Friday, March 16 The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword.​—Heb. 4:12.

[Miss Bea]

Preferences? Respect others.

[GrumpysWife]

Modestly and love! 

[dove]

Follow Jesus' example..

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, March 6

O Jehovah, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our Potter; we are all the work of your hand.—Isa. 64:8.

Adam lost his sonship when he rebelled against his Maker. Nonetheless, throughout the generations “a great cloud” of Adam’s descendants have chosen to uphold God’s sovereignty. (Heb. 12:1) By humbly submitting to their Creator, they have demonstrated that they wanted him, not Satan, to be their Father and Potter. (John 8:44) Their loyalty to God calls to mind the words of our day’s text. Today, all who worship Jehovah in spirit and truth endeavor to reflect the same humble, submissive attitude. They consider it an honor to address Jehovah as Father and to submit to him as their Potter. Do you see yourself as soft clay in God’s hands, willing to be molded into a vessel that is desirable in his eyes? Do you similarly see each of your spiritual brothers and sisters as a work in progress, being molded by God? w16.06 1:2, 3

[dove]

Father Potter Clay

[normadenardo]

Father choice crucial 

[Loje]

Submitting - Sovereignty - Desirable

[GrumpysWife]

Molded by god. 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, March 7

Keep testing whether you are in the faith.—2 Cor. 13:5.

As we approach the new world, our faith is being tested. We would do well to assess the quality of our faith. For example, we might examine our view of Jesus’ words recorded at Matthew 6:33. Ask yourself: ‘Do my priorities and decisions reflect that I truly believe Jesus’ words? Would I decide to miss meetings or field service so as to increase my income? What will I do if secular pressures continue to mount? Will I allow the world to squeeze me into its mold—and perhaps right out of the truth?’ As another example, think about a servant of Jehovah who is somewhat reluctant to follow Bible standards, perhaps regarding associations, disfellowshipping, or entertainment. Ask yourself, ‘Might it be that this is true in my case?’ If we detect such a hardening attitude developing within us, we urgently need to examine our faith! Honest self-appraisal in the light of God’s Word should be a regular part of our thinking. w16.06 2:8, 9

[njwinans]

@Loje @normaclutter @Dove @GrumpysWife  Nice Job!  We have a thread just for this now.  

 

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, March 8

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

Jehovah’s faithful servants on earth, his Witnesses, make up an organization that is indeed exceptional. True, it is composed of humans who are imperfect and who have their faults. Still, God’s holy spirit has been moving his global congregation to grow and prosper. When the last days of the present system began back in 1914, God’s servants on earth were relatively few in number. But Jehovah blessed their preaching work. During the following decades, millions of new ones learned Bible truths and became Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jehovah actually pointed forward to this outstanding growth, saying the words of today’s text and adding: “I myself, Jehovah, will speed it up in its own time.” That prophetic statement has certainly come true in these last days. Thus, the number of God’s people on earth is now greater than the entire population of many nations. w16.06 4:1, 2

[boodles]

Probably would be about 99 on the list.

[trottigy]

We are part of the MIGHTIEST nation on Earth. Our King can NOT be defeated ever!

 

 

 

Edited March 8, 2018 by trottigy

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, March 9

Are you not worth more than [the birds of heaven] are?—Matt. 6:26.

For Jesus, it was unthinkable that his heavenly Father would provide food for the birds but not take care of the same basic needs of humans. (1 Pet. 5:6, 7) He will not put the food in our mouths, but he may bless our efforts to grow the food we need or to earn the money to buy our daily provisions. In cases of need, he may motivate others to share what they have. Although Jesus did not mention providing shelter for the birds of heaven, Jehovah has provided them with the instincts, skills, and materials needed to make nests for themselves. Jehovah can likewise help us find adequate housing for our families. When saying the words found in today’s text, Jesus no doubt had in mind that he would soon give his life in behalf of mankind. (Compare Luke 12:6, 7.) Jesus did not die for the birds of heaven, but he did die for us so that we might enjoy unending life.—Matt. 20:28. w16.07 1:11-13

[GrumpysWife]

Saturday, March 10

Sin must not be master over you, seeing that you are not under law but under undeserved kindness.—Rom. 6:14.

How did humans inherit the sinful, dying condition that plagues us all? The Bible explains: “By the trespass of the one man [Adam] death ruled as king” over Adam’s descendants. (Rom. 5:12, 14, 17) Happily, though, we can choose no longer to be ruled, or dominated, by sin. By exercising faith in Christ’s ransom sacrifice, we place ourselves under the rule of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness. (Rom. 5:20, 21) Even though we remain sinners, we need not resign ourselves to having sin dominate our lives. When we do give in to sin, we will ask Jehovah for his forgiveness. Therefore, we come under the rule of undeserved kindness. With what result? Paul explained: “The undeserved kindness of God . . . trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly desires and to live with soundness of mind and righteousness and godly devotion amid this present system of things.”—Titus 2:11, 12. w16.07 3:5, 6

[GrumpysWife]

Sunday, March 11

[God] brought her to the man.—Gen. 2:22.

The first marriage was struck with calamity because both Adam and Eve chose to misuse their free will by disobeying Jehovah. “The original serpent,” Satan the Devil, deceived Eve by leading her to believe that eating fruit from “the tree of the knowledge of good and bad” imparted special knowledge that would enable her to decide what was good and what was bad. She did not show respect for her husband’s headship by asking him about the matter. And instead of obeying God, Adam accepted the fruit Eve held out to him. (Rev. 12:9; Gen. 2:9, 16, 17; 3:1-6) When brought to account by God, Adam blamed his wife. Eve blamed the serpent for deceiving her. (Gen. 3:12, 13) Lame excuses but no justification! Because the first human pair had disobeyed Jehovah, they stood before him as condemned rebels. What a warning for us! For success in marriage, each mate must accept personal responsibility and obey Jehovah. w16.08 1:1, 4, 5

[Spechellekaye]

We are only vessels used by Jehovah because HE chose us and because HE loves us. We MUST have humility to be taught and used by Jehovah. We cannot do anything on our own accord. If we allow Jehovah to mold us, being that he knows everything about us, our faith will never waiver and we can be used by him in anyway HE wants to use us. 
 

