Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2016

[Vido]

Moses was a stirling example for us to emulate...though very educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians...this did not blind him to what should have been more preeminent in his life. That of liberating the Israelites from the harsh bondage of the Israelites.

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, February 29

If you will strictly obey my voice and keep my covenant, you will certainly become my special property out of all peoples, . . . a holy nation.—Ex. 19:5, 6.

Jehovah made a covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai and gave them that historic promise. While in Egypt, before they were reduced to slavery, the Hebrews were organized as a tribal society, administrated by family heads, or patriarchs. These family heads, like the servants of Jehovah who lived before them, acted as rulers, judges, and priests to their households. (Gen. 8:20; 18:19; Job 1:4, 5) Through Moses, however, Jehovah gave the Israelites a law code that would distinguish them from all other nations. (Deut. 4:5-8; Ps. 147:19, 20) The Law established a separate priesthood, and justice was administered by “the elders,” who were respected for their knowledge and wisdom. (Deut. 25:7, 8) The Law codified the religious and social activities of the newborn nation. w14 11/15 4:8, 9

[Vido]

The instruction here was simple....obey my voice and keep my covenant....to continue gaining favour with Jehovah. The Israelites failed on that fundermental point...and thus eventually lost Jehovah's favour  and incured his wrath.  

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, March 1

I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry, although formerly I was a blasphemer.—1 Tim. 1:12, 13.

How can we imitate Paul’s fine example in cultivating and expressing gratitude? Like Paul, we need to meditate on what Jehovah has done for us personally. (Ps. 116:12) If you were asked, ‘What blessings from Jehovah are you grateful for?’ how would you answer? Would you include your precious relationship with Jehovah? Or the forgiveness that you receive because of your faith in Christ’s ransom sacrifice? Would you relate the names of brothers and sisters who have stood by you during various difficult trials? Of course, your beloved marriage mate or your precious children would not escape your mention. Taking time to meditate on such beautiful blessings from your loving Father, Jehovah, will fill your heart with gratitude and will move you to give thanks every day.—Ps. 92:1, 2. w15 1/15 1:5, 6

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, March 2

When Michael the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms.—Jude 9.

As Michael the archangel, Jesus “had a difference with the Devil” and “was disputing” with that wicked one. The issue involved “Moses’ body.” Recall that after Moses died, Jehovah buried the body in an unknown location. (Deut. 34:5, 6) Whatever evil purpose the Devil had in mind for Moses’ remains, Michael took a courageous stand. One reference work notes that the Greek terms rendered “had a difference” and “disputing” are “also used in relation to a legal dispute” and may suggest “that Michael ‘challenged the Devil’s right’ to take Moses’ body.” Yet, the Chief Angel recognized that it was not his place to bring judgment. Rather, he referred the case to the Supreme Judge, Jehovah. Michael thus refrained from overstepping his authority. What a humble attitude! w15 2/15 1:6

[New World Explorer]

I really enjoyed today's text and humility of Jesus is just outstanding

No surprise that Jehovah chose him to provide ransom for us 

Jesus is just genuine and humble person and he loves his Father from his heart (I think more then we think)

What a example for us.

[Vido]

This scriptural passage has never ceased to fascinate me. Though Jesus is an Archange, and second only to Jehovah in power, he did not speak abusively to Satan, even though it was clear that he had evil intentions pertaining Moses' body. He demonstrated humility....a rare quality worthy of emulating

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, March 3

They were uneducated and ordinary men.—Acts 4:13.

In recent years, the spiritual instruction provided by Jehovah’s organization has reflected an increased emphasis on simplicity and clarity. Consider three examples. First, there is the simplified edition of The Watchtower. This edition has proved to be, in effect, a loving gift to those who struggle with language or find reading a challenge. Family heads are finding that their children are now more involved in the study of this journal, the main channel of our spiritual feeding program. Second, there is the revised edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Many Scriptures now use fewer words, yet their meaning is intact or even clearer. Third, there are the recent refinements in our understanding, such as the clarified understanding of “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) What a delight it is to learn such truths and to teach them to new ones! w15 3/15 1:1, 4-6

[Vido]

Simplicity and clarity is the hallmark of our spiritual activity. The thoughts expressed in our new and revised publications are crystalined in our minds......we love this organisation.

