Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2014

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, August 28

We pray to God that you may do nothing wrong, . . . that you may be doing what is fine, though we 

ourselves may appear disapproved.—2 Cor. 13:7.

Success in resisting pressure involves a combination of such elements as accurate knowledge, humility, modesty, love for God, and fear of Jehovah, not humans. If our faith is built on accurate knowledge, we will courageously speak about our beliefs with conviction. This will help us to resist pressure and conquer fear of man. Of course, we must never overestimate our own strength. Instead, we should humbly recognize that we need God’s power in order to resist pressure. We need to pray for Jehovah’s spirit and must let love for him motivate us to uphold his name and standards. Moreover, we need to prepare for pressure before we face a test. For instance, advance preparation along with prayer can help our children to respond effectively when their peers try to induce them to do something wrong. w12 8/15 3:13

 

[Hartley]

How important it is that we base our faith on accurate knowledge from Jehovah and not the word of men. For this reason even the FDS hold the scriptures as an authority and not themselves. Paul hoped the corinthians would not think he was disapproved. But said even if appeared that he was. They should continue to serve Jehovah.

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, August 29

He that is humble in spirit will take hold of glory.—Prov. 29:23.

It may be that we are progressing toward Christian maturity but a fellow believer counsels us. His honest observations could help us if we do not raise a defensive shield because of pride, the desire to save face, or the temptation to justify our course. Or suppose you are working on a project with a fellow believer. Will your collaboration be influenced by concern over who gets the credit for your good ideas and hard work? Overseers and those “reaching out” for such an office should likewise beware of seeking praise from men. (1 Tim. 3:1; 1 Thess. 2:6) How should a brother respond when he receives sincere commendation for a job well done? Does he readily recognize that his achievement was possible only by Jehovah’s undeserved kindness and that any hope for future success still depends on God’s blessing and help?—1 Pet. 4:11. w13 2/15 4:10, 11

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, August 30

It will without fail come true. It will not be late.—Hab. 2:3.

Something that interferes with our manifesting godly patience is a wait-and-see attitude. What does that mean? Well, a person who lacks confidence that the end is near might start to make alternate arrangements, so to speak, in case things do not work out as Jehovah said they would. In other words, he might be thinking, ‘I will wait and see if Jehovah really is true to his word.’ He might then try to make a name for himself in this world, to seek financial security instead of putting God’s Kingdom first, or to trust in higher education to secure a comfortable life now. Really, though, would that not be evidence of a lack of faith? Remember that Paul urged us to become imitators of those faithful ones who received promises from Jehovah “through faith and patience.” (Heb. 6:12) Jehovah will not allow this wicked system to exist any longer than is absolutely necessary according to his purpose. w12 9/15 3:16

 

[timpin]

If the Truth is really in you and you observe even a small hint of news around the world, a wait and see attitude would be a classic Proverbs 13:20b!

 

Tomorrow starts the most exciting service year we have ever experienced!

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, August 31

The god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers.—2 Cor. 4:4.

Sadly, some within the Christian congregation give evidence that, at least to a degree, they feel comfortable in Satan’s world. If you feel that way even a little, pray about the matter. Remember, this world is Satan’s. It reflects his cold, self-serving spirit. (Eph. 2:1, 2) In order to resist Satan’s machinations, we need to take full advantage of the spiritual provisions that Jehovah makes for his household of faith, for those who make him their dwelling. These provisions include Christian meetings, family worship, and “gifts in men”—shepherds appointed by God to comfort and support us as we struggle with life’s challenges. (Eph. 4:8-12) Brother George Gangas, who was a member of the Governing Body for a number of years, wrote: “When I am among [God’s people] I feel at home with my family, in a spiritual paradise.” Do you feel the same way? w13 3/15 4:11, 12

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, September 1

Let . . . anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you.—Eph. 4:31.

We are happy when people respond favorably to our ministry, for then they may benefit from the message we bear. Sometimes, however, the response is anything but peaceable. What then? Jesus said that the peace we wished on the household should remain with us. (Luke 10:1, 5, 6) In any case, we should be able to leave each door with peace in our hearts, regardless of how people treat us. If we were to respond to a provocation by getting upset, we could not maintain our peace. Strive to maintain your peace in all situations, not just in the Christian ministry. Naturally, willingness to forgive others does not mean that you have to approve of their wrong behavior or minimize the damage it does. Forgiving, though, does mean letting go of any resentment for such wrongs and maintaining your own peace. So be forgiving!—Eph. 4:32. w12 11/15 5:11, 12

 

[timpin]

have you noticed how the text comments for the past couple of days has been very pointed?  ...   great direction for getting the new service year off to a super start - enjoy your ministry friends!

