Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2013

[LeslieDean]

Which pair of socks is it that turned 29 Paul?

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, September 18

Do not feel hurt and do not be angry with yourselves because you sold me here; because for the preservation of life God has sent me ahead of you.—Gen. 45:5.

Joseph’s older brothers became so jealous of him that they sold him into slavery and tricked their father into believing that he had been killed by a wild beast. (Gen. 37:4, 28, 31-33) Jehovah proved to be with Joseph. In time, Joseph became Egypt’s prime minister—second in power only to Pharaoh. When a severe famine brought Joseph’s brothers to Egypt, they did not even recognize him in his official Egyptian attire. (Gen. 42:5-7) How easy it would have been for Joseph to repay his brothers for their cruelty to him and to their father! Rather than seek revenge, however, Joseph tried to make peace with them. When it became clear that his brothers had repented, he made himself known to them, saying the words of today’s text. Then he proceeded to kiss all his brothers and to weep over them.—Gen. 45:1, 15. w11 8/15 3:15, 16

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/18

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, September 19

You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing.—Ps. 145:16.

We may have desires that we long to see fulfilled. Marriage, having children, and good health are all natural and appropriate desires. For many, though, one or more of those desires may go unfulfilled. If that is so in our case, how we deal with the situation may be a measure of our faith. How unwise it would be to seek to fulfill these desires in a way contrary to godly wisdom. That would be to one’s spiritual detriment. Some, for instance, have chosen forms of health care that conflict with Jehovah’s counsel. Others have taken on employment that keeps them away from their families or congregation meetings. Or what of developing a romantic relationship with an unbeliever? If a Christian follows such a course, is he truly seeking to be known by Jehovah? (2 Tim. 2:19) Is your faith strong enough for you to wait on Jehovah, who promises to satisfy your proper yearnings? w11 9/15 5:8-10

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/19

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, September 20

Remember the word to your servant, for which you [Jehovah] have made me wait. This is my comfort in my affliction, for your own saying has preserved me alive.—Ps. 119:49, 50.

Today, we have Jehovah’s written Word, which contains many examples of God-given comfort. For instance, Abraham may have been quite distressed when he learned that Jehovah was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. That faithful patriarch asked God: “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” Jehovah comforted Abraham by assuring him that if only 50 righteous people could be found, He would not destroy Sodom. Five more times, however, Abraham asked Jehovah: What if there are only 45 righteous people? 40? 30? 20? 10? Each time, Jehovah very patiently and kindly assured Abraham that Sodom would be spared. Although there were not even ten righteous people in the area, Jehovah did preserve Lot and his daughters.—Gen. 18:22-32; 19:15, 16, 26. w11 10/15 3:12

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/20

 

[Lance]

I think of how new Abraham was new in the truth...his father worshipped other gods....no bible ...just verbal stories and texts of past history...

He learned a lot of small things but one huge thing...the insipidness idolatry....

His only son was the apple of his eye....which came first in his life...his son or Jehovah...?

He passed the test ...

Jehovah's own sayings were sounded deep into his heart....it saved him and his son....

 

Lance

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, September 21

Because you are no part of the world, . . . on this account the world hates you.—John 15:19.

As Christianity spread, were Christians to come to terms with the world, conforming to its practices and becoming a part of it? No. Wherever they lived, they were to distinguish themselves from Satan’s system. (1 Pet. 2:11, 12) Confirming that early Christians conducted themselves as “aliens and temporary residents” in the Roman world, historian Kenneth Scott Latourette wrote: “It is one of the commonplaces of history that in its first three centuries Christianity met persistent and often severe persecution . . . The accusations varied. Because they refused to participate in pagan ceremonies the Christians were dubbed atheists. Through their abstention from much of the community life—the pagan festivals, the public amusements which to Christians were shot through and through with pagan beliefs, practices, and immoralities—they were derided as haters of the human race.” w11 11/15 3:6-8

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/21

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, September 22

He does not give the spirit by measure.—John 3:34.

