Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2016

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, October 29

[Teach] them to observe all the things I have commanded you.—Matt. 28:20.

Does the commission to preach really apply to those who are not anointed with holy spirit? Yes. Jesus instructed all his disciples to preach. After he was resurrected, Jesus told his followers to make disciples, teaching them to observe “all the things” he had commanded. Included among those commands was the commission to preach. (Matt. 28:19) Therefore, all disciples of Christ are to preach, whether their hope is to rule in heaven or to live on earth. (Acts 10:42) Also, the book of Revelation indicates that the preaching work would be done both by the anointed and by others. In the vision recorded in chapter 22, John sees others, who are not of the bride class. They too are told to say, “Come!” This second group are those who have the hope of living on earth. Therefore, this vision clearly indicates that all who accept the invitation to “come” have the responsibility to preach to others. w15 3/15 4:11-13

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, October 30

So it will be in the conclusion of the system of things.—Matt. 13:40.

“The conclusion of the system of things” began in 1914. During the war that broke out that year, the few thousand anointed Christians, “the sons of the Kingdom,” were in spiritual captivity to Babylon the Great. (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43) In 1919, Jehovah delivered them, making a clear distinction between them and “the weeds,” or imitation Christians. He gathered “the sons of the Kingdom” into an organized people, in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. (Isa. 66:8) Zion, Jehovah’s organization of spirit beings, brought forth her spirit-anointed sons and organized them into a nation. Just like the early Christians, the anointed “sons of the Kingdom” were to be witnesses of Jehovah. (Isa. 43:1, 10, 11) As such, they would stand out as different by their Christian conduct and by their preaching “this good news of the Kingdom . . . for a witness to all the nations.”—Matt. 24:14; Phil. 2:15. w14 11/15 5:11, 12

[SUNRAY]

I find this text comment interesting as far as referring to angels as "spirit beings".

[SUNRAY]

22 minutes ago, SUNRAY said:

I find this text comment interesting as far as referring to angels as "spirit beings".

In some articles angels are referred to as "spirit creatures".. must do more research!

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, October 31

Your expressions of affection are better than wine.—Song of Sol. 1:2.

Expressions of affection between marriage mates have a positive effect. King Solomon offered to make for the Shulammite girl “gold ornaments studded with silver.” He showered her with praise, saying that she was “as beautiful as the full moon, as pure as the sunlight.” (Song of Sol. 1:9-11; 6:10) But the young woman remained loyal to her beloved shepherd. What strengthened and comforted her during their separation? She tells us. It was the memory of the shepherd’s “expressions of affection.” For her, they proved to be “better than wine” that makes the heart rejoice, and his name was as soothing as “fragrant oil poured out” on the head. (Song of Sol. 1:3, 4; Ps. 23:5; 104:15) Yes, the pleasant memory of love that has been expressed can enhance the enduring quality of love. How important it is that marriage mates express their affection for each other often! w15 1/15 5:10

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, November 1

I have become all things to people of all sorts, so that I might by all possible means save some.—1 Cor. 9:22.

If someone you meet in the ministry seems to be belligerent, could it be that he is under pressure or dealing with a serious health problem? In many cases, householders who initially were upset have responded favorably when Jehovah’s people treated them with mildness and respect. (Prov. 15:1; 1 Pet. 3:15) Many experiences have been published in the Watchtower series “The Bible Changes Lives.” Some of the people featured in these articles were formerly thieves, drunkards, gang members, or drug addicts. Others were politicians, religious leaders, or career-focused individuals. Some were pursuing an immoral lifestyle. Yet, all of them heard the good news, accepted a Bible study, made changes in their lives, and came into the truth. Therefore, we should never assume that certain people are beyond the reach of the Kingdom message.—1 Cor. 6:9-11. w14 5/15 2:7, 8

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, November 2

You heard that it was said: “You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”—Matt. 5:43.

To the above, Jesus added: “However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens.” (Matt. 5:44, 45) The apostle Paul made a similar point when he wrote: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” (Rom. 12:20; Prov. 25:21) According to the Mosaic Law, a person was to help an enemy to free his animal that had fallen under its load. (Ex. 23:5) By working together in such a way, former enemies might become good friends. Because Christians show love, many of our enemies have softened their heart toward us. If we show love for our enemies—even rabid persecutors—how happy we will be if some of them embrace true Christianity! w14 6/15 2:8

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, November 3

Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord.—Eph. 5:10.