[shali]

I like the thought at the end that says "Forgiving . . means maintaining your own peace". I appreciate this thought because sometimes someone who wrongs us seriously doesn't give us the basis to forgive because they don't show any repentance for the wrong they've commmitted against us and never extend any type of apology. But this helps us to appreciate that forgiving is still the best thing to do for our own good and peace of mind and heart. It will keep us from developing hate that doesn't need to be there that can corrupt our relationship with Jehovah.

[trottigy]

I find that some (not meaning you, but another I am dealing with) often don't like pointed counsel.

 

BUT - this is good counsel for me today! Thank you.

[shali]

I think in this time of the end, Jehovah will have to get more and more "pointed" or direct with us because in certain instances, we will be told to do something once and once only and we better be ready to obey! As this system hurdles to it's end we can't stray for even an inch off the "narrow path" that leads to life.

[trottigy]

Yes, I am sure of that. I just hope we are all ready to take it.  

 

RATHER than try and argue that "we didn't say it quite like that" or "we didn't actually mean that" or someone other way to talk our way out of listening and accepting counsel.

 

 

May I just listen and apply!

Edited September 1, 2014 by trottigy

[shali]

I think for the most part, the majority of Jehovah's people are humble enough to accept counsel, even when it's 'pointed' or sharp and direct. For those of us who may have trouble with this,all we need to do is think about whether it's worth losing our life after all our struggles and everything we've been through, not to accept a little counsel when it's needed (most of the time deserved) and ALWAYS given out of love

Edited September 1, 2014 by shali

[Julsey]

I think in this time of the end, Jehovah will have to get more and more "pointed" or direct with us because in certain instances, we will be told to do something once and once only and we better be ready to obey! As this system hurdles to it's end we can't stray for even an inch off the "narrow path" that leads to life.

I think he will also get more pointed because we live in a society which no longer understands subtleties!!!! 

[shali]

This reminds of some of the comments you hear once in a while in a forum. People get upset because a thread is locked or a comment is edited or removed altogether or a warning was given, but really wouldn't it be easier for the moderator's to ignore all that stuff and just let it run amuck? The fact that they take action shows they love us and want to protect us spiritually. It would be so much easier for them to sit on their hands and do nothing rather than P.M. us to help us understand our error. They take time out of their busy schedules too talk together to discuss things before they take action and that in itself is a sacrifice. This has been a "safe" place to be since I've been here because those in charge of this site love all their brothers and sisters.

Edited September 1, 2014 by shali

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, September 2

You yourselves will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.—Ex.19:6.

Jehovah began to fulfill his side of the Law covenant by arranging for a tent of worship and a priesthood that made it possible for sinful humans to approach him. Israel, on the other hand, quickly forgot their dedication to God and “pained even the Holy One of Israel.” (Ps. 78:41) For example, while Moses was busy receiving further instructions on Mount Sinai, the Israelites became impatient and began to lose faith in God, thinking that Moses had deserted them. So they made a golden image of a calf and said to the people: “This is your God, O Israel, who led you up out of the land of Egypt.” (Ex. 32:1, 4) Then they held what they called “a festival to Jehovah” and bowed down and sacrificed to their man-made image. Upon seeing that, Jehovah told Moses: “They have turned aside in a hurry from the way I have commanded them to go.”—Ex. 32:5, 6, 8. w12 10/15 3:10, 12

 

[GrumpysWife]

                                                         Wednesday, September 3 

 

For the Lord’s sake subject yourselves to every human creation: whether to a king as being superior or to governors.—1 Pet. 2:13, 14.

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide fulfill this requirement for Christians as outlined by Peter. Although being no part of the wicked world, true Christians willingly subject themselves to government authorities “in their relative positions,” even as Paul instructed them. (Rom. 13:1, 5-7) When Jehovah’s Witnesses conduct themselves as “temporary residents” in the present system, they are not doing so as part of some silent civil protest; neither do they oppose or interfere with others who make their own political or social decisions. (1 Pet. 2:11) Unlike some other religious groups, Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from meddling in politics. They never try to dictate policy matters to civil authorities. The idea that they would attempt to disrupt public order or undermine the government is completely without foundation! w12 12/15 3:15, 16

Edited September 3, 2014 by GrumpysWife
Posted from Wt Lib CD

[Hartley]

We also have the greatest reason to obey the superior a authorities in that it is "for the Lords sake", it is not mere obedience to a human government.

