Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2016

[dilip kumar]

The word ALWAYS is the key point for our spiritual stability.

Then we will have the benefits of KNOWING how to speak

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[GrumpysWife]

Friday, May 13

The members of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary.—1 Cor. 12:22.

Paul’s illustration of the human body highlights that all members of the Christian congregation are useful. Unlike Satan, who strips humans of their dignity, Jehovah views all of his servants, including those who seem to be weaker, as “necessary.” (Job 4:18, 19) That thought should help each of us to feel good about our role in the local congregation and about being part of the congregation of God’s people earth wide. Think of a time, for example, when you held out your arm to an elderly person who was in need of help. You may have had to adjust your pace. Did not providing assistance serve a useful purpose as well as make you feel good? Yes, when we respond to the needs of others, we experience the joy of caring for them, and we grow in patience, love, and maturity. (Eph. 4:15, 16) Our loving Father knows that a congregation that values all members, regardless of their limitations, reflects balance and love. w14 6/15 3:5

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, May 14

You should be holy, because I, Jehovah your God, am holy.—Lev. 19:2.

The Israelites were commanded to train their children to observe God’s standards of holiness. (Deut. 6:6, 7) What a fine pattern this sets for Christian parents today, who must likewise train their children in the ways of holiness, thereby helping them to bring honor to God’s glorious name! (Prov. 1:8; Eph. 6:4) When the Israelites were faithful, they gave a fine witness to God’s name. They had been told: “All the peoples of the earth will have to see that Jehovah’s name has been called upon you, and they will be afraid of you.” (Deut. 28:10) Sadly, however, Israelite history was mostly a record of unfaithfulness. Time and again, they returned to the worship of man-made idols. Moreover, like the Canaanite gods they worshipped, they became cruel, sacrificing their children and oppressing the poor. What a powerful lesson this is for us to strive always to be holy in imitation of the Most Holy One, whose name we bear! w14 7/15 3:6, 7

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, May 15

Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.—Jas. 4:8.

Jehovah showed his love for the human family by creating our beautiful earthly home. He still expresses his love for us by sustaining our life by means of his marvelous physical provisions. (Acts 17:28; Rev. 4:11) More important, Jehovah looks after our spiritual needs. (Luke 12:42) He also assures us that he personally listens as we pray to him. (1 John 5:14) However, the foremost way in which God draws us to himself and we are drawn to him is through the love he expresses by means of the ransom. (1 John 4:9, 10, 19) Jehovah sent his “only-begotten Son” to the earth so that we might be delivered from sin and death. (John 3:16) Jehovah has made it possible even for people who lived before the time of Christ to benefit from the ransom. From the moment Jehovah prophesied about a future Savior for mankind, the ransom was as good as paid from his viewpoint, for he knew that his purpose would not fail.—Gen. 3:15. w14 8/15 3:7, 8

[Lee49]

One way we can draw close to God is by seeking first the Kingdom and not things as is pointed out in the July Watctower study article 2016. One of Satan's traps he uses to get our minds off of spiritual things ! Gotta have all that this world offers, bigger, nicer home, fancier automobile, updated cell phone/tablet/computer, clothes, TV's, RV's , etc. , great article to read for all to help us keep our perspective of what we really need vs what we want! Time is too short to be worrying about "things" concentrate on the spiritual things and move forward, Jehovah will take care of our material "needs"

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, May 16

The one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.—Prov. 13:20.

A child could drift away gradually on a spiritually dangerous path, being tempted by harmful association or degrading entertainment. To prevent such a situation from developing, act quickly if you recognize potential weak spots. Work at fortifying Christian qualities that your children have but that may need to be strengthened. (2 Pet. 1:5-8) The regular period for family worship is an excellent time for you to do that. In outlining this arrangement, the October 2008 Kingdom Ministrystated: “Family heads are encouraged to shoulder their responsibility before Jehovah to ensure that a meaningful, regular program of family Bible study is followed.” Are you taking full advantage of this loving provision to shepherd your children? Trust that your children deeply appreciate your putting priority on taking care of their spiritual need.—Matt. 5:3; Phil. 1:10. w14 9/15 3:10, 11

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, May 17

Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.—Matt. 5:16.