Differences of opinion regarding entertainment can result in “foolish and ignorant debates.” (2 Tim. 2:23) Of course, when individuals promote entertainment that violates Jehovah’s moral standards, Christian elders should not tolerate such behavior simply to avoid controversy. (Ps. 11:5; Eph. 5:3-5) Still, elders are careful not to promote their personal views. In the matter of entertainment, our organization does not review specific movies, video games, books, or songs in order to rule on what we should avoid. Why not? The Bible encourages each individual to train his “powers of discernment . . . to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) The Scriptures set forth basic principles that a Christian can weigh when selecting entertainment. The Bible teaches that family heads have a measure of authority, so they may choose not to allow certain entertainment in their household.—1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 6:1-4. w14 7/15 2:11, 12

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, November 4

This is so that they may believe that Jehovah . . . has appeared to you.—Ex. 4:5.

God put in Moses’ hand the means by which he could prove that his message was from Jehovah. What seemed to others like nothing more than a rod came to life by God’s power! What force such a miracle would add to Moses’ words, proving conclusively that he had Jehovah’s backing! Hence, Jehovah told him: “You will take this rod in your hand and perform the signs with it.” (Ex. 4:17) With that proof of God’s authority in his hand, Moses could go forth and confidently represent the true God before his own people and before Pharaoh. (Ex. 4:2-4, 29-31; 7:8-13) The same question may be asked of us when we go forth to share the Bible’s message with others: “What is that in your hand?” In many cases, the Bible will be in our hand, ready for use. Although some may view the Bible as nothing more than a book, Jehovah speaks to us through his inspired written Word.—2 Pet. 1:21. w14 8/15 2:5, 6

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, November 5

This is what Jehovah has commanded us to do.—Lev. 8:5.

The requirement that Israel’s priesthood be physically clean has real meaning for Jehovah’s people today. (Lev. 8:6) Those with whom we study the Bible often notice that our places of worship are clean and also how neat and well-dressed we are. Yet, the cleanness of the priesthood helps us to realize that anyone who ascends the elevated mountain of Jehovah’s worship must have “a pure heart.” (Ps. 24:3, 4;Isa. 2:2, 3) Our sacred service to God must be rendered with cleansed minds and hearts as well as with clean bodies. This calls for frequent self-examination, after which some may need to make significant changes so that they can be holy. (2 Cor. 13:5) For instance, a baptized person who deliberately views pornography should ask himself, ‘Am I proving myself holy?’ Then he ought to get help to end that vile practice.—Jas. 5:14. w14 11/15 2:3, 6

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, November 6

[Jesus] took a loaf, said a blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “Take it; this means my body.”—Mark 14:22.

On that highly important occasion in 33 C.E., Jesus used unleavened bread left over from the Passover meal. (Ex. 12:8) In the Scriptures, leaven at times denotes corruption or sin. (Matt. 16:6, 11, 12; Luke 12:1) Thus, Jesus’ use of unleavenedbread was significant because it fittingly represented his sinless body. (Heb. 7:26) So bread of that kind is used at the Memorial. The wine that Jesus used on Nisan 14, 33 C.E., represented Jesus’ blood, as does the Memorial cup of wine today. At Golgotha, a place outside Jerusalem, his blood was poured out “for forgiveness of sins.” (Matt. 26:28; 27:33) Because the Memorial bread and wine symbolize Jesus’ priceless sacrifice offered in behalf of obedient mankind and we appreciate that loving provision, it is appropriate that we personally prepare for the annual observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal. w15 1/15 2:6-8

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, November 7

Finally he struck down all the firstborn of Egypt.—Ps. 78:51.

In the month of Nisan 1513 B.C.E., Jehovah told Moses and Aaron to convey these unusual instructions to the Israelites: Select a healthy male sheep or goat, slaughter it, and splash its blood on your doorways. (Ex. 12:3-7) How did Moses respond? The apostle Paul later wrote of him: “By faith he observed the Passover and the splashing of the blood, so that the destroyer might not harm their firstborn.” (Heb. 11:28) Moses knew that Jehovah is trustworthy, and he exercised faith in Jehovah’s promise to execute the firstborn sons in Egypt. Moses’ own sons were apparently in Midian, far away from “the destroyer.” (Ex. 18:1-6) Yet, he obediently instructed other Israelite families whose firstborn sons were in danger. Lives were at stake, and Moses loved his fellow man. “Promptly,” the Bible states, Moses “called all the elders of Israel and said to them: . . . ‘Slaughter the Passover sacrifice.’”—Ex. 12:21. w14 4/15 2:10, 11

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, November 8

They spoke the word only to the Jews.—Acts 11:19.

