Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2014

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, December 9

 

Your word is truth.—John 17:17.

 

In Biblical Hebrew, the term often translated “truth” pertains to something that is true, trustworthy, faithful, or factual. The Greek word rendered “truth” denotes that which conforms to fact or to what is proper and right. Jehovah has preserved spiritual truth and has made knowledge of it available to us in ever-increasing abundance. (2 John 1, 2) Our comprehension of the truth steadily becomes clearer, for “the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established”! (Prov. 4:18) Of course, we fully agree with Jesus, who said in prayer to God the words of today’s text. God’s written Word contains “the truth of the good news,” which consists of the whole body of Christian teachings. (Gal. 2:14) In part, these include facts about Jehovah’s name, his sovereignty, Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, the resurrection, and the Kingdom. w13 2/15 1:17, 18

 

[dilip kumar]

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[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, December 10

 

Let your petitions be made known to God.—Phil. 4:6.

 

When beset with trials, endeavor to meditate prayerfully on praiseworthy things. (Phil. 4:6-9) In Jehovah’s strength, we will withstand trials, not allowing troubling situations to be stumbling blocks. Sadly, over the years some have let the imperfections of others knock them out of the race for life. Differences in viewpoints in matters of conscience have become stumbling blocks for them. (1 Cor. 8:12, 13) If someone offends us, will we allow this to become a major issue? The Bible admonishes Christians to stop judging, to forgive others, and to avoid insisting on personal rights. (Luke 6:37) When you face a possible stumbling stone, ask yourself: ‘Am I judging others based on my own preferences? Knowing that my brothers are imperfect, will I let someone’s lack of perfection take me out of the race?’ Love for Jehovah can help us be resolved not to allow anything another human does hinder us from crossing the finish line. w13 3/15 1:18, 19

 

[ReadYourBible]

How apt this scripture is for me right now.

[dilip kumar]

Sent from my LG-E988

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, December 11

 

By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.—John 13:35.

 

As disciples of Christ and as Witnesses of Jehovah, we are enjoined to love one another. Jesus said that love is the identifying mark of true Christians. Our love extends beyond the brotherhood, though. We endeavor to show love toward those who are not related to us in the faith. This is something all of us can and should do. We also have a work to do. We have been given a precious gift—the knowledge of the truth. God expects us to share that knowledge with others. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Sharing the truth is, after all, a loving thing to do. Of course, circumstances differ from Christian to Christian. Not all can do the same in the ministry. Jehovah understands that. The important thing is to do all that we personally can. Thus we display unselfish love for God and for our neighbor. w12 12/15 2:11, 13, 14

 

[dilip kumar]

Sent from my LG-E988

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, December 12

 

The dead . . . are conscious of nothing at all.—Eccl. 9:5.

 

The Jews were in a position to know the truth about the dead. When Greece was divided among the generals of Alexander the Great, however, efforts were made to unite Judah with Syria by such means as Greek religion and Hellenic culture. As a result, the Jews accepted the false teachings that the human soul is immortal and that there is an underworld place of torment. Although the righteous man Job did not have the Scriptures, he knew the truth about death. He also realized that Jehovah is a loving God who would have a yearning to resurrect him. (Job 14:13-15) Abraham too believed in the resurrection. (Heb. 11:17-19) Since it is impossible to resurrect someone who cannot die, those God-fearing men did not believe in the immortality of the human soul. God’s spirit undoubtedly helped Job and Abraham to understand the state of the dead and to exercise faith in the resurrection. w13 2/15 2:12-14

 

[kejedo]