7 hours ago, GrumpysWife said:

Thursday, March 3

They were uneducated and ordinary men.—Acts 4:13.

In recent years, the spiritual instruction provided by Jehovah’s organization has reflected an increased emphasis on simplicity and clarity. Consider three examples. First, there is the simplified edition of The Watchtower. This edition has proved to be, in effect, a loving gift to those who struggle with language or find reading a challenge. Family heads are finding that their children are now more involved in the study of this journal, the main channel of our spiritual feeding program. Second, there is the revised edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Many Scriptures now use fewer words, yet their meaning is intact or even clearer. Third, there are the recent refinements in our understanding, such as the clarified understanding of “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) What a delight it is to learn such truths and to teach them to new ones! w15 3/15 1:1, 4-6

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, March 4

By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.—Heb. 11:24.

Moses’ faith shaped his choice of career. He did not reason that he could serve God as a member of the royal court and then use his wealth and privilege to help his Israelite brothers. Rather, Moses was determined to love Jehovah with all his heart, soul, and strength. (Deut. 6:5) Moses’ decision saved him much heartache. Many of the treasures of Egypt that he gave up were soon plundered—by the Israelites themselves! (Ex. 12:35, 36) Pharaoh was humiliated and executed. (Ps. 136:15) Conversely, Moses was spared and was used by God to lead an entire nation to safety. His life had real meaning. If you are a young servant of Jehovah, choose a career that will enable you to love Jehovah and serve him “with all your heart and all your soul.” You can be confident that such a course will be “for your own good.”—Deut. 10:12, 13. w14 4/15 1:6-8

[dilip kumar]

Faith and career connected.! How thought provoking today's daily scripture.

Sent from my C6802 using Tapatalk

[ChocoBro]

I would argue, however, that this is only one side of the story.

 

Yes, Moses did give up a great position in order to fully serve Jehovah, similar to Paul. And yet, Paul's education, and perhaps also Moses education, did clearly benefit them later on when they took on great responsibilities for Jehovah's people. But what about Queen Esther, who used her influential position to save God's people? Though Mordecai wrote that deliverance would come from another source if she were to not take the initiative, he also said "And who knows whether it is for a time like this that you have attained to your royal status?”"

 

Similarly, we have brothers and sisters today that have pursued academic careers to the benefit of our organziation: doctors, lawyers, engineers and architects that do work for the organization, for example. Even beyond that, however, there are a great deal of our brothers and sisters who do not work for the organization that earn large salaries and contribute a great deal to the building of Kingdom Halls and the printing of literature by donating large sums on a monthly basis. This is also a point we need to take into perspective, and we should not judge our brothers and sisters on account of whether or not they are successful in their career or focussed primarily on the preaching effort such as a full-time servant.

Edited March 4, 2016 by ChocoBro

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, March 5

He reasoned with them from the Scriptures.—Acts 17:2.

In our ministry, we may meet someone who believes that Jesus is equal to God. What scriptures could we use to reason on the matter? We might invite the person to read John 6:38, where Jesus is quoted as saying: “I have come down from heaven to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.” Then, we could ask the person: “If Jesus is God, who sent him down from heaven? Would that One not be greater than Jesus? After all, the sender is superior to the one who is sent.” Along similar lines, we could read Philippians 2:9, which says: “God exalted him [Jesus] to a superior position.” We might then ask: “If Jesus was equal to God before he died and God later exalted him to a higher position, would that not put Jesus above God? Yet, how could anyone become superior to God?” If the person respects God’s Word and is honesthearted, such reasoning may move him to examine the subject further.—Acts 17:11. w14 5/15 1:7-9

[Vido]

What a fine method to use in our ministry as we reason with ppl who think that Jesus is God ( or equal to him).

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, March 6

The solid foundation of God remains standing.—2 Tim. 2:19.

