Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2014

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, April 23

Bodily training is beneficial for a little.—1 Tim. 4:8.

The Bible is not anti-fun, nor does it depict recreation and entertainment as a waste of time. It even says that there is “a time to laugh” and “a time to skip about,” and it encourages a healthy amount of rest. (Eccl. 3:4; 4:6) If you are not careful, however, recreation and entertainment could distance you from Jehovah. How? Much of the danger centers on two aspects—what type you choose and how much time you spend on it. Today, much of what is available glorifies things that God hates, including violence, spiritism, and illicit sex. Therefore, you need to scrutinize the type of recreation and entertainment that you engage in and the effect it has on you. Consider, too, the amount of time you spend on recreation and entertainment. Ask yourself, ‘Do I spend so much time in leisure pursuits that I have little time left for spiritual activities?’—Phil. 1:10, 11.w13 1/15 2:11-13

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, April 24

The man’s being alone is not good; I will make him a helper to match him.—Gen.2:18, “Byington.”

Jehovah knows everything there is to know about mankind and marriage. He implanted a sexual need in humans so that they would “be fruitful and become many.” (Gen. 1:28) God understands feelings of loneliness, for prior to creating the first woman, he said the words of today’s text. Jehovah is also fully aware of the joy possible within the bonds of matrimony. (Prov. 5:15-18) Because of sin and imperfection, no present-day marriage is perfect. Among Jehovah’s servants, however, wedlock can result in true happiness if God’s Word is followed. For instance, consider Paul’s clear counsel on intimate relations in marriage. (1 Cor. 7:1-5) It is not Scripturally required that marriage mates limit sexual relations to efforts to produce offspring. Such intimacy can rightly fill emotional and physical needs. But perverted practices certainly do not please God. w12 5/15 1:9, 10

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, April 25

Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway.—Ps. 119:105.

The Bible is a marvelous gift that Jehovah has provided by means of his holy spirit. Take delight in reading it daily, and your love for it and its Author will grow. (Ps. 1:1, 2) Open each study session with prayer, asking for God’s spirit to direct your thoughts. (Luke 11:13) The Bible contains God’s thoughts, so as you meditate on what it says, you can make God’s thinking your thinking. While you continue to grow in accurate knowledge of the truth, live by what you learn. Peer into the Scriptures as you would into a mirror. If you thus see that you should make changes, do so. (Jas. 1:23-25) Utilize God’s Word as a sword to defend your beliefs and to cut away false teachings in the hearts of meek ones. (Eph. 6:17) As you do so, be grateful that the prophets and men who were used to pen the message of the Bible truly were “borne along by holy spirit.”—2 Pet. 1:21. w12 6/15 4:17, 18

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, April 26

Do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline andmental-regulating of Jehovah.—Eph. 6:4.

Parents do well to remember that they are carrying out an assignment from Jehovah. Sadly, in the world today, many have “no natural affection.” (2 Tim. 3:1, 3) Countless fathers shirk their responsibilities—to the dismay and detriment of their children. Where but in the family do children form their first impressions of love and authority? Parents who have taught those lessons successfully have worked in harmony with Jehovah’s administration. By making our homes havens of love where we put away all anger and wrath and abusive speech, we are teaching our children vital lessons about how to show love and how to respect authority. This will prepare them for life in God’s new world. We need to realize, however, that the Devil, the one who first disrupted universal peace, will strongly oppose our efforts to do God’s will. w12 7/15 4:16, 17

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, April 27

Abundant peace belongs to those loving [God’s] law, and for them there is no  stumbling block.—Ps. 119:165.

If you find yourself tempted to develop an improper romantic relationship, meditate on the damaging consequences of fornication and adultery. (Prov. 7:22, 23; Gal. 6:7) Those who commit immorality displease Jehovah and hurt their spouse and themselves. (Mal. 2:13, 14) In contrast, contemplate the benefits that come to those who maintain chaste conduct. Not only do they have the hope of living forever but they also enjoy the best life now, including a clean conscience. (Prov. 3:1, 2) So love the truth, and “keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons” in these wicked times. (Eph. 5:15, 16) We are well-equipped to protect ourselves from the traps set by Satan. Jehovah has given us what we need to “stand firm” and “quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles”!—Eph. 6:11, 16. w12 8/15 4:18, 19

 

[A fellow servant]

This is one of my favorite scriptures.    It shows that we may get stumped at times by the actions, attitudes of others.   However, we will not allow it to cause us to stumble to the point of not serving our Grand Creator, Jehovah.   After all,   he didn't do anything to cause us to stumble.     The TRUTH is still the TRUTH no matter what things may come our way in the way of the negative.