Alexander’s mother, Olympius, worshiped Zeus and some say she believed Alexander was conceived under the influence of Zeus. Alexander the Great was actually Alexander the 3rd of Macedonia. His father and he fought a decisive battle at Thermopolae (where other battles have been won and lost.) Alexander took the Persian title “King of Kings.” There are two versions of Alexander’s death in Plutarch’s history. Although many believe his kingdom was divided b/c he had no heirs, he actually is reported to have had two sons through marriage and maybe a third illegitimate one. One son was born to his wife Roxana, after Alexander’s death. Alexander had a close emotional attachment to his companion, cavalry commander and childhood friend,Hephaestian, which many report was a homosexual relationship. Ancient sources tell of another favorite, Bagoas; a eunuch exceptional in beauty and in the very flower of boyhood, “with whom Darius was intimate and with whom Alexander would later be intimate." it is reported that they kissed publicly before a large audience. Anyway, Alexander was one powerful and ego-driven ruler. It is very impressive that our brothers have capsulized the pieces of his history that have an effect on Jehovah’s people. On the contrary, our humble brother Job was able to stand alone with little information, but with the love of our God, Jehovah, in his heart. There are no secular historical accounts (that I know of) about Job. Fortunately for us, we have the word of truth to help us appreciate his REAL contribution to our Biblical and spiritual knowledge.   

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, December 13

 

Suppose . . . they do say to me, “What is his name?” What shall I say to them?—Ex. 3:13.

 

Considering that God’s name was long known, what was the point of Moses’ question? Evidently, he wanted to know more about the person represented by the name—facts that would convince God’s people that He really would deliver them. Moses’ concern was warranted, for the Israelites had been slaves for some time. They would likely wonder whether the God of their forefathers could deliver them. Indeed, some Israelites had even taken up the worship of Egyptian gods! (Ezek. 20:7, 8) How did Jehovah reply to Moses’ question? In part, he said: “This is what you are to say to the sons of Israel, ‘I SHALL PROVE TO BE has sent me to you.’” Then he added: “Jehovah the God of your forefathers . . . has sent me to you.” God revealed that he will become whatever he chooses to become so as to accomplish his purpose, that he will always prove true to his word.—Ex. 3:14, 15. w13 3/15 5:4, 5

 

[dilip kumar]

Sent from my LG-E988

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, December 14

 

Jonathan began to love [David] as his own soul.—1 Sam. 18:1.

 

Jonathan, King Saul’s eldest son, would likely have been the heir to the throne of Israel—except for one thing. Jehovah chose David to be Israel’s next king. Jonathan respected God’s decision and did all he could to ‘strengthen David’s hand,’ even to the point of risking his own life to stand up for David in front of Saul. Jonathan loyally told David: “You yourself will be king over Israel, and I myself shall become second to you.” (1 Sam. 20:30-34; 23:16, 17) It is no wonder that after Jonathan’s death, David expressed his sorrow and his love for him in a mournful song. (2 Sam. 1:17, 26) Jonathan was completely submissive to the Sovereign, Jehovah, and he fully supported David as the anointed of God. Likewise today, we should willingly support the brothers who have been appointed to take the lead among us.—1 Thess. 5:12, 13; Heb. 13:17, 24. w12 4/15 2:8, 9

 

[bagwell1987]

oops

Edited December 14, 2014 by bagwell1987

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, December 15

 

If someone, because of conscience toward God, bears up under grievous things and suffers unjustly, this is an agreeable thing.—1 Pet. 2:19.

 

With a desire to please Jehovah, most single Christians choose dedicated fellow believers as marriage mates. Even then, however, circumstances may take an unexpected turn. On rare occasions, for example, a mate may develop serious emotional problems or be disfellowshipped. What should a Christian do if his or her marriage bond seems hopelessly frayed? ‘Must I keep on trying to save my marriage no matter what happens?’ you might ask. Nobody can or should make such a decision for you. Yet, there are sound reasons for not giving up on a marital bond that is weakening. The godly man or woman who endures the trials of a difficult marriage for the sake of conscience is precious to God. (1 Pet. 2:20) By means of his Word and spirit, Jehovah will help a Christian who makes earnest efforts to strengthen a strained marriage. w12 5/15 2:10, 11

 

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, December 16

 

I saw another wild beast.—Rev. 13:11.

 

John was given a vision of a two-horned wild beast that spoke like a dragon. What does this strange beast represent? It has two horns, so it is a dual power. John was seeing the Anglo-American World Power in a special role. (Rev. 13:11-15) This wild beast promotes the making of an image of the wild beast. John wrote that the image of the beast would appear, disappear, and then rise again. That is exactly what happened to an organization promoted by Britain and the United States, one that was intended to unite and represent the world’s kingdoms. This organization appeared after World War I and was known as the League of Nations. It disappeared with the onset of World War II. During that war, God’s people declared that according to the prophecy in Revelation, the image of the wild beast would ascend again. And rise it did—as the United Nations.—Rev. 17:8. w12 6/15 2:12, 13

 

[Rajan]

While discussing todays text with my wife, we were discussing  that

 

1) How Jehovah clearly told 2000 years back about these things and how accurately these prophecies are getting fulfilled about the wild beast.

