Commentaries on Examining the Scriptures

 The latest commentaries on the Watchtower’s daily text now appear on the forum. Because there are now over 400 articles in the commentary series it is impractical to display all of them. Scroll down and click on a title you wish to explore and an excerpt will appear with a link to the whole article.

Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over you.—Heb. 13:17. What should we do if a contagious disease is spreading where we live? We should obey emergency regulations, such as those regarding washing our hands, social distancing, wearing a mask, and quarantining. Our diligence in these areas shows how deeply we appreciate God’s gift of life. During emergencies, inaccurate information may circulate ...
The Apostasy Must Come First
Your deliverance is getting near. —Luke 21:28. The end of false religion will come suddenly, catching the world by surprise. (Rev. 18:8-10) The destruction of Babylon the Great will be world-shaking and may cause hardships, but God’s people will have at least two reasons to rejoice. This long-standing enemy of Jehovah God will be gone forever, and our deliverance from this wicked system of things will be at hand! Daniel foretold that “true knowledge” ...
They have built a flimsy wall
This slightly edited article was originally posted on the e-jehovahs-witnesses discussion forum, which is where my daily text commentaries appear now. Below is the Watchtower's daily text for December 13th.  The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.—Luke 16:10. As the end of this system of things draws near, we need to trust in Jehovah’s way of ...
False Christs will arise and perform great signs and wonders
Thursday, November 21 You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or on the earth below . . . You must not bow down to them. —Ex. 20:4, 5. Moved by his deep love for God, Jesus worshipped Jehovah exclusively, both when he was in heaven and when he was on earth. (Luke 4:8) He taught his disciples to do likewise. Neither Jesus nor his ...
Jehovah's Witnesses and their graven image
Monday, November 15 Sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, . . . and they will by no means escape. —1 Thess. 5:3. Imagine that the nations have just made their long-awaited proclamation of “peace and security.” They may boast that the world has never been so safe. The nations will want us to think that they have the world situation under control. But they have absolutely no control over what will follow. “Babylon the Great” will ...
You have caused this people to trust a lie
Sunday, November 14 Look! a great crowd. —Rev. 7:9. The apostle John received an exciting prophetic vision. In it, angels are told to hold back the destructive winds of the great tribulation until the final sealing of a group of slaves. (Rev. 7:1-3) That group is made up of 144,000 who will rule with Jesus in heaven. (Luke 12:32; Rev. 7:4) Then John mentions another group, so vast that he exclaims: “Look!” —an expression that may ...
Awake and shout joyfully, you residents in the dust!
Wednesday, November 10 They will become one flock, one shepherd. —John 10:16. Not all who have the hope of living in heaven are part of “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) Just as in the first century, Jehovah and Jesus today are using a few brothers to feed, or teach, many. Only a few anointed Christians in the first century were used to write the Christian Greek Scriptures. Today, only a few anointed Christians ...
The wisdom of their wise men will perish
Saturday, November 6 Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. —Heb. 13:6. When our enemies ban our worship, they hope to make us afraid to serve Jehovah. In addition to the ban, they may circulate false stories, send officials to search our homes, drag us to court, or even imprison some of us. They hope that we will be terrified because they managed to put a small number of us in prison. If ...
Daily Text for Jehovah's Witnesses (Nov 6)
Tuesday, November 2 They will gather his chosen ones together. —Matt. 24:31. In recent years, the number of those partaking at the Memorial has been going up. Do we need to worry about this? No. “Jehovah knows those who belong to him.” (2 Tim. 2:19) Unlike Jehovah, the brothers who count the number of those partaking at the Memorial do not know who truly is anointed. So the number includes those who think that they are ...
The brightness of his coming
Tuesday, October 26 Against you —you above all— I have sinned. —Ps. 51:4. If you commit a serious sin, do not try to cover the error. Instead, openly confess your sin to Jehovah in prayer. You will then begin to feel some relief from the anxiety caused by a guilty conscience. But if you want to restore your friendship with Jehovah, you need to do more than pray. You need to accept discipline. When Jehovah ...
Remove his filthy garments
Friday, September 24 Mind your own business. —1 Thess. 4:11. A person does not inherit his heavenly hope from his family. He receives it from God. (1 Thess. 2:12) So avoid asking questions that could hurt others. For example, we would not ask the wife of an anointed brother how she feels about the prospect of living forever on earth without her husband. After all, we can be absolutely sure that in the new world, Jehovah will ...
Oh, if only the GB would mind their own business!
Monday, September 13 Everyone proud in heart is detestable to Jehovah. —Prov. 16:5. Elders work hard for the benefit of their brothers and sisters. And they do not let their authority make them unduly proud. Instead, they treat the congregation tenderly. (1 Thess. 2:7, 8) Their deep love and humble attitude affect how they speak to others. Andrew, an experienced elder, says: “I have found that the brothers and sisters generally respond well to an elder’s kindness ...
Your hands are filled with blood
Tuesday, September 7 Even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy. —1 Pet. 3:14. Never allow anything that mere humans say or do to make you feel ashamed of being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Mic. 4:5) Consider the example set by the apostles in Jerusalem just after Jesus was put to death. They knew how much the Jewish religious leaders hated them. (Acts 5:17, 18, 27, 28) Yet, every day they continued to ...
The day of your reckoning will come
Sunday, September 5 Stop being molded by this system of things. —Rom. 12:2. Paul was concerned because some Christians were apparently being influenced by the unwholesome reasonings and philosophies promoted by Satan’s world. (Eph. 4:17-19) That can happen to any one of us. In a desperate attempt to turn us away from Jehovah, Satan, the god of this system of things, uses various tactics. One of them is that of exploiting any tendency we may ...
No, you have not heard, you have not known
Friday, September 3 The existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. —Rom. 13:1. Do elders comply with secular laws about reporting an allegation of child abuse to the secular authorities? Yes. In places where such laws exist, elders endeavor to comply with secular laws about reporting allegations of abuse. Such laws do not conflict with God’s law. (Acts 5:28, 29) So when they learn of an allegation, elders immediately seek direction on how ...
From the Watchtower apostasy has spread
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. (1 Tim. 5:8) 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 ...
The unrighteous one knows no shame
Wednesday, July 28 As these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near. —Luke 21:28. At some point, the people whose religions were destroyed may resent the fact that Jehovah’s Witnesses keep practicing their religion. We can only imagine the uproar that this might create, including on social media. The nations and their ruler, Satan, will hate us for having the only surviving religion. They ...
Until the spirit is poured out on us from above
Tuesday, July 27 You put to the test those who say they are apostles. —Rev. 2:2. Anointed ones do not expect others to treat them in a special way. (Phil. 2:2, 3) They know that when Jehovah anointed them, he did not let everyone else know about it. So an anointed person is not surprised if some do not believe right away that he has been anointed. He realizes that the Bible tells us not to ...
You found them to be liars
Sunday, July 25 Children are an inheritance from Jehovah. —Ps. 127:3, ftn. Parents may at times feel overwhelmed by the challenges they face, but children are a gift from Jehovah. He is always available to help. He willingly listens to the prayers of parents. And he answers those prayers by means of the Bible, our publications, and the example and advice of other mature parents in the congregation. It has been said that raising children ...
There is nothing hidden that will not be exposed
Wednesday, July 21 This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says. —Ezek. 2:4. During the great tribulation, the message that we proclaim will likely change. Currently, we are preaching the good news of the Kingdom and we are endeavoring to make disciples. But at that time, we may well deliver a message as hard-hitting as hailstones. (Rev. 16:21) We may proclaim the impending doom of Satan’s world. In time, we will find out exactly what ...
These are standing before the Lord of the earth
Sunday, July 18 Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. —1 Thess. 5:2. In the short time remaining before his “day” begins, Jehovah expects us to keep busy in the preaching work. We need to make sure that we are “having plenty to do in the work of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58) When Jesus spoke about all the significant things that would happen during the last days, he added: “Also, in all ...
One of its heads seemed to have been fatally wounded
Wednesday, July 14 These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. —Rev. 7:14. Since 1935, Jehovah’s Witnesses have understood that the great crowd of John’s vision is made up of a group of faithful Christians who have the prospect of living forever on earth. (Rev. 7:9, 10) In order to survive the great tribulation, the great crowd ...
The ones who come out of the great tribulation
Saturday, July 10 Trembling at men is a snare, but the one trusting in Jehovah will be protected. —Prov. 29:25. We can build up our courage now by publicly preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom. Why so? Because preaching teaches us to trust in Jehovah and overcome any fear of man. Just as our muscles are strengthened when we exercise, our courage is strengthened when we preach from house to house, in public places, ...
They hatch the eggs of a poisonous snake
Wednesday, July 7 You will come against them like a storm, . . . you and all your troops and many peoples with you. —Ezek. 38:9. God will not allow the nations to destroy his people. They proudly bear his name, and they have obeyed his command to flee from Babylon the Great. (Acts 15:16, 17; Rev. 18:4) They have also worked hard to help others flee from her. So Jehovah’s servants will not “receive part of her ...
I will show concern for my holy name
Saturday, June 19 You are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you as it would thieves. —1 Thess. 5:4. In his exhortation, the apostle Paul mentions “Jehovah’s day.” (1 Thess. 5:1-6) As used in this context, this refers to the time period that begins with the attack on “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion, and ends with Armageddon. (Rev. 16:14, 16; 17:5) Paul also tells us how we can make sure that we ...
The Lord is coming exactly like a thief in the night
Friday, June 11 You will be hated by all the nations on account of my name. —Matt. 24:9. When persecuted, pray to Jehovah, “pour out your heart like water,” and tell your loving Father about all your fears and anxieties. (Lam. 2:19) The more you pray this way, the closer you will feel to Jehovah. (Rom. 8:38, 39) Be convinced that the blessings of God’s Kingdom will come true. (Num. 23:19) If your faith in such ...
Just like lightning, so the presence of the Son of man will be
Sunday, June 6 If you are doing what is bad, be in fear.—Rom. 13:4. Child abuse is a grave sin. The child abuser hurts the child in devastating ways. He betrays the child’s trust, robbing the child of his or her security. Children must be protected from such a wicked deed, and those who have been victimized by it need comfort and help. (1 Thess. 5:14) When someone who is a part of the congregation becomes ...
Hear the word of Jehovah, you dictators of Sodom!
Sunday, May 30 He will be filled with holy spirit even from before birth. —Luke 1:15. Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of men of faith who received holy spirit; yet, they did not have the hope of living in heaven. David was guided by holy spirit. (1 Sam. 16:13) Holy spirit helped him to understand the deep things about Jehovah and also directed him to write parts of the Bible. (Mark 12:36) Even so, ...
Fresh air and sunshine
Monday, May 24 You will be able to extinguish all the wicked one’s burning arrows. —Eph. 6:16. Satan, “the father of the lie,” uses those under his control to spread lies about Jehovah and about our brothers and sisters. (John 8:44) For instance, apostates publish lies and distort facts about Jehovah’s organization on websites and through television and other media. Those lies are among Satan’s “burning arrows.” How should we respond if someone confronts us ...
The lawless one's presence is by the operation of Satan
Friday, May 21 Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them. —1 Thess. 5:3. World leaders sometimes use similar expressions when they talk about stabilizing relationships between nations. However, the announcement of “peace and security” that the Bible describes will be different. Why? When this happens, people may think that world leaders have succeeded in making the world a safer, more secure place. But in ...
Peace and Security and the Downfall of America
Wednesday, May 19 Keep in expectation of it! For it will without fail come true. —Hab. 2:3. We naturally long for the good things that Jehovah has promised. However, when the fulfillment of our expectations appears to be delayed, it may dampen our enthusiasm. We could even lose heart. (Prov. 13:12) This happened at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, many anointed Christians expected to receive their heavenly reward in 1914. When that ...
"My idol did this"
Tuesday, May 18 I [will] sanctify myself through you before their eyes, O Gog. —Ezek. 38:16. Gog will trust in his “arm of flesh” —his military might. (2 Chron. 32:8) We will trust in Jehovah our God —a stand that will seem foolish to the nations. After all, the gods of the once powerful Babylon the Great did not save her from “the wild beast” and its “ten horns”! (Rev. 17:16) So Gog will expect an easy victory. “Like ...
The coming flood of Jehovah's indignation
Monday, May 17 Go on carrying the burdens of one another. —Gal. 6:2. Commendably, many congregations and individuals do what they can to enable those in full-time service to remain in their assignments. They do so by encouraging them to continue their work, by giving them financial or other material support, or by helping them to care for their family members back home. If those in full-time service receive a new assignment to your congregation, ...
Churches open - Kingdom halls closed
Wednesday, May 12 Be in subjection to the older men. . . . Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones. —1 Pet. 5:5. Avoid being presumptuous. If we heed the direction we receive from trusted, responsible brothers, we will avoid problems. For example, in a land where the work is under ban, the responsible brothers had directed that the publishers not leave printed literature in the ministry. Yet, a pioneer brother in ...
When those taking the lead no longer take the lead
Tuesday, May 11 It is enough! Now, O Jehovah, take my life away. —1 Ki. 19:4. Elijah became afraid when Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. So he fled to the area of Beer-sheba. He became so discouraged that “he asked that he might die.” What made him feel that way? Elijah was an imperfect man, “a man with feelings like ours.” (Jas. 5:17) Perhaps he felt overwhelmed by stress and physical exhaustion. It seems that Elijah ...
You tolerate that woman Jezebel
Monday, May 10 Look out that no one takes you captive by means of the philosophy and empty deception according to human tradition. —Col. 2:8. Satan wants to turn us against Jehovah. To achieve his goal, he tries to influence our thinking, in effect, to bring our mind into captivity and make it obedient to him. He tries to persuade or to deceive us into following him by appealing to our desires. (Col. 2:4) Are ...
Are we really in serious danger of being misled by Satan?
Saturday, May 8 Watch that among you there is no one who is sexually immoral. —Heb. 12:16. Jehovah God hates all forms of wickedness. (Ps. 5:4-6) How he must hate child sexual abuse —an especially repugnant wicked deed! In imitation of Jehovah, we as his Witnesses abhor child abuse and do not tolerate it in the Christian congregation. (Rom. 12:9) Any act of child abuse is absolutely opposed to “the law of the Christ”! (Gal ...
How long will you judge with injustice?
Wednesday, May 5 Let no one lead you astray. —2 Thess. 2:3. Satan blurs people’s view of Jehovah. After the death of Jesus’ apostles, some who claimed to be Christians began to spread false teachings. (Acts 20:29, 30) These apostates started to blur the identity of the only true God. For example, they stopped using the divine name in their copies of the Bible and preferred such expressions as “Lord.” By removing God’s personal name and replacing ...
Let no one lead you astray
Tuesday, May 4 If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself. —Matt. 16:24. When you make a dedication, you approach Jehovah in earnest prayer and tell him that you will use your life to serve him forever. When you dedicate yourself to God, you “disown” yourself. You now belong to Jehovah, which is a great privilege. (Rom. 14:8) You are telling him that from now on, you will be focused on serving ...
When dedication to God is regarded as nothing
Friday, April 23 The one who endures to the end will be saved. —Matt. 24:13, ftn. Our endurance does not depend on favorable circumstances. We can strengthen our endurance by relying on Jehovah. (Rom. 12:12) Jesus’ promise in today’s text means that we must remain faithful despite any challenges we face. By enduring each trial now, we can become stronger before the outbreak of the great tribulation. As with endurance, true courage comes from relying ...
Their fear of me is based on commands of men
Thursday, April 22 Know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. —2 Tim. 3:1. Were you born after the year 1914? If so, you have lived your entire life during “the last days” of the present system of things. All of us have heard about the events that Jesus foretold for this time. These include wars, food shortages, earthquakes, pestilences, an increasing of lawlessness, and the persecution of ...
The end is near
Monday, April 19 I will show you the judgment on the great prostitute. —Rev. 17:1. Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, has brought much reproach on God’s name. She has taught lies about God. She has prostituted herself spiritually by forming alliances with earth’s rulers. She has used her power and influence to exploit her flocks. And she has spilled much blood, including the blood of God’s servants. (Rev. 18:24; 19:2) Jehovah will ...
