating total ruin and absence of humankind.​—Zep 2:13, 14.

OCTOBER 28–NOVEMBER 3

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 103-104

He Remembers “That We Are Dust”

Spiritual Gems

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Creative Power​—“The Maker of Heaven and Earth”

¹⁸ What do we learn from Jehovah’s use of his creative power? We are awestruck by the diversity of creation. One psalmist exclaimed: “How many your works are, O Jehovah! . . . The earth is full of what you have made.” (Psalm 104:24) How true! Biologists have identified well over a million species of living things on earth; yet, opinions vary as to how many millions more there may be. A human artist may find that his creativity runs dry at times. In contrast, Jehovah’s creativity​—his power to invent and create new and diverse things—​is obviously inexhaustible.