Thursday, June 6, 2013

FYI ...

I just wanted to let everyone know I'm not being a slacker =)

But after reading the July 15th Watchtower Study edition, I've decided to discontinue posting the weekly study schedule on this blog, not only because it's now available directly on the jw.org website, but also because I don't want to overstep my place or boundaries after considering the information presented in two of the articles. I've made it a matter of prayer as well.

Here's the link to the July 15th issue:
(which has some really good info, by the way)
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20130715/

(the two articles I'm referring to are):

"Feeding Many Through the Hands of a Few"
"Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?"

PS - This was my own personal decision, so please don't think I'm speaking on behalf of anyone else who may have a similar blog online or who feels differently on the matter.


Saturday, April 13, 2013

Week of April 15th - 21st

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/4/15

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 6 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 8, pgs 92-95, ¶1-7)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading:  Luke 13-17
No. 1:  Luke 16:16-31
No. 2: Does Our Imperfect State Mean That We Are Worthless to God? (Psalm 103:8, 9, 14; Galatians 6:9)
No. 3: Are All Humans Children of God?
(rs pg 303 ¶3 – pg 304 ¶4)

Service Meeting:
(song 95)
(10 min): Question Box. Discussion.
(10 min): Ways to Expand Your MinistryPart 2.
(Talk based on od page 112, ¶3, to page 114, ¶1. Interview one or two pioneers regarding how they were able to make adjustments in order to pioneer.)
(10 min): Do You Witness at Your Workplace?
Discussion based on the following questions: (1) Why is it good for your workmates to know that you are one of Jehovah's Witnesses? (2) How can you let them know? (3) What situations at work provide opportunities to give a witness? (4) Why is it good to keep a Bible and some publications at your workplace if possible? (5) Why is it best to avoid prolonged witnessing during the time you should be working? (6) What good experiences have you had witnessing at work?
(song 45 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"Stay In Jehovah's Valley of Protection"
(pgs 17-21 - February 15th, 2013 study edition)
(songs 133 & 16)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)
* od (Organized To Do Jehovah's Will)

Monday, April 8, 2013

Week of April 8th - 14th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/4/8

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 123 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 7, pgs 88-91, ¶14-20)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Luke 10-12
No. 1: Luke 12:1-21
No. 2: What Explains the Various Racial Characteristics?
(rs pg 302 ¶2 – pg 303 ¶2)
No. 3: Why We View Jehovah as Our Father
(Matthew 6:9)

Service Meeting:
(song 60)
(10 min): You Can Be a Source of Encouragement.
(Romans 1:11, 12)
(Discussion by the service overseer. Mention the number of regular pioneers in the congregation. Outline some ways we can encourage them, such as by giving commendation, working with them in service, assisting with travel expenses, or sharing a meal. Invite pioneers to comment on how they have been encouraged by others. If the congregation has no regular pioneers, tailor the discussion to auxiliary pioneers.)
(10 min): Answering Questions About the Last Days.
(Discussion based on rs pg 241, ¶5, to pg 243, ¶1. Have one suggestion briefly demonstrated.)
(10 min): "Take as a Pattern the ProphetsJonah."
(Questions and answers.)
(song 13 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"Do You Appreciate Our Spiritual Heritage?"
(pgs 8-12 - February 15th, 2013 study edition)
(songs 22 & 75)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Week of April 1st - 7th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/4/1

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 38 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 7, pgs 84-88, ¶7-13)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Luke 7-9
No. 1: Luke 7:18-35
No. 2: What New Nation Was Born at Pentecost, and With What Purpose? (Galatians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:9)
No. 3: Where Did Cain Find His Wife?
(w 9/1/10 pg 25 updates rs pg 301 ¶5 – pg 302 ¶1)

Service Meeting:
(song 113)
(10 min): Ideas for Offering the Magazines in April.
(Discussion. Take 30 to 60 seconds to relate why the magazines will have appeal in your territory. Then, using the cover subject of The Watchtower, invite the audience to suggest an interest-arousing question to ask and then invite suggestions on a scripture to read. Do the same for Awake! and, if time allows, for one other article from either magazine. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.)
(10 min): Local needs.
(10 min): Make Good Use of the 2013 Yearbook
(Discussion. Review "A Letter From the Governing Body." Arrange in advance for some to relate an encouraging experience from the Yearbook. Invite audience to comment on outstanding aspects of the worldwide report. Conclude by encouraging all to complete their reading of the Yearbook.)
(song 75 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"This Is Our Spiritual Heritage"
(pgs 7-13 - February 15th, 2013 study edition)
(songs 69 & 28)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)
* w (Watchtower)