The United Nations and Babylon the Great
Thursday, April 15 We are [not] the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing. —2 Cor. 1:24. Jehovah has not given us authority to make personal decisions for others. Someone who makes needless rules is not protecting his brother’s safety —he is trying to become the master of his brother’s faith. Satan the Devil will not stop trying to persecute Jehovah’s faithful servants ...
The Masters of "Jehovah's Servants"
Wednesday, April 7 All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted. —2 Tim. 3:12. In 2018, more than 223,000 publishers of the good news lived in lands where our spiritual activities were banned or severely restricted. This is not surprising. True Christians expect to be persecuted. No matter where we live, secular authorities may suddenly and unexpectedly ban us from worshipping our loving God, Jehovah. If a ...
Is it persecution or punishment?
Wednesday, March 24 Who really is the faithful and discreet slave? —Matt. 24:45. In 1919, Jesus appointed a small group of anointed brothers as “the faithful and discreet slave.” That slave takes the lead in the preaching work and gives Christ’s followers “food at the proper time.” Satan and his world have done much to make the work of that faithful slave challenging, even impossible, to carry out from a human standpoint. Despite two world ...
Radio silence
Tuesday, March 16 In the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule. —2 Pet. 3:3. As Satan’s system nears its end, we can expect to face ever more difficult tests of loyalty to God and his Kingdom. We will likely continue to be the target of ridicule. This may especially happen as our neutrality is tested more and more. We must strengthen our loyalty now so that we will remain loyal during the great tribulation ...
Unless those days were cut short
Sunday, February 21 The plans of the diligent surely lead to success. —Prov. 21:5. Jesus likened our time to “the days of Noah,” and there is no doubt that we are living in “critical times hard to deal with.” (Matt. 24:37; 2 Tim. 3:1) With that reality in mind, some couples have concluded that they would like to postpone having children so that they can devote more time to sharing in the Christian ministry. When deciding whether ...
On the day when the Son of man is revealed
Friday, February 19 Come . . . into an isolated place and rest up a little. —Mark 6:31. Jesus knew that at times he and the apostles needed some rest. However, many people back then and many today can be likened to the rich man in Jesus’ illustration. That man convinced himself: “Take it easy, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.” (Luke 12:19; 2 Tim. 3:4) He set his heart on rest and pleasures. In contrast, Jesus and the apostles did ...
They trust in unreality and speak what is worthless
Friday, February 5 We are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God. —2 Cor. 10:5. Satan is determined to change our thinking. He uses every type of reasoning to counteract the influence of the truth of God’s Word. Satan continues to ask the same question he asked Eve in the garden of Eden: “Did God really say that . . . ?” (Gen. 3:1) In the world under Satan’s control, we often hear challenging ...
Does God really approve of the Watchtower?
Wednesday, February 3 On the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. —Matt. 18:16. Before the elders take judicial action, why are at least two witnesses required? This requirement is part of the Bible’s high standard of justice. When there is no confession of wrongdoing, two witnesses are required to establish the accusation and authorize the elders to take judicial action. (Deut. 19:15; 1 Tim. 5:19) If the individual denies the accusation, the ...
Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy
Sunday, January 31 Truth is not in him. —John 8:44. Satan’s lies add grief and suffering to mankind. Parents who are grieving the death of a child may be told that God has taken the child, perhaps to be an angel in heaven. Does this satanic lie lessen their pain or add to it? The false teaching of hellfire has been used to justify torture, including the burning at the stake of those who opposed ...
Where is your coating of plaster?
Monday, January 25 They all became filled with holy spirit and started to speak in different languages. —Acts 2:4. If you were one of the disciples gathered in the upper room at Pentecost 33 C.E., there would be no question in your mind that you were anointed by holy spirit. (Acts 2:5-12) But do all those who are anointed by holy spirit receive their anointing in some spectacular manner and at the same time in their ...
He will appear and bring you joy
Saturday, January 16 I saw . . . a great crowd . . . standing before the throne and before the Lamb. —Rev. 7:9. In 1935, Jehovah’s Witnesses came to realize that the great crowd do not literally have to be in heaven to stand “before the throne and before the Lamb.” Rather, their position is figurative. Even though they would live on earth, the great crowd could stand “before the throne” by recognizing Jehovah’s authority and by submitting ...
The great crowd who come out of the great tribulation
Saturday, January 9 Obey God as ruler rather than men. —Acts 5:29. How can you continue to worship Jehovah while under ban? The branch office will give the local elders instructions and practical suggestions. If the branch office cannot contact the elders, then the elders will help you and all in the congregation to continue your worship of Jehovah. They will give direction in harmony with the guidance found in the Bible and in our ...
You will wail because of a broken spirit
Monday, January 4 Wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse.—2 Tim. 3:13. It is sad when humans act in a way that pleases the Devil. However, Jehovah is never blind to Satan’s tactics. He is fully aware of the pain we experience, and he can provide the comfort we need. We are blessed to serve “the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able ...
What will you do on the day of reckoning?
Saturday, January 2 The Devil . . . is a liar and the father of the lie. —John 8:44. Satan’s lies about the dead slander Jehovah. Those lies include the false teaching that the dead suffer fiery torment. Such teachings slander God! How so? In effect, they attribute to him, the God of love, the personality of the Devil. How does that make you feel? More important, how does it make Jehovah feel? After all, he hates ...
How much influence does Satan have over Jehovah's Witnesses?
Friday, January 1 Go, . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations. —Matt. 28:19. All of God’s faithful servants want to learn how they can “fully accomplish” the ministry that they have been given to do. (2 Tim. 4:5) After all, this work is more important and more urgent than any other occupation in life. However, it can be a challenge to spend as much time in the ministry as we would like. Other ...
According to their desire to have their ears tickled
Wednesday, December 30 Angels . . . did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place. —Jude 6. A significant number of angels joined Satan’s rebellion. Prior to the Flood, Satan lured at least some of them into having immoral relations with the daughters of men. The Bible reveals this truth by symbolically portraying the dragon as dragging a third of the stars of heaven with him in his fall. (Gen. 6:1-4; Rev. 12:3, 4) When ...
The tail of the Dragon casts down a third of the stars
Tuesday, December 22 [You] will hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.” —Isa. 30:21. True, we do not hear God speak to us from heaven. He has, however, provided his written Word, the Bible, in which he gives us instruction. Additionally, Jehovah’s spirit moves “the faithful steward” to keep giving His servants their food supply. (Luke 12:42) What an abundance of spiritual food we receive in the form of printed ...
You will hear a word behind you
Tuesday, December 15 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after the people had marched around them for seven days. —Heb. 11:30. The Israelites were commanded not to attack Jericho but to march around the city once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day. Some soldiers may have thought, ‘What a waste of time and energy!’ But Israel’s invisible Leader knew exactly what he was doing. Not only did ...
What Will the Day of Jehovah Mean for You?
Friday, December 11 At my guardpost I will keep standing. —Hab. 2:1. Habakkuk’s conversation with Jehovah gave him a calm heart. So he resolved to keep waiting confidently on Jehovah to act. This was not just a spur-of-the-moment reaction, for he repeated his resolve when he later said that he would “quietly wait for the day of distress.” (Hab. 3:16) What does Habakkuk’s resolve teach us? First, we must never stop praying to Jehovah, no ...
The visionaries will have to be ashamed
Tuesday, December 8 Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life. —John 6:68. Some today have been stumbled by an adjusted understanding of a Bible passage. Others have taken sides with apostates and other opposers who misrepresent our beliefs. As a result, some have deliberately begun “drawing away” from Jehovah and the congregation. (Heb. 3:12-14) How much better it would have been if they had maintained their faith and kept ...
Woe to my worthless shepherd
Wednesday, September 30 I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. —Luke 4:6. Satan and the demons use not only governments but also false religion and the commercial system to mislead “the entire inhabited earth.” (Rev. 12:9) Through false religion, Satan promotes lies about Jehovah. In addition, the Devil seems determined to make as many people as possible forget ...
The mystery of this lawlessness is at work
Sunday, September 27 I have great grief and unceasing pain in my heart. —Rom. 9:2. Paul felt discouraged by the Jews’ negative reaction to the Kingdom message. Even so, he did not give up on them. Note what he further said in his letter to the Christians in Rome about his feelings toward those Jews: “The goodwill of my heart and my supplication to God for them are indeed for their salvation. For I bear ...
Woe to those who yearn for the day of Jehovah
Saturday, September 26 The sons of the true God began to notice that the daughters of men were beautiful. —Gen. 6:2. Perhaps Satan tempted the disloyal angels not only with the opportunity for immoral sex but also with the promise of seizing power over mankind. His purpose may have been to disrupt the arrival of the promised ‘offspring of the woman.’ (Gen. 3:15) In any case, Jehovah ended all such plots by bringing the Flood ...
Certain men have slipped in among you
Friday, September 25 Is it lawful to pay head tax to Caesar or not? —Matt. 22:17. The party followers of Herod who raised this issue hoped that if Jesus denounced the tax, he might be accused of sedition. If Jesus said that taxation was a necessary burden, he could lose the support of his followers. Jesus was careful to remain neutral on the taxation issue. Of course, Jesus knew that corruption was common among tax ...
Are Jehovah's Witnesses really neutral?
Modesty is good. It is important to recognize our limitations both in our abilities and in our authority. True modesty comes from recognizing divine supremacy and authority. In his presentation, Mark Sanderson noted a couple of Bible examples. One of modesty and one of presumptuousness. David displayed modesty by not taking vengeance on Saul, who was seeking to kill him. It was unthinkable for David to harm Jehovah’s anointed king. David knew it was ...
Is it immodest to obey Christ?
Tuesday, September 22 Jehovah knows those who belong to him. —2 Tim. 2:19. How can we strengthen our resolve to seek Jehovah’s recognition and not that of the world? To do so, we need to remember two important facts. First, Jehovah always gives recognition to those who serve him faithfully. (Heb. 6:10; 11:6) He deeply appreciates every one of his servants, and he views it as “unrighteous” to ignore those who are faithful to him. He is “aware of the way ...
They will come and bow down to Jehovah
Monday, September 21 Jehovah your God you should fear, him you should serve, to him you should cling. —Deut. 10:20. The Bible accounts about the disobedience of Cain, Solomon, and the Israelites at Mount Sinai have a noteworthy element in common. These individuals had opportunity to “repent . . . and turn around.” (Acts 3:19) Clearly, Jehovah is not quick to give up on those who take a false step. In Aaron’s case, Jehovah extended forgiveness. Today, ...
Who has stood in the inner circle of Jehovah?
Saturday, September 12 How long must I ask for help from violence, but you do not intervene? —Hab. 1:2. Habakkuk lived during a very difficult and challenging time. He was deeply saddened because he was surrounded by wicked, violent people. When would their wickedness end? Why did Jehovah take so long before acting? All Habakkuk saw was injustice and oppression practiced by his own countrymen. He felt helpless. So in the midst of this dark ...
Their horses are swifter than leopards
Sunday, September 6 The Law has a shadow of the good things to come. —Heb. 10:1. The Law specifically protected those who could not protect themselves, such as orphans, widows, and foreign residents. The judges in Israel were told: “You must not pervert the judgment of the foreign resident or of the fatherless child, and you must not seize the garment of a widow as security for a loan.” (Deut. 24:17) Jehovah showed tender personal ...
Is the Watchtower Gaslighting Jehovah's Witnesses?
Wednesday, September 2 No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him. —John 6:44. We can play a part in helping others learn about God, but we do not play the most important part. (1 Cor. 3:6, 7) Jehovah is the one who draws people. In the end, each individual will respond to the good news based on his or her heart condition. (Matt. 13:4-8) Remember that most people did not accept ...
You Have Ruined the Covenant of Levi
Tuesday, September 1 Though you never saw him, you love him. —1 Pet. 1:8. Jesus showed fellow feeling for Martha and Mary. When he saw their grief over the death of their brother, Lazarus, “Jesus gave way to tears.” (John 11:32-35) He did not weep just because he had lost the company of a close friend. After all, he knew that he was going to resurrect Lazarus. Rather, Jesus wept because he understood and was touched ...
Has Satan already fallen like lightning?
Sunday, August 30 Old men and young together. Let them praise the name of Jehovah. —Ps. 148:12, 13. If you are a Christian youth, why not make it your aim to take an interest in older ones? You might respectfully ask them to relate an experience from their years of service. You will find this very upbuilding, and both you and they will be even more motivated to let the light of truth shine. And all ...
The Apostasy Comes First
Friday, August 21 Let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. —1 Cor. 10:12. As Paul pointed out, even true worshippers could become involved in wrong practices. Those who give in to temptation may think that they still have a good standing with Jehovah. But merely wanting to be Jehovah’s friend or claiming to be loyal to him does not always mean that one is actually approved by Jehovah. (1 Cor ...
The Third Angel Blew His Trumpet
Thursday, August 20 We should no longer be . . . carried here and there . . . by means of the trickery of men. —Eph. 4:14. A story that is only 10 percent true is 100 percent misleading. Consider what happened to the Israelites dwelling on the western side of the Jordan River in the days of Joshua. (Josh. 22:9-34) They received a report that the Israelites living on the eastern side had constructed a large, impressive altar. That portion of ...
They have not feared me, says Jehovah
Tuesday, August 11 I will walk in your truth. —Ps. 86:11. How can we strengthen our determination to go on walking in the truth? One way is to have as full a share as possible in teaching Bible truth to others. In this way you will keep a firm grip on our spiritual sword, which is “God’s word.” (Eph. 6:17) All of us can strive to improve our skills as teachers, “handling the word of ...
He will guide you into all the truth
Tuesday, August 4 Jehovah . . . has firmly established his throne for justice. —Ps. 9:7. The Mosaic Law limited the possibility that a person would be falsely accused of a crime. A defendant had the right to know who was accusing him. (Deut. 19:16-19;25:1) And before he could be convicted, at least two witnesses had to give evidence. (Deut. 17:6; 19:15) What about an Israelite who committed a crime that was seen by only one witness? He ...
Peace and Security and the Day of Jehovah
Sunday, August 2 When the Lord caught sight of her, he was moved with pity. —Luke 7:13. Jesus himself experienced some of the challenges people faced. For example, Jesus apparently grew up in a poor family. From working with his adoptive father, Joseph, Jesus learned how to do hard physical work. (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) It seems that Joseph died sometime before the end of Jesus’ ministry. So Jesus likely felt the pain of losing a ...
Who will be able to stand when he appears?
Friday, July 31 Jehovah is the Spirit, and where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom. —2 Cor. 3:17. To enjoy and benefit from that freedom, we must ‘turn to Jehovah,’ that is, come into a personal relationship with him. (2 Cor. 3:16) The Israelites in the wilderness did not view Jehovah’s dealings with them in a spiritual way. It was as if their hearts and minds were veiled and hardened, focused only on using their ...
What is going on?
Thursday, July 30 You must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” —Acts 20:35. Jesus Christ, through his anointed brothers and supportive “princes” of the other sheep, provides encouragement and guidance to despondent and discouraged ones in this time of need. That is as it should be, for these elders are ...
The watchtower will become a permanent wasteland
Wednesday, July 29 You are from your father the Devil, . . . a liar and the father of the lie. —John 8:44. Whether called pastors, priests, rabbis, swamis, or by some other title, religious leaders abound in the world today. Like their first-century counterparts, they are “suppressing the truth” from God’s Word and have “exchanged the truth of God for the lie.” (Rom. 1:18, 25) They promote such false teachings as “once saved, always saved,” the immortality ...
The operation of Satan ---lying signs and wonders
Monday, July 27 Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you. —Jas. 4:7. Only three books of the Hebrew Scriptures, 1 Chronicles, Job, and Zechariah, mention Satan, which means “Resister.” Why was little said about our enemy prior to the arrival of the Messiah? Apparently, Jehovah did not want to give Satan undue prominence by devoting large portions of the Hebrew Scriptures to discussing him and his activity. Jehovah’s primary purpose for inspiring that section ...
The Transformer Shines on the Watchtower
Wednesday, July 15 His face shone as the sun, and his outer garments became brilliant. —Matt. 17:2. Jesus had invited Peter, James, and John to accompany him up into a high mountain. While there, they saw a remarkable vision. Jesus’ face shone brightly and his clothes glistened. Two figures, representing Moses and Elijah, began talking to Jesus about his coming death and resurrection. (Luke 9:29-32) Next, a bright cloud covered them, and they heard a ...
