Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2013

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, August 17

When Jehovah your God will bring you into the land that he swore to your forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to give you, great and good-looking cities that you did not build, and houses full of all good things and that you did not fill, . . . watch out for yourself that you may not forget Jehovah.—Deut. 6:10-12.

This warning was not unfounded. In Nehemiah’s day, a group of Levites recalled with shame what occurred after the Israelites took possession of the Promised Land. After the people of Israel occupied comfortable houses and had an abundance of food and wine, “they began to eat and to be satisfied and to grow fat.” They rebelled against God, even killing the prophets he sent to warn them. Jehovah therefore abandoned them to their enemies. (Neh. 9:25-27; Hos. 13:6-9) Later, under Roman domination, the faithless Jews went so far as to kill the promised Messiah! Jehovah rejected them and transferred his favor to a new nation, spiritual Israel.—Matt. 21:43; Acts 7:51, 52; Gal. 6:16. w1111/15 3:4, 5

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/17

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, August 18

Faith follows the thing heard.—Rom. 10:17.

Though it has been in evidence since the days of Abel, “faith is not a possession of all people.” (2 Thess. 3:2) So why does a person have this quality, and what enables him to be faithful? To a large extent, faith follows the things heard from God’s Word. It is an aspect of the fruitage of God’s holy spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Therefore, to demonstrate and exercise faith, we need holy spirit. It would be a mistake to conclude that men and women of faith are born that way, that faith comes naturally. The exemplary servants we read about in the Bible were people “with feelings like ours.” (Jas. 5:17) They had doubts, insecurities, and weaknesses but “were made powerful” by God’s spirit to face challenges. (Heb. 11:34) By considering how Jehovah’s spirit operated on them, we today will be encouraged to continue in our course of faithfulness, living as we do at this time when our faith is under attack. w11 12/15 3:1, 2

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/18

 

[Holly]

Well, isn't this just right in line with our new Sat. Release: Imitate Their Faith, we just got ours today at DC!  I know most of you have it already but it is so exciting for me right now!  I know my kids are really excited and started looking and reading it already!  I looked it over a little too! 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, August 19

You sent something to me both once and a second time.—Phil. 4:16.

In the first century C.E., the congregation in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to Rome in order to care for Paul’s physical needs. That envoy of the Philippians evidently carried with him a monetary gift from the congregation. This was not the first time that the Philippians had shown generosity to Paul. By their kindness they intended to free Paul of financial worries so that he could devote more time to the ministry. How did Paul view the gift? He called it “a sweet-smelling odor, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” (Phil. 4:15-19) Paul truly appreciated the Philippians’ kind gesture, and so did Jehovah. Likewise today, Jehovah deeply appreciates our contributions to the worldwide work. Moreover, he promises that if we continue to put Kingdom interests first in our lives, he will take care of all our needs, spiritual and physical.—Matt. 6:33; Luke 6:38. w12 1/15 4:13, 14

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/19

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, August 20

As you go, preach, saying, “The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.”—Matt. 10:7.

Jesus warned his apostles that many would oppose their Kingdom-preaching work. (Matt. 10:16-23) An especially painful form of opposition is experienced when family members reject the Kingdom message. (Matt. 10:34-36) Does this mean that happiness is out of reach for Christ’s followers who live in religiously divided households? Not at all! Though family opposition can sometimes be severe, that is not always the case. Then, too, family opposition is not necessarily permanent. Much depends on how believers respond to opposition or indifference. Moreover, Jehovah blesses those who are loyal to him, making them joyful despite unfavorable circumstances. Believers can add to their own happiness (1) by endeavoring to cultivate peace in the home and (2) by sincerely trying to help unbelieving family members to embrace true worship. w12 2/15 4:1, 2

 

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/20

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, August 21

Time and unforeseen occurrence befall them all.—Eccl. 9:11.

