Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2013

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, June 4

 

I shall not set in front of my eyes any good-for-nothing thing.—Ps. 101:3.

 

Whatever might damage our clean conscience and our relationship with Jehovah is for us a “good-for-nothing thing.” Also, we certainly would never want to become, in a sense, a “good-for-nothing thing” to others by tempting them to contemplate wrongdoing. We therefore take seriously the Bible’s inspired counsel to wear well-arranged and modest clothing. (1 Tim. 2:9) Modesty is not something we can simply define in a way that suits us. We need to take into account the consciences and sensitivities of those around us, putting their peace of mind and welfare ahead of our own preferences. (Rom. 15:1, 2) The Christian congregation is blessed with many thousands of young people who set sterling examples in this regard. How proud they make us as they refuse to ‘follow their hearts and their eyes,’ choosing instead to please Jehovah in all that they do—even in the way they dress!—Num. 15:39. w11 7/15 1:12, 13

 

 

[LeslieDean]

 Whatever might damage our clean conscience and our relationship with Jehovah is for us a “good-for-nothing thing.”

 

 

Using this as a guide it has made me re-evaluate what worthless things are.  It does not have to necessarily have to be bad to be worthless.  Or even disgusting for that matter.  It could be something as simple as to much "me time"--to much time spent watching TV, reading leisure books, surfing the net,  ANYTHING that keeps us from building our relationship with our creator.  After all,  even good things would be considered worthless in comparison to not having a close relationship with Jehovah. There is nothing more valuable than that.

[GrumpysWife]

I have thought the same as you Leslie, TV, books, shopping, so many things that we could, and do waste our time on. It would be good to reflect on this often to see where we stand.

[Carol E]

I also appreciated the point that we would want to avoid becoming good-for-nothing in the sight of others.  Being aware that we can damage our brothers and sisters conscience by the way we dress or act is a sobering thought.  How tragic to become good-for-nothing in Jehovah's eyes!

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, June 5

 

The people that were walking in the darkness have seen a great light. As for those dwelling in the land of deep shadow, light itself has shone upon them.—Isa. 9:2.

 

Thus the Messiah’s public ministry in Galilee was foretold. Jesus began his ministry while residing at Capernaum, where many residents of Zebulun and Naphtali enjoyed the benefits of the spiritual light he brought them. (Isa. 9:1; Matt. 4:12-16) In Galilee, Jesus gave his thought-provoking Sermon on the Mount, chose his apostles, performed his first miracle, and likely appeared to some 500 disciples after his resurrection. (Matt. 5:1–7:27; 28:16-20; Mark 3:13, 14; John 2:8-11; 1 Cor. 15:6) He thus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy by preaching in “the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali.” Of course, Jesus went on to preach the Kingdom message elsewhere in Israel. w11 8/15 1:13

 

 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, June 5

 

The people that were walking in the darkness have seen a great light. As for those dwelling in the land of deep shadow, light itself has shone upon them.—Isa. 9:2.

 

Thus the Messiah’s public ministry in Galilee was foretold. Jesus began his ministry while residing at Capernaum, where many residents of Zebulun and Naphtali enjoyed the benefits of the spiritual light he brought them. (Isa. 9:1; Matt. 4:12-16) In Galilee, Jesus gave his thought-provoking Sermon on the Mount, chose his apostles, performed his first miracle, and likely appeared to some 500 disciples after his resurrection. (Matt. 5:1–7:27; 28:16-20; Mark 3:13, 14; John 2:8-11; 1 Cor. 15:6) He thus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy by preaching in “the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali.” Of course, Jesus went on to preach the Kingdom message elsewhere in Israel. w11 8/15 1:13

 

 

[LeslieDean]

I love this Daily Text forum!  Thanks for keeping up with it Vernalee!  

