Why Important: When sharing in the house-to-house ministry, we often find that many people are not at home. However, we may come in contact with them when using public transportation, when waiting in a doctor’s office, when taking a break at work or at school, and so forth. It is Jehovah’s will that everyone has an opportunity to hear the Kingdom message. (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Often, in order to give a witness, we must take the initiative to start a conversation.

1. How is the Bible like a mirror?

¹ How often do you look into a mirror? Most of us do so daily because this helps us see aspects of our physical appearance that need attention. The Bible has been likened to a mirror. Reading God’s Word enables us to see our inner self, the person whom Jehovah sees. (1 Sam. 16:7; Jas. 1:22-24) God’s Word can “discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) How can reading and meditating on the Bible every day help us to see areas that we should strengthen in order to be more successful evangelizers?​—Ps. 1:1-3.

2. How can the Bible help us to make a self-examination?

² Use the Bible as a Mirror: Bible accounts of faithful servants of Jehovah teach us what qualities are beautiful to him. For example, David demonstrated zeal for God’s name. (1 Sam. 17:45, 46) Isaiah courageously volunteered to preach in difficult territory. (Isa. 6:8, 9) Jesus’ deep love for his heavenly Father caused him to view the ministry as a source of refreshment and satisfaction rather than an unpleasant burden. (John 4:34) First-century Christians preached with zeal, relied on Jehovah, and were determined not to give up. (Acts 5:41, 42; 2 Cor. 4:1; 2 Tim. 4:17) Meditating on such examples helps us to look at ourselves with the objective of improving the quality of our sacred service.

3. Why should we not procrastinate in making needed adjustments?

³ Act to Correct Defects: Of course, it does us no good to look in a mirror and then ignore a defect. We can ask Jehovah to help us see ourselves objectively and then to help us make needed adjustments. (Ps. 139:23, 24; Luke 11:13) Because the time left is reduced and lives are involved, we must not procrastinate about making necessary changes.​—1 Cor. 7:29; 1 Tim. 4:16.

4. What happens to the man who peers into God’s Word and acts on what he discovers?

⁴ A person’s inner self​—what Jehovah takes note of—​is far more important than his outward appearance. (1 Pet. 3:3, 4) What happens to the man who peers into God’s Word and then acts on what he discovers? He “has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.” (Jas. 1:25) Yes, we will be happy and effective ministers because we “reflect like mirrors the glory of Jehovah.”​—2 Cor. 3:18.

1. In what setting did Zephaniah serve as a prophet, and how is he a good example for us today?

¹ It was the mid-seventh century B.C.E., and Baal worship was being openly practiced in Judah. Bad King Amon had recently been murdered, and now young King Josiah was reigning. (2 Chron. 33:21–34:1) During that time, Jehovah raised up Zephaniah to declare His judgment message. Although Zephaniah may have been a member of Judah’s royal house, he did not water down Jehovah’s message of condemnation to Judah’s leadership. (Zeph. 1:1; 3:1-4) Similarly, we strive to imitate Zephaniah’s courage and avoid allowing family ties to impact our worship of Jehovah in a negative way. (Matt. 10:34-37) What message did Zephaniah declare, and with what results?

2. What action must we take to be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger?

² Seek Jehovah: Only Jehovah can save individuals in the day of his anger. Thus, Zephaniah urged the people of Judah to seek Jehovah, seek righteousness, and seek meekness while time still remained. (Zeph. 2:2, 3) The same is true in our day. Like Zephaniah, we encourage others to seek Jehovah, but we too must act, being determined never to “turn away from following Jehovah.” (Zeph. 1:6) Rather, we seek Jehovah by carefully studying his Word and by praying for his guidance. We seek righteousness by living a morally clean life. We seek meekness by cultivating a submissive attitude and by readily responding to direction from Jehovah’s organization.

3. Why should we maintain a positive attitude in the ministry?

³ Positive Results: Zephaniah’s judgment message struck a responsive chord with at least some in Judah but likely most notably with young Josiah, who started to search for Jehovah while he was still a boy. Josiah later carried out a vigorous campaign against idolatry in the land. (2 Chron. 34:2-5) Today, although some Kingdom seed falls alongside the road, on rocky ground, or among the thorns, some also falls on the fine soil and yields fruit. (Matt. 13:18-23) We are confident that Jehovah will continue to bless our efforts as we stay busy spreading Kingdom seed.​—Ps. 126:6.

4. Why should we ‘keep ourselves in expectation of Jehovah’?

⁴ Some in Judah felt that Jehovah would never act. However, Jehovah assured all that his great day was near. (Zeph. 1:12, 14) Salvation would come only to those who took refuge in him. (Zeph. 3:12, 17) As we ‘keep ourselves in expectation of Jehovah,’ may we find delight in serving unitedly with fellow worshippers of our great God!​—Zeph. 3:8, 9.

◼ Literature offer for July: Feature one of the following 32-page brochures: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever. August: Special campaign distribution of a new tract to advertise the jw.org Web site. September and October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines.

◼ Since August has five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.

Where Can We Find Answers to Life’s Big Questions?

Hand the tract to the householder so that he can see the title and say: “Hello. We are sharing in a worldwide campaign to distribute this important message. This is your copy.”

If you are leaving the tract at not-at-homes, place it out of sight and avoid folding it unnecessarily.

If the householder expresses interest or desires to talk, you might ask his opinion on the multiple-choice question on the front. Open the tract, and show him what Psalm 119:144, 160 says. Explain that the tract contains information about a Web site that can help him find satisfying answers in the Bible. Perhaps you can show him a sample by playing the video Why Study the Bible? Before you leave, point out the three questions on the back page of the tract and ask which one concerns him the most. Offer to return so that you can show him how to find the Bible’s answer to that question by using jw.org. When you return, discuss the answer by looking under BIBLE TEACHINGS > BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

If you are also distributing invitations to your regional convention, hand the householder the invitation at the same time you give him the tract and add, “In addition, we have given you an invitation to an upcoming free public event.”

The Watchtower August 1

On weekends, when appropriate, say this to feature The Watchtower: “We would also like to offer you our current magazines. This issue of The Watchtower answers the question, Is God interested in you?”

Awake! August

On weekends, when appropriate, say this to feature the Awake! magazine: “We would also like to offer you our current magazines. This issue of Awake! answers the question, How can people make peace?”

Harbor witnessing is established in 38 major ports in the United States. In January 2014, the harbor witnessing groups in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Seattle reported that 98 brothers visited 274 cargo ships. They placed 1,349 books, 289 magazines, and 2,110 brochures. They also conducted 75 Bible studies. Truly, merchants, shepherds, and traders are part of the expansion of Jehovah’s organization!​—Isa. 60:6-9.