Has the day dawned?
Saturday, July 11 The days of my people will be like the days of a tree. —Isa. 65:22. Will the time come when our days “will be like the days of a tree”? Some trees live thousands of years. Humans would have to be healthy in order to have lifespans of such length. If they could live in the conditions that Isaiah foretold, it would be a dream come true, a paradise! And that prophecy ...
Like the days of a tree
Friday, July 10 Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need. —Matt. 5:3. Unlike the animals, you have a spiritual need, which only your Creator can satisfy. (Matt. 4:4) When you listen appreciatively to him, you gain insight, wisdom, and happiness. God satisfies your spiritual need by means of his Word and the abundance of spiritual food that he provides through “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) And how varied and rich that food ...
Should the Potter be regarded the same as the clay?
Thursday, July 9 I will fortify you, yes, I will help you. —Isa. 41:10. Isaiah had already described how Jehovah would fortify, or strengthen, his people, saying: “Jehovah will come with power, and his arm will rule for him.” (Isa. 40:10) The Bible often uses the word “arm” symbolically to signify power. So the statement that Jehovah’s “arm will rule” reminds us that Jehovah is a powerful King. He used his unbeatable strength to support and defend ...
No weapon formed against you will have any success?
Wednesday, July 8 Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master. —Matt. 25:21. Even before Jehovah’s Son came to earth and set a perfect example of how to impart encouragement, faithful servants of Jehovah were conscious of the need to be encouraging. When threatened by the Assyrians, Hezekiah assembled the military chiefs and the people of ...
Truth in the Age of the Internet
Tuesday, July 7 The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. —1 John 5:19. Satan wants us to become like him —a rebel who ignores Jehovah’s standards and is motivated by selfishness. He surrounds us with people who are already corrupted by him and hopes that they will “spoil” or “corrupt” the way we think and act. (1 Cor. 15:33; ftn.) Satan also tries to infect our heart by getting us to trust ...
The Watchtower and the pursuit of riches
Monday, July 6 Let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works. —Heb. 10:24. To attend meetings regularly, we may need to demonstrate courage in the face of difficult circumstances. Some of our brothers and sisters attend meetings despite being burdened by grief, discouragement, or health problems. Others courageously attend meetings despite strong opposition from family members or governmental authorities. Think for a moment about how our example affects our ...
When will the Watchtower end the shutdown?
Sunday, July 5 He let himself be afflicted, but he would not open his mouth. —Isa. 53:7. When we are under stress, it is difficult to be meek. Our words may become harsh and our tone cold. If you have ever felt stressed, consider the example of Jesus. During the final months of his life on earth, Jesus was under intense stress. He knew that he would be executed and that he would suffer terribly ...
It was Jehovah's will to crush him
Saturday, July 4 All things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account. —Heb. 4:13. Under the Mosaic Law, appointed older men were responsible for handling not only spiritual matters but also civil and criminal cases. Consider a few examples. If an Israelite killed someone, he was not arbitrarily executed. The elders of his city would investigate the circumstances before deciding if the death penalty ...
How long will you continue to judge with injustice?
Wednesday, July 1 Keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is. —Eph. 5:17. We are living in “critical times” that are “hard to deal with,” and life is going to become even more difficult before a new day dawns and true peace is restored to this earth. (2 Tim. 3:1) So we do well to ask ourselves, ‘Where am I looking for help and direction?’ Centuries ago, a psalmist acknowledged the need for us to raise ...
How we know these are not the last days
Tuesday, June 30 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up. —Prov. 12:25. Paul showed that even one who has the responsibility of encouraging others needs to be built up himself. To Christians living in Rome, he wrote: “I am longing to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to you for you to be made firm; or, rather, that we may have an interchange of ...
What will the day of Jehovah mean for you?
Monday, June 29 These are the ones who . . . bear fruit with endurance. —Luke 8:15. If you have ever felt discouraged when preaching in less responsive territories, you will relate to the apostle Paul. During his approximately 30-year-long ministry, he helped numerous individuals to become disciples of Christ. (Acts 14:21; 2 Cor. 3:2, 3) Still, he did not succeed in moving many Jews to become true worshippers. On the contrary, most rebuffed Paul, and some even persecuted him ...
My Field Service Experiences
Sunday, June 28 The serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die.” —Gen. 3:4. Adam no doubt knew that serpents cannot talk. So he may have surmised that a spirit creature had spoken with Eve through the serpent. (Gen. 3:1-6) Adam and Eve knew virtually nothing about this spirit. Even so, Adam made a conscious choice to turn his back on his loving heavenly Father and join this stranger in resisting God’s will ...
The Things Concealed Belong to Jehovah
It was a bad idea to add daily comments into one long post. It makes for slow loading for those with slow connections, and it works against good search engine practices. So, I will be posting individual articles from now on, as before.  Saturday, June 27 Accept . . . the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word. —Eph. 6:17. The sword used by Roman infantrymen at the time Paul wrote his letter was about 20 inches ...
The Devil's Disguise
Friday, June 26 The hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he has offered a sacred service to God. —John 16:2. That warning was true of those who murdered the disciple Stephen, and it has been true of others like them. (Acts 6:8, 12; 7:54-60) How ironic that in committing such evil crimes as murder, religious fanatics violate the very laws of the One whom they claim to worship! (Ex. 20:13) Clearly, their consciences ...
Restarting the Daily Commentary column
I suspended the Daily Commentary feature a year and a half ago, which was my commentary based upon the Watchtower’s Daily Text. But today’s Daily Text is just too much. Here it is Spreading lies has become commonplace in today’s society. As stated in the article “Why We Lie” by Y. Bhattacharjee, “lying has come to be recognized as a deeply ingrained human trait.” People often resort to lying either to protect themselves or to promote ...
The Watchtower's spokesmen and their lies
Tuesday, December 12 Let them praise your great name.—Ps. 99:3. Unlike some religious people who mistakenly think that they will praise God once they have left the earth and gone to heaven, all of Jehovah’s Witnesses realize the need to praise him here and now on the earth. We thereby follow the example of the faithful servants of Jehovah described at Psalm 99:1-3, 5. As that psalm indicates, Moses, Aaron, and Samuel offered their full support to the arrangement ...
Jehovah Has Become King - really?
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses Sunday, December 10 Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?—Acts 1:6. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, his apostles asked the above. Jesus’ answer showed that it was not the time for them to know when God’s Kingdom would start ruling. He told his disciples to focus on the important witnessing work that they needed to do. (Acts 1:7, 8) Nevertheless, Jesus taught his followers ...
The Appointed Times of the Nations
Thursday, December 7 Take your stand against [Satan], firm in the faith.—1 Pet. 5:9. Satan is at war with the anointed remnant and the “other sheep.” The Devil’s goal is to devour as many of Jehovah’s servants as he can in the short time that he has left. Can we win our fight against Satan? Yes! The Bible says: “Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.” Many scoff at the idea that Satan even exists. To them, ...
Look! I have forewarned you
Saturday, December 2 I have come . . . to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.—John 6:38. Imagine that a friend gives you a car as a gift. He hands you the title and says: “I will keep the keys. And I will be the one who drives the car, not you.” How would you feel? Now think about what Jehovah rightfully expects of a person who ...
Do you belong to God's spirit-directed organization?
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses Thursday, November 30 I rejoiced before him all the time.—Prov. 8:30. Jesus joyfully worked alongside his Father, rejoicing both in what he accomplished and in the knowledge that Jehovah was fond of him. What, though, about us? Jesus said that there is happiness both in giving and in receiving. It brought us joy to receive the truth, and it brings us joy to share the truth with others ...
Then it will be face-to-face
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses Monday, November 27 The naive person believes every word, but the shrewd one ponders each step.—Prov. 14:15. Sadly, in this greedy world, there are those who seize on people’s illness as an opportunity to make money. Other individuals or companies stress the use of products that are high-priced in order to make large profits. To a sick person who desperately seeks relief or a way to ...
You must drink it!
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses Wednesday, November 22 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.—Jas. 4:8. By continuing to ponder over spiritual things, we will maintain our enthusiasm for the truth. Thus we will be a source of refreshment to our brothers and to the interested ones we meet in the field service. Meditating deeply on God’s greatest gift, the ransom sacrifice of Jesus, will help us to ...
The Presence of the Lord has Drawn Close
Monday, November 20 Your servants have come . . . out of regard for the name of Jehovah your God, because we have heard about his fame and about all he did.—Josh. 9:9. The Gibeonites wisely recognized Israel’s backer to be the true God. Rahab too perceived God’s hand in the events of her day. After learning about how Jehovah rescued his people, she told two Israelite spies: “I do know that Jehovah will give you the ...
Jehovah will enter into judgment with the elders
Sunday, November 12 The heavens are my throne, and the earth is my footstool.—Isa. 66:1. Besides referring to the earth, the term “footstool” is also employed figuratively in the Hebrew Scriptures to describe the ancient temple used by the Israelites. Located on the earth, the temple served as the center of true worship. For that reason, it was truly beautiful in Jehovah’s eyes and its very existence glorified the place for Jehovah’s feet. Today the center of ...
The spiritual paradise to come
Saturday, November 11 The name of God is being blasphemed among the nations because of you.—Rom. 2:24. What a privilege it is for us not only to know God’s personal name but also to bear it as “a people for his name.” We implore our heavenly Father: “Let your name be sanctified.” Your making such a request may move you to ask Jehovah to help you to avoid doing or saying anything that would ...
No more haughty boasters
Tuesday, November 7 Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.—Jas. 4:7. As we near the end of this system of things, Satan wants us to relax our guard, to “be kind” to ourselves by carving out a niche in this world, thus losing our sense of urgency. Do not let that happen to you! Instead, “keep on the watch.” Never believe Satan’s deceptive propaganda that the end is far off—or that it is not ...
The Grand Climax Phallacy
Monday, October 30 You people must be born again.—John 3:7. Before receiving this personal witness from God’s spirit, anointed Christians cherished an earthly hope. They longed for the time when Jehovah would cleanse this earth, and they wanted to be part of that blessed future. Perhaps they even pictured themselves welcoming back their loved ones from the grave. They looked forward to living in the homes that they built and eating the fruitage of ...
Christ is yet to appear
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses Saturday, October 28 Do not drink water any longer, but take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent cases of sickness.—1 Tim. 5:23. We do not live at a time when a fellow Christian can use “gifts of healing” to cure us. But some well-intentioned brothers give unsolicited health recommendations. Granted, someone might simply offer general, practical suggestions. Paul did so when Timothy was ...
Eat some garlic!
Friday, October 27 O Jehovah, open my lips, so that my mouth may declare your praise.—Ps. 51:15. Speech is part of our daily life, but we do not need to talk all the time. In fact, the Bible says that there is “a time to be silent.” Maintaining silence when others are speaking can be a mark of respect. Controlling our tongue to keep quiet about a confidential matter gives evidence of discretion and discernment ...
The last days of the Watchtower
Sunday, October 22 The righteous one will live by reason of faith.—Gal. 3:11. We must never doubt that if we follow God’s direction, it will turn out for our good. It is vital that we put faith in the One who can really help. Paul reminds us that God is “the one who can, according to his power that is operating in us, do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive.” Jehovah’s ...
The vision is yet for its appointed time
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses Saturday, October 21 There will be no dew or rain except by my word!—1 Ki. 17:1. In Israel’s early history, people had the opportunity to see and hear about how God acted in Israel’s behalf. Jehovah miraculously delivered his people out of Egypt, and then king after king fell before them. Israel’s opponents refused to acknowledge that God was fighting for Israel, and that led to their defeat ...
The Second Coming of Elijah
Friday, October 20 I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.—Jer. 10:23. From the Bible we learn that humans are not created with the right of self-determination, to be independent of God, and that ignoring this fundamental truth will have sad consequences. This is critically important to our welfare. Only by recognizing God’s authority can we enjoy ...
I shall have to correct you to the proper degree
Commentary on the daily text of Jehovah's Witnesses Wednesday, October 18 [Noah] proved himself faultless among his contemporaries.—Gen. 6:9. Noah lived in an evil world but had no desire to make its inhabitants his close friends. He did not seek the companionship of ungodly people. He and the seven members of his family occupied themselves with the doing of God-given work, which included building an ark. Meanwhile, Noah was also “a preacher of righteousness.” (2 Pet. 2:5) ...
Just as the days of Noah
Sunday, October 15 They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.—John 17:16. We should not be surprised if the world hates us for our neutral stand; Jesus warned us that it would. Most opposers do not appreciate the importance of the issues involved in Christian neutrality. For us, though, these are matters of utmost importance. Loyalty to Jehovah requires that we be steadfast in the face of ...
Whatever happened to 666?
Saturday, October 14 There will be great tribulation.—Matt. 24:21. Although we do not fully understand all that will happen during that time of test, we can expect that it will involve some measure of sacrifice. In the first century, Christians had to leave behind their possessions and endure hardships in order to survive. To remain faithful, will we be willing to experience material loss? Will we be ready to do whatever is required of us ...
Watchtower's Revelation anticlimax hoax soon to end
Friday, October 13 Deliver us from the wicked one.—Matt. 6:13. To live in harmony with the request “deliver us from the wicked one,” we must strive to be “no part of [Satan’s] world.” We must “not love either [Satan’s] world or the things in the world.”  Doing so is an ongoing struggle. What a relief it will be when Jehovah answers this request by removing Satan and causing his wicked world to pass away! We ...
The Devil within
Wednesday, October 11 One man was there who had been sick for 38 years.—John 5:5. Just north of the temple at Jerusalem was a pool known as Bethzatha. Large crowds of sick and infirm people would gather there, hoping that they would be miraculously cured. Moved with pity, Jesus approached a man who had been sick longer than Jesus had been alive on earth.  Jesus inquired if he wanted to get well. The response was ...
Woe to the shepherds who are feeders of themselves
Monday, October 9 He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel.—Gen. 3:15. Abel likely gave much thought to that promise and realized that someone would be ‘struck in the heel’ so that mankind could be lifted to perfection such as that enjoyed by Adam and Eve before they sinned. Abel had faith based on God’s promise, and Jehovah therefore accepted his sacrifice. Noah survived the Deluge because of his faith. After the ...
The showy crown of the drunkards of Ephraim
Commentary on the Watchtower's Daily Text Friday, October 6 This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.—Matt. 3:17. Brothers who are learning to serve in the congregation should be taught to think in terms of Bible principles. For example, suppose an elder asks a brother to keep the entranceway to the Kingdom Hall clean in appearance and safe for walking. He could consider Titus 2:10 and explain how the brother’s work to enhance the Kingdom ...
The Masters and the Learners
Commentary on the Watchtower Daily Text Tuesday, October 3 Saul . . . spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants about putting David to death.—1 Sam. 19:1. Because Saul was determined to kill David, Jonathan faced a conflict of loyalties. Although he had made a covenant with David, Jonathan was also submissive to his father. But Jonathan knew that God was with David and not with Saul. Therefore, Jonathan put loyalty to David ahead of ...
Leaving the Watchtower
Sunday, October 1 Those whom he foreordained are the ones he also called.—Rom. 8:30. Jehovah began choosing anointed ones after Jesus’ death and resurrection, and it seems that all in the first-century Christian congregation were anointed. From the first century until the beginning of the last days, the vast majority of those who claimed to follow Christ were false Christians; Jesus likened them to “weeds.” Even so, Jehovah continued to anoint some faithful ones throughout ...
In this way the last ones will be first
Tuesday, September 12 Let your name be sanctified.—Matt. 6:9. Many people can recite the Lord’s Prayer from memory. In our door-to-door ministry, we often refer to this prayer to help householders understand that God’s Kingdom is a real government that is going to bring wonderful changes to our earth. Or we may refer to the first request in the prayer to show that God has a personal name, which is to be sanctified, or “treated ...
Get ready to meet your God
Monday, September 11 The crowd felt amazement as they saw the speechless speaking and the maimed being made sound and the lame walking and the blind seeing.—Matt. 15:31. God’s power enabled Jesus Christ to perform a wide variety of astounding miracles. He cured not only leprosy but also every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity among the people. To perform such acts of compassion, Jesus needed no organ donors for transplants. He healed ...
