Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2014

[bagwell1987]

Boy howdy, irritatingly popular trend today.

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, February 4

God is not partial.—Acts 10:34.

In a selfish and nationalistic world, it is refreshing to find individuals who can and do look beyond national borders. The founder of the television network CNN, Ted Turner, comments about his work with a number of talented individuals from various nations: “I came to see those from other countries not as ‘foreigners,’ but as fellow citizens of the planet.” In lands around the globe, only Jehovah’s Witnesses have adopted God’s way of thinking as a group. By learning to see things as Jehovah does, they have been able mentally and emotionally to break down national barriers. Instead of treating members of differing national groups with distrust, suspicion, or even outright hatred, they have learned to cherish the variety of characteristics and abilities of these groups as something beautiful. Have you reflected on this accomplishment and how it has benefited you personally in dealing with others? w12 12/15 4:2, 14, 15

http://wol.jw.org/

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, February 5

They are no longer two, but one flesh.—Matt. 19:6.

One Christian woman was glad that she trusted in God and put forth extra effort to save her marriage. “I was tempted to separate from my husband because of financial nonsupport and spiritual endangerment,” she says. “Then I realized that I too was at fault. We started communicating again, resumed our family study, and became regular at meetings. Our marriage blossomed anew. In time, my husband again qualified for congregation privileges. It was a hard lesson with a happy outcome.” Whether we are single or married, let us always act courageously and hope in Jehovah. If we are encountering marital difficulties, we should earnestly seek to resolve them, remembering that those united in wedlock are “no longer two, but one flesh.” And let us bear in mind that if we persevere in a divided household despite hardships, we may experience the joy of winning a mate over to true worship. w12 5/15 2:19, 20

[LeslieDean]

That's what I keep reminding myself. Just one foot in front of the other and you will eventually get there.

[perspective]

I really like where the sister above realized that she too was at fault. While it is possible for troubles to be one sided in extreme circumstances, usually both parties play into whatever difficulties exist. Growing up I thought my dad caused all of the problems, and my mom frankly laid it in his lap and complained to me often, tainting my view. As I got older and had my own family I started to see things so much more clearly. She was as much at fault as he was. Very sad to watch and to know how much my view was influenced as a child. In my own marriage, blame doesn't fly. We both try to take responsibility for our own shortcomings and look for our own contributions to any issue while discussing it openly. It isn't always pretty, but our relationship has really gotten better and better. We work together daily and are pretty much together 24/7 and have been through some battles in life. Without the lessons I learned growing up we would have torn each other apart, so from bad often comes good.

[LuanaGlobal]

 My mate just got a visit from visiting (Sp) Pioneers, we had a very nice 1 hour discussion in a calm relaxing environment.  I feel like the last part of the text..... almost,

 I'm starting to see "Joy in winning a mate in true worship".

 

Thank you for posting Vernalee.

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, February 6

No man has seen God at any time; the only-begotten god who is in the bosom position with the Father is the one that has explained him.—John 1:18.

Jesus was especially qualified to reveal his Father. Why? Because before all other forms of life were created, the spirit creature who later became the man Jesus already existed in heaven as “the only-begotten Son of God.” (John 1:14; 3:18) What a unique position! While no other creature existed, the Son basked in the warmth of his Father’s attention and learned about Him and His qualities. The Father and Son must have communicated extensively and developed deep affection for each other over aeons of time. (John 5:20; 14:31) What a wealth of insight into his Father’s personality the Son must have gained! (Col. 1:15-17) The Father designated the Son to be His spokesman, “The Word of God.” (Rev. 19:13) Therefore, Jesus was in a unique position to reveal the Father to others. w12 4/15 1:4, 5

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, February 7

Do not be grieving God’s holy spirit.—Eph. 4:30.

Holy spirit is a force that promotes unity. Application of what Paul wrote next is also essential for peace and unity: “Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you along with all badness. But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.” (Eph. 4:31, 32) The words “become kind” suggest that at least to a certain degree, we may not have been kind and that we may need to improve. How appropriate that we train ourselves to consider the feelings of others ahead of our own! (Phil. 2:4) Perhaps something we are thinking of saying would evoke a laugh or would make us appear intelligent, but would it be kind? Giving thought to this matter in advance will help us to “become kind.” w12 7/15 4:13, 14

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, February 8

We love, because he first loved us.—1 John 4:19.

While most major books of religion say very little, if anything, about God, the Bible acquaints us with Jehovah God and his activities. It helps us to see the many facets of his personality. The Bible reveals God not only as an all-powerful, wise, and just God but also as a God who loves us. (John 3:16) Moreover, the Bible tells us: “God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34, 35) In a sense, the availability of the Bible testifies to this truth. Linguists say that of some 6,700 languages spoken in the world today, approximately 100 cover 90 percent of the world’s population. Still, the Bible has been translated, either in whole or in part, into more than 2,400 languages. Nearly everyone in the world has access to at least parts of it. w12 6/15 4:9

 

[LuanaGlobal]

I felt upbuilt by this daily text.

