The Daily Text... in Three Words (Cont.)

[daydream]

Thursday, July 29

How many things you have done, O Jehovah my God, your wonderful works and your thoughts toward us.—Ps. 40:5.

 

Spoiler

We do more than feel appreciative; we express our appreciation to Jehovah by our words and actions. This makes us stand out as different from many today. We live in a world where people do not appreciate all that God does for them. In fact, one indication that we are living in “the last days” is that people are unthankful. 

 

May we never adopt that attitude! Jehovah wants all his children to get along well with one another. In fact, the love we have for one another identifies us as being true Christians.  We agree with the psalmist who wrote: “How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” 

 

When we love our brothers and sisters, we prove to Jehovah that we love him.

 

How pleasant it is to be part of a family of brothers and sisters who are “kind to one another, tenderly compassionate”!

 

 

 

Such unbridled joy

 

Less 💰much joy 

Edited July 28, 2021 by happiness IS

[Br. Ice]

Thursday, July 29

How many things you have done, O Jehovah my God, your wonderful works and your thoughts toward us.—Ps. 40:5.

 

❤️ Our brothers* = ❤️Jehovah

 

 

*sisters are also included of course 

[daydream]

Friday, July 30

Jehovah turned his attention to Hannah.—1 Sam. 2:21.

Spoiler

 

The cause of Hannah’s anxiety did not go away immediately. She still had to live in the same household as Peninnah did. And the Bible does not indicate that Peninnah’s attitude changed. So Hannah likely had to continue enduring her rival’s stabbing words.

 

But Hannah was able to regain and maintain her inner peace. After leaving the matter in Jehovah’s hands, Hannah was no longer overwhelmed by worry. She allowed Jehovah to comfort and soothe her. Sometime later, Hannah was even blessed with children of her own! 

 

We can regain our peace even if the cause of our anxiety remains. Even though we pray intensely and attend meetings regularly, some problems may persist. But from Hannah’s example, we learn that nothing can stop Jehovah from soothing our troubled heart. Jehovah will never forget us, and sooner or later he will reward our faithfulness

 

 

[Br. Ice]

Friday, July 30

Jehovah turned his attention to Hannah.—1 Sam. 2:21.

 

Allow Jehovah 2️⃣ comfort 

 

Comfort 🚪 to regain 💪

[daydream]

Friday, July 30

Jehovah turned his attention to Hannah.

 

Wait on Jehovah

He will answer 🧎

👂crushed in spirit

Spoiler

*** cl chap. 25 p. 256 par. 13 “The Tender Compassion of Our God” ***
 The psalmist David wrote: “The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their cry for help. Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34:15, 18) Regarding those described by these words, one Bible commentator notes: “They are of a broken heart and a contrite spirit, that is, humbled for sin, and emptied of self; they are low in their own eyes, and have no confidence in their own merit.” Such ones may feel that Jehovah is far away and that they are too insignificant for him to care about them. But that is not the case. David’s words assure us that Jehovah does not abandon those who are “low in their own eyes.” Our compassionate God knows that at such times, we need him more than ever, and he is near.

 

Edited July 30, 2021 by happiness IS

[daydream]

Saturday, July 31

Share with a wise person, and he will become wiser.—Prov. 9:9.

 

Spoiler

Elders do not hold back from sharing Bible principles that can help others to act wisely. Why is it so important that they speak up when necessary?

 

Consider the case of Eli: High Priest Eli had two sons for whom he had deep affection. Those sons, however, had no respect for Jehovah. They held important positions as priests serving at the tabernacle. But they abused their authority, showed gross disrespect for the offerings given to Jehovah, and brazenly committed sexual immorality. 

 

According to the Mosaic Law, Eli’s sons deserved to die, but permissive Eli merely reproved them mildly and allowed them to continue serving at the tabernacle.  How did Jehovah view the way that Eli handled matters? He said to Eli: “Why do you keep honoring your sons more than me?” Jehovah then determined to put those two wicked men to death.