Opening the ears of the deaf and eyes of the blind
Friday, September 8 He will crush your head.—Gen. 3:15. When Jesus was born, Satan knew that this newborn child would grow up to become the promised Messiah. Would Satan reason that taking the life of a baby was going too far? Satan has no noble code of ethics. And with regard to the child Jesus, Satan did not hesitate to act. How? King Herod was greatly upset when astrologers inquired about “the one born king of ...
Satan's influence over Jehovah's Witnesses
Tuesday, September 5 Scrolls were opened.—Rev. 20:12. The Bible informs us that scrolls will be opened to give us directions in new world living. By studying these, all people, including resurrected ones, will be able to know God’s will for them. These scrolls will surely give us further insight into Jehovah’s mind. Guided by an ever-increasing understanding of God’s inspired Word along with what will be revealed in the new scrolls, inhabitants of the earthly ...
The wild beast from the abyss
Monday, September 4 Let anyone hearing say, “Come!” and let anyone thirsting come; let anyone who wishes take life’s water free.—Rev. 22:17. As members of the Christian congregation, how can we succeed in giving this invitation? Only by being “harmoniously joined together and made to cooperate.”  To share the message of the Kingdom good news with as many people as possible, we need to carry out our preaching work in an organized manner. Therefore, we ...
The hour of the judgment is nigh
Saturday, September 2 For the sake of his great name, Jehovah will not abandon his people.—1 Sam. 12:22. Although God had anointed Saul to be king, Saul later became disobedient and was rejected by Jehovah. Since God did not immediately remove Saul from the throne, his misconduct tested his subjects and all who were close to him. They faced the challenge of being loyal to God while the king, who sat on “Jehovah’s throne,” followed a wayward ...
They have brought Jehovah's judgment against themselves
Thursday, August 31 Jehovah knows those who belong to him.—2 Tim. 2:19. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of those partaking at the Memorial of Christ’s death. That trend contrasts with the decrease in the number of partakers that we saw for many decades. Should this increase trouble us? No. Let us consider some key factors to keep in mind. Those taking the count at the Memorial cannot judge ...
The revealing of those hidden in Christ
Tuesday, August 29 You received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: “Abba, Father!”—Rom. 8:15. Those who have received this special invitation from God do not need another witness from any other source. They do not need someone else to verify what has happened to them. Jehovah leaves no doubt whatsoever in their minds and hearts. The apostle John tells such anointed Christians: “You have an anointing from the holy ...
Why did God choose to adopt?
Sunday, August 27 The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters cover the sea.—Isa. 11:9. In many lands, Bibles are expensive and not readily available, so just receiving a Bible is a great blessing. A report from Rwanda stated: “For a long time, many people with whom the brothers were studying had not progressed because they had no Bibles. They could not afford to purchase the local church edition ...
The Presence of the Lord has Drawn Close
Sunday, August 13 In that day each of the prophets will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies; and they will not wear an official garment of hair in order to deceive.—Zech. 13:4. Will the destruction of the religions of Babylon the Great result in the death of all the former members of those religions? Apparently not. Some of the clergy will abandon their religious course and deny that they were ever part of ...
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses
Wednesday, August 9 Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.—Jas. 4:7. How can we fight Satan and win? Jesus told his disciples: “By your endurance you will preserve your lives.” Nothing that any human can do will cause us permanent harm. Nobody can take away our precious friendship with God unless we allow that to happen. Even the death of Jehovah’s servants does not score a victory for Satan, for Jehovah will see to it ...
Satan, the one misleading the world
Commentary on the Daily text of Jehovah's Witnesses Sunday, July 30 The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.—Rom. 8:16. God’s original purpose was for mankind to live forever here on earth. (Gen. 1:28; Ps. 37:29) The selection of some to go to heaven to rule as kings and priests is not the norm. It is an exceptional arrangement. This calling causes a profound change in the thinking, outlook, and hope ...
Tokens of things to come
Sunday, July 23 Give us more faith.—Luke 17:5. What can you do to build and maintain strong faith? Do not be satisfied with only what you learned up to the point of your baptism. Take note of fulfilled prophecies in the Bible because these can provide you with powerful reasons for having faith. You can also use God’s Word as a measuring rod to see if your faith matches the description of what is expected of ...
My corpses will rise up
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses Saturday, July 15 Then there will be great tribulation.—Matt. 24:21. How will the great tribulation begin? The book of Revelation answers by describing the destruction of “Babylon the Great.” (Rev. 17:5-7) How appropriate that all false religion is likened to a prostitute! The clergy have prostituted themselves with the leaders of this wicked world. Instead of loyally supporting Jesus and his Kingdom, they have given their support ...
Are Jehovah's Witnesses False Prophets?
Tuesday, July 11 Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom.—1 Cor. 6:9, 10. If you struggle with temptation to engage in sexual immorality, what can you do? Acknowledge your weakness.Pray to God for strength. Avoid situations that could lead to immorality. And when a temptation arises, reject it without delay. Jesus set a powerful example for us ...
The Scene of this World is Changing
Monday, June 19 Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down . . . and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare.—Luke 21:34, 35. Events on the world scene clearly indicate that Bible prophecy is now being fulfilled and that the end of this wicked system of things is imminent. Therefore, we should not assume that much time is needed for the state of this world to develop to the point where ...
The 1914 Kingdom-came fantasy lives on, for now
Saturday, June 17 You will be like God, knowing good and bad.—Gen. 3:5. Today, all must decide whether they believe that God’s way of doing things is superior to Satan’s or vice versa. In all sincerity, do you take Jehovah’s side by choosing to obey his laws and standards instead of doing things your own way? Do you see his Kingdom as the only answer to mankind’s woes? Or do you believe that man is ...
You really will be like God, knowing good and bad
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses Friday, June 16 The king finds pleasure in a servant who acts with insight.—Prov. 14:35. It is an honor to be allowed by Jehovah to contribute to the beauty of our spiritual paradise. We do that by zealously preaching the Kingdom good news and making more disciples. Each time we help a person progress to Christian dedication, we have worked to extend the borders of the spiritual ...
The onrushing desolation of the Garden of Eden
Commentary on Jehovah's Witnesses Daily Text Tuesday, June 6 Who of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense to see if he has enough to complete it?—Luke 14:28. Every year thousands of young people around the world get baptized. Christian parents and elders in the congregation want to make sure that such young ones make a decision that is not only voluntary but also well-founded. The steps of ...
Child Baptism - Why it is Wrong
Commentary on Jehovah's Witnesses Daily Text Friday, June 2 Tongues as if of fire . . . came to rest on each one of them.—Acts 2:3. If you were one of the disciples who experienced that, you would never forget that day. There would be no question in your mind that you were anointed by holy spirit, especially if you also received the miraculous gift of speaking in a foreign language.  But do all those who are ...
Baptisms and anointing.
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses Wednesday, May 31 Let your brotherly love continue.—Heb. 13:1. We need to develop our brotherly love now, for it will help us during whatever tests and trials we may face in the future. Even now, before the outbreak of the great tribulation, we have a strong need for brotherly love. Many of our brothers have been adversely affected by earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, or other natural disasters ...
The love of many [of Jehovah's Witnesses] will grow cold
Commentary on the Daily Text of Jehovah's Witnesses Monday, May 29 I am with you.—Matt. 28:20. Over the years our King has given us tools to use to help prepare the hearts of millions to receive the Kingdom message. Some tools were useful for perhaps a decade or so, while others have proved to be of timeless value. But all these tools have allowed us to develop our skills as evangelizers in some way. One ...
The Second Coming of Christ and the Parousia
Thursday, May 25 All the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction.—Rom. 15:4. Imagine the following scenes that reveal Elijah’s implicit trust in Jehovah. When Elijah informed King Ahab of Jehovah’s intention to bring about a drought, he confidently declared: “As surely as Jehovah . . . is living, . . . there will be no dew or rain except by my word!” (1 Ki. 17:1) Elijah believed that Jehovah would ...
My people will be silenced
Saturday, May 20 Keep in expectation.—Hab. 2:3. The prophet Habakkuk was commissioned to foretell the destruction of Jerusalem. By the time he arrived on the scene, warnings of that city’s desolation had already been sounded for years. Conditions had reached the point where ‘the wicked surrounded the righteous and justice was perverted.’ So it is not surprising that Habakkuk asked: “How long, O Jehovah, must I cry for help?” Jehovah assured his faithful prophet that the ...
Surviving the coming global holocaust
Friday, May 5 God put Abraham to the test.—Gen. 22:1. Picture an elderly man trudging up a mountainside. He is making what must be the hardest journey of his life. It is not his age that makes this trek so daunting. Abraham may be about 125 years old, but he is still vigorous. Following him is a younger man, perhaps 25 years of age. It is his son Isaac, who is carrying firewood. Abraham has ...
When is the hour of test?
Thursday, May 4 Whoever eats the loaf or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty respecting the body and the blood of the Lord.—1 Cor. 11:27. What point is the apostle Paul here making? An anointed Christian would partake unworthily if he did not maintain a good relationship with Jehovah. Such a warning helps anointed Christians to remember that they have not yet taken hold of the reward. They need to ...
Those about to be killed
Wednesday, May 3 They all became filled with holy spirit.—Acts 2:4. The year was 33 C.E., and it was the day of Pentecost. In an upper room in Jerusalem, a group of about 120 Christians were gathered together, “persisting in prayer.”  What was about to happen to them fulfilled a prophecy uttered by the prophet Joel.  God’s holy spirit was poured out on that group of Christians who were gathered in the upper room.  They started to ...
Until the spirit is poured out on us
Sunday, April 30 This is my name forever.—Ex. 3:15. Those who study ancient Hebrew Bible manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, are struck by the many occurrences of the Tetragrammaton—the four Hebrew letters that represent God’s name. The divine name appears not only in those ancient Hebrew manuscripts but also in some copies of the Greek Septuagint from the second century B.C.E. through the first century C.E. Despite the clear evidence that the personal ...
The God of gods, Jehovah, has spoken
Friday, April 28 Wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse.—2 Tim. 3:13. History has demonstrated beyond any doubt the truthfulness of what the Bible says: “I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” No, Jehovah did not create humans with the ability or the right to direct their affairs independent of him. In addition to showing ...
Jehovah's strange and unusual work
Wednesday, April 26 Without faith it is impossible to please God well.—Heb. 11:6. Have you ever thought, ‘Am I the kind of person Jehovah will want to save during the great tribulation and bring into the new world?’ One very important requirement is that we cultivate strong faith. The apostle Peter drew special attention to the importance of faith when he spoke of its “tested quality” that “may be found a cause for praise and ...
The Revelation and Presence of Christ
Commentary on daily text for Jehovah's Witnesses Friday, April 21 Keep on the watch.—Mark 13:35. Upon recognizing that Christ’s presence began in 1914, Jesus’ followers rightly prepared for a possible early arrival of the end. They did so by intensifying their Kingdom-preaching work. Jesus indicated that he might come later—“at dawn or early in the morning.” If that happened, how were his followers to respond? He said: “Keep on the watch.” So a long wait ...
You do not know when the master of the house is coming
Commentary on the daily text of Jehovah's Witnesses Monday, April 3 [Timothy] will remind you of my methods in connection with Christ Jesus, just as I am teaching everywhere in every congregation.—1 Cor. 4:17. Recently, a group of elders who are successful in helping brothers to grow spiritually were asked what approach they use when training others. Though the circumstances of these brothers vary greatly, the advice they gave was strikingly similar. What does ...
Has the Watchtower become apostate?
Jehovah's Witnesses Daily Text Sunday, March 26 We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.—Zech. 8:23. If it is not possible to know with certainty the names of all spiritual Israelites on earth today, how can members of the other sheep “go with” them? Notice what the prophecy in Zechariah states concerning the figurative ten men. These ones would “take firm hold of the robe of a ...
You do not know you are blind and naked
Jehovah's Witnesses Daily Text Sunday, March 12 Keep in expectation of it!—Hab. 2:3. For the composite sign of Christ’s presence to serve its purpose, the fulfillment of it would have to be obvious enough to command the attention of those who have been obeying Jesus’ counsel to “keep on the watch.” And that has been the case since 1914. From that time onward, the features of the sign have been undergoing fulfillment. Clearly, we are now ...
Yes, KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Jehovah's Witnesses Daily Text Saturday, March 11 Unless Jehovah builds the house, it is in vain that its builders work hard on it.—Ps. 127:1. Jehovah’s organization goes to tremendous lengths to provide and help finance modest Kingdom Halls. The work of designing, building, and remodeling them is handled by unpaid volunteers. Since November 1, 1999, more than 28,000 beautiful new centers of pure worship have been provided for congregations worldwide. That means that for 15 years, ...
Unless Jehovah guards the city...
Jehovah's Witnesses Daily Text Thursday, March 2 Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.”—Isa. 30:21. You no doubt agree that the Bible contains God’s message for mankind in general. But does the Bible also convey how you in particular can draw closer to Jehovah? Indeed it does. How? As you regularly read and study the Bible, consider your response to what it says and give ...
You will see your Grand Instructor
Jehovah's Witnesses Daily Text Sunday, February 26 Ruthless men seek my life.—Ps. 54:3. Abner supported Saul’s efforts to kill David, even though Abner knew that God had chosen David to rule as king of Israel. After Saul’s death, Abner could have shown humility and proved his loyalty to God by supporting David, not Saul’s son Ish-bosheth. Later, when Abner had relations with King Saul’s concubine, he may have been seeking the throne for himself.  Similarly, ...
The Persecution to Come
Saturday, February 25 [Ahaz] burned up his sons in the fire.—2 Chron. 28:3. Ahaz’s son Hezekiah might easily have grown up to be a bitter, angry man who turned against God. Others who have endured far less have become “enraged against Jehovah” or embittered toward his organization. And some people are convinced that their unwholesome family background dooms them to lead a bad life, perhaps to repeat their parents’ mistakes. Are such notions correct? Hezekiah’s life record ...
O nation that feels no shame
Friday, February 24 [My word] will have sure success in what I send it to do.—Isa. 55:11. Think about how the preaching of the good news fits in with Jehovah’s loving purpose for humankind. He purposed that humans would inhabit the earth without ever dying; though Adam sinned, Jehovah did not change His mind. Instead, he arranged for humans to be delivered from condemnation to sin and death. Working along with that purpose, Jesus came ...
He will guide you into all the truth
Thursday, February 23 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those too I must bring in, . . . and they will become one flock, one shepherd.—John 10:16. Do those of the other sheep need to know the names of all those who are anointed today? The short answer is no. Why not? Because even if someone has received the heavenly calling, that person has received only an invitation, not a final confirmation of ...
I will care for my sheep like a shepherd
Tuesday, February 21 The desolating of [Jerusalem] has drawn near.—Luke 21:20. Seeing Jerusalem “surrounded by encamped armies,” just as Jesus had prophesied, Christians in Judea, and especially those living in Jerusalem, had to act decisively. Jesus had warned them that they would need to flee as soon as they saw these events start to unfold. In the 28 years since Jesus had uttered that prophecy, the faithful Jewish Christians living in Israel had already faced ...
The boaster will come to his finish
Sunday, February 19 Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?—Matt. 24:45. When early in the last century a small group of diligent Bible students was appointed as “the faithful and discreet slave,” much of their communication with the “domestics” was in English. That “slave” has put forth great effort to make spiritual food available in more and more ...
The slave that did not understand
Friday, February 10 In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.—2 Tim. 3:1. The Bible indicates that wickedness will greatly increase “in the last days.” So we can expect that world conditions, bad as they are now, will continue to decline. But how bad do you expect conditions to become before “the great tribulation”? For example, do you expect that there will be a war in every country, no food on anyone’s table, ...
Look! I Have Forewarned You
Wednesday, February 8 I [will] sanctify myself through you before their eyes, O Gog.—Ezek. 38:16. Shortly before the remaining ones of the 144,000 are taken to heaven, Gog will attack God’s people. What reaction does this provoke? On earth, God’s people will appear to be defenseless. They will obey the instructions given in the days of King Jehoshaphat: “You will not need to fight this battle. Take your position, stand still, and see the salvation of ...