 The fact that Nearly everyone in the World has access to part of the Bible is amazing.

[GrumpysWife]

I felt that too. The fact that Jehovah loves each and every one of us enough to make sure that if we want to get to know him and his son better. he provides us with the necessary tools. 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, February 9

As soon as the thousand years have been ended, Satan will be let loose out of his prison.—Rev. 20:7.

By the end of Christ’s Millennial Reign, the earthly subjects of the Kingdom will have been brought to perfection. They will follow Jesus’ example and humbly and willingly acknowledge Jehovah’s sovereignty. They will have the opportunity to demonstrate their desire to do that by successfully passing the final test. (Rev. 20:8-10) Thereafter, all rebels—human and spirit—will be eliminated forever. What a joyful and jubilant time that will be! The entire universal family will happily praise Jehovah, who will be “all things to everyone.” (1 Cor. 15:28; Ps. 99:1-3) Will the glorious Kingdom realities just ahead motivate you to focus your attention and efforts on doing God’s will? Can you avoid being sidetracked by the false hope and comfort that Satan’s world offers? Will you strengthen your resolve to support and uphold Jehovah’s sovereignty? w12 9/15 2:19, 20

 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, February 10

A prostitute is a deep pit.—Prov. 23:27.

An improper romantic relationship could develop at your place of employment. In fact, a secular study revealed that more than half of adulterous women and nearly 3 out of 4 adulterous men had illicit relations with a workmate. Does your secular work require that you associate with members of the opposite sex? If so, what is the nature of your relationship with them? Do you have boundaries in place that keep it professional and that do not allow it to become something more? For example, a Christian sister might make a male coworker her confidant, even telling him about her marital problems. In another situation, after becoming friendly with a female coworker, a Christian man might reason: “She values my opinion and really listens when I talk to her. And she appreciatesme. I wish I got more of this kind of treatment at home!” Can you see how Christians in such situations could be vulnerable to committing adultery? w12 8/15 4:11, 12

 

[Sunnyside]

Good warning on a Monday morning.

[SUNRAY]

Vernalee, this is particularly hard for newly baptized ones..it was for me 48 years ago..no family in the truth to watch over me..only Jehovah...It is wonderful how Jehovah's organization has provided an abundance of theocratic aids on jw.org for the very young and all ages after that! I hope and pray that new ones appreciate these aids and use them..the more attention given to spiritual things the faster our faith can be built up to resist temptation!.. very good text for today..thanks for posting it!

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, February 11

I am not conscious of anything against myself. Yet by this I am not proved righteous, but he that examines me is Jehovah.—1 Cor. 4:4.

Each member of the congregation should make it his or her goal to contribute to the wholesome spirit of the congregation. After prayerful consideration, we may decide that we personally can improve in displaying an upbuilding spirit. If so, we should not hesitate to let ourselves be examined in the light of God’s Word. (Heb. 4:12) Today’s text shows that Paul was very concerned about his actions. As we strive to act in harmony with the wisdom from above, not taking ourselves or our position too seriously, we will contribute to a wholesome spirit in the congregation. By having a forgiving spirit and thinking positively of others, we will enjoy peaceful relations with fellow worshippers. (Phil. 4:8) As we do these things, we can be confident that Jehovah and Jesus will be pleased ‘with the spirit we show.’—Philem. 25. w12 10/15 2:16, 17

 

[bagwell1987]

Our talk yesterday was "do you harbor resentment or do you forgive" and the way the brother tailored the talk was wonderful. We had many newly interested ones there and he pointed out how we're all imperfect and need to be forgiven for that, we all stumble every day and need to be forgiven for that, many of us have "been from the world" and we need time to work that out. So not being too hard on ourselves or on others as we/they grow is a way of showing a forgiveness. So it's important to not take ourselves so seriously that we can't laugh at the dumb things we do but always work toward not doing them again. Wonderful presentation of this talk.  

[SUNRAY]

Jehovah knows we are all imperfect..I might focus too muck on my challenges in dealing with certain circumstances (which I will not mention) but at the same time someone else may see something about me that irritates them..I may not be aware of it but Jehovah is..We are being prepared to deal with those returning in the resurrection who have all sorts of cultures we are not familiar with...even some of my relatives are going to be a challenge..So Jehovah is refining our personalities now..among friends and worldly people..I hope I will be ready for what lies ahead!..and I hope Jehovah will allow me to live in the Paradise!

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, February 12

Let each one prove what his own work is, and then he will have cause for exultation in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person.—Gal. 6:4.