Edited September 3, 2014 by Hartley

[timpin]

 

                                                         Wednesday, September 3 

 

For the Lord’s sake subject yourselves to every human creation: whether to a king as being superior or to governors.—1 Pet. 2:13, 14.

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide fulfill this requirement for Christians as outlined by Peter. Although being no part of the wicked world, true Christians willingly subject themselves to government authorities “in their relative positions,” even as Paul instructed them. (Rom. 13:1, 5-7) When Jehovah’s Witnesses conduct themselves as “temporary residents” in the present system, they are not doing so as part of some silent civil protest; neither do they oppose or interfere with others who make their own political or social decisions. (1 Pet. 2:11) Unlike some other religious groups, Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from meddling in politics. They never try to dictate policy matters to civil authorities. The idea that they would attempt to disrupt public order or undermine the government is completely without foundation! w12 12/15 3:15, 16

 

 

no click on scriptures?   ... http://jwtalk.net/forums/topic/16788-tuesday-september-2-you-yourselves-will-become-to-me-a-kingdom-of-priests-and-a-holy-nation—ex196/

[GrumpysWife]

 

Tim

Guess you'll have to get your trusty hard copy of the Bible out and look them up until this all get's settled. VL

[trottigy]

Here ya go Tim wol.jw.org

[minister159]

California's proposition 8 and the Mormon church's involvement with it, is the very antithesis of the neutral position we take as true Christians as stated in the WT comment above, as one example.

 

Of course, they weren't alone, as the Catholic church and others were right their with them, but It's no secret that Mormons were heavily involved in getting prop 8 passed in California, as seen in a New York Times article entitled, "Mormons Tipped Scale in Ban on Gay marriage," dated 11/14/08.

 

Not only are they not "no part of the world," but in fact, they are part and parcel with the world and its political system. What a sham and a farce!  

[GrumpysWife]

                           Thursday, September 4

 

Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.—Jas. 4:8.

 

Parents, you need not control your children’s every move, but you do need to monitor their computer use. Do not abandon them to online immorality, violent games, spiritism, and bad association just to keep them busy and out of your way. If you do, they may conclude, ‘Since Dad and Mom don’t care, it must be all right.’ As parents, it is your job to shield your children—including teenagers—from anything that could distance them from Jehovah. Even animals protect their young from danger. Imagine what a mother bear would do if someone threatened her cubs! (Compare Hosea 13:8.) Help your children to arrange wholesome association with other exemplary Christians, young and old. And remember, your children need you to spend time with them! So make time to laugh, play, work, and “draw close to God” together. w13 1/15 3:5, 6

 

[GrumpysWife]

                                      Friday, September 5

 

God . . . turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.—Acts 15:14.

 

During a milestone governing body meeting in Jerusalem in 49 C.E., the disciple James said: “It is written, ‘After these things I shall return and rebuild the booth of David that is fallen down . . . in order that those who remain of the men may earnestly seek Jehovah, together with people of all the nations, people who are called by my name, says Jehovah.’” (Acts 15:13-18) “The booth [or, royal house] of David” fell when King Zedekiah was dethroned. (Amos 9:11) However, that “booth” would be rebuilt with David’s descendant Jesus as the permanent King. (Ezek. 21:27; Acts 2:29-36) As James pointed out at that historic meeting, this prophecy of Amos was being fulfilled in the gathering of Kingdom heirs from both Jews and Gentiles. Today, a remnant of anointed Christians and millions of Jesus’ “other sheep” are united in declaring Bible truth as servants of Jehovah.—John 10:16. w13 2/15 2:1, 2

 

[Luezette]

Beautiful text...as always.

For me, it reminds me of always knowing that Jehovah has fulfilled his word, is fulfilling his word, and will fulfill his word. It also teaches me that I must fulfill my word when I dedicated my life to him. This way I will continue to have the "undeserved kindness" of continuing to be of the "other sheep." What a privilege we have in this!

Edited September 5, 2014 by Luezette