MAY 6-12

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

1. “Do Not Be Upset Because of Evil Men”

(10 min.)

Wicked people cause us pain and anguish (Ps 36:1-4; w17.04 2:4)

Harboring anger against “evil men” also causes us harm (Ps 37:1, 7, 8; w22.06 25:10)

Trusting in Jehovah’s promises gives us peace (Ps 37:10, 11; w17.04 2:5-6)

An anxious sister reading the news on her smartphone. She sees images of angry protesters, a policeman accepting a bribe, soldiers firing their rifles, an armed man in a parking garage, looters carrying stolen goods, civil unrest, and first responders at the scene of a car accident.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘Do I pay too much attention to news events that feature wicked acts?’

2. Spiritual Gems

(10 min.)

Ps 36:6—What may the psalmist have meant when he referred to Jehovah’s righteousness as being like “majestic mountains [or, “like mountains of God,” ftn.]”? (it-2 445)

Your answer
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?

Your answer

3. Bible Reading

(4 min.) Mark 12:35-44 (th study 10)

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

4. Starting a Conversation

(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd 1:5)

5. Following Up

(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study to a person who has refused one in the past. (lmd 9:4)

6. Talk

(5 min.) lv 7:3-4—Theme: How Does God View Life and Blood? (Ps 36:9) (th study 13)

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

7. Are You Prepared for “Times of Distress”?

(15 min.) Discussion.

Brothers and sisters all over the world suffer tragedy and loss because of natural and man-made disasters. (Ps 9:9, 10) Sadly, the reality is that “times of distress” can strike at any time, so we all need to be prepared to face such trials.

In addition to making physical preparations,a what can help us to cope when a disaster occurs?

Prepare mentally: Acknowledge that disasters happen, and consider what to do if one occurs. Avoid becoming overly attached to material belongings. This will help you to act wisely and decisively, giving your safety and life priority over your possessions. (Ge 19:16; Ps 36:9) It will also help you after a disaster strikes to have realistic expectations, and it may reduce the emotional distress of material loss.—Ps 37:19
Prepare spiritually: Cultivate trust in Jehovah’s ability and desire to care for you. (Ps 37:18) Before a disaster strikes, regularly remind yourself that Jehovah will guide and support his servants even though we may survive with only ‘our lives as spoil.’—Jer 45:5; Ps 37:23, 24

By keeping Jehovah’s promises clear in mind, we make him our “fortress in the time of distress.”—Ps 37:39.

Collage: Scenes from the video “Are You Prepared for a Disaster?” 1. A brother reads the Bible. 2. Tsunami waves. 3. Storm clouds. 4. People carry their belongings through floodwaters.

Play the VIDEO Are You Prepared for a Disaster? Then ask the audience:

How can Jehovah help us during times of disaster?

Your answer
What practical steps can we take to prepare?

Your answer
How can we help those who have been affected by disasters?

Your answer

8. Congregation Bible Study

(30 min.)w19.05 20:1-5

Concluding Comments (3 min.) | Song 57 and Prayer

a See Awake! No. 5 2017, pages 4-6.