The attack of Gog from the land of Magog
Tuesday, February 7 I will glorify the place for my feet.—Isa. 60:13. The expression “spiritual paradise” has become a part of our theocratic vocabulary. It describes our unique, spiritually rich environment, or condition, which allows us to enjoy peace with God and with our brothers. Of course, we should not conclude that the terms “spiritual paradise” and “spiritual temple” are the same. The spiritual temple is God’s arrangement for true worship. The spiritual paradise serves ...
Are Jehovah's Witnesses in spiritual paradise?
This is the first of what I hope to be regular weekly, "Sunday Talks." Sorry for the less than optimal sound quality. The little clip on microphone I was wearing picked up some background noise, so I had to use the audio recorded from the shotgun mic on the camera, which was sub par. Hopefully I'll get the mic situation fixed for next Sunday. I think I'll just go with a microphone stand. All relationships ...
Trust in Jehovah
Saturday, January 28 Let me pin him to the ground with the spear just once, and I will not need to do it twice.—1 Sam. 26:8. When Abishai crept into Saul’s camp, he did not have his loyalties in the proper order. Out of loyalty to David, Abishai was eager to kill King Saul, but David restrained him, realizing that it would be wrong to lift one’s hand “against the anointed of Jehovah.” From that incident, we ...
King Saul - A Type of the Evil Slave
Friday, January 27 Your people will be my people, and your God my God.—Ruth 1:16. Note Ruth’s love for Jehovah. The landowner Boaz later praised Ruth for seeking refuge under Jehovah’s wings. That may remind us of a baby bird taking refuge under the wings of a powerful, protective parent. Jehovah became such a parent to Ruth. He rewarded her for her faith, and she never had any reason to regret her decision. Today, many learn about ...
By all means, take refuge in Jehovah
Wednesday, January 25 We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.—Zech. 8:23. Speaking of the time in which we are living, Jehovah foretold: “In those days ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will take firm hold of the robe of a Jew, saying: ‘We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you ...
Jehovah's City of Truth
Sunday, January 22 The word of our God endures forever.—Isa. 40:8. Thousands of fragments, manuscripts, and ancient translations have been compared and painstakingly studied by Bible scholars. This study validated the contents of the vast majority of Bible passages. The few verses about which there is a degree of uncertainty do not change the overall message. A study of ancient manuscripts convinces sincere Bible students that they have what Jehovah originally inspired Bible writers to ...
The glory of Jehovah will be revealed
Saturday, January 21 They are rendering [God] sacred service day and night.—Rev. 7:15. When the last days began in 1914, there were only a few thousand servants of Jehovah worldwide. Motivated by love for neighbor, and with the backing of God’s spirit, a small remnant of anointed Christians persevered in the Kingdom-preaching work. As a result, today a great crowd with an earthly hope is being gathered. Our ranks have grown to about 8,000,000 Witnesses ...
I will pour out my spirit in those days
Thursday, January 12 Keep on the watch.—Matt. 24:42. That admonition in itself is a good reason to remain in expectation—Jesus told us to do so! In this regard, Jehovah’s organization has set an example. Its publications have consistently exhorted us to “await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah” and to fix our hope on God’s promised new world. Although keeping in expectation was appropriate for Christians living centuries ago, ...
The Sun Will Set on the Prophets
Tuesday, January 10 At that time the righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.—Matt. 13:43. Does this mean that there will be a “rapture” of the anointed ones? Many in Christendom believe, according to this teaching, that Christians will be bodily caught up from the earth. Then, they expect that Jesus will visibly return to rule the earth. However, the Bible clearly shows that “the sign of ...
The Significance of the Transfiguration
Monday, January 9 I will move on to supernatural visions and revelations of the Lord.—2 Cor. 12:1. Less than a century after the Christian congregation was established, a foretold apostasy began to develop.  Thereafter, it became increasingly difficult to identify who was truly serving God at his spiritual temple. Only centuries later did the time arrive for Jehovah to clarify matters by means of his newly enthroned King, Jesus Christ. By 1919, those approved by Jehovah and ...
Man of lawlessness clearly identified
Commentary on daily text of Jehovah's Witnesses Sunday, January 8 Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.—Rev. 12:12. In 1914, war broke out between nations of Europe—a war that spread and engulfed the whole world. By the time it ended in 1918, terrible food shortages had been experienced and there was a flu epidemic ...
The Watchtower's Deluding Influence
Saturday, January 7 No resident will say: “I am sick.”—Isa. 33:24. If we maintain our Christian integrity, we may well witness one of the greatest miracles of all time—the miracle of surviving the great tribulation. Soon after the war of Armageddon, more miracles will occur, restoring humans to good health.  Imagine watching people discard eyeglasses, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and the like. Armageddon survivors will have work to do. They can move forward with ...
Do You Believe This?
Wednesday, January 4 Take your stand against [Satan].—1 Pet. 5:9. As servants of Jehovah, we are not among those who are misled into thinking that Satan does not exist. We know that the Devil is real, for it was Satan who spoke to Eve through a serpent.  Satan taunted Jehovah regarding Job.  It was Satan who tried to tempt Jesus.  And after the birth of God’s Kingdom in 1914, it was Satan who began “to wage ...
Satan, ever posing as an angel of light
Wednesday, December 14 Keep on the watch.—Matt. 25:13. Because Jesus directed the parable of the ten virgins to his anointed followers, should we conclude that this passage contains no benefit for Christ’s “other sheep”? Far from it! Remember, the message of the parable is simple: “Keep on the watch.” Does that apply only to the anointed? Jesus once said: “What I say to you, I say to all: Keep on the watch.” Jesus requires all his followers ...
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Sunday, December 11 The Kingdom of the heavens is like a dragnet let down into the sea and gathering fish of every kind.—Matt. 13:47. Jesus likened the preaching of the Kingdom message to all mankind to the lowering of a large dragnet into the sea. Just as such a net indiscriminately catches large numbers of “fish of every kind,” our preaching work attracts millions of people of all kinds. Not all those attracted to the truth ...
When will the lies end?
Thursday, December 8 Take your stand against him, firm in the faith.—1 Pet. 5:9. To do that, we need to prepare our mind and heart, to train ourselves now to do what is right. We do not know what our spiritual warfare may involve in the future. Therefore, would it not be wise to do some significant training during a time of relative peace? Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Keep testing whether you are in the ...
Our spiritual warfare in the future
Sunday, December 4 In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, so that no fault may be found with our ministry.—2 Cor. 6:3. In today’s crime-filled world, many householders are suspicious of strangers. We should avoid adding to such suspicion. For example, suppose we approach a house and knock on the front door. If no one answers, we could be tempted to look through the window or walk around the property, searching for the ...
Too bad for the Watchtower! Hypocrites!
Saturday, December 3 Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of judgment by him has arrived.—Rev. 14:7. Now is the time to declare that message. We must warn our neighbors to get out of Babylon the Great, so that they do not “receive part of her plagues.”  The “other sheep” join anointed Christians in begging those who are alienated from God to “become reconciled” to him. We are convinced that “the hour of judgment” ...
The Hour of Judgment - Has It Arrived?
Thursday, December 1 “You are my witnesses,” declares Jehovah.—Isa. 43:10. The Israelites worshipped their God, Jehovah, whereas the other nations worshipped their own deities. At the time of the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah compared the world situation to that of a court trial. He challenged the gods of the nations to produce witnesses to confirm their divinity. The gods of the nations were unable to produce any evidence of their godship. They were mere idols that were ...
"You Are My Witnesses" - When?
Wednesday, November 30 He will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.—Matt. 25:33. Today, we have a clear understanding of the illustration of the sheep and the goats. Regarding the identity of those mentioned, Jesus is “the Son of man,” the King. Those referred to as “my brothers” are spirit-anointed men and women, who will rule with Christ from heaven. “The sheep” and “the goats” represent individuals from all nations ...
The Brothers of Christ and the Two Witnsses
Tuesday, November 29 Do not be afraid. I will help you.—Isa. 41:13. Jehovah purposed that his people proclaim the good news on an unprecedented scale in our day, and nothing can prevent him from accomplishing that purpose. Just as he delivered the ancient nation of Israel from Babylon, Jehovah has rescued his present-day servants from “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion.  He has taught us for our own good, has blessed us ...
To Babylon and back
Saturday, November 26 Many peoples will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob.”—Isa. 2:3. The flocking of many humans to worship Jehovah with his people in this time of the end was foretold by two ancient prophets. Isaiah prophesied the above. Likewise, the prophet Zechariah foretold that “many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem ...
Has Jehovah really set matters straight?
Friday, November 25 We are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.—2 Cor. 10:5. We need to be vigilant in guarding against attacks on our spirituality. Has the world’s view of material pursuits made inroads into our lives? The things we love are usually evident by our thoughts and actions. Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” To determine where our heart is leading us, it ...
"They Have Grown Fat and Smooth"
Thursday, November 24 Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.—Rom. 5:12. The first to die was faithful Abel. Then Adam’s other offspring grew old and died. Did they inherit sin as well as death? The apostle Paul answers: “Through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners.”  Sin and death inherited from Adam thus became implacable enemies ...
He will do away with the shroud that is enveloping
Wednesday, November 23 Pride is before a crash.—Prov. 16:18. What power our sinful tendencies exert on us! Take, for example, pride. This trait can interfere with our listening to the voice of Jehovah and can lead us to take a disastrous course. A proud person has an exaggerated opinion of himself. He may feel that he has the right to do whatever he wants and that no one can tell him what to do. So ...
Watchtower's pride precedes its crash
Friday, November 18 I do not know you.—Matt. 25:12. In the parable of the ten virgins, was Jesus saying that many of his anointed servants would prove unfaithful and need to be replaced? No. Remember, he had just warned his “faithful and discreet slave” never to turn into an evil slave. That did not mean that he expected such an outcome. Similarly, this parable conveys a powerful warning. Just as five virgins were foolish and five ...
"We ate and drank in your presence..."
Thursday, November 17 Be courageous and strong of heart. Yes, hope in Jehovah.—Ps. 27:14. We get courage by trusting in God and following the steps of his Son. During his ministry, Jesus showed courage in various ways. He boldly exposed the religious leaders for misleading the people with false teachings. He stood firm against the world’s contaminating influence. He continued to preach despite pressure from opposers.  Twice, he fearlessly cleansed the temple, driving out those who ...
When you see these things happening...
Sunday, October 30 So it will be in the conclusion of the system of things.—Matt. 13:40. “The conclusion of the system of things” began in 1914. During the war that broke out that year, the few thousand anointed Christians, “the sons of the Kingdom,” were in spiritual captivity to Babylon the Great. In 1919, Jehovah delivered them, making a clear distinction between them and “the weeds,” or imitation Christians. He gathered “the sons of the Kingdom” ...
So it will be in the conclusion of the system
Friday, October 21 For this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.—John 18:37. When on trial for his life, Jesus Christ said those words to the Roman governor of Judea. Jesus had just identified himself as a king. Years later, the apostle Paul referred to this courageous example of Jesus, “who as a witness made the fine public declaration before Pontius Pilate.”  Indeed, it sometimes requires great courage ...
Hear the word of Jehovah, you boasters
Wednesday, October 19 Jesus began preaching and saying: “Repent, for the Kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.”—Matt. 4:17. Jesus taught his disciples to do the same work. He told them: “You will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The early followers of Christ definitely understood what was required of them. At Antioch in Pisidia, for example, Paul ...
The Kingdom Has Drawn Near
Monday, October 17 To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.—Matt. 25:40. Jesus has been speaking to Peter, Andrew, James, and John, his close companions. They have just heard him relate illustrations about the faithful and discreet slave, the ten virgins, and the talents. Jesus concludes his discussion with one more parable. He describes a time when “the Son of man” ...
When did we see you in prison?
Sunday, October 16 I, Jehovah, am . . . guiding you in the way you should walk.—Isa. 48:17. The Bible Students of the late 19th and early 20th centuries faced many obstacles. Like the first-century Christians, they proclaimed a largely unpopular message. They were few in number, and the world in general did not consider them highly educated. Moreover, they would in time face the “great anger” of Satan the Devil. (Rev. 12:12) And ...
You will go as far as to Babylon
Wednesday, October 12 I will make with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah a new covenant.—Jer. 31:31. Long before the Law covenant was canceled, Jehovah foretold through the prophet Jeremiah that He would make with the nation of Israel “a new covenant.”  That covenant would be unlike the Law covenant in that it would make possible the forgiveness of sins without the need for animal sacrifices. Centuries later, Jesus instituted the ...
New Covenant in the Final Part of Days
Monday, October 10 Renounce unrighteousness.—2 Tim. 2:19. God’s Word gives specific advice concerning the types of unrighteousness that Christians must renounce or reject. For instance, in the immediate context of 2 Timothy 2:19, we find that Paul tells Timothy “not to fight about words” and to “reject empty speeches.” Some members of the congregation were promoting apostate teachings. Today, Jehovah’s people are not often confronted with apostasy within the congregation. Still, when exposed to unscriptural teachings, regardless of ...
I am more stubborn than they are
Sunday, October 9 I will prove to be with you.—Ex. 3:12. Can you imagine how you would feel if you had to stand before the most powerful ruler on earth and speak up in behalf of Jehovah’s people? You would likely feel anxious, inadequate, and intimidated. What could you do to add power to your words as a representative of the almighty God? Moses was in that exact situation. Jehovah had told him, “the meekest ...
Downfall of America and the last witness
Wednesday, October 5 I tell you the truth, I do not know you.—Matt. 25:12. During the great tribulation, faithful anointed ones cannot help any who had turned unfaithful. There will be no help available. It will simply be too late. What end, then, will such ones face? Jesus explains what happened when the foolish virgins went off on their futile errand: “The bridegroom came. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the ...
I Do Not Know You
Tuesday, October 4 Though you do not see him now, yet you exercise faith in him.—1 Pet. 1:8. When we become disciples of Christ, we embark on a journey. That journey can lead us to life, whether in heaven or on earth. Jesus said: “The one who has endured to the end will be saved.” Yes, if we stick to a life course of faithfulness, we can come in line for salvation. Along the way, however, we ...
Jesus' Secret Disciples
Belated commentary Friday, September 30 One thing I have asked from Jehovah—it is what I will look for—that I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life.—Ps. 27:4. As part of Jehovah’s organization, what joy we now have in telling others about God’s promised new world!  “The meek will possess the earth,” says Psalm 37:11, “and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” People “will build houses ...
Moving Ahead with Jehovah's Organization
Thursday, September 29 There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be.—Matt. 25:30. In the parable of the talents, the last slave buried his talent instead of doing business with it or even depositing it with the bankers. This slave showed a bad spirit, for he deliberately worked against the master’s interests. The master rightly pronounced him “wicked and sluggish.” The master took the talent away from him and gave it ...
There is Where His Weeping and the Gnashing of His Teeth Will Be
Tuesday, September 27 The proconsul . . . became a believer.—Acts 13:12. Because the Jews were so widely dispersed throughout the Roman world, many non-Jews became familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures. They learned that there is only one true God and that those who serve him are held to high ethical and moral standards. Moreover, the Hebrew Scriptures were filled with prophecies concerning the Messiah. Both Jews and Christians understood that the Hebrew Scriptures were the inspired ...
War, Famine and Pestilence - the Coming Apocalypse
Monday, September 26 I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness.—Acts 20:29. Toward the end of his third missionary journey, Paul warned members of God’s name people by saying the above. He added: “From among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” This foretold apostasy had clearly manifested itself by the end ...
The Man of Lawlessness Gets Revealed
Saturday, September 24 As for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat from it.—Gen. 2:17. After Eve was created, Adam informed her of God’s command. She knew it well and was able to repeat it almost verbatim. She did so to someone who presented himself as a serpent, a cautious creature. The one behind the serpent was Satan the Devil, a spirit son of God who had allowed himself to ...
Expressions Inspired by Demons
Friday, September 23 Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, so that . . . they may be eyewitnesses of your fine works and, as a result, glorify God.—1 Pet. 2:12. We need to cultivate spiritual qualities that will help us to pass through “the great tribulation” into God’s righteous new world. Are we able to get along with people, including those whom we consider to be temperamental or overly sensitive? We do well to heed the words of ...
