Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2013

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, November 21

Be courageous and very strong . . . Jehovah your God is with you.—Josh. 1:7-9.

We may think of a courageous person as one who is strong, valiant, even bold. At times, however, quiet courage is needed in order to pursue an upright course in daily life. Some people of Bible record were fearless under very trying conditions. For instance, it took courage to be a witness of Jehovah among wicked ones on earth before the Flood of Noah’s day. Yet, Enoch, “the seventh one in line from Adam,” boldly delivered this prophetic message: “Look! Jehovah came with his holy myriads, to execute judgment against all, and to convict all the ungodly concerning all their ungodly deeds that they did in an ungodly way, and concerning all the shocking things that ungodly sinners spoke against him.” (Jude 14, 15) Enoch spoke in the past tense because that prophecy was sure to be fulfilled. And ungodly humans did perish in a global deluge! w12 2/15 2:1-3

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

One of my alltime favorite scriptures.

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, November 22

Moses was by far the meekest of all the men who were upon the surface of the ground.—Num. 12:3.

There is no indication that Moses often questioned Jehovah’s way of doing things or got annoyed at having to follow procedures that Jehovah set out. For example, Jehovah gave commands regarding the tabernacle construction down to the smallest detail, such as the color of the thread and the number of loops to be used in making the tent cloths. (Ex. 26:1-6) Yet, when he gives many details, he does so for good reason. Take note, though, that Moses did not become irritated with Jehovah for giving that level of detail, as if Jehovah were demeaning him or stifling his creativity or freedom. Rather, Moses made sure that the workers “did just so” in following God’s directions. (Ex. 39:32) What a humble course! Moses recognized that it was Jehovah’s work and that he was just a tool being used to get that work done. w11 9/15 5:13

http://www.jw.org/en/

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, November 23

There is eagerness on my part to declare the good news also to you.—Rom. 1:15.

A conscientious surgeon must give undivided attention to his work because lives are at stake. In our Christian ministry, we can demonstrate a sense of urgency by concentrating on our work, such as by thinking about what issues, questions, or information might interest the people we meet. A sense of urgency might also lead us to adjust our schedule so as to visit people when they are more disposed to receive us. (1 Tim. 4:16) Having a sense of urgency also involves setting priorities. (Gen. 19:15) For example, imagine that after getting your test results back, your doctor called you into his office and earnestly said to you: “Look! Your situation is urgent. You have at most a month to do something about your illness.” You likely would not charge out of his office like a fireman on an emergency call. But you would probably get his recommendations, go home, and give serious thought to your priorities. w12 3/15 2:7, 8

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, November 24

What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?—Matt. 24:3.

Jesus treated his disciples as friends, not as inferiors. He spent time with them, took them into his confidence, and ‘made known to them all the things he had heard from his Father.’ (John 15:15) Imagine how thrilled they were when Jesus answered their question concerning the end of this system of things. He also shared with his followers his private thoughts and feelings. Like Jesus, Christian elders today befriend and help others. They cultivate a warm, close relationship with their fellow believers by taking time to show personal interest in them. Elders trust their brothers and share with them Scriptural truths they themselves have learned. By no means do elders treat as inferior a ministerial servant who may be comparatively young. Instead, they think of him as a spiritual man with potential who is performing a valuable service in behalf of the congregation. w11 11/15 5:4, 5

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, November 25

Let anyone hearing say: “Come!” And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.—Rev. 22:17.

Moved by God’s spirit, Christians today extend Jehovah’s life-giving invitation to “anyone that wishes” to accept life’s water. Anointed Christians are taking the lead in doing this. Yet, those of the other sheep join in extending this invitation. Both classes cooperate with the same holy spirit in accomplishing this work. Those of both classes have symbolized their dedication to Jehovah by being baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit.” (Matt. 28:19) And all of them yield to the action of God’s spirit in their lives, allowing it to produce in them its fruitage. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Like the anointed, the other sheep allow God’s spirit to help them. With its help, they do their utmost to measure up to Jehovah’s requirements of holiness.—2 Cor. 7:1; Rev. 7:9, 14.w11 12/15 4:16

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, November 26

The Law has become our tutor leading to Christ.—Gal. 3:24.