Rather than compare what we do with what others do, we should focus on what we personally are able to do. This will protect us not only from being puffed up with pride but also from being discouraged. In evaluating ourselves, we should recognize that circumstances change. Perhaps because of poor health, age, or various responsibilities, we cannot do all we used to. We can also consider what responsibilities we have or yearn to have. For reasons we may not readily understand, some privileges may be extended much later than expected. Rather than being envious of what others may have been assigned to do, all of us can concentrate on handling the responsibilities we do have. In the new world, Jehovah will see to it that the proper desires of all his servants are satisfied. w12 12/15 2:18-20

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, February 13

I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart.—Matt. 11:29.

Common people benefited from Jesus’ humility because they became recipients of his help, his teachings, and his encouragement. Actually, all redeemable mankind will reap long-term benefits from Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. What about Jesus? Did his humility benefit him? Yes, for Jesus told his disciples: “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matt. 23:12) Those words proved to be true in his own case. Paul explains: “God exalted [Jesus] to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Because of Jesus’ course of humility and faithfulness on earth, Jehovah God exalted his Son, giving him authority over creatures in heaven and on earth.—Phil. 2:9-11. w12 11/15 2:12, 14, 15

 

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, February 14

Jehovah himself has borne witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you yourself have dealt treacherously.—Mal. 2:14.

In heart harmony with his Father, Jesus taught that one cannot drive away or cast off an innocent mate and act as if nothing has happened. (Matt. 19:3-6, 9) How can those who are married remain loyal to their mates? God’s Word says: “Rejoice with the wife [or husband] of your youth” and, “See life with the wife [or husband] whom you love.” (Prov. 5:18; Eccl. 9:9) As both mates grow older, they must be “fully present” in their relationship, both physically and emotionally. That means being attentive to each other,spending time with each other, and drawing closer to each other. They have to focus on preserving their marriage and their relationship with Jehovah. To that end, couples need to study the Bible together, regularly work in the ministry together, and pray together for Jehovah’s blessing. w12 4/15 2:13-15

 

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, February 15

Persevere in prayer.—Rom. 12:12.

In-depth study of the Scriptures and meditative Bible reading are essential to fortify our determination to avoid grave sin and to please Jehovah. (Ps. 119:11, 47, 48) We also need to “persevere in prayer.” We can and should pray that Jehovah help us to serve him in an acceptable way. To that end, we can properly ask him for holy spirit, for more faith, for strength to resist temptation, and for ability to ‘handle the word of the truth aright.’ (2 Tim. 2:15; Matt. 6:13; Luke 11:13; 17:5) As a child depends on his father, so we need to depend on our heavenly Father, Jehovah. If we ask him to help us serve him more fully, we can have confidence that he will do so. May we never feel that we are a bother to him! Instead, in prayer let us praise him, thank him, seek his direction especially when under trial, and ask that he help us to serve him in ways that glorify his holy name.—Ps. 86:12; Jas. 1:5-7. w12 5/15 4:9, 10

 

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, February 16

The hour of the judgment by [God] has arrived.—Rev. 14:7.

After false religion is destroyed, the wild beast, Satan’s earthly political setup, will be goaded into an attack on God’s Kingdom. Unable to reach into heaven, the kings of the earth will vent their rage on those on earth who support God’s Kingdom. The result is inevitable. (Rev. 16:13-16; 17:12-14) Daniel describes one aspect of the final battle. (Dan. 2:44) The wild beast mentioned at Revelation 13:1, its image, and the two-horned wild beast will be destroyed. The Anglo-American World Power will be the dominant world power when false religion is eradicated. The prophecies of Daniel and John have been fulfilled to the smallest detail. We can be confident that the destruction of false religion and the battle of Armageddon will soon come. God has revealed these details in advance. Will we pay attention to the prophetic warnings? (2 Pet. 1:19) Now is the time to take sides with Jehovah and to support his Kingdom.—Rev. 14:6, 7. w12 6/15 2:18, 19

 

[timpin]

makes one think of earlier this month   ..  http://jwtalk.net/forums/topic/13635-un-has-denounced-vatican/?hl=vatican  the stage is set

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, February 17

All things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of [God].—Heb. 4:13.

Those who ignore warnings issued by the faithful slave inevitably cause harm to themselves and to their loved ones. Some have become addicted to viewing pornography or have committed immorality and then deluded themselves into thinking that Jehovah cannot see what they are doing. How foolish to believe that we can hide our conduct from Jehovah! (Prov. 15:3) God wants to help such ones and prompts his earthly representatives to try to assist them. (Gal. 6:1) However, just as human governments can revoke the citizenship of a person who commits certain acts, Jehovah will revoke the citizenship of those who unrepentantly break his standards. (1 Cor. 5:11-13) Nevertheless, he is merciful. Those who repent and change their course of conduct can regain a good standing with Jehovah and remain as Kingdom citizens. (2 Cor. 2:5-8) What an honor we have to serve such a loving King! w12 8/15 2:12