Wednesday, November 18 Who really is the faithful and discreet slave?—Matt. 24:45. In the first century, there was hardly a reason to ask such a question. The apostles could perform miracles and even transmit miraculous gifts as proof of divine backing.So why would anyone need to ask who really was appointed by Christ to take the lead? In 1914, however, the situation was much different. The harvest [...]
Tuesday, November 17 Be sound in mind.—1 Pet. 4:7. All of us are born in sin and imperfection and thus are far from being completely sound in body or mind. In addition, many of us were once among those whose minds were “blinded” by Satan; we were once ignorant of Jehovah and his righteous standards. Hence, were we to base our decisions solely on what we feel is good and [...]
Friday, November 13 Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner.—1 Cor. 5:11. Disfellowshipping is a type of discipline from Jehovah. It protects the congregation from a bad influence and can play a role in the sinner’s recovery. Robert was disfellowshipped for nearly 16 years, during which time [...]
Wednesday, November 11 Many nations will certainly go and say: “Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah.”—Mic. 4:2. Micah died long before that prophecy was fulfilled. Even so, he was determined to remain loyal to Jehovah even to death, no matter what others around him did. In this regard, Micah wrote: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk [...]
Tuesday, November 10 I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, because for this I was sent.—Luke 4:43. When Jesus began his ministry on earth, he announced the above. For three and a half years, Jesus made this work the focal point of his life. He instructed his disciples: “As you go, preach, saying: ‘The Kingdom of the heavens [...]
Monday, November 9 You are my helper and my rescuer.—Ps. 40:17. A loving father not only provides for his children but also seeks to protect them. He would naturally try to rescue them if they were in danger. One brother remembers a specific incident that occurred when he was just a young boy. He and his father were returning home from the field service when [...]
Saturday, November 7 Consider one another . . . , encouraging one another.—Heb. 10:24, 25. In ancient Israel, the nation was to gather “in order that they may listen and in order that they may learn.” Jews in the first century had the custom of going to the synagogues to read from the Scriptures. This emphasis on meeting together continued with the formation of the Christian [...]
Friday, November 6 We recommend ourselves as God’s ministers . . . by sleepless nights, by times without food.—2 Cor. 6:4, 5. As indicated by the experiences of the apostle Paul, our ministry may result in “sleepless nights” and “times without food.” These expressions paint a vivid picture of self-sacrifice and may well remind us of pioneers who give their ministry first place in life while supporting themselves financially. [...]
Thursday, November 5 Be liberal, ready to share.—1 Tim. 6:18. How can we do that? By using our time and energy to help and encourage others. When we “practice giving,” we are sure to draw closer both to Jehovah and to our friends. We can also be generous toward Jehovah. “Honor Jehovah with your valuable things,” admonish the Scriptures. Those “valuable things” include our time, energy, and [...]
Wednesday, November 4 If . . . he cannot afford enough for a sheep, then he must bring . . . two turtledoves.—Lev. 5:7. Offering sacrifices in ancient Israel was the basis for receiving forgiveness of sins. Sacrifices were necessary for the people to enjoy Jehovah’s favor. Some of these were required; others were voluntary. Whole burnt offerings could be made as voluntary offerings, or gifts, to Jehovah. He lovingly [...]
Daily commentary on examining the Scriptures.