Cover picture: Esther risks her life by appearing before the king without an invitation

• Song 137 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Strive to Be Modest Like Esther”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Es 2:5​—What evidence seems to support the Biblical account of Mordecai? (w22.11 31 ¶3-6)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Es 1:13-22 (th study 10)

• Initial Call Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Initial Call: Kingdom​—Mt 6:9, 10. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the audience the questions that appear in the video.

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. (th study 1)

• Talk: (5 min.) w20.11 12-14 ¶3-7​—Theme: Help From Jesus and the Angels. (th study 14)

• Song 106

• What Your Peers Say​—Body Image: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: Why can it be difficult to have a balanced view of our appearance?

  Your answer

  How can the principle found at 1 Peter 3:3, 4 help us to have a balanced view of ourselves?

  Your answer

• Organizational Accomplishments: (10 min.) Play the Organizational Accomplishments video for September.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 56 and endnotes 6 and 7

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 101 and Prayer

[Play the video Introduction to Esther.]

Esther was a very beautiful woman (Es 2:7)

Esther remained modest despite receiving praise and flattery (Es 2:9, 15; w17.01 25 ¶11; ia 130 ¶15)

ASK YOURSELF, ‘What do my words and actions reveal about the way I view myself?’​—w17.01 25 ¶12.

• Song 85 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Help Others to Reach Their Full Potential”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Es 4:12-16​—How do we fight for freedom to worship, as Esther and Mordecai did? (kr 160 ¶14)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Es 3:1-12 (th study 2)

• Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Return Visit: Kingdom​—Mt 14:19, 20. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the audience the questions that appear in the video.

• Return Visit: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Tell the person about our Bible study program, and leave a Bible course contact card. (th study 16)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 12 intro and points 1-3 (th study 15)

• Song 65

• Become Jehovah’s Friend​—Esther Had Courage: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then, if possible, ask selected children: In what way would you like to imitate Esther’s courage?

  Your answer

• Local Needs: (10 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 57

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 125 and Prayer

Mordecai set an example of courageous loyalty (Es 3:2-4; it-2 431 ¶7)

He helped Esther to see her potential to do good (Es 4:7, 8; it-2 431 ¶9)

He encouraged Esther to be courageous and trust in Jehovah (Es 4:12-14; ia 133 ¶22-23)

ASK YOURSELF, ‘Do my words and actions help others in the congregation to reach their full potential?’

• Song 115 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “A Lesson in Good Communication”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Es 7:4​—How would an annihilation of the Jews “be damaging to the king”? (w06 3/1 11 ¶1)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Es 8:9-17 (th study 5)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Respond to a common objection. (th study 3)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Invite the person to a meeting, and introduce and discuss (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? (th study 12)

• Talk: (5 min.) w22.01 10-11 ¶8-10​—Theme: Teach Effectively Like James—​Keep Your Message Simple. (th study 17)

• Song 148

• “Rely On Jehovah When Dealing With a Bully”: (15 min.) Discussion and video.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 58

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 124 and Prayer

Esther waited for the right time to speak up (Es 7:2; ia 140 ¶15-16)

She spoke with tact and respect (Es 7:3; ia 140 ¶17)

She was open and honest (Es 7:4; ia 141 ¶18-19)

ASK YOURSELF, ‘How can I imitate Esther’s example when communicating with members of my family?’

Bullies can cause us physical and emotional pain. They can even harm us spiritually if we become intimidated when they oppose our worship. How can you protect yourself from a bully?

Many of Jehovah’s worshippers have successfully dealt with bullies by relying on Jehovah. (Ps 18:17) For example, Esther spoke up in order to reveal the plans of an evil bully named Haman. (Es 7:1-6) Before doing so, she showed her reliance on Jehovah by fasting. (Es 4:14-16) Jehovah blessed her actions and protected her and his people.

Young ones, if you are confronted by a bully, ask Jehovah for help and talk to a mature adult, such as a parent, about your problem. You can be sure that Jehovah will help you just as he helped Esther. What else can you do to cope with bullying?