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, April 28

“Let us set matters straight between us,” says Jehovah.—Isa. 1:18.

Yes, we should recognize our sinfulness, repent of our errors, earnestly beseech Jehovah for forgiveness, and ask him to create in us a pure heart. (Ps. 51:10) If we have sinned seriously, we should also seek the spiritual assistance of the elders. (Jas. 5:14, 15) Regardless of our circumstances, it is comforting to bear in mind that Jehovah is as he described himself to Moses—“a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, preserving loving-kindness for thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin.” Jehovah has not changed. (Ex. 34:6, 7) Using a powerful comparison, Jehovah promised repentant Israelites the complete removal of the stain of their sins, making what was “scarlet” as white as “snow.” What, then, does Jehovah’s forgiveness mean for us? A complete pardon for our sins and errors, provided that we manifest a grateful and repentant attitude. w12 11/15 4:17, 18

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, April 29

The kingdom [of God] will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itselfwill stand to times indefinite.—Dan. 2:44.

Can you imagine what the fulfillment of that will mean for you personally? Man-made national boundaries, which today in some sense mark every human as a foreigner, will no longer exist. Already, Jehovah’s Witnesses pay little attention to the nationality of those in their midst. Recently, for example, several of their smaller branch offices were merged to simplify the work of oversight and to improve efficiency in accomplishing the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. (Matt. 24:14) As far as legal requirements permitted, national barriers were ignored when such consolidations were made. That is yet another visible proof that Jesus Christ as Jehovah’s rightfully enthroned Ruler is breaking down human barriers, and he is the one who will soon “complete his conquest”!—Rev. 6:2. w12 12/15 4:16-18

 

[RaymondG]

Indeed...

 

We have a multi-cultural congregation with people of many European backgrounds, some still deeply rooted in their native tongues, participating strongly in each form of Christian activity. We also have many visitors of Asian nations visiting and studying in our territory, while native Australians are also represented.

 

Barriers can be broken today, but Jehovah and his appointed king will simply destroy them along with those who hold them dear.

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, April 30

My sin is in front of me constantly.—Ps. 51:3.

A poet wrote: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’” The poet was J. G. Whittier, and he was referring to things that we regret, that we wish we could do over and do differently. “Regret” is mental sorrow, pain of mind, at something done or perhaps left undone, and it can mean “to weep again.” We all have done things we wish we could go back and do differently. What regrets do you have? Some people have made grievous mistakes in their lives, even committing serious sins. Others have not done anything so bad, but they wonder whether some of their choices in life were really the best. Some people have been able to overcome the past and continue on with their lives. Others are continually plagued with “if onlys” about their past. Which are you? Do you wish that you could serve God without regrets—at least from this day forward? w13 1/15 4:1, 2

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, May 1

Take these things away from here! Stop making the house of my Father a house of merchandise!—John 2:16.

What conclusion do you draw from Jesus’ cleansing of the temple? Visualize the scene: Jesus made a whip of ropes, and he drove out those selling cattle and sheep. He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. (John 2:13-15, 17) That forceful action made the disciples recall the prophetic words of King David: “Sheer zeal for your house has eaten me up.” (Ps. 69:9) By taking firm action, Jesus showed a strong desire to defend true worship. Do you see in that account the Father’s personality? It reminds us that God has not only the unlimited power to wipe wickedness from the face of the earth but also the ardent desire to do so. This depiction of Jesus’ strong reaction to wrongdoing reveals how the Father must feel as he looks at the wickedness that is rampant on earth today. How reassuring that is to us when we are coping with injustices! w12 4/15 1:11

 

[dilip kumar]

I always have thought about one thing when ever i have read this incident in the bible. why didn't Jesus use the whip previously.? He was always zealous but what took him around 30 years?

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[trottigy]

I always have thought about one thing when ever i have read this incident in the bible. why didn't Jesus use the whip previously.? He was always zealous but what took him around 30 years?