 

The “Great Light”

¹⁷ What, though, of Matthew’s mention of “a great light” in Galilee? This too was a quotation from Isaiah’s prophecy. Isaiah wrote: “The people that were walking in the darkness have seen a great light. As for those dwelling in the land of deep shadow, light itself has shone upon them.” (Isaiah 9:2) By the first century C.E., the light of truth had been hidden by pagan falsehoods. Jewish religious leaders had compounded the problem by holding to their religious tradition with which they had “made the word of God invalid.” (Matthew 15:6) Humble ones were oppressed and bewildered, following “blind guides.” (Matthew 23:2-4, 16) When Jesus the Messiah appeared, the eyes of many humble people were opened in a wondrous way. (John 1:9, 12) Jesus’ work while on earth and the blessings resulting from his sacrifice are aptly characterized in Isaiah’s prophecy as “a great light.”—John 8:12.

Really enjoyed this additional clarification/thought.

[GrumpysWife]

Can you just imagine hearing him give his Sermon on the Mount speech? Chillbumps.......

 

*** g02 6/8 p. 12 Should Christians Preach to Others? ***

Teaching With Authority

First, consider the pattern set by Jesus Christ. He was a masterful teacher who influenced the lives of his listeners. (John 13:13, 15) In the Sermon on the Mount, his teaching was simple but powerful. The effect was that his listeners were “astounded at his way of teaching; for he was teaching them as a person having authority.” (Matthew 7:28, 29) Some 2,000 years later, lives are still being influenced as his teachings are examined. Echoing this viewpoint, Professor Hans Dieter Betz noted that “the influences exerted by the Sermon on the Mount generally far transcend the borderlines of Judaism and Christianity, or even Western culture.”

 

Immediately before his ascension to heaven, Jesus gave a command that ensured that after his death the teaching work he began would continue and even flourish. (John 14:12) He instructed his disciples to go to people of all nations, “teaching them to observe all the things” that he had commanded. The primary purpose of this assignment was made clear when, in the same statement, Jesus said: “Go therefore and make disciples.”—Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8.

 

And the light shines on............What a Master we have.

[LeslieDean]

Do you think we will ever hear Jesus speak in Paradise? I am hoping to hear Jehovah's voice too! Just like when he approved his son's baptism.

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, June 6

 

You are my refuge, my share in the land of the living ones.—Ps. 142:5.

 

At the time that David composed this psalm, he was not in a palace or even in a house. He was in a cave, hiding from his enemies. King Saul was the one hounding David, seeking to take his life. David fled to a cave that was hard to approach. (1 Sam. 22:1, 4) In this remote region, it might have seemed to David that no friend was at his side to give him protective support. (Ps. 142:4) That was when David called out to God. By the time David composed Psalm 142, he may have learned what had befallen High Priest Ahimelech, who had unwittingly given him assistance when he was fleeing from Saul. Jealous King Saul had Ahimelech and his household killed. (1 Sam. 22:11, 18, 19) David felt responsible for their deaths. It was as if he had killed the priest who had helped him. If you had been in David’s position, would you have felt responsible? w11 9/15 1:14-16

 

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, June 7

 

You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.—John 15:14.

 

While Jesus was friendly toward people in general, he was a close friend only to those who met specific requirements, such as his 11 faithful apostles. (John 13:27, 30) The only individuals whom Jesus embraced as friends were those who followed him and served Jehovah. Hence, when you consider whether you should choose a certain individual as a close friend or not, it would be wise to keep Jesus’ statement in mind. Ask yourself such questions as: ‘Does this individual demonstrate in words and deeds that he is obeying the commands of Jehovah and Jesus? Does he have the same Bible-based values and morals that I have? Will being in his company encourage me to put the Kingdom first in my life and to be a loyal servant of Jehovah?’ If you are sure that the answers to those questions are yes, you have found a good companion with whom to enjoy your leisure activities.—Ps. 119:63; 2 Cor. 6:14; 2 Tim. 2:22. w11 10/15 1:14, 15

 

 

[crazylee]

Do you think we will ever hear Jesus speak in Paradise? I am hoping to hear Jehovah's voice too! Just like when he approved his son's baptism.

Yes, you would. As a "son of God". You would stand in perfection and they would converse with you. That would happen after the final judgement of the world and everyone living is declared perfect by God.

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, June 8

 

Our eyes are toward you.—2 Chron. 20:12.