WATCH THE VIDEO MY TEEN LIFE​—HOW CAN I COPE WITH BULLYING? AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What can young ones learn from Charlie’s and Ferin’s examples?

  Your answer

• What can parents learn from Charlie’s and Ferin’s comments about helping children to cope with a bully?

  Your answer

• Song 102 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “He Used His Authority Unselfishly”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Es 9:15, 16​—Why did the Jews not take any spoil? (w06 3/1 11 ¶4)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Es 9:1-14 (th study 11)

• Initial Call: (2 min.) Use the sample conversation topic. (th study 6)

• Return Visit: (5 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and demonstrate a Bible study. (th study 13)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 12 Dig Deeper introduction and point 4 (th study 19)

• Song 117

• “Shepherds Who Work for the Good of Jehovah’s People”: (15 min.) Discussion and video.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 59 points 1-5

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 55 and Prayer

Mordecai received a position of great authority (Es 9:4; it-2 432 ¶2)

He instituted a yearly observance to honor Jehovah (Es 9:20-22, 26-28; it-2 716 ¶5)

He worked for the good of God’s people (Es 10:3)

Today, those who have a measure of authority in Jehovah’s organization do their best to imitate Mordecai’s example.​—cl 101-102 ¶12-13.

Many people have a negative view of individuals in authority. Who can blame them? Humans have a long history of abusing their authority to benefit themselves. (Mic 7:3) How grateful we are that elders in the congregation are trained to use their authority for the good of Jehovah’s people.​—Es 10:3; Mt 20:25, 26.

Unlike those in authority in this world, elders reach out for positions of oversight out of love for Jehovah and his people. (Joh 21:16; 1Pe 5:1-3) Under Jesus’ direction, these shepherds help each publisher to feel at home among Jehovah’s family of worshippers and to stay close to Jehovah. They are quick to offer spiritual assistance to Jehovah’s sheep and to help when a medical emergency occurs or when a disaster strikes. If you need assistance, why not take the initiative to contact an elder in your congregation?​—Jas 5:14.

WATCH THE VIDEO SHEPHERDS WHO CARE FOR THE FLOCK, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• How did Mariana benefit from the help provided by the elders?

  Your answer

• How did Elias benefit from the help provided by the elders?

  Your answer

• How do these experiences affect your view of the work that elders do?

  Your answer

• Song 141 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Continue to Show the Depth of Your Love for Jehovah”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Job 1:10​—How does this verse help us understand Jesus’ words as recorded at Matthew 27:46? (w21.04 11 ¶9)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Job 3:1-26 (th study 12)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Tell the person about our website, and leave a jw.org contact card. (th study 9)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Introduce and discuss (but do not play) the video Why Study the Bible? (th study 20)

• Talk: (5 min.) w22.01 11-12 ¶11-14​—Theme: Teach Effectively Like James—​Be Realistic and Humble. (th study 18)

• Song 21

• I Thought I Had It All Together: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: In what way did Brother Birdwell feel as if he “had it all together”?

  Your answer

  What effect did reflecting on Matthew 6:33 have on him?

  Your answer

  What else did you appreciate from the Birdwell family’s experience?

  Your answer

• “Use the JW.ORG Home Page in Your Ministry”: (5 min.) Discussion.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 59 point 6 and summary, review, and goal

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 129 and Prayer

[Play the video Introduction to Job.]

Satan claimed that Job loved and served Jehovah for selfish interests (Job 1:8-11; w18.02 6 ¶16-17)

Satan claims that we do not truly love Jehovah (Job 2:4, 5; w19.02 5 ¶10)

Jehovah has given each one of us the opportunity to prove Satan a liar. (Pr 27:11) We can show just how much we love Jehovah by keeping him at the center of our lives during good times and bad.

The home page of our website features articles and videos that are designed to appeal to honest-hearted members of the public. (Ac 13:48) It often highlights topics that are in the news or that people are thinking and talking about.

How can you use the jw.org home page in your ministry?