 

[daydream]

Sunday, August 1

The One who sent me is with me; he did not abandon me.—John 8:29.

Spoiler

 

Even while being persecuted, Jesus had inner peace because he knew that he was making his Father happy. He remained obedient when it was difficult for him to do so. He loved his Father and built his whole life around serving Jehovah.

 

Before he came to earth, he was God’s “master worker.”  And while on earth, he zealously taught others about his Father.  That work brought Jesus great joy.  

 

We can imitate Jesus by obeying Jehovah and “always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord.”  When we are “intensely occupied” in the preaching work, we are better able to put our troubles into perspective. 

 

For example, those we meet in our ministry often face worse problems than we do. Yet, when they learn to love Jehovah and apply his counsel, their lives improve and they become happier. Each time we see that happen, we feel more confident that Jehovah will care for us

 

 

[daydream]

Monday, August 2

Quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them up before everybody.—Acts 19:19.

Spoiler

 

These individuals were serious about resisting wicked spirits. Their books about magic cost a lot of money. But instead of giving those books away or selling them to others, they destroyed them. They were more concerned about pleasing Jehovah than about how much money the books were worth.

 

 

How can we imitate the example of those first-century Christians? It would be wise to get rid of anything we may have that is connected with the occult. This includes amulets, charms, or other objects that people wear or own to try to protect themselves from wicked spirits. 

 

Examine your entertainment carefully. Ask yourself, ‘Does any of my entertainment involve spiritism?’ Be determined to make choices that will help you stay far away from anything Jehovah hates. We want to do our best to “maintain a clear conscience” before our God.

 

     *  

 

   I actually found one of these at the thrift shop, didn't know what it was until I googled it. 

 

 

*  Native Americans believed that a spider was a protector of the tribe. In fact, they believed in a mystical Spider Woman who protected the tribe. When the tribe grew, she could not protect everyone so she created the dream catcher

 

NO 2 Dream catcher

Edited August 2, 2021 by happiness IS

[daydream]

Tuesday, August 3

Call the elders.—Jas. 5:14.

Spoiler

The elders have a number of concerns when they receive a report of serious wrongdoing. They are primarily concerned with maintaining the sanctity of God’s name. 

 

They are also deeply concerned with the spiritual welfare of their brothers and sisters in the congregation and want to help any who have been victims of wrongdoing. In addition, if the wrongdoer is a part of the congregation, elders are concerned with trying to restore him if that is possible.  A Christian who gives in to wrong desire and commits a serious sin is spiritually sick. This means that he no longer has a healthy relationship with Jehovah.

 

In a sense, the elders are spiritual physicians. They endeavor to make “the sick one [in this instance, the wrongdoer] well.” Their Scriptural counsel can help him to restore his relationship with God, but this is only possible if he is genuinely repentant.

 

[daydream]

Wednesday, August 4

God . . . energizes you, giving you both the desire and the power to act.—Phil. 2:13.

 

Spoiler

Jehovah can give us the desire to act. Perhaps we learn of a particular need inside or outside our congregation. In response, we might ask ourselves, ‘How can I help to fill this need?’ Or maybe we have been invited to accept a challenging assignment, but we wonder if we can do it justice. Or after reading a portion of God’s Word, we may wonder, ‘How can I apply this Bible passage to help others?’

 

When Jehovah sees that we are willing to examine ourselves, he can give us the desire to follow through and act. Jehovah can also give us the power to act.  He can enhance our natural abilities with his holy spirit. 

 

Through his organization, Jehovah may teach us how to perform certain tasks. If you are ever unsure about how to carry out an assignment, ask for help. Also, feel free to ask our generous heavenly Father for “power beyond what is normal.”

 

[Br. Ice]

Friday, August 6

I am distressed and extremely downcast; I walk around sad all day long.—Ps. 38:6.

 

Doubts blurs blessings 

[daydream]

Friday, August 6

I am distressed and extremely downcast; I walk around sad all day long.

 

At times, King David was overwhelmed by stress. Think of the challenges he faced. He was weighed down with guilt for the many mistakes he had made. 