 

How do you make weighty decisions in life? Do you perhaps decide first and then pray to Jehovah to bless the decision you have made? Consider what Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, did when the combined forces of the Moabites and the Ammonites came up against him to wage war. “Jehoshaphat became afraid and set his face to search for Jehovah,” says the Bible. He declared a fast for all Judah and collected the people together “to inquire of Jehovah.” Then he stood up in the congregation of Judah and of Jerusalem and prayed. In part, he pleaded: “O our God, will you not execute judgment upon them? For in us there is no power before this large crowd that is coming against us.” The true God heard Jehoshaphat’s prayer and provided a miraculous deliverance. (2 Chron. 20:3-12, 17) When making decisions, should we not rely on Jehovah rather than lean upon our own understanding? w11 11/15 1:10, 11

 

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, June 9

 

It is necessary to circumcise them and charge them to observe the law of Moses.—Acts 15:5.

 

In 49 C.E., the apostles and older men in Jerusalem, themselves circumcised Jews, “gathered together to see about this affair.” (Acts 15:6) What followed was, not a mind-numbing theological debate over dry technicalities, but a lively doctrinal discussion. Strong opinions were expressed on both sides of the issue. The passage that helped settle the matter was Amos 9:11, 12. Thus, when the Scriptures foretold that those remaining of the house of Israel (Jews and circumcised Jewish proselytes) together with “people of all the nations” (uncircumcised Gentiles) would become one people for God’s name, the message was clear. (Acts 15:17) Circumcision was not required of Gentiles who wanted to become Christians. God’s Word and his spirit led those sincere Christians to “a unanimous accord.”—Acts 15:25. w12 1/15 1:4, 6-8

 

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, June 10

 

His wives . . . inclined his heart to follow other gods.—1 Ki. 11:4.

 

Things took a bad turn after Solomon became king. Solomon formed “a marriage alliance with Pharaoh the king of Egypt and [took] Pharaoh’s daughter and [brought] her to the City of David.” (1 Ki. 3:1) In time, Solomon built a house for her (and perhaps her Egyptian maids) outside the City of David. Why? The Scriptures say that he did so because it was not fitting for a false worshipper to dwell near the ark of the covenant. (2 Chron. 8:11) Solomon may have seen political advantages in marrying an Egyptian princess, yet could he justify it? Long before, God had forbidden the marrying of pagan Canaanites, even listing certain peoples. (Ex. 34:11-16) Did Solomon reason that Egypt was not one of those listed nations? Even if he reasoned that way, would such rationalizing be valid? Actually, his course ignored the clear risk that Jehovah had mentioned—that of turning an Israelite from true worship to false.—Deut. 7:1-4. w11 12/15 1:10, 12, 13

 

 

[LeslieDean]

I really want to research this subject more.  Please give me your thoughts on it.  Was it just that Solomon had a dark desire for women? (so many wives)  He was such a wise man--how could he not follow Jehovah's word?  Was it a case of head knowledge not reaching the heart???

[GrumpysWife]

I  think that Solomon started getting too big for his britches. He started to impress himself with all his wisdom, instead of giving Jehovah credit for all of his knowledge. The women were probably flocking around him, telling him how wonderful he was, the way some women do when a man is powerful and good looking. Maybe even proposing to him themselves. This can happen to anyone of us if we don't remain humble and give credit to Jehovah for all the good things we have. Then he thought he deserved more than one wife, he could afford them. Just my thinking.

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, June 11

 

Go away, Satan!—Matt. 4:10.

 

Shortly after Jesus’ baptism, Satan tried to entice Jesus to pursue selfish desires rather than to keep Jehovah as the most important Person in his life. The Devil presented Jesus with three temptations. First, he tried to appeal to fleshly desire, tempting Jesus to turn stones into bread. (Matt. 4:2, 3) Jesus had just fasted for 40 days and was very hungry. So the Devil urged him to misuse his miraculous powers to satisfy his hunger. How did Jesus react? Unlike Eve, Jesus focused on Jehovah’s Word and immediately rejected the temptation. (Matt. 4:4) In his last desperate attempt, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. (Matt. 4:8, 9) Jesus immediately refused the offer. He realized that accepting it would be tantamount to rejecting Jehovah’s sovereignty—God’s very right to be the Most High. In each case, Jesus answered Satan by quoting scriptures that contained Jehovah’s personal name. w11 5/15 3:9, 11

 

 

[LeslieDean]

I need to remember these words more often!  Three simple words that can replace a multitude of bad ones.  Thanks for the reminder...