In the first century C.E., Jehovah revealed to his people that Jesus’ ransom sacrifice had abolished the Mosaic Law. (Col. 2:13, 14) All the sacrificial offerings that the Jews had been making for hundreds of years were no longer necessary and no longer had any value. The Law had fulfilled its function as a “tutor leading to Christ.” That is not to say that Christians are no longer interested in sacrifices. On the contrary, the apostle Peter spoke of the need to “offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 2:5) Moreover, the apostle Paul had made it clear that a dedicated Christian’s life—every aspect of it—may appropriately be considered “a sacrifice.” (Rom. 12:1) So, then, a Christian makes sacrifices for Jehovah, either by offering up certain things to him or by giving up certain things for him. Our sacrifices, however, must be acceptable to Jehovah. w12 1/15 4:1-3

http://wol.jw.org

[Flow]

Luke 24:44 all the things written in the law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms about [Jesus] must be fulfilled.”

 

So true !

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, November 26

The Law has become our tutor leading to Christ.—Gal. 3:24.

In the first century C.E., Jehovah revealed to his people that Jesus’ ransom sacrifice had abolished the Mosaic Law. (Col. 2:13, 14) All the sacrificial offerings that the Jews had been making for hundreds of years were no longer necessary and no longer had any value. The Law had fulfilled its function as a “tutor leading to Christ.” That is not to say that Christians are no longer interested in sacrifices. On the contrary, the apostle Peter spoke of the need to “offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 2:5) Moreover, the apostle Paul had made it clear that a dedicated Christian’s life—every aspect of it—may appropriately be considered “a sacrifice.” (Rom. 12:1) So, then, a Christian makes sacrifices for Jehovah, either by offering up certain things to him or by giving up certain things for him. Our sacrifices, however, must be acceptable to Jehovah. w12 1/15 4:1-3

http://wol.jw.org

[Flow]

Wednesday, November 27

Work at good, . . . be liberal, ready to share.—1 Tim. 6:18.

Paul was recommending that his fellow worshippers cultivate the spirit of generosity. Even in difficult economic times, we can promote a generous spirit. A fine way to do this is to provide transportation in the field ministry and to and from the meetings for those needing it. And what about those who benefit from such acts of loving-kindness? They would be encouraging a positive spirit in the congregation if they showed appreciation, perhaps by offering what they can to help defray the increasingly high cost of fuel. Moreover, would not our arranging to spend more time with our spiritual brothers and sisters make them feel needed and loved? When we abound in good deeds “toward those related to us in the faith” and are ready to share our time and resources with them, we not only deepen our love for them but also help to build a warm and positive spirit in the congregation.—Gal. 6:10. w12 2/15 3:6

[trottigy]

Wednesday, November 27

Work at good, . . . be liberal, ready to share.—1 Tim. 6:18.

Paul was recommending that his fellow worshippers cultivate the spirit of generosity. Even in difficult economic times, we can promote a generous spirit. A fine way to do this is to provide transportation in the field ministry and to and from the meetings for those needing it. And what about those who benefit from such acts of loving-kindness? They would be encouraging a positive spirit in the congregation if they showed appreciation, perhaps by offering what they can to help defray the increasingly high cost of fuel. Moreover, would not our arranging to spend more time with our spiritual brothers and sisters make them feel needed and loved? When we abound in good deeds “toward those related to us in the faith” and are ready to share our time and resources with them, we not only deepen our love for them but also help to build a warm and positive spirit in the congregation.—Gal. 6:10. w12 2/15 3:6

 

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, November 28

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?”—Eccl. 7:10, “New English Translation.”

Do we have a distorted view of the good old days? Remember, our memory is not always reliable. We may unwittingly minimize the problems we had in the past and at the same time exaggerate the joys, making it seem that things were a lot better than they really were. This distorted recollection can cause us to long for the good old days. Why is this type of thinking so dangerous? Consider what happened to the Israelites in Moses’ day while they were in the land of Egypt. The Egyptians “set over [the Israelites] chiefs of forced labor for the purpose of oppressing them in their burden-bearing.” (Ex. 1:11; 3:7) Unbelievably, though, within a short time of their miraculous deliverance, these same people began to grumble and murmur. (Num. 11:5, 6) Yes, their viewpoint had become distorted—so much so that they even wanted to return to the land of their slavery!—Num. 14:2-4. w12 3/15 4:6, 7, 9

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, November 29

Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the badness of your dealings from in front of my eyes; cease to do bad.—Isa. 1:15, 16.