What is significant about Paul’s word choice in this scripture? This is the only mention in the Bible of “the solid foundation of God.” The Bible uses the word “foundation” as a metaphor for various things, including literal Jerusalem as the capital of ancient Israel. (Ps. 87:1, 2) The role that Jesus plays in Jehovah’s purpose is also compared to a foundation. (1 Cor. 3:11; 1 Pet. 2:6) What did Paul have in mind when he wrote about “the solid foundation of God”? Paul mentions it in the same context in which he quotes Moses’ words about Korah and his supporters, recorded at Numbers 16:5. Paul was evidently referring to the events in Moses’ day in an effort to encourage Timothy and remind him of Jehovah’s ability to detect and counteract rebellious acts. Jehovah’s purpose was not about to be thwarted by apostates in the congregation any more than it was by Korah centuries before.—Num. 16:35. w14 7/15 1:2, 4-6

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, March 7

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

Our love for Jehovah should spring from the heart. Jesus made that clear when a Pharisee asked: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Matt. 22:35, 36) What did Jesus mean when he answered that we must love God with our “whole heart”? He meant that we must love Jehovah with our entire figurative heart, affecting our desires, emotions, and feelings. We must also love him with our “whole soul,” or our life and being. Moreover, we must love God with our “whole mind,” or our full intellect. In essence, we ought to love Jehovah fully, without reservation. If we love God with our whole heart, soul, and mind, we will be diligent students of his Word, will wholeheartedly serve his purposes, and will zealously declare the good news of the Kingdom. (Matt. 24:14; Rom. 12:1, 2) True love for Jehovah will draw us ever closer to him.—Jas. 4:8. w14 6/15 1:6-8

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, March 8

Man has dominated man to his harm.—Eccl. 8:9.

Some of the worst atrocities have involved the abuse of women. Worldwide, about 30 percent of women report having been assaulted by a male partner. Males are favored in some societies because it is thought that they will grow up to continue the family line and care for their aging parents and grandparents. In certain lands, females are considered undesirable children, and far more baby girls than baby boys are aborted. The mistreatment of women certainly does not please God. He treats women justly and respects them. Jehovah’s regard for women is evident from the fact that Eve was created perfect and with characteristics that made her, not a slave, but a wonderful complement of Adam. That is one reason why, at the end of the sixth creative day, God “saw everything he had made, and look! it was very good.” (Gen. 1:31) Yes, “everything” Jehovah made was “very good.” He gave both men and women a very good start! w14 8/15 1:6, 7

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, March 9

You will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth.—Acts 1:8.

From the start of his ministry, Jesus stressed the importance of proclaiming the good news of God’s Kingdom. He chose 12 disciples to share in laying the foundation for a global ministry; afterward, he trained a group of 70 disciples. (Luke 6:13; 10:1) These were prepared to take the good news to others, at first to the Jews. Then, a surprise! Jesus’ disciples were going to take it to uncircumcised ones of the nations. What a change that must have been for zealous Jewish disciples! The apostle Peter was sent to the home of Cornelius, an uncircumcised Gentile. Peter then recognized that God is impartial. Cornelius and his household were baptized. Christianity was now expanding into a vast new field; people in all nations could hear the truth and accept it. (Acts 10:9-48) Now the field was the whole world. w14 9/15 1:5, 6

[Vido]

The good news have been preached in virtually every part of the world. God,'s servants have, in fulfilment of Acts 1:8, preached to the most distant parts of this earth. They have flown, dailef , cruised, drove, walked, hiked, paddled...to ensure that the good news are preached

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, March 10

He will crush your head.—Gen. 3:15.

The Edenic promise not only emphasized that the instigator of the rebellion in the garden of Eden and all ill effects of his action would be done away with but also identifies the means by which this would take place. Who would the woman’s offspring prove to be? Since the offspring is to crush the serpent’s head, that is, “bring to nothing” the spirit creature Satan the Devil, the offspring would have to be a spirit person. (Heb. 2:14) Therefore, the woman giving birth to the offspring would also be of a spiritual nature. While the offspring of the serpent proliferated, the identity of the offspring and the woman remained a mystery for almost 4,000 years. Meanwhile, Jehovah made several covenants that identify the offspring and assure His servants that the offspring would be the means by which God would undo the disaster that Satan had brought on the human family. w14 10/15 1:6-8