Monday, March 25, 2013

Week of March 25th - 31st

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/3/25

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 76 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 7, pgs 81-83, ¶1-6)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Luke 4-6
No. 1: Luke 4:22-39
No. 2:  From Where Did the Various Races Come?
(rs pg 301 ¶1-4)
No. 3: What Proof Is There That Jesus Was Resurrected?
(1 Corinthians 15:3-7)

Service Meeting:
(song 111)
(5 min): Start a Bible Study on the First Saturday.
(Using the sample presentation on page 8, demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in April. Encourage all to have a share.)
(25 min): "How to Use Good News From God!"
(Questions and answers. When considering paragraph 6, have two demonstrations.)
(song 97 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
Christian Elders—‘Fellow Workers for Our Joy’
(pgs 27-31 - January 15th study edition)
(songs 123 & 53)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)

Monday, March 18, 2013

Week of March 18th - 24th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/3/18

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 120 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 6, pgs 77-80, ¶19-24 + box on pg 78)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Luke 1-3
No. 1: Luke 1:24-45   
No. 2: Who Should Partake of the Emblems at the Lord’s Evening Meal? (rs pg 267 ¶5 – pg 268 ¶1)
No. 3: How Often Should the Memorial Be Commemorated, and When? (rs pg 269 ¶1-2)

Service Meeting:
(song 118)
(12 min): "Welcome Them!"
(Questions and answers. Have a two-part demonstration showing a publisher taking the initiative to welcome a visitor and then, after the program concludes, tactfully making arrangements to further the person's interest.)
(18 min): "How to Use Who Are Doing Jehovah's Will Today?" 
(Questions and answers. Have a seven-minute demonstration of a publisher discussing one of the lessons with a Bible student.)
(song 20 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"Serving Without Regrets"
(pgs 22-26 - January 15th study edition)
(songs 91 & 39)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Week of March 11th - 17th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/3/11

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 68 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 6, pgs 72-77, ¶13-18 + box on pg 74)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Mark 13-16
No. 1: Mark 14:22-42    
No. 2:  What Is the Significance of the Memorial?
(rs pg 266 ¶1 - pg 267 ¶1)
No. 3: What Do the Memorial Emblems Represent? 
(rs pg 267 ¶2-3)

Service Meeting:
(song 109)
(10 min): What Do We Learn? 
(Discussion. Have Matthew 10:7-10 and Luke 10:1-4 read. Consider how these accounts can help us in our ministry.)
(10 min): Ways to Expand Your Ministry–Part 1.
(Discussion based on od book, page 111, ¶1, to page 112, ¶2.
Interview one or two publishers who have moved or learned another language in order to expand their ministry. What challenges did they have to overcome? How did their family or the congregation assist them? What blessings have they enjoyed?)
(10 min): "Prepare for the Memorial With a Joyful Heart."
(Questions and answers. Review local arrangements for the Memorial.
Report on the local progress of the invitation campaign.)
(song 8 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"Keep Drawing Close To Jehovah"
(pgs 17-21 - January 15th study edition)
(songs 52 & 65)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)
* od (Organized To Do Jehovah's Will)

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Week of March 4th - 10th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/3/4

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 62 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 6, pgs 70-72, ¶7-12 + box on pg 73)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Mark 9-12
No. 1: Mark 11:19–12:11
No. 2:  Is Further Punishment for Sin Exacted After One’s Death?
(rs pg 300 ¶2-6)
No. 3: Why Making a Personal Dedication to God Leads to Happiness
(Acts 20:35)

Service Meeting:
(song 7)
(10 min): Ideas for Offering the Magazines in March. 
(Discussion. Invite comments on the following questions):
- During the weekends that we are distributing the invitation, what factors will determine whether you will also offer the magazines?
- What could you say to make the transition from the invitation to the magazines?
- Although the sample presentations include a question and a scripture, how might you shorten your presentation?
- Demonstrate how each issue may be offered along with the invitation.
(10 min): Benefit from Examining the Scriptures Daily2013.
(Discussion. Briefly consider the yeartext found on pages 3-4 and
"How to Use This Booklet," on page 5. Then invite audience to relate when they have set aside time to consider the text and how they have benefited. Conclude by encouraging all to consider the text each day.)
(10 min): Local needs.
(song 119 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson: 
"Let Nothing Distance You From Jehovah"
(pgs 12-16 - January 15th study edition)
(songs 106 & 51)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)

extra publications to bring this week:
* Examining the Scriptures Daily—2013

Monday, February 25, 2013

Week of February 25th - March 3rd

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/2/25

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 120 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 6, pgs 67-69, ¶1-6)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Mark 5-8
~ Theocratic Ministry School Review ~