Jehovah took no pleasure in sacrifices offered by unrepentant sinners. However, the prayers and offerings of those sincerely striving to live in harmony with God’s commands were acceptable to him. The framework of the Law taught such individuals that they were sinful and in need of forgiveness. (Gal. 3:19) That realization appropriately produced a contrite heart. Similarly today, we need to recognize our need for Christ’s sacrifice, which is truly capable of atoning for sins. If we understand and appreciate this, then Jehovah will be “delighted” with all that we offer him in our dedicated service.—Ps. 51:17, 19. w12 1/15 3:15, 16

http://www.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, November 30

You husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with them according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one.—1 Pet. 3:7.

The apostle Peter provided inspired counsel for Christian wives living in religiously divided households. “Be in subjection to your own husbands,” he wrote, “in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.” (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) A wife may be able to win her husband over to true worship by being in subjection and showing deep respect for him, even if he treats her harshly. Likewise, a believing husband should conduct himself in a godly way and be a loving head of the household despite any opposition he may encounter from his unbelieving wife.—1 Pet. 3:8, 9. w12 2/15 4:10

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, December 1

Entreat . . . older women as mothers, younger women as sisters.—1 Tim. 5:1, 2.

Job’s example of dignifying women, especially his marriage mate, is worthy of imitation. He made a conscious effort to keep from gazing lustfully at another woman. (Job 31:1) Taking our brothers and sisters seriously would rule out flirting with them or doing anything that would make a brother or a sister feel uncomfortable around us. Dignifying others is especially important when two people are pursuing a romantic relationship with marriage in mind. A serious Christian would never toy with another’s emotions. (Prov. 12:22) We also need to be careful to maintain a serious view of our God-given roles in the family. The entertainment industry takes pleasure in reducing the family head to a mere subject of ridicule and disrespect. However, the Scriptures place a great deal of responsibility on the husband, assigning him as “head of his wife.”—Eph. 5:23; 1 Cor. 11:3. w11 4/15 1:15, 16

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, December 2

Let wives be in subjection to their husbands.—Eph. 5:22.

An exemplary wife works for the good of her household. (Prov. 14:1) In contrast with a foolish woman, who shows disrespect for the headship arrangement, a wise woman has deep respect for this provision. Rather than manifesting the world’s attitude of disobedience and independence, she is in submission to her mate. (Eph. 2:2) A wife who is foolish does not hesitate to speak unfavorably of her husband, whereas a wise woman works to increase the respect that her children and others have for him. Such a wife is careful not to undermine her husband’s headship by nagging him or arguing with him. There is also the matter of being economical. A foolish woman likely squanders her family’s hard-earned resources. A supportive wife cooperates with her husband in financial matters. Her way of doing things is marked by prudence and economy. She does not pressure her husband to work overtime. w11 5/15 1:10, 11

http://wol.jw.org

[trottigy]

YEAH!!!!  

[GrumpysWife]

 Tuesday, December 3

All those who sinned under law will be judged by law.—Rom. 2:12.

Paul pointed out that people of nations or ethnic groups unacquainted with the divine code of laws that were given to Israel often “do by nature the things of the law.” Why do such ones commonly forbid incest, murder, and stealing? Paul identified the reason: They have a conscience. (Rom. 2:14, 15) Nonetheless, you have likely seen that having a conscience that functions like an inner witness bearer does not mean that a person will follow its guidance. The case of ancient Israel shows that. Though the Israelites had both a God-given conscience and specific laws from God against stealing and adultery, they often violated both their conscience and Jehovah’s Law. (Rom. 2:21-23) They were doubly culpable and thus certainly were sinners, falling short of God’s standards and will. This seriously marred their relationship with their Maker.—Lev. 19:11; 20:10; Rom. 3:20.w11 6/15 1:15, 16

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, December 4

Godliness with contentment is great gain.—1 Tim. 6:6, “New International Version.”

That is the very opposite of the viewpoint of people in today’s world. For example, when young people get married, many of them expect to ‘have it all’ right away—a house or an apartment fully furnished and well-equipped, a nice car, and the latest electronic devices. However, Christians who live as temporary residents do not let their desires go beyond what is reasonable and possible for them. Indeed, it is commendable that many forgo certain material comforts in order to devote more time and energy to Jehovah’s service as zealous Kingdom publishers. Others serve as pioneers, at Bethel, in the traveling work, or as missionaries. Our living contentedly as temporary residents in this system of things enables us to keep our eye “simple,” or “in focus,” looking “all one way” toward God’s Kingdom and keeping its interests first in our lives.—Matt. 6:22, ftn. w1111/15 3:13, 14

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, December 5

They will not put up with the healthful teaching.—2 Tim. 4:3.

