Saturday, August 16

He will firmly ground you.​—1 Pet. 5:10.

An honest self-examination may reveal that you have certain weaknesses, but do not be discouraged. “The Lord is kind,” and he will help you to improve. (1 Pet. 2:3) The apostle Peter assures us: “God . . . will himself finish your training. He will make you firm.” Peter once felt unworthy to be in the presence of God’s Son. (Luke 5:8) But with the loving support of Jehovah and of Jesus, Peter persevered as a follower of Christ. Peter thus was approved to gain “entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:11) What a reward! If you persevere as Peter did and allow yourself to be trained by Jehovah, you too will receive the reward of everlasting life. You will “attain the goal of your faith, your salvation.”​—1 Pet. 1:9. w23.09 41:16-17

Sunday, August 17

Worship the One who made the heaven and the earth.​—Rev. 14:7.

The ancient tabernacle had one courtyard​—a fenced, open area where the priests performed their duties. The large copper altar of burnt offering was located in the courtyard, along with a copper basin of water that the priests used to cleanse themselves before performing their sacred service. (Ex. 30:17-20; 40:6-8) Today, the remnant of Christ’s anointed brothers faithfully serve in the earthly inner courtyard of the spiritual temple. The presence of the large basin of water is an important reminder for them, as it is for all Christians, to remain morally and spiritually clean. Where, then, do the “great crowd” offer their worship? The apostle John saw them “standing before the throne,” in what corresponds on earth to the outer courtyard, where “they are rendering [God] sacred service day and night in his temple.” (Rev. 7:9, 13-15) How we cherish having a place in Jehovah’s arrangement for pure worship! w23.10 45:15-16

Monday, August 18

Because of the promise of God, . . . he became powerful by his faith.​—Rom. 4:20.

One way that Jehovah supplies power to us is through the elders. (Isa. 32:1, 2) So when you feel anxious, share your concerns with the elders. When they offer you help, accept it gratefully. By means of them, Jehovah can make you strong. Our Bible-based hope of everlasting life​—either in an earthly Paradise or in the heavenly Kingdom—​can also fill us with power. (Rom. 4:3, 18, 19) Our hope strengthens us to endure trials, preach the good news, and carry out various assignments in the congregation. (1 Thess. 1:3) That same hope strengthened the apostle Paul. He was “hard-pressed,” “perplexed,” “persecuted,” and “knocked down.” His life was even in danger. (2 Cor. 4:8-10) Paul gained the strength to endure by focusing on his hope. (2 Cor. 4:16-18) Paul focused on his future hope of eternal life in heaven. Paul meditated on that hope, and as a result, he felt “renewed from day to day.” w23.10 43:14-17