Tuesday, November 3 He will actually call down evil . . . upon his God.—Isa. 8:21. In Isaiah’s day, the nation of Judah found themselves in dire straits. They were surrounded by enemies. Food was scarce. Many were hungry. Instead of looking to Jehovah for help in dealing with these hardships, however, they started to “call down evil” on their king and on their God. Yes, they [...]
Monday, November 2 Be as free people, and yet holding your freedom, not as a blind for badness, but as slaves of God.—1 Pet. 2:16. There are obstacles to overcome in living up to our dedication. We face a twofold fight. First, there is the conflict Paul faced. “I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within,” he wrote, “but [...]
Sunday, November 1 Collect the weeds.—Matt. 13:30. As the collecting work progressed, the distinction between true Christians and false ones became ever clearer. By 1919, it became evident that Babylon the Great had fallen. What especially set true Christians apart from imitation ones? The preaching work. Those taking the lead among the Bible Students began to stress the importance of sharing personally in the Kingdom preaching [...]
Wednesday, October 21 What sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion!—2 Pet. 3:11. For us to gain God’s approval, our “acts of conduct” must be holy, that is, clean—morally, mentally, and spiritually. Moreover, we need to perform “deeds of godly devotion” with reverence for God and loyal attachment to him. Seeking his approval, then, involves not only our [...]
Friday, October 9 You must be holy, because I am holy.—1 Pet. 1:16. To be part of Jehovah’s universal family, we must be clean, or holy. We must keep free from any contamination by false religion or the politics of this world. The “faithful and discreet slave,” appointed by Jesus, provides a regular supply of wholesome spiritual food to all who make up the “one flock” [...]
Monday, October 5 Jehovah knows those who belong to him.—2 Tim. 2:19. In late 1914, some Bible Students were disheartened because they had not gone to heaven. During 1915 and 1916, opposition from outside the organization slowed down the preaching work. Worse, after Brother Russell’s death in October 1916, opposition arose from inside the organization. Four of the seven directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract [...]
Sunday, October 4 God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.—John 3:16. In this context, “the world” refers to humankind. Yes, Jehovah’s most generous gift is open to all who choose to accept it. Those who exercise faith in Jesus will receive life in abundance—everlasting [...]
Thursday, October 1 In willingness I will sacrifice to you.—Ps. 54:6. Certain sacrifices are fundamental for all true Christians and are essential to our cultivating and maintaining a good relationship with Jehovah. Such sacrifices include devoting personal time and energy to prayer, Bible reading, family worship, meeting attendance, and the field ministry. As a result of our efforts and Jehovah’s blessing, the preaching work is accelerating, and [...]
Wednesday, September 30 This must not be the way among you; but whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister.—Matt. 20:26. Jesus expects Christian elders to treat the flock the same way that he treated it. They must be willing to act as servants to their companions, not masters over them. The apostle Paul had that humble attitude, for he told the [...]
Monday, September 28 Critical times hard to deal with will be here.—2 Tim. 3:1. With the help of Jehovah, his spirit, and the Christian congregation, we can successfully overcome whatever disappointments or fears come our way. We can stay faithful. It is good to note that Paul introduced his prophecy about the last days with the expression “know this.” Those words guarantee that what follows is certain to [...]
Daily commentary on examining the Scriptures.