Service Meeting:
(song 135)
(5 min): "Must You Stop?" (Discussion.)
(10 min): The Message We Must Proclaim"Bearing Witness to Jesus"
(Enthusiastic talk based on be, from the subheading on page 275 to the end of page 278.)
(15 min): Jehovah Strengthens Us to Preach. (Philippians 4:13)
(Interview two or three publishers who have a zealous share in the ministry despite health problems. What challenges do they face? What helps them to avoid prolonged discouragement? How has the congregation given them practical assistance? How have they benefited from having a regular share in the ministry?)
(song 42 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"Be CourageousJehovah Is With You!"
(pgs 7-11 - January 15th study edition)
(songs 60 & 23)

book abbreviations:
* be (Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education)

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Week of February 18th - 24th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/2/18

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 52 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 5, pgs 62-66, ¶13-18)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Mark 1-4
No. 1:  Mark 2:18–3:6
No. 2: On What Is the Teaching of Purgatory Based?
(rs pg 299 ¶1-6)
No. 3: How Are We to Understand Paul’s Advice Recorded at
1 Corinthians 7:29-31?

Service Meeting:
(song 92)
(15 min): Preach the Word in Troublesome Season (2 Timothy 4:2)
(Discussion based on the 2012 Yearbook, page 72, ¶1-2; page 110; page 156, ¶1, to page 157, ¶1; and page 179, ¶3. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.)
(15 min): "Campaign to Advertise the Memorial Begins March 1st"
(Questions and answers. Distribute a copy of the invitation to each one in the audience, and discuss its contents. When considering ¶2, invite the service overseer to outline local arrangements for covering territory. When considering ¶3, use the sample presentation to demonstrate how the invitation might be offered.)
(song 8 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
“Temporary Residents” United in True Worship
(pgs 24-28 - December 15th study edition)
(songs 124 & 121)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)

extra publications to bring this week:
* 2012 Yearbook

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Week of February 11th - 17th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/2/11

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 106 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 5, pgs 59-62, ¶7-12)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Matthew 26-28
No. 1: Matthew 27:24-44
No. 2:  How Does God’s Patience Lead to Salvation?
(2 Peter 3:9, 15)
No. 3: If Someone Says, ‘You Put Too Much Emphasis on Prophecy’
(rs pg 298 ¶1-2)

Service Meeting:
(song 31)
(10 min): What Do We Learn?
(Discussion. Have Matthew 6:19-21 and Luke 16:13 read. Consider how these accounts can help us in our ministry.)
(20 min): "Will You Auxiliary Pioneer?"
(Questions and answers by the service overseer. After considering ¶2, briefly interview two publishers who plan to auxiliary pioneer during March, one who works full-time and one who has limitations because of poor health. What adjustments do they plan to make in order to pioneer? After considering ¶3, have a demonstration of a married couple or a family with children taking time during their Family Worship evening to make specific arrangements to expand their ministry.)
(song 122 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
Maintaining Our Position as “Temporary Residents”
(pgs 19-23 - December 15th study edition)
(songs 107 & 40)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Week of February 4th - 10th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/2/4

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 70 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 5, pgs 54-59, ¶1-6 + box on pg 55)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Matthew 22-25
No. 1: Matthew 23:25-39
No. 2: Why Should Christians Be Keenly Interested in the Bible's Predictions? (rs pg 297 ¶4-8)
No. 3: What Bible Examples Illustrate the Wisdom Recorded at Proverbs 3:5?

Service Meeting:
(song 37)
(10 min): Ideas for Offering the Magazines in February.
(Discussion. Take 30 to 60 seconds to relate why the magazines will have appeal in your territory. Then, using the cover subject of The Watchtower, invite the audience to suggest interest-arousing questions to ask and then invite suggestions on a scripture to read. Do the same for Awake! and, if time allows, for one other article from either magazine. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.)
(10 min): If Someone Says, 'I Don't Believe in God.'
(Discussion based on rs, page 150, ¶3, to the end of page 151. Include one brief demonstration.)
(10 min): Local needs.
(song 95 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"You Are a Trusted Steward!"
(pgs 9-13 - December 15th study edition)
(songs 62 & 125)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Week of January 28th - February 3rd

