Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2016

[rbrown1205]

Jehovah is a God of abundant generosity!

Edited September 15, 2016 by rbrown1205

[Musky]

Friday, September 16

Offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that make public declaration to his name.—Heb. 13:15.

Our lips should make public declaration to Jehovah’s holy name. Deaf brothers and sisters use sign language to render such praise to God. Housebound Christians praise him by letter writing, telephone witnessing, and preaching to attendants and visitors. Our sacrifice of praise—our giving praise to Jehovah by making known his name and proclaiming the good news—should be commensurate with our health and ability. It ought to be our best. (Rom. 12:1; 2 Tim. 2:15) Our sacrifices of praise are personal offerings voluntarily made to God because we love him. (Matt. 22:37, 38) You surely want your sacrifices of praise to be acceptable to Jehovah. Do you find that you are allowing television programs, video games, sports activities, or hobbies to distract you and interfere with your spiritual progress? w14 11/15 3:12-14

[GrumpysWife]

Thanks Chuck! Perfect. :-)

[Tortuga]

1 hour ago, GrumpysWife said:

Thanks Chuck! Perfect. :-)

I guess it's true, you can teach an old Borg new tricks...

[Miss Bea]

Sacrificing your sacrifice?

 My text in three words for tomorrow!

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, September 17

Go on bringing [your children] up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.—Eph. 6:4.

Is that an easy assignment? No! Children are faced with an onslaught of satanic propaganda as well as with their own imperfect inclinations. (2 Tim. 2:22; 1 John 2:16) Some parents have noted that communication is more challenging when their children become teenagers—they may tend to withdraw and feel awkward about revealing their thoughts and feelings. If that is true of your children, what can you do? Rather than force your son or daughter into long, serious discussions, try to take advantage of casual opportunities. (Deut. 6:6, 7) You may need to put forth extra effort to do things together. You might go for a walk or a drive with them, play a game, or work together on some chore around the house. Such informal settings may help adolescents feel at ease and more inclined to open up. w14 9/15 3:2, 4

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, September 17

Go on bringing [your children] up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.—Eph. 6:4.

Is that an easy assignment? No! Children are faced with an onslaught of satanic propaganda as well as with their own imperfect inclinations. (2 Tim. 2:22; 1 John 2:16) Some parents have noted that communication is more challenging when their children become teenagers—they may tend to withdraw and feel awkward about revealing their thoughts and feelings. If that is true of your children, what can you do? Rather than force your son or daughter into long, serious discussions, try to take advantage of casual opportunities. (Deut. 6:6, 7) You may need to put forth extra effort to do things together. You might go for a walk or a drive with them, play a game, or work together on some chore around the house. Such informal settings may help adolescents feel at ease and more inclined to open up. w14 9/15 3:2, 4

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, September 18

The Kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits.—Matt. 21:43.

In the first century C.E., Jehovah cast off the unfaithful nation of Israel. However, that did not mean that he would be without an organization of loyal servants on earth. Jehovah transferred his blessing to a dynamic new organization centered on Jesus Christ and his teachings. It had its start on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E. At that time, about 120 disciples of Jesus were gathered at a place in Jerusalem when “suddenly there was a noise from heaven, . . . and it filled the whole house.” Then “tongues as if of fire became visible to them and were distributed, and one came to rest on each one of them, and they all became filled with holy spirit and started to speak in different languages.” (Acts 2:1-4) This amazing event furnished undeniable evidence that Jehovah was backing the new organization, the one consisting of Christ’s disciples. w14 5/15 3:10, 11

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, September 19

The borrower is a slave to the lender.—Prov. 22:7.

