Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2016

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, April 23

God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work.—Heb. 6:10.

Jehovah remembers the loving labors of all who faithfully serve him, whether their circumstances in life permit them to do much or little. In the first century, Jesus launched a work that was to reach global proportions. (Luke 3:21-23; 4:14, 15, 43) His apostles took the lead in the expansion of this preaching work. (Acts 5:42; 6:7) Some Christians, such as Philip, served as evangelizers and missionaries in Palestine. (Acts 8:5, 40; 21:8) Paul and others traveled farther afield. (Acts 13:2-4; 14:26; 2 Cor. 1:19) Some—for example, Silvanus (Silas), Mark, and Luke—also served as copyists or writers. (1 Pet. 5:12) Christian sisters worked along with these faithful brothers. (Acts 18:26; Rom. 16:1, 2) Their exciting experiences help to make the Christian Greek Scriptures a thrill to read and demonstrate that Jehovah remembers his servants favorably.w14 9/15 5:1-3

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, April 24

Moses . . . refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin.—Heb. 11:24, 25.

Moses was given the best secular education that was available in his day, but did he use it to advance his career in Egypt, make a name for himself, or acquire material possessions? No. Clearly, Moses used his spiritual education to advance Jehovah’s purpose. He was keenly interested in Jehovah and His people. At 40 years of age, Moses thought that he was ready to help liberate God’s people from Egyptian bondage. (Acts 7:23-25) However, before Jehovah could give him that assignment, Moses needed something more. He needed to cultivate such qualities as humility, patience, mildness, and self-control. (Prov. 15:33) Moses needed training that would prepare him to endure the trials and hardships that lay ahead. w14 10/15 4:11-13

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, April 25

You should no longer go on walking just as the nations[do].—Eph. 4:17.

If we make the right decisions, we can have a satisfying life now and put ourselves in line to “inherit the earth”—to have everlasting life. There are so many wonderful blessings in store for us that we cannot even imagine them all. (Matt. 5:5;19:29; 25:34) Granted, God does not give us things automatically. He requires something of us. (1 John 5:3, 4) But to serve him faithfully now is definitely worth it! What a great privilege it is to have received so much from God! We have accurate knowledge of his Word and a clear understanding of the truth about him and his purposes. We enjoy the privilege of bearing his name and being his Witnesses. God promises us that he is on our side. (Ps. 118:7) May all of us, whether young or old, show our appreciation by living our life in a way that manifests a keen desire to give Jehovah “the glory forever.”—Rom. 11:33-36; Ps. 33:12. w14 12/15 4:19-21

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, April 26

Deaden . . . your body members . . . as respects sexual immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion.—Col. 3:5.

The word “deaden” indicates that we must take strong measures to fight against immoral fleshly desires. We will avoid anything that might arouse in us sexual desire for someone other than our mate. (Job 31:1) As we conform our lives to God’s will, we learn to “abhor what is wicked” and “cling to what is good.” (Rom. 12:2, 9) The new personality reflects “the image of the One who created it,” Jehovah himself. (Col. 3:10) What blessings result when husbands and wives fortify their moral defenses by clothing themselves “with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience”! (Col. 3:12) They also enjoy greater marital harmony when they “let the peace of the Christ control [their] hearts.” (Col. 3:15; ftn.) How rewarding it is for couples to “have tender affection for one another”!—Rom. 12:10. w151/15 4:10, 11

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, April 27

You will actually drink the milk of nations.—Isa. 60:16.

Many inventions of the past 200 years have helped us to accomplish our commission to make disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20) In fulfillment of the prophecy that Jehovah’s people would “drink the milk of nations,” we have made wise use of resources of the nations, such as modern technology, in order to produce the Bible and Bible literature in many languages. Clearly, we have strong evidence of God’s blessing. Of course, Jehovah does not rely on our help to accomplish his purposes. Yet, our loving heavenly Father allows us to be his “fellow workers,” thus enabling us to show our love for him and for our neighbor. (1 Cor. 3:9; Mark 12:28-31) May we take advantage of our opportunities to proclaim the Kingdom message, the most important work on earth. By all means, let us show how thankful we are that Jehovah has guided and blessed our global teaching work! w15 2/15 4:16, 17

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, April 28

I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.—Matt. 28:20.