Moses was entrusted with enormous responsibility in the nation of Israel. God’s spirit empowered him to prophesy, judge, write, lead, and perform miracles. (Isa. 63:11-14) Yet, at one point, Moses lamented that the load was simply too heavy. (Num. 11:14, 15) So Jehovah took “away some of the spirit” that was upon Moses and put it on 70 others to help carry the workload. (Num. 11:16, 17) However, Moses still had all the spirit that he needed. Today, Jehovah supplies as much of his spirit as we need, according to our circumstances. Are you enduring trials? Are legitimate demands on your time increasing? Are you striving to provide for the spiritual and physical needs of your family while coping with rising expenses or anxieties over health? Are you carrying weighty responsibilities in the congregation? Be assured that by means of his spirit, God can give you the strength you need to cope with any situation.—Rom. 15:13. w11 12/15 3:3-5

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/22

ss13 pp. 1-4 Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2013

[Jewelz]

Beautiful text today for all of us!

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, September 23

He explained the matter to them by bearing thorough witness concerning the kingdom of God and by using persuasion with them concerning Jesus from both the law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.—Acts 28:23.

Why was Paul so effective in bearing witness? Today’s text highlights a number of reasons. (1) He focused on God’s Kingdom and on Jesus Christ. (2) He tried to appeal to his listeners “by using persuasion.” (3) He reasoned from the Scriptures. (4) He showed a selfless attitude, bearing witness “from morning till evening.” Paul gave a powerful witness, but not everyone responded. “Some began to believe the things said; others would not believe,” notes verse 24. Dissension ensued, and the people departed. Was Paul disheartened because not everyone accepted the good news? By no means! Acts 28:30, 31 tells us: “He remained for an entire two years in his own hired house, and he would kindly receive all those who came in to him, preaching the kingdom of God to them.” w12 1/15 2:18-20

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/23

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, September 24

Do not lean upon your own understanding.—Prov. 3:5.

When Jesus was under trial, he resolutely refused to lean on his own understanding. Think of it! The wisest man ever to live on this earth chose not to draw on his own wisdom for answers. For instance, when Satan tempted him, Jesus repeatedly answered with the phrase: “It is written.” (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10) He relied on his Father’s wisdom to ward off temptation, showing the humility that Satan despises and utterly lacks. Do we do the same? A family head who imitates Jesus’ watchfulness lets God’s Word guide him, especially in trialsome times. Around the world, thousands of family heads are doing just that. They are steadfastly putting God’s Kingdom and pure worship first in life, even ahead of material concerns. Jehovah responds by blessing their efforts to provide for material needs, just as his Word promises.—Matt. 6:33. w12 2/15 1:15, 16

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/24

 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, September 25

Preach the word, be at it urgently.—2 Tim. 4:2.

When you consider what stands to be gained or lost as a result of our preaching, you probably feel an urgent need to speak to others about the good news. (Rom. 10:13, 14) God’s Word says: “When I say to the wicked one: ‘You will positively die,’ and he actually turns back from his sin and carries on justice and righteousness, . . . he will positively keep living. He will not die. None of his sins with which he has sinned will be remembered against him.” (Ezek. 33:14-16) Indeed, the Bible tells those who teach the Kingdom message: “You will save both yourself and those who listen to you.” (1 Tim. 4:16; Ezek. 3:17-21) Jesus had foretold that an apostasy would develop. (Matt. 13:24, 25, 38) As that development approached, it was urgent for Timothy to “preach the word” even inside the congregation so that Christians would not be misled by the deceptive attractiveness of false teachings. Lives were at stake. w12 3/15 2:3, 4

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/25

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, September 26

When I call, answer me, O my righteous God. In the distress you must make broad space for me. Show me favor and hear my prayer.—Ps. 4:1.

We can have similar confidence if we practice righteousness. Aware that Jehovah, the “righteous God,” blesses his upright people, we can confidently pray to him through his Son with faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. (John 3:16, 36) What peace this gives us! At times, we may face a discouraging situation that robs us of confidence. Temporarily, this may have been true of David, for he sings: “You sons of men, how long must my glory be for insult, while you keep loving empty things, while you keep seeking to find a lie?” (Ps. 4:2) The expression “sons of men” evidently refers to mankind in an unfavorable sense. David’s enemies ‘loved empty things.’ Even if we become discouraged because of what others do, let us continue to pray earnestly and manifest complete trust in the only true God. w11 5/15 5:15, 16

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/26

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, September 27

Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.—Ps. 55:22.