 

2) based on last WT study, that  while uttering the first prophecy at Genesis 3:15, Jehovah had already fixed the date of "Armageddon" and also  the date for crushing of Satan's head after the end of 1000 years of Jesus rule, yes this date also fixed when Gen.3:15 prophecy will get fulfilled completely.

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, December 17

 

From the sun’s rising even to its setting my name will be great among the nations.—Mal. 1:11.

 

Apostasy began to infect the early Christian congregation, especially after the death of the apostles. (2 Thess. 2:3-7) False teachers even adopted the Jewish tradition of not using God’s name. But would Jehovah allow his memorial name to be erased? Never! Granted, its exact pronunciation cannot now be determined, but the name has endured. Over time, it has appeared in various translations of the Bible, as well as in the writings of Bible scholars. As for God’s servants, the year 1931 was particularly noteworthy, for in that year the International Bible Students, as God’s people were then called, adopted the Scriptural name Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Isa. 43:10-12) They thus announced to the world that they were proud to be servants of the only true God, to be “a people for his name,” praising that name.—Acts 15:14. w13 3/15 5:14, 15

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, December 18

 

The one trusting in his riches—he himself will fall.—Prov. 11:28.

 

When we put first “the kingdom and his righteousness,” Jehovah blesses our balanced efforts to obtain life’s necessities. (Matt. 6:33; Eph. 4:28) He does not want us to be falling asleep during meetings because of overwork or to be sitting in the Kingdom Hall worrying about money. Yet, many in the world around us believe that only by devoting themselves to making money can they have a secure future and take it easy later in life. They often push their children toward the same materialistic goal. Jesus showed that such thinking is unreasonable. (Luke 12:15-21) This may remind us of Gehazi, who thought he could indulge his greed while still maintaining his good standing with Jehovah. (2 Ki. 5:20-27) Resting our hope on our savings, investments, or ability to earn money in this system amounts to resting our hope on “the god of this system,” Satan.—2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Tim. 6:17. w13 1/15 3:13, 15

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, December 19

 

The eyes of Jehovah are upon the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their supplication.—1 Pet. 3:12.

 

Intimacy with Jehovah does not develop overnight. Time must pass for us to come to know and love him. So in coming to know the Person of Jehovah better, be determined to set aside time to read his Word daily. God’s friends grow spiritually through their sincere prayers and good association. (Mal. 3:16) Like a loving parent, Jehovah is attentive to our prayerful cries for help. Hence, we need to “persevere in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12) We cannot remain a full-grown Christian unless we have the help of God. The pressures of this system are too great to resist and overcome by ourselves. If we cease to persist in prayer, we cut ourselves off from the constant fund of strength that God is willing and able to supply. Are you satisfied with the quality of your prayers, or do you see the need to make further progress in that area?—Jer. 16:19. w13 3/15 3:11, 12

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, December 20

 

The mountain of the olive trees must be split at its middle.—Zech. 14:4.

 

What does that mountain represent? How will it be “split at its middle” and become two mountains? Why does Jehovah refer to them as “my mountains”? (Zech. 14:5) In the Bible, mountains can represent kingdoms, or governments. Also, blessings and protection are associated with God’s mountain. (Ps. 72:3; Isa. 25:6, 7) Thus, the mountain of the olive trees on which God stands to the east of earthly Jerusalem represents Jehovah’s universal sovereignty, his supreme rulership. What is indicated by the division of the mountain of the olive trees? The mountain, which is to the east of Jerusalem, splits in the sense that Jehovah establishes another rulership, a subsidiary one. This secondary rulership is the Messianic Kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ. That is why Jehovah speaks of the two mountains that result from the splitting of “the Mount of Olives” as being “my mountains.”—Zech. 14:4, ftn. w13 2/15 3:8, 9

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, December 21

 

Bad associations spoil useful habits.—1 Cor. 15:33.

