Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2014

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, May 12

It crushed the iron, the copper, the molded clay, the silver and the gold.—Dan.2:45.

The Anglo-American World Power will not be replaced by some future world power. This last world power may be weaker than that represented by the legs of iron, but it will not disintegrate on its own. (Dan. 2:33, 34) Does the number of toes of the image have special meaning? Consider: In other visions, Daniel mentions specific numbers—for example, the number of horns on the heads of various beasts. Those numbers are significant. However, when describing the image, Daniel does not mention the number of toes. Therefore, the number seems no more significant than the fact that the image had multiple arms, hands, fingers, legs, and feet. Daniel does specifically mention that the toes would be made of iron and clay. From his description, we can conclude that the Anglo-American World Power is the one that will be dominating when the “stone” representing God’s Kingdom hits the feet of the image. w12 6/15 2:10, 11

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, May 13

I shall certainly give you a wise and understanding heart.—1 Ki. 3:12.

When he was still a young man, Solomon humbly said in prayer: “I am but a little boy. I do not know how to go out and how to come in.” He then prayed for a wise and obedient heart. (1 Ki. 3:7-9) Jehovah answered that sincere request, and he will do the same for you, whether you are young or old. Of course, Jehovah will not give you miraculous insight and wisdom. But he will make you wise if you earnestly study his Word, pray for holy spirit, and take full advantage of the spiritual provisions made available through the Christian congregation. (Jas. 1:5) Indeed, by these means, Jehovah makes even his young servants wiser than all those who ignore his counsel, even the so-called “wise and intellectual ones” of this world.—Luke 10:21; Ps. 119:98-100. w12 7/15 2:10

 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, May 14

Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King.—Isa.33:22.

To remain Kingdom citizens, we need not only to know God’s standards but also to love them. Many citizens of human governments say that they agree with the laws and standards of the country in which they live. However, when they find a requirement to be inconvenient and feel that nobody is looking, they break the law. Often, these people are “men pleasers.” (Col. 3:22) Kingdom citizens live by a higher standard. We gladly obey God’s laws, even when no other human is looking. Why? Because we love the Lawmaker. (Luke 10:27) A foundation law of God’s Kingdom is that all citizens imitate Christ. (1 Pet. 2:21) Regarding Jesus’ example, the apostle Paul wrote: “Let each of us please his neighbor in what is good for his upbuilding. For even the Christ did not please himself.” (Rom. 15:2, 3) For the sake of peace in the congregation, a mature Christian is willing to yield without resentment to the consciences of others.—Rom. 14:19-21. w128/15 2:7, 8

 

[Sunnyside]

İts important to be yielding regardless so as to maintain Peace in the congregation.

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, May 15

As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing.—1 Cor. 15:26.

Two groups can be mentioned who will come in line to benefit from that. For the “great crowd,” who live now, it will be possible to survive into the promised new world with unending life in view. (Rev. 7:9) For the billions who have already been snatched up by death, it will be possible to experience a resurrection. Can you imagine the joy and excitement when those in the former group welcome back the latter? A close look at some of the resurrection accounts in the Bible can give us a foretaste of what it might be like. (Mark 5:38-42; Luke 7:11-17) Indeed, seeing our dead loved ones come back to life will produce in us a marvelous sensation of joy and exhilaration. Jesus said: “The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28, 29) None of us have ever seen such a thing take place; it will surely be one of the grandest of “the things unseen.”—2 Cor. 4:18. w12 9/15 2:14, 15

 

[MizPeg]

thinking of the logistics of the millions I think may be brought back.... it will take a thousand years to witness to them all. wonder if this is where the phrase, "second chance", got it's start/

[MizPeg]

learning that to forgive means to forget, was a real eye opener for me. not keep account of the injury.

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, May 16

In showing honor to one another take the lead.—Rom. 12:10.

Is it wrong to offer our observation if we see something in the congregation that we feel needs adjustment? No. In the first century, an issue arose over which there was much disputing. The brothers “arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to the apostles and older men in Jerusalem regarding this dispute.” (Acts 15:2) No doubt each of those brothers had an opinion on the subject and an idea of how the matter might be handled. However, once each one expressed his thought and a spirit-directed decision was made, the brothers did not continue to bring up their individual opinions. After the letter with the decision reached the congregations, “they rejoiced over the encouragement” and were “made firm in the faith.” (Acts 15:31; 16:4, 5) Likewise today, once we bring a matter to the attention of the responsible brothers, we should be content to leave it to their prayerful consideration. w12 10/15 2:12, 13

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, May 17

Is it the blood of these men that I should drink at the risk of their souls?—1 Chron.11:19.

