Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2015

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, September 25

I am sending forth to you prophets and wise men and public instructors.—Matt. 23:34.

Jesus was speaking about his disciples, whom he taught to use the Scriptures in their ministry. At Pentecost 33 C.E., one of these “public instructors,” the apostle Peter, gave a talk to a large crowd in Jerusalem in which he quoted several passages from the Hebrew Scriptures. On hearing Peter’s application of these words, many listeners “were stabbed to the heart.” They repented over their past sins. About three thousand of them sought God’s forgiveness and became Christians. (Acts 2:37-41) The apostle Paul spoke to those worshipping in a synagogue in Thessalonica. For three Sabbaths, Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead.” The result? “Some of them [Jews] became believers,” as did “a great multitude of the Greeks.”—Acts 17:1-4. w13 4/15 2:3,4.

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, September 26

 

Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of hard work.—Eccl. 4:6.

 

In many families, much of the responsibility of caregiving seems to fall

on one son or daughter, the one who lives closest to the parents. Yet, primary caregivers ought to balance their parents’ needs with the needs of their own families. There is a limit to each individual’s time and energy. And the caregiver’s situation might change, making it necessary to review the current arrangements. Is one family member perhaps taking on too many responsibilities? Could the other children do more, such as by taking turns providing care? When an elderly parent is in constant need, there is a risk of caregiver burnout. Unremitting demands can become overwhelming. Caregivers who find themselves in this situation need to be realistic, possibly asking for help. Periodic help may be all that is required to prevent premature recourse to the services of a nursing home. w143/15 4:14, 15

Edited September 26, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[LeslieDean]

I I know that some here find their selves in that exact situation yet have no willingly sibling to volunteer a small rest break for them.  Not even a short weekend  as breather --it is not selfish to want this ,  but it  is a NEED, a mental health day  and a day of downtime that would be so welcomed-yet  they unselfishly go without it.   My heart goes out to you.

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, September 27

 

We are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field under cultivation,

God’s building.—1 Cor. 3:9.

 

People who work together often develop close friendships. All who are dedicated to Jehovah have the privilege of being considered both his friends and his “fellow workers.” Indeed, as we engage in the preaching and disciple-making work, we gain greater insight into the marvelous qualities of our heavenly Father. We see how his holy spirit helps to equip us to carry out our commission to preach the good news. The greater our share in the disciple-making work, the closer we feel to Jehovah. For instance, we observe the way Jehovah thwarts opposers. Look back over the past few years. Have we not seen clearly the way God is guiding us? We marvel at the ongoing supply of rich spiritual food. Our convention and assembly programs reveal our Father’s loving insight into our problems and needs. w14 2/15 4:16, 17

Edited September 26, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, September 28

 

Critical times hard to deal with will be here.—2 Tim. 3:1.

 

With the help of Jehovah, his spirit, and the Christian congregation, we can successfully overcome whatever disappointments or fears come our way. We can stay faithful. (2 Cor. 4:7-10) It is good to note that Paul introduced his prophecy about the last days with the expression “know this.” Those words guarantee that what follows is certain to occur. Ungodly society will continue to advance from bad to worse until Jehovah steps in to end it. Historians have documented that here or there some society or nation experienced a steep moral decline and then collapsed. Never before in history, though, has the overall morality of the entire world deteriorated to the extent that it has now. Many people may ignore the implications, but this unique development since 1914 should clearly demonstrate to us that we can trust that God’s Kingdom will soon take decisive action. w14 1/15 5:12, 13

Edited September 28, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[MizPeg]

"the overall morality of the entire world ". I am visiting my son's for a week. Turned on their DISH network, and was stunned at the content of some of these channels! Absolutely appalling!

Good time to catch up on my reading. ( Do we ever catch up on the reading? )

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, September 29

 

Make sure of the more important things.—Phil. 1:10.

 

Most pioneers have a very full schedule. It can be a struggle to get everything done, so good personal organization is important. (1 Cor. 14:33, 40) If a pioneer is having difficulty reaching the hour goal, he might need to reexamine how he is using his time. (Eph. 5:15, 16) He might ask: ‘How much time am I actually expending on recreation or leisure pursuits? Do I need to exercise greater self-discipline? Could I adjust my secular work schedule?’ Any Christian will admit that it is easy to add things to one’s schedule; thus, those in the full-time service may need to assess matters regularly and make adjustments if needed. Daily Bible reading, personal study, and meditation ought to be part of a pioneer’s schedule. Accordingly, a pioneer needs self-discipline so that less important activities do not encroach on the time he has set aside for those essential things. w139/15 5:12, 13

Edited September 28, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, September 30

 

This must not be the way among you; but whoever wants to

become great among you must be your minister.—Matt. 20:26.