• Check the website regularly. Take note of what is currently featured, and consider how you might use it to help an interested person. (To find other material that was recently featured on the home page, click “See More.”) Staying up-to-date with the website will help you to keep your approach in the ministry fresh.

• Use articles and videos featured on the home page to start a conversation. This material can give us ideas for what people in the territory may be thinking about.

• Show people the home page. Highlight specific topics, and show the person how to navigate the site.

• Share a link. Some people are reluctant to speak with us in person, but they are willing to visit our website. So do not hesitate to send interested ones a link to the home page or to a specific article or video that is featured there.

• Song 121 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Beware of Misinformation”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Job 4:4​—What good example did Job set for Christians today? (w03 5/15 22 ¶5-6)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Job 5:1-27 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (2 min.) Use the sample conversation topic. (th study 4)

• Return Visit: (5 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Show the person how to find information on jw.org. (th study 15)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 16 point 5 (th study 16)

• Song 78

• Local Needs: (15 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 60

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 38 and Prayer

Eliphaz may have seemed to be a trustworthy source of information because of his age and background (Job 4:1; it-1 713 ¶11)

He was influenced by demonic forces to convey a discouraging message to Job (Job 4:14-16; w05 9/15 26 ¶2)

Some of what Eliphaz said was true but misapplied (Job 4:19; w10 2/15 19 ¶5-6)

Satan’s world continues to spread harmful misinformation.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘Do I take the time to evaluate the information that I take in?’​—mrt 32 ¶13-17.

• Song 33 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “When Life Feels Unbearable”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Job 6:29​—What can help us to avoid misjudging our brothers? (w20.04 16 ¶10)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Job 6:1-21 (th study 2)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Respond to a common objection. (th study 7)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 11)

• Talk: (5 min.) w22.01 12-13 ¶15-18​—Theme: Teach Effectively Like James—​Use Effective Illustrations. (th study 8)

• Song 144

• “Jehovah Saves Those Who Are Crushed in Spirit”: (15 min.) Discussion and video.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff section 4 review

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 143 and Prayer

When under trial, Job likened life to compulsory labor (Job 7:1; w06 3/15 14 ¶10)

His distress moved him to express his feelings openly (Job 7:11)

He even expressed his desire to die (Job 7:16; w20.12 16 ¶1)

If you ever feel that life is unbearable, pour your heart out to Jehovah in prayer and express your feelings to a mature friend​—this may be your first step to finding some relief.​—g 1/12 16-17.

Everyone feels sad sometimes. Feeling sad is not a sign of spiritual weakness. After all, even Jehovah revealed that he experiences sadness at times. (Ge 6:5, 6) But what if we feel overwhelmed with sadness often or even all the time?

Turn to Jehovah for help. Jehovah is very interested in our mental and emotional health. He knows when we are happy and when we are sad. He understands why we think and feel the way we do. (Ps 7:9b) Most important, Jehovah cares about us and can help us to cope with feelings of sadness or even depression.​—Ps 34:18.

Take care of your mental health. Negative emotions can affect our happiness as well as our worship. For this reason, we do well to protect our heart​—our whole inner person.​—Pr 4:23.

WATCH THE VIDEO HOW OUR BROTHERS ARE ENJOYING PEACE DESPITE DEPRESSION, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What practical things did Nikki do to help her to cope with depression?

  Your answer

• Why did Nikki feel that she needed to seek medical help?​—Mt 9:12

  Your answer

• In what ways did Nikki rely on Jehovah to help her?

  Your answer

• Song 107 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “God’s Loyal Love Protects Us From Satan’s Lies”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Job 9:32​—What should we do if we come across a Bible passage that we do not understand? (w10 10/15 6-7 ¶19-20)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Job 9:20-35 (th study 11)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 17)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and briefly consider “How to Get the Most Out of These Bible Lessons.” (th study 3)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 16 point 6 and Some People Say (th study 14)

• Song 109

• “Help Nonreligious People Come to Know Their Creator”: (10 min.) Discussion and video.