In the Day of His Inspection
Friday, September 16 Offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that make public declaration to his name.—Heb. 13:15. Our lips should make public declaration to Jehovah’s holy name. Deaf brothers and sisters use sign language to render such praise to God. Housebound Christians praise him by letter writing, telephone witnessing, and preaching to attendants and visitors. Our sacrifice of praise—our giving praise to Jehovah by making known his ...
I will certainly sanctify my great name, which you profaned
Tuesday, September 13 Drawing near to God is good for me.—Ps. 73:28. If we ponder over what the Bible says about Jehovah’s interactions with his faithful servants of the past, we will learn countless wonderful things about our God. Thus we will come to know Jehovah very well and come to love him deeply. As a result, we will be able to draw closer to him. We should never draw away from Jehovah. If we ...
He Is an Unwise Child
Commentary on the daily text for Jehovah's Witnesses Saturday, September 10 The door was shut.—Matt. 25:10. Before the great tribulation starts, all the faithful anointed on earth will have received their final sealing.  From then on, their calling is sure. But think about the years before the tribulation begins. What would happen to anointed ones who failed to remain watchful, who lost their integrity? They would lose their heavenly reward. Obviously, they would receive no ...
Robert King and Jehovah's Witnesses
Thursday, September 8 Keep doing this in remembrance of me.—1 Cor. 11:24. Night has fallen, but a full moon bathes Jerusalem in soft light. It is the evening of Nisan 14, 33 C.E. Jesus and his apostles have celebrated the Passover, commemorating Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage 15 centuries earlier. With 11 loyal apostles, Jesus now institutes a special meal—one that will memorialize the death he will experience before this day ends. Jesus says a blessing and ...
Until He Comes
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Tuesday, September 6 You must be holy.—Lev. 11:45. In the book of Leviticus, holiness is referred to more often than in any other book of the Bible. Since this quality is a requirement for all genuine worshippers of Jehovah, understanding and appreciating Leviticus will help us to prove ourselves holy. The book of Leviticus, written by the prophet Moses, is part of “all Scripture” that is beneficial for teaching. Jehovah’s name appears an average of ten ...
In that day the prophets will be ashamed
Sunday, September 4 This is the blood of the covenant that Jehovah has made with you.—Ex. 24:8. By means of the Law covenant, the ancient nation of Israel was set apart as God’s chosen nation. Jehovah now became ‘their Judge, their Lawgiver, and their King.’ The history of Israel provides a record of what happens when God’s righteous standards are either observed or ignored. Since the Law forbade intermarrying with pagans and participation in false ...
Better is the end of a Matter
Friday, September 2 Let everyone calling on the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.—2 Tim. 2:19. No text in the Hebrew Scriptures matches Paul’s quote. So, what was the apostle referring to when he said the above? Immediately preceding this statement, Paul quoted from Numbers chapter 16, which relates the account of Korah’s rebellion. The Bible says that Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, joined Korah as leaders of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron.  The account reads: ...
The Apostasy Comes First
A belated commentary Thursday, September 1 You must love Jehovah your God.—Matt. 22:37. If you have a loving relationship with Jehovah, you will be a ‘doer of the word, not a hearer only.’ A “doer” has faith that produces such works as zealous preaching activity and participation in Christian meetings. Because you really love God, you will obey Jehovah’s “perfect law,” which covers everything he requires of you.  Love for Jehovah God will cause you ...
Wonder Upon Wonder
Wednesday, August 31 Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things.—Matt. 25:21. According to the parable of the talents, when the master comes, he finds that the first two slaves—the one given five talents and the one given two—have proved faithful, each doubling his talents. The master says the same thing to both slaves, as noted in today’s text. What, then, may we ...
The Second Angel Blew His Trumpet
Tuesday, August 30 You see, brother, how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews, and they are all zealous for the Law.—Acts 21:20. If we are to have Jehovah’s favor and blessing as individuals, we must support his organization and accept adjustments in our understanding of the Scriptures. Consider this: After Jesus’ death, there were thousands of Jewish Christians who were zealous for the Law and found it hard to break free from ...
'The Temple of Jehovah, the Temple of Jehovah!'
Saturday, August 27 Symeon [Peter] has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.—Acts 15:14. At a meeting of the governing body of first-century Christians held in 49 C.E., the disciple James stated the above. This new people bearing Jehovah’s name would include both Jewish and non-Jewish believers.  Later, Peter wrote: “You were once not a people, but now you ...
What Will The Day of Jehovah Mean for You?
Friday, August 26 We are members belonging to one another.—Eph. 4:25. Jehovah is helping us “to serve him shoulder to shoulder.” He is training us to fit into his eternal purpose. What does that include? He purposes “to gather all things together in the Christ.” Yes, he wants to unify all willing creatures throughout the universe, and he will succeed in doing this. Does that help you to see the need to work unitedly with Jehovah’s organization? ...
The Day of Jehovah Is Near
Tuesday, August 23 Let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.—1 Cor. 10:12. Consider King David of ancient Israel. As a young person, he was victorious over the Philistine giant Goliath. David became a soldier, a king, a protector, and a decision-maker for a nation. But when David relied on himself, his heart deceived him and he committed a serious sin with Bath-sheba, even arranging to have her husband, Uriah, ...
The Fall of the Watchtower
Monday, August 22 If errors were what you watch . . . who, O Jehovah, could stand?—Ps. 130:3. Had you been there with Moses when Aaron made a statue of a golden calf, how would you have felt about Aaron’s weak excuses? Or how would you have considered Aaron’s attitude when he criticized Moses for marrying a foreign woman?  How would you have reacted when Aaron and Moses failed to honor Jehovah at the time He miraculously provided water ...
Jehovah Will By No Means Give Exemption from Punishment
Sunday, August 21 This good news of the Kingdom will be preached.—Matt. 24:14. The postwar year of 1919 opened up the possibility for a worldwide witness to be given about God’s means of salvation and the good news of the established Kingdom. Anointed Christians seized this opportunity to witness, resulting in thousands more anointed ones being gathered to become Christ’s joint heirs. From the mid-1930’s onward, it became evident that Christ had started to gather ...
After the Tribulation in Those Days
Saturday, August 20 The eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, and his ears listen to their supplication.—1 Pet. 3:12. The righteous include “a great crowd” who “come out of the great tribulation.” These survivors are not just “a crowd.” They are “a great crowd”—a very large number of people. Do you see yourself among them as a survivor of “the great tribulation”? Where do those making up the great crowd come from? They are being ...
When Is the Great Crowd?
Thursday, August 18 The virgins who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast.—Matt. 25:10. A quality that helped those virgins to be ready was vigilance. Would it be possible for individual anointed Christians to get sleepy during a long nighttime vigil? Indeed. Note that Jesus says of the ten virgins that “they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” Jesus knew well that even a willing, eager spirit may be hampered by the ...
I tell you the truth, I do not know you.
Tuesday, August 16 Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion.—Col. 3:12. “The tender affections of compassion” are part of the new personality that all Christians are expected to put on.  How can you cultivate tender feelings for others? Open your heart wide.  Listen carefully when someone shares his feelings and concerns. Use your imagination and ask yourself: ‘If I were in his situation, how would I feel? What would I need?’  Do you know of a ...
The One Who Endures to the End Will Be Saved
Monday, August 15 The Kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure, hidden in the field . . . Again the Kingdom of the heavens is like a traveling merchant seeking fine pearls.—Matt. 13:44, 45. In these two parables, Jesus showed that the truth is found in different ways. Some people are searching for it and have gone to great lengths to find it. Others, although not searching for it, have found it—perhaps by having it brought to ...
The Kingdom of the Heavens Is Like...
Belated commentary Saturday, August 13 I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring.—Gen. 3:15. How intense would this enmity be? “He (the offspring of the woman) will crush your (Satan’s) head, and you will strike him in the heel,” said Jehovah. The enmity between the serpent and the woman would be so fierce that Satan would spare no effort to obliterate her offspring. It is no wonder ...
The Woman and the Fiery Red Dragon
Friday, August 12 You will be beaten in synagogues and be put on the stand before governors and kings.—Mark 13:9. As those words indicate, some Christians will face tribulation in the form of physical persecution, perhaps at the instigation of religious or political leaders. Consider Paul’s example. Did he cower at the thought of being subjected to such persecution? Not at all. Paul bravely stood up to Satan’s frontal attacks and stated: “I do not consider ...
You Will Be Beaten in Synagogues
Thursday, August 11 Into these very things, angels are desiring to peer.—1 Pet. 1:12. Jehovah could have had the angels do the writing of the Scriptures. After all, they have a keen interest in us and our activities. No doubt, the angels could have written down God’s message to mankind. But would they have seen things from a human perspective? Would they have been able to relate to our needs, our weaknesses, and our aspirations? No, ...
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Wednesday, August 10 Holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God.—Acts 20:28. It is important that we show appreciation for God’s arrangement for shepherding his flock. Christian elders are a provision from Jehovah, who always acts in our best interests. The elders are “like a hiding place from the wind, a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless land, like the shadow of a massive ...
The Lawless One's Presence Is by the Operation of Satan
Monday, August 8 Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go.—Josh. 1:9. Jehovah God really was with Joshua wherever he went. For instance, consider what happened as the Israelites were encamped near the Canaanite city of Jericho. In 1473 B.C.E., Joshua sent two men to spy out Jericho, and there they met the prostitute Rahab. She hid them on the roof of her house, concealing them from potential captors sent out by Jericho’s king. Rahab ...
Joshua and the Fall of Jericho
Friday, July 29 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your spirit is good; may it lead me on level ground.—Ps. 143:10. Although Jehovah makes his counsel freely available, he does not force anyone to follow it. We need to ask for his holy spirit, and he will give it to us generously.  It is essential, though, that we ‘pay attention to how we listen.’ For example, it would be hypocritical ...
You Will See Your Grand Instructor
Wednesday, July 27 You guide me with your advice.—Ps. 73:24. Whenever we need guidance, we can “take notice of” Jehovah by consulting his Word to find out his view of matters and by seeking to apply Bible principles.  Sometimes, though, a trialsome situation lingers. You may have a grievous personality conflict with someone in the congregation. For instance, you may be hurt by a remark that you consider to be unkind. Yet, the brother who ...
Jehovah Will Call to Account the Complacent Ones
Tuesday, July 26 I am engaging in the holy work of the good news of God.—Rom. 15:16. Preaching the good news contributes to the sanctification of Jehovah’s holy name. And it surely is an inestimable privilege to be entrusted with “the glorious good news of the happy God.” God wants us to maintain good spiritual health by sticking to him and supporting his organization in its various activities. Moses told the Israelites: “I take the heavens ...
Moving Ahead With Jehovah's Organization - Until When?
Monday, July 25 He ordered us to preach to the people and to give a thorough witness.—Acts 10:42. All of us are subject to “the law of the Christ.” That law includes all that Jesus taught. Foremost among Jesus’ teachings is that his followers should display love. And one of the primary ways we show love for God, for Christ, and for our neighbor is by preaching the good news of the Kingdom.  Jesus commanded only ...
You Must Prophesy Again
Sunday, July 24 That good news that you heard . . . was preached in all creation under heaven.—Col. 1:23. The common, or Koine, Greek language helped to promote good communication and unity among the early Christian congregations. Greek was widely spoken and understood. Thus, God’s servants could communicate with all kinds of people, and this contributed to the spread of the good news. Moreover, Jews living in Egypt had translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek. People ...
I am With You All the Days Until the Conclusion - Then What?
Saturday, July 23 Every kingdom divided against itself comes to ruin.—Matt. 12:25. One of the darkest periods in human history nears. The prophet Joel describes it as “a day of darkness and gloom.”  For God’s people, it will be a time for unity. During the coming time of trouble for this system, we will have to be truly united. The spiritual unity that we will need to have among ourselves could be compared to the ...
They Will Certainly Know that a Prophet Was Among Them
Thursday, July 21 People will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations.—Matt. 24:9. As followers of Christ and Witnesses of Jehovah, we are persecuted in nations around the world. This is to be expected. In the face of such hatred, however, we endure in the Kingdom-preaching work and continue to prove ourselves holy before Jehovah. Although we are honest, clean-living, and law-abiding citizens, why ...
When Is "Then"?
Sunday, July 17 For your sakes I will send to Babylon and bring down all the bars of the gates.—Isa. 43:14. In line with that prophecy, a world-shaking event happened one night early in October 539 B.C.E. While Babylon’s king and his nobles were drinking wine from holy vessels captured from Jerusalem’s temple and were praising their man-made gods, the armies of Media and Persia conquered Babylon. In 538 or 537 B.C.E., Babylon’s conqueror, Cyrus, commanded the Jews ...
Babylon as the Last Kingdom
Saturday, July 16 Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah.—Gen. 6:8. Noah “was a righteous man” who “proved himself faultless among his contemporaries.” Because “Noah walked with the true God,” Jehovah instructed him to build a huge ark.  Its design was well-suited for the preservation of human and animal life. Obediently, “Noah did everything that Jehovah had commanded him,” and with the cooperation of his family, he completed the building work in an organized ...
Is the Watchtower the Ark of Salvation?
Friday, July 15 Stop judging that you may not be judged.—Matt. 7:1. Rather than being judgmental or suspicious, if a fellow believer has been weakened by personal problems, our priority should be to provide spiritual assistance. If we pause to reflect on our brothers’ circumstances, we may see their seeming frailty in a different light. Think of sisters who have been enduring family opposition for years. Some may be of humble appearance and look fragile, ...
With the Measure You Are Measuring Out...
Commentary on daily text of Jehovah's Witnesses Wednesday, July 13 After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.—Matt. 25:19. Jesus will come to settle accounts with his slaves toward the end of the great tribulation just ahead. What leads us to this conclusion? In his prophecy recorded in Matthew chapters 24 and 25,  Jesus repeatedly mentioned his coming. Referring to the judgment during the great tribulation, he said that people ...
The Coming of Christ or the Fall of Babylon the Great?
Tuesday, July 12 Let your petitions be made known to God.—Phil. 4:6. When Super Typhoon Haiyan hit the central Philippines in late 2013, Sheryl, who was only 13 years old at the time, lost virtually everything. She said: “I lost my home, and I lost most of my family.” Her father, mother, and three siblings died in the powerful storm surge. What has helped Sheryl to get through this tragedy without becoming bitter? She has ...
The Peace of God that Surpasses All Understanding
Monday, July 11 Who has despised the day of small beginnings?—Zech. 4:10. There is no need for us to be overly concerned about how the Kingdom message will reach the millions who have not yet heard it. Jehovah has everything under control. But what is our work? God’s Word answers: “Sow your seed in the morning and do not let your hand rest until the evening; for you do not know which will have success, ...
The Day of Small Beginnings
Friday, July 8 They strengthened the disciples, encouraging them to remain in the faith and saying: “We must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.”—Acts 14:22. At first, that statement might seem strange. After all, the prospect of going through “many tribulations” would seem distressing, not encouraging. How is it, then, that Paul and Barnabas “strengthened the disciples” with a message that pointed to more tribulation? We can find the answer if we ...
Entering the Kingdom thru Great Tribulation
Thursday, July 7 I will pour out my spirit on every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy.—Joel 2:28. Jesus was very kind to women. For example, consider a woman who had a flow of blood for 12 years. From behind, she approached Jesus in a crowd and touched his garment. Instead of rebuking her, Jesus kindly said: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed from ...
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Onrushing Locust Onslaught
Wednesday, July 6 Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you also look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.—Rom. 14:10. It would be wrong to entertain baseless suspicions about our brothers and sisters.  What is more, having a tendency to distrust the integrity of others in the congregation would be harmful to our own spirituality. Each Christian should “examine his own actions.” Because of our ...
When Is the Hour of the Judgment?
Monday, July 4 I will open my mouth with illustrations.—Matt. 13:35. Some believe that Satan is “in charge” of hellfire. We could ask them: “Imagine that your child has become very rebellious and is doing many bad things. How would you react?” Likely, the parent would say that he would correct his child. But what would he do if the child rejected all efforts to help him? Most parents would say that eventually they would have ...
