# July 20-26 **Bible reading:** [JEREMIAH 18-19](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/18/#v24018001-v24018023) [Open this week on jw.org](https://www.jw.org/en/library/jw-meeting-workbook/july-august-2026-mwb/Life-and-Ministry-Meeting-Schedule-for-July-20-26-2026/) ### Song 44 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.) 🎵 [Song 44](https://www.jw.org/en/library/music-songs/sing-out-joyfully/44-prayer-of-the-lowly-one/) — opens in JW Library ## TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD ### 1. Spiritual Recovery Is Not Hopeless *(10 min.)* Jehovah urged the people of Judah to reform their deeply entrenched wicked practices ([Jer 18:11](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/18/#v24018011); [it “Baal” No. 4 ¶23](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Insight-on-the-Scriptures/Baal/#p29)) They wrongly felt: “It is hopeless!” ([Jer 18:12](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/18/#v24018012)) We are not powerless or hopeless in our fight against sin ([Jer 18:7, 8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/18/#v24018007-v24018008); [w25.08 23 ¶11](https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-august-2025/How-to-Win-the-Fight-Against-Wrong-Desires/#p19)) **Why these scriptures** - **[Jeremiah 18:11](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/18/#v24018011)** > “Now say, please, to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, ‘This is what Jehovah says: “Here I am preparing a calamity and devising a scheme against you. Turn back, please, from your bad ways, and reform your ways and your practices.”’” - **[Jeremiah 18:12](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/18/#v24018012)** > But they said: “It is hopeless! For we will walk after our own thoughts, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his wicked heart.” - **[Jeremiah 18:7](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/18/#v24018007-v24018008)** > Whenever I may speak about uprooting and pulling down and destroying a nation or a kingdom, - **[Jeremiah 18:8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/18/#v24018007-v24018008)** > and that nation abandons its wickedness that I spoke against, I will also change my mind concerning the calamity that I intended to bring against it. 🗺️ **Places:** [Judea](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=judea-region) *(southern West Bank / Israel)*, [Jerusalem](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=jerusalem) *(Jerusalem, Israel)* **Referenced material** - [it “Baal” No. 4 ¶23](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Insight-on-the-Scriptures/Baal/#p29) - [w25.08 23 ¶11](https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-august-2025/How-to-Win-the-Fight-Against-Wrong-Desires/#p19) ### 2. Spiritual Gems *(10 min.)* [Jer 18:6;](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/18/#v24018006) [19:10, 11](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019010-v24019011)—How is Jehovah the Great Potter? ([it “Potter” ¶8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Insight-on-the-Scriptures/Potter/#p9)) What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share? **Why these scriptures** - **[Jeremiah 18:6](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/18/#v24018006)** > “‘Can I not do to you just as this potter did, O house of Israel?’ declares Jehovah. ‘Look! As the clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. - **[Jeremiah 19:10](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019010-v24019011)** > “Then break the flask before the eyes of the men who go with you, - **[Jeremiah 19:11](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019010-v24019011)** > and say to them, ‘This is what Jehovah of armies says: “This is how I will break this people and this city, like someone who breaks a potter’s vessel so that it can never be repaired; and they will bury the dead in Toʹpheth until there is no more room to bury them.”’ 🗺️ **Places:** [Judea](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=judea-region) *(southern West Bank / Israel)*, [Jerusalem](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=jerusalem) *(Jerusalem, Israel)*, [Potsherd Gate](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=potsherd-gate) *(Jerusalem)* **Referenced material** - [it “Potter” ¶8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Insight-on-the-Scriptures/Potter/#p9) ### 3. Bible Reading *(4 min.)* [Jer 19:1-11](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011) ([th study 5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/reading-and-teaching/5-accurate-reading/)) **Why these scriptures** - **[Jeremiah 19:1](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > 19 This is what Jehovah said: “Go and buy an earthenware flask from a potter. Take some of the elders of the people and some of the elders of the priests, - **[Jeremiah 19:2](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > and go out to the Valley of the Son of Hinʹnom, at the entrance of the Gate of the Potsherds. And there proclaim the words that I speak to you. - **[Jeremiah 19:3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > You will say, ‘Hear the word of Jehovah, you kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. This is what Jehovah of armies, the God of Israel, says: “‘“I am about to bring a calamity on this place, and the ears of anyone who hears about it will tingle. - **[Jeremiah 19:4](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > It is because they abandoned me and made this place unrecognizable. In it they are sacrificing to other gods, whom they and their forefathers and the kings of Judah had not known, and they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent ones. - **[Jeremiah 19:5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > They built the high places of Baʹal in order to burn their sons in the fire as whole burnt offerings to Baʹal, something that I had not commanded or spoken of and that had never even come into my heart.”’ - **[Jeremiah 19:6](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > “‘“Therefore look! the days are coming,” declares Jehovah, “when this place will no longer be called Toʹpheth or the Valley of the Son of Hinʹnom but the Valley of the Slaughter. - **[Jeremiah 19:7](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > I will thwart the plans of Judah and Jerusalem in this place, and I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies and by the hand of those seeking to take their life. And I will give their dead bodies as food to the birds of the heavens and to the beasts of the earth. - **[Jeremiah 19:8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > And I will make this city an object of horror and something to whistle at. Every last one passing by it will stare in horror and whistle over all its plagues. - **[Jeremiah 19:9](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > And I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will each eat the flesh of his fellow man, because of the siege and their desperation when they are hemmed in by their enemies and those seeking to take their life.”’ - **[Jeremiah 19:10](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > “Then break the flask before the eyes of the men who go with you, - **[Jeremiah 19:11](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/19/#v24019001-v24019011)** > and say to them, ‘This is what Jehovah of armies says: “This is how I will break this people and this city, like someone who breaks a potter’s vessel so that it can never be repaired; and they will bury the dead in Toʹpheth until there is no more room to bury them.”’ 🗺️ **Places:** [Potsherd Gate](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=potsherd-gate) *(Jerusalem)*, [Judea](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=judea-region) *(southern West Bank / Israel)*, [Jerusalem](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=jerusalem) *(Jerusalem, Israel)* **Referenced material** - [th study 5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/reading-and-teaching/5-accurate-reading/) ## APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY ### 4. Starting a Conversation *(4 min.)* HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer and demonstrate a Bible study. ([lmd lesson 4 point 3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/lesson-4/#p13)) **Referenced material** - [lmd lesson 4 point 3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/lesson-4/#p13) ### 5. Following Up *(4 min.)* HOUSE TO HOUSE. Continue a discussion of the tract you left on the previous visit. ([lmd lesson 9 point 3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/lesson-9/#p13)) **Referenced material** - [lmd lesson 9 point 3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/lesson-9/#p13) ### 6. Explaining Your Beliefs *(4 min.)* Talk. [ijwbq article 44](https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/free-will-in-the-bible/)—Theme: What Does the Bible Say About Free Will? ([th study 20](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/reading-and-teaching/20-effective-conclusion/)) **Referenced material** - [ijwbq article 44](https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/free-will-in-the-bible/) - [th study 20](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/reading-and-teaching/20-effective-conclusion/) ## LIVING AS CHRISTIANS ### Song 38 🎵 [Song 38](https://www.jw.org/en/library/music-songs/sing-out-joyfully/38-he-will-make-you-strong/) — opens in JW Library ### 7. Steps to Spiritual Recovery *(15 min.)* Discussion. Many who have left Jehovah still love him. But they may not know how to return, or they may feel unworthy. Just as Jehovah helped his people in the past, he can help individuals who wish to return today. Someone who has stopped running in the race for life should not feel that he must resume Christian activities all at once. He may need to rebuild his strength first. How might he resume his activity gradually? Pray to Jehovah, and ask for his help. ([1Pe 5:7](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-peter/5/#v60005007)) Jehovah promises to help us regain strength.—[Isa 40:28, 29](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/isaiah/40/#v23040028-v23040029) Take in at least a little spiritual food each day. Perhaps browse jw.org or read or listen to a few Bible verses. Just as physical food strengthens us physically, spiritual food strengthens us spiritually.—[Ps 1:2, 3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/1/#v19001002-v19001003) Try to attend a congregation meeting as soon as possible. This is how Jehovah provides encouragement and support.—[Heb 10:24, 25](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/hebrews/10/#v58010024-v58010025) [Play the VIDEO](https://www.jw.org/open?wtlocale=E&lank=pub-jwb_201808_5_VIDEO) **I Turned My Life Around.** Then ask the audience: What lessons did you learn from the video? 🎬 [Play the VIDEO](https://www.jw.org/open?wtlocale=E&lank=pub-jwb_201808_5_VIDEO) — opens in JW Library **Why these scriptures** - **[1 Peter 5:7](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-peter/5/#v60005007)** > while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. - **[Isaiah 40:28](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/isaiah/40/#v23040028-v23040029)** > Do you not know? Have you not heard? Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, is a God for all eternity. He never tires out or grows weary. His understanding is unsearchable. - **[Isaiah 40:29](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/isaiah/40/#v23040028-v23040029)** > He gives power to the tired one And full might to those lacking strength. - **[Psalms 1:2](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/1/#v19001002-v19001003)** > But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night. - **[Psalms 1:3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/1/#v19001002-v19001003)** > He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, A tree that produces fruit in its season, The foliage of which does not wither. And everything he does will succeed. - **[Hebrews 10:24](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/hebrews/10/#v58010024-v58010025)** > And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, - **[Hebrews 10:25](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/hebrews/10/#v58010024-v58010025)** > not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near. ### 8. Congregation Bible Study *(30 min.)* [wcg “A Letter From the Governing Body”](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/walk-courageously-with-god/letter-from-governing-body/) and [intro](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/walk-courageously-with-god/you-can-grow-in-courage/) **Referenced material** - [wcg “A Letter From the Governing Body”](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/walk-courageously-with-god/letter-from-governing-body/) - [intro](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/walk-courageously-with-god/you-can-grow-in-courage/) ### Concluding Comments (3 min.) | Song 153 and Prayer 🎵 [Song 153](https://www.jw.org/en/library/music-songs/sing-out-joyfully/153-give-me-courage/) — opens in JW Library --- *Comments are AI-generated study aids, not published material. Program text and references are © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania; follow the links above to read them on jw.org.*