[813] _____________________________________________ [For the Places at the East Side of Prime Meridian] Text for Thursday, August 22, 2013 The objective of this mandate is love out of a clean heart and out of a good conscience and out of faith without hypocrisy.—1 Tim. 1:5. If we want God’s spirit to lead us, we need to avoid placing ourselves in the path of temptation by aimlessly flipping through television channels or surfing the Internet. (Rom. 8:5-8) Of course, we can and should exercise self-control by taking immediate action if we are confronted with a provocative image. But how much better if we avoid the situation in the first place! (Prov. 22:3) Setting appropriate safeguards and adhering to them involve the exercise of self-control. For example, keeping the computer in an open area can serve as a protection. Some find it best to use the computer or watch television only when others are present. Others have decided not to have access to the Internet. (Matt. 5:27-30) May we take whatever measures are necessary to protect ourselves and our family. w11 4/15 4:17, 18 _____________________________________________ [For the Places at the West Side of Prime Meridian] Text for Wednesday, August 21, 2013 Time and unforeseen occurrence befall them all.—Eccl. 9:11. As we draw ever closer to the end of this wicked world, more and more of Jehovah’s people are being affected by disasters and tragedies. We may find that our hearts are weighed down when we lose loved ones or suffer personal difficulties. Or we might even find ourselves plagued by some distressing circumstances or perceived injustices. Our anguished hearts may cry out: ‘Why, Jehovah? Why me? What did I do wrong?’ (Hab. 1:2, 3) We need to be careful not to assume that such events are an indication of Jehovah’s disapproval. Jesus highlighted this fact when referring to two tragedies that occurred in his day. (Luke 13:1-5) Many calamities are the result of “time and unforeseen occurrence.” But no matter what the cause of our distress, we can cope if we focus our attention on “the God of all comfort.” He will give us the strength required to continue on faithfully.—2 Cor. 1:3-6. w11 5/15 3:16-18 _____________________________________________
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 11:16:25 +0000
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