• Local Needs: (5 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) bt “A Letter From the Governing Body” and chap. 1 ¶1-7

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 64 and Prayer

Satan wants people to believe that Jehovah causes bad things to happen (Job 8:4)

He would like us to think that Jehovah does not care whether or not we keep our faith in Him (Job 9:20-22; w15 7/1 12 ¶3)

Jehovah’s loyal love helps us to see through Satan’s lies and maintain our integrity (Job 10:12; Ps 32:7, 10; w21.11 6 ¶14)

TRY THIS: To strengthen yourself during a trial, take note of ways that Jehovah is showing loyal love to you, write them down, and review them often.

Do you ever hold back from giving a witness to nonreligious people, thinking that they are unlikely to respond favorably? If so, remember that many nonreligious people​—including atheists—​have become Jehovah’s Witnesses. Often, all they needed was a little help examining evidence that God exists.​—Ro 1:20; 10:14.

WATCH THE VIDEO REMEMBER​—FAITHLESS PEOPLE CAN ACQUIRE FAITH!​—NONRELIGIOUS PEOPLE, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

How does Tommaso’s experience help you to have a positive view of witnessing to nonreligious people?

• Song 87 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Three Ways to Gain Wisdom and Benefit From It”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Job 12:11​—How can the principle found in this verse help us improve our listening skills? (w08 8/1 11 ¶5)

    Your answer

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

    Your answer

• Bible Reading: (4 min.) Job 12:1-25 (th study 5)

• Initial Call: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Tell the person about our Bible study program, and leave a Bible course contact card. (th study 1)

• Return Visit: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Invite the person to a meeting, and introduce and discuss (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? (th study 13)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 12 summary, review, and goal (th study 19)

• Song 135

• “Parents​—Help Your Children to Gain Godly Wisdom”: (15 min.) Discussion and video.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) bt chap. 1 ¶8-15, box on p. 12

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 3 and Prayer

Observe creation (Job 12:7-9; w09 4/15 6 ¶17)

Build friendships with faithful Christians (Job 12:12; w21.06 10 ¶10-12)

Learn God’s standards, and apply them in your life (Job 12:16; it-2 1190 ¶2)

ASK YOURSELF, ‘What have I learned from spending time with faithful Christians?’

One of the best ways that parents can help their children to gain godly wisdom is by helping them to benefit from Christian meetings. What young ones see, hear, and express in their comments at meetings can help them learn about Jehovah and become his close friend. (De 31:12, 13) If you are a parent, how can you help your child to get the most out of the meetings?

• Make an earnest effort to attend meetings in person.​—Ps 22:22

• Allow time for encouraging association at the Kingdom Hall before or after the meeting.​—Heb 10:25

• Ensure that each family member has a copy of the publications being studied at the meeting, whether digital or hard copy

• Help your child to prepare a comment in his or her own words.​—Mt 21:15, 16

• Speak positively about the meetings and the instruction you receive there

• Help your children to be involved in such activities as cleaning the Kingdom Hall and speaking with older ones in the congregation

Helping your children to draw close to Jehovah requires a lot of work, and it may seem overwhelming at times. However, you can count on Jehovah’s help.​—Isa 40:29.

WATCH THE VIDEO AS PARENTS, RELY ON JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• What effect was fatigue having on Zack and Leah?

  Your answer

• Why should parents turn to Jehovah for strength?

  Your answer

• In what ways did Zack and Leah rely on Jehovah to succeed?

  Your answer

INITIAL CALL

Question: What is God’s Kingdom?

Scripture: Isa 9:6, 7 or Mt 6:9, 10

Link: What will God’s Kingdom accomplish?

FIND THESE SCRIPTURES IN THE TEACHING TOOLBOX:

• 

  wp20.2 4, 6

RETURN VISIT

Question: What will God’s Kingdom accomplish?

Scripture: Ps 72:16 or Mt 14:19, 20

Link: When will God’s Kingdom rule the earth?

FIND PSALM 72:16 IN THE TEACHING TOOLBOX:

• 

  lffi lesson 02 point 4