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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 8:34:40 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 8:34:55 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 8:49:46 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 8:50:07 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 8:50:19 GMT -5
INTRODUCTION: Jehovah's people enjoy a profound sense of peace, this is to expected because the " Prince of Peace" promised that when two or three of us are gathered he would be would them. How different from the violence and conflict of the world. What is peace? Peace is more than the absence of war, it is a calmness and a tranquility that results from having a loving relationship with Jehovah " the God that gives peace" (see Romans 15:33). It is one of the aspects of Jehovah's holy spirit. How can we obtain that peace? Jehovah has a tremendouse amount of peace in revelation he is pictured as surrounded by an emerald green rainbow symbolizing His peace. He exudes that peace and generously gives it to those he loves. (Isaiah 48; Isaiah 66; Ps 119: 167). The history nation of Israel illustrates that only by sticking to Jehovah's principles can anyone enjoy peace, so if we feel we lack that peace we may be in need elevate our standards and improve the application of God's law. Administering Peace: Jehovah uses Jesus as an intergral part of his arrangement to give peace (Rom 1:7) Jesus said in John 14:27 that he " gives [his followers his] peace"; Jesus gives the peace he himself has aquired from serving Jehovah. In other words he would help them have the same friendship with Jehovah that he has. He counsels not to let our " hearts be troubled" troubled hearts lead to rash or ill thought out decisions , as does "shrinking out of fear". This program will help us to have a deeper relationship with Jehovah; it will show us how us how to acquire and maintain our peace and change any aspects of our personality that may hinder the free flow of that peace so that Jehovah can love you more; the result will be increased peace.
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 8:50:31 GMT -5
INTRODUCTION: We actively protect our property when it is valuable. Our peaceful relationship with God, made possible through the ransom sacrifice is our most valuable possession. Following Jesus' steps closely safeguard this relationship. We will look at two areas. Avoiding Bad Association Jesus loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. Jesus' close associates where those that felt the same about Jehovah's standards. Do we do the same? The bible says "There is no peace, says Jehovah, for the wicked" so peace with God is reserved for those that love him (Isaiah 48:22). What if we choose friends that are not friends with God? Our peace will be diminished. - Disfellowshipped family members. Do we continue contact with them through social media or texting? This would not help them and would not help us either. One sister, whose family member was disfellowshipped stated the following: “ I know that I must stay busy in Jehovah’s service and keep myself in a spiritually strong condition so that when my daughter does come back to Jehovah, I will be in a position to help her.” - w13 1/15 p. 16 par 19Maintaining Peace in the Family Jehovah wishes to see families in peace. This peace enhances peace with the creator "better is a piece of dried bread where there is peace than a household of feasting along with ... (Prov 17:10). Christ was willing to give his life for his family, this can be reflected in the decisions family heads make, showing their wives consideration and honour (compare 1 Pet 3:7). When family peace starts to break down, Jesus took the lead in humbly praying for them. He never screamed, used sarcasm. - <Family Brochure [Family Issues: Inlaws]
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 8:50:45 GMT -5
INTRODUCTION: The bible speaks of the complete suit of armour including having our feet shod with the good news of peace. This make us " beautiful" in God's eyes. (see Isaiah 52:7). Luke 10:5 Jesus instructs that our message is a message of peace and finding friends of peace. Even though the majority rejected Jesus message, that didn't mean he lost his peace. Regardless of how a persons reacts to the message - their reaction is their responsibility - we can maintain our peace and "leave" the person in judgement to Jehovah (Mat 10:11; Act 13). We cannot control how others react but we can control whether we continue to preach, and the key to continuing is maintaining our peace. Still as world conditions change some who had a negative opinon may change. Like Saul of Tarsus or the Gibeonites, some may come to recognize the God of Peace backing his people (compare Josh 9). Do not highlight negative experiences in the ministry. What can help us react positivelyAct with insight. See what is behind people's reaction. We live during the time of the ride of the four horsemen in Revelation chapter 6. Peace has been taken away from the earth, people thus don't know or even recognize the value of peace. Satan is doing everything to cause turmoil and stress. Possibly their negative reaction has nothing to do with the message itself, it may simply be an inopportune moment. Insight will help us not to react in type and make every effort to leave people in a peaceful state of mind. (Rom 12:18 Prov 19:11 ) Show Respect We meet people from a variety of beliefs and background; they have a right to their beliefs. We have to respectful of those "strongly entrenched" never belittle their beliefs or convey an attitude of superiourty. (2 Cor 10:4) If asked to leave then we should comply. Speak Graciously. Even if we are verbally abused our reaction should be gracious (see Prov 15: 1) Jesus mild gracious speak attracted people to him, so different from the hypocritical leaders (Mat 11:28; Lk 4:22) These qualities can enhance our ministry and family life (Col 4:6 1 Pet 3:1) CONCLUSION Let us stay busy in this work "begging people to become reconciled to God", while the time is left. Our zealous putting this work as a priority contributes to our having a clear conscience during other activities such as balanced recreation.
