Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2014

[GrumpysWife]

                         Saturday, September 6

 

Jehovah showed me, and, look! two baskets of figs.—Jer. 24:1.

 

In 617 B.C.E., the nation of Judah was in a bad spiritual state. God gave a vision about what the future held, illustrating it with two types of figs—“very good” figs and “very bad” ones. (Jer. 24:1-3) The bad figs meant King Zedekiah and others like him who faced severe treatment by King Nebuchadnezzar and his troops. But what of Ezekiel, Daniel and his three companions already in Babylon, and some Jews soon to be taken there? They were like good figs. A remnant of them would return to rebuild Jerusalem. In time, that did occur. (Jer. 24:8-10; 25:11, 12; 29:10) Jehovah said of those represented by the good figs: “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Jehovah; and they must become my people.” (Jer. 24:7) How encouraging that is! God is willing to give individuals “a heart to know” him. In this case, the “heart” relates to one’s disposition. Certainly, you want to have such a heart and to be part of his people. w13 3/15 2:3, 4

 

[GrumpysWife]

                                                Sunday, September 7

 

The little one himself will become a thousand, and the small one a mighty nation.—Isa. 60:22.

 

Conventions at which Jehovah gathered his faithful Witnesses after periods of persecution or ban were intensely moving. Adolf Hitler had vowed to destroy Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany, but 107,000 of them filled his former parade grounds in Nuremberg during a convention in 1955. Many of those present could not hold back their tears of joy! Among the 166,518 delegates at three “Godly Devotion” conventions held in Poland in 1989 were large numbers of delegates from what were then the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia, and from other Eastern European countries. For some, it was the first time they had attended a gathering of more than 15 or 20 of God’s people. And imagine the joy at the 1993 “Divine Teaching” International Convention in Kiev, Ukraine, where 7,402 were immersed—the largest baptism of Jehovah’s Witnesses on record.—Hag. 2:7. w12 9/15 5:9

 

[Hartley]

And I wonder how much more expansion will occur with the website. Will isa 60 will have a further fullfillment here also?

Hartley

[GrumpysWife]

                               Monday, September 8

 

Become imitators of me, even as I am of Christ.—1 Cor. 11:1.

 

How grateful we are that Jesus through his teachings and conduct willingly revealed his Father to us! We need to imitate Jesus by revealing the Father by our words and deeds. Keep in mind that many we meet in field service do not know who God is. Their view of God may be obscured by false teachings. We may share with them what we know about God’s name, his purpose for humans, and his personality as revealed in the Bible. Moreover, we may discuss with fellow believers some Bible accounts that reveal God’s personality in a way that we did not appreciate before. That way, they too may benefit. How about revealing the Father by your conduct as you strive to imitate Jesus? When people see in our actions the love of Christ, they will be drawn to the Father as well as to Jesus. (Eph. 5:1, 2) What a wonderful privilege we have of helping people to see Jehovah in the way we conduct ourselves! w12 4/15 1:17-19

 

[Hartley]

So we in effect become stepping stones helping people to be imitators of Jehovah.

Hartley

[LindaL.]

I'd like to share with you some of the comments from a group discussion of today' text:

We want to teach people about Jehovah by imitating Jesus. But Jesus was perfect! How can we imitate him? Take one quality at a time and learn to display it. Then move on to another one.

History teaches us that you could learn what a god was like by observing its worshippers. For example, Baal was immoral and cruel and so were his worshippers. We have the extraordinary privilege of actually helping people to SEE our God, Jehovah! When we imitate him, people can see his wonderful qualities and honest-hearted ones are drawn to him.

Jehovah did not immediately permit the Bible Students to bear His name as his Witnesses. First they had to undergo a period of refinement. Only since 1931 has he permitted us to bear his name as "Jehovah's Witnesses".

[Life4u]

For some food for thought. Knowing that we can imitate Jesus and Jehovah by our deeds and or words can surely help us to think twice before we act or speak. Thus in turn it will help us to do as Jesus did and reveal Jehovah through our acts and or words.

[GrumpysWife]

                                  Tuesday, September 9

 

Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger.—Ex. 34:6.

 

Jehovah’s patience with Israel had a limit, and that limit was reached when the Jewish nation rejected and killed his Son. (Matt. 23:37, 38) The fleshly descendants of Israel ceased to be God’s name people. In the main, they became spiritually dead, like a withered tree. (Luke 23:31) How did this affect their attitude toward the divine name? History indicates that, in time, the Jews developed a superstitious attitude toward God’s name, viewing it as something that they should not pronounce. (Ex. 20:7) God’s name gradually became disassociated from Judaism. It no doubt hurt Jehovah to see his name treated so disrespectfully. (Ps. 78:40, 41) However, God, “whose name is Jealous,” clearly would not forever attach it to a people who had disowned him and whom he had disowned. (Ex. 34:14) This fact should impress upon us the importance of treating our Creator’s name with great respect. w13 3/15 5:10, 11

 

[GrumpysWife]

                                                Wednesday, September 10

 

Let us pursue the things making for peace and the things that are upbuilding to one another.—Rom. 14:19.

