Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2015

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, January 20

 

Whenever it is that they are saying: “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them.—1 Thess. 5:3.

 

To date, no proclamations of peace have been the fulfillment of the prophecy recorded at 1 Thessalonians 5:3. Why not? Because the foretold “sudden destruction” has not yet occurred. Who will make this significant future declaration of “Peace and security”? What role will the leaders of Christendom and of other religions play? How will the leaders of various governments be involved in this proclamation? The Scriptures do not tell us. What we do know is that no matter what form the proclamation takes or how convincing it might sound, it will be only a veneer. This old system will remain under Satan’s control. It is rotten to the core and will remain that way. How sad it would be if any of us were to believe the satanic propaganda and violate our Christian neutrality! Let us, then, “stay awake and 

 

[yedidia]

 

Tuesday, January 20

 

Whenever it is that they are saying: “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them.—1 Thess. 5:3.

 

 

...a lot more "War, terror and fear!" sayings in these last few days.

It will make it easier for a 'peace' proclamation to be followed by the naive majority.

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, January 21

 

Brothers, . . . we request of you not to be quickly shaken from your reason.—2 Thess. 2:1, 2.

 

Hoaxes, scams, and deception are all too common in the present system of things. This should not surprise us. As we approach the end of this wicked system, Satan’s anger grows because he has only “a short period of time” left. (Rev. 12:12) So we can expect increased duplicity on the part of those who are influenced by the Devil, especially toward those who promote true worship. Misleading statements and outright lies about Jehovah’s servants and their beliefs are sometimes featured in the media. Newspaper headlines, television documentaries, and Internet Web pages are used to propagate untruths. As a result, some people become disturbed, gullibly believing such lies. To counteract this demoralizing tactic of our enemy, we are grateful that we have God’s Word, which is “beneficial . . . for setting things straight.”—2 Tim. 3:16. w13 12/15 1:1-3

 

[bagwell1987]

We've seen this in the news. We feel it in everyday life. Can't really believe anything anymore.

[LeslieDean]

Protection needed to avoid being shaken!

What does this involve? Relationship with Jehovah requires cultivation through prayer, meetings, right association and our ministry. Don't get lazy!

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, January 22

 

You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory . . . because you created all things.—Rev. 4:11.

 

Many say that they believe only in things that they can see with their eyes. How can we help such individuals to build faith in Jehovah? After all, the Bible says that “no man has seen God at any time.” (John 1:18) For that matter, how can we make sure that our own faith in “the invisible God,” Jehovah, remains strong? (Col. 1:15) An initial step is to identify teachings that obscure the truth about Jehovah. Then we must skillfully use the Bible to overturn any reasonings that are “raised up against the knowledge of God.” (2 Cor. 10:4, 5) One false teaching that blinds people to the truth about God is the doctrine of evolution. This human reasoning contradicts the Bible and robs people of hope. In its basic form, the teaching of evolution asserts that all life came into existence spontaneously; it thus implies that human life has no purpose. w13 10/15 1:1, 2

 

[LeslieDean]

I love Romans 1:20 where it basically lays it out that only a fool could look at creation and say there is no God. How thankful I am to Jehovah that He so willingly and patiently forgives and works with my character defects because He recognizes my desire to learn and serve such a most high God! I am always in awe how so many highly 'intelligent' people, scientists and such can not grasp such a basic concept. Whom am I to have been blessed with such knowledge?

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, January 23

 

The righteousness of your reminders is to time indefinite.—Ps. 119:144.

 

While preparing for an upcoming Watchtower Study, have you ever thought, ‘Haven’t we considered this subject before?’ If you have been associated with the Christian congregation for some time, you likely have noted that some topics are discussed time and again. Studying about God’s Kingdom, the ransom, the disciple-making work, and such qualities as love and faith is a regular part of our spiritual diet. By reviewing these subjects, we are helped to remain healthy in the faith and to “become doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (Jas. 1:22) The Hebrew noun rendered “reminder” often refers to laws, commands, and regulations that God gives to his people. Unlike human laws, which often need to be amended or updated, Jehovah’s laws and regulations are always trustworthy. Though some of them are given for a particular time or situation, they never become faulty or inadequate. w13 9/15 1:1, 2

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, January 24

 

All the words that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do.—Ex. 24:3.

 

Israel was a nation dedicated to God. In 1513 B.C.E., the Israelites were eager to comply with Jehovah’s will. So God sanctified them, or set them apart as his chosen people. What a privilege that was! Forty years later, Moses reminded them: “You are a holy people to Jehovah your God.” (Deut. 7:6) Sadly, Israel’s initial enthusiasm about being a holy nation did not last long. Although there were always some individuals who served God, the Jews in general were often more concerned about appearing to be holy, or devout, than they were about doing God’s will. Like the Israelites, Witnesses of Jehovah today have been sanctified by God in a general sense. Both anointed Christians and those of the “great crowd” are holy, set apart for sacred service. (Rev. 7:9, 14, 15; 1 Cor. 6:11) None of us want to lose our sanctified standing before God as the Israelites eventually did. w13 8/15 1:2-4

 

[Luezette]

"The Jews in general were often more concerned about appearing to be holy or devout than they were about doing God's will."