Jehovah knows that we need some money. But money cannot protect and sustain us the way godly wisdom can. (Eccl. 7:12;Luke 12:15) In many cases, individuals underestimate the cost of going overseas to work, and there are no guarantees that they will make money abroad. In fact, there are grave dangers. Many emigrants return with even greater debt. Rather than being freer to serve God, they end up serving those to whom they owe money. The wise course is to avoid going into debt in the first place. Seek Jehovah’s direction before you make decisions and commitments, not after making them. Pray for his holy spirit, wisdom, and guidance. (2 Tim. 1:7) Ask the elders for Scriptural advice, and show your faith and trust in Jehovah’s promise to help you by following his counsel.—2 Cor. 1:24. w144/15 4:10, 17

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, September 20

It is enough! Now, O Jehovah, take my life away, for I am no better than my forefathers.—1 Ki. 19:4.

How did Jehovah feel when he looked down from heaven and saw his faithful prophet Elijah in despair? Did he reject his servant because he temporarily became depressed and lacked courage? Not at all! Jehovah took into account Elijah’s limitations and dispatched an angel. Twice the angel encouraged Elijah to eat. Thus, his upcoming journey would not “be too much for [him].” (1 Ki. 19:5-8) Yes, even before giving any directions, Jehovah listened to his prophet and took practical measures to sustain him. How can we imitate our caring God? We should not be quick to offer advice. (Prov. 18:13) It would be better first to take the time to express our empathy to those who may think that they are “less honorable” because of their personal circumstances. (1 Cor. 12:23) Then we would be in a position to act appropriately, according to the true need. w14 6/15 3:14-16

[Rocco]

It's amazing that Jehovah takes note of even those who become momentarily(temporarily) discouraged due to circumstances or limitations. We don't have visible  angels today  but Jehovah can manoeuvre brothers and sisters to console the depressed. Anxious care in the heart is what ways it down but a "good word" can do much to heal. 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, September 21

Look out that no one takes you captive by means of the philosophy and empty deception according to human tradition.—Col. 2:8.

Early detection of disease may save a person’s life. Similarly, we can avert disaster if we quickly identify tendencies that could lead us into temptation. As soon as we discover such leanings, it would be wise for us to take immediate action—before we are “caught alive by [Satan] to do his will.” (2 Tim. 2:26) What should we do if we notice that we have allowed our thinking and desires to drift away from what Jehovah requires of us? Without delay, we must humbly return to him, open our ears to his counsel, and listen to him with all our heart. (Isa. 44:22) We must realize that making a poor decision could scar us so badly that we may have to suffer serious consequences in this system of things. How much better it is to avoid going astray by acting promptly to prevent such a serious mistake! w14 8/15 4:7, 9

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, September 22

This is what you are to say to the Israelites, “I Will Become has sent me to you.”—Ex. 3:14.

To enhance our appreciation for the honor of bearing God’s name, it is good for us to meditate on its meaning. Commonly translated “Jehovah,” the divine name comes from a Hebrew verb that can describe action and can be translated “to become.” When commissioning Moses to lead God’s people out of Egypt, Jehovah revealed an aspect of his personality by using a related verb to describe his name, this time in the first person. The Bible record states: “God said to Moses: ‘I Will Become What I Choose to Become’ [or, “I Will Prove to Be What I Will Prove to Be”].” (Ex. 3:14, ftn.) Thus Jehovah, in any circumstance, will become whatever is needed to accomplish his purpose. To the once-enslaved Israelites, he proved to be a Deliverer, a Protector, a Guide, and a Provider who satisfied all their material and spiritual needs. w14 7/15 3:14, 15

[dilip kumar]

What could have Jehovah spoken instead of this words.?

He could have said, the creator has sent me

Or

Almighty God has sent me

And many other more.

But the usage of these words show that our Father is totally and totally focused on the accomplishment of his purpose, which is grand and majestic and very very important to him.


Sent from my C6802 using Tapatalk
 

Edited September 22, 2016 by dilip kumar

[Alexa]

To all, it might impressed Moses because he is a hebrew and the name is somehow related to his pronunciation as well... he wanted to make sure about it to the Israelites  

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, September 23

Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, so that . . . they may be eyewitnesses of your fine works and, as a result, glorify God.—1 Pet. 2:12.