 

A person who behaves as a lesser one pursues peace with everyone and especially with his or her own marriage mate. (Luke 9:48) Consider the area of recreation. A couple may differ in their preferences when it comes to entertainment. Perhaps the husband likes to stay quietly at home during leisure time and read a book. On the other hand, the wife may prefer going out for a meal or visiting friends. Would it not be easier for the wife to respect her husband when she sees that he manifests humility and gives sincere consideration to her likes and dislikes rather than being concerned only about his own preferences? And how the husband loves and appreciates his wife when he sees that she does not just try to get her own way but considers his wishes! The marriage bond is strengthened when each partner behaves as a lesser one.—Phil. 2:1-4. w12 11/15 3:13, 14

 

[Hartley]

No comment? It looks like all us married are conscious of our need to improve.

[GrumpysWife]

For sure!!!! Change is good.

[GrumpysWife]

                                         Thursday, September 11

 

He is changing times and seasons, removing kings and setting up kings.—Dan. 2:21.

 

Continuing in the Kingdom-preaching work in these last days requires faith in Jehovah’s timing. The changing world situation may call for some changes in how the disciple-making work is carried on. The organization may occasionally make adjustments to address the needs of our activity as Kingdom proclaimers. We demonstrate faith in the God of “times and seasons” by fully cooperating with such adjustments as we serve loyally under his Son, the “head of the congregation.” (Eph. 5:23) Jehovah wants us to pray to him freely with complete confidence that he will provide needed “help at the right time.” (Heb. 4:16) Does that not demonstrate his loving concern for us as individuals? (Matt. 6:8; 10:29-31) We show our faith in Jehovah God by praying regularly for his help and then acting in harmony with our prayers and his direction. Furthermore, we remember to pray for our fellow believers. w12 5/15 3:15, 16

 

[timpin]

Talk about timing, huh?!   ...   13 years ago -  Nine Eleven  -  (911) ,  US Pres. talk tonight - bet that will set the stage for an interesting progression of events.  

                                                                       

      ...   a lot has happen since that WT text over 2 years ago    >>    w12 5/15 3:15, 16         ...   could be wrong, but time will tell   ...   and we're just getting started! 

 

like our CO said recent changes could change again - everything is temporary.

[GrumpysWife]

                                                  Friday, September 12

 

All the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction.—Rom. 15:4.

 

Absalom, a son of King David, was an exceptionally good-looking man. In time, however, like Satan, he let greedy ambition fill his heart, for he began to covet his father’s throne, to which he was not entitled. In a sly attempt to seize the kingship, Absalom feigned deep concern for his fellow Israelites while cleverly insinuating that the king’s court lacked regard for them. Yes, just like the Devil in the garden of Eden, Absalom presented himself as a benefactor, at the same time cruelly maligning his own father. (2 Sam. 15:1-5) Did Absalom’s clever scheme succeed? To some extent, yes, for the Bible account states: “Absalom kept stealing the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Sam. 15:6) In the end, though, Absalom’s arrogance led to his own downfall, his death, and the death of the thousands who were overreached by him.—2 Sam. 18:7, 14-17. w12 7/15 2:4-6

 

[Hartley]

Absolum was a typical politician then.

[GrumpysWife]

                                 Saturday, September 13

 

I saw a wild beast . . . with ten horns and seven heads.—Rev. 13:1.

 

Shortly after the start of the Lord’s day, the seventh head launched an attack on God’s people—the remaining ones of Christ’s brothers on earth. (Matt. 25:40) Jesus indicated that during his presence, a remnant of the seed would be active on earth. (Matt. 24:45-47; Gal. 3:26-29) The Anglo-American World Power waged war with those holy ones. (Rev. 13:3, 7) During World War I, it oppressed God’s people, banned some of their publications, and threw representatives of Jehovah’s organization into prison. The seventh head of the wild beast as much as killed the preaching work for a period of time. Jehovah foresaw this dramatic event and revealed it to John. God also told John that the secondary part of the seed would be revived to increased spiritual activity. (Rev. 11:3, 7-11) The history of Jehovah’s modern-day servants confirms that those events took place. w12 6/15 2:2, 6

 

 

[timpin]

Again   ...  Timing, huh ! ?  ...  http://jwtalk.net/forums/topic/16926-thursday-september-11-he-is-changing-times-and-seasons-removing-kings-and-setting-up-kings—dan-221/

 

... or does it just feel/seem that way?

[GrumpysWife]

                                      Sunday, September 14

 

I shall give to peoples the change to a pure language.—Zeph. 3:9.