 

Jesus expects Christian elders to treat the flock the same way that he treated it. They must be willing to act as servants to their companions, not masters over them. The apostle Paul had that humble attitude, for he told the older men of the congregation in Ephesus: “You well know how from the first day that I stepped into the district of Asia I was with you the whole time, slaving for the Lord with the greatest lowliness of mind.” The apostle desired that those elders help others in an earnest, humble manner. He said: “I have exhibited to you in all things that by thus laboring you must assist those who are weak.” (Acts 20:18, 19, 35) Paul told the Corinthians that he was not the master over their faith. Instead, he was a humble fellow worker for their joy. (2 Cor. 1:24) Paul set a fine example of humility and hard work for elders today. w13 11/15 5:9, 10

Edited September 29, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[New World Explorer]

Good point here:

 

The apostles needed to resist a tendency toward wanting to “lord it over” their companions, or to ‘order people around. W13 11/15

 

We are not apostles so how much harder we should RESIST that tendency ..

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, October 1

 

In willingness I will sacrifice to you.—Ps. 54:6.

 

Certain sacrifices are fundamental for all true Christians and are essential to our cultivating and maintaining a good relationship with Jehovah. Such sacrifices include devoting personal time and energy to prayer, Bible reading, family worship, meeting attendance, and the field ministry. (Josh. 1:8; Matt. 28:19, 20; Heb. 10:24, 25) As a result of our efforts and Jehovah’s blessing, the preaching work is accelerating, and many continue to stream to “the mountain of the house of Jehovah.” (Isa. 2:2) To support Kingdom activities, many make sacrifices to serve at Bethel, to assist with building Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls, to organize conventions, or to do relief work in the wake of natural disasters. This additional work is not a requirement to gain life but is vital to supporting Kingdom interests. It is a joy to see that many are willingly making sacrifices for Jehovah. w13 12/15 2:2, 3

Edited September 30, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, October 2

 

Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed with reference to sin but living with reference to God by Christ Jesus.—Rom. 6:11.

 

How thankful we are to Jehovah for making it possible for us to be his slaves! (Rom. 12:11) Our faith in the ransom sacrifice of Christ permits us to come out from under the yoke of sin. Though still imperfect, we have willingly come under the authority of Jehovah and Jesus. Yet, Paul warned: “Do you not know that if you keep presenting yourselves to anyone as slaves to obey him, you are slaves of him because you obey him, either of sin with death in view or of obedience with righteousness in view? But thanks to God that you were the slaves of sin but you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were handed over. Yes, since you were set free from sin, you became slaves to righteousness.” (Rom. 6:16-18) Notice that the apostle refers to ‘obedience from the heart.’ Indeed, our dedication to Jehovah makes us “slaves to righteousness.”w13 10/15 2:4

Edited October 1, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[Miss Bea]

Obedient, thankful slaves!

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, October 3

 

Our brothers have caused our heart to melt.

—Deut. 1:28.

 

What could cause the heart of a faithful servant of Jehovah to start to complain about his God? Consider the example of the Israelites. They had just been delivered from slavery in Egypt. Jehovah had miraculously brought ten plagues on that oppressive nation and thereafter destroyed Pharaoh and his military force in the Red Sea. (Ex. 12:29-32, 51; 14:29-31; Ps. 136:15) God’s people were poised to enter the Promised Land. Yet, at that crucial moment, the Israelites started to complain about Jehovah. What caused this lack of faith? Their hearts melted because of the negative report of some who had been sent to spy out the land. (Num. 14:1-4) What resulted? A whole generation was not allowed to enter into that “good land.” (Deut. 1:34, 35) Could we at times allow the negative speech of others to weaken our faith and cause us to grumble about Jehovah’s dealings with us? w138/15 2:6, 7

Edited October 2, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[Tortuga]

Just put your ear to the door and let Jehovah give it awl you'll need...

[Miss Bea]

Delete negative speech!

[Luezette]

Yes, so true. What a motivation to avoid talking/listening to negative talk. We could actually, literally lose our lives.

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, October 4

 

God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.—John 3:16.

 

In this context, “the world” refers to humankind. Yes, Jehovah’s most generous gift is open to all who choose to accept it. Those who exercise faith in Jesus will receive life in abundance—everlasting life! (John 10:10) How can we imitate Jehovah’s generosity? Jehovah “furnishes us all things richly for our enjoyment”; hence, we should want to be “ready to share” with others, thus contributing to their joy. (1 Tim. 6:17-19) We gladly use our resources to give gifts to our loved ones and to help those in need. (Deut. 15:7) What can help us to remember to be generous? Some Christians take this practical approach: Whenever they receive a gift, they look for an opportunity to give someone else a gift. The Christian congregation is blessed with countless brothers and sisters who cultivate a spirit of generosity. w13 6/15 2:8, 9

Edited October 3, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[northerngirl]

I agree negative talk serves no purpose it tears down, we need to be built up and encouraging to each other. Just a little while longer !!!

Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, October 5

 

Jehovah knows those who belong to him.—2 Tim. 2:19.

