Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2016

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, April 4

Pray constantly. Give thanks for everything. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.—1 Thess. 5:17, 18.

When we have our blessings firmly fixed in mind and heart, we are ready to pray to Jehovah and offer thanksgiving. (Ps. 95:2; 100:4, 5) Many view prayer as merely a way to ask God for things. We, however, know that Jehovah is pleased when we express thanks for what we have. The Bible contains numerous heartwarming prayers of thanksgiving, including those offered by Hannah and Hezekiah. (1 Sam. 2:1-10; Isa. 38:9-20) So imitate those faithful servants who showed a grateful spirit. Yes, thank Jehovah in prayer for the blessings that you have. The benefits from doing so are many. Your spirits will be lifted, you will grow in love for Jehovah, and you will draw ever closer to him.—Jas. 4:8. w15 1/15 1:7

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, April 5

It is to us God has revealed them through his spirit.—1 Cor. 2:10.

If you have been serving Jehovah for decades, you may have noticed a gradual shift in the way our literature explains many of the narratives recorded in the Bible. How so? In times past, it was more common for our literature to take what might be called a type-antitype approach to Scriptural accounts. The Bible narrative was considered the type, and any prophetic fulfillment of the story was the antitype. Why have things changed? As we might expect, over the years Jehovah has helped “the faithful and discreet slave” to become steadily more discreet. (Matt. 24:45-47) Discretion has led to greater caution when it comes to calling a Bible account a prophetic drama unless there is a clear Scriptural basis for doing so. Thus, we find that our literature today focuses more on the simple, practical lessons about faith, endurance, godly devotion, and other vital qualities that we learn about from Bible accounts. w15 3/15 1:7, 9, 10, 12

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, April 6

[Moses] considered the reproach of the Christ to be riches greater than the treasures of Egypt.—Heb. 11:26.

Moses was commissioned as “the Christ,” or “Anointed One,” in that he was selected by Jehovah to lead Israel out of Egypt. Moses knew that carrying out this commission would be difficult, even a “reproach.” One of the Israelites had earlier sneered: “Who appointed you as a prince and a judge over us?” (Ex. 2:13, 14) Later, Moses himself asked Jehovah: “How will Pharaoh ever listen to me?” (Ex. 6:12) How did Jehovah help Moses? First, Jehovah assured Moses: “I will prove to be with you.” (Ex. 3:12) Second, Jehovah inspired confidence by explaining one aspect of the meaning of his name: “I Will Become What I Choose to Become.” (Ex. 3:14) Third, he endowed Moses with miraculous power that proved that Moses was indeed sent by God. (Ex. 4:2-5) Fourth, Jehovah gave Moses a partner and spokesman, Aaron, to help him carry out his assignment.—Ex. 4:14-16. w14 4/15 1:9, 10

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, April 7

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

What are some ways in which we follow the Golden Rule in our ministry? We treat each householder as an individual. We show respect for the householder’s home and other property. We endeavor to participate in the ministry at times when householders are most likely to be at home and receptive. And we introduce our message in a way that is well-received in the local territory. Many benefits come from treating those in our territory as we would like to be treated. By acting in a kind and considerate manner, we are letting our light shine, are underscoring the value of Scriptural principles, and are giving glory to our heavenly Father. (Matt. 5:16) We may attract more people to the truth by the way we approach them. (1 Tim. 4:16) Whether those to whom we preach accept the Kingdom message or not, we have the satisfaction of knowing that we are doing our best to accomplish our ministry.—2 Tim. 4:5.w14 5/15 2:17, 18

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, April 8

By him we have life and move and exist.—Acts 17:28.

Why should we love God? One reason is that Jehovah is our Creator and our Provider. He has given us our splendid earthly home. (Ps. 115:16) He also provides food and other things we need in order to sustain our life. Therefore, Paul could tell the idolatrous residents of Lystra that “the living God . . . did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying you with food and filling your hearts with gladness.” (Acts 14:15-17) Also, God has made possible the removal of the sin and death we inherited from Adam. (Rom. 5:12) Indeed, “God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8) Undoubtedly, our heart overflows with love for Jehovah because he has made it possible for us to receive forgiveness of our sins if we are repentant and exercise faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.—John 3:16. w14 6/15 1:9, 10

[New World Explorer]

Very special daily text ! I love it ! 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, April 9

The solid foundation of God remains standing, having this seal.—2 Tim. 2:19.