 

Consider also the following scriptures: “I have not sat with men of untruth; and with those who hide what they are I do not come in.” (Ps. 26:4) “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.” (Prov. 13:20) What valuable lessons can we learn from those texts? (1) Jehovah wants us to be selective about our associates. He wants to protect us morally and spiritually. (2) We are influenced for good or for bad by the people with whom we associate; that is simply a fact of life. The way the verses above are worded shows that Jehovah is appealing to our heart. How so? Notice that none of the verses are set out as rules, such as “you must not . . .” Rather, they are written as plain statements of truth. In effect, Jehovah is saying to us: ‘Here are the facts. How will you respond? What is in your heart?’ w12 7/15 2:11, 12

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, December 22

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

Two matters of vital concern are our attitude toward sex and our view of marriage. Those who are not yet citizens of God’s Kingdom may condone homosexuality, consider pornography to be harmless fun, and think that adultery and divorce are purely personal matters. Kingdom citizens have abandoned such shortsighted, self-centered attitudes. Although many Christians formerly had an immoral lifestyle, they now view sex and marriage as gifts from God. They treasure Jehovah’s high standards and wholeheartedly agree that those who continue to engage in sexual misconduct are not worthy of being Kingdom citizens. (1 Cor. 6:9-11) However, they also recognize that the heart is treacherous. So they appreciate receiving specific warnings that help them to maintain high moral standards. w12 8/15 2:9

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, December 23

 

In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.—2 Tim. 3:1.

 

Some today who do not know God also believe that the world as we know it cannot go on for much longer. Being afraid of some impending disaster, they have the attitude: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die.” (1 Cor. 15:32) We, on the other hand, are not fearful. We refuse to isolate ourselves so as to cater to our own selfish longings. (Prov. 18:1) Rather, we disown ourselves and freely make use of our time, energy, and other assets to share the good news of God’s Kingdom with others. (Matt. 16:24) We find pleasure in serving God, especially in helping others come to know him. Many in Satan’s world hate us, though, so we may be persecuted for our faith. (John 15:19; 16:2) Still, we do not give out. Rather, we will draw closer to Jehovah than we may have imagined possible.—Jas. 1:2-4; 4:8. w12 9/15 4:7, 9

 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, December 24

 

Take yourself a wife from the daughters of Laban.—Gen. 28:2.

 

Obeying Isaac, Jacob left the security of his immediate family, who were living in Canaan, to travel, evidently alone, hundreds of miles to the area of Haran. (Gen. 28:10) Perhaps he wondered: ‘How long will I be away? Will my uncle warmly welcome me and grant me a God-fearing wife?’ If Jacob had such anxieties, these no doubt melted away when Jehovah appeared to Jacob in a dream, saying: “Here I am with you and I will keep you in all the way you are going and I will return you to this ground, because I am not going to leave you until I have actually done what I have spoken to you.” (Gen. 28:15) How those kind words must have reassured and comforted Jacob! Can you picture him thereafter, eager to see how God would fulfill His word? If you have left home, perhaps to serve in a foreign land, you likely understand Jacob’s range of emotions. No doubt, though, you have seen evidence of Jehovah’s care for you. w13 3/15 4:6, 7

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, December 25

 

What shall I do, Lord?—Acts 22:10.

 

With these sincere words, Paul, then known as Saul, responded to the direction of the glorified Lord Jesus, who had appeared to him in a vision to stop him from persecuting Christ’s disciples. As a result of this encounter, Saul humbly repented of his past course, got baptized, and accepted the special assignment given to him to bear witness about Jesus to the nations. Paul zealously spread the Kingdom message throughout Asia Minor and into Europe, establishing and revisiting many congregations. Paul continued to address Jesus as his “Lord,” acting in harmony with that expression until the end of his earthly life. (Acts 22:6-16; 2 Cor. 4:5; 2 Tim. 4:8) Paul was not like others of whom Jesus said: “Why, then, do you call me ‘Lord! Lord!’ but do not do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46) Yes, Jesus expects all who accept him as their Lord to be true to their word, as was the apostle Paul. w12 10/15 4:5, 6