 

His beloved son Absalom rebelled against him, leading to Absalom’s death.  And one of David’s closest friends betrayed him.  Many of the psalms David wrote convey his feelings of discouragement as well as his unshakable trust in Jehovah. 

 

Later a psalmist began to envy the lifestyle of wicked people. He may have been a descendant of the Levite Asaph, and he served at “the grand sanctuary of God.” This psalmist suffered emotional stress, causing him to become unhappy and discontented. He even started to doubt the blessings that come from serving God

Edited August 6, 2021 by happiness IS

[daydream]

Saturday, August 7

We are not ignorant of [Satan’s] designs.—2 Cor. 2:11.

 

Satan appeals to natural desires. We have a natural desire to learn skills that can help us provide for ourselves and our families.  Often, we can gain those skills by attending school and being diligent students. But we must be cautious.

 

The educational system in many countries teaches students not only practical skills but also human philosophy. Students are encouraged to question the existence of God and to disregard the Bible. They are told that the theory of evolution is the only intelligent explanation for the origin of life.  Such teachings are opposed to “the wisdom of God.” 

 

Be determined never to be taken captive “by means of the philosophy and empty deception” of Satan’s world.  Continually guard against Satan’s tactics. ) Never allow him to blur your view of Jehovah. Live by Jehovah’s high moral standards. And do not let Satan trick you into ignoring Jehovah’s advice

[Br. Ice]

Thursday, August 12

Make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others.—Phil. 1:10

 

What's important? Meetings 

 

Avoid misguided advice 

 

[daydream]

Thursday, August 12

Make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others.

 

Spoiler

How could we stumble someone? Consider this scenario.

 

A Bible student is finally able to control his addiction to alcohol. He realizes that he must abstain from it completely, makes progress, and gets baptized. Later, a well-meaning host of a Christian gathering urges the new brother to accept an alcoholic beverage, saying: “If you exercise self-control, you should be able to make moderate use of alcohol.”

 

We can only imagine what the consequences would be if the new brother were to listen to that misguided advice! Our Christian meetings help us to apply the instructions given in today’s text.

 

They remind us of what Jehovah considers to be more important and how to apply what we learn so that we may be flawless. They also encourage us to love God and our brothers. When these two great loves fill our heart, we will do our very best to avoid stumbling our brothers

 

*** g80 3/8 pp. 13-14 How to Bring Alcohol Problems Under Control ***
 For those truly addicted to alcohol; in most cases it is unlikely that they will ever be able to return to a normal use of alcoholic beverages. No matter how long it has been, one drink may be too many. It is as if a volcano within is waiting to erupt. In such a case, the only way that one can continue to lead a normal life is to abstain totally.
 

 

[daydream]

Sunday, August 22

Jehovah spoke to Moses face-to-face, just as one man would speak to another man.—Ex. 33:11.

Spoiler

When Moses was asked to lead the nation of Israel out of captivity, he lacked confidence and repeatedly told Jehovah that he felt unqualified. God responded with real compassion, providing help for Moses. 

 

As a result, Moses was able to deliver powerful judgment messages to Pharaoh. Moses then saw Jehovah use His power as He saved the Israelites but destroyed Pharaoh and his forces in the Red Sea.  After Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they constantly found things to complain about.

 

Even so, Moses observed Jehovah’s great patience in dealing with the people He had freed from slavery.  Moses also saw Jehovah show remarkable humility when He changed His mind after Moses asked Him to do so.  

 

After the Exodus, Moses’ relationship with Jehovah became so close that it was as if he could see his heavenly Father.

 

Jehovah is humble !!!  🤩

[daydream]

Sunday, August 22

 

So close 2 Jehovah    

 

Spoiler

 

[daydream]

Wednesday, August 25

 

You must not prophesy in the name of Jehovah, or you will die by our hand.—Jer. 11:21.

 

For at least 40 years, Jeremiah lived among disloyal people, including neighbors and possibly some relatives from his hometown of Anathoth.  However, he did not isolate himself. In fact, he expressed his feelings to his loyal secretary Baruch and ultimately to us. 