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We'll - just going out on a limb here - I am going to guess that from age 1 to say 15 he probably couldn't have even used a whip. I am trying to picture a 10 year old going to the temple and actually attempting that from 20 to 30 there is probably something to do with respect for his elders and especially the law. But once he was anointed as King - all those issues were gone. It didn't take him long once he was anointed (and NOT running ahead of his Father's time table).

Edited May 1, 2014 by trottigy

[dilip kumar]

Real good.Thank you for helping me move a big question from my heart.

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[GrumpysWife]

Friday, May 2

The wife should have deep respect for her husband.—Eph. 5:33.

A wife who is guided by Jehovah’s Word and his holy spirit can do much to make her home a place of tranquillity and happiness. It is natural for a God-fearing husband to love his wife and protect her physically and spiritually. She yearns for his love, and that requires that she be lovable. “The truly wise woman has built up her house,” saysProverbs 14:1, “but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.” A wise and loving wife contributes greatly to the success and happiness of her family. She also shows that she really appreciates God’s gift of marriage. Husbands and wives who base their union on Jesus’ example in dealing with his congregation show gratitude for God’s gift of marriage. (Eph. 5:22-25) What blessings spouses enjoy when they truly love each other and never let pride, the childish silent treatment, or other unchristian traits mar their marriage! w12 5/15 1:12, 14, 15

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, May 3

Get up, eat much flesh.—Dan. 7:5.

More than a century before Daniel’s time, Jehovah revealed through the prophet Isaiah details about the world power that would conquer Babylon. Jehovah disclosed not only the manner in which the city of Babylon would be defeated but also the name of the conqueror. That leader was Cyrus the Persian. (Isa. 44:28–45:2) Daniel received two other visions regarding the Medo-Persian World Power. In one, the kingdom was depicted as being like a bear that was raised up on one side. In a separate vision, Daniel saw this dual world power symbolized by a two-horned ram. (Dan. 8:3, 20) Jehovah used the Medo-Persian Empire to fulfill prophecy by overthrowing Babylon and restoring the Israelites to their homeland. (2 Chron. 36:22, 23) However, this same power later came close to eradicating God’s people.—Esther 1:1-3; 3:8, 9; 8:3, 9-14. w12 6/15 1:12, 13

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, May 4

Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.—2 Cor. 3:17.

How does holy spirit contribute to our freedom? Among other things, it produces within us qualities that are essential to freedom—“love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control.” (Gal. 5:22, 23) Without those qualities, especially love, no society can be truly free—a fact that is obvious in the world today. Interestingly, after listing the spirit’s fruitage, the apostle Paul added: “Against such things there is no law.” What did he mean? The fruitage of God’s spirit is not restricted by any law that can limit its growth. (Gal. 5:18) After all, what would be the point of such a law? It is Jehovah’s will that we cultivate Christlike qualities forever and display them without restriction. Those who are enthralled by the world’s spirit and who indulge their fleshly desires may think they are free. (2 Pet. 2:18, 19) The reality, however, is quite the opposite. w12 7/15 1:13, 14

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, May 5

Be courageous and strong. . . . Jehovah your God is with you.—Josh. 1:9.

To have the courage needed to do God’s will, we must study and apply his Word. That is what Joshua was told to do when he became Moses’ successor: “Be courageous and very strong to take care to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. . . . This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, in order that you may take care to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.” (Josh. 1:7, 8) Joshua followed that counsel, and ‘his way was successful.’ If we do likewise, we will have greater courage and success in God’s service. Joshua must have been greatly strengthened when he heard Jehovah’s words, as recorded in today’s text. Jehovah is with us too. So let us “not suffer shock or be terrified” regardless of our trials. w13 1/15 1:7, 8

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, May 6

This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth.—Matt.24:14.

Today, there are about 109,400 congregations throughout the world, and some 895,800 brothers and sisters serve as pioneers. Nearly eight million people now accept “the true knowledge,” applying it in their lives. (Dan. 12:4; Isa. 60:22) This is particularly impressive, since Jesus foretold that his disciples would be “objects of hatred by all people” because of his name. He added that his followers would be persecuted, imprisoned, and even killed. (Luke 21:12-17) Despite the opposition of Satan, his demons, and opposers among mankind, Jehovah’s people have enjoyed phenomenal success in carrying out their commission to make disciples. Today, they are preaching in “all the inhabited earth,” from tropical jungles to frigid tundra, in mountains, in deserts, in cities, and in the most remote countryside. This could never have been accomplished without divine backing. w12 8/15 1:13

 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, May 7

“I will call forth against [Gog] throughout all my mountainous region a sword,” is theutterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. “Against his own brother the sword of each  one will come to be.”—Ezek. 38:21.

