Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2015

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, March 20

 

The king’s daughter is absolutely magnificent; her clothing is adorned with gold.—Ps. 45:13.

 

The resplendence of New Jerusalem is beautifully described in the book of Revelation. (Rev. 21:11, 18-21) No wonder the psalmist portrays the bride as “absolutely magnificent”! After all, the royal wedding is taking place in heaven. The One to whom the bride is brought is the Bridegroom—the Messianic King. He has been preparing her, ‘cleansing her with the bath of water by means of the word.’ She is “holy and without blemish.” (Eph. 5:26, 27) His bride must also be fittingly attired for the occasion. And she is! Indeed, “her clothing is adorned with gold,” and “she will be brought to the king in richly woven garments.” (Ps. 45:14) For the marriage of the Lamb, “it has been granted to her to be clothed with bright, clean, fine linen—for the fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the holy ones.”—Rev. 19:8. w14 2/15 2:8, 9

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, March 21

 

You young men and young women, . . . praise the name of Jehovah.—Ps. 148:12, 13.

 

We live in momentous times. As never before in history, millions from all nations are turning to true worship. (Rev. 7:9, 10) Many young people are enjoying thrilling experiences as they help others to understand lifesaving Bible truths. (Ps. 110:3; Isa. 52:7; Rev. 22:17) As a youth, you can make choices that may later open up enjoyable opportunities for you in God’s service. For example, Timothy of Lystra evidently made wise choices that led to his receiving a missionary assignment when he was perhaps in his late teens or early 20’s. (Acts 16:1-3) It appears that only a few months later, after violent opposition had forced the apostle Paul to leave the newly formed congregation in Thessalonica, Paul entrusted young Timothy with the mission of returning to Thessalonica to strengthen the brothers.—Acts 17:5-15; 1 Thess. 3:1, 2, 6. w14 1/15 3:1, 2

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, March 22

 

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

 

Thanksgiving is an important form of prayer. Paul exhorted Christians in the city of Philippi: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6) There is a protection in expressing heartfelt gratitude in prayer to Jehovah. Especially is this the case, since we are living in the last days when people are “unthankful.” (2 Tim. 3:1, 2) The world is indeed dominated by a spirit of ingratitude. If we are not careful, that spirit can easily rub off on us. Expressing gratitude to God in prayer promotes contentment and prevents us from becoming ‘murmurers and complainers about our lot in life.’ (Jude 16) Moreover, when family heads include thanksgiving in prayers with their loved ones, they encourage a thankful spirit in their wives and children. w13 11/15 1:3, 5

 

[bagwell1987]

Completely dominated by ingratitude. I see it every day. 

When you stop and say thank-you, when you acknowledge something someone does for you, express appreciation for the little things a person may do- it warms the heart of the receiver, a smile spreads on their face, they smile back to you knowing their actions were noticed and appreciated, and kindness reigns.

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, March 23

 

[Do not] be quickly shaken from your reason.—2 Thess. 2:2.

 

Some in the congregation in Thessalonica had become “excited” about Jehovah’s day to the point that they believed that its arrival was then imminent. Those early Christians had only a limited understanding of the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose. To set matters straight, Paul under inspiration explained that a great apostasy and “the man of lawlessness” were to appear before Jehovah’s day. Thereafter, in his due time, the Lord Jesus would “bring to nothing” all those who had been deceived. The apostle pinpointed the reason for this judgment on them; it was that “they did not accept the love of the truth.” (2 Thess. 2:3, 8-10) We do well to ask ourselves: ‘How much do I love the truth? Do I keep up-to-date with our present understanding as set out in Bible-based publications provided for the worldwide congregation of God’s people?’ w13 12/15 1:5, 6

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, March 24

 

Rise, bless Jehovah your God from time indefinite to time indefinite.—Neh. 9:5.

 

With these stirring words, God’s ancient people were assembled to unite in a prayer that is one of the longest in the Bible record. The gathering took place in Jerusalem on the 24th day of the seventh Jewish month, Tishri, 455 B.C.E. A month prior to that assembly, the Jews had completed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. (Neh. 6:15) God’s people accomplished the work in just 52 days, and they then proceeded to give particular attention to their spiritual needs. So on the first day of the new month, Tishri, they gathered together at the public square to hear Ezra, along with other Levites, read aloud and explain God’s Law. Whole families, including “all intelligent enough to listen,” stood and listened “from daybreak till midday.” (Neh. 8:2, 3) What a fine example for those of us who today attend meetings in comfortable Kingdom Halls! w13 10/15 3:1, 2

 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, March 25

 

I behold in my members another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law.—Rom. 7:23.