 

Some human governments require that those applying for citizenship speak the dominant language of the country. Even after being granted citizenship, people may strive for years to master the new language. They may quickly learn the rules of grammar but may take some time to learn to pronounce the words correctly. Similarly, God’s Kingdom requires that its citizens learn what the Bible calls the “pure language.” What is that language? It is the truth about God and about his purposes as found in the Bible. We “speak” the pure language when our conduct is in accord with God’s laws and principles. Citizens of God’s Kingdom may learn basic Bible teachings quickly and get baptized. Even after their baptism, however, they must strive to “speak” the pure language better and better. In what way? Each of us needs to close the gap between what we know about Bible principles and what we practice. w12 8/15 2:4

 

[dilip kumar]

Good morning sis.how are you.i see you have changed your avatar.

Sent from my LG-E988

[timpin]

" Each of us needs to close the gap between what we know about Bible principles and what we practice. "

 

 

...  Wow, doesn't that really just about sum it all up!

[GrumpysWife]

                                                        Monday, September 15...

 

[Jesus] went journeying from city to city . . . , preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God.—Luke 8:1.

 

We are now privileged to share in the greatest work ever entrusted to God’s human servants—that of declaring the Kingdom message and making disciples. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) How grateful we are for Jesus’ matchless example! Like him, we need faith and courage in order to preach the Kingdom message. With God’s help, we can be like courageous Noah, an intrepid “preacher of righteousness” to “a world of ungodly people” about to perish in a global deluge. (2 Pet. 2:4, 5) Prayer helps us to carry out the preaching work. When certain persecuted followers of Christ prayed that they might ‘speak God’s word with boldness,’ that plea was answered. (Acts 4:29-31) If you are somewhat timid about preaching from house to house, Jehovah will answer your prayers for greater faith and courage.—Ps. 66:19, 20. w13 1/15 1:18, 19

 

[GrumpysWife]

                          Tuesday, September 16

 

I shall . . . rebuild the booth of David.—Acts 15:16.

 

When the Jews were taken into captivity in Babylon, it was clear that “the booth of David” had fallen. Since false religion ran rampant in Babylonia, how did God’s people survive spiritually during their 70-year exile there from 607 B.C.E. to 537 B.C.E.? The same way we survive as Jehovah’s people in this world under Satan’s control. (1 John 5:19) A rich spiritual heritage has helped to make such survival possible. Jewish exiles in Babylon did not have the Holy Scriptures in complete form, but they did have knowledge of the Mosaic Law, with its Ten Commandments. They knew “the songs of Zion,” could recall many proverbs, and were acquainted with the exploits of earlier servants of Jehovah. Yes, those exiles wept when they remembered Zion, and they did not forget Jehovah. (Ps. 137:1-6) That kept them alive spiritually even in Babylon, with its many false doctrines and practices. w13 2/15 2:1, 3, 4

 

[GrumpysWife]

                                                        Wednesday, September 17

 

The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?—Jer. 17:9.

 

Modern physicians can use advanced technology to see what the condition of a heart is and how it is functioning. Jehovah, though, can do much more, as he did in Jeremiah’s day. God is outstandingly qualified, as we see from his words: “I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, . . . to give to each one according to his ways, according to the fruitage of his dealings.” (Jer. 17:10) “Searching the heart” involves no medical exam of the literal heart, which in 70 or 80 years might beat some three billion times. Rather, Jehovah was speaking of the figurative heart. That “heart” refers to a person’s entire inner self, encompassing his desires, thoughts, disposition, attitudes, and goals. You have such a heart. God can examine it, and to a degree, you can do so too. w13 3/15 2:6

 

[GrumpysWife]

                                                  Thursday, September 18

 

On three occasions in the year every male of yours will appear before the face of the true Lord, Jehovah.—Ex. 23:17.

 

Jehovah required that the Israelites assemble in Jerusalem for three seasonal festivals each year—the Festival of Unfermented Cakes, the Festival of Weeks (later called Pentecost), and the Festival of Booths. Recognizing the great spiritual value of these festivals, many family heads attended with their entire family. (1 Sam. 1:1-7; Luke 2:41, 42) Think about what it meant for an Israelite family to make that journey. Joseph and Mary, for example, would travel about 60 miles (100 km) one way from Nazareth to Jerusalem. It must have been quite an experience for them to travel and prepare meals together and to organize suitable sleeping arrangements in unfamiliar locations. Yet, conditions were safe enough for a 12-year-old like Jesus to be allowed a certain amount of freedom.—Luke 2:44-46. w12 9/15 5:11, 12

 

[Hartley]

This puts me in mind of the assemblies 40 an 50 years ago. It was a major trip to go to them. Many in the congregation would form a convoy.and there would be a number of breakdowns along the way with everyone buzzing around to help. If a car  could not be fixed the occupents whould be distibuted between the remaining vehicles and the car was picked up on the way back. When we got there we would all be in tent cities. As a boy, I would hitch a ride with the brothers leaving the campground so I could get there earlier and volunteer. There was a buzz and excitement. I'm sure that Jesus and his family would have felt the same way as they attended assemblies