Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2016

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, August 26

We are members belonging to one another.—Eph. 4:25.

Jehovah is helping us “to serve him shoulder to shoulder.” (Zeph. 3:8, 9) He is training us to fit into his eternal purpose. What does that include? He purposes “to gather all things together in the Christ.” (Eph. 1:9, 10) Yes, he wants to unify all willing creatures throughout the universe, and he will succeed in doing this. Does that help you to see the need to work unitedly with Jehovah’s organization? Jehovah is teaching us to attain unity now, with the objective of having unity forever. Again and again, the Scriptures tell us to “have mutual concern for one another,” to “have tender affection for one another,” to “keep comforting one another,” and to be “building one another up.” (1 Cor. 12:25; Rom. 12:10; 1 Thess. 4:18; 5:11) Jehovah knows that Christians are imperfect, and this may make it challenging to be united, so we need to work at “freely forgiving one another.”—Eph. 4:32. w14 12/15 3:14, 15

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, August 27

Symeon [Peter] has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.—Acts 15:14.

At a meeting of the governing body of first-century Christians held in 49 C.E., the disciple James stated the above. This new people bearing Jehovah’s name would include both Jewish and non-Jewish believers. (Rom. 11:25, 26a) Later, Peter wrote: “You were once not a people, but now you are God’s people.” Peter outlined their mission by stating: “You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies’ of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Pet. 2:9, 10) They were to sound forth the praises of the One they represented and publicly glorify his name. They were to be courageous witnesses for Jehovah, the Universal Sovereign, “to the most distant part of the earth.”—Acts 1:8; Col. 1:23. w14 11/15 5:6, 7

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, August 28

“Tell me, are you a Roman?” He said: “Yes.”—Acts 22:27.

Roman citizenship offered valuable rights and immunities. Paul made use of his Roman citizenship on several occasions. Faced with scourging in Jerusalem, the apostle asked a Roman officer: “Is it lawful for you to scourge a Roman who has not been condemned?” It was not. When Paul pointed out that he was a Roman citizen by birth, “the men who were about to interrogate him under torture backed away from him; and the military commander became afraid.” (Acts 22:25-29) Paul’s citizenship under Roman law affected how he was treated in Philippi. (Acts 16:35-40) In Ephesus, the city recorder referred to the Roman legal system after he had calmed an angry mob. (Acts 19:35-41) Paul’s legal appeal while in Caesarea opened the way for him to make a defense of his faith before Caesar. (Acts 25:8-12) Thus, Roman law made possible “the defending and legally establishing of the good news.”—Phil. 1:7. w15 2/15 3:13, 14

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, August 29

More bitter than death is the woman who is like a hunter’s net, whose heart is like dragnets, and whose hands are like prison chains.—Eccl. 7:26.

True love was rare in the days of King Solomon of ancient Israel. He wrote: “One upright man out of a thousand I found, but a woman among them I have not found. This alone I have found: The true God made mankind upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” (Eccl. 7:27-29, ftn.) Largely as a result of the influence of foreign women who practiced Baal worship, moral standards had dropped so low in his day that Solomon found it difficult to find a man or a woman with good morals. Still, the poem he wrote some 20 years earlier, the Song of Solomon, shows that enduring love can exist between a man and a woman. It also vividly portrays what that love is like and how it is displayed. Both married and single worshippers of Jehovah can learn much about such love by carefully considering this Bible book. w15 1/15 5:2

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, August 30

You see, brother, how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews, and they are all zealous for the Law.—Acts 21:20.

If we are to have Jehovah’s favor and blessing as individuals, we must support his organization and accept adjustments in our understanding of the Scriptures. Consider this: After Jesus’ death, there were thousands of Jewish Christians who were zealous for the Law and found it hard to break free from it. (Acts 21:17-20) With the help of Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, however, they accepted the fact that they had been sanctified, not by means of sacrifices “offered according to the Law,” but “through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.” (Heb. 10:5-10) Undoubtedly, most of those Christians of Jewish descent adjusted their thinking and moved ahead spiritually. We too need to study diligently and be open-minded when there are adjustments in the understanding of God’s Word or in our preaching work. w14 5/15 4:15

mwb16 August p. 7 - Life and Ministry Meeting 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, August 31

Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things.—Matt. 25:21.

According to the parable of the talents, when the master comes, he finds that the first two slaves—the one given five talents and the one given two—have proved faithful, each doubling his talents. The master says the same thing to both slaves, as noted in today’s text. What, then, may we expect when the Master, the glorified Jesus, comes for judgment in the future? Those represented by the first two slaves—his hardworking anointed disciples—will already have received their final sealing before the great tribulation breaks out. (Rev. 7:1-3) Before Armageddon, Jesus will give them their promised heavenly reward. Those with the earthly hope who supported Christ’s brothers in the preaching work will have been judged as sheep and will be granted the privilege of living in the earthly realm of the Kingdom.—Matt. 25:34. w15 3/15 3:12, 13

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, September 1

You must love Jehovah your God.—Matt. 22:37.