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 8:51:19 GMT -5
INTRODUCTION There are few sights as beautiful as a sleeping child. Can we ever enjoy as adults the serenity that it enjoys? Yes, Philipians promises we can have "peace from God" a feeling of calm, inner tranquility that comes from having a close relationship with God. One sister that lost her baby testifies as to the power of prayer. How to maintain our peace? Satan hates us and doesn't want us to be calm and face the future with confidence, so we must oppose the Devil (1 Pet 5:8). Lions roar to mark their territory but do not use roarding as a hunting strategy to scare their prey, however humans and domestic animals are intimidated by it. Satan tries to intimidate us and panick so we'll make bad decisions.
How does the devil roar? Through pressures at work or school to neglect our spirituality, injustices, financial worries... Satan tailor makes his roar. When we show weakness he intensifies his efforts.
How to protect ourselves? Meditate that Jehovah the Almighty is on our side; there is nothing that anyone can really do to rob us of that (compare 1 Pet 5: 9, 10)
Three things that can rob us of peace. [1] EXESSSIVE GUIILT Deep seated feelings of guilt or unworthiness over serious wrong doing in our past. - meditate make the ransom Jesus is the way through which we access that peace. An in depth study of the ransom, along with prayer this could build our faith in God's ability to forgive us. - realize Jehovah will help us; Even if our hearts condemn us, remember Jehovah has "thoughts of peace and not of calamity", so even if our hearts condemn us, Jehovah is "greater than our hearts". Jehovah looks for the good in us and our positive actions. Praying to Jehovah in this regard will help us (Jer 29: 11, 12) - recognise the source of negative feelings The Devil as the source of such wrong reasoning . Do not play into Satan hhands by saying what we do is unworthy. - Let the Jehovah and Jesus "overrule" our personal reasoning. The " peace of the Christ rule in your hearts" that is the peace that comes from a correct understanding of the ransom when we come to follow Jesus. Thus we let God's peace "rule" (literally umpire); Let Jehovhah and Jesus 'umpire' our heart or decide whether we are worthy or not (Col 3:15). COPING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT - Conduct an in depth study on bible examples of those that overcame similar circumstances. Examples abound such as King David, Hannah, Asaph (Psalms 51:17; Psalms 73:3, 28) - Study modern day examples found in the Watchtower. ( w10 5/15 p. 26
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 8:53:19 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 8:59:44 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 9:19:57 GMT -5
INTRODUCTION Jesus was a perfect child. Although we know relatively little of his life as a young person we learn he "remained obedient" to his imperfect parents. There is nothing to indicate he didn't have a peaceful relationship with his parents or siblings.(see Psalms 34:14) - Within the family: both parents and children have the responsibility to follow godly principles (Prov 17:1).
- Peers: Identifying yourself as a Witnesses can minimize negative peer pressure, not everyone in the congregation is necessarily a good influence ( compare Prov 2: 20-22)
- Within yourself: It is natural to suffer certain insecurities at this time of life. It is dangerous to be to hard on yourself or trying to "fit in" by adopting the wrong attitudes.
INTERVIEW Youth that underwent pressure and ridicule. CONCLUSION Prov 3:1,2 "The majority of mankind make their earliest years making their later years miserable" this will not be that case for those that demonstrate their faith by your obedience and you will find peace.
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 9:20:09 GMT -5
INTRODUCTION How can we improve our reputation for being peacable? "those who promote* peace have joy" - Psalms 12:20 Literally counselling for peace. Unlike Ahithophel we need to continue to promote peace. Are we heard from time to time making negative comments, are we known for "promoting" peace. We can follow Jehovah's excellent example in being generous givers resulting in happiness (Act 20:35) - Our actions: We must be willing to forgoe our personal rights to promote peace. We also have opportunities to give in the ministry, iin the congregation and special service (Phil 2:17).
