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Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.—1 Cor. 10:31.
Jehovah is “the happy God,” who wants his servants to be happy. (1 Tim. 1:11) He had Solomon include in the Bible this reality: “I myself commended rejoicing, because mankind have nothing better under the sun than to eat and drink and rejoice, and that it should accompany them in their hard work for the days of their life.” (Eccl. 3:1, 4, 13; 8:15) Such rejoicing may be at a family meal or at some other small social gathering of true worshippers. (Job 1:4, 5, 18; Luke 10:38-42; 14:12-14) If you are arranging such a gathering and are responsible for it, you should think through what is planned, even if you are inviting just a few believers for a meal and friendly conversation. (Rom. 12:13) You will want to see that “all things take place decently,” guided by “the wisdom from above.”—1 Cor. 14:40; Jas. 3:17.
Obadiah himself had proved to be one greatly fearing Jehovah.—1 Ki. 18:3.
God-fearing Obadiah lived in the days of the prophet Elijah and of King Ahab, who ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel. Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, a ruthless enemy of Jehovah, tried to eradicate true worship from the land. She murdered some of Jehovah’s prophets and even tried to kill Elijah. Immediately after Jezebel murdered Jehovah’s prophets, “Obadiah proceeded to take a hundred prophets and keep them hid by fifties in a cave, and he supplied them bread and water.” (1 Ki. 18:4) As you can imagine, secretly feeding a hundred men was a very dangerous undertaking. Still, godly fear gave him the courage to rise above any fear of man he might have had. Obadiah is a fine example for all of us, especially for those who worship Jehovah at the risk of their freedom or even their life.—Matt. 24:9.
I'm home from the hospital. There is a 7 inch incision on the back of my neck. It doesn't hurt as much as it did a couple days ago but I can't turn my head from side to side or up and down yet. My pain meds have finally stared to work so I'm ok. I was told to take it easy and just rest for the next 3 or 4 days. I just came downstairs to let everyone know how things were going here and at another site I go to.
I'm having the worst time with my eating. It's all I think about. I'm eating just out of boredom most of the time. While Ginger works I can't find things to occupy my mind. I just don't know what to do. I'll keep plugging away and hope things get better. Monday is my sugery date. I'm nervous about how I'm going to feel afterward. My neck is going to hurt like hell, but I hope this time it heals rights and I won't have to deal with these friggen abcesses any more.
Have no fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God.—Luke 1:30.
How Mary must have been encouraged and strengthened by these words that assured her of divine favor! Then the angel Gabriel, who was sent forth from God, said to her: “You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you are to call his name Jesus.” (Luke 1:31) Another instance of angelic support occurred after Jesus resisted the three temptations that Satan placed before Him in the wilderness. The account tells us that at the conclusion of the tests, “the Devil left him, and, look! angels came and began to minister to him.” (Matt. 4:1-11) Something similar happened on the night before Jesus was to die. In anguish, Jesus bent his knees and began to pray, saying: “‘Father, if you wish, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, let, not my will, but yours take place.’ Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.”—Luke 22:42, 43.
I will . . . make them rejoice inside my house of prayer.—Isa. 56:7.
Who may approach God at his spiritual temple? At the physical temple, the priests and Levites were privileged to serve in the inner courtyard, but only priests could enter the Holy. Anointed Christians with the heavenly hope enjoy a unique spiritual condition foreshadowed by the inner courtyard and the Holy, which enables them to render prayers and praise to God. What about those with an earthly hope, the “other sheep”? (John 10:16) The prophet Isaiah indicated that people of many nations would come to worship Jehovah “in the final part of the days.” (Isa. 2:2, 3) He also wrote that “foreigners” would join themselves to Jehovah. (Isa. 56:6) What a comforting thought that all of God’s servants today can freely approach God with full confidence that they are heard by him!
Bad associations spoil useful habits.—1 Cor. 15:33.
Does adhering to the principle that is found in today’s text require that you shun unbelievers entirely? The Scriptural answer to that question is no. After all, the apostle Paul himself showed loving consideration for “people of all sorts,” including unbelievers. (1 Cor. 9:22) The very nature of Christianity demands that we show an interest in others—including those who do not share our beliefs. (Rom. 10:13-15) Indeed, how can we follow the counsel to “work what is good toward all” if we isolate ourselves from people who might need our help? (Gal. 6:10) However, there is a clear difference between being friendly toward a workmate and being that one’s close companion. Here is where another Scriptural principle enters the picture. The apostle Paul warned Christians: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.”—2 Cor. 6:14.
You will be with me in Paradise.—Luke 23:43.
That Jehovah yearns to carry out the resurrection is shown in the inspired words of the faithful man Job: “If an able-bodied man dies can he live again? All the days of my compulsory service I shall wait, until my relief comes. You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning.” (Job 14:14, 15) Job knew that after he died, a time of waiting in the sleep of death lay ahead of him. He viewed that time as “compulsory service,” an enforced period of waiting for release. To him, that release was a certainty. Job realized that his relief would come. Jehovah would “have a yearning” to see his faithful servant again. Yes, God longs to bring back to life all righteous individuals. Jehovah will also give others an opportunity to live forever in Paradise on earth. (John 5:28, 29) Since it is God’s will to carry out that purpose, who can stop him?
Happy is the man in fear of Jehovah.—Ps. 112:1.
Happiness does not come easily. Real happiness is contingent on making the right choices, doing what is right, and turning away from what is wrong. Our Maker, Jehovah, has given us his Word, the Bible, to teach us how to enjoy the very best way of life. By seeking and following Jehovah’s direction, thus displaying the fear of God, we can be truly satisfied and happy. (Ps. 23:1; Prov. 14:26) It is beneficial for us to read and meditate on Biblical and modern-day examples that show how genuine fear of God gives one strength to resist pressure to do what is wrong and courage to do what is right. From such examples, we will see that godly fear can bring us happiness by moving us to correct a wrong course, as King David had to do. We will also see that the fear of Jehovah is a truly precious heritage that parents can pass on to their children.
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