Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2015

[timpin]

The Greatest Show on Earth!

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, February 16

 

Do not embrace anybody in greeting along the road.—Luke 10:4.

 

We have only a fixed amount of hours in a day. Jesus provided a principle that can help us to make the best use of that time. When sending out his disciples into the field, he told them the words recorded in today’s text. Why would Jesus give such instructions? One Bible scholar states: “Salutations among the Orientals did not consist, as among us, of a slight bow, or extension of the hand, but [were] performed by many embraces, and inclinations, and even prostrations of the body on the ground. All this required much time.” Jesus was not encouraging his followers to be rude. Rather, he was helping them see that they had a limited amount of time and that they needed to make the most of it to care for the more important things. (Eph. 5:16) Can we apply this principle so as to have more time to assist with work in behalf of the Kingdom? w13 12/15 2:9

 

[CHecker]

I really like this one. So appropriate for today. 

[shali]

This text reminds me as to what is perhaps one of the reasons we now have 5 to 7 minute field service meetings.

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, February 17

 

It is not a desirable thing with my Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.—Matt. 18:14.

 

Through his organization, Jehovah provides an abundance of spiritual food to the whole association of brothers worldwide. At times, the organization gives guidance directly to congregation elders, either through letters or through instructions delivered by traveling overseers. In such ways, the sheep receive clear direction. In a spiritual sense, overseers have the responsibility of protecting, nursing, and caring for the health of members of the congregation, especially those who have hurt themselves or who have fallen sick spiritually. (Jas. 5:14, 15) Some of these individuals may have strayed from the flock and have stopped engaging in Christian activities. In such a case, would not a caring elder do all in his power to find each lost sheep and urge that one to return to the fold, that is, to the congregation? Of course he would!—Matt. 18:12, 13. w13 11/15 4:9, 10

 

[Hanah45]

This is a loving arrangement from Jehovah. But sometimes, injured sheep are not handled in such a perfect way. This can cause more hurt, even anger and resentment on the sheep's part. We may feel this is an indication that Jehovah doesn't love us, or our pride may be hurt. This is an opportunity to prove our love and trust in Jehovah. Yes, we may feel hurt, even fragile, without the strength to go on, but Jehovahs Holy Spirit can strengthen us even more than a loving human shepherd. Jesus was abandoned by those who had just professed their love and loyalty. He even implored them to support him, they did not. But he was strengthened by Jehovah through an angel, and even after that experience, Jesus prayed to Jehovah again for help. Interestingly, Jehovah did not awaken the disciples, Jesus had to wake them up, and then he was arrested. In the end, it is always about our personal relationship with Jehovah, our determination to be loyal, our accepting what he permits,(humility), and our love for Jehovah God.

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, February 18

 

I . . . consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.—Phil. 3:8.

 

The apostle Paul was educated at the feet of the Jewish Law teacher Gamaliel. The education he received can be compared with that of a university education today. But how did Paul view this when compared with his privilege of slaving for God and Christ? He wrote: “On account of [Christ] I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse.” That assessment helps young Christians and their God-fearing parents to make a wise choice when it comes to education. The highest education teaches us God’s will and helps us slave for Jehovah. It puts before us the prospect of being “set free from enslavement to corruption” and eventually gaining “the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Rom. 8:21) Above all, we learn how best to show that we really love our heavenly Master, Jehovah.—Ex. 21:5. w13 10/15 2:14, 18

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, February 19

 

The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.—Ps. 19:7.

 

You have perhaps noted that Jehovah’s reminders at times include messages of warning. The nation of Israel regularly received warnings through God’s prophets. For example, shortly before the Israelites were to enter the Promised Land, Moses warned them: “Watch out for yourselves for fear your heart may be enticed, and you do turn aside and worship other gods and bow down to them, and Jehovah’s anger does blaze against you.” (Deut. 11:16, 17) The Bible reveals that God gave his people scores of helpful reminders. On many other occasions, Jehovah urged the Israelites to fear him, to listen to his voice, and to sanctify his name. (Deut. 4:29-31; 5:28, 29) If they heeded these reminders, they were sure to receive many blessings. (Lev. 26:3-6; Deut. 28:1-4) We too can choose to obey Jehovah’s directions or we can pursue what seems right in our own eyes.—Prov. 14:12. w13 9/15 1:3, 4, 8

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, February 20

 

Keep these things without prejudgment, doing nothing according to a biased leaning.—1 Tim. 5:21.

 

As a people dedicated to God, our first loyalty must always be to Jehovah. Unless we adhere to his righteous standards, we will not remain sanctified before him. We must not let family ties overshadow Bible principles. Christian elders are guided by Jehovah’s thinking, not by their own opinions or feelings. The elders carefully avoid doing anything that might compromise their standing with God. (1 Tim. 2:8) We do well to remember that “bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Cor. 15:33) Some of our relatives might not be a positive influence in our lives. Good associates encourage us to engage in useful Christian pursuits, such as reading the Bible, attending Christian meetings, and sharing in the field service. Family members who influence us to do what is right are especially loved and appreciated. w13 8/15 1:7, 8

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, February 21

 

Then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now.—Matt. 24:21.

