Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2015

[GrumpysWife]

From that same Watchtower article:

 

 (1) The most practical step that we can take to prepare for the coming attack of “the Assyrian” is that of strengthening our faith in God and helping our brothers to do the same. (2) When “the Assyrian” attacks, the elders must be absolutely convinced that Jehovah will deliver us. (3) At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. (4) Now is the time for any who may be putting their trust in secular education, material things, or human institutions to adjust their thinking. The elders must stand ready to help any who may now be wavering in their faith.

[tekmantwo]

Thank you dear Sister, your work in our behalf, this posting of very timely and pertinent Scriptural counsel, is very much appreciated and encouraging.

Edited August 16, 2015 by tekmantwo

[kay]

Indeed the time left is reduced we need to remain ever focussed as we await the day of Jehovah.

[Miss Bea]

Implicitly trust Jehovah!

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, August 18

 

Be transformed by making your mind over.—Rom. 12:2.

 

The transformation involves what we are inside, so to bring it about, we need something that can penetrate the surface, reaching deep inside us. What can help us in that way? When we learn what Jehovah requires of us in harmony with his purpose as stated in the Bible, our response to what we read reveals what is in our heart and what adjustments we need to make in order to act in accord with the “perfect will of God.” (Heb. 4:12) If we allow Jehovah to mold us, the transformation that results is internal, or spiritual—precisely what we need in order to combat worldly influences. (Isa. 64:8) Think how many times we have been urged to read the Bible daily and be regular in attending Christian meetings, where God’s Word is being considered. Why have we been encouraged to do these things? Because by doing so, we are submitting ourselves to Jehovah’s molding.—Ps. 1:2; Acts 17:11;Heb. 10:24, 25. w13 9/15 3:14, 15, 17

Edited August 17, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[Tia]

I just had to marinate over the first sentence!  What a wonderful way to start the day!

[Miss Bea]

Allow Jehovah's molding!

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, August 19

 

There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword,

but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.—Prov. 12:18.

 

We need to ‘encourage one another all the more as we behold the day drawing near.’ (Heb. 10:25) Encouraging others involves motivating them to continue moving forward in their service to God. Just as inciting to love and fine works can be likened to stirring up a fire that is about to go out, encouraging others can be likened to putting fuel on the fire to keep it burning or to increase its intensity. Encouraging others calls for strengthening and comforting the downhearted. When given an opportunity to encourage such a person, we must speak in a warm and gentle manner. Moreover, let us “be swift about hearing” and “slow about speaking.” (Jas. 1:19) If we listen empathetically, we may be able to identify situations that discourage a fellow Christian and say something to help him deal with those circumstances. w13 8/15 3:13

Edited August 18, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[GrumpysWife]

Something to remember.

From the same Watchtower:​

 

A discouraged person may not immediately feel better or respond quickly to the help we offer. We may need to keep on supporting him. Paul said: “Keep hold of the weak, be patient with everybody.” (1 Thess. 5:14,An American Translation) 

 

Jehovah expects us to follow his example and treat the depressed ones with tenderness.

Edited August 18, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[Miss Bea]

Empathize, sympathize, act!

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, August 20

 

You have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones

and have revealed them to babes.—Matt. 11:25.

 

In the 1870’s, a small group of sincere truth-seekers got together and formed Bible classes. With humble hearts and open minds, those sincere Bible Students, as they called themselves, made a careful and prayerful search of the Scriptures. The Bible Students’ diligent study of the Scriptures yielded rich results. Those loyal men and women exposed false doctrines and spread spiritual truths, publishing and distributing Bible literature far and wide. Their work won the hearts and convinced the minds of many who were hungering and thirsting for spiritual truth. An intriguing question therefore arises: Were the Bible Students in the years that led up to 1914 the appointed channel through which Christ would feed his sheep? No. They were still in the growing season, and the arrangement for a channel to provide spiritual food was still taking shape.—Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43. w13 7/15 3:15, 16

Edited August 19, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[Miss Bea]

Cherish your heritage!

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, August 21

 

You, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive.—Ps. 86:5.

 

How do we know that Jehovah’s forgiveness is permanent? Consider Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning the new covenant, made with anointed Christians, which makes true forgiveness possible for those who exercise faith in the ransom. Jehovah says: “I shall forgive their error, and their sin I shall remember no more.” (Jer. 31:34) So Jehovah assures us that once he forgives, he will never in the future act against us because of those sins. He does not rehash our sins in order to accuse us or punish us again and again. Rather, Jehovah forgives those sins and puts them behind him—permanently. (Rom. 4:7, 8) We can imitate Jehovah’s forgiveness by choosing to be forgiving toward one another whenever there is a basis for doing so. (Luke 17:3, 4) And when we forgive others, we too can forget by putting the matter behind us and not bringing it up again in the future. w13 6/15 3:11, 13, 15

Edited August 20, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[Miss Bea]

Imitate Jehovah. Forgive!

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, August 22

 

Esau despised the birthright.—Gen. 25:34.

