Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2016

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, November 19

The eyes of Jehovah are everywhere, watching both the bad and the good.—Prov. 15:3.

Today, electronic eyes are everywhere. Should the widespread use of surveillance cameras in any way remind us of our loving Father, Jehovah? The Bible does say that his eyes “are everywhere.” But does this mean that he is constantly scrutinizing what we are doing? Does God watch over us merely to enforce his laws, with punishment in mind? (Jer. 16:17; Heb. 4:13) Not at all! Jehovah observes us primarily because he loves each one of us and is interested in our welfare. (1 Pet. 3:12) He shows this (1) by warning us when we show bad inclinations, (2) by correcting us when we take wrong steps, (3) by guiding us through principles found in his Word, (4) by helping us when we face various trials, and (5) by rewarding us when he notices the good in us. w14 4/15 5:1-3

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, November 20

I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One guiding you in the way you should walk.—Isa. 48:17.

Whether we are anointed Christians or we are members of the great crowd, we can experience the bright future promised in God’s Word. To do so, however, we must comply with Jehovah’s requirements. (Isa. 48:18) Consider the Israelites under the Mosaic Law. One purpose of the Law was to protect the people of Israel by giving them wholesome statutes regulating sexual conduct, business dealings, child care, proper treatment of fellow humans, and so forth. (Ex. 20:14; Lev. 19:18, 35-37; Deut. 6:6-9) Complying with God’s requirements benefits us in similar ways—and we certainly do not find it burdensome to do his will. (1 John 5:3) In fact, as the Israelites were safeguarded by the Law, our compliance with Jehovah God’s laws and principles not only protects us but also keeps us “healthy in the faith.”—Titus 1:13. w14 5/15 4:9

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, November 21

Do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it if it is within your power to help.—Prov. 3:27.

When we notice a good quality in another Christian, do we express how much we value that fine trait? In Romans chapter 16, Paul gave recognition to more than 20 fellow believers for qualities that made them dear to his heart. (Rom. 16:3-7, 13) There may be fine results when we give genuine commendation. For instance, each time we express appreciation for well-handled assignments or praiseworthy efforts, we give our fellow believers an incentive to serve Jehovah more fully. Jérôme, a missionary in French Guiana, has helped many young men to qualify for missionary service. He says: “I have noticed that when I compliment young brothers on specific points in their ministry or for giving well-thought-out comments, they grow in confidence. As a result, they develop their abilities further.” w14 6/15 4:15-17

[GrumpysWife]

I love this days text. There are so many ways to view what it means. As commendation, and financially, but to me the most important aspect of this scripture is that we owe love to our brothers and sisters. Sometimes we see them sad and lonely and in need of affection. Sometimes all it takes is a hug, a pat on the shoulder, or a kind word to make them feel better. Never should we hold back what is in our power to do to improve someone's outlook. 

[Alexa]

I love this days text. There are so many ways to view what it means. As commendation, and financially, but to me the most important aspect of this scripture is that we owe love to our brothers and sisters. Sometimes we see them sad and lonely and in need of affection. Sometimes all it takes is a hug, a pat on the shoulder, or a kind word to make them feel better. Never should we hold back what is in our power to do to improve someone's outlook. 

Thats very true sis vernalee when I was younger the kid in our hall was very funny... Meanwhile in our meeting he was trying to kiss my cheek... What a funny way he is Heb. 10:24, 25

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, November 22

We hear them speaking in our languages about the magnificent things of God.—Acts 2:11.

May we continue to treasure our privilege of being Witnesses of “the magnificent things” that Jehovah God has done and of his promises for the future. True, such witnessing is not always easy. Many of our brothers work in territories where there is a lot of apathy, ridicule, or outright persecution. We can do just as the apostle Paul and his companions did. Paul said: “We mustered up boldness by means of our God to tell you the good news of God in the face of much opposition.” (1 Thess. 2:2) So let us never give up. Rather, may we be determined to be true to our dedication as Satan’s system crashes in ruins. (Isa. 6:11) We cannot do this in our own strength, but following the example of the early Christians, we must pray that Jehovah by means of his spirit will give us “the power beyond what is normal.”—2 Cor. 4:1, 7; Luke 11:13. w14 7/15 4:6, 13

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, November 23

Pride is before a crash.—Prov. 16:18.