I Will Discipline You to the Proper Degree
Sunday, July 3 If we hope for what we do not see, we keep eagerly waiting for it with endurance.—Rom. 8:25. We do not view any years in Jehovah’s service as wasted time. Rather, we are convinced that “the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.”  Faith allows us to discern “the convincing evidence of realities that are not seen.”  A physical person does not see the precious value of serving Jehovah ...
The Revealing of the Sons of God
Saturday, July 2 Five were discreet.—Matt. 25:2. The five discreet virgins truly prepared themselves, bringing extra oil in their flasks along with their lamps. Have faithful anointed ones likewise proved to be prepared? They have indeed! Throughout the last days, anointed Christians have acted like those discreet virgins, prepared to carry out their assignment faithfully until the end. They count the cost of faithful service, realizing from the outset that their assignment will mean giving ...
Five of them were foolish
Friday, July 1 No crushed reed will he break, and no smoldering wick will he extinguish.—Isa. 42:3. The apostle Matthew applied those words of Isaiah to Jesus.  Jesus’ tender heart moved him to speak tenderly to others, especially to the downtrodden. He spoke in a way that lifted the spirits of those who were figuratively like a bruised reed or the wick of an oil lamp about to go out. He preached a message of ...
A Smoldering Wick He Will not Snuff Out
Thursday, June 30 You were once not a people, but now you are God’s people.—1 Pet. 2:10. Pentecost 33 C.E. was a milestone in the history of Jehovah’s people on earth. A radical change took place. On that day, by means of his spirit, Jehovah brought forth a new nation—spiritual Israel, “the Israel of God.”  For the first time since the days of Abraham, God’s people would no longer be identified by fleshly circumcision. Instead, regarding each ...
The Terrifying Presence of Jehovah
Sunday, June 26 There will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.—Matt. 24:21. The earthly part of Jehovah’s organization is moving ahead in various ways. For instance, our understanding of Bible truth is constantly becoming clearer. This is to be expected, for “the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light that grows brighter and brighter until full daylight.”  But we ...
The Day of the Great Slaughter
Saturday, June 25 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. God wants us to “search for what is good,” “love what is good,” and “do what is good” so that he may “show favor” to us. Think, for example, of the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah. When Israel was under the yoke of slavery in Egypt, these ...
The Watchtower Has Acted Foolishly
Thursday, June 23 A vast mixed company also went with them.—Ex. 12:38. When the Israelites left Egypt, they did not do so as various independent groups, each group going its own way. And when Moses “stretched out his hand over the sea” and Jehovah split the sea apart, Moses did not go through alone or with just a few of the Israelites. Rather, with Jehovah’s protection, the entire congregation passed through.  They displayed a spirit ...
The Revelation of Christ Now at Hand!
Wednesday, June 22 Stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral.—1 Cor. 5:11. A heartrending experience for Aaron’s family is recorded at Leviticus 10:1-11. They must have been devastated when fire from heaven consumed Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu at the tabernacle. What a test of faith it was for Aaron and his family not to mourn their dead relatives! Are you personally proving yourself holy with regard to not associating with ...
Beware the leaven of the Pharisees!
Tuesday, June 21 Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you.—Heb. 13:17. Faithful servants of Jehovah have always been eager to submit to theocratic direction. We may initially lack full understanding of the reasons for carrying out our assigned work in a particular way. Nevertheless, we are fully aware of the benefits of cooperating with Jehovah in any adjustments that he sees fit to make. A strong desire to accomplish Jehovah’s will ...
Is it always theocratic direction?
Monday, June 20 In a good pasture I will feed them.—Ezek. 34:14. Parents, do you not have a similar goal spiritually? You want to guide your children to serve Jehovah. You want your children to feel as did the psalmist who wrote: “To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is deep within me.” Young ones who develop such appreciation will dedicate their life to Jehovah and get baptized. Understandably, they should ...
The Day of Clouds and Thick Gloom
Saturday, June 18 How long, O Jehovah?—Isa. 6:11. Isaiah wanted to know for how long God’s nation would remain unrepentant. God’s answer? “Until the cities crash in ruins without an inhabitant and the houses are without people and the land is ruined and desolate.” Isaiah received his commission in the last year of King Uzziah’s reign, or about 778 B.C.E. He continued his prophetic service for some 46 years until after 732 B.C.E., well into the reign of ...
How Long, O Jehovah?
Friday, June 17 Happy is anyone who shows consideration to the lowly one.—Ps. 41:1. When we assist “the lowly one,” not only do we imitate Jehovah but we also gain his approval. Admittedly, though, a negative view of those in need may at times hold us back from assisting them. Or because we are not sure of what we should say, we may feel embarrassed and withdraw from some who are having a hard time ...
Watchtower's Child Sacrifice Soon to End
W21ldGFzbGlkZXIgaWQ9MzQyNDRd Thursday, June 16 Lift up your eyes to heaven and see. Who has created these things?—Isa. 40:26. Regarding stars, the Houston, Texas, Chronicle reports on a recent study suggesting that there are “300 sextillion of them. . . . That is a 3 followed by 23 zeros.” The stars are organized into galaxies, each containing billions or even trillions of stars, as well as many planets. Most galaxies are further organized into groups called clusters and ...
Lift Up Your Eyes to Heaven - When?
Tuesday, June 14 They will become one flock, one shepherd.—John 10:16. Jesus’ illustration of the sheep and the goats teaches us that those with the earthly hope have the honor of loyally supporting Jesus’ anointed brothers in the preaching and teaching work. During these critical last days, the two groups work together as “one flock” in zealously carrying out the work of making disciples. The Master rightly expects results. His faithful disciples in the first century ...
When the Son of Man Comes in His Glory
Monday, June 13 The peace of God . . . will guard your hearts.—Phil. 4:7. Having a grateful heart can help us to cope with grievous trials. We may feel overwhelmed if we are suddenly confronted with life-altering circumstances, such as the unfaithfulness of a marriage mate, a life-threatening illness, the death of a loved one, or the devastating effects of a natural disaster. At such times, we will be comforted and strengthened by reflecting on our ...
Keep Testing Whether You Are in the Faith
Saturday, June 11 You will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth.—Acts 1:8. The unseen power of the Kingdom message to change people has particularly been evident in countries where the Kingdom work is legally restricted. It is hard to know how far the message has reached in such countries, ...
I Will Pour Out My Spirit on Every Sort of Flesh
Friday, June 10 You will not leave me in the Grave.—Ps. 16:10. One reason why we know that Jesus’ resurrection occurred is the zeal that his disciples showed in proclaiming it. Zealously bearing witness to the resurrection of the Christ exposed them to persecution, suffering, and death. If Jesus had not been raised up—if it was all a hoax—why would Peter risk his life to proclaim Christ’s resurrection to the religious leaders, who hated Jesus ...
Future Parousia of Christ and Its Impact
Thursday, June 9 Your throne will be firmly established forever.—2 Sam. 7:16. Jehovah made this covenant with David during David’s reign in Jerusalem, promising him that the Messiah would be his descendant.  Thus, Jehovah further narrowed the line of descent of the offspring of the woman and established that an heir of David would have “the legal right” to the throne of the Messianic Kingdom.  Through Jesus, David’s kingship “will be firmly established forever.” Yes, the ...
Kingdom Not Coming with Striking Observableness
Wednesday, June 8 A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.—John 15:20. More than once, Paul was persecuted because of his faith.  One such incident occurred in Lystra. After healing a man who was lame from birth, Paul and his companion Barnabas were hailed as gods. The two had to beg the ecstatic crowd not to worship them! All too soon, however, Jewish opposers arrived, ...
Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses
Tuesday, June 7 [Abigail] was discerning and beautiful.—1 Sam. 25:3. Abigail was a noteworthy woman who lived in the 11th century B.C.E. She had discernment, whereas her husband, Nabal, was harsh, worthless, and senseless. David and his men protected Nabal’s possessions for a time, but when they asked for provisions, he “screamed insults at them” and gave them nothing. This angered David so much that he planned to do away with Nabal and his men. Hearing about ...
Senseless Nabal, a Type of Antichrist
Monday, June 6 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 is intensely interested in those who belong to him. Therefore, we can have absolute confidence that what we do for Jehovah “out of a clean heart” is never in vain.  It is also sobering to know that Jehovah does not tolerate hypocritical worship. As his ...
No More Haughty Boasters!
Sunday, June 5 Many are the hardships of the righteous one, but Jehovah rescues him from them all.—Ps. 34:19. Because we know that our loving God is always ready to help those who are faithful to him, we feel secure as part of ‘the flock of his pasture.’  Moreover, God’s love for us will be evident in what he will accomplish in our behalf through the Messianic Kingdom. After his chosen King, Jesus Christ, rids ...
The Prayer of Aspah
Saturday, June 4 Jesus spoke to the crowds by illustrations.—Matt. 13:34. Simple illustrations are often the best kind to use. For example, when explaining to a householder that God is superior to Jesus, we can mention that both God and Jesus used a family reference when describing their relationship. God referred to Jesus as his Son, and Jesus spoke of God as his Father. Next, we might ask: “If you wanted to teach me that two ...
When Is the Kingdom Harvest?
Thursday, June 2 The bridegroom came.—Matt. 25:10. Jesus’ prophecy recorded in Matthew chapters 24 and 25 contains eight references to his “coming”; in each case, a form of the same Greek word is used. In every instance, Jesus was referring to the time during the great tribulation when he will come to carry out the judging work and then the destruction of this world system of things. Evidently, then, this parable of the ten virgins applies ...
The Parting of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
Wednesday, June 1 I am longing for all of you with such tender affection as Christ Jesus has.—Phil. 1:8. Jesus felt tender compassion for others. When he saw his friend Mary and those with her weeping over the death of her brother, Lazarus, Jesus openly “gave way to tears.”  Then, likely stirred by heartfelt pity—just as when he raised a widow’s son—he resurrected Lazarus.  By means of that tender act, Jesus may have put Lazarus ...
Taking the initiative
Monday, May 30 Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus.—Phil. 2:5. What sort of disposition did Jesus have? He was humble. Humility moved him to be self-sacrificing in his ministry. Preaching to others about the good news of God’s Kingdom was foremost in his mind.  Jesus viewed God’s Word as the final authority.  He diligently studied the Holy Scriptures so that he could quote them, defend them, and explain them ...
You Will Never Again Be Haughty
Sunday, May 29 Where are your gods that you made for yourself? Let them rise up if they can save you in your time of calamity.—Jer. 2:28. Israel did not prove faithful to Jehovah. They allowed themselves to be influenced by nations that worshipped gods of wood and stone. Instead of producing fine fruitage by practicing pure worship and acting as Jehovah’s faithful witnesses, Israel produced the rotten fruitage of idolatry.  Thus, Jesus told the hypocritical ...
"This is what will be done to you, O Bethel"
Thursday, May 26 If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon you.—1 Pet. 4:14. It is good for us to remember that in the first century, genuine Christians were hated by many—if not the majority—of their contemporaries. Can the inspired words of today’s text be applied to Jehovah’s Witnesses today? Yes, indeed, because we bear witness to Jesus’ ...
The Coming Persecution
Daily Commentary Tuesday, May 24 God is a God not of disorder but of peace.—1 Cor. 14:33. Jehovah, the Creator of the universe, does things in an organized manner. His first creation was his only-begotten spirit Son, who is called “the Word” because he is God’s principal spokesman. The Word has served Jehovah for ages, for the Bible states: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” A little over 2,000 years ...
Let Chaos Reign (for now)
Sunday, May 22 [He] entrusted his belongings to them.—Matt. 25:14. The parable of the talents reveals that the master gave to one slave five talents, to another two, and to still another just one. Although each slave received a different number, the master expected all of them to be diligent in using the talents, that is, in serving to the best of their ability in the ministry.  In the first century, starting at Pentecost 33 C.E., Christ’s ...
Look! I Am Coming Quickly
Saturday, May 21 This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.—Matt. 24:14. Jesus’ disciples knew that they could not accomplish the preaching work on their own. Jesus had said that he would be with them and that the holy spirit would assist them. In some respects, circumstances existing in the world of that day may have been favorable for Kingdom preaching. The ...
The Bible in the Age of Technology
Thursday, May 19 Get out of this place, because Jehovah will destroy the city!—Gen. 19:14. In the past, Jehovah was pleased to protect his people when they unitedly helped one another to face distressing times. Modern-day servants of God, whether young or old, can learn from Bible examples. One such example involved Lot. Lot and his family were in a perilous situation because destruction was going to come on Sodom, the city where they lived ...
Get out of the Watchtower?
Monday, May 9 Who are you to be judging your neighbor?—Jas. 4:12. Humility restrains us from overstepping our authority. If we recognize that we are not authorized to sit in judgment, we will not be quick to criticize others for their faults or question their motives. Humility helps us to avoid being “overly righteous,” looking down on those who may not have the abilities or privileges that we have.  Humble elders do not view themselves ...
There Is Only One Who Is Judge
Friday, May 6 David foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in the Grave nor did his flesh see corruption.—Acts 2:31. God’s Word foretold the resurrection of Jesus. For example, David wrote that God’s chief “loyal one” would not be left in the Grave.  On the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., the apostle Peter applied that prophetic verse to Jesus.  A reason why we know that Jesus was restored ...
As If to One Born Prematurely
Thursday, May 5 I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring.—Gen. 3:15. The woman producing the offspring is none other than “the Jerusalem above”—the heavenly part of God’s organization, made up of loyal spirit creatures.  As the Abrahamic covenant promised, the offspring of the woman would bring blessings to mankind. The Abrahamic covenant points to the King and to his corulers in God’s Kingdom, and it forms ...
How Will It End?
Wednesday, May 4 We must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.—Acts 14:22. Does it shock you that you can expect to face “many tribulations” before you gain the prize of everlasting life? Likely not. Whether you are new in the truth or you are a longtime servant of Jehovah, you know that hardship is an aspect of life in Satan’s world. Besides difficulties that are “common to men”—problems that affect all imperfect ...
A Great Tribulation
Monday, May 2 They are subverting the faith of some.—2 Tim. 2:18. Timothy and other faithful ones were likely perturbed by the actions of apostates in their midst. Some Christians may have questioned why such individuals were allowed to remain in the congregation. Faithful ones might have wondered whether Jehovah really distinguished between their resolute loyalty to him and the hypocritical worship of apostates. Paul’s letter no doubt strengthened Timothy’s faith by reminding him of what happened ...
Your own spirit will consume you like a fire
Sunday, May 1 May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace.—Rom. 15:13. God-given hope enables us to endure tests of faith. Anointed ones who prove ‘faithful even to death will be given the crown of heavenly life.’  Integrity-keepers with an earthly hope will enjoy eternal blessings in the promised global Paradise. These prospects fill us with joy and peace, as well as love for the Giver of “every good gift ...
God Does Not Forget
Saturday, April 30 The little one will become a thousand and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, will speed it up in its own time.—Isa. 60:22. Worldwide, there are now well over 7,900,000 Witnesses, with millions more associating with them, especially during the annual observance of the Memorial. We do not boast in numbers, for it is ‘God who keeps making things grow.’  Nevertheless, it is evident that the great crowd is ...
When Is the Great Crowd Gathered?
Friday, April 29 When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.”—Jas. 1:13. We may become impatient when a trialsome period seems to have no end. Suppose you are driving a car on a highway and get stuck in traffic. Trying to find another route, you might get lost or end up taking more time to reach your destination than you would had you patiently remained on course. Similarly, if you ...
The Very Fire Will Test Each One's Work
Thursday, April 28 I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.—Matt. 28:20. The anointed are spearheading the greatest preaching campaign in history. Without a doubt, Jesus is with them, guiding their efforts. The growing number of prospective sheep count it a privilege to support Christ’s brothers not only in the preaching work but also in other practical ways. For example, they give financial contributions and help to build ...
"I am with you all the days" - and then what?
Wednesday, April 27 You will actually drink the milk of nations.—Isa. 60:16. Many inventions of the past 200 years have helped us to accomplish our commission to make disciples. In fulfillment of the prophecy that Jehovah’s people would “drink the milk of nations,” we have made wise use of resources of the nations, such as modern technology, in order to produce the Bible and Bible literature in many languages. Clearly, we have strong evidence of ...