[Spechellekaye]

There is more to married life than working and providing the necessary things. The marriage vow involves certain responsibilities that the man and the woman must live up to. The Bible outlines these. As the text says: For success in marriage, each mate must accept personal responsibility and obey Jehovah. We are all individually accountable for our actions whether we are married or not. 

[GrumpysWife]

Monday, March 12

What God has yoked together, let no man put apart.—Matt. 19:6.

Unrealistic expectations may be at the root of a marital problem. When dreams about a happy marriage do not come true, a person may feel dissatisfied, cheated, even bitter. Differences in emotional nature and upbringing may become issues, or disagreements may arise regarding money, in-laws, and child-rearing. However, it is commendable that the vast majority of Christian married couples find mutually acceptable solutions for all such problems because they let God guide them. Christian marriage mates who have serious problems should seek help from the elders. These experienced brothers can assist married couples to apply the counsel of God’s Word. In resolving marital problems, we should also pray for Jehovah’s spirit and his help in applying Bible principles and displaying the fruitage of his spirit.—Gal. 5:22, 23. w16.08 2:11-13

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, March 13

From now on you will be catching men alive.—Luke 5:10.

Jesus had limited time to carry out his ministry. Nevertheless, he took time to cultivate the interest people showed in the good news. For instance, Jesus taught a crowd, using a boat as a platform. On that occasion, he miraculously gave Peter a huge catch of fish and said the words of today’s text. What result did Jesus’ words and actions produce? Peter and his associates “abandoned everything and followed [Jesus].” (Luke 5:1-11) Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, became interested in Jesus’ teaching. He wanted to learn more but was afraid of what others would say if he spoke with Jesus in public. Jesus was flexible and generous with his time; he met with Nicodemus at night—away from the crowds. (John 3:1, 2) God’s Son set aside time to build up the faith of individuals. Should we not be diligent in making return visits and conducting Bible studies with interested ones? w16.08 4:10, 

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, March 14

Walk in modesty with your God.—Mic. 6:8.

Our modesty includes making a humble evaluation of ourselves when compared with Jehovah’s purity and holiness, for we are completely dependent on him for the best guidance. Also, modesty includes showing respect for the feelings and opinions of others. Therefore, we ‘walk in modesty with God’ by conforming our lives to his elevated standards and showing respect for other people’s sensitivities. Our choice of clothing should not make people conclude anything other than that we are worshippers of Jehovah. Our brothers and sisters as well as people in general should be able to see that we fittingly represent our righteous God. He has high standards, and we happily strive to reflect those standards. Commendation is in order for brothers and sisters whose appearance and fine conduct attract honesthearted people to the Bible’s lifesaving message and bring glory and joy to Jehovah. w16.09 3:18-20

[GrumpysWife]

Thursday, March 15

You have contended with God and with men and you have at last prevailed.—Gen. 32:28.

Jacob was a very determined contender, and he proved that he would not turn aside from the challenge! (Gen. 32:24-26) And he was, indeed, rewarded for his perseverance. He received the fitting name Israel, (meaning “Contender [Perseverer] With God” or “God Contends”). Jacob gained the rich reward that we too are seeking—Jehovah’s approval and blessing. Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel, was eager to see how Jehovah would fulfill his promise to bless her husband’s offspring. But she had no children. In her day, that situation was viewed as a great affliction. How did Rachel find the emotional and physical strength to continue battling against circumstances that were discouraging but completely beyond her control? She never gave up hope. Rather, she kept contending by praying with more intensity. Jehovah heard Rachel’s heartfelt supplications, and she was eventually blessed with children.—Gen. 30:8, 20-24. w16.09 2:6, 7

[Ahuvah]

I think what really comes across here is recognition of the struggles we are all experiencing. They have put the struggle of Jacob with a literal angel together with the struggle of Rachel against Leah. Both may differ from the emotional realms to the physical - one would think struggling with an angel - no-one could beat that! But here ANY struggle could be that monumental.  At the end of both - were blessings.

 

So what I get from this text is a few things:

 

1. Don't minimize the struggle or trial you are facing yourself. It's real. It hurts. 

 

2. Don't give up - but instead intensify your struggle until your goal is achieved.

 

3. Don't minimize the struggles of others - we have NO IDEA what each one of our brothers and sisters are going through. Just love them and hug them either physically or just by being there.

 

4. Enjoy the blessings received afterwards - Jehovah always blesses effort.

 

 

Edited March 14, 2018 by Stormswift

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, March 16

The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword.—Heb. 4:12.

It is particularly important that you impress on your children the value of Bible principles. (Ps. 1:1-3) There are many ways to do this. For example, you could ask your children to imagine that they are going to live on a remote island and will have to choose a number of people to live there with them. Then ask, “What qualities must each person have if all in the group are to live in peace and get along well?” You could also talk with them about the wise directions found at Galatians 5:19-23. That exercise could teach two important lessons. First, God’s standards promote genuine peace and harmony. Second, by educating us now, Jehovah is preparing us for life in the new world. (Isa. 54:13; John 17:3) You could drive these points home by selecting an experience from our publications. It might be from the series “The Bible Changes Lives,” published in The Watchtower. w16.09 5:13, 14