Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2014

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, January 20

There is no man that does not sin.—2 Chron. 6:36.

To be in the proper position to reflect God’s glory, we must honestly recognize our sinful nature. We need to acknowledge our sinful inclinations and work to control them so that we can progress to the point of truly glorifying God. As worshippers of Jehovah, we must continually make a self-examination to determine whether we are measuring up to his righteous standards. (Prov. 28:18; 1 Cor. 10:12) Whatever the nature of our sinful tendencies, we must keep on curbing them so that we can reflect God’s glory. Jesus was the only human who ever lived and died without failing to please God and reflect His glory. Although we are not perfect as Jesus was, we can and should strive to follow his example. (1 Pet. 2:21) Jehovah weighs the effort we put forth along with the progress we make, and he blesses our earnest endeavor to bring him glory. w12 5/15 4:7, 8

http://wol.jw.org/

[LeslieDean]

'Weighs the effort we put forth' ---really brings home the point of Jehovah blesses our actions---NOT our intentions! Because Jehovah knows I am one of the most 'well-intended' persons there is I have to really distinguish the fact that actions are completely different than intentions. Unfortunately, it took me a loooong time to realize this. Excellent reminder!

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, January 21

In one hour she has been devastated!—Rev. 18:19.

According to John, upon a scarlet-colored wild beast—the image of the wild beast—rides a symbolic harlot, dominating it. She bears the name “Babylon the Great.” (Rev. 17:1-6) This harlot fittingly stands for all false religion, foremost of which are the churches of Christendom. Religious organizations have given their blessing to the image of the beast and have tried to exert influence over it. However, during the Lord’s day, Babylon the Great has seen the waters, the people who support her, dry up dramatically. (Rev. 16:12; 17:15) False religion, however, will not just fade away. The harlot will remain a potent force, attempting to bend kings to her will until God plants an idea in the hearts of those in power. (Rev. 17:16, 17) Soon Jehovah will cause the political elements of Satan’s system, as represented by the United Nations, to attack false religion and destroy her influence.—Rev. 18:7, 8, 15-19. w12 6/15 2:15-17

http://www.jw.org/

[timpin]

man, do we ever look forward to witnessing this  ... soon!

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, January 22

Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.—1 Cor. 15:33.

Human governments may provide health alerts regarding foods and medicines. Obviously, not all foods and medicines are bad. But if a specific product poses a threat, the government may issue balanced warnings to protect its citizens. If the government did not do so, it would be guilty of negligence. Similarly, God’s Kingdom issues timely warnings about specific moral and spiritual dangers. For instance, the Internet has become a useful way to provide communication, education, and entertainment. God’s organization makes use of the Internet and accomplishes much good with it. However, many sites on the Internet are morally and spiritually dangerous. Web sites that promote pornography pose an obvious threat to the spiritual health of Kingdom citizens. For decades, the faithful slave has warned us about such sites. How grateful we are for these spiritual health alerts! w12 8/15 2:10, 11

http://www.jw.org/

[LeslieDean]

Enjoyed the contest between secular governments issuing warnings for their citizens as does Jehovah warns his Kungdom citizens of hazards to our spiritual health too. Really impressing upon us that we choose to be good citizens and demonstrate a willing to conform to that nations/countries laws or risk being 'deported'. Really makes the Kingdom real!

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, January 23

To do your will, O my God, I have delighted, and your law is within my inward parts.—Ps. 40:8.

Throughout history, nations have waged brutal wars in the name of freedom. How much more, then, should you be willing to fight spiritually for your Christian freedom! Realize that your enemies are not just Satan, the world, and its poisonous spirit. You also have to contend with your own imperfections, including a treacherous heart. (Jer. 17:9; Eph. 2:3) Yet, with Jehovah’s help, you can win the fight. What is more, each victory—large or small—will have at least two positive effects. First, you will make Jehovah’s heart rejoice. (Prov. 27:11) Second, as you taste the liberating power of God’s “perfect law that belongs to freedom,” you will become even more determined to remain on the ‘narrow road’ to everlasting life. In time, you will enjoy the more expansive freedom that lies ahead for Jehovah’s loyal ones.—Jas. 1:25; Matt. 7:13, 14. w12 7/15 2:15, 16

http://www.jw.org/

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, January 24

Time and unforeseen occurrence befall [us] all.—Eccl. 9:11.

We live in a time of adversities. The earth has been inundated with disasters. Earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, floods, volcanoes, tornadoes, typhoons, and hurricanes have wreaked havoc on humankind. In addition, family problems and personal dilemmas have brought fear and sorrow. How can we successfully face life with courage? (Rom. 15:4) Consider David. Among other things, he had to put up with the wrath of a king, enemy attacks, the abduction of his wives, treachery in his own ranks, and emotional distress. (1 Sam. 18:8, 9; 30:1-5; 2 Sam. 17:1-3; 24:15, 17; Ps. 38:4-8) The Bible accounts of David’s life clearly reveal the pain these adversities caused him. However, they did not destroy him spiritually. Full of faith, he said: “Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be in dread?”—Ps. 27:1, 5, 10. w12 10/15 1:1, 3, 4

http://www.jw.org/

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, January 25

You are not in darkness, so that that day should overtake you as it would thieves.—1 Thess. 5:4.