Moses was given specific instructions for building the tabernacle and organizing the priesthood, which he followed closely. (Ex. 39:32; 40:12-16) Even today, we benefit from his faithfulness in fulfilling that assignment. How so? The apostle Paul explained that those features of the Law were illustrative of “good things to come.” (Heb. 9:1-5, 9; 10:1) The work God gives his servants differs from time to time according to the progressive outworking of his purpose. Still, the work they have been assigned has always glorified Jehovah and benefited believing mankind. This certainly applies to the things Jesus accomplished, both during his prehuman existence and later while he was here on earth. (John 4:34;17:4) Similarly, the work assigned to us today glorifies Jehovah.—1 Cor. 15:58. w14 10/15 3:5, 6

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, May 18

You must not take vengeance nor hold a grudge against the sons of your people, and you must love your fellow man as yourself.—Lev. 19:18.

If we are to please Jehovah, we must hold firmly to his laws and principles, never adopting an unholy, compromising attitude toward them. Although we are not under the Mosaic Law, its requirements give us insight into what is acceptable or unacceptable in God’s sight. For example, Jehovah expects us to refrain from taking vengeance, and he wants us to avoid harboring a grudge. (Rom. 12:19) Were we to ignore divine laws and principles, the Devil would be delighted, and we might bring reproach on Jehovah. Even if someone has deliberately hurt us, let us not allow ourselves to be vessels in which resentment is stored. God has given us the privilege of being “earthen vessels” containing the treasure of the ministry. (2 Cor. 4:1, 7) Acidlike resentment does not belong in such vessels! w14 11/15 3:3, 4

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, May 19

Get out of this place, because Jehovah will destroy the city!—Gen. 19:14.

In the past, Jehovah was pleased to protect his people when they unitedly helped one another to face distressing times. Modern-day servants of God, whether young or old, can learn from Bible examples. One such example involved Lot. Lot and his family were in a perilous situation because destruction was going to come on Sodom, the city where they lived. God’s angels urged Lot to leave and to find safety in the mountainous region, saying: “Escape for your life!” (Gen. 19:12-22) Lot obeyed, and his two daughters cooperated with him in leaving the city. Sadly, others close to them did not. To the younger men who were engaged to Lot’s daughters, the older man “seemed to be joking.” That cost them their lives. Only Lot and his daughters, who stuck close to him, survived.w14 12/15 3:5, 6

[Stormswift]

Timely isn't it? I needed that today.

[New World Explorer]

good text !

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, May 20

A threefold cord cannot quickly be torn apart.—Eccl. 4:12.

The cornerstone of a secure marriage is loyalty and submission to the One who instituted marriage. Husbands and wives can include Jehovah in their marriage by following his loving guidance. The Bible says about God’s ancient people: “Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying, ‘This is the way. Walk in it,’ in case you should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.” (Isa. 30:20, 21) Today, couples can “hear” Jehovah’s word by reading God’s Word together. (Ps. 1:1-3) They can further strengthen their marriage by means of a Family Worship program that is both enjoyable and spiritually refreshing. Daily prayer together is also invaluable in building a marriage that can withstand the onslaughts of Satan’s world. When couples work hard to keep God in their marriage by engaging in spiritual activities together, they are bonded to God and to each other in a close and happy union. w15 1/15 3:5, 6

[Omoyeme]

Can someone please give me directions to "the city having the real foundation?"  

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, May 21

This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.—Matt. 24:14.