The anointed are spearheading the greatest preaching campaign in history. Without a doubt, Jesus is with them, guiding their efforts. The growing number of prospective sheep count it a privilege to support Christ’s brothers not only in the preaching work but also in other practical ways. For example, they give financial contributions and help to build Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and branch facilities, and they loyally obey those appointed to take the lead. (Heb. 13:17) Soon the angels will unleash the destructive winds of the great tribulation. This will occur after all the remaining ones of Christ’s brothers left on earth have received their final sealing. (Rev. 7:1-3) Before Armageddon breaks out, anointed ones will be taken to heaven. (Matt. 13:41-43) Therefore, now is the time for those who hope to be judged as sheep to support Christ’s brothers loyally. w15 3/15 4:16-18

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, April 29

When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.”—Jas. 1:13.

We may become impatient when a trialsome period seems to have no end. Suppose you are driving a car on a highway and get stuck in traffic. Trying to find another route, you might get lost or end up taking more time to reach your destination than you would had you patiently remained on course. Similarly, if you stick to the paths outlined in God’s Word, in time you will arrive at your destination. Jehovah may hold off from intervening in our trials because he wants us to receive vital training. (1 Pet. 5:6-10) No, God does not cause trials. “Your adversary, the Devil,” is causing most adversities. Yet, God can use a difficult situation to help us grow spiritually. He sees our suffering, and “because he cares” for us, he will make sure that it will continue only for “a little while.” Do you appreciate Jehovah’s watchful care when you suffer trials, confident that he will provide a way out?—2 Cor. 4:7-9. w14 4/15 5:15, 16

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, April 30

The little one will become a thousand and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, will speed it up in its own time.—Isa. 60:22.

Worldwide, there are now well over 7,900,000 Witnesses, with millions more associating with them, especially during the annual observance of the Memorial. We do not boast in numbers, for it is ‘God who keeps making things grow.’ (1 Cor. 3:5-7) Nevertheless, it is evident that the great crowd is growing and becoming greater with each passing year. (Rev. 7:9) There has been remarkable growth in the number of God’s servants because Jehovah himself is backing his Witnesses. (Isa. 43:10-12) At one time, the anointed remnant were like “the little one,” but their number grew as other spiritual Israelites were brought into God’s organization. (Gal. 6:16) Because of Jehovah’s blessing over the years, the increase continues with the gathering of the great crowd. w14 5/15 4:7, 8

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, May 1

May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace.—Rom. 15:13.

God-given hope enables us to endure tests of faith. Anointed ones who prove ‘faithful even to death will be given the crown of heavenly life.’ (Rev. 2:10) Integrity-keepers with an earthly hope will enjoy eternal blessings in the promised global Paradise. (Luke 23:43) These prospects fill us with joy and peace, as well as love for the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present.” (Jas. 1:17) We may be deeply saddened by the death of a loved one, but because of the God-given resurrection hope, ‘we do not sorrow as those do who have no hope.’ (1 Thess. 4:13) Out of love, Jehovah God yearns to resurrect the dead, especially faithful ones, like upright Job. (Job 14:15) Imagine the joyous reunions when resurrected ones are welcomed back to life here on earth. How our hearts swell with love for our heavenly Father, who has given us the marvelous resurrection hope! w14 6/15 1:11, 12

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, May 2

They are subverting the faith of some.—2 Tim. 2:18.

Timothy and other faithful ones were likely perturbed by the actions of apostates in their midst. Some Christians may have questioned why such individuals were allowed to remain in the congregation. Faithful ones might have wondered whether Jehovah really distinguished between their resolute loyalty to him and the hypocritical worship of apostates. (Acts 20:29, 30) Paul’s letter no doubt strengthened Timothy’s faith by reminding him of what happened when faithful Aaron was vindicated and hypocritical Korah and his companions were exposed, rejected, and destroyed. In effect, Paul was saying that even though there were counterfeit Christians in their midst, Jehovah would recognize those who really belonged to him, just as he did in the days of Moses. (Num. 26:10) Jehovah never changes; he is dependable. He hates unrighteousness, and in due time he brings unrepentant wrongdoers to justice. w14 7/15 1:3, 10-12

[Bob]

I have always appreciated the account of Korah, because it shows that even in the face of overwhelming evidence that Jehovah had chosen and was backing Moses, he still opposed Moses and by extension, Jehovah.  What made matters worse, is that he wanted his disciples as well from among God's people, and he lead many to their deaths.

 

So today with modern-day "Korahs", or apostates. And they too want to draw people after them, away from God.

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, May 3

Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.—1 Pet. 3:6.