What power our sinful tendencies exert on us! Take, for example, pride. This trait can interfere with our listening to the voice of Jehovah and can lead us to take a disastrous course. A proud person has an exaggerated opinion of himself. He may feel that he has the right to do whatever he wants and that no one can tell him what to do. So he may feel that he is above the direction and counsel of fellow Christians, the elders, or even God’s organization. For such a person, the sound of Jehovah’s voice becomes very faint. During Israel’s wilderness trek, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against the authority of Moses and Aaron. Because of pride, the rebels made independent arrangements to worship Jehovah. How did Jehovah respond? He executed them. (Num. 26:8-10) What a crucial lesson this historical account teaches us! Rebellion against Jehovah leads to disaster.—Isa. 13:11. w148/15 4:10, 11

[Omoyeme]

6 hours ago, GrumpysWife said:

What a crucial lesson this historical account teaches us! Rebellion against Jehovah leads to disaster.

Yes, it does!   I can truly appreciate this scriptural reference. 

There are many fine examples in the Bible that come to mind of those who were haughty and prideful--but Jehovah "caused" His will on those who needed correction or punishment. At last week's CLAM meeting, the congregation book study conductor discussed with the audience "The Meaning of God's Name" (gkr, page 43) and how Jehovah "becomes" whatever is necessary to fulfill His  purposes.  Aside from Moses' account, he asked for other examples where God had "caused" his will to be fulfilled on others.  I answered to the account of arrogant King Nebuchadnezzar.  This king was so proud and boastful that he said: "Is this not Babylon the Great that I myself have built for the royal house by my own strength and might and for the glory of my majesty?"--Daniel 4:30  Jehovah had "caused" that king to behave like an animal for 7 years and subsequently restored his sanity where Nebuchadnrzzar humbly acknowledged that only Jehovah is the Most High in heaven and on earth.--Daniel 4:32, Psalms 83:18.

 

Side Note: Another haughty and proud king in the scriptures comes to mind also...but this king, who lost 185,000 men in one night, shall remain nameless! 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, November 24

Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.—Rom. 5:12.

The first to die was faithful Abel. (Gen. 4:8) Then Adam’s other offspring grew old and died. Did they inherit sin as well as death? The apostle Paul answers: “Through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners.” (Rom. 5:19) Sin and death inherited from Adam thus became implacable enemies of mankind, inescapable for imperfect humans. We cannot exactly describe all that was involved in passing on their sad inheritance to Adam’s immediate and more distant offspring, but passed on it was. Fittingly, the Bible refers to inherited sin and death as “the shroud that is enveloping all the peoples and the covering that is woven over all the nations.” (Isa. 25:7) This suffocating covering, or shroud, this intricate webwork of condemnation, entraps all people. So the fact is that “in Adam all are dying.”—1 Cor. 15:22. w14 9/15 4:8, 9

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, November 25

We are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.—2 Cor. 10:5.

We need to be vigilant in guarding against attacks on our spirituality. Has the world’s view of material pursuits made inroads into our lives? The things we love are usually evident by our thoughts and actions. Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21) To determine where our heart is leading us, it is good to examine ourselves from time to time. Ask yourself: ‘How much time do I spend thinking about money matters? Do concerns over business prospects, investments, or reaching out for a more comfortable lifestyle occupy large blocks of my time? Or do I strive to maintain an eye that is focused on spiritual matters?’ (Matt. 6:22) Jesus indicated that those who place primary emphasis on ‘storing up treasures on the earth’ put themselves in grave spiritual danger.—Matt. 6:19, 20, 24. w14 10/15 4:4, 5

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, November 26

Many peoples will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob.”—Isa. 2:3.