As we personally cope with life’s problems and diligently seek to comfort others, we can have the same faith and conviction as did the psalmist who sang the above. Indeed, Jehovah will always be there to comfort and support us as his loyal servants. God told his worshippers of ancient times: “I—I myself am the One that is comforting you people.” (Isa. 51:12) Jehovah will do the same for us and will bless our good deeds and words as we comfort mourning ones. Whether our hope is heavenly or earthly, each of us can be comforted by Paul’s words to his spirit-anointed fellow Christians: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope by means of undeserved kindness, comfort your hearts and make you firm in every good deed and word.”—2 Thess. 2:16, 17. w11 10/15 4:17, 18

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/27

 

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, September 28

Humble yourselves . . . under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; while you throw all your anxiety upon him.—1 Pet. 5:6, 7.

Certain men hold back from getting involved in spiritual matters because they do not read well or cannot express themselves fluently or are just shy. Some men are uncomfortable sharing their views or feelings in a public setting. The thought of having to study, comment at Christian meetings, or share their faith with others may seem overwhelming to them. “When I was young,” admits a Christian brother, “I would quickly walk up to the door, pretend to ring the doorbell, and quietly walk away, hoping no one would hear or see me. . . . The thought of going from door to door made me physically ill.” A fine way to help someone struggling with feelings of inadequacy is to encourage him to focus on Jehovah instead of on himself. This requires that we help our Bible student to develop spirituality. w11 11/15 4:13, 15

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/28

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, September 29

All these operations the one and the same spirit performs, making a distribution to each one respectively just as it wills.—1 Cor. 12:11.

Do accounts of Jehovah’s blessing on the first-century congregation of anointed ones provide significant encouragement to God’s dedicated servants today? Without a doubt! Bear in mind Paul’s inspired words to the congregation in Corinth concerning the miraculous gifts of the spirit in his day: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but there is the same spirit; and there are varieties of ministries, and yet there is the same Lord; and there are varieties of operations, and yet it is the same God who performs all the operations in all persons.” (1 Cor. 12:4-6) Yes, holy spirit can operate in different ways on different servants of God for a purpose. Indeed, the holy spirit is available both to Christ’s “little flock” and to his “other sheep.” (Luke 12:32; John 10:16) Yet, it does not always operate in the same way on each member of the congregation. w11 12/15 4:12

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/29

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, September 30

[God] loved us and sent forth his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.—1 John 4:10.

It would take a long time to enumerate the many reasons we have for being grateful to Jehovah. Is it not true that we should thank him each day for the gift of life? He gives us all that we need to sustain ourselves—food, clothing, and shelter as well as every breath that we take. Moreover, our faith, based on accurate knowledge, gives us hope. It is appropriate that we worship Jehovah and offer sacrifices of praise to him, simply because of who he is and what he has done for us. (2 Cor. 5:14, 15; Rev. 4:11) After reflecting on all the good that Jehovah has done for them, many have been moved to organize their time and activities to increase their participation in the Kingdom-preaching work or other theocratic activities. Still others have engaged in Kingdom construction projects. Are not these excellent ways to show one’s appreciation? w12 1/15 4:15-17

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/9/30

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, October 1

[Jesus] continued the whole night in prayer to God.—Luke 6:12.

Jesus set a sterling example in prayer. You may recall that he once spent an entire night praying to his Father. Let us try to picture the scene. It is springtime, likely near the fishing town of Capernaum, Jesus’ home base in the region. As evening falls, Jesus goes up one of the mountains that overlook the Sea of Galilee. As he views the darkening landscape, he perhaps sees the flickering of oil lamps down in Capernaum and other nearby villages. When Jesus addresses Jehovah, though, he focuses intently on his prayer. Minutes—then hours—pass. He takes little note as the lights far below go out one by one or as the moon drifts across the sky or as the nocturnal animals forage in the brush. His prayer likely dwells on the big decision that lies before him—that of choosing his 12 apostles. We can imagine Jesus immersed in telling his Father all his thoughts and concerns about each disciple as he earnestly begs for guidance and wisdom.—Luke 6:13. w12 2/15 1:8

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/10/1

 

[feather]

Their comments sure know how to place the picture in your mind.

 

  this part of Jesus life has always been

     one of my favorite meditations... 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, October 2

Let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses.—1 Thess. 5:6.

The apostle Paul exhorted fellow believers not to “sleep on as the rest do.” What did he mean? One way we can “sleep on” is by ignoring Jehovah’s moral standards. Another way we can “sleep on” is by ignoring the fact that Jehovah’s time to destroy the ungodly has approached. We must make sure that such ungodly individuals do not influence us to adopt their ways and attitudes. (1 Thess. 5:4-8) Some people imagine that there is no God who will call them to account. (Ps. 53:1) Others imagine that God is not interested in us humans, so there is no point in our being interested in him. Still others feel that belonging to a church will make them friends of God. All these people are spiritually asleep. They need to wake up. We must do all that we can to help them. w12 3/15 1:4, 5

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/10/2

 

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, October 3

Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood, before the calamitous days proceed to come, or the years have arrived when you will say: “I have no delight in them.”—Eccl. 12:1.