 

We all know that making the right decision is one thing, but sticking to it and following through on it is quite another. For example, some who want to quit smoking fail because they lack sufficient motivation. What is needed is the determination to follow the chosen course. Some believe that our willpower is very much like a muscle. The more we use it or exercise it, the stronger it becomes. If we seldom use it, it will weaken or wither. What, then, can help us to develop or strengthen our will to stick to and carry out the course we have decided on? Turning to Jehovah can help us. (Phil. 2:13) Paul knew this from personal experience. He declared: “Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom. 7:18, 24, 25) Elsewhere, he wrote: “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.”—Phil. 4:13. w13 9/15 4:13, 14

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, March 26

 

The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.—1 John 5:19.

 

Appealing to “the desire of the flesh,” the Devil uses his world to promote immorality and overindulgence in eating and drinking. By means of pornography, especially on the Internet, he can catch the attention of an unwary viewer and appeal to “the desire of the eyes.” And what temptation materialism, power, and fame hold for the proud and for those inclined to make ‘a showy display of their means of life’! “The things in the world” are like the lures of a fisherman. (1 John 2:15, 16) They are attractive, but attached to each lure is a hook. Satan uses what people may regard as normal everyday needs to make them want to do what is contrary to the laws of God. Such subtle temptations, though, are designed to influence our desires and corrupt our heart. They are really an attempt to make us believe that taking care of our personal needs and comforts takes priority over doing the will of God. Will such enticements work on us? w13 8/15 4:5, 13, 14

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, March 27

 

Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.—Matt. 24:46, 47.

 

When does Jesus arrive? The answer is found in the context. When the preceding verses speak of Jesus as “coming,” the word refers to the time when he comes to pronounce and execute judgment at the end of this system. (Matt. 24:30, 42, 44) Hence, Jesus’ “arriving,” or “coming,” mentioned in the illustration of the faithful slave takes place during the great tribulation. What do “all [Jesus’] belongings” include? Jesus did not qualify the word “all,” as if to limit his belongings to earthly things. In fact, Jesus has vast heavenly authority. “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth,” he said. (Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-23) His belongings now include the Messianic Kingdom, which has belonged to him since 1914 and which he will share with his anointed followers.—Rev. 11:15. w13 7/15 4:15-17

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, March 28

 

The true God felt regret over the calamity that he had spoken of causing to them; and he did not cause it.—Jonah 3:10.

 

The way that God is willing to mold us shows that he is reasonable and adaptable. (Isa. 64:8) That is evident in situations where Jehovah determines to take action based on his just judgment of people but then changes his mind because of their response. When the people of Nineveh repented and turned around from their bad way, Jehovah changed his mind, as shown in the words of today’s text. The Hebrew term translated “felt regret” actually pertains to a change of attitude or intention. The true God felt regret in the case of the Ninevites; that is, he changed his intention regarding them. How comforting it is to know that Jehovah our Potter is reasonable and adaptable, gracious and merciful, willing to change his course based on positive changes that erring ones make! w13 6/15 4:12, 13

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, March 29

 

I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world.—John 17:6.

 

Long before Jesus came to earth, the religious leaders discouraged people from using God’s name. We can be sure that Jesus firmly rejected such an unscriptural tradition. He said to his opposers: “I have come in the name of my Father, but you do not receive me; if someone else arrived in his own name, you would receive that one.” (John 5:43) Then, a few days before his death, Jesus expressed his main concern in life by praying: “Father, glorify your name.” (John 12:28) So we should not be surprised that Jesus weaves this concern for his Father’s name throughout the prayer recorded in the 17th chapter of John. Jesus prayed: “Holy Father, watch over them on account of your own name which you have given me.”—John 17:11. w13 10/15 4:9, 10

 

Memorial Bible reading:  (Events after sunset: Nisan 9)  Matthew 26:6-13

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, March 30

 

If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself.—Matt. 16:24.