As we draw ever closer to the end of this wicked world, more and more of Jehovah’s people are being affected by disasters and tragedies. We may find that our hearts are weighed down when we lose loved ones or suffer personal difficulties. Or we might even find ourselves plagued by some distressing circumstances or perceived injustices. Our anguished hearts may cry out: ‘Why, Jehovah? Why me? What did I do wrong?’ (Hab. 1:2, 3) We need to be careful not to assume that such events are an indication of Jehovah’s disapproval. Jesus highlighted this fact when referring to two tragedies that occurred in his day. (Luke 13:1-5) Many calamities are the result of “time and unforeseen occurrence.” But no matter what the cause of our distress, we can cope if we focus our attention on “the God of all comfort.” He will give us the strength required to continue on faithfully.—2 Cor. 1:3-6. w11 5/15 3:16-18

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/21

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, August 22

The objective of this mandate is love out of a clean heart and out of a good conscience and out of faith without hypocrisy.—1 Tim. 1:5.

If we want God’s spirit to lead us, we need to avoid placing ourselves in the path of temptation by aimlessly flipping through television channels or surfing the Internet. (Rom. 8:5-8) Of course, we can and should exercise self-control by taking immediate action if we are confronted with a provocative image. But how much better if we avoid the situation in the first place! (Prov. 22:3) Setting appropriate safeguards and adhering to them involve the exercise of self-control. For example, keeping the computer in an open area can serve as a protection. Some find it best to use the computer or watch television only when others are present. Others have decided not to have access to the Internet. (Matt. 5:27-30) May we take whatever measures are necessary to protect ourselves and our family. w11 4/15 4:17, 18

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/22

 

Edited August 22, 2013 by GrumpysWife

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, August 23

Save them by snatching them out of the fire.—Jude 23.

Today, elders need to be on guard against the lionlike attacks of the Devil. This may involve a courageous act of figuratively snatching the sheep from the Devil’s jaws. Elders, of course, do not accomplish this without Jehovah’s help. They handle an injured sheep tenderly, bandaging him and applying the soothing balm of God’s Word. In Bible times, literal shepherds guided the flock to an appropriate pasture and a watering place. Likewise, elders direct the flock to the congregation, encouraging regular meeting attendance so that the flock can be well-fed and receive “their food at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45) The elders may need to spend extra time helping those who are spiritually sick to accept nourishment from God’s Word. Instead of intimidating their brother, the elders tenderly explain Scriptural principles and show him how he can apply these in his life. w11 6/15 3:7, 8

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/23

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, August 24

Israel continued to serve Jehovah all the days of Joshua and all the days of the older men who extended their days after Joshua.—Josh. 24:31.

That obedient generation gradually died out and was replaced by a generation that “did not know Jehovah or the work that he had done for Israel.” Consequently, “the sons of Israel fell to doing what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah and serving the Baals.” (Judg. 2:10, 11) The Promised Land did not prove to be a real “place of rest” for them. Because of their disobedience, they did not enjoy lasting peace with God. In speaking of a later time, Paul wrote: “If Joshua had led [the Israelites] into a place of rest, God would not afterward have spoken of another day. So there remains a sabbath resting for the people of God.” (Heb. 4:8, 9) “The people of God” Paul was referring to were Christians. Does that mean that Christians could enter into God’s rest? Most assuredly—both Jewish and non-Jewish Christians! w11 7/15 3:11, 12

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/24

 

[MizPeg]

I am reading this, and I am always amazed at what the slave class puts out for us, in the spiritual feasts! I truly love the conventions, but they are "almost too heavy", information wise. There are elderly who split the 3 days up. But is that wise? Not sure, but will consider that is the future, for my own situation.

agape'

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, August 25

[Isaac] made a feast for [his visitors] and they ate and drank. . . . After that Isaac sent them away . . . in peace.—Gen. 26:30, 31.

When Philistine King Abimelech told Isaac to ‘move from their neighborhood’ at Gerar, the peaceful man Isaac complied. (Gen. 26:1, 12-17) After Isaac moved his encampment farther away, his shepherds dug a well. Philistine shepherds claimed that the water was theirs. Isaac did not fight over the well. Instead, Isaac again had his men dig a well. The Philistines also claimed this one for themselves. For the sake of peace, Isaac moved his large encampment away to yet another location. Then, the Philistine king and his officials came to visit him in Beer-sheba and sought to make a covenant of peace with him, saying: “We have unmistakably seen that Jehovah has proved to be with you.” (Gen. 26:28) For the sake of peace, Isaac had more than once opted to move rather than fight. This time too Isaac proved himself to be a peacemaker. w11 8/15 3:12-14

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/25

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, August 26

Abraham . . . came to be called “Jehovah’s friend.”—Jas. 2:23.