On one occasion, David expressed his craving for “a drink of the water from the cistern of Bethlehem.” Three of David’s men forced their way into the city—then occupied by the Philistines—and brought back the water. However, “David did not consent to drink it, but poured it out to Jehovah.” (1 Chron. 11:15-18) David knew from the Law that blood should be poured out to Jehovah and not eaten. He also understood why this should be done. David knew that “the soul of the flesh is in the blood.” However, this was water, not blood. Why did David refuse to drink it? He appreciated the principle behind the legal requirement. To David, the water was as precious as the blood of the three men. Therefore, it was unthinkable for him to drink the water. Instead, he poured it out on the ground.—Lev. 17:11; Deut. 12:23, 24. w12 11/15 1:12, 13

 

[Sunnyside]

How careful are we then when the blood of others is in our hands? Driving, food preparation, safety in our homes?

[GrumpysWife]

I agree Maureen, we are responsible for the things we do. I have been told that if something happens, it was an accident, but if we don't take of the necessary things and be careful, how will Jehovah view it? Accident  or Negligent?

[MizPeg]

How careful are we then when the blood of others is in our hands? Driving, food preparation, safety in our homes?

Very valid points, Maureen. Inattention to the present minute, or moment, can have terrible impact on those near.

Actually I am finding todays world, aka satan's world, is the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of troubles for us humans.

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, May 18

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.—Matt. 6:21.

In a sense, a person’s earthly treasure could include prestige, fame, or power. Jesus made a point similar to the one Solomon made in the book of Ecclesiastes—worldly treasures are not lasting. As you have likely seen in the world around you, all such treasures are perishable and can be easily lost. Professor F. Dale Bruner writes of such treasures: “It is well known that fame is fickle. Last Saturday’s hero is next season’s has-been. This year’s financial success is next year’s bankruptcy. . . . [Jesus] loves human beings. He urges them to avoid the inevitable despair that comes with evanescent glory. It doesn’t last. Jesus does not want [his] disciples [to be] disappointed. ‘Every day the world turns over on someone who was just sitting on top of it.’” Though most people would agree with those comments, how many allow the reality behind them to alter their approach to life? Will you? w12 12/15 1:13, 14

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, May 19

Forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead.—Phil.3:13.

As a young Pharisee, Paul did things that he later regretted. For example, he led a campaign of vicious persecution against Christ’s disciples. The Bible record states that immediately after the martyring of Stephen, “Saul [later known as Paul] . . . began to deal outrageously with the congregation. Invading one house after another and, dragging out both men and women, he would turn them over to prison.” (Acts 8:3) As a devout Jew, Saul believed that it was his God-given duty to stamp out Christianity. So he pursued the Christians with brutal cruelty, “breathing threat and murder against . . . both men and women,” trying to destroy them. (Acts 9:1, 2; 22:4) Paul’s values changed as soon as he became a Christian. Instead of being a fierce enemy of Christianity, he became an ardent advocate of it.—Acts 9:3-22. w13 1/15 4:4-6

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, May 20

More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart.—Prov. 4:23.

Bible writers use “heart” to describe man’s entire inner self. It encompasses such aspects as our desires, thoughts, disposition, attitudes, capabilities, motivations, and goals. (Deut. 15:7; Prov. 16:9; Acts 2:26) As one reference work states, it is “the sum total of the interior man.” In some cases, “heart” has a narrower meaning. For example, Jesus said: “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.” (Matt. 22:37) In this instance, “heart” refers to the emotions, desires, and feelings of the inner person. By mentioning heart, soul, and mind separately, Jesus emphasized that we must express our love for God in our feelings as well as by the way we lead our life and use our mental faculties. (John 17:3; Eph. 6:6) But when “heart” is mentioned by itself, it stands for the total inner person. w12 4/15 3:2, 4

 

[MizPeg]

Interesting....... how you use your mental faculties. This morning that has come at a good time. I have a neighbor, whom i refer to as wicked. She hates the

Witnesses, really one sad case. I have to remind myself to not give her any consideration, as it is a waste of brain time. Just the way she walks is a bit depressing. Witness to her? Tried once. Won't again.

[Jeremy's]

In fact, Bible writers mention the heart nearly a thousand times, almost always in a figurative sense. It is of utmost importance that we understand what the heart represents because the Bible states that we need to safeguard it.​

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, May 21

His invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because  they are perceived by the things made.—Rom. 1:20.

The book of creation teaches us much about Jehovah’s “invisible qualities,” but it leaves unanswered such important questions as, What does the future hold for mankind? For the answer, we must turn to what God has revealed in the pages of his Word, the Bible. When we examine it, we find prophecies that have always been fulfilled right on time! Jehovah can reveal what is yet to occur because he can foresee the future accurately. Moreover, what the Scriptures foretell happens on time because Jehovah God can cause events to take place according to his purpose and timetable. Jehovah wants his worshippers to understand Scriptural prophecies and benefit from them. Although God is not limited by our perception of time, we can relate to the terms he uses when he foretells that an event will occur at a specific time.—Ps. 90:4. w12 5/15 3:5, 6

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, May 22

You keep seeking great things for yourself. Do not keep on seeking.—Jer. 45:5.