 

What aspects of Esau’s disposition stand out in the Scriptures? He showed that satisfying his fleshly desires was more important to him than gaining the future blessings that would have flowed from his inheritance. Esau did not cherish his birthright and evidently did not really love God. Furthermore, Esau ignored the effect his action would have on his offspring. In contrast, Jacob deeply appreciated his inheritance. For instance, Jacob acted in harmony with parental instruction in choosing a wife. (Gen. 27:46–28:3) Because Jacob made this choice that required patience and sacrifice, he became a forefather of the Messiah. How did God view Esau and Jacob? By means of the prophet Malachi, Jehovah said: “I loved Jacob, and Esau I have hated.” (Mal. 1:2, 3) Is what the Bible says about Esau relevant to Christians today? Indeed it is.—Heb. 12:16. w13 5/15 5:8, 10, 11

Edited August 21, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[shali]

I just realized in reading this text today that Mal. 1:2,3 is a good scripture to use with people who think that God's love is unconditional. It is not recorded that Esau broke any of the ten commandments (but he did marry foreign women), yet Jehovah said about him that "Esau, I have hated" because he was not concerned in the least about spiritual things.

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, August 23

 

We shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.—Acts 6:4.

 

Like those who took the lead in the first century, Christian elders who oversee the preaching work today are devoted “to the ministry of the word.” As these brothers make decisions, they seek direction from God’s Word, making it ‘a lamp to their foot and a light to their roadway,’ and they earnestly pray for Jehovah’s guidance. (Ps. 119:105; Matt. 7:7, 8) They rejoice greatly at the progress that is being made in the preaching of the good news locally and throughout the world. (Acts 21:19, 20) They do not set out endless rules and procedures. Instead, they follow the Scriptures and the leadings of God’s holy spirit as they make arrangements that are needed to help the preaching work go forward. (Acts 15:28) By doing so, these responsible brothers set a fine example for all in the local congregations.—Eph. 4:11, 12. w13 4/15 3:12, 13

Edited August 22, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[Miss Bea]

Elders. Loving shepherds!

[GrumpysWife]

Also from this fine article:

 

Do we periodically take the time to reflect on the workings of Jehovah’s organization? Some have chosen to include time in their family worship or personal study to do research on these matters and to meditate on them. The visions given to Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and John make an exciting study. The book Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom and other publications or DVDs available in your language provide intriguing insight into the organization.

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, August 24

 

Do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it.—Prov. 3:27.

 

Confusion, depression, incontinence, and loss of hearing, sight, and memory may be a result of aging; yet, if some of such health problems appear, they may well be effectively treated. (Eccl. 12:1-7) At the onset of any such issues, seek medical attention. Children may need to take the initiative in this regard. At a certain point, they may also have to start taking the lead in what was previously the parent’s realm of personal activities. In order to optimize the care that parents receive, children may have to become their advocates, secretaries, chauffeurs, and so on. Later, changes may need to be made in their care or living arrangements. The smaller the changes, the easier the adjustment will likely be. However, if elderly ones are not going to be safe on their own, more permanent assistance would be in order. Whatever the situation, investigate what services are available locally.—Prov. 21:5.w14 3/15 4:10, 11

Edited August 23, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[GrumpysWife]

One thing that I found being a caregiver was to make sure I let my family member/client know how much I care for them and that they are not a burden to me. My dear brother keeps telling me that he doesn't want to be a burden. He's not but he needs to be reminded that the care I give him is because I love him so much.

[Miss Bea]

Not too cheerful!

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, August 25

 

[Abraham] came to be called Jehovah’s friend.—Jas. 2:23.

 

Many people we meet in our ministry do not view God as their best Friend. How can we help them? Consider the instructions Jesus gave 70 of his disciples when he sent them out by twos in order to preach: “Wherever you enter into a house, say first: ‘May this house have peace.’ And if a friend of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if there is not, it will return to you.” (Luke 10:5, 6) We can attract people to the truth by our friendly approach. In the case of opposers, this may help to dispel hostility and pave the way for a better reception on another occasion. When we meet individuals who are steeped in false religion or who follow unscriptural customs, we continue to manifest a friendly, peaceful attitude. We warmly welcome to our meetings those whose dissatisfaction with modern-day society awakens in them a desire to learn more about the God we worship. w142/15 4:14, 15

Edited August 24, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, August 26

 

Wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse.—2 Tim. 3:13.

 

Think about the contrast between what was found shocking in the 1940’s or 1950’s and what is taking place today in the workplace, in the field of entertainment, in sports, and in fashion. Extreme violence and immorality are now commonplace. People compete to be seen as more fierce, lewd, or ruthless than anyone else. What was considered edgy television in the 1950’s is now rated as suitable for families. Also, shocking reports have become all too familiar: A 15-year-old student opens fire on his classmates, killing 2 and injuring 13. A group of intoxicated teens brutally murder a nine-year-old girl and beat up her father and cousin. Youths in one Asian land are said to be responsible for half of the crimes committed in the preceding ten-year period. Can anyone reasonably deny that things have got much worse? w14 1/15 5:8-10

Edited August 26, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[Miss Bea]

Disasters between catastrophes!