We need to cultivate spiritual qualities that will help us to pass through “the great tribulation” into God’s righteous new world. (Rev. 7:14) Are we able to get along with people, including those whom we consider to be temperamental or overly sensitive? We do well to heed the words of the apostle Peter, who urged fellow believers: “Honor men of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers.” (1 Pet. 2:17) Whether we are at home, at work, at school, at play, or in the ministry, we make every effort to bring glory to Jehovah through our fine conduct. True, as imperfect humans, we all make mistakes. (Rom. 3:23) But by continuing to “fight the fine fight of the faith,” we can successfully win the battle against our imperfect flesh.—1 Tim. 6:12. w14 10/15 4:14, 16

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, September 24

As for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat from it.—Gen. 2:17.

After Eve was created, Adam informed her of God’s command. She knew it well and was able to repeat it almost verbatim. (Gen. 3:1-3) She did so to someone who presented himself as a serpent, a cautious creature. The one behind the serpent was Satan the Devil, a spirit son of God who had allowed himself to nurture a desire for independence and personal power. (Compare James 1:14, 15.) To achieve his evil ends, he accused God of lying. He assured Eve that reaching out for independence would result, not in death, but in becoming like God. (Gen. 3:4, 5) Eve believed him, asserted her independence by eating of the fruit, and persuaded Adam to join her. (Gen. 3:6, 17) The Devil had lied. (1 Tim. 2:14) Still, Adam “listened to [his] wife’s voice.” Though the serpent might have seemed to be a friend, Satan the Devil was in reality a cruel enemy who knew the fatal consequences of his suggestion to Eve. w14 9/15 4:3, 5

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, September 25

They found him in the temple.—Luke 2:46.

Jehovah gives us Christian meetings to help us learn to stick together. We have often read the encouragement found at Hebrews 10:24, 25. One purpose of these meetings is to “consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works.” It is significant, though, that the meetings are provided so that we can be “encouraging one another, and all the more so as [we] see the day drawing near.” As a youth, Jesus set a good example of appreciation for such arrangements. At the age of 12, he was with his parents at a large spiritual gathering. At one point, he was missing but not because he had wandered off to associate with other youths. Instead, Joseph and Mary found him engaged in a spiritual discussion with teachers at the temple. Attending Christian meetings is not something that only adult Christians can and should do. If you are a youth, do you take advantage of meetings to develop a bond of closeness with your spiritual family? w14 12/15 3:16-18

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, September 26

I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness.—Acts 20:29.

Toward the end of his third missionary journey, Paul warned members of God’s name people by saying the above. He added: “From among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:30) This foretold apostasy had clearly manifested itself by the end of the first century. (1 John 2:18, 19) After the death of the apostles, that apostasy blossomed and produced the churches of Christendom. Apostate Christians have even removed the divine name from many of their translations of the Bible. They have adopted pagan rituals and have dishonored God by their unscriptural dogmas, their “holy wars,” and their immoral conduct. Thus, for centuries, Jehovah had just a sprinkling of faithful worshippers on the earth but no organized “people for his name.”—Acts 15:14. w14 11/15 5:8, 9

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, September 27

The proconsul . . . became a believer.—Acts 13:12.

Because the Jews were so widely dispersed throughout the Roman world, many non-Jews became familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures. They learned that there is only one true God and that those who serve him are held to high ethical and moral standards. Moreover, the Hebrew Scriptures were filled with prophecies concerning the Messiah. (Luke 24:44) Both Jews and Christians understood that the Hebrew Scriptures were the inspired Word of God, which made it possible for Paul to establish common ground with those whose hearts were inclined toward righteousness. Accordingly, the apostle customarily entered synagogues of the Jews and reasoned with them from the Scriptures. (Acts 17:1, 2) The Jews regularly met together in synagogues or at open-air meeting places. They sang songs, prayed, and discussed the Scriptures. Similar practices are followed in Christian congregations today. w15 2/15 3:16, 17

 

[rbrown1205]

Often our behavior and dedication to Jehovah when publicly seen can lead to officials getting a good witness.  This is why how we act during conventions is so important.  The news sources consistently advertise them.