The flocking of many humans to worship Jehovah with his people in this time of the end was foretold by two ancient prophets. Isaiah prophesied the above. Likewise, the prophet Zechariah foretold that “many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem and to beg for the favor of Jehovah.” He depicted them as “ten men out of all the languages of the nations” who, symbolically speaking, would take hold of the robe of spiritual Israel, saying: “We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.” (Zech. 8:20-23) The “other sheep” “go with” the spiritual Israelites in the work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom. (Mark 13:10) They become a part of God’s people, “one flock” with the anointed, under “the fine shepherd,” Christ Jesus.—John 10:14-16. w1411/15 5:14, 15

[Tortuga]

I like the word focus.

When you move your eyes to the right or left, you are shifting your eyes and you know you aren't looking at the right thing , however if you are focused on an object you can shift your focus without shifting your eyes.

That means you can still be looking in the right direction and think you are looking at the right thing but if you are focused on something in front of or behind the object that you are supposed to be focused on, you have lost your focus.

It's easy to think we are looking in the right direction but we may actually be focused on the wrong thing. 

 

[Miss Bea]

Express this in three words. Perhaps my brain will kick in. Tomorrow.

[Alexa]

"Other sheep too

[GrumpysWife]

Preach the word!

[Tortuga]

sheep + shepherd = flock

Edited November 26, 2016 by Tortuga

[Miss Bea]

Okay, plagiarism. I confess. Sheep, anointed-flock. 

I was not early enough this morning. We have 4 in our group. I thank both of you! 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, November 27

Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.—Matt. 5:3.

When one has had many material things from childhood, there is a tendency not to appreciate them fully. For example, a person who grows up in a wealthy household may take for granted many of the things he has. This can be the case with youths who because of a lack of experience may not yet fully discern what things in life are truly valuable. For many in the world, life revolves around material things—a good salary, a nice home, or the latest high-tech devices. However, if these are our only concerns, something important is missing—spiritual riches. Sadly, millions today have not even begun to look for these. You young ones who have been raised by Christian parents must be careful not to lose sight of the value of what you have received in the form of a spiritual inheritance. A lack of appreciation could result in sad consequences that might affect you for the rest of your life. w14 12/15 4:1, 2

[Miss Bea]

Appreciate spiritual heritage!

[Life4u]

Appreciate spiritual riches.

[Alexa]

Continue spiritual heritage

[Manny2186]

(Matt. 5:3) Many in the world today have a false sense of happiness. Their "pursuit of happiness" revolves around material things, good salary and large gated homes. Jesus mentioned happiness in the very first word of His famous sermon. To survive we need to breathe and eat, but to be happy we have a need for understanding the purpose of life. Those who are conscious of their spiritual need are happy because we draw close to Jehovah. Hope is vital for happiness. Faith and a good relationship with Jehovah will bring us true happiness.

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, November 28

[Marry] only in the Lord.—1 Cor. 7:39.

The Song of Solomon provides lessons for unmarried Christians, especially for those looking for a mate. The young woman felt no love for Solomon. Putting the daughters of Jerusalem under oath, she said: “Do not try to awaken or arouse love in me until it feels inclined.” (Song of Sol. 2:7; 3:5) Why? Because it is simply not proper to develop a romantic attachment for just anyone who comes along. A Christian desiring to marry, then, is wise to wait patiently for the one he or she can truly love. A single person who wants to marry refrains from forming romantic ties with unbelievers and looks for a mate only among loyal worshippers of Jehovah. Moreover, to face life’s realities while maintaining marital peace and spiritual unity calls for faith in and devotion to God—desirable qualities to look for in a prospective marriage mate. Those are the very qualities that the shepherd and the young woman found in each other. w15 1/15 5:11, 14

[Miss Bea]

Wait! Marriage forever!

[Alexa]

Marry the Kingdom