Jesus’ disciples knew that they could not accomplish the preaching work on their own. Jesus had said that he would be with them and that the holy spirit would assist them. (Matt. 28:20) In some respects, circumstances existing in the world of that day may have been favorable for Kingdom preaching. The book Evangelism in the Early Church states: “Probably no period in the history of the world was better suited to receive the infant Church than the first century AD . . . By the second century Christians . . . began to argue that it was a divine providence which had prepared the world for the advent of Christianity.” To what extent God maneuvered first-century developments to make extensive preaching work possible, the Bible does not say. But this much is certain: Jehovah wanted the good news to be preached, and Satan did not. w15 2/15 3:1, 5, 6

[Omoyeme]

...and then the end will come.

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, May 22

[He] entrusted his belongings to them.—Matt. 25:14.

The parable of the talents reveals that the master gave to one slave five talents, to another two, and to still another just one. (Matt. 25:15) Although each slave received a different number, the master expected all of them to be diligent in using the talents, that is, in serving to the best of their ability in the ministry. (Matt. 22:37;Col. 3:23) In the first century, starting at Pentecost 33 C.E., Christ’s followers began doing business with the talents. Their diligence in the preaching and disciple-making work is well-documented in the Bible book of Acts. (Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20) After the death of the apostles, Satan fomented apostasy, which flourished for many centuries. During that time, there were no sustained efforts to fulfill the commission to make genuine disciples of Christ. But that would all change during “the harvest,” that is, the last days.—Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43. w15 3/15 3:4, 8

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, May 23

Give me neither poverty nor riches.—Prov. 30:8.

Jehovah does not want his servants to live in abject poverty, and migration is one of the oldest remedies for poverty. (Ps. 37:25) To avoid starvation, the patriarch Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy food. (Gen. 42:1, 2) Today, most who choose to emigrate do not leave their homes because they are starving. They may, however, be laboring under crushing debt. Others simply desire to raise their family’s standard of living. In Jesus’ day, many people were likewise poor and disadvantaged, and they may have felt that they would be happier and more secure if only they had more money. (Mark 14:7) But Jesus wanted people to place their hope elsewhere. He wanted them to rely on the Source of lasting riches—Jehovah. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he explained that real happiness and security do not depend on material things, nor on our own efforts, but on our friendship with our heavenly Father. w14 4/15 3:4, 5

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, May 24

God is a God not of disorder but of peace.—1 Cor. 14:33.

Jehovah, the Creator of the universe, does things in an organized manner. His first creation was his only-begotten spirit Son, who is called “the Word” because he is God’s principal spokesman. The Word has served Jehovah for ages, for the Bible states: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” A little over 2,000 years ago, God sent the Word to the earth, where he faithfully did his Father’s will as the perfect man Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-3, 14) During his prehuman existence, God’s Son served loyally as His “master worker.” (Prov. 8:30) By means of him, Jehovah brought into existence many millions of other spirit creatures in heaven. (Col. 1:16) Regarding such angels, one Bible account informs us: “A thousand thousands kept ministering to [Jehovah].” (Dan. 7:10) God’s numerous spirit creatures are referred to as the well-organized “armies” of Jehovah.—Ps. 103:21. w14 5/15 3:1, 2

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, May 25

A word spoken at the right time—how good it is!—Prov. 15:23.

We can stimulate fellow believers to make spiritual advancement by working along with them. An elder might ask a young brother who is good at using computers to print some information from jw.org that could be encouraging for the elderly ones who do not have computers. Or if you are involved in doing work around the Kingdom Hall, why not invite a young brother to work along with you? Such initiatives will give you the opportunity to observe young ones and offer commendation and see the results. More and more people are joining with us in the worldwide congregation. All experienced Christians—not just elders—can help young brothers and new ones to achieve their full potential. Thus more and more will take up the full-time ministry, and more and more will be “qualified to teach others.”—2 Tim. 2:2. w14 6/15 4:18, 19

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, May 26

If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon you.—1 Pet. 4:14.