Paul’s word picture recorded at 2 Timothy 2:19 depicts a foundation with a message on it, as if imprinted with a seal. In ancient times, it was not uncommon to display an inscription on a building’s foundation, perhaps showing who built it or who owned it. Paul was the first Bible writer to use this particular illustration. The seal on “the solid foundation of God” has two pronouncements. First, “Jehovah knows those who belong to him” and second, “Let everyone calling on the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.” This reminds us of what we read at Numbers 16:5. What lesson can we learn from the “seal” in Paul’s word picture? For those who belong to God, Jehovah’s values and principles can be summed up in two fundamental truths: (1) Jehovah loves those who are loyal to him, and (2) Jehovah hates unrighteousness. w14 7/15 1:8, 9

[Alexa]

Every year, some were attending c.church and get out having ashes in their forehead... funny...

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, April 10

In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.—2 Tim. 3:1.

The Bible foretold that wicked conduct would prevail in “the last days.” Human wrongdoing has become so widespread that these truly are “critical times.” Throughout mankind’s history, however, the “Sovereign Lord Jehovah” has shown favor to men and women who have trusted in him, have obeyed his laws, and have submitted to him as their Ruler. (Ps. 71:5) When God destroyed the violent ancient world by means of the Flood in the days of Noah, very few humans survived. If Noah’s brothers and sisters were still alive at that time, they too died in the floodwaters. (Gen. 5:30) But as many women as men survived the Deluge. The survivors were Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives. They were preserved because they feared God and did his will. The billions of humans now living descended from those eight individuals who had Jehovah’s backing.—Gen. 7:7; 1 Pet. 3:20. w14 8/15 1:8, 9

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, April 11

You received free, give free.—Matt. 10:8.

Jehovah’s organization takes the commission to preach the good news of the Kingdom worldwide very seriously, as shown by the support given to the many translation teams around the world. Millions upon millions of tracts, brochures, and magazines have been distributed in campaigns throughout the world, without charge to the public. The expense has been covered by the voluntary donations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As devoted Christian preachers and teachers, Jehovah’s Witnesses are so convinced that they have found the truth that they make great sacrifices in order to share the message with people of other nations and ethnic groups. Many have simplified their life, learned another language, and adapted to a different culture in order to share in this vital Christian work. This international preaching and teaching work is another factor that convinces many people that Jehovah’s Witnesses are the true followers of Christ Jesus. w14 9/15 1:10, 11

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, April 12

All the families of the ground will certainly be blessed by means of you.—Gen. 12:3.

This is the earliest recorded account of the Abrahamic covenant—the covenant that Jehovah God made with Abraham. It went into effect in 1943 B.C.E., when 75-year-old Abraham left Haran and crossed the Euphrates River. Jehovah restated his promise to Abraham a number of times, adding further details. (Gen. 13:15-17; 17:1-8, 16) And when Abraham demonstrated unshakable faith in God’s promises by showing willingness to offer up his only son, Jehovah reinforced the covenant with an unconditional promise. (Gen. 22:15-18; Heb. 11:17, 18) After the Abrahamic covenant went into effect, Jehovah gradually revealed important details about the offspring of the woman. (Gen. 3:15) The offspring would descend from Abraham, would be many in number, would have a kingly function, would destroy all enemies, and would be a blessing for many others. w14 10/15 1:9, 10

[Gary1967]

A good text.Dovetails nicely with last Sunday's Watchtower Study too.

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, April 13

Keep abstaining . . . from blood.—Acts 15:29.

Any one of us could suddenly find ourselves facing the blood issue. Or a family member or dear friend could unexpectedly be confronted with the issue of whether to accept a blood transfusion or not. During such a crisis, decisions also need to be made regarding blood fractions and medical procedures. Therefore, it is very important to do research and prepare for a possible emergency. Along with prayer, such measures will help us to take a firm stand and avoid compromising on the matter. Surely we do not want to sadden Jehovah’s heart by accepting something that his Word condemns! Many medical professionals and other advocates of blood transfusion appeal to people to donate blood in hopes of saving lives. However, Jehovah’s holy people acknowledge that the Creator has the right to say how blood is to be treated. To him, “any sort of blood” is sacred. (Lev. 17:10) We must be determined to obey his law on blood. w14 11/15 2:10, 15

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, April 14

God made you alive.—Eph. 2:1.