The Jews in general did not accept the good news, and calamity was to befall them, for Jesus had warned his disciples: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near. Then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains, let those in the midst of her leave, and let those in the countryside not enter into her.” (Luke 21:20, 21) What Jesus foretold took place. Because of a Jewish revolt, Roman armies led by Cestius Gallus surrounded Jerusalem in 66 C.E. Those forces suddenly withdrew, however, and that gave Jesus’ followers an opportunity to leave Jerusalem and Judea. According to the historian Eusebius, many fled across the Jordan River to Pella in Perea. In 70 C.E., Roman armies under General Titus returned and devastated Jerusalem. However, faithful Christians survived because they heeded Jesus’ warning. w145/15 3:14, 15

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, November 9

The precious things of all the nations will come in.—Hag. 2:7.

When parents watch their children play, they are often amazed by the inborn abilities the young ones have. One child may appear to have natural agility or athletic ability, while a sibling seems more at ease with board games or some art or craft. But regardless of their children’s gifts, parents find pleasure in discovering their potential. Jehovah too takes a keen interest in his earthly children. They are precious particularly because of their faith and devotion. Yet, they have many different talents. Some brothers are gifted at public speaking, whereas others excel at organizing matters. Many sisters have a knack for learning foreign languages and use them in the ministry, while others are outstanding examples of giving support to those who need encouragement or of caring for the sick. (Rom. 16:1, 12) Do we not appreciate being in the congregation with all such Christians? w14 6/15 4:1, 2

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, November 10

[Jesus] was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.—1 Pet. 3:18.

Jehovah resurrected Jesus, not as a human, but as an immortal spirit creature. In proof of this, the Lord Jesus materialized in human form and gave evidence that he had come back to life. On the very day of his resurrection, he made at least five appearances to different disciples. (Matt. 28:8-10; Luke 24:13-16, 30-36; John 20:11-18) The fifth time Jesus appeared was to present himself to his apostles and others who were gathered with them. On that memorable occasion, he conducted, as it were, a study of God’s Word. “He opened up their minds fully to grasp the meaning of the Scriptures.” Thus they came to understand that his death at the hands of God’s enemies and his miraculous resurrection had been foretold in the Scriptures. At the conclusion of that resurrection-day meeting, Jesus made clear to his audience what their responsibility was.—Luke 24:44-48. w14 7/15 4:3, 4

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, November 11

[My people] have abandoned me, the source of living water, and dug for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that cannot hold water.—Jer. 2:13.

Satan the Devil is intent on neutralizing the lifesaving guidance we receive from Jehovah. Moreover, our own ‘treacherous heart’ could interfere with how well we respond to Jehovah’s directives. (Jer. 17:9) Satan tries to influence the thinking of people by providing false information and deceptive propaganda. (1 John 5:19) In addition to printed material, the globe—including remote parts of the earth—is blanketed with broadcasts via radio, TV, and the Internet. Although such sources may feature items of interest, they often advocate conduct and standards that are contrary to Jehovah’s standards. For example, the news and entertainment industries speak of same-sex marriage as if it were acceptable, and many people feel that what the Bible says about homosexuality is extreme.—1 Cor. 6:9, 10. w148/15 4:3, 4

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, November 12

Miserable man that I am!—Rom. 7:24.

What causes some zealous servants of Jehovah to become discouraged? There could be a number of reasons. Some may simply have a tendency to think badly of themselves and their circumstances in life. (Prov. 15:15) For others, negative feelings might be rooted in a physical disorder that affects the emotions. Whatever the cause, we must remember who wants to exploit those feelings. Really, who wants us to get so discouraged that we give up? Who wants you to feel the same weighty condemnation that looms over him? (Rev. 20:10) It is Satan, of course. The truth is, whether by means of some frontal attack or through more subtle attacks, Satan has the same goal—to worry us, to weaken our zeal, and to cause us to quit. Make no mistake, God’s people are involved in spiritual warfare! Be determined not to give up the fight. Keep focused on the reward.—2 Cor. 4:16, 17. w14 9/15 2:12, 14, 15

[Omoyeme]

Romans 8:38, 39.

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, November 13

This means my “blood of the covenant,” which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins.—Matt. 26:28.

God could apply the value of Jesus’ shed blood to Adam’s descendants. He could also adopt certain devoted humans “as sons” by anointing them with holy spirit. (Rom. 8:14-17) Being considered to be without sin in God’s eyes, they would in a sense be like Jesus, the sinless Son of God. These anointed ones would become “joint heirs with Christ” and have the opportunity of becoming “a kingdom of priests.” (Ex. 19:6) This was a privilege that the nation of Israel under the Law could have had. Concerning the “joint heirs with Christ,” the apostle Peter stated: “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.” (1 Pet. 2:9) How vital the new covenant is! It enables Jesus’ disciples to become the secondary part of Abraham’s offspring. w14 10/15 2:8, 9

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, November 14

Do not drink wine or other alcoholic beverages . . . when you come into the tent of meeting.—Lev. 10:9.