If you have a loving relationship with Jehovah, you will be a ‘doer of the word, not a hearer only.’ (Jas. 1:22-25) A “doer” has faith that produces such works as zealous preaching activity and participation in Christian meetings. Because you really love God, you will obey Jehovah’s “perfect law,” which covers everything he requires of you. (Ps. 19:7-11) Love for Jehovah God will cause you to turn to him often in heartfelt prayer. Evidently alluding to the daily burning of incense under the Law covenant, the psalmist David sang: “May my prayer be as incense prepared before you [Jehovah], my uplifted hands like the evening grain offering.” (Ps. 141:2; Ex. 30:7, 8) May your humble petitions, your earnest supplications, and your heartfelt words of praise and thanksgiving to God be like the sweet-smelling incense that symbolizes acceptable prayers.—Rev. 5:8. w14 6/15 1:20, 21

[GrumpysWife]

 

Friday, September 2

Let everyone calling on the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.—2 Tim. 2:19.

No text in the Hebrew Scriptures matches Paul’s quote. So, what was the apostle referring to when he said the above? Immediately preceding this statement, Paul quoted fromNumbers chapter 16, which relates the account of Korah’s rebellion. The Bible says that Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, joined Korah as leaders of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron. (Num. 16:1-5) The account reads: “Jehovah then said to Moses: ‘Speak to the assembly and tell them, “Get away from around the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram!”’” Jehovah then put to death all who had rebelled. Conversely, loyal worshippers—who by moving away renounced unrighteousness—were preserved alive. It is possible, then, that Paul was referring to the account at Numbers 16:5, 23-27. Such a conclusion would be in harmony with Paul’s words: “Jehovah knows those who belong to him.”—2 Tim. 2:19. w147/15 2:4-7

[Jmystro]

I wonder how many put serious thought into this part:

 

 A “doer” has faith that produces such works as zealous preaching activity and participation in Christian meetings.

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, September 3

I will change the language of the peoples to a pure language, so that all of them may call on the name of Jehovah, to serve him shoulder to shoulder.—Zeph. 3:9.

Jehovah undeniably blesses the preaching work of Christian women and supports them in times of trial. With his help, for example, godly women maintained their integrity under Nazi and Communist rule when many of them suffered and some even lost their lives because of their obedience to God. (Acts 5:29) Today as in the past, our sisters and all their fellow worshippers uphold God’s sovereignty. In effect, as in the case of the ancient Israelites, Jehovah grasps their right hand and says: “Do not be afraid. I will help you.” (Isa. 41:10-13) In the near future, godly men and women will transform the earth into a paradise and help millions of resurrected ones to learn about Jehovah’s purposes. Until then, whether male or female, let us cherish our privilege of serving him “shoulder to shoulder.” w14 8/15 1:21, 22

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, September 4

This is the blood of the covenant that Jehovah has made with you.—Ex. 24:8.

By means of the Law covenant, the ancient nation of Israel was set apart as God’s chosen nation. Jehovah now became ‘their Judge, their Lawgiver, and their King.’ (Isa. 33:22) The history of Israel provides a record of what happens when God’s righteous standards are either observed or ignored. Since the Law forbade intermarrying with pagans and participation in false worship, it was designed to prevent Abraham’s line of descent from being contaminated. (Ex. 20:4-6; 34:12-16) Through that covenant, Israel had a unique opportunity and privilege to become “a kingdom of priests,” provided they met the stipulation to obey Jehovah’s laws. (Ex. 19:5, 6) Israel, however, failed to meet this requirement. Instead of esteeming the arrival of the Messiah, the primary part of Abraham’s offspring, the nation rejected him. Consequently, God rejected that nation. w14 10/15 2:3-5

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, September 5

Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial.—2 Pet. 2:9.

Today, many of our brothers and sisters have shown determination in enduring persecution. For example, in one country some Witnesses have endured almost 20 years of imprisonment because of maintaining their neutrality. They were denied visits even from family members, and some prisoners were beaten and subjected to various forms of torture. Our brothers elsewhere endure tribulations that arise suddenly. Should that happen to you, do not give in to fear. Think of Joseph. He was sold into slavery, but Jehovah “rescued him out of all his tribulations.” (Acts 7:9, 10) Jehovah can do the same for you. Will you continue to trust in Jehovah, knowing that he can deliver you from this wicked system of things and allow you to enjoy everlasting life under the rule of his Kingdom? You have every reason to do so and to face up to persecution courageously.—1 Pet. 5:8, 9. w14 9/15 2:9, 10

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, September 6

You must be holy.—Lev. 11:45.