 

We can well imagine that as Baruch wrote down Jeremiah’s eventful story, the two developed deep affection and respect for each other.  For many years, Jeremiah had boldly warned the Israelites about what was going to happen to Jerusalem. 

 

In a further attempt to move the people to repentance, Jehovah asked Jeremiah to write His warnings on a scroll.  As Jeremiah and Baruch worked closely together on this God-given task, which probably lasted several months, they no doubt had faith-strengthening conversations. w19.11 2-3 ¶3-4

 

[daydream]

Wednesday, August 25

You must not prophesy in the name of Jehovah, or you will die by our hand

 

Quote

deep affection and respect

 

principles inscribed on 💓💝

 

 

Edited August 25, 2021 by happiness IS

[Br. Ice]

Saturday, September 25

Become imitators of God, as beloved children.—Eph. 5:1

 

Imitate our father.

Edited September 25, 2021 by Br. Ice

[daydream]

Saturday, September 25

Become imitators of God, as beloved children.—Eph. 5:1.

 

As Jehovah’s “beloved children,” we do our best to imitate him. We imitate his qualities by being loving, kind, and forgiving in our dealings with others. When those who do not know God see our fine conduct, they may be motivated to learn more about him. 

 

Christian parents have good reason to imitate Jehovah in the way they treat their children. When they do, their children may want to form their own friendship with our loving Father.

 

We are proud of our heavenly Father, Jehovah, and want others to come to know him. In our heart, we all feel as did King David, who wrote: “I will boast in Jehovah.” What, though, if we are timid? How can we become bold?

 

We grow bold when we focus on how happy we can make Jehovah and how much others will benefit from learning about him. Jehovah will give us the courage we need. He helped our first-century brothers to become bold, and he will help us too

[Br. Ice]

Thursday, September 30

Your sins have been forgiven.—1 John 2:12.

 

Satan's damage reversed

 

Pray, obey, 👀friends 

[daydream]

Thursday, September 30

Your sins have been forgiven.

Spoiler

What relief that thought brings to us! As King of God’s Kingdom, Jesus will undo any damage Satan and his system may inflict on us. 

 

What hope that inspires in us! And even though Jesus has given us a challenging assignment, he is with us, supporting us through the last days of this system. (Matt. 28:19, 20) What courage that builds in us!

 

Relief, hope, and courage—these are some of the solid foundation stones on which our peace of mind is built. How, then, can you retain your peace of mind when you are shaken by severe trials? You can do so by imitating the things Jesus did.

 

First, pray and persist in prayer. Second, obey Jehovah and preach zealously even when it is difficult to do so.

 

And third, look to your friends to help you through trials. Then the peace of God will guard your mind and heart. (Phil. 4:6, 7) And like Jesus, you will conquer any trial.

 

3.  👀   2 our friends 4 help

 

[New World Explorer]

43 minutes ago, happiness IS said:

Thursday, September 30

Your sins have been forgiven.

  Hide contents

What relief that thought brings to us! As King of God’s Kingdom, Jesus will undo any damage Satan and his system may inflict on us. 

 

What hope that inspires in us! And even though Jesus has given us a challenging assignment, he is with us, supporting us through the last days of this system. (Matt. 28:19, 20) What courage that builds in us!

 

Relief, hope, and courage—these are some of the solid foundation stones on which our peace of mind is built. How, then, can you retain your peace of mind when you are shaken by severe trials? You can do so by imitating the things Jesus did.

 

First, pray and persist in prayer. Second, obey Jehovah and preach zealously even when it is difficult to do so.

 

And third, look to your friends to help you through trials. Then the peace of God will guard your mind and heart. (Phil. 4:6, 7) And like Jesus, you will conquer any trial.

 

3.  👀   2 our friends 4 help

 

I love the picture...

[Br. Ice]

Friday, October 1

The eyes of Jehovah are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.—2 Chron. 16:9.

 

Jehovah protects us