Abraham was a man who “put faith in Jehovah.” In fact, he is called “the father of all those having faith.” (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:11) In faith, Abraham left his home, his friends, and his possessions to go to a distant land. (Gen. 12:1-4; Heb. 11:8-10) Abraham’s faith was still strong many years later. This was evident when he “as good as offered up Isaac” his son in obedience to Jehovah’s command. (Heb. 11:17-19) Abraham demonstrated faith in Jehovah’s promises, so God viewed him as special; he really knew Abraham. (Gen. 18:19) Jehovah was not merely aware of Abraham’s existence; he cherished Abraham as a friend. It is noteworthy that Abraham did not during his lifetime receive the inheritance of the land promised to him. Yet, he maintained strong faith in Jehovah and lived his life in harmony with that faith. (Heb. 11:13) Are we known by Jehovah as having faith similar to Abraham’s? w11 9/15 5:6, 7

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/26

 

[Holly]

Such a great text!  With our young ones having started school or shortly starting school, their reliance on Jehovah as their friend is essential.  Building their faith in Jehovah is so important, making Him real to them.  Praying for all of our young ones! 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, August 27

Keep comforting one another.—1 Thess. 5:11.

We can help and thus comfort fellow Christians in various practical ways. For instance, we might do some grocery shopping for elderly or sick fellow believers. We might help others with their chores, thus showing personal interest in them. (Phil. 2:4) Perhaps we can compliment fellow worshippers on their good qualities, such as their love, resourcefulness, courage, and faith. In an effort to comfort the elderly, we can visit them and listen carefully to what they tell us about their past experiences and obvious blessings in Jehovah’s service. Why, this may actually encourage and comfort us! We might read the Bible or our Bible-based publications with those we visit. Perhaps we could consider the current article for the weekly Watchtower Study or the material that will be covered during the Congregation Bible Study for the week. Then, too, we might read or relate some encouraging experiences found in our publications. w11 10/15 4:2, 15, 16

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/27

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, August 27

Keep comforting one another.—1 Thess. 5:11.

We can help and thus comfort fellow Christians in various practical ways. For instance, we might do some grocery shopping for elderly or sick fellow believers. We might help others with their chores, thus showing personal interest in them. (Phil. 2:4) Perhaps we can compliment fellow worshippers on their good qualities, such as their love, resourcefulness, courage, and faith. In an effort to comfort the elderly, we can visit them and listen carefully to what they tell us about their past experiences and obvious blessings in Jehovah’s service. Why, this may actually encourage and comfort us! We might read the Bible or our Bible-based publications with those we visit. Perhaps we could consider the current article for the weekly Watchtower Study or the material that will be covered during the Congregation Bible Study for the week. Then, too, we might read or relate some encouraging experiences found in our publications. w11 10/15 4:2, 15, 16

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/27

 

[trottigy]

Nice, this one is so good, it gets posted twice

[GrumpysWife]

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, August 28

Happy are you whenever men hate you.—Luke 6:22.

Although none of Jesus’ apostles were cowards, they all struggled with fear of man. (Mark 14:50, 66-72) How did Jesus help them to progress despite intense pressure from their peers? Jesus took steps to prepare his disciples for the opposition they would later face. (Mark 10:29, 30; Luke 12:4-12) We too need to assist Bible students to overcome fear of man. A challenge is often easier to face when it is anticipated. (John 15:19) For instance, why not help the student to prepare simple, reasonable, Bible-based replies to the questions and objections his fellow employees and others may bring up? In addition, we can introduce him to other members of the congregation, especially those with whom he might have something in common. Above all, we should teach him to pray regularly and from the heart. This can help him to draw close to God and make Jehovah his Refuge and Rock.—Ps. 94:21-23; Jas. 4:8. w11 11/15 4:11, 12

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/28

 

[Holly]

Jehovah always makes sure we are prepared and know what to expect in these critical times..... the same can be said for our children as for our Bible students.  Make sure we prepare them for the challenges they face daily at school, especially peer pressure and sometimes the verbal abuse they may receive for being "different".... Jehovah lovingly gives us what we need, we must lovingly do the same for our children.

[GrumpysWife]

I agree Holly, and preparing our children is most important if we want them to make the truth their own.