In the book of Leviticus, holiness is referred to more often than in any other book of the Bible. Since this quality is a requirement for all genuine worshippers of Jehovah, understanding and appreciating Leviticus will help us to prove ourselves holy. The book of Leviticus, written by the prophet Moses, is part of “all Scripture” that is beneficial for teaching. (2 Tim. 3:16) Jehovah’s name appears an average of ten times in each chapter of the book. Getting the sense of Leviticus will strengthen us to avoid doing anything that would bring reproach on the divine name. (Lev. 22:32) The book’s frequent use of the words “I am Jehovah” should remind us to obey God. As recorded in Leviticus chapter 8, Jehovah selected Aaron to serve as Israel’s high priest, and his sons were to serve as priests in behalf of the nation. Thus, Aaron represents Jesus Christ and Aaron’s sons represent Jesus’ anointed followers. w14 11/15 2:1-3

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, September 7

He opened up their minds fully to grasp the meaning of the Scriptures.—Luke 24:45.

It was still the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Two of the disciples were walking to a village about seven miles (11.2 km) from Jerusalem. Not knowing that Jesus had been resurrected, they were heavyhearted because of recent events. Suddenly, Jesus appeared and started walking with them. He was able to comfort these disciples. How? “Starting with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them things pertaining to himself in all the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:13-15, 27) At that, their hearts started to burn within them as he clearly explained the Scriptures to them. (Luke 24:32) That same evening, these two disciples returned to Jerusalem. Finding the apostles, they related their experience to them. As they were speaking, Jesus appeared to all of them. However, his apostles were terrified. Doubts came up in their hearts. How did Jesus strengthen them? By doing what our text for today relates. w14 12/15 2:1, 2

[dilip kumar]

So we can be heavy hearted with day to day problems but scriptures explain us the reason

Sent from my C6802 using Tapatalk

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, September 8

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

Night has fallen, but a full moon bathes Jerusalem in soft light. It is the evening of Nisan 14, 33 C.E. Jesus and his apostles have celebrated the Passover, commemorating Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage 15 centuries earlier. With 11 loyal apostles, Jesus now institutes a special meal—one that will memorialize the death he will experience before this day ends. (Matt. 26:1, 2) Jesus says a blessing and passes unleavened bread to the apostles, saying: “Take, eat.” He takes a cup of wine, again offers thanks, and says: “Drink out of it, all of you.” (Matt. 26:26, 27) Jesus will not pass other food items to them, but he will have much more to tell his faithful followers on this momentous night. So it was that Jesus instituted the Memorial of his death, also called “the Lord’s Evening Meal.”—1 Cor. 11:20. w15 1/15 2:1-3

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, September 9

Speak consolingly to those who are depressed.—1 Thess. 5:14.

We can lift the spirits of depressed ones by expressing our genuine care and concern for them. We can offer sincere commendation to help them see their positive qualities and abilities. We can remind them that Jehovah drew them to his Son, so they must be precious in his eyes. (John 6:44) We can reassure them that Jehovah deeply cares for his servants who are “brokenhearted” or “crushed in spirit.” (Ps. 34:18) Our tender words can have a healing effect on those who need comfort. (Prov. 16:24) Elders have the responsibility to nourish, encourage, and refresh God’s sheep. (Isa. 32:1, 2; 1 Pet. 5:2-4) Hence, an elder who is tenderly compassionate does not try to control the sheep, making rules or using guilt to pressure them to do more when their circumstances do not permit them to. Rather, he endeavors to bring joy to their hearts, trusting that their love for Jehovah will move them to serve him as fully as possible.—Matt. 22:37. w15 2/15 1:16, 17

[hatcheckgirl]

42 minutes ago, GrumpysWife said:

We can remind them that Jehovah drew them to his Son, so they must be precious in his eyes

This point really touches my heart. Some brothers in the past were too quick to be judgemental with weaker ones, adding to their pain. I was even told that I had sinned against the HS, so deep was my anguish at the time. Not really helpful, hey? But look at how Jehovah reminds us how we should be - tenderly compassionate, refreshing, and trusting that their love for Jehovah will invigorate them to heal again. Nice text.

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, September 10

The door was shut.—Matt. 25:10.

Before the great tribulation starts, all the faithful anointed on earth will have received their final sealing. (Rev. 7:1-4) From then on, their calling is sure. But think about the years before the tribulation begins. What would happen to anointed ones who failed to remain watchful, who lost their integrity? They would lose their heavenly reward. Obviously, they would receive no final sealing prior to the start of the tribulation. By that time, other faithful ones would be anointed. When the tribulation starts, the foolish ones might be shocked to see the destruction of Babylon the Great. It may be only at that point that they realize that they are not ready for the arrival of the Bridegroom. At that late hour, if they in desperation ask for help, what would happen? Jesus’ parable gives us the grim answer. It would simply be too late.—Matt. 25:1-13. w15 3/15 2:4, 11

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, September 12

All things . . . that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them.—Matt. 7:12.