 

In late 1914, some Bible Students were disheartened because they had not gone to heaven. During 1915 and 1916, opposition from outside the organization slowed down the preaching work. Worse, after Brother Russell’s death in October 1916, opposition arose from inside the organization. Four of the seven directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society rebelled against the decision to have Brother Rutherford take the lead. They tried to cause division among the brothers, but in August 1917, they left Bethel—a cleansing indeed! Also, some Bible Students gave in to the fear of man. Still, as a whole they willingly responded to Jesus’ cleansing work and made the needed changes. Hence, Jesus judged them to be true Christian wheat, but he rejected all imitation Christians, including all of those found within the churches of Christendom.—Mal. 3:5. w13 7/15 2:8

Edited October 4, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[LeslieDean]

It says the 4 left.  If you were an onlooker--how would you have determined if it was the four or the three that were Jehovah's loyal ones?  In view of the changes that were being made at that time (the cross on the magazines, the Christmas celebration, the refining process so to speak--how did the sheep know who was right?

[LeslieDean]

Is it because the three stayed?   I guess I am tired and confusing myself but I am trying to figure out why they were not kicked out?

[Tortuga]

We just watched both of the Faith In Action videos and it really brings this history to life.

[trottigy]

Is it because the three stayed?   I guess I am tired and confusing myself but I am trying to figure out why they were not kicked out?

 

Proclaimers book page 67:

 

 

on Tuesday, July 17, 1917. On that same occasion, a startling announcement was made—the four opposing directors had been removed, and Brother Rutherford had appointed four others to fill the vacancies. What was the reaction?

 

It was as if a bombshell had exploded! The four ousted directors seized upon the occasion and stirred up a five-hour controversy before the Bethel family over the administration of the Society’s affairs. A number of the Bethel family sympathized with the opposers. The opposition continued for several weeks, with the disturbers threatening to “overthrow the existing tyranny,” as they put it. But Brother Rutherford had a sound basis for the action he had taken. How so?

 

It turned out that although the four opposing directors had been appointed by Brother Russell, these appointments had never been confirmed by vote of the corporation members at the annual meeting of the Society. Therefore, the four of them were not legal members of the board of directors at all! Rutherford had been aware of this but had not mentioned it at first. Why not? He had wanted to avoid giving the impression that he was going against Brother Russell’s wishes. However, when it became evident that they would not discontinue their opposition, Rutherford acted within his authority and responsibility as president to replace them with four others whose appointments were to be confirmed at the next annual meeting, to be held in January 1918.

 

On August 8, the disgruntled ex-directors and their supporters left the Bethel family; they had been asked to leave because of the disturbance they had been creating. They soon began spreading their opposition by an extensive speaking and letter-writing campaign throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. As a result, after the summer of 1917, a number of congregations of Bible Students were split into two groups—those loyal to the Society and those who were easy prey to the smooth talk of the opposers.

 

But might the ousted directors, in an effort to gain control of the organization, try to influence those attending the annual meeting? Anticipating such a reaction, Rutherford felt it advisable to take a survey of all the congregations. The results? According to the report published in The Watch Tower of December 15, 1917, those voting indicated their overwhelming support of J. F. Rutherford and the directors cooperating with him! This was confirmed at the annual meeting. The opposers’ efforts to gain control had failed!

 

What became of those opposers and their supporters? After the January 1918 annual meeting, the opposing ones splintered off, even choosing to celebrate the Memorial, on March 26, 1918, on their own. Any unity they enjoyed was short-lived, and before long they broke up into various sects. In most cases their numbers dwindled and their activity diminished or ceased entirely.

 

[trottigy]

So, the simple answer to how ones can know if the 4 were the true ones are not? Jesus said "by their fruits you will recognize them" Correct?

 

So what was the fruitage of these ones?

 

What became of those opposers and their supporters? After the January 1918 annual meeting, the opposing ones splintered off, even choosing to celebrate the Memorial, on March 26, 1918, on their own. Any unity they enjoyed was short-lived, and before long they broke up into various sects. In most cases their numbers dwindled and their activity diminished or ceased entirely.

 

Where are they now? Gone. Clearly Jehovah was NOT using them to further Kingdom interests.

 

Interestingly:

 

 

Some who withdrew from the organization later repented and associated with the Bible Students in worship once again. By far the majority, like Sister Gott, continued to cooperate with the Watch Tower Society and Brother Rutherford. The love and unity that bound them together had been built up through years of association together at meetings and conventions. They would allow nothing to break up that bond of union.—Col. 3:14.

 

Edited October 5, 2015 by trottigy

[Hanah45]

It says the 4 left.  If you were an onlooker--how would you have determined if it was the four or the three that were Jehovah's loyal ones?  In view of the changes that were being made at that time (the cross on the magazines, the Christmas celebration, the refining process so to speak--how did the sheep know who was right?

I really appreciate your questions, it motivated me to review some information in the Proclaimers book. There are several chapters that address this time period in detail. The difference in personality between Russell and Rutherford was challenging for many to accept.

Unrealized expectations, (many thought it was time to go to heaven), changes in doctrine and policies, made this a time of testing for many.

So there a few questions we can ask ourself which make it clear which way to go. In imitating Jesus, we see that humility and love for others must be the basis for our decisions. We all have expectations, and at times these do not line up with Jehovahs timeline or his purpose. Usually our expectations are based on personal desires. For example, those who expected to go to heaven in the early days, were focused on their own salvation and glorification. If they had love for others, they would have been concerned with the salvation of others and the need for helping people in the global preaching work.

Usually everything comes down to humility and love for others.