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, September 28

Love is as strong as death is.—Song of Sol. 8:6.

Love is a hallmark of a Christian marriage. But what type of love is this? Is it love governed by Bible principles? (1 John 4:8) Does it involve natural affection—the kind that family members have toward one another? Does this love consist of warm and tender attachment as found between true friends? (John 11:3) Is it romantic love? (Prov. 5:15-20) Actually, the true and abiding love between marriage mates includes all of them. Love is best sensed when it is expressed. How vital that marriage mates not allow the activities of daily life to rob them of exchanging expressions of affection! Such expressions can contribute much to their security and happiness. In those cultures where marriages are often arranged and the man and woman hardly know each other before the wedding day, their being conscious of the need to express love verbally to each other will help love to grow and the marriage to flourish. w15 1/15 5:9

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, September 29

There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be.—Matt. 25:30.

In the parable of the talents, the last slave buried his talent instead of doing business with it or even depositing it with the bankers. This slave showed a bad spirit, for he deliberately worked against the master’s interests. The master rightly pronounced him “wicked and sluggish.” The master took the talent away from him and gave it to the one who had ten. The wicked slave was then thrown “out into the darkness outside.” (Matt. 25:24-30; Luke 19:22, 23) Since this third slave hid his talent, was Jesus here indicating that one third of his anointed followers would prove to be wicked and sluggish? No. Rather, he was warning them of the need to remain diligent—to ‘do business’ with their talent—and avoid the attitudes and actions of a wicked slave. (Matt. 25:16) Jesus was warning his spiritual brothers about what would happen if they lost their sense of vigilance and did not prove to be prepared.w15 3/15 3:14, 15

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, September 30

One thing I have asked from Jehovah—it is what I will look for—that I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life.—Ps. 27:4.

As part of Jehovah’s organization, what joy we now have in telling others about God’s promised new world! (2 Pet. 3:13) “The meek will possess the earth,” says Psalm 37:11, “and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” People “will build houses and live in them” and will enjoy “the work of their hands.” (Isa. 65:21, 22) There will be no more oppression, poverty, and hunger. (Ps. 72:13-16) Babylon the Great will no longer deceive anyone, for she will not exist. (Rev. 18:8, 21) The dead will be resurrected and given the opportunity to live forever. (Isa. 25:8; Acts 24:15) What thrilling prospects exist for millions who have made a dedication to Jehovah! For such promises to become realities for us as individuals, we must continue to make spiritual progress, moving ahead with God’s organization, always keeping pace with it. w14 5/15 4:16, 17

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, October 1

Moses brought Aaron and his sons near and washed them with water.—Lev. 8:6.

The washing of Aaron’s sons prefigured the cleansing of those selected to be members of the heavenly priesthood. The washing of the anointed is accomplished “by means of the word,” and this requires that they wholeheartedly apply Christ’s teachings in their lives. (Eph. 5:25-27) They are thus sanctified and cleansed. Are the “great crowd” of Jesus’ other sheep also made holy and cleansed by means of God’s Word? (Rev. 7:9) Yes, they are! When those with the earthly hope read what the Bible says about the importance and effectiveness of Jesus’ shed blood, they put faith in these words and render “sacred service day and night.” (Rev. 7:13-15) The effect of this continual cleansing is evident as they ‘maintain fine conduct.’ (1 Pet. 2:12) How pleased Jehovah must be as he observes their cleanness and unity as they loyally follow their Shepherd, Jesus! w14 11/15 2:3-5