What a contrast there is between young servants of Jehovah and youths of this world! Many who do not serve Jehovah lead a self-centered way of life, focusing only on what they want. Some researchers call them “Generation Me.” By the way they talk and dress, they give evidence of disdain for the older generation, whom they view as not “with it.” That spirit is all around us. Thus, young servants of Jehovah find that it takes real effort to avoid it and to accept God’s view. Even in the first century, Paul found it necessary to urge fellow believers to avoid “the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” and in which they “at one time walked.” (Eph. 2:2, 3) Young ones who see the need to avoid that spirit and to work unitedly with all their brothers are to be commended. (Eph. 4:25) As we approach the end of this old world, working together unitedly will become ever more important. w14 12/15 3:3, 4

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, April 15

Those who [marry] will have tribulation in their flesh.—1 Cor. 7:28.

It is not unusual for married couples to experience some “tribulation in their flesh.” Why? Simply dealing with everyday troubles can strain marital ties. Hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and miscommunications caused by the imperfect tongue can be a challenge in the best of marriages. (Jas. 3:2, 5, 8) Many couples also have difficulty in coping with demanding employment while caring for children. Stress and exhaustion make it difficult for some couples to take the time they need in order to strengthen their marriage. Their love and respect for each other may be eroded by financial difficulties, health problems, or other hardships. Furthermore, the foundation of what seemed to be a strong marriage can be undermined by “the works of the flesh,” such as sexual immorality, brazen conduct, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, and dissensions.—Gal. 5:19-21. w15 1/15 3:2

[Luezette]

What a text today! VERY thought provoking and true!

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, April 16

You will be hated.—Matt. 24:9.

The early Christians benefited from Roman law, which was in force throughout the empire. Similarly, present-day Christians benefit from legal provisions. However, freedom to exercise certain rights had to be legally established in the courts. (Phil. 1:7) When legal action was brought against Jehovah’s people in the United States, appeals to higher courts repeatedly upheld their right to be Kingdom proclaimers. Courts of other countries have also upheld our freedom of worship and the right to preach publicly. In some lands, we have lost court battles, but we have applied to international courts. For example, as of June 2014, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled in our favor in 57 cases that are binding on all nations of the Council of Europe. Even though we are “hated by all the nations,” the courts of many countries have ruled that we have the right to practice true worship. w15 2/15 4:13, 14

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, April 17

I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities.—Luke 4:43.

Jesus attached great importance to his preaching and teaching work. By means of it, he cultivated a field that had rich potential. Earlier, he told his disciples: “Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting.” (John 4:35-38) He had in mind the ingathering of many other honesthearted ones who would become his disciples. Like a good farmer, Jesus would not leave unattended a field that was ripe for harvesting. Hence, shortly after his resurrection and before his ascension to heaven, he gave his disciples the weighty commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples.” (Matt. 28:18-20) Jesus thus entrusted them with a precious treasure, the Christian ministry. (2 Cor. 4:7) He was, in effect, committing to them “his belongings”—his talents. (Matt. 25:14) Put simply, the talents refer to the responsibility to preach and make disciples. w15 3/15 3:6, 7

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, April 18

Do not be afraid. Stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah.—Ex. 14:13.