 

When Jesus was on earth, he set a perfect example of self-sacrifice. He put aside his own desires and comforts in order to do God’s will. (John 5:30) By remaining faithful to death on the torture stake, he proved that his spirit of self-sacrifice had no limit. (Phil. 2:8) As followers of Jesus, we can display the spirit of self-sacrifice by being willing to give up our own interests in order to help others. In a sense, it is the opposite of selfishness. An unselfish spirit can help us to place our feelings and personal preferences after those of others. (Phil. 2:3, 4) In fact, Jesus taught that an unselfish spirit is at the heart of our worship. How so? Christian love, which is part of the motivation behind self-sacrifice, is the hallmark of true disciples of Jesus.—John 13:34, 35. w14 3/15 1:1, 2

 

Memorial Bible reading:  (Daytime events: Nisan 9)  Matthew 21:1-11, 14-17

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, March 31

 

They prepared for the passover.—Mark 14:16.

 

When Jesus told the apostles to get a room ready for the Passover meal, he likely wanted just a suitable, clean room with adequate space for the invited group. (Mark 14:12-15) They would get ready certain items for the meal, including unleavened bread and red wine. After finishing the Passover meal, Jesus focused on those two emblems. The apostle Matthew was present and later wrote: “Jesus took a loaf and, after saying a blessing, he broke it and, giving it to the disciples, he said: ‘Take, eat.’” (Matt. 26:26) The “loaf” was unfermented bread, as was used for the Passover. (Ex. 12:8; Deut. 16:3) The bread was made from wheat flour and water, without any leaven or seasoning. It would be plain, dry, and crackerlike, easy to break into pieces. w13 12/15 4:5, 6

 

Memorial Bible reading:  (Daytime events: Nisan 10)  Matthew 21:18, 19; 21:12, 13; John 12:20-50

 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, April 1

 

This means my body.—1 Cor. 11:24.

 

Some churchgoers point out that Jesus literally said: ‘This is my body,’ so they believe that the bread miraculously became his actual flesh. However, that is contrary to fact. Jesus’ body was there in front of the faithful apostles, and so was the unleavened bread they would partake of. Clearly, Jesus was speaking symbolically, as he did many other times. (John 2:19-21; 4:13, 14; 10:7; 15:1) The bread that the apostles could see and would soon partake of meant Jesus’ body. Which body? It was not “the body of the Christ,” the congregation of anointed ones. (Eph. 4:12; Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 12:27) Rather, the bread represents Jesus’ human body, the physical body in which Jesus “bore our sins.”—1 Pet. 2:21-24; 4:1; John 19:33-36; Heb. 10:5-7. w13 12/15 4:8-10

 

Memorial Bible reading:  (Daytime events: Nisan 11)  Matthew 21:33-41; 22:15-22; 23:1-12; 24:1-3

 

[Jackson]

Mark 14:16---They prepared for the Passover

As servants of Jehovah we are preparing our heart and mind for this very important and significant event, the celebration of "Lord's Evening Meal", the memoralizing of Jesus Christ' death, by means of our invitational campaign, the prescribed Bible readings leading up to Christ death and resurrection, the sharing in the cleaning of the Kingdom Hall and the like.

Just as Jesus instructed his apostles to prepare a room for the Passover, our elders and ministerial servants do the same when ensuring the proper emblems and table arrangements are made available. Jesus wanted a suitable, clean room, with adequate space for the invited group. There is wisdom in having it that way. Because this is such a special occasion, servants of Jehovah do not want to detract, distract, or have elaborate artifacts or table decorations that will cause visitors and ourselves to pay more attention to elaborate fixtures than the all important discourse.

Something clean, modest, it doesn't have to be new but I want my "outer garments" to be appropriate, something that befits the dignity of the Memorial, of this special night is what I have in mind for my outfit or attire. I do not want my dress and grooming to detract from this very special event... This to me is also an important part in preparing for the Memorial.

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, April 2

 

Taking a cup, he offered thanks and gave it to them, and they all drank out of it.—Mark 14:23.