It is hard to imagine that serious cries of complaint would have come from the lips of Abraham’s respectful wife, Sarah, when they left the comforts of Ur and became temporary residents living in tents in another land. Consider also Rebekah, who was a blessed gift from Jehovah and became an excellent wife. It is no surprise that her husband, Isaac, “fell in love with her, and . . . found comfort after the loss of his mother.” (Gen. 24:67) And how glad we are today that we have in our midst godly women who are like Sarah and Rebekah! During their years of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites increased greatly in number, and Pharaoh decreed that all Hebrew male babies were to be destroyed at birth. However, consider the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah. Because they had reverential fear of Jehovah, they courageously refused to practice infanticide. He therefore rewarded them with their own families.—Ex. 1:15-21. w14 8/15 1:10, 11

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, May 4

We must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.—Acts 14:22.

Does it shock you that you can expect to face “many tribulations” before you gain the prize of everlasting life? Likely not. Whether you are new in the truth or you are a longtime servant of Jehovah, you know that hardship is an aspect of life in Satan’s world. (Rev. 12:12) Besides difficulties that are “common to men”—problems that affect all imperfect humans—Christians face an additional type of tribulation. (1 Cor. 10:13) What is it? Intense opposition because of their steadfast obedience to God’s laws. Jesus told his followers: “A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20) Who is behind such opposition? Ultimately, it is Satan, whom the Bible describes as “a roaring lion” who is “seeking to devour” God’s people. (1 Pet. 5:8) Satan will use any means he can to try to break the integrity of Jesus’ disciples. w14 9/15 2:1, 2

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, May 5

I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring.—Gen. 3:15.

The woman producing the offspring is none other than “the Jerusalem above”—the heavenly part of God’s organization, made up of loyal spirit creatures. (Gal. 4:26, 31) As the Abrahamic covenant promised, the offspring of the woman would bring blessings to mankind. (Gen. 12:1-3) The Abrahamic covenant points to the King and to his corulers in God’s Kingdom, and it forms the legal foundation of the Kingdom of the heavens. (Heb. 6:13-18) It is “an everlasting covenant,” states Genesis 17:7. It remains in effect until the Messianic Kingdom destroys God’s enemies and all the families of the earth have been blessed. (1 Cor. 15:23-26) In fact, those who will then live on earth will benefit in an everlasting way. God’s covenant with Abraham shows that Jehovah is determined to fulfill his purpose that righteous humans “fill the earth”!—Gen. 1:28. w14 10/15 1:6, 11, 12

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, May 6

[David] foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in the Grave nor did his flesh see corruption.—Acts 2:31.

God’s Word foretold the resurrection of Jesus. For example, David wrote that God’s chief “loyal one” would not be left in the Grave. (Ps. 16:10) On the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., the apostle Peter applied that prophetic verse to Jesus. (Acts 2:23-27) A reason why we know that Jesus was restored to life is that we have the testimony of many witnesses. Over a period of 40 days, the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples in the garden where the tomb was located as well as on the road to Emmaus and elsewhere. (Luke 24:13-15) On those occasions, he spoke to individuals, including Peter, and to groups. Why, the resurrected Jesus once appeared to a crowd of more than 500 people! Testimony involving so many eyewitnesses cannot be discounted. w14 11/15 1:11, 12

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, May 7

The Kingdom of the heavens is like leaven that a woman took and mixed with three large measures of flour until the whole mass was fermented.—Matt. 13:33.

This illustration refers to the Kingdom message and what it produces. “The whole mass” of flour represents all the nations, and the fermenting process pictures the spread of the Kingdom message by means of the preaching work. The spreading of the leaven is initially unseen. It is not until some time later that the effects become evident. Jesus used this illustration to show that the Kingdom message has power to spread pervasively and to cause changes. The Kingdom message has reached “the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) However, the changes caused by the message are not always discernible; some of the effects may even go unnoticed at first. But there is change—not just change with regard to numbers but also change in the personality of those who accept this pervasive message.—Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:22, 23. w14 12/15 1:10, 11

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, May 8

Show yourselves thankful.—Col. 3:15.

Why should we remain alert to the danger of losing our appreciation for Jehovah’s goodness? Because we have inherited a tendency to be unthankful. Consider: Our original parents, Adam and Eve, were placed in a paradise garden. All their needs were filled, and they had the prospect of living forever in peace. (Gen. 1:28) But they did not appreciate their blessings. They greedily desired more. As a result, they lost everything. (Gen. 3:6, 7, 17-19) Surrounded by an unthankful world, we too could begin to lose sight of all that Jehovah has done for us. We could begin to take our friendship with him for granted. We might lose appreciation for the privilege that we have to be part of our worldwide brotherhood. We could become absorbed in things of this world that will soon pass away. (1 John 2:15-17) To avoid that downward spiral, we want to meditate on our blessings and regularly thank Jehovah for the privilege we have of being his people.—Ps. 27:4. w15 1/15 1:5, 8

[acm2625]

I really appreciate today's text. It's such a blessing to know the truth.  It's so easy to get loaded down with life's problems and get distracted.I try to make sure I thank Jehovah as often as possible for my life. Life is so precious we are here one minute and gone the next. 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, May 9

Who are you to be judging your neighbor?—Jas. 4:12.

