free theocratic materials and downloads …

Tagged: Examining the Scriptures Daily Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  MeekSpaceNG 4:00 am on October 4, 2019 Permalink
  Tags: Daily Text Illustrated ( 156 ), Examining the Scriptures Daily, Featured ( 4,355 ), Publications ( 2,024 )   

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019 Friday, October 4 

  

  October

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019

  Friday, October 4

  Wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse.​—2 Tim. 3:13.

  Many health-care professionals work among those infected with contagious diseases. They care for their patients because they want to help them. In doing so, however, they need to protect themselves so that they do not become infected with the disease they are seeking to treat. Likewise, many of us live and work with those who are infected with attitudes and characteristics that run counter to godly qualities. This presents a challenge for us. These last days are a time of moral chaos. The apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy describes the characteristics of people who are alienated from God. (2 Tim. 3:1-5) Though we may be shocked by the prevalence of such qualities, we could be influenced by the behavior and attitudes of those who display them. (Prov. 13:20) Therefore, we must protect ourselves from being infected with negative traits while at the same time helping others spiritually. w18.01 27 ¶1-2
   
• 

  MeekSpaceNG 4:00 am on October 2, 2019 Permalink
  Tags: Daily Text Illustrated ( 156 ), Examining the Scriptures Daily, Featured ( 4,355 ), Publications ( 2,024 )   

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019 Wednesday, October 2 

  

  October

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019

  Wednesday, October 2

  Be hospitable to one another.​—1 Pet. 4:9.

  The apostle Peter wrote the above to the culturally diverse congregations in Asia Minor. They were facing “fiery trials.” What could help Christians everywhere to get through those stressful times? (1 Pet. 1:1; 4:4, 7, 12) Note that Peter urged his Christian brothers and sisters to be hospitable “to one another,” to those whom they already knew and associated with. How would being hospitable help them? It would draw them together. Consider your own experience. Have you had the pleasure of being invited to someone’s home? Did that occasion not leave you with warm memories? When you entertained some from your congregation, was your friendship not deepened? By extending hospitality, we get to know our brothers and sisters in a more personal way than we can in other settings. Christians in Peter’s day needed to draw ever closer as conditions grew worse. The same is true for Christians in these “last days.”​—2 Tim. 3:1. w18.03 14-15 ¶1-3
   
• 

  MeekSpaceNG 4:00 am on October 1, 2019 Permalink
  Tags: Daily Text Illustrated ( 156 ), Examining the Scriptures Daily, Featured ( 4,355 ), Publications ( 2,024 )   

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019 Tuesday, October 1 

  

  October

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019

  Tuesday, October 1

  If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching.​—Jas. 1:5.

  Jehovah is the Source of wisdom, and he generously shares his wisdom with others. One way that we acquire wisdom from God is by accepting his discipline. And that wisdom can safeguard us from moral and spiritual harm. (Prov. 2:10-12) As a result, we “keep [ourselves] in God’s love . . . with everlasting life in view.” (Jude 21) However, our sinful leanings, our upbringing, and other factors make it a challenge to accept discipline or to view it in the right light. We build appreciation for discipline when we experience its benefits, which confirm God’s love for us. “My son, do not reject the discipline of Jehovah, . . . for those whom Jehovah loves he reproves,” says Proverbs 3:11, 12. Yes, let us never forget that Jehovah has our best interests at heart. (Heb. 12:5-11) Because God fully knows us, his discipline is always appropriate and properly measured. w18.03 28 ¶1-2
   
• 

  MeekSpaceNG 4:00 am on September 30, 2019 Permalink
  Tags: Daily Text Illustrated ( 156 ), Examining the Scriptures Daily, Featured ( 4,355 ), Publications ( 2,024 )   

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019 Monday, September 30 

  

  September

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019

  Monday, September 30

  He does not slander with his tongue.​—Ps. 15:3.

  When a Christian believes that he is the victim of injustice, he should be careful not to engage in harmful gossip. Of course, it is entirely proper to seek assistance from the elders and to inform them if a member of the congregation is guilty of a serious wrong. (Lev. 5:1) However, in many cases that do not involve serious wrongdoing, it may be possible to resolve a difference without involving anyone else, not even the elders. (Matt. 5:23, 24; 18:15) May we loyally handle such matters in line with Bible principles. In some cases, we may come to realize that we were not the victim of an injustice after all. How grateful we would be that we did not make a situation worse by slandering a fellow Christian! Remember, whether we are right or wrong, engaging in hurtful speech will never improve a situation. Loyalty to Jehovah and to our brothers will protect us from making such a mistake. w17.04 21 ¶14
   
• 

  MeekSpaceNG 4:00 am on September 29, 2019 Permalink
  Tags: Daily Text Illustrated ( 156 ), Examining the Scriptures Daily, Featured ( 4,355 ), Publications ( 2,024 )   

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019 Sunday, September 29 

  

  September

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019

  Sunday, September 29

  Whenever you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it, for he finds no pleasure in the stupid ones. What you vow, pay.​—Eccl. 5:4.

  The Mosaic Law stated: “If a man makes a vow to Jehovah or swears an oath to impose on himself a vow . . . , he must not violate his word. He should do everything he vowed he would do.” (Num. 30:2) Later, Solomon was inspired to write the words of today’s text. Jesus confirmed the seriousness of making vows when he stated: “It was said to those of ancient times: ‘You must not swear without performing, but you must pay your vows to Jehovah.’” (Matt. 5:33) It is clear, then, that it is a very serious matter to make promises to God. The way we treat our vows affects our relationship with Jehovah. David wrote: “Who may ascend to the mountain of Jehovah, and who may stand up in his holy place? Anyone . . . who has not sworn a false oath by My [Jehovah’s] life, nor taken an oath deceitfully.”​—Ps. 24:3, 4; ftn. w17.04 4 ¶3-4
   
• 

  MeekSpaceNG 4:00 am on September 28, 2019 Permalink
  Tags: Daily Text Illustrated ( 156 ), Examining the Scriptures Daily, Featured ( 4,355 ), Publications ( 2,024 )   

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019 Saturday, September 28 

  

  September

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019

  Saturday, September 28

  Because of the people’s volunteering, praise Jehovah!​—Judg. 5:2.

