Monday, January 4 He became overjoyed in the holy spirit and said: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones.”—Luke 10:21. Can you imagine what it was like to see Jesus Christ become “overjoyed in the holy spirit”? Perhaps you picture his features lit up by a broad smile, his eyes twinkling with [...]
Saturday, January 2 The little one will become a thousand.—Isa. 60:22. In the 20th century, millions of people died as a result of warfare, especially during the two world wars. But as World War II was raging in 1942, Nathan Knorr, who was then taking the lead among Jehovah’s Witnesses, delivered the convention discourse “Peace—Can It Last?” That talk presented evidence from Revelation chapter 17 that the war then raging [...]
Friday, January 1 Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good.—Ps. 106:1. Jehovah, the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present,” is indeed worthy of our thanks. As our loving Shepherd, he tenderly cares for all our physical and spiritual needs. He has proved to be “our refuge and strength”—especially in times of distress! Today, many take their blessings for granted. Influenced by the commercial [...]
Wednesday, December 30 There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting.—2 Pet. 3:13. To please God, decisive action is needed. Recall Elijah’s words to the Baal worshippers and the apostate Israelites at Mount Carmel: “How long will you be limping upon two different opinions? If Jehovah is the true God, go following him; but if Baal is, go following him.” The sons [...]
Tuesday, December 29 Keep seeking for wisdom and discernment as for silver.—Prov. 2:4. We can succeed in standing firm against temptations if we let Jehovah’s sayings mold our inner person, if we pray persistently for God’s direction, and if we keep searching for God’s knowledge as if looking for hidden gems. Jehovah gives knowledge, understanding, discernment, and wisdom to those who put forth effort to seek these gifts. [...]
Monday, December 28 As the clay in the hand of the potter, so you are in my hand, O house of Israel.—Jer. 18:6. What if humans stubbornly refuse to be molded by the Great Potter? Think about what happens to the clay if it becomes unsuited for the intended purpose. Why, the potter can make another type of vessel out of it or simply discard it! When the [...]
Sunday, December 27 He will appoint him over all his belongings.—Matt. 24:47. Those who make up the faithful slave will get this appointment when they receive their heavenly reward, becoming corulers with Christ. Does the faithful slave receive a greater reward in heaven than the rest of the anointed? No. A reward promised to a small group in one setting may ultimately be shared by others. For [...]
Saturday, December 26 The woman saw that the tree was good for food.—Gen. 3:6. Satan may try to appeal to the natural desire for food in an effort to turn us away from doing God’s will. For example, Satan told Eve that she could eat of the fruit of “the tree of the knowledge of good and bad” without having to die, saying that on the day [...]
Friday, December 25 To you, O Jehovah, I raise my very soul. O my God, in you have I put my trust.—Ps. 25:1, 2. What helped David to develop such trust in his heavenly Father? Many people pray to God only when they are in sore straits. David, however, was not like that. His relationship with Jehovah reflected his faith in and love for his God throughout his life—in good [...]
Thursday, December 24 Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.—John 17:5. Jesus talks late into the night, imparting to his disciples precious knowledge from God. Then he raises his eyes to heaven and prays: “Father, the hour has come; glorify your son, that your son may glorify you, according as you have given him authority over all [...]
Daily commentary on examining the Scriptures.