Panic-stricken, those on Satan’s side will be thrown into confusion and will turn their weapons against their own ranks—warrior against warrior. However, havoc is also to come Satan’s way. Jehovah states: “Fire and sulphur I shall rain down upon [Gog] and upon his bands and upon the many peoples that will be with him.” (Ezek. 38:22) What will be the result of this divine action? The nations will have to realize that their crushing defeat is brought about by the order of Jehovah himself. Then, as did the ancient Egyptian attackers who pursued the Israelites at the Red Sea, Satan’s forces may cry out in desperation: “Jehovah certainly fights for them”! (Ex. 14:25) Yes, the nations will be forced to acknowledge Jehovah.—Ezek. 38:23. w12 9/15 1:11, 12

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, May 8

Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor   rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal.—Matt. 6:20.

In recent times, some countries have suffered severe disasters. Notably, many brothers in these lands have shown remarkable resilience. This does not mean that it was easy. Yet in each case, they put the disaster behind them and moved on in Jehovah’s service. In September 2009, over 80 percent of Manila, Philippines, was flooded by torrential rains. A wealthy man who lost much said, “The flood was a great equalizer, bringing difficulties and sufferings to both the rich and the poor.” Building one’s life around material things, which can so quickly disappear, often brings disappointment. How much wiser it is to center our life on our relationship with Jehovah, which can remain intact no matter what happens around us!—Heb. 13:5, 6. w12

Edited May 7, 2014 by GrumpysWife

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, May 9

Jehovah felt regrets that he had made men in the earth,and he felt hurt at his heart.—Gen. 6:6.

“I was devastated,” says one sister whose daughter was disfellowshipped. It may be difficult for those who have never experienced such a loss to appreciate how devastating it can be. Nevertheless, it would be unwise to let the improper course of a disfellowshipped family member distance you from Jehovah. How, then, can you cope with the profound grief that arises when a family member leaves Jehovah? Do not blame yourself for what happened. Jehovah has put a choice before humans, and each dedicated and baptized family member must “carry his own load” of responsibility. (Gal. 6:5) Ultimately, Jehovah holds the sinner—not you—responsible for his or her choice. (Ezek. 18:20) Also, do not blame others. Respect Jehovah’s arrangement for discipline. Take your stand against the Devil—not against shepherds who act to protect the congregation.—1 Pet. 5:8, 9. w13 1/15 2:16-18

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, May 10

Truly I say to you, One of you will betray me.—Matt. 26:21.

The night of his last Passover celebration, Jesus announced to Peter, James, and John in the garden of Gethsemane: “Look! My betrayer has drawn near.” Immediately, Judas appeared in the garden with his coconspirators, “and going straight up to Jesus he said: ‘Good day, Rabbi!’ and kissed him very tenderly.” (Matt. 26:46-50; Luke 22:47, 52) Judas “betrayed righteous blood” and handed Jesus over to Christ’s enemies. And for what did money-loving Judas do that? For a mere 30 pieces of silver! (Matt. 27:3-5) The name Judas has been synonymous with “traitor” ever since, especially one who betrays another under the guise of friendship. Judas met a shameful end because of his having turned traitor against the anointed of Jehovah. (Acts 1:18-20) How vital it is that we reject any tendency we may have toward blind ambition or greed, which would cause us to lose Jehovah’s favor! w12 4/15 2:6, 7

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, May 11

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding.In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.—Prov. 3:5, 6.

Many marriages that seemed to be headed for failure have in time turned out to be very successful. Christians who refuse to give up quickly on a difficult marriage often enjoy a fine reward. Consider what can happen in a religiously divided household. The apostle Peter wrote: “You wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.” (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) Yes, because of his mate’s fine conduct, an unbeliever may embrace the true faith! Such a saved marriage honors God and can be a great blessing for the husband, the wife, and any children they may have. w12 5/15 2:8, 9

 

[trottigy]

Good reminder. it is easier to just give up, but we know how Jehovah feels about that. So we keep working hard, eh?