  Each of us does well to ask himself: ‘Do I have the faith and courage to use whatever is at my disposal to carry out the clear command of Jehovah? If I am contemplating a major move to another city or country for perceived economic advantages, do I give prayerful consideration to the effect this would have on my family and on the congregation?’ Jehovah dignifies us by allowing us to share in supporting his sovereignty. Since the Devil first enticed humans to support his rival sovereignty, your siding with Jehovah’s rulership sends Satan a message that is loud and clear. The faith and integrity that motivate your volunteer spirit are pleasing to Jehovah. (Prov. 23:15, 16) He uses your display of support to make a reply to the taunts of Satan. (Prov. 27:11) Thus, by your loyal obedience, you are, in effect, giving Jehovah something that he considers precious, and he finds profound joy in this. w17.04 32 ¶15-16
   
• 

  MeekSpaceNG 4:00 am on September 27, 2019 Permalink
  Tags: Daily Text Illustrated ( 156 ), Examining the Scriptures Daily, Featured ( 4,355 ), Publications ( 2,024 )   

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019 Friday, September 27 

  

  September

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019

  Friday, September 27

  Use speech that is easily understood.​—1 Cor. 14:9.

  When “foreign residents” live far from other Witnesses who speak their language, they need to associate with a local-language congregation. (Ps. 146:9) But if there is a congregation nearby that uses your mother tongue, the question arises: Which language congregation is best for your family? After careful thought and prayer and consultation with his mate and children, a family head must decide. (1 Cor. 11:3) Parents must evaluate their children’s needs realistically. Of course​—regardless of language—​to gain a firm grasp of the truth, a child needs much more than just a few hours of spiritual education each week at meetings. But consider this: At meetings conducted in the language they understand best, children may absorb instruction simply by being present, perhaps learning more than their parents realize. That may not be the case when children do not fully understand the language.​—1 Cor. 14:11. w17.05 10 ¶10-11
   
• 

  MeekSpaceNG 4:00 am on September 26, 2019 Permalink
  Tags: Daily Text Illustrated ( 156 ), Examining the Scriptures Daily, Featured ( 4,355 ), Publications ( 2,024 )   

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019 Thursday, September 26 

  

  September

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019

  Thursday, September 26

  Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life.​—Luke 21:34.

  Jesus was keenly aware of the pressures associated with the anxieties of this system of things. In his illustration of the sower, Jesus said that some would accept “the word of the Kingdom” and make initial progress but that “the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches” would “choke the word.” (Matt. 13:19-22;Mark 4:19) Indeed, if we are not careful, the everyday concerns of life could entice our heart and cause us to slow down spiritually. We prove the depth of our love for Christ by putting the work he has given us to do in first place. How can we make sure that we continue to do so? From time to time, we need to ask ourselves, ‘Where does my true affection lie? Does most of my joy come from engaging in mundane activities or in spiritual activities?’ w17.05 23 ¶3-4
   
• 

  MeekSpaceNG 4:00 am on September 25, 2019 Permalink
  Tags: Daily Text Illustrated ( 156 ), Examining the Scriptures Daily, Featured ( 4,355 ), Publications ( 2,024 )   

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019 Wednesday, September 25 

  

  September

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019

  Wednesday, September 25

  Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches.​—Luke 16:9.

  No one disputes that billions of people are desperately poor, while others have enough wealth to last for many lifetimes. Jesus understood that the current economic system would not change until God’s Kingdom comes. Along with the political and religious elements, the greedy commercial system, represented by “the merchants” of Revelation 18:3, constitutes part of Satan’s world. Unlike the complete separation that God’s people maintain from politics and false religion, most cannot separate themselves completely from the commercial part of Satan’s world. As Christians, we do well to examine our view of today’s commercial system by asking ourselves such questions as these: ‘How can I use my material possessions to show faithfulness to God? How can I minimize involvement with the commercial world? What experiences show that God’s people fully trust in him in this challenging environment?’ w17.07 7-8 ¶1-3
   
• 

  MeekSpaceNG 4:00 am on September 24, 2019 Permalink
  Tags: Daily Text Illustrated ( 156 ), Examining the Scriptures Daily, Featured ( 4,355 ), Publications ( 2,024 )   

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019 Tuesday, September 24 

  

  September

  Examining the Scriptures Daily—2019

  Tuesday, September 24

  Look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.​—Phil. 2:4.

  Interestingly, when we show loving personal interest in others, we may actually let go of some of our own negative feelings. Sisters, married or unmarried, know for a fact that they find great joy in sharing the good news as fellow workers with God. Their goal is to honor God by doing his will. Some even view their participation in the ministry as therapy. Certainly, all of us contribute to a close bond in the congregation when we show concern for others, those in our territory and those in the congregation. The apostle Paul was a fine example. He became like “a nursing mother” to those in the Thessalonian congregation; he was also like a spiritual father. (1 Thess. 2:7, 11, 12) Young ones who learn to love the true God and to follow his counsel can become a source of comfort in a family. They can do so by showing respect for their parents and by helping in material ways. They can also make a valuable spiritual contribution. w17.06 7 ¶13-14; 8 ¶17