 

What will signal the start of the great tribulation? Jesus foretold: “When you catch sight of the disgusting thing that causes desolation, as spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place, (let the reader use discernment,) then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains.” (Matt. 24:15, 16) In the first fulfillment, the “standing in a holy place” occurred in 66 C.E. when the Roman army (“the disgusting thing”) attacked Jerusalem and its temple (a place holy in the eyes of the Jews). In the larger fulfillment, the “standing” will occur when the United Nations (the modern-day “disgusting thing”) attacks Christendom (which is holy in the eyes of nominal Christians) and the rest of Babylon the Great. The same attack is described at Revelation 17:16-18. That event will be the beginning of the great tribulation. w13 7/15 1:2, 6

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, February 22

 

O Hearer of prayer, even to you people of all flesh will come.—Ps. 65:2.

 

Although he is the almighty Creator of our vast universe, Jehovah assures us that he is willing and eager to listen to our prayers and to respond to them. (Ps. 145:18; Isa. 30:18, 19) We can speak to God at length at any time or place. We can approach him freely, knowing that he will never reproach us for doing so. (Jas. 1:5) God’s Word describes Jehovah in human terms to indicate that he wants to be approached. For instance, the psalmist David wrote that “the eyes of Jehovah are toward” us and that his “right hand keeps fast hold” on us. (Ps. 34:15; 63:8) The prophet Isaiah likened Jehovah to a shepherd, saying: “With his arm he will collect together the lambs; and in his bosom he will carry them.” (Isa. 40:11) Just imagine! Jehovah wants us to be as close to him as a little lamb nestled in the bosom of a caring shepherd. What an approachable Father we have! w13 6/15 1:4

 

[ChocoBro]

I was just re-reading this one.

 

It doesn't seem to me explicitely that this means that the "attack on Babylon the Great" will necessariyl begin with an all-out attack on Christendom.

 

It is as likely that the attack on Christendom will be the final phase of the attack on Babylon and hence lead to the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, February 23

 

The nations . . . are in darkness mentally, and alienated from the life that belongs to God.—Eph. 4:17, 18.

 

Many who champion the theory of evolution declare that life came about without any intelligent direction. They claim that there is no Creator. Some have even said that a human is just another animal, so it should come as no surprise when a person acts in an animalistic fashion. They argue that the strong who cruelly dominate the weak are just following so-called laws of nature. So it is not surprising that many believe that injustice will always be with us. Therefore, those who put faith in evolution are robbed of true hope. Without doubt, the theory of evolution and false doctrines have contributed to the misery that mankind has experienced during the last days. (Rom. 1:28-31; 2 Tim. 3:1-5) These human teachings have brought no real and lasting good news. Instead, they have hindered people from accepting the good news originating with God.—Eph. 2:11-13. w13 5/15 1:5, 6

 

[trottigy]

Remember when you had to go to the basement and it was all dark. You scared yourself when you thought for sure you saw the silhouette of man? Then you were relieve when you turned on the light and saw what it really was - hat on a coat rack.

Today, many are in darkness mentally. Imagine what they are scared of! in their own minds. How relieved they would be if they just let the Spiritual light of Jehovah in and saw the truth of things that scare them - terrorist, the future, etc.mall soon to be done away with by an all powerful God of love. We are happy to have HIS light in our life.

We show this by our not "being alienated from the life that belongs to God". What is this? Strictly speaking - hope of the New World and our showing in our life that we want to be there. It's good to be alive to serve the true and living God. It is a privilege.

Ps 91:1 1 "Anyone dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.

Will lodge under the shadow of the Almighty."

Spirituality protected by all the spiritual threats today. We are secure. Some don't understand. they think we need to trust in the physical- buy a house, get monetary security- darkness. Instead we put our treasures in heaven. What never changes - we have the hope of the life that belongs to God.

[feather]

 It's good to be alive to serve the true and living God. It is a privilege.

 

  more than ever before   

 

  beautiful post

      love love love Psalm 91     

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, February 24

 

This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night.—Josh. 1:8.

 

Does God’s instruction to Joshua require that you literally utter in a low voice all the words you read from Genesis to Revelation? No. It means that you should read at a pace that allows for meditation. Jehovah does not want his servants to rush through a reading of his Word. When you read the Bible “in an undertone,” it will help you to fix attention on portions that are especially useful and encouraging to you at that moment. On finding such phrases, verses, or accounts, read them slowly, perhaps forming the words with the tongue and lips. The full weight of a Scriptural point may strike you in a deeply personal way. Why is this important? Because getting the sense of God’s counsel gives you strong motivation to put it into practice. w13 4/15 1:4

 

[timpin]

C'mon Vernalee post the 25th   ...   that's the one we're all waiting on!

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, February 25

 

Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. Whenever it is that they are saying: “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them.—1 Thess. 5:2, 3.

