Examining the Scriptures Daily - 2017

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, May 18

You must love . . . your neighbor as yourself.—Luke 10:27.

If you are ever in doubt as to how you ought to behave in any given situation, it would be wise to ask yourself, ‘What would Jesus have done?’ The nation in which Jesus lived was made up of people from various regions—Judea, Galilee, Samaria, and others. Bible accounts reveal that there were tensions between people of these different areas. (John 4:9) Tensions also existed between Pharisees and Sadducees (Acts 23:6-9), between the people and the tax collectors (Matt. 9:11), and between those who had received a Rabbinic education and those who had not. (John 7:49) In the first century, Israel was ruled by the Romans, whose presence was deeply resented by the local people. While Jesus championed religious truth and acknowledged that salvation originated with the Jews, he never encouraged his disciples to foster rivalries. (John 4:22) On the contrary, he urged them to love all men as their neighbor. w15 7/15 3:5

[Alexa]

Jesus encourages love

[katielou]

Love conquers tensions

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[Miss Bea]

You must love...

[DancesWithWife]

What a great day text ( didn't I just say that)! It really opened my eyes why Jesus said that love would be the identifying mark of TRUE Christians! In his day so many were claiming to worship Jehovah, but were so divided.

 

I find it interesting the timing of this, just before our Regional Conventions begin. Who will be the neighbor for those 3 days? All in attendance. So what a great example for those who are not serving Jehovah to see our Christian love!

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, May 19

Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Jehovah is on my side as my helper.—Ps. 118:6, 7.

Humans were created with the need to love and be loved. It is easy to become discouraged if this need is not satisfied because of unexpected events or disappointments, loss of health, financial setbacks, or a lack of success in the ministry. If we begin to feel that Jehovah no longer loves us, we do well to remember that we are precious to him and that he is there, “grasping [our] right hand” and helping us. He will never forget us if we are faithful to him. (Isa. 41:13; 49:15) Brigitte, who raised two children alone after her husband died, states: “Raising children in Satan’s system is one of the most difficult challenges, especially for a single parent. But I am convinced of Jehovah’s love because he has guided me through tears and heartache, and he never let me experience more than I could endure.”—1 Cor. 10:13. w15 8/15 1:1-3

[Miss Bea]

Jehovah, loyal, loving!

[Alexa]

Brigitte experienced it  

[Alexa]

God's love covered  

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, May 20

Keep in expectation.—Hab. 2:3.

The prophet Habakkuk was commissioned to foretell the destruction of Jerusalem. By the time he arrived on the scene, warnings of that city’s desolation had already been sounded for years. Conditions had reached the point where ‘the wicked surrounded the righteous and justice was perverted.’ So it is not surprising that Habakkuk asked: “How long, O Jehovah, must I cry for help?” Jehovah assured his faithful prophet that the foretold destruction would “not be late.” (Hab. 1:1-4) Suppose Habakkuk had become discouraged and thought: ‘I have been hearing about Jerusalem’s destruction for years. What if it is still a long way off? It does not seem realistic to keep prophesying as if the city might suddenly be destroyed. I will leave that to others.’ If Habakkuk had entertained such ideas, he would have lost his favored position before Jehovah—and possibly his life during the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians! w15 8/15 2:12, 13

[Alexa]

Habakkuk spared himself

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, May 21

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

To avoid spoiling our useful habits, we must not have as close associates those who practice bad things. This applies not only to associating with unbelieving wrongdoers but also to associating with those who claim to worship Jehovah but who deliberately violate his laws. If such professing Christians engage in serious wrongdoing and do not repent, we do not continue to associate with them. (Rom. 16:17, 18) If we were to associate with those who do not obey God’s laws, we might have the tendency to do what they do in order to be accepted by them. For example, if we were to have close association with sexually immoral people, we might be tempted to practice immorality. That has happened to some dedicated Christians, and some of them were disfellowshipped because they were not repentant. (1 Cor. 5:11-13) Unless they repent, their condition can become like that described by Peter.—2 Pet. 2:20-22. w15 8/15 4:4-6

[katielou]

Counsel to remember

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[katielou]

Just like today

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[Miss Bea]

Don't be discouraged!