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, August 29

It is the spirit of your Father that speaks by you.—Matt. 10:20.

Paul knew well the importance of God’s holy spirit when it comes to speaking the truth. He even entreated the congregation in Ephesus to make supplication for him that “ability to speak” might be given him. (Eph. 6:18-20) Not only did holy spirit enable Paul to speak but, at times, it forbade him to speak in certain localities. As he embarked on his missionary journeys, Paul was guided by God’s spirit. (Acts 13:2; 16:6-10) Jehovah still guides the preaching work by means of his spirit. Like Paul, all of Jehovah’s obedient servants strive to declare the truth with boldness and zeal. Even though God’s direction is not as obvious today as it was in Paul’s time, we can be sure that Jehovah is using his holy spirit to make sure that deserving ones hear the truth.—John 6:44. w11 12/15 4:10, 11

 

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/29

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, August 30

He who has anointed us is God.—2 Cor. 1:21.

Those invited to be in the new covenant were to be anointed with holy spirit. Faithful Jews and then Gentiles were included. (Eph. 3:5, 6) What were the prospects of those in the new covenant? They would receive true forgiveness of their sins. Jehovah had promised: “I shall forgive their error, and their sin I shall remember no more.” (Jer. 31:34) With their sins legally canceled, they would be in a position to become “a kingdom of priests.” Addressing anointed Christians, Peter wrote: “You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies’ of the one that called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Pet. 2:9) Peter here quotes Jehovah’s words to Israel when introducing the Law and applies them to Christians in the new covenant.—Ex. 19:5, 6. w12 1/15 5:13

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/30

 

[yahuwah5577]

Friday, August 30

He who has anointed us is God.—2 Cor. 1:21.

Those invited to be in the new covenant were to be anointed with holy spirit. Faithful Jews and then Gentiles were included. (Eph. 3:5, 6) What were the prospects of those in the new covenant? They would receive true forgiveness of their sins. Jehovah had promised: “I shall forgive their error, and their sin I shall remember no more.” (Jer. 31:34) With their sins legally canceled, they would be in a position to become “a kingdom of priests.” Addressing anointed Christians, Peter wrote: “You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies’ of the one that called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Pet. 2:9) Peter here quotes Jehovah’s words to Israel when introducing the Law and applies them to Christians in the new covenant.—Ex. 19:5, 6. w12 1/15 5:13

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/30

I love today's daily text.My mom called me today so we read together.Made me cry a bit.

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, August 31

Take exquisite delight in Jehovah . . . Roll upon Jehovah your way, and rely upon him.—Ps. 37:4, 5.

If you are a faithful Christian living in a religiously divided household, do not give up. Remember that “Jehovah will not desert his people for the sake of his great name.” (1 Sam. 12:22) He is with you as long as you cling to him. (2 Chron. 15:2) “Persevere in prayer,” and have faith that our loving heavenly Father can help you to endure hardships of all kinds. (Rom. 12:12) Petition Jehovah for his holy spirit to help you promote peace in the home. (Heb. 12:14) Yes, it is possible to foster peaceful conditions that may eventually touch the heart of unbelieving family members. You will experience happiness and peace of heart and mind as you “do all things for God’s glory.” (1 Cor. 10:31) In these endeavors, how heartening it is to know that you have the loving support of your brothers and sisters in the Christian congregation! w12 2/15 4:17, 18

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/8/31

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, September 1

The one who loves God should be loving his brother also.—1 John 4:21.

How can we cultivate self-sacrificing love for our brothers? By deepening our love for God. (Eph. 5:1, 2; 1 John 4:9-11, 20) The intimate moments we spend with Jehovah in Bible reading, meditation, and prayer nourish our hearts and nurture our love for our heavenly Father. However, we need to buy out time to draw close to God. To illustrate: Imagine that it was possible to read God’s Word, meditate on it, and pray to Jehovah only during a certain hour each day. Would you not jealously guard that time slot so that nothing interfered with your personal time with Jehovah? Of course, no one can restrict our access to God in prayer, and most of us can read the Bible whenever we want to. Yet, we may need to take measures to prevent the whirlwind of daily activities from infringing on our personal time with God. Do you buy out as much time as possible each day to draw close to Jehovah? w11 4/15 3:7, 8

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/1