- Our Words Everyone appreciates words of warm commendation* (especially our children); do we know all the children's names? Is our speech on the ministry always upbuilding?
DEMONSTRATIONS Demo #1. Brother boasting about his ministry and achievements. Demo #2: Brother commends another brother for his excellent presentation. Promoting peace does not mean we cannot have difference of opinions but if, for example in theocratic procedures, if no bible principle is in threatened we will be happy to concede to the majority. Romans 14:19 *See "Feed the hungry" jw-tv (48"00) tv.jw.org/#video/VODProgramsEvents/pub-jwbgg_E_201503_1_VIDEO |
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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2014 9:20:22 GMT -5
INTRODUCTION Jehovah was vocal about expressing his approval for Jesus (Mat 3:17). How is it we gain Jehovah's approval? We cannot have peace with God if we do not have peace with our brother. |
JEHOVAH
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....ME.....
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MY BROTHER
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To pursue, means to chase or follow determinately to overtake or capture. We should "pursue" with a singleminded determination. What challenges do we face? Satan, the world and our own imperfect flesh. Matthew 5:9 encourages us "happy are the peacemakers since they will be called the sons of God". What is a Peacemaker? It is more than being "at peace" (a dead person is "at peace", a sleeping child is "peaceful") a peacemaker actively takes actions to promote peace. We all can do this. REASONS TO PURSUE PEACE- We imitate God - 1 Cor 14:33
- We promote unity - Psalms 133:1
- It attracts unbelievers to the truth (ex Hutti & Tutsi)
- Promotes growth, strength and prosperity, in the congregation (see Acts 9:31)
Obstacles to being peacemakers- Personal weaknesses: When under pressure some may feel justified to lose control. Do I have a quick temper, am I overly sensitive? Under emotional pressure do I tend to forget bible principles?
- Stubbornness (2 Tim 3:3) If we have a tendence to insist on our own way, we should consider Phil 2:3. Do I recognize other's qualities superior to our own? Can we be more "yielding"?
- Misuse of our tongue (James 3:2-8) We must avoid gossip, murmmuring, criticising others. Think before you speak. If we are the victim of thise things we are motivated to overlook such things (Prov 15:1). Learn to apologise. May our tongue be a source of healing.
Dealing with Offense - Matthew 5: 23-24 (Peace before worship). To "make your peace" literally means to affect an alteration, reconcilation. Don't get into "who said, what said" just apologise for the hurt. If we are the victim of unkind words or actions we may be able to overlook it. Jehovah created our bodies so that we can heal, may we be able to allow our emotions to heal and forgive (1 Pet 4:8). Can we force ourself to think about the good qualities of the offender? Can we cover over the sin committed? If this is impossible apply the principle of Matthew 18:15 (privately in german "under four eyes"). If the other party doesn't want peace we have done our best. DEMONSTRATIONS Demo #2 Brothers discuss difficulty he has noticed encouraged to not just "give him some time", encouraged to apologise and make peace. Demo #2 Siloleque brother meditates on the nature of true forgivenss. JW-tv Resolving disagreementss (Jan 2015) 53"00 tv.jw.org/#video/VODStudio/pub-jwb_E_201501_1_VIDEOQUALITIES THAT AID PEACEMAKING- Humility This is required to approach, admit our wrong and ask for forgivness. Pride is counterproductive to humility so never let pride stop us from making peace. Carefully chosen words Prov 15:1
- Be Grateful. The qualitiy of being thankful, a readiness to show appreciation and show kindness. We are greatful for #1 our kingdom hope. #2 The truth that sets us free from spiritual darkness. #3 An abundance of spiritual food (Mat 24: 45); #4 We have meetings, assemblies and conventions. If we have gratitude for these spiritual provisions, it will give us the fortitude to make peace so nothing risks (1 Cor 16: 17, 18)
- Prayer As Jehovah for the brother or sister who we may have offended or that may have offended us. (3 Gal 5:22)
CONCLUSION Isaiah 54:13
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Post by Admin on Mar 15, 2015 3:59:31 GMT -5
ML
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Post by Admin on Mar 15, 2015 3:59:49 GMT -5
LM
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