 

The differences between the Passover and the Lord’s Evening Meal show that the Passover that the Jews were to memorialize was not to foreshadow what Christ told his followers to do in memory of his death. Back in Egypt, the Israelites partook of the lamb’s flesh but not of its blood. That differs from what Jesus directed his disciples to do. He said that those who would reign “in the kingdom of God” should partake of both the bread and the wine as symbols of his flesh and his blood. (Mark 14:22-25) So while the Passover was ‘to be a memorial for’ Jews, not Christians, we as Christians should know about it and take to heart some of the vivid lessons that it provides as part of ‘all Scripture that is inspired of God.’—Ex. 12:14; 2 Tim. 3:16. w13 12/15 3:20, 21

 

Memorial Bible reading:  (Daytime events: Nisan 12)  Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16; Luke 22:1-6

 

[GrumpysWife]

Memorial Date

After Sundown

 

Friday, April 3

 

Keep doing this in remembrance of me.—1 Cor. 11:24.

 

‘With the clouds gone, we can see the crescent of the moon. That means the start of a new month, Nisan. Certainly, Jesus will want to head for Jerusalem in order to arrive before the Passover.’ We can imagine such thoughts coming to the mind of some who were with Jesus in Perea (across the Jordan) on his final trip to Jerusalem. (Matt. 19:1; 20:17, 29; Mark 10:1, 32, 46) Once the first day of the Jewish month Nisan was determined, the Passover would be held 13 days later, after sunset on Nisan 14. Today is the date of the Lord’s Evening Meal, which corresponds to the date of the Passover.—1 Cor. 11:23-25. w13 12/15 4:1-3

 

Memorial Bible reading:  (Daytime events: Nisan 13)  Matthew 26:17-19; Luke 22:7-13  (Events after sunset: Nisan 14)  Matthew 26:20-56

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, April 4

 

Keep on the watch and pray continually.—Matt. 26:41.

 

Peter, James, and John fell asleep while Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. Even after Jesus told them the above, they did not do so. (Matt. 26:40, 45) Instead of judging them harshly for failing to stay awake, however, we would do well to remember that the day had evidently taken quite a toll on their weak flesh. They had made preparations for the Passover and celebrated it that evening. Then Jesus instituted the Lord’s Evening Meal. (1 Cor. 11:23-25) “After singing praises, they went out to the Mount of Olives,” walking some distance through the narrow streets of Jerusalem. (Matt. 26:30, 36) By then, it may have been well past midnight. Rather than criticize the weary apostles, Jesus lovingly acknowledged that “the spirit . . . is eager, but the flesh is weak.” w13 11/15 1:8, 9

 

Memorial Bible reading:  (Daytime events: Nisan 14)  Matthew 27:1, 2, 27-37

 

[Tazzy]

I love this day text!

After struggling myself for so many years with the physical responsibilities laid at my feet, work, health related, and aging parents, the toil that takes on my emotional and mental and spiritual well being - well, has left me exhausted. Last night, just helping get my mom ready, in the van, out of the van, parking, dealing with my scent issues in a newly renovated venue with new carpet, paint, etc along with extra hairspray scents due to rainy weather, my son also needing my support (plus my daughter and dad too), and a few other situations that cropped up this week related to memorial attendance......

It took all I had to just get there and strain to hear the speaker from where I had to sit. If I hadn't helped my dad he could not have done it alone. And his supoort driving us to and from the venue ( I only did the parking so he could take mom in - plus I stayed back until the perfumes of those coming in could settle somewhat before I attempted to breathe in there - with my new bamboo carbon filter mask I still suffered the effects last night and a little still now) .... If we hadn't worked together to get there we would not have made it. But we did! Yet, I felt disconnected and exhausted and overwhelmed. That made me sad, until I read this daily text!!

Jesus and Jehovah understand the toil life sometimes takes on us. They understand when we try yet feel we've failed miserably!

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, April 5

 

Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?—Acts 1:6.

 

Some things mentioned in the Bible may not be fully understood now because it is not yet Jehovah’s due time for making them clear. Jesus again and again told his apostles that it would be necessary for him to suffer and be put to death. (Matt. 12:40; 16:21) But the apostles did not understand what he meant. They got the sense after his death and resurrection when he materialized a human body, appeared to a number of disciples, and “opened up their minds fully to grasp the meaning of the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:44-46; Acts 1:3) Likewise, until holy spirit was poured out on them at Pentecost 33 C.E., Christ’s followers did not comprehend that God’s Kingdom was to be established in heaven.—Acts 1:7, 8. w13 9/15 2:13, 14

 

Memorial Bible reading:  (Daytime events: Nisan 15)  Matthew 27:62-66  (Events after sunset: Nisan 16)  Matthew 28:2-4

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, April 6

 

You are the most handsome of the sons of men.—Ps. 45:2.