Humility restrains us from overstepping our authority. If we recognize that we are not authorized to sit in judgment, we will not be quick to criticize others for their faults or question their motives. (Luke 6:37) Humility helps us to avoid being “overly righteous,” looking down on those who may not have the abilities or privileges that we have. (Eccl. 7:16) Humble elders do not view themselves as superior to fellow believers. Rather, such shepherds “consider others superior” and conduct themselves as lesser ones. (Phil. 2:3; Luke 9:48) If we are truly lowly in heart, our words will reflect humility. (Luke 6:45) In conversations with others, we will avoid focusing on our own achievements and privileges. (Prov. 27:2) Instead, we will look for the good in our brothers and sisters and commend them for their positive qualities, abilities, and accomplishments.—Prov. 15:23. w15 2/15 1:8,10

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, May 10

The Kingdom of the heavens may be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.—Matt. 25:1.

Who is the bridegroom of the parable? Clearly, Jesus was talking about himself. Why, on a different occasion, he even referred to himself as the bridegroom! (Luke 5:34, 35) What about the virgins? In the parable, Jesus says that the virgins have the responsibility to be ready with their lamps lit when the bridegroom arrives. Note the similar directions that Jesus gave to his “little flock” of anointed followers: “Be dressed and ready and have your lamps burning, and you should be like men waiting for their master to return from the marriage.” (Luke 12:32, 35, 36) Furthermore, both the apostle Paul and the apostle John were inspired to liken Christ’s anointed followers to chaste virgins. (2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 14:4) Clearly, Jesus intended the parable recorded at Matthew 25:1-13 as counsel and a warning to his anointed followers. w15 3/15 2:2, 4

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, May 11

He considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry.—1 Tim. 1:12.

It is Jehovah who has commissioned you to a ministry, and he will help you to succeed. How? First, Jehovah reassures you: “I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.” (Isa. 41:10) Second, he reminds you that his promises are trustworthy: “I have spoken, and I will bring it about. I have purposed it, and I will also carry it out.” (Isa. 46:11) Third, Jehovah endows you with “power beyond what is normal” to accomplish your ministry. (2 Cor. 4:7) Fourth, to help you endure in your assignment, our caring Father gives you a global brotherhood of true worshippers who “keep encouraging one another and building one another up.” (1 Thess. 5:11) As Jehovah equips you to fulfill your assignments, your faith in him will grow and you will appreciate that your privileges in his service are riches greater than any earthly treasure. w14 4/15 1:12, 13

[Luezette]

This text came just in the nick of time! (Luke 12:42). Because I was feeling a bit down when I think how a few friends get on me about my use of my cane, not feeling that I'm really sick I guess because I don't look sick, which I will admit I don't look it. Some remarks are really negative. 

Jehovah always knows how to raise us up! I even wrote the text's key remarks/scriptures in my phone's memo under "Keys to Success" so i'll have it immediately instead of searching for today's text.

Wonderful!

Next, I'll go to the "Young People Ask" book, because there's an article about being sick/disabled when such isn't visible (or was it in a WT?). But either way I'll find it for I remember reading it, and put the key points in my memo as well. 

 

JEHOVAH IS ALWAYS RIGHT ON TIME!!! 

[dilip kumar]

Very applicable text .

perfect on our anniversary.

Sent from my C6802 using Tapatalk

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, May 12

Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person.—Col. 4:6.

In our ministry, we may meet someone who believes that all good people go to heaven. Such a belief may affect the way the householder interprets the Bible. For example, suppose we were to consider with him Revelation 21:4. The person might assume that the blessings described in that verse apply to life in heaven. How could we reason with him? Rather than using additional proof texts, we could focus on a detail right in that scripture. It says that “death will be no more.” We could ask the person if he agrees that in order for something to be no more, it had to exist in the first place. Likely, he will say yes. Then we could point out that there has never been death in heaven; people die only here on earth. Logically, then, Revelation 21:4 must be referring to future blessings here on earth.—Ps. 37:29. w14 5/15 1:11

[Skye]

Reminds me of one of our sample presentation videos we watched this month. Excellent logical reasoning! This is truly food at the proper time.