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/1/28

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 29 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 4, pgs 50-53, ¶15-20)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Matthew 16-21
No. 1: Matthew 17:22—18:10
No. 2: What "Good Words" of Jehovah Did Joshua See Come True? 
(Joshua 23:14)
No. 3: What Are Some of the Outstanding Bible Prophecies That Are Yet to Be Fulfilled? (rs pg 296, ¶2 - pg 297, ¶3)

Service Meeting:
(song 134)
(5 min): Start a Bible Study on the First Saturday.
(Using the sample presentation on page 4, demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in February. Encourage all to have a share.)
(25 min): "Have Love for the Whole Association of Brothers."
(Question and answers. Use the information in the first and last paragraphs for a brief introduction and conclusion.)
(song 53 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"Find Real Success in Life"
(pgs 4-8 - December 15th study edition)
(songs 115 & 45)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Week of January 21st - 27th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/1/21

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 61 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 4, pgs 47-50, ¶9-14)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Matthew 12-15
No. 1: Matthew 14:23—15:11
No. 2: If Someone Says, 'Pray With Me First, Then Give Me Your Message' (rs pg 295 ¶4-5)
No. 3: What Can We Learn From Isaac's Example as a Peacemaker?
(Genesis 26:19-22)

Service Meeting:
(song 32)
(10 min): Declare the Good News Without Letup (Acts 5:42)
(Interview one or two publishers who are known as zealous evangelizers. What helps them to view the ministry as a priority? What do they do to prepare for the ministry? How has the ministry strengthened them spiritually?)
(10 min): Our Fine Conduct Gives a Witness. (1 Peter 2:12)
(Discussion based on the 2012 Yearbook, page 106, ¶1; page 133, ¶2; and page 146, ¶3. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.)
(10 min): "Would You Benefit From Having a Personal Territory?"
(Question and answers.)
(song 96 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"Forgive One Another Freely"
(pgs 26-30 - November 15th study edition)
(songs 77 & 118)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)

extra publications to bring this week:
* 2012 Yearbook

Monday, January 14, 2013

Week of January 14th - 20th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/1/14

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 52 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 4, pgs 43-47, ¶1-8)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Matthew 7-11
No. 1: Matthew 10:24-42
No. 2: Be Discerning, and Avoid Following Unrealities
(1 Samuel 12:21; Proverbs 23:4, 5)
No. 3: What Are Proper Matters About Which to Pray?
(rs pg 294 ¶4 – pg 295  ¶3)

Service Meeting:
(song 73)
(10 min): Give Practical Assistance.
(Talk based on be, page 188, ¶4, to page 189, ¶4. Briefly interview someone who was helped to make progress because of the personal interest shown by others.)
(10 min): What Do We Learn?
(Discussion. Have Matthew 4:1-11 read. Consider how this account can help us in our ministry.)
(10 min): "Give a Thorough Witness."
(Question and answers.)
(song 92 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"What Does Jehovah's Forgiveness Mean for You?"
(pgs 21-24 - November 15th study edition)
(songs 67 & 91)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)
* be (Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education)

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Week of January 7th - 13th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/1/7

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 104 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 3, pgs 38-42, ¶13-19)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading:  Matthew 1-6
No. 1: Matthew 5:21-32
No. 2: What Could Make a Person’s Prayers Unacceptable to God?
(rs pg 293 ¶3 – pg 294 ¶3)
No. 3: What It Means to Have Jehovah as “Your Share”
(Numbers 18:20)

Service Meeting:
(song 38)
(10 min): Ideas for Offering the Magazines in January.
(Discussion. Take 30 to 60 seconds to relate why the magazines will have appeal in your territory. Then, using the cover subject of The Watchtower, invite the audience to give suggestions on an interest-arousing question to ask and then invite suggestions on a scripture to read. Do the same for Awake! and, if time allows, for one other article from either magazine. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.)
(10 min): Local needs.
(10 min): A Clean Kingdom Hall Honors Jehovah.
(Talk by an elder. Jehovah is a holy God, so physical cleanness should be a priority among his people. (Exodus 30:17-21; 40:30-32) By keeping our place of worship clean and in good repair, we bring Jehovah glory. (1 Peter 2:12) Relate local or published experiences showing how the appearance of a Kingdom Hall resulted in a witness to the community. Interview the brother who coordinates cleaning and maintenance regarding local arrangements. Encourage all to share in the upkeep of the Kingdom Hall.)
(song 127 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One"
(pgs 15-19 - November 15th study edition)
(songs 26 & 68)

book abbreviations:
* rs (Reasoning From the Scriptures)