Earthshaking events will soon occur. The fulfillment of Bible prophecies confirms this fact, so we need to keep on the watch. What will help us to do that? The apostle Paul urges us to “keep our eyes . . . on the things unseen.” Yes, we need to bear in mind our reward of everlasting life, be it in heaven or on earth. As the context shows, Paul wrote these words to encourage fellow believers to focus on the happy outcome of their faithful course. Doing so would also help them to cope with trials and persecution. (2 Cor. 4:8, 9, 16-18; 5:7) Paul’s admonition contains an important principle: To keep our hope firm, we must look beyond the things that are immediately before us. We need to focus on significant events that are as yet unseen.—Heb. 11:1; 12:1, 2. w12 9/15 1:1, 2

http://wol.jw.org/

[timpin]

Starting with ALL the controversy in and around Russia and the upcoming olympics (along with everything else in this world) this should be an interesting year - lets keep encouraging each other to stay busy and focused.

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, January 26

I am coming to you with the name of Jehovah of armies, the God of the battle lines of Israel, whom you have taunted.—1 Sam. 17:45.

What moved young David to challenge Goliath, a fully armed giant who was about nine and a half feet (2.9 m) tall? (1 Sam. 17:4, ftn.) Was it David’s courage? Was it his faith in God? Both qualities played a vital role in his act of valor. However, respect for Jehovah and for his great name especially motivated David to take a stand against that towering giant. Indignantly, David asked: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he has to taunt the battle lines of the living God?” (1 Sam. 17:26) Relying on the true God, David brought down the Philistine champion with a single slingstone. Not only on that occasion but throughout his life, David trusted in Jehovah and held the divine name in the highest esteem. Indeed, David urged fellow Israelites to ‘boast in Jehovah’s holy name.’—1 Chron. 16:8-10. w12 11/15 1:3, 4

http://wol.jw.org/

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, January 27

You will make your way successful and . . . act wisely.—Josh. 1:8.

What does it mean to be successful in life? Ask people that question, and you will find that their answers vary greatly. Many, for example, define success in terms of outstanding achievement in financial, professional, or academic pursuits. Others factor in relationships—how well they relate to family, friends, or workmates. One who serves God might even link success to a position of responsibility in the congregation or to achievements in the ministry. But what matters most is whether Jehovah views us as successful, for our very lives depend on his approval. When giving Joshua the weighty assignment of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, Jehovah told him to read the Mosaic Law “day and night” and to be careful to obey what was written in it. God assured him: “Then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.” (Josh. 1:7, 8) And you know that Joshua did prove to be successful. w12 12/15 1:1, 3

http://wol.jw.org/

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, January 28

This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.—Gen. 2:23.

How happy the first man, Adam, was to receive a wife! No wonder he waxed poetic! After Jehovah had caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep, He created this beautiful woman from one of the man’s ribs. Adam later named her Eve. God united the two in happy wedlock. Since Jehovah used Adam’s own rib as a base for creating her, Adam and Eve were closer than any present-day husband and wife. In his inimitable wisdom, Jehovah planted within humans the capacity for romantic love—a quality that would draw men and women together. Says The World Book Encyclopedia: “A man and woman who marry hope to share a sexual relationship and a permanent romantic attraction.” That has happened countless times among Jehovah’s people. Of course, marriages are not made in heaven, but God will guide Christians in this and other aspects of life if they pray for direction and are led by his spirit.—Gal. 5:18, 25. w12 5/15 1:1-3

http://wol.jw.org/

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, January 29

Truly the God of you men is . . . a Revealer of secrets.—Dan. 2:47.

Which governments will be dominating the earth when God’s Kingdom brings an end to human rulership? We know the answer—it has been disclosed to us by the “Revealer of secrets,” Jehovah God. He enables us to discern the identity of those governments through the writings of the prophet Daniel and the apostle John. Jehovah revealed to those men a series of visions involving a succession of beasts. He also told Daniel the meaning of a visionary dream depicting an immense metal image. Jehovah had those accounts recorded and preserved in the Bible for our benefit. (Rom. 15:4) He did so to strengthen our hope that soon his Kingdom will crush all human governments. (Dan. 2:44) Taken together, the accounts of Daniel and John not only identify eight kings, or human rulerships, but also show the sequence in which those powers would appear.w12 6/15 1:1-3

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, January 30

[Peer] into the perfect law that belongs to freedom.—Jas. 1:25.