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, June 12

 

“Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and it was counted to him as righteousness,” and he came to be called “Jehovah’s friend.”—Jas. 2:23.

 

Abraham’s faith was made evident by his peace-loving ways. For example, as Abraham’s flocks and herds increased, tension developed between his herdsmen and those of his nephew Lot. (Gen. 12:5; 13:7) The obvious solution was that Abraham and Lot separate. Instead of using his age and status with God to tell his nephew what to do, Abraham proved himself to be a true peacemaker. “Please, do not let any quarreling continue between me and you and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen,” Abraham told his nephew, “for we men are brothers.” The patriarch continued: “Is not the whole land available to you? Please, separate from me. If you go to the left, then I will go to the right; but if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.” Lot chose the most fertile part of the land, but Abraham held no grudge against him.—Gen. 13:8-11. w11 8/15 3:9, 10

 

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, June 13

 

Because we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also put off every weight . . . , and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.—Heb. 12:1.

 

Many of the faithful ones whom Paul mentioned in chapter 11 of Hebrews had circumstances similar to ours. For example, Noah was living when the pre-Flood world was ending. We are living near the end of the present system of things. Abraham and Sarah were called upon to leave behind their homeland to pursue true worship and await the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise. We are urged to disown ourselves and gain Jehovah’s approval and the blessings he holds out for us. Moses journeyed through a fearsome wilderness, heading for the Promised Land. We are on a course through this dying system of things, heading toward the promised new world. What these men went through, their successes and failures, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, is truly worthy of our consideration.—Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11. w11 9/15 3:12

 

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, June 14

 

[Jehovah] is healing the brokenhearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots.—Ps. 147:3.

 

 

We need comfort in many areas of life. One of the greatest causes of grief is the loss of a loved one in death, especially a beloved marriage mate or a child. Comfort may also be needed because a person is a victim of discrimination or prejudice. Poor health, advanced age, poverty, marital problems, or distressing world conditions can give rise to a personal need for comfort. In times of distress, we may need comfort that soothes our heart, our mind, our emotions, and both our physical and spiritual health. For example, consider the heart. God’s Word acknowledges that our heart can be “broken and crushed.” (Ps. 51:17) Even in severe situations, God can bring relief to a stricken heart if we pray to him in full faith and observe his commandments.—1 John 3:19-22; 5:14, 15. w11 10/15 3:6, 7

 

 

[Truth]

 

 

[Jehovah] is binding up their painful spots.—Ps. 147:3.

 

 

 

One brother said: "Jehovah will not totally remove our problems, but just like as a painful spot will not heal right away, but it sure will heal through time, Jehovah will bind our painful spot and will help us through the healing process." Interesting point.

[GrumpysWife]

That is so true Azoti, and I think it would be wrong of us to expect him to remove them, who are we??? He helps us to deal with things.

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, June 15

 

The minding of the flesh means death, but the minding of the spirit means life and peace.—Rom. 8:6.

 

How can we pursue “the minding of the spirit”? By regularly setting our minds on the things of the spirit and allowing a spiritual inclination and attitude to develop in us. As we do this, we have a mind-set that is “under subjection to the law of God” and is “in harmony with” his thoughts. (Rom. 8:7, 8) When we are faced with a temptation, we will be moved to make the correct choice—one that is in accord with the spirit. Therefore, it is vital to set our minds on the things of the spirit. We do this by ‘bracing up our minds for activity,’ building our life around a spiritual routine that includes regular prayer, Bible reading and study, meeting attendance, and the Christian ministry. (1 Pet. 1:13) Rather than allowing the things of the flesh to distract us, let us set our minds on the things of the spirit. Doing so will bring us blessings, for the minding of the spirit means life and peace.—Gal. 6:7, 8. w11 11/15 2:17, 18