We cannot be sure what “great things” Baruch was seeking for himself. We do know, though, that they were things with no future, things that would end when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. Do you see in that a lesson for us? Obtaining life’s necessities requires that we make some plans for the future. (Prov. 6:6-11) But how wise would it be to invest a lot of time and energy in pursuits that are not of lasting value? Granted, Jehovah’s organization continues to plan for new Kingdom Halls, branch facilities, and other theocratic projects. These endeavors, however, do have a future because their objective is that of promoting Kingdom interests. It would be appropriate for all of Jehovah’s dedicated people to set similar priorities when they make plans. Are you convinced in your heart that you are “seeking first the kingdom and [Jehovah’s] righteousness”?—Matt. 6:33. w12 6/15 3:8, 9

 

[GStorrs46]

  Sometimes for those of us who have been associated with the truth for some time, and now look back on

the time where the organization went trough periods of disappointments with regard our expectations concerning

the end of this system. we may feel regret and wish as today's text says, we had sought out greater things in

this system for ourselves. This can especially be a real test to those, who before becoming witnesses, had

some amount of prominence in this world. I know I have struggled with such feelings. But we are reminded

by today's text that if we remain faithful to Jehovah, he promises us our life. Sometimes we resemble the Israe-

lites of old, who while in the wilderness complained they missed the cucumbers and onions of Egypt, and

their soul had come to detest this "contemptible bread ". Let us remember, when we were in this system, we

had no hope, were unacquainted with the promises and covenants, and were without God in this world. When

we reflect on all that we have gained as the result of the truth, any temporary sense of loss will disappear, and

in the end, will have obtained the "real life", life in Jehovah's Glorious New System, now so near at hand.

 

                                                                                                                                           GStorrs46

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, May 23

When the evildoers approached against me . . . , they themselves stumbled and fell.—Ps. 27:2.

Have you experienced Jehovah’s assistance in difficult circumstances? For instance, have you prayed intensely about a distressing problem and then seen how Jehovah gave you wisdom or strength to cope with that trial? Or can you recall how obstacles to your joyful service were removed or how a large door of activity was opened to you? (1 Cor. 16:9) What effect does remembering such events have on you now? Do not those memories continue to persuade you that Jehovah can help you to overcome or endure even more serious obstacles or adversities? (Rom. 5:3-5) What if a powerful government were to hatch a plot to exterminate Jehovah’s Witnesses as an organization? Many men in modern times have attempted to do just that but have failed. Recounting how Jehovah has helped his people in the past will instill in us confidence to face the future.—Dan. 3:28. w12 7/15 3:5, 6

 

[Tirshatha]

Let us think too about the years of privilege we have had in this system, knowing the end is at hand, and that of preaching in the most exciting time in human history. WE get to see the fulfillment of all the Bible's prophesies, and as this years Regional Convention has a talk relating to the New Scrolls. Nothing we have left behind compares to the distinct and unique position those serving Jehovah today have. Leaving one old dying world to enter into Jehovah's promise realized. 

[VL4D]

I remember at a convention one year there was a live drama where something similar to that happened. It started off with a family watching the news when the broadcaster said "Jehovah's Witnesses are now legally banned from their religious practices in the United States of America." The father in the household calmed eased the rest of his family's anxiety by telling them about the account in the bible with Esther and Ha'man. This renewed their faith in Jehovah and prepared them for the trials ahead. The account of Esther goes perfectly with this daily text and would be something interesting to read in further strengthen ourselves.

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, May 24

The tongue is a fire.—Jas. 3:6.

In a figurative sense, the Devil would like to set the Christian congregation ablaze. If he succeeds, he can drive its members away from that safe haven right into his clutches. How might we unwittingly collaborate with him and thus be entrapped by him? The disciple James likened the tongue to a fire. (Jas. 3:6-8) If we fail to control our tongue, we could start a figurative wildfire in the congregation. How might this happen? Consider the following scenario: At a congregation meeting, an announcement is made that a certain sister has been appointed a regular pioneer. After the meeting, two publishers discuss this announcement. One expresses joy and has good wishes for the new pioneer. The other questions the pioneer’s motives and implies that she is merely seeking prominence in the congregation. It is not hard to see which one is more likely to set the congregation ablaze through her speech. w12 8/15 3:3, 4

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, May 25

Congregate the people.—Deut. 31:12.

International and district conventions have been a feature of the modern-day history of Jehovah’s Witnesses for as long as most of us can remember. Thousands of years ago, God’s people also held holy conventions. The assembly at the base of Mount Sinai was the first large gathering of God’s people for spiritual instruction on record. On that thrilling occasion, which participants no doubt never forgot, Jehovah gave the Israelites a demonstration of his power when he gave them his Law. (Ex. 19:2-9, 16-19; 20:18; Deut. 4:9, 10) That event was key to God’s subsequent dealings with Israel. Not long thereafter, Jehovah established a means by which to summon his people. He ordered Moses to make two silver trumpets that would be used to call “the whole assembly” to meet “at the entrance of the tent of meeting.” (Num. 10:1-4) Try to imagine the excitement on such occasions! w12 9/15 5:1-3