Your faith in the outcome of “the great and awe-inspiring day of Jehovah” will help you to “see the salvation of Jehovah” and to maintain your integrity. (Joel 2:31, 32) Prepare now for those thrilling events by continuing “steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible”! (Heb. 11:27) Strengthen your friendship with Jehovah God through regular study and prayer. Moses had such a close friendship with Jehovah and was used so powerfully by him that the Bible says that Jehovah knew Moses “face-to-face.” (Deut. 34:10) Moses was an extraordinary prophet. By faith, however, you too can know Jehovah as intimately as you would if you could actually see him. If you constantly take notice of him “in all your ways,” as God’s Word encourages you to do, “he will make your paths straight.”—Prov. 3:6. w14 4/15 2:18, 19

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, April 19

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

How might we reason with an individual who feels that bad people should be tormented forever in hellfire? First, we could assure him that the wicked will be punished. (2 Thess. 1:9) Then, we could have him read Genesis 2:16, 17, which shows that the penalty for sin is death. We might explain that by his sin, Adam caused the entire human race to be born as sinners. (Rom. 5:12) But we can point out that God said nothing about being punished in hellfire. We could then ask, “If Adam and Eve were in danger of being tormented forever, would it not have been fair to warn them of that?” We could then readGenesis 3:19, where sentence was pronounced after their sin but nothing was said about hellfire. Instead, Adam was told that he would return to the dust. We might ask, “Would it have been fair to tell Adam that he would go back to the ground if he was really going to a fiery hell?” That may cause the person to think more deeply on this subject. w14 5/15 1:7, 10

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, April 20

The members of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary.—1 Cor. 12:22.

We are living in a competitive world where strength and youth are frequently exalted. Many do whatever it takes to get their way, often trampling on the feelings of those who are weaker. We do not condone such behavior, yet we may unconsciously develop a negative view of those who regularly need assistance, even in the congregation. But we can develop a more balanced view, one like God’s. We can gain insight into the way Jehovah views human weakness from an illustration recorded in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. In chapter 12, Paul reminds us that even the least attractive or the weakest part of the human body has a function. (1 Cor. 12:12, 18, 21-23) Aspects of this concept of the human body have been challenged by some evolutionists. Nevertheless, findings in the study of anatomy show that body parts once considered useless actually do perform essential functions. w14 6/15 3:3, 4

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, April 21

You are my witnesses.—Isa. 43:10.

One way Israelite parents witnessed was by teaching their children about God’s dealings with their forefathers. For example, when being instructed to observe the Passover each year, the people were told: “When your sons ask you, ‘What does this observance mean to you?’ you must say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Passover to Jehovah, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when he plagued the Egyptians, but he spared our houses.’” (Ex. 12:26, 27) Those parents may also have explained to their children that when Moses first approached Egypt’s ruler to ask permission for the Israelites to worship Jehovah in the wilderness, Pharaoh replied: “Who is Jehovah, that I should obey his voice to send Israel away?” (Ex. 5:2) At the Red Sea, the answer to Pharaoh’s question became clear for all to see. Jehovah was—and is—the Almighty. Also, the Israelite nation became living witnesses that Jehovah is the true God and the Fulfiller of his promises. w14 7/15 3:5

[New World Explorer]

What a fine pattern this sets for Christian parents today, who must likewise train their children in the ways of holiness, thereby helping them to bring honor to God’s glorious name!—Read Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:4.

 

[Hanah45]

In a previous article, a comparison of a "strong and important" body part, the eye, versus a "weaker, less important" body part, the small toe. It is quite apparent when a person's eye is damaged or missing, but it is less apparent with a missing small toe. And yet without a small toe, a person's gait will be affected and in time the bones in the foot will shift, not a good thing.   All in  Jehovahs family are necessary and valuable and we should show love and respect  for everyone. 

This text would make a nice morning worship. 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, April 22

Jehovah is near to all those calling on him, to all who call on him in truth.—Ps. 145:18.

Put yourself in Asa’s situation. Zerah the Ethiopian has come against Judah with 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots. (2 Chron. 14:8-13) How would you react to the sight of such a huge army? Outnumbered about 2 to 1, King Asa’s reaction demonstrated his close and trusting relationship with Jehovah. He fervently called out: “Help us, O Jehovah our God, for we are relying on you.” What enabled Asa to trust fully in God’s guidance and protection? The Bible says that “Asa did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah” and that his “heart was complete with Jehovah.” (1 Ki. 15:11, 14) We too need to serve God with a complete heart. It is absolutely vital that we do so if we are to enjoy a close relationship with him now and in the future. How thankful we can be that Jehovah has taken the initiative to draw us to him and to help us to form and maintain a close bond with him! w14 8/15 3:3, 5, 6