 

As a perfect man, doubtless Jesus was “handsome.” However, his outstanding handsomeness came from his faithfulness to Jehovah and his unbending integrity. Because of Jesus’ wholehearted devotion, Jehovah blessed him during his ministry on earth and rewarded him after his sacrificial death. The apostle Paul wrote: “When he [Jesus] came as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, yes, death on a torture stake. For this very reason, God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that . . . every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:8-11) Jehovah blessed Jesus “forever” by resurrecting him to immortal life.—Rom. 6:9. w14 2/15 1:5, 6

 

Memorial Bible reading:  (Daytime events: Nisan 16)  Matthew 28:1, 5-15

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, April 7

 

Who has created these things?—Isa. 40:26.

 

Jehovah’s power is revealed in two shields that keep us safe—the earth’s atmosphere and its magnetic field. The atmosphere, for example, does more than provide us with air to breathe. It also shields us from the majority of the debris that hurtles through space. Chunks of rock that could cause massive damage usually burn up on entering the earth’s atmosphere, creating beautiful bright streaks of light in the night sky. The earth’s magnetic field also protects us from harm. This shield originates deep inside the earth. The earth’s outer core, mostly made of molten iron, generates a powerful magnetic field that envelops us and stretches far into space. This field safeguards us from the radiation emanating from solar flares and explosions in the outer regions of the sun. Thanks to the earth’s magnetic field, these bursts of energy do not scorch all life on the surface of our globe. Instead, they are absorbed and deflected. w13 10/15 1:6, 7

 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, April 8

 

Little children, let us love, neither in word nor with the tongue, but in deed and truth.—1 John 3:18.

 

Customs may vary from land to land, but usually when we give our brothers and sisters a warm smile, a welcoming handshake, a relaxed greeting, we are signaling that we are genuinely interested in them. Who should take the initiative in this? Note the example Jesus set. Matthew reports that at a meeting with his disciples, “Jesus approached and spoke to them.” (Matt. 28:18) Likewise, elders today take the initiative to approach their fellow believers and speak to them. How can that affect the congregation? An 88-year-old pioneer sister observed: “The warm smiles and encouraging comments I receive from the elders when I enter the Kingdom Hall endear them to me.” Another faithful sister added: “It may be viewed as a little thing, but when an elder welcomes me to the meeting with a smile, it means a lot to me.” w13 6/15 1:6, 8

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, April 9

 

My own attendants I stationed at the gates that no burden might come in on the sabbath day.—Neh. 13:19.

 

What can we learn from Nehemiah’s example? (Neh. 13:15-21) One lesson is that we should limit our commercial interests. Otherwise, we might easily become distracted—or even divided in our affections—especially if we enjoy our secular work. Remember Jesus’ warning about slaving for two masters. (Matt. 6:24) Nehemiah had financial resources, but how did he use his time in Jerusalem? (Neh. 5:14-18) Instead of pursuing business contacts with the Tyrians or others, he devoted himself to helping his brothers and doing things that contributed to the sanctification of Jehovah’s name. Likewise today, Christian elders and ministerial servants focus on doing things for the benefit of the congregation, and their fellow believers love them for this spirit. As a result, there is love, peace, and security among God’s people.—Ezek. 34:25, 28. w13 8/15 1:13, 14

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, April 10

 

When the Son of man arrives in his glory, . . . then he will sit down on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him.—Matt. 25:31, 32.

 

Jesus’ prophecy about the last days reveals that he will for the very first time act as Judge of all nations after the destruction of false religion. Some of the events that will occur during that time are recorded at Matthew 24:30, 31. When you examine those verses, you will note that Jesus there foretells events that are similar to the ones he mentions in the parable of the sheep and the goats. For example, the Son of man comes with glory and with angels; all tribes and nations are gathered; those judged as sheep “lift [their] heads up” because “everlasting life” awaits them. Those judged as goats “beat themselves in lamentation,” realizing that “everlasting cutting-off” awaits them.—Luke 21:28; Matt. 25:33, 46. w13 7/15 1:12