This is an important note the slave included here. It teaches me that what's more important is actually doing Jehovah's will than to appear to be. In other words, although we have a commission to preach and teach, when we were baptized we symbolized our dedication to do Jehovah's will, etc, what's really important is to actually DO his will...no matter what. We have to make sure that we are not doing his will to be men pleasers.

[GrumpysWife]

Excellent point, Luezette.

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, January 25

 

When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne.—Matt. 25:31.

 

Jesus’ ministry on earth was coming to an end, and his disciples were eager to find out what the future held for them. So just a few days before his death, four of his apostles asked him: “When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” (Matt. 24:3; Mark 13:3) Jesus answered by means of an extensive prophecy, recorded in Matthew chapters 24 and 25. In that prophecy, Jesus foretold many noteworthy events. His words have profound meaning for us because we too are keenly interested in knowing what the future holds. Through the years, Jehovah’s servants have prayerfully studied Jesus’ prophecy about the last days. They have sought to get a clearer understanding of the timing of the fulfillment of Jesus’ words. w13 7/15 1:1, 2

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, January 26

 

Become imitators of God, as beloved children.—Eph. 5:1.

 

Jehovah possesses many endearing qualities. In fact, a list could be made of more than 40 different qualities of Jehovah. Just imagine what a treasure of fascinating facts about Jehovah’s personality is waiting to be discovered through our personal or family study! In what ways can we benefit from such a study? It can deepen our appreciation for our heavenly Father. In turn, the deeper our appreciation for Jehovah, the stronger our desire to draw close to him and to imitate him. (Josh. 23:8; Ps. 73:28) Our appreciation may deepen gradually. To illustrate: Our appreciation for a new dish becomes deeper as we first smell its aroma, then savor each morsel of it, and finally prepare the dish ourselves. Similarly, we deepen our appreciation for a quality of Jehovah by getting acquainted with it, reflecting on it, and then imitating it in our own life. w13 6/15 1:1, 2

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, January 27

 

Do the work of an evangelizer.—2 Tim. 4:5.

 

An evangelizer is someone who tells good news. The first and foremost Evangelizer is Jehovah God. Immediately after the rebellion of our first parents, Jehovah announced the good news that the serpent—actually, Satan the Devil—will be destroyed. (Gen. 3:15) Throughout the centuries, Jehovah inspired faithful men to write down details about how his name will be cleared of reproach, how the damage caused by Satan will be undone, and how humans can regain the opportunities forfeited by Adam and Eve. Angels too are evangelizers. They themselves tell good news, and they assist others in spreading good news. (Luke 1:19; 2:10; Acts 8:26, 27, 35; Rev. 14:6) What about the archangel Michael? While on earth as Jesus, he set the standard for human evangelizers. Why, Jesus built his life around spreading the good news! (Luke 4:16-21) Also, Jesus commanded his disciples to be evangelizers.—Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8. w13 5/15 1:1-3

 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, January 28

 

I really delight in the law of God.—Rom. 7:22.

 

The apostle Peter encouraged all to “form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word.” (1 Pet. 2:2) Those who satisfy that longing through Bible study and who apply Bible teachings have a clean conscience and a purpose in living. They develop enduring friendships with others who also love and serve the true God. All of these are valid reasons to “delight in the law of God.” But there are even more benefits. What are some of them? The more you learn about Jehovah and his Son, the more your love for them and your fellow humans will grow. Having accurate Scriptural knowledge helps you to see how God will soon save obedient mankind from this dying system. You have a positive message of good news to share with people in your ministry. Jehovah will bless you as you teach others the things that you have learned from reading God’s Word. w13 4/15 1:2, 3

 

[LeslieDean]

It seems so foreign to say "I delight in the law" but add Jehovah's law to the statement and it's a whole new ballgame.  Laws that benefit EVERYONE!  So hard to imagine!

[GrumpysWife]

Every one of His laws are so beneficial and fair. How could we not love them. Not at all like mans laws.

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, January 29

 

I shall not offer up to Jehovah my God burnt sacrifices without cost.—2 Sam. 24:24.