Does that passage mean that we must not drink anything alcoholic before going to a Christian meeting? Think about these points: We are not under the Law. (Rom. 10:4) In some lands, our fellow believers use alcoholic beverages in moderation at meals before attending meetings. Four cups of wine were used at the Passover. When instituting the Memorial, Jesus had his apostles drink wine that represented his blood. (Matt. 26:27) The Bible condemns heavy drinking and drunkenness. (1 Cor. 6:10; 1 Tim. 3:8) And many Christians would feel impelled by their conscience to abstain completely from alcoholic beverages before engaging in any form of sacred service. However, circumstances vary from one country to another, and the important thing is for Christians to conduct themselves with holiness that pleases God.—Lev. 10:10. w14 11/15 3:18

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, November 15

Be patient.—Jas. 5:7.

We have to admit that we have no control over the spiritual growth of a Bible student. Modesty on our part will help us to avoid the temptation to pressure or force a student to get baptized. We do all we can to assist and support the person, but we humbly admit that ultimately the decision to make a dedication belongs to that person. Even though the seed we sow does not bear fruit, if we have done our best to help the student, we realize that this outcome is not a sign of unfaithfulness on our part. Jehovah allows the seed of truth to flourish only in a humble heart that is willing to make changes. (Matt. 13:23) So we should not judge the effectiveness of our ministry merely by the results. In Jehovah’s eyes the success of our ministry is not determined by the response of those whom we teach. Rather, he treasures our faithful efforts regardless of the results.—Luke 10:17-20; 1 Cor. 3:8. w14 12/15 2:6, 7

[GeordieGirl]

What a beautiful text today, especially the second half.  I know for myself I feel like I have let Jehovah down if bible studies in the past haven't progressed, but today's text reminds us that Jehovah is the one who makes our planted and watered seeds grow.  

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, November 16

Clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.—Col. 3:14.

Self-sacrificing, Christlike love is the mortar that binds the building blocks of a sturdy marital union. It makes the marriage unbreakable in the face of irritating personality flaws, daunting health challenges, distressing financial crises, and challenging in-law issues. True, it takes loving devotion, loyal commitment, and earnest effort to make a marriage succeed. Rather than abandoning the marriage when difficulties arise, marriage partners should be determined to make their relationship thrive—not just survive. Christian couples who are devoted to Jehovah and to each other are motivated by their love for God and for each other to resolve their difficulties, for “love never fails.” (1 Cor. 13:8; Matt. 19:5, 6; Heb. 13:4) Building a strong and happy marriage is particularly challenging in the “critical times” in which we live. (2 Tim. 3:1) But with Jehovah’s help, it is possible. w15 1/15 3:18-20

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, November 17

Be courageous and strong of heart. Yes, hope in Jehovah.—Ps. 27:14.

We get courage by trusting in God and following the steps of his Son. (Ps. 28:7) During his ministry, Jesus showed courage in various ways. He boldly exposed the religious leaders for misleading the people with false teachings. (Matt. 23:13-36) He stood firm against the world’s contaminating influence. (John 16:33) He continued to preach despite pressure from opposers. (John 5:15-18; 7:14) Twice, he fearlessly cleansed the temple, driving out those who were defiling the worship there. (Matt. 21:12, 13; John 2:14-17) In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus fearlessly identified himself to the soldiers who came to arrest him. Although his own life was in danger, he spoke up to protect his disciples. (John 18:1-8) When questioned before the Sanhedrin, he boldly affirmed that he was both the Christ and the Son of God, even though he knew that the high priest was looking for an excuse to have him killed.—Mark 14:60-65. w15 2/15 2:3, 5, 6

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, November 18

I do not know you.—Matt. 25:12.

In the parable of the ten virgins, was Jesus saying that many of his anointed servants would prove unfaithful and need to be replaced? (Matt. 25:1-13) No. Remember, he had just warned his “faithful and discreet slave” never to turn into an evil slave. (Matt. 24:45-51) That did not mean that he expected such an outcome. Similarly, this parable conveys a powerful warning. Just as five virgins were foolish and five were discreet, each anointed one has the full capacity to choose either a course of preparedness and vigilance or a course of folly and unfaithfulness. The apostle Paul was inspired to make a similar point when addressing his anointed fellow Christians. (Heb. 6:4-9; compare Deuteronomy 30:19.) Note that Paul’s warning was very firm, but he followed it up with a loving expression of his confidence that “better things” lay ahead of his Christian brothers and sisters. Christ knows that each of his anointed servants can remain faithful and receive the thrilling reward! w15 3/15 2:13