We are living in a time of increasing greed, lawlessness, and violence. (2 Tim. 3:1-5) In response, governments make more laws, strengthen police forces, and install electronic surveillance. In some countries, private citizens try to increase their safety by installing alarm systems in their homes, as well as extra locks and even electric fences. Many refuse to go out at night or to let their children play outside unattended—day or night. Clearly, freedom is on the wane, and the trend will likely continue. Indeed, the more that people disregard the moral and spiritual boundaries established by God, the more society as a whole suffers. This worsening condition also affects us as Jehovah’s servants. Nevertheless, we have the hope of seeing an end to mankind’s enslavement to sin and corruption and of enjoying what the Bible calls “the glorious freedom of the children of God.”—Rom. 8:21. w12 7/15 1:1, 2

http://wol.jw.org/

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, January 31

Make disciples of people of all the nations . . . And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.—Matt. 28:19, 20.

Imagine yourself in Paradise. Each morning, you awake feeling rested and eager to begin your day. You have no aches or pains. Any infirmities you once had are gone. All your senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste—function perfectly. Your energy is abundant, your work is enjoyable, your friends are many, and all your worries are gone. Such will be the blessings you can enjoy under God’s Kingdom. Christ Jesus, the appointed King, will bless his subjects and educate them in the knowledge of Jehovah God. Jehovah will be with his loyal servants as they engage in that future global educational work. God and his Son have been with faithful ones for centuries. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus assured his loyal disciples that he would be with them. w128/15 1:1, 2

http://www.jw.org/

[Roselyn]

I sent today's text to a former Bible student. Hope it brings back to her mind and heart all the good things she learned about our hope.

[timpin]

"Imagine yourself in Paradise. Each morning, you awake feeling rested and eager to begin your day. You have no aches or pains. Any infirmities you once had are gone. All your senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste—function perfectly. Your energy is abundant, your work is enjoyable, your friends are many, and all your worries are gone."      -  Wow  ...  just Wow!

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, February 1

Look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.—Rev. 7:9.

After 1914, The Watchtower made this significant statement: “Brethren, those of us who are in the right attitude toward God are not disappointed at any of His arrangements. We did not wish our own will to be done; so when we found out that we were expecting the wrong thing in October, 1914, then we were glad that the Lord did not change His Plan to suit us. We did not wish Him to do so. We merely wish to be able to apprehend His plans and purposes.” This attitude of humility and devotion still characterizes the Lord’s anointed. They are sticking close to God’s appointed channel for dispensing spiritual food. And now “a great crowd” of “other sheep,” Christians with an earthly hope, are imitating their watchfulness and zeal.—John 10:16. w12 9/15 4:13, 14

http://www.jw.org/

[Nobody]

Sometimes it is good to check ourselves. We may think we want the paradise we are promised and we want it now. But what we should want and want now is the sanctification of Jehovah.

[Roselyn]

I'm looking forward to slowly (fastly would be better) growing young again. Having youthful energy again would be great!

Wow is right!

[Trina]

This is exactly what I am looking forward to today, first Saturday of the month, offering free bible studies to sanctify Jehovah. I hope all my brothers and sisters use today to share Jehovahs purpose with someone, on the phone, letter, in the field, to family friends or acquaintances we may meet if we keep busy in his work, no matter when the paradise comes it will SEEM fast.

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, February 2

They did not give ear.—Neh. 9:30.

We cannot rightly conclude that Jehovah automatically forgives all humans for their sins. In this regard, let us compare the attitude of David and Manasseh with that of the wayward people of Israel and Judah. God sent Nathan to confront David and give him an opportunity to change his attitude. David gratefully accepted this offer. When Manasseh found himself in sore straits, he was moved to sincere repentance. Often, however, the inhabitants of Israel and Judah did not repent. Therefore, Jehovah did not forgive them. Instead, he repeatedly had his prophets declare how he viewed their disobedient conduct. Even after the exiles returned from Babylon to their homeland, Jehovah continued to raise up faithful messengers, such as the priest Ezra and the prophet Malachi. When the people acted in harmony with Jehovah’s will, they experienced great joy.—Neh. 12:43-47. w12 11/15 4:15

http://wol.jw.org/

[countrykaren]

love it!... Jehovah oh so meriful and he lets a erroring one repent and come back

or turn around...how happy i am for that... looking forward very much to the new

system and the beautiful peace we will have.....cant wait to be there...

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, February 3

Just let your word Yes mean Yes, your No, No.—Matt. 5:37.

How serious is the matter of letting our Yes mean Yes? The Bible clearly warns that a person who is “false to agreements” is among those who are “deserving of death.” (Rom. 1:31, 32) Pharaoh of Egypt, Judean King Zedekiah, and Ananias and Sapphira are among the bad examples highlighted in the Bible of individuals whose Yes did not mean Yes. They all fared badly and stand as warning examples for us. (Ex. 9:27, 28, 34, 35; Ezek. 17:13-15, 19, 20; Acts 5:1-10) Living “in the last days,” we are surrounded by people who are “disloyal,” people “having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5) As much as possible, we must avoid such bad association. Instead, we should regularly gather with those who strive always to let their Yes mean Yes.—Heb. 10:24, 25. w12 10/15 4:11, 12

http://www.jw.org/