How can we apply this “Golden Rule” given by Jesus? Basically, by taking two steps. First, we should ask ourselves, ‘If I were in the other person’s shoes, how would I want to be treated?’ Then, we need to follow through, accommodating the other person to the extent possible. (1 Cor. 10:24) We often apply the Golden Rule in our dealings with fellow believers. But Jesus did not indicate that we should extend this consideration only to those related to us in the faith. He actually mentioned the Golden Rule when he was discussing how we are to treat people in general and even our enemies. (Luke 6:27, 28, 31, 35) If we are to apply the Golden Rule toward our enemies, how much more should we follow it when witnessing to people—many of whom may be “rightly disposed for everlasting life”!—Acts 13:48. w14 5/15 2:2, 3

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, September 13

Drawing near to God is good for me.—Ps. 73:28.

If we ponder over what the Bible says about Jehovah’s interactions with his faithful servants of the past, we will learn countless wonderful things about our God. Thus we will come to know Jehovah very well and come to love him deeply. As a result, we will be able to draw closer to him. (Ps. 25:14) We should never draw away from Jehovah. If we have allowed some distance to develop between him and us, we should act in accord with Hosea 12:6, which states: “Return to your God, maintain loyal love and justice, and always hope in your God.” Let us, then, draw closer and closer to Jehovah by reflecting appreciatively on the ransom and by diligently studying his Word, the Bible. (Deut. 13:4) May all of us continue to learn new things about Jehovah and come to appreciate even more the many reasons to love him. And may Jehovah draw ever closer to us now and throughout all eternity! w14 8/15 3:16, 18, 19

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, September 14

Do not say: “I will do to him just as he has done to me.”—Prov. 24:29.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I will give him a taste of his own medicine”? Jesus recommended a more positive way of handling difficult situations. This rule of conduct is so well-known that it is often called the Golden Rule: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.” (Luke 6:31) Jesus meant that we should treat people the way we would like to be treated and not repay unkindness with unkindness. In marriage, it means that we need to put into the relationship what we hope to get out of it. Married people strengthen their relationship when they are sensitive to their mate’s feelings. “We have tried to put the Golden Rule into practice,” says a husband in South Africa. “True, there are times when we’re upset, but we have worked hard to treat each other the way we would like to be treated—with respect and dignity.” w15 1/15 3:14, 15

[rbrown1205]

This is a good example of why we should regularly do our Bible reading.  This verse seems to be a foregleam of Jesus' Golden Rule, just like the scripture in Leviticus 19:18 about loving one's fellow man as oneself.  It is a reminder of the importance of the second greatest commandment, and also the definition of what is a Christian John 13:34-35

Edited September 14, 2016 by rbrown1205
typo

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, September 15

Tell them to work at good, . . . safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, so that they may get a firm hold on the real life.—1 Tim. 6:18, 19.

Despite our weaknesses and imperfections, Jehovah is pleased to use us as his fellow workers. How we cherish our privilege of working with our God in these last days! Thus, we should be willing to postpone the pursuit of many of our personal interests, knowing that in his new world, Jehovah will allow us to enjoy “the real life”—everlasting life in happy, peaceful conditions. Think of what Moses told the Israelites shortly before they entered the Promised Land: “Jehovah your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hands.” (Deut. 30:9) Once Armageddon is past, those who have been busy working with God will take possession of the land that he has promised them. Then, we will direct our attention to a new work assignment—making the earth a beautiful paradise! w1410/15 3:18, 19

[Alexa]

1 Timothy 6:18, 19 - Tell them to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be generous, ready to share, 19 safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, so that they may get a firm hold on the real life.

 

Deuteronomy 30:9 - Jehovah your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hands, multiplying your children and your livestock and the produce of your ground, for Jehovah will again delight to make you prosper, just as he delighted in your forefathers.

 

___

 

w1410/15 3:18, 19 says...

 

18 Despite our weaknesses and imperfections, Jehovah is pleased to use us as his fellow workers. How we cherish our privilege of working with our God in these last days! Thus, we should be willing to postpone the pursuit of many of our personal interests, knowing that in his new world, Jehovah will allow us to enjoy “the real life”—everlasting life in happy, peaceful conditions.—1 Tim. 6:18, 19.

 

19. What future prospect does Jehovah hold out for us?

19 Standing as we are on the threshold of the new world, think of what Moses told the Israelites shortly before they entered the Promised Land: “Jehovah your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hands.” (Deut. 30:9) Once Armageddon is past, those who have been busy working with God will take possession of the land that he has promised them. Then, we will direct our attention to a new work assignment—making the earth a beautiful paradise!