The apostle Paul foretold that after the death of the apostles, the Christian faith would be contaminated by false teachings. (2 Thess. 2:3, 7) Among those who would not put up with “the healthful teaching” were some in responsible positions. Paul warned elders in his day: “From among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:30) The New Encyclopædia Britannicadescribes one major factor that led to twisted reasoning: “Christians who had some training in Greek philosophy began to feel the need to express their faith in its terms, both for their own intellectual satisfaction and in order to convert educated pagans.” An important doctrine that was given a pagan twist had to do with the identity of Jesus Christ. The Bible calls him the Son of God; the lovers of Greek philosophy insisted that he is God. w12 1/15 1:9

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, December 6

[Rahab] took the two men and concealed them.—Josh. 2:4.

Through the centuries, many courageous women have taken their stand as valiant worshippers of Jehovah. For instance, the prostitute Rahab of Jericho exercised faith in God, courageously concealing two spies sent out by Joshua, and then misdirecting the henchmen of that city’s king. She and her household were preserved when the Israelites took Jericho. (Josh. 2:1-6; 6:22, 23) Canaanite King Jabin had oppressed the Israelites for 20 years when God had the prophetess Deborah motivate Judge Barak to take action. Defeated, Jabin’s military chief Sisera sought refuge in the tent of Jael, but she killed him while he slept. In line with Deborah’s prophetic words to Barak, “the beautifying thing” of this victory went to the woman Jael. Because Deborah, Barak, and Jael acted courageously, Israel “had no further disturbance for forty years.” (Judg. 4:1-9, 14-22; 5:20, 21, 31) Many godly men and women have displayed similar faith and courage.w12 2/15 2:8, 9

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, December 7

God anointed him with holy spirit and power.—Acts 10:38.

That anointing commissioned Jesus as High Priest for believing ones of the entire human family and as their future King. (Heb. 1:8, 9; 5:5, 6) As High Priest, what sacrifice could Jesus offer that would completely cover the inherited sin of believing ones? As he indicated when instituting the Memorial of his death, his own perfect human life was the sacrifice. (Heb. 9:11, 12) From the time of his baptism in 29 C.E., Jesus as High Priest submitted to tests and training until the time of his actual death. (Heb. 4:15; 5:7-10) After he was resurrected, he ascended to heaven and presented the value of his sacrifice to Jehovah himself. (Heb. 9:24) Thereafter, Jesus could plead with Jehovah on behalf of those exercising faith in his sacrifice and assist them to serve God with everlasting life in view. (Heb. 7:25) His sacrifice also served to validate the new covenant.—Heb. 8:6; 9:15.w12 1/15 5:11, 12

http://wol.jw.org

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, December 8

They spoke the word of Jehovah to him together with all those in his house.—Acts 16:32.

Naturally, we would like to help our relatives to accept the good news. (Josh. 2:13; Acts 10:24, 48; 16:31) If our initial effort is rebuffed, that could dampen our enthusiasm for trying again. We might imagine that there is little we can do or say that will change their attitude. Still, events may cause a change in your relatives’ life or viewpoint. Or you may have improved in your ability to explain the truth, so that you might now have a different result. We should avoid being insensitive to our relatives’ feelings. (Rom. 2:4) Should we not speak as kindly and respectfully to them as we do to those we meet in the preaching work? Without being preachy, give evidence of how the truth has affected you for the good. (Eph. 4:23, 24) Make plain how Jehovah has enriched your life, “teaching you to benefit yourself.” (Isa. 48:17) Let your relatives see in you an example of Christian living.w12 3/15 1:19, 20

http://wol.jw.org

[JudyO]

Thank you for continuing to post the daily text. I appreciate all the work you put into it, Vernalee!

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, December 9

Think so as to have a sound mind.—Rom. 12:3.

Referring to an elder, one brother stated, “He expects much from himself but never expects perfection from others.” Can that be said of you? It is proper to have some reasonable expectations of others. For example, children respond well when parents set reasonable goals and help the children to reach them. Similarly, elders may encourage individuals in the congregation to grow spiritually and offer them specific suggestions on how to do so. Furthermore, when an elder has a balanced view of himself, he will have a warm and refreshing manner. One sister said: “I don’t want an elder to take everything as a joke. But if he is serious all the time, it is difficult to approach him.” Never would elders want to diminish the joyful view that all believers should have of their worship of Jehovah, “the happy God.”—1 Tim. 1:11. w11 4/15 1:10

http://wol.jw.org