 

One brother who shares in building Kingdom Halls and assisting those affected by natural disasters states that it is hard to describe the satisfaction he receives from serving in these ways. He says, “Seeing the happiness and appreciation of the local brothers and sisters after they stand in their new Kingdom Hall or when they receive assistance after a natural disaster makes all the work and effort worthwhile.” Jehovah’s modern-day organization has always looked for opportunities to support Jehovah’s work. In 1904, Brother C. T. Russell wrote: “Each one is to consider himself as appointed by the Lord the steward of his own time, influence, money, etc., and each is to seek to use these talents to the best of his ability, to the Master’s glory.” Though we reap many blessings, it costs us something to make sacrifices to Jehovah.—2 Sam. 24:21-24. w13 12/15 2:7, 8

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, January 30

 

Be vigilant with a view to prayers.—1 Pet. 4:7.

 

In our prayers, we may often petition Jehovah for his help in satisfying our needs and in overcoming obstacles. The “Hearer of prayer” lovingly listens to our appeals for help. (Ps. 65:2) However, we should also endeavor to focus on other forms of prayer. These include those of praise, thanksgiving, and supplication. There are many reasons why our prayers to Jehovah should include words of praise. For instance, we are moved to praise him when we think of “his works of mightiness” and “the abundance of his greatness.” (Ps. 150:1-6) Why, the six verses of the 150th Psalm exhort us 13 different times to praise Jehovah! With deep reverence for God, the composer of another psalm sang: “Seven times in the day I have praised you because of your righteous judicial decisions.” (Ps. 119:164) Jehovah surely deserves to be praised. Therefore, should we not praise him in our prayers “seven times in the day,” that is, very often? w13 11/15 1:1, 3, 4

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, January 31

 

Look out.—Col. 2:8.

 

“The philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men,” spoken of at Colossians 2:8, surfaces today in the worldly thinking promoted by many intellectuals. Higher education, with its emphasis on academic study, often produces graduates who have few or no practical skills, leaving them unprepared to deal with the realities of life. By contrast, Jehovah’s servants choose education that helps them to develop the necessary skills so that they can maintain a simple life of service to God. They take to heart the counsel Paul offered Timothy: “To be sure, it is a means of great gain, this godly devotion along with self-sufficiency. So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things.” (1 Tim. 6:6, 8) Rather than acquiring secular degrees and titles after their names, true Christians focus on obtaining “letters of recommendation” by engaging as fully as possible in the field ministry.—2 Cor. 3:1-3. w13 10/15 2:13

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, February 1

 

Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.—1 Cor. 10:31.

 

Each day we must make numerous decisions, big and small. According to one study, over 40 percent of our actions are not based on deliberate forethought but are the result of ingrained habits. For example, every morning you probably have to decide what clothes to wear. You might view this as a small thing, and you make your choice without much deliberation, especially if you are in a hurry. But it is important to think about whether what you put on befits your role as a servant of Jehovah. (2 Cor. 6:3, 4) When you shop for clothes, you may think about styles and trends but what about modesty and cost? Making the right choices in these matters will contribute to training our perceptive powers, which can help us to make right decisions in weightier matters.—Luke 16:10. w13 9/15 4:12

 

[VL4D]

I like how they mention training our perceptive powers. Life in this system can be easier if we train daily... and it can actually be a fun thing to do! Shopping for modest and inexpensive clothing can be fun, especially trying to do so to glorify Jehovah. All aspects of our life can be considered training.. it's kind of exciting - being in Jehovah's army. Constantly training. Facing battle every day. Awaiting the Great Day when our training can, not end, but reach a higher level. A perfect level. Just something to think about

[GrumpysWife]

Nice thoughts, brother. :-)

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, February 2

 

You are bound to be like God, knowing good and bad.—Gen. 3:5.

 

When tempting Eve, Satan insinuated that God withheld something wonderful from her. The Devil told her that in the very day of her eating from “the tree of the knowledge of good and bad,” she was “bound to be like God, knowing good and bad.” (Gen. 2:17) Satan thus suggested that Eve could gain independence from Jehovah. Pride was apparently a factor that caused her to accept the lie. She partook of the forbidden fruit, believing that she would not really die. How wrong she was! In contrast with Eve, Jesus set a wonderful example of humility. Satan tried to tempt him in another way, but Jesus rejected even the very thought of doing something dramatic that would put God to the test. That would have been an act of pride! Instead, Jesus’ reply was clear and direct: “It is said, ‘You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.’”—Luke 4:9-12. w13 8/15 4:11, 12

 

[Luezette]

I don't have a problem with today's text naturally just something I don't understand and maybe you or someone can help me out?

Pride, to me, means thinking it's all about you, an inordinate view of yourself and possessions, etc.

So with that in mind, how is it that Eve had a problem with pride in the Garden after Satan spoke to her?

I'm not questioning it, I just don't understand based upon the definition of pride.

Can someone help me with that please? I would appreciate it. I went to the watchtower it came from but I'm still stuck. Thank you.