Children are encouraged to take life seriously. There is no harm in young children learning to work hard, doing chores in the home that are reasonable for their age and abilities. (Lam. 3:27) When King David was still a young boy, he learned to be a fine shepherd. He also learned to be a musician and a composer—skills that led him to serve before the ruler of Israel. (1 Sam. 16:11, 12, 18-21) No doubt, as a lad David knew how to be playful, but he also learned valuable skills that he later used to praise Jehovah. His skills as a shepherd helped him to lead the nation of Israel patiently. You young people, how many useful skills are you learning—skills that will help you to serve your Creator and prepare you for future responsibilities? w11 4/15 1:18

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/10/3

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, October 4

Guard against every sort of covetousness.—Luke 12:15.

Christian families should think seriously about the time and money they spend on entertainment, recreation, and the acquisition of material things. Making a purchase is more involved than simply deciding whether an item is affordable or not. Take into consideration factors such as these: ‘Will I have the time to use the item regularly and care for its upkeep? How long will it take to learn to operate it properly?’ You young ones, do not believe all the world’s advertising about consumer goods and thus make unreasonable demands for expensive brands of clothing or for other items. Exercise restraint. Also, think of how acquiring something will affect your family’s preparedness for the coming of the Son of man. Have faith in Jehovah’s promise: “I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you.”—Heb. 13:5. w11 5/15 2:7, 8

 

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/10/4

[feather]

so true.

  the things you own end up owning you.

 

keep it simple 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, October 5

Sin is not charged against anyone when there is no law.—Rom. 5:13.

Adam’s offspring had not violated the divine law as Adam had, so they were not charged with the same sin; nor had any law code yet been given. (Gen. 2:17) Still, Adam’s descendants inherited sin. Thus, sin and death ruled down to the time when God gave the Israelites a law code, which clearly showed that they were sinners. (Rom. 5:14) The effect of inherited sin might be illustrated with certain inherited diseases or defects, such as Mediterranean anemia or hemophilia. You may have read that Alexis, son of Russian Czar Nicholas II and Alexandra, inherited the bleeding disorder hemophilia. Granted, even in such a family, some children do not suffer from those diseases, but they still may be carriers. Not so with sin. The defect of sin from Adam was inevitable. All are subject to it. It is always fatal. And it is passed on to all children. w11 6/15 2:6

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/10/5

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, October 6

Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep’s covering.—Matt. 7:15.

What is involved in avoiding false teachers? We do not receive them into our homes or greet them. We also refuse to read their literature, watch TV programs that feature them, examine their Web sites, or add our comments to their blogs. Why do we take such a firm stand? Because of love. We love “the God of truth,” so we are not interested in twisted teachings that contradict his Word of truth. (Ps. 31:5; John 17:17) We also love Jehovah’s organization, through which we have been taught thrilling truths—including Jehovah’s name and its meaning, God’s purpose for the earth, the condition of the dead, and the hope of the resurrection. Can you recall how you felt when you first learned these and other precious truths? Why, then, allow yourself to be soured by anyone who would denigrate the organization through which you learned these truths?—John 6:66-69. w117/15 2:4, 7

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/10/6

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, October 7

The assembly of evildoers themselves have enclosed me. Like a lion they are at my hands and my feet.—Ps. 22:16.

Reporting an event well-known to Bible readers, the Gospel writer Mark states: “It was now the third hour [about nine o’clock in the morning], and they impaled him.” (Mark 15:25) It had also been foretold that the Messiah would be numbered with sinners. “He poured out his soul to the very death,” wrote Isaiah, “and it was with the transgressors that he was counted in.” (Isa. 53:12) So it was that “two robbers were impaled with [Jesus], one on his right and one on his left.” (Matt. 27:38) “They apportion my garments among themselves,” wrote the psalmist, “and upon my clothing they cast lots.” (Ps. 22:18) That is what occurred, for “when [the Roman soldiers] had impaled [Jesus] they distributed his outer garments by casting lots.”—Matt. 27:35; John 19:23, 24. w11 8/15 2:12, 14

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/10/7