DAILY TEXT, Today Wednesday May 18, 2022, The heart of a king is like streams of water in the hand of Jehovah. He directs it where he wants (Prov. 21:1).

DAILY TEXT, Today Wednesday May 18, 2022

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

The heart of a king is like streams of water in the hand of Jehovah. He directs it where he wants (Prov. 21:1).

When in accordance with his purpose, Jehovah can use his powerful holy spirit to get those in authority to do what he wants. Human beings can dig a channel to divert the water of a river to where it suits them. Similarly, Jehovah can use his spirit to divert the thoughts of rulers in a direction that is in harmony with his purpose. In such cases, those people are motivated to make decisions that benefit God's people (compare Ezra 7:21, 25, 26). What can we do? We can pray “for kings and for all who are in positions of authority” when they have to make decisions that affect our Christian activities (1 Tim. 2:1, 2, footnote; Neh. 1:11). Just as the first century Christians did, we fervently pray to God for our brothers who are in prison (Acts 12:5; Heb. 13:3). w20.11 15 paras. 13, 14

How did Jehovah help Paul through an angel? (See cover drawing.)

What other difficult situations did Paul have to face? About two years after the events in Jerusalem, the apostle was on a ship bound for Italy. Suddenly, a storm broke out so strong that the crew and passengers thought they were going to die. But Paul was not afraid. Why not? He told those on the ship: “Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and to whom I render sacred service appeared by my side and said: 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You have to appear before Caesar; besides, God has granted you the life of all those who sail with you'”. Through an angel, Jehovah repeated to him the promise he had made earlier through Jesus. And so it was: Paul arrived in Rome (Acts 27:20-25; 28:16).

What promise of Jesus strengthens us, and why?

What help do we receive? Like Paul, we have the support of Jesus. For example, Jesus makes this promise to all of his disciples: “I will be with you every day until the conclusion of the system” (Matt. 28:20). Why do those words strengthen us so much? Because we all go through times that are uphill for us. For example, when a loved one dies, the pain we feel may last for several years and not just a few days. Others have to face day to day the ailments of old age. And there are those who have very bad days because of depression. Despite everything, we have the strength to keep going because we know that Jesus is with us “every day”, even the darkest days of our lives (Matt. 11:28-30).

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