It is good for us to remember that in the first century, genuine Christians were hated by many—if not the majority—of their contemporaries. Can the inspired words of today’s text be applied to Jehovah’s Witnesses today? Yes, indeed, because we bear witness to Jesus’ kingship. Thus, being hated for bearing Jehovah’s name is the same as “being reproached for the name of [Jesus] Christ,” who said to his opposers: “I have come in the name of my Father, but you do not receive me.” (John 5:43) So the next time you experience opposition in your witnessing work, take courage. Such mistreatment is proof that you have God’s smile of approval and that his spirit “is resting upon you.” At the same time, remember that fine increases are being enjoyed in many parts of the world. w147/15 4:14-16

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, May 27

Guard against every sort of greed.—Luke 12:15.

Greed may start small, but if it is not curbed, it can grow rapidly and overcome a person. The Bible account of Achan illustrates the power of greed. Note how quickly Achan’s greed progressed. He stated: “When I saw among the spoil a good-looking official garment from Shinar and 200 shekels of silver and one gold bar weighing 50 shekels, I desired them, so I took them.” Instead of rejecting the wrong desire, Achan greedily stole the goods and hid them in his tent. When Achan’s wrongdoing came to light, Joshua told him that Jehovah would bring disaster upon him. Achan and his family were stoned to death on that very day. (Josh. 7:11, 21,24, 25) Greed is an ever-present danger that can overtake us. While we may occasionally have an unwholesome thought or imagine immoral things, it is vital that we bring our mind under control and not allow our desires to escalate to the point that we commit a sin.—Jas. 1:14, 15. w14 8/15 4:13

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, May 28

They embraced Paul and affectionately kissed him.—Acts 20:37.

Circuit overseers and their wives are often viewed as spiritually strong, resilient people. This is true of them, yet they too need encouragement, companionship in the ministry, and inclusion in a balanced amount of recreation. What if they get sick and are hospitalized, perhaps needing surgery or physical therapy? How refreshing they find it when local brothers and sisters assist with their needs and take a personal interest in them. We can imagine the concern that “the beloved physician” Luke, writer of the book of Acts, must have shown toward Paul and other traveling companions. (Col. 4:14; Acts 20:5–21:18) Traveling overseers and their wives need and cherish close friends. One circuit overseer wrote: “My friends seem to know when I need encouragement. They ask discerning questions, and this helps me to talk about what concerns me. Just by being good listeners, they are a great help.”w14 9/15 5:13, 14

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, May 29

Where are your gods that you made for yourself? Let them rise up if they can save you in your time of calamity.—Jer. 2:28.

Israel did not prove faithful to Jehovah. They allowed themselves to be influenced by nations that worshipped gods of wood and stone. Instead of producing fine fruitage by practicing pure worship and acting as Jehovah’s faithful witnesses, Israel produced the rotten fruitage of idolatry. (Hos. 10:1, 2) Thus, Jesus told the hypocritical Jewish leaders of his day: “The Kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits.” (Matt. 21:43) Only those in the “new covenant,” foretold by Jehovah through his prophet Jeremiah, could be part of that new nation, spiritual Israel. Of the spiritual Israelites who would be brought into that new covenant, Jehovah had prophesied: “I will become their God, and they will become my people.” (Jer. 31:31-33) Jehovah made spiritual Israel his people in the first century. w14 11/15 4:17-19i

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, May 30

Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus.—Phil. 2:5.

What sort of disposition did Jesus have? He was humble. Humility moved him to be self-sacrificing in his ministry. Preaching to others about the good news of God’s Kingdom was foremost in his mind. (Mark 1:38; 13:10) Jesus viewed God’s Word as the final authority. (John 7:16; 8:28) He diligently studied the Holy Scriptures so that he could quote them, defend them, and explain them. By being humble and zealous in our ministry and personal Bible study, we will be more Christlike in our thinking. Even in his exalted position, Jesus will humbly submit to his Father’s will, and so should we. (1 Cor. 15:28; Phil. 2:9-11) How so? By giving our wholehearted support to the work that we have been instructed to do, that is, to “make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matt. 28:19) Also, we want to “work what is good toward all,” doing good to our neighbor and to our brothers.—Gal. 6:10. w14 10/15 4:17, 18

[dilip kumar]

How is your health sis?

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