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, March 11

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

The apostles knew that Jesus’ resurrection was different from the resurrections that preceded it. People who were brought back to life earlier came back with physical bodies and eventually died again. Jesus was resurrected with a spirit body that was imperishable. (Acts 13:34) Peter wrote that Jesus “is at God’s right hand, for he went to heaven, and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him.” (1 Pet. 3:18-22) The previous resurrections were both marvelous and miraculous, but none compared to this supreme miracle. Jesus’ resurrection had a profound impact on his disciples. He was no longer dead but was alive as a mighty spirit person whom no human could harm. His resurrection proved that he was the Son of God, and knowing that fact, the disciples found their spirits lifted from that of profound sorrow to great joy. Furthermore, their fear was replaced by courage.w14 11/15 1:5, 6

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, March 12

When [the mustard grain] has grown, it is the largest of the vegetable plants and becomes a tree.—Matt. 13:32.

In Jesus’ illustration, the grain represents the Kingdom message as well as what results from the preaching of that message—the Christian congregation. Like the mustard grain that is “the tiniest of all the seeds,” the Christian congregation had small beginnings in 33 C.E. However, within a few decades, the congregation grew rapidly. (Col. 1:23) This growth was beneficial because Jesus tells us that “the birds of heaven” were able to “find lodging among its branches.” These figurative birds picture righthearted individuals who find spiritual food, shade, and shelter within the Christian congregation. (Compare Ezekiel 17:23.) Jesus used the amazing growth of a mustard grain to illustrate the power of God’s Kingdom arrangement to expand, protect, and conquer all obstacles. Since 1914 the growth of the visible part of God’s organization has been phenomenal!—Isa. 60:22. w1412/15 1:7, 8

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, March 13

The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.—Rom. 8:16.

If you are an anointed Christian, the heavenly hope is an important subject of your personal prayers. When the Bible speaks of being ‘promised in marriage’ to the heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, you apply that to yourself, and you look forward to being part of Christ’s “bride.” (2 Cor. 11:2; John 3:27-29; Rev. 21:2, 9-14) When God in his Word expresses his love for his spiritual children, you respond, “That means me.” And when Jehovah’s Word gives instructions to his anointed sons, holy spirit moves you to obey and to say in your heart, “That applies to me.” God’s spirit and your spirit thus join in bearing witness that you have the heavenly hope. On the other hand, if you are part of the “great crowd” of “other sheep,” God has given you the earthly hope. (Rev. 7:9; John 10:16) You want to live forever in Paradise, and you find joy in meditating on what the Bible says about future life on earth. w15 1/15 2:16-18

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, March 14

Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt.—Col. 4:6.

In conversations with fellow believers, we use words that build up rather than tear down. (Eph. 4:29) When we talk to others about God’s Kingdom, we season our words “with salt.” We try to discern the needs and interests of householders and then choose our words accordingly. We remember that gracious words may open doors—and hearts. In addition, when explaining our beliefs, we try to let the Bible speak for us. Hence, we cite it as an authority and read from it whenever possible. We recognize that the Bible’s message is far more powerful than anything we could possibly say on our own authority. (Heb. 4:12) Discernment enables us to control our spirit, making us “slow to anger.” (Jas. 1:19) When others offend us, we try to discern what is behind their words or actions. Such insight can melt anger and help us to “overlook an offense.”—Prov. 19:11. w15 2/15 2:15, 16

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, March 15

It is just like a man about to travel abroad who summoned his slaves and entrusted his belongings to them.—Matt. 25:14.

The man, or the master, in this illustration is Jesus. He traveled abroad when he ascended to heaven in 33 C.E. In an earlier parable, Jesus reveals his purpose of traveling abroad, namely, “to secure kingly power for himself.” (Luke 19:12) Jesus did not immediately secure full Kingdom power when he got back to heaven. Instead, he “sat down at the right hand of God, from then on waiting until his enemies should be placed as a stool for his feet.” (Heb. 10:12, 13) The man in the illustration possessed eight talents, a huge fortune in those days. In Jesus’ day, a talent was equivalent to about 6,000 denarii. Earning a denarius a day, the average worker had to labor some 20 years to earn just one talent. Before traveling abroad, the man distributed the talents among his slaves, expecting them to do business while he was gone. w15 3/15 3:4, 5