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, May 22

You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.—John 15:14.

In choosing close friends, Jesus was selective. Jesus chose such friends from among those who loyally followed him and served Jehovah wholeheartedly. Do you similarly select your close friends from among those who serve Jehovah unreservedly? Why is this important? The warmth of our brotherhood can help you to progress to maturity. Perhaps you are a young person who is trying to decide what course you will pursue in life. How wise you are if you associate with fellow believers who have considerable experience in serving Jehovah and in contributing to the unity of the congregation! Over the years, they may have had some ups and downs in life and may even have faced challenges in serving God. Such ones can help you to choose the best way of life. Warm, upbuilding association with such brothers and sisters can help you to make your own wise decisions and to press on to maturity.—Heb. 5:14. w15 9/15 1:14, 15

[Alexa]

Serve Jehovah too

[Miss Bea]

Choose friends wisely 

[Manny2186]

(Prov. 13:20) We need to follow Jesus example in choosing friends, be selective and those who are loyal and serve Jehovah.

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, May 23

Take your stand against [the Devil], firm in the faith.—1 Pet. 5:9.

By both word and deed, Jesus built up the faith of his disciples. (Mark 11:20-24) We should follow his example because helping others build up their faith also strengthens our own. (Prov. 11:25) In your preaching and teaching, highlight the proof that God exists, that he cares about us, and that the Bible is his inspired Word. Help your brothers and sisters bolster their faith as well. If any show signs of doubt, perhaps by starting to grumble against appointed brothers, do not quickly shun them. Instead, tactfully come to their aid, helping them take steps to restore their faith. (Jude 22, 23) If you are in school and the theory of evolution is discussed, boldly defend your faith in creation—you might be surprised at the effect your words have on others. Jehovah helps all of us to stand firm in the faith. (1 Pet. 5:10) The effort we put into building our faith is well worth it, for the rewards of faith are incomparable. w15 9/15 3:20, 21

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, May 24

The heavens are declaring the glory of God; the skies above proclaim the work of his hands.—Ps. 19:1.

Today, we are blessed with much knowledge of Jehovah’s works of creation and the outworking of his purpose. The world promotes higher education and advanced learning. Yet, the experience of many shows that pursuing such things often leads to loss of faith and loss of love for God. The Bible, however, urges us not only to love knowledge but also to acquire wisdom and understanding. That means to learn how to use the knowledge that God has given us so that we can benefit ourselves and others. (Prov. 4:5-7) God’s “will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) We demonstrate our love for Jehovah when we put our heart into telling everyone the Kingdom good news and helping people to understand God’s grand purpose for mankind.—Ps. 66:16, 17. w15 9/15 5:10, 11

[Miss Bea]

God's glory, declare!

[Manny2186]

Meditating on the truth about Jehovah and looking up at His visible heavens and creations should move us to declare His glory. King David wrote: “The heavens are declaring the glory of God; the skies above proclaim the work of his hands.” 

>As we contemplate on Jehovah's wisdom in His creative works our appreciation and Love for Jehovah should move us to put our heart into telling everyone the Kingdom good news and helping people to understand God’s grand purpose for mankind.

[katielou]

Preach, appreciate creation

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, May 25

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

Imagine the following scenes that reveal Elijah’s implicit trust in Jehovah. When Elijah informed King Ahab of Jehovah’s intention to bring about a drought, he confidently declared: “As surely as Jehovah . . . is living, . . . there will be no dew or rain except by my word!” (1 Ki. 17:1) Elijah believed that Jehovah would supply what was needed for him and for others during the drought. (1 Ki. 17:4, 5, 13, 14) He expressed confidence that Jehovah could raise a child from the dead. (1 Ki. 17:21) He had no doubt that Jehovah would send fire to consume his sacrifice on Mount Carmel. (1 Ki. 18:24, 37) When Jehovah’s time came to end the drought, even before there was any sign of rain, Elijah told Ahab: “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy downpour.” (1 Ki. 18:41) Do not such accounts make us examine ourselves to see if our faith is that strong? w15 10/15 2:4, 5