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

2013 Yeartext - Joshua 1:9

2013 Yeartext
“Be courageous and strong. . . . Jehovah your God is with you.”
(Joshua 1:9)
 
(pgs 3-4 of the 2013 Examining the Scriptures Daily booklet)
 
There was a feeling of excitement in the air! Finally, after 40 years of wandering through a succession of wilderness areas, the Israelites were getting ready to enter the land that Jehovah had promised their forefather Abraham. It was Canaan, “a land good and spacious . . . a land flowing with milk and honey.” Once there, they would “lack nothing.”—Exodus 3:8; Deuteronomy 8:7-9.
 
There must also have been some feeling of fear and anxiety. Why? Because 40 years earlier, when under the leadership of Moses, the previous generation of Israelites had been in the same situation and had refused to enter the Promised Land. Their spies had reported: “The people who dwell in the land are strong, and the fortified cities are very great. . . . All the people whom we saw in the midst of it are men of extraordinary size.” Next to them, they felt that they looked “like grasshoppers.” Filled with fear, they thought it would be “better” to return to the oppression of Egypt and were on the verge of pelting the two faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb, with stones!—Numbers 13:28, 31-33; 14:3, 4, 10.
 
Were the Israelites justified in their fear? From a human standpoint, it would seem so. The reports of strong and fortified cities and giantlike men had been verified. It is also quite possible that Israel’s journeying in the wilderness and their intent to invade the land were known by the nations that inhabited Canaan. And some of them vastly outnumbered the Israelites! (Numbers 14:13-16; Deuteronomy 7:1, 7) Not to be overlooked is the fact that the Israelites, as slaves in Egypt, had not been trained in warfare or in military strategy. Now they were to face superior forces of trained, battle-hardened warriors. Also, after so many years, the miraculous nature of their deliverance from Egypt was a faded memory—events that the younger generation had not experienced.
 
Jehovah was aware of the situation. So he told Joshua: “Moses my servant is dead; and now get up, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. . . . Nobody will take a firm stand before you all the days of your life. . . . Be courageous and strong, for you are the one who will cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their forefathers to give to them.” Twice more God urged: “Be courageous and strong.” (Joshua. 1:2-7, 9) Acting on Jehovah’s instructions, Joshua told the Israelite warriors to prepare to cross the Jordan River in three days. How did they react? They affirmed their support of Joshua’s command and repeated to him the words: “Be courageous and strong.”—Joshua. 1:10-18.
 
Do you see any parallels between the situation of the Israelites back then and that of Jehovah’s people today? We too are poised to enter a land that Jehovah has promised—a new world where “righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Peter 3:13) We too face formidable foes—“the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places” and their earthly cohorts—all bent on stopping Jehovah’s people from attaining their goal. (Ephesians 6:12) Still to come is a “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now” and the “great and very fear-inspiring” day of Jehovah. (Matthew 24:21; Joel 2:11, 31) Although we have not personally witnessed any of Jehovah’s miraculous “saving acts,” we have full faith in his ability to preserve his people and bring them into the promised new world of righteousness.—Psalm 68:20; 2 Peter 2:9; Revelation 7:14-17.
 
How appropriate, then, are the words of our yeartext for 2013: “Be courageous and strong. . . . Jehovah your God is with you.” (Joshua 1:9) May we keep these words in mind as we preach the “good news of the kingdom” and fulfill Jesus’ command to “make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) Indeed, “if God is for us, who will be against us?”—Romans 8:31; Hebrews 13:6.

Week of December 31st - January 6th

official jw.org link:
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/1/1

Congregation Bible Study:
(song 60 and Prayer)
"God's Word For Us Through Jeremiah"
(chapter 3, pgs 36-38, ¶7-12)

Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading:  Malachi 1-4
~ Theocratic Ministry School Review ~

Service Meeting:
(song 72)
(10 min): "New Series to Appear in The Watchtower ."
(Talk. Use the sample presentation on page 8 to demonstrate how we can use the magazines to start a Bible study on the first Saturday in January.)
(10 min): What Do We Learn?
(Discussion. Have Luke 10:38-42 read. Consider how this account can help us in our ministry.)
(10 min): The Literature Offer for January and February
(Discussion. Consider features of the literature being offered, and have two presentations demonstrated.)
(song 134 and Prayer)

Watchtower Study Lesson:
"Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility"
(pgs 10-14 - November 15th study edition)
(songs 84 & 82)