 

In his first letter to the congregation in Thessalonica, Paul called attention to the coming of “Jehovah’s day.” He did not want his brothers to be in darkness and unprepared. Instead, he urged them as “sons of light” to ‘stay awake and keep their senses.’ (1 Thess. 5:4-6) Today, we await the destruction of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. This will mark the beginning of the great day of Jehovah. Thankfully, we have an increased understanding of the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose. Also, through the congregation, we regularly receive timely reminders that help us to keep our senses. Taking note of these repeated warnings can strengthen our resolve to render to God ‘sacred service with our power of reason.’—Rom. 12:1. w13 12/15 1:4

 

[GrumpysWife]

Two of the hardest tests in life: The patience to wait for the right moment and the courage to accept that you've waited for Me to post tomorrows text.

Edited February 25, 2015 by GrumpysWife

[timpin]

ahhhhh the "trigger" prophecy we're all waiting for  -   I just got a little overanxious    ... http://jwtalk.net/forums/topic/19536-tuesday-february-24-this-book-of-the-law-should-not-depart-from-your-mouth-and-you-must-in-an-undertone-read-in-it-day-and-night—josh-18/#entry277099

[trottigy]

Notes from this morning:

Comment - Peace of God vs this peace - no comparison . Full confidence this will be a reality. Don't share unconfirmed sensational stories, but instead - established facts. Also don't go ahead of the FDS.

Losch - judgement day, lords day, Jehovah's great day - all different? Yes - millennium, 1914, and Armageddon respectively.

Zeph 1:7 "Day of Jehovah " there have been several of these "days". 2 Peter 3:12 - upcoming one soon. IT book discusses. Also 2006 Dec 15 says - still lies ahead. 1 Thess 5:2&3 2010 convention outline - no previous "peace & security" is it - yet. We know as false religion hasn't been destroyed. Talk outline 176 similar - adds should we speculate? No instead, "wait and see".

It will begin when they think they are close to solving some of the worlds big problems. Who will destroy? Political powers in UN. CHRISTENDOM destruction will be a prelude (meaning it will happen FIRST), "Eat her up" perhaps take over all her properties. When time comes (says Revelation climax book) they will give UN teeth to do this.

Opening phase, attack on false religion - similar to 66

Interval of unspecified length

Third phase attack on Gods people - Armageddon

The entire time of 3 phases - great tribulation.this is similar to how Jerusalem was. Even though they weren't conquered completely in 66 it continued to be a great tribulation for them until 70 and conquered.

How long will interval be, months or years - we don't know. When start? We don't know, so be ready!

Edited February 25, 2015 by trottigy

[LRJW]

Notes from this morning:

.......

CHRISTENDOM destruction will be a prelude (meaning it will happen FIRST), "Eat her up" perhaps take over all her properties. When time comes (says Revelation climax book) they will give UN teeth to do this.

 

 

So do you mean to say that the thinking is that Christendom will be the first false religious group to be destroyed?  Is this based on how Christendom = apostate Jerusalem? (Other religions, like Buddhism or Islam, may not be viewed as apostate as Christendom is, but not sure?)  Or is this based on something else? 

 

If this is the correct thinking, I'm very intrigued.  I've been assuming for a while now that Islam will be the first to go, given all of the troubles with terrorism, etc., which seem to be pushing the nations to one resolution or another.

 

Hmm.  All in all, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.  But it's interesting.

[trottigy]

2010 Watchtower Sept 15 starting in page 25 - par 13:

13 Christ's "presence" since 1914 has gone unnoticed by most of earth's inhabitants. (2 Pet. 3:3, 4) Soon, however, he will make his presence manifest by executing Jehovah's judgments on the various elements of Satan's system of things. The destruction of "the man of lawlessness," the clergy of Christendom, will be an unmistakable "manifestation of his presence." (Read 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 8.) It will furnish concrete proof that Christ has moved into action as Jehovah's appointed Judge. (Read 2 Timothy 4:1.) The annihilation of the most reprehensible part of Babylon the Great will serve as a prelude to the total destruction of that wicked world empire of false religion. Jehovah will put it into the hearts of political leaders to devastate this spiritual harlot. (Rev. 17:15-18) That will be the first part of the "great tribulation."—Matt. 24:21

The "most reprehensible part" is Christendom - as show in the earlier sentence.

[LRJW]

Ah yes, I'd forgotten about the "man of lawlessness" part, which we know represents the clergy of Christendom. Makes total sense.

Thanks for that excellent point!

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, February 26

 

Have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving on the earth.—Gen. 1:28.

 

Unlike many human monarchs, Jehovah is pleased to delegate responsibility to his subjects, treating them as trusted members of his family. For example, he gave Adam authority over other living creatures, even assigning him the enjoyable and challenging task of naming the animals. (Gen. 1:26; 2:19, 20) God did not create millions of individual perfect humans to populate the earth. Rather, he chose to create a perfect complement for Adam—the woman Eve. (Gen. 2:21, 22) Then he gave this couple the opportunity to fill the earth with their children. Under flawless conditions, humans could progressively extend the boundaries of Paradise until it covered the globe. United with the angels in heaven, they could worship Jehovah forever as part of his universal family. What a wonderful prospect! And what an expression of Jehovah’s fatherly love! w14 1/15 1:4, 5