When Does God Express His Indignation?
Tuesday, April 26 Deaden . . . your body members . . . as respects sexual immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion.—Col. 3:5. The word “deaden” indicates that we must take strong measures to fight against immoral fleshly desires. We will avoid anything that might arouse in us sexual desire for someone other than our mate. As we conform our lives to God’s will, we learn to “abhor what is wicked” and “cling to what is good.” The new personality reflects ...
The real sex gods
Monday, April 25 You should no longer go on walking just as the nations [do].—Eph. 4:17. If we make the right decisions, we can have a satisfying life now and put ourselves in line to “inherit the earth”—to have everlasting life. There are so many wonderful blessings in store for us that we cannot even imagine them all.  Granted, God does not give us things automatically. He requires something of us.  But to serve him ...
Jehovah's Judgments - Past or Future?
Sunday, April 24 Moses . . . refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin.—Heb. 11:24, 25. Moses was given the best secular education that was available in his day, but did he use it to advance his career in Egypt, make a name for himself, or acquire material possessions? No. Clearly, Moses used his spiritual education to advance ...
Before the Blessing Comes the Affliction
Saturday, April 23 God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work.—Heb. 6:10. Jehovah remembers the loving labors of all who faithfully serve him, whether their circumstances in life permit them to do much or little. In the first century, Jesus launched a work that was to reach global proportions. His apostles took the lead in the expansion of this preaching work.  Some Christians, such as Philip, served as evangelizers and missionaries in Palestine.  ...
If God Were to Drop a Plumb Line
Friday, April 22 Jehovah is near to all those calling on him, to all who call on him in truth.—Ps. 145:18. Put yourself in Asa’s situation. Zerah the Ethiopian has come against Judah with 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots.  How would you react to the sight of such a huge army? Outnumbered about 2 to 1, King Asa’s reaction demonstrated his close and trusting relationship with Jehovah. He fervently called out: “Help us, O Jehovah our God, ...
Thursday, April 21 You are my witnesses.—Isa. 43:10. One way Israelite parents witnessed was by teaching their children about God’s dealings with their forefathers. For example, when being instructed to observe the Passover each year, the people were told: “When your sons ask you, ‘What does this observance mean to you?’ you must say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Passover to Jehovah, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when he ...
When are Jehovah's Witnesses really his witnesses?
Tuesday, April 19 He reasoned with them from the Scriptures.—Acts 17:2. How might we reason with an individual who feels that bad people should be tormented forever in hellfire? First, we could assure him that the wicked will be punished. Then, we could have him read Genesis 2:16, 17, which shows that the penalty for sin is death. We might explain that by his sin, Adam caused the entire human race to be born ...
Reasoning from the Scriptures
Monday, April 18 Do not be afraid. Stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah.—Ex. 14:13. Your faith in the outcome of “the great and awe-inspiring day of Jehovah” will help you to “see the salvation of Jehovah” and to maintain your integrity. Prepare now for those thrilling events by continuing “steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible”!  Strengthen your friendship with Jehovah God through regular study and prayer. Moses had such a close ...
The Day of Jehovah Is Near!
Sunday, April 17 I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities.—Luke 4:43. Jesus attached great importance to his preaching and teaching work. By means of it, he cultivated a field that had rich potential. Earlier, he told his disciples: “Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting.” He had in mind the ingathering of many other honesthearted ones who would become ...
You can't handle the truth, yet
Saturday, April 16 You will be hated.—Matt. 24:9. The early Christians benefited from Roman law, which was in force throughout the empire. Similarly, present-day Christians benefit from legal provisions. However, freedom to exercise certain rights had to be legally established in the courts. When legal action was brought against Jehovah’s people in the United States, appeals to higher courts repeatedly upheld their right to be Kingdom proclaimers. Courts of other countries have also upheld our freedom ...
Which version of Watchtower history is correct?
Thursday, April 14 God made you alive.—Eph. 2:1. What a contrast there is between young servants of Jehovah and youths of this world! Many who do not serve Jehovah lead a self-centered way of life, focusing only on what they want. Some researchers call them “Generation Me.” By the way they talk and dress, they give evidence of disdain for the older generation, whom they view as not “with it.” That spirit is all around ...
The Deluding Influence
Wednesday, April 13 Keep abstaining . . . from blood.—Acts 15:29. Any one of us could suddenly find ourselves facing the blood issue. Or a family member or dear friend could unexpectedly be confronted with the issue of whether to accept a blood transfusion or not. During such a crisis, decisions also need to be made regarding blood fractions and medical procedures. Therefore, it is very important to do research and prepare for a possible emergency. Along ...
Did God really say that you must not...?
Monday, April 11 You received free, give free.—Matt. 10:8. Jehovah’s organization takes the commission to preach the good news of the Kingdom worldwide very seriously, as shown by the support given to the many translation teams around the world. Millions upon millions of tracts, brochures, and magazines have been distributed in campaigns throughout the world, without charge to the public. The expense has been covered by the voluntary donations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As devoted ...
The Harvest Will Vanish in the Day of Disease
Sunday, April 10 In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.—2 Tim. 3:1. The Bible foretold that wicked conduct would prevail in “the last days.” Human wrongdoing has become so widespread that these truly are “critical times.” Throughout mankind’s history, however, the “Sovereign Lord Jehovah” has shown favor to men and women who have trusted in him, have obeyed his laws, and have submitted to him as their Ruler.  When God ...
Are These the Last Days?
Saturday, April 9 The solid foundation of God remains standing, having this seal.—2 Tim. 2:19. Paul’s word picture recorded at 2 Timothy 2:19 depicts a foundation with a message on it, as if imprinted with a seal. In ancient times, it was not uncommon to display an inscription on a building’s foundation, perhaps showing who built it or who owned it. Paul was the first Bible writer to use this particular illustration. The seal on “the ...
Jehovah Knows Those Who DO NOT Belong to Him
Friday, April 8 By him we have life and move and exist.—Acts 17:28. Why should we love God? One reason is that Jehovah is our Creator and our Provider. He has given us our splendid earthly home.  He also provides food and other things we need in order to sustain our life. Therefore, Paul could tell the idolatrous residents of Lystra that “the living God . . . did not leave himself without witness in that ...
You Are Worth More than Many Sparrows
Thursday, April 7 All things . . . that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them.—Matt. 7:12. What are some ways in which we follow the Golden Rule in our ministry? We treat each householder as an individual. We show respect for the householder’s home and other property. We endeavor to participate in the ministry at times when householders are most likely to be at home and receptive. And we introduce ...
Will Love of Neighbor Move You to Speak?
Wednesday, April 6 [Moses] considered the reproach of the Christ to be riches greater than the treasures of Egypt.—Heb. 11:26. Moses was commissioned as “the Christ,” or “Anointed One,” in that he was selected by Jehovah to lead Israel out of Egypt. Moses knew that carrying out this commission would be difficult, even a “reproach.” One of the Israelites had earlier sneered: “Who appointed you as a prince and a judge over us?” Later, Moses himself ...
Moses Type/Antitype
Tuesday, April 5 It is to us God has revealed them through his spirit.—1 Cor. 2:10. If you have been serving Jehovah for decades, you may have noticed a gradual shift in the way our literature explains many of the narratives recorded in the Bible. How so? In times past, it was more common for our literature to take what might be called a type-antitype approach to Scriptural accounts. The Bible narrative was considered the ...
Monday, April 4 Pray constantly. Give thanks for everything. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.—1 Thess. 5:17, 18. When we have our blessings firmly fixed in mind and heart, we are ready to pray to Jehovah and offer thanksgiving. Many view prayer as merely a way to ask God for things. We, however, know that Jehovah is pleased when we express thanks for what we have. The Bible contains numerous heartwarming prayers of ...
Give Thanks to God
Saturday, April 2 The little one will become a thousand.—Isa. 60:22. Perhaps we live in an area where there are few Witnesses or where we do not see a lot of immediate results in our preaching work. Yet, remembering that the Kingdom arrangement can overcome all obstacles will strengthen us to endure. For example, when Brother Edwin Skinner arrived in India in 1926, there were only a handful of Witnesses in that country. Initially, there ...
Arise, O Woman, Shed Light!
Friday, April 1 He was raised up.—Matt. 28:6. Not many days after Jesus died, the apostle Peter faced a formidable and hostile group of men. They were powerful Jewish religious leaders—the very ones who had orchestrated Jesus’ death. The men demanded an explanation. Peter had healed a man who had been lame from birth, and they wanted to know by what power or in whose name Peter had done this. The apostle courageously answered: “In ...
O Senseless Ones and Slow in Heart to Believe
Thursday, March 31 We are God’s fellow workers.—1 Cor. 3:9. Jehovah is a worker who takes pleasure in what he does.  To allow his intelligent creatures to experience a similar joyful and gratifying feeling of accomplishment, Jehovah has assigned them pleasant and satisfying work. For example, he involved his firstborn Son in His creative work.  During his prehuman existence, Jesus was beside God in heaven “as a master worker.” From beginning to end, the Bible contains ...
The Things that Must Shortly Take Place
Wednesday, March 30 The last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing.—1 Cor. 15:26. What about Satan, the one who initially caused all the misery that mankind has experienced? Revelation 20:7-15 provides the answer. In a final test of all perfect humans, Satan will be permitted to try to mislead them. The Devil and those who follow his lead will be eliminated everlastingly in “the second death.”  Because those within its grasp will be forever out ...
The Devil's Demise
Tuesday, March 29 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.—Jas. 4:8. Jehovah urges us in his Word to “draw close” to him, and he promises us that if we do, “he will draw close” to us. What an uplifting thought that is! Yet, many people think that it is unrealistic to believe that God wants to be close to them; they feel that they are unworthy to approach him or that ...
Draw Close to God
Monday, March 28 “You are my witnesses,” declares Jehovah.—Isa. 43:10. Sadly, the world’s news media has largely ignored or even distorted the most important facts of human history. This is certainly the case with what the almighty God stated by means of his ancient prophet Ezekiel: “The nations will have to know that I am Jehovah.” But the Sovereign Ruler of the universe does not depend on this world’s media. He has some eight million Witnesses ...
You Will Have to Know that I am Jehovah
Saturday, March 26 Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely.—1 Pet. 2:21. Of all the humans who have walked the earth, no one is more worthy of imitation than Jesus Christ. Why is that? Jesus himself once said: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also.”  Jesus reflects his Father’s personality so perfectly that observing the Son is like seeing the Father. Therefore, as we imitate Jesus, we draw ...
Following Christ to the End
Friday, March 25 The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.—1 Cor. 15:45. How would mankind be freed from their struggle with inherited imperfection? Jehovah provided for a Kingdom government made up of “the last Adam” and chosen associates from among mankind. Those associated with Jesus in heaven will have experienced what it means to be imperfect. For a full thousand years, their joint rulership will provide assistance to those on earth, helping them to overcome the imperfection ...
Life-giving spirits
Thursday, March 24 He is not here, for he was raised up.—Matt. 28:6. Jesus was alive! Events of the next 40 days left no doubt that Jesus had been resurrected. Summarizing the evidence, the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Among the first things I handed on to you was what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, yes, that he was raised up ...
Jesus reveals himself to Mary at the tomb
Wednesday, March 23 You have an anointing from the holy one.—1 John 2:20. Only those who have the witness of the spirit that they are God’s children should partake of the Memorial emblems. Those who have received “a spirit of adoption as sons” are God’s spirit-begotten children. His spirit bears witness with their spirit, giving them the realization that they are Jehovah’s anointed sons. Today, there is only a remnant of the 144,000 footstep followers of Christ, who ...
Mighty angel of Jehovah
Monday, March 21 This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood.—1 Cor. 11:25. Those who rightly partake of the Memorial emblems are absolutely sure that they are parties to the new covenant. God has made the new covenant with the spiritual Israelites.  This covenant has been validated by Christ’s sacrifice and has been made operative by his shed blood. Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant, and loyal anointed ones taken into ...
Whoever Drinks this Cup...
Sunday, March 20 The Son of man came . . . to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.—Matt. 20:28. How would this ransom satisfy justice? As a perfect man, Jesus had prospects similar to those of Adam before he sinned. Jehovah’s purpose was to fill the earth with Adam’s perfect offspring. Hence, with deep love for his Father and for Adam’s descendants, Jesus gave up his human life in sacrifice. Yes, Jesus gave ...
jesus-stake
Saturday, March 19 Learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart.—Matt. 11:29. During his earthly ministry, Jesus spoke and acted in ways that revealed genuine humility. He never called undue attention to himself. Instead, he directed all glory to his Father. He never talked down to his disciples or made them feel inferior. Rather, he dignified them, praising them for the good he saw in them and expressing his confidence in them.  Jesus ...
Let the one who has an ear hear
Friday, March 18 See, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!—John 1:29. Jesus explained that he came, “not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”  The “many” who would benefit from Jesus’ ransom were not to be limited to repentant Jews. Rather, it is God’s will that “all sorts of people should be saved,” since the ransom “takes ...
Christ's Future Ministry
Wednesday, March 16 I will come against those living in security.—Ezek. 38:11. Soon, our lives will seem to be in peril. By the climax of the great tribulation, the governments of this world will have devastated and completely destroyed religious organizations that were larger and more numerous than ours. Jehovah prophetically describes our vulnerable condition as “the land of unprotected settlements . . . , unprotected by walls, bars, or gates.”  With our physical eyes, it will appear that we ...
irate emailer
Tuesday, March 15 It is just like a man about to travel abroad who summoned his slaves and entrusted his belongings to them.—Matt. 25:14. The man, or the master, in this illustration is Jesus. He traveled abroad when he ascended to heaven in 33 C.E. In an earlier parable, Jesus reveals his purpose of traveling abroad, namely, “to secure kingly power for himself.” Jesus did not immediately secure full Kingdom power when he got back to heaven ...
coming of Christ in glory
Saturday, March 12 When [the mustard grain] has grown, it is the largest of the vegetable plants and becomes a tree.—Matt. 13:32. In Jesus’ illustration, the grain represents the Kingdom message as well as what results from the preaching of that message—the Christian congregation. Like the mustard grain that is “the tiniest of all the seeds,” the Christian congregation had small beginnings in 33 C.E. However, within a few decades, the congregation grew rapidly.  This growth ...
The Tiniest of All the Seeds
Friday, March 11 [Christ] was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.—1 Pet. 3:18. The apostles knew that Jesus’ resurrection was different from the resurrections that preceded it. People who were brought back to life earlier came back with physical bodies and eventually died again. Jesus was resurrected with a spirit body that was imperishable.  Peter wrote that Jesus “is at God’s right hand, for he went to heaven, and angels ...
Jesus Will Come in the Same Manner
Thursday, March 10 He will crush your head.—Gen. 3:15. The Edenic promise not only emphasized that the instigator of the rebellion in the garden of Eden and all ill effects of his action would be done away with but also identifies the means by which this would take place. Who would the woman’s offspring prove to be? Since the offspring is to crush the serpent’s head, that is, “bring to nothing” the spirit creature Satan ...
The Things that Must Shortly Take Place
Wednesday, March 9 You will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth.—Acts 1:8. From the start of his ministry, Jesus stressed the importance of proclaiming the good news of God’s Kingdom. He chose 12 disciples to share in laying the foundation for a global ministry; afterward, he trained a group of 70 disciples.  These were prepared to take the good news to others, at first to the Jews. Then, ...
The Brightness of the Enlighteners
Tuesday, March 8 Man has dominated man to his harm.—Eccl. 8:9. Some of the worst atrocities have involved the abuse of women. Worldwide, about 30 percent of women report having been assaulted by a male partner. Males are favored in some societies because it is thought that they will grow up to continue the family line and care for their aging parents and grandparents. In certain lands, females are considered undesirable children, and far more baby ...
There is Neither Male nor Female
Monday, March 7 You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart.—Matt. 22:37. Our love for Jehovah should spring from the heart. Jesus made that clear when a Pharisee asked: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  What did Jesus mean when he answered that we must love God with our “whole heart”? He meant that we must love Jehovah with our entire figurative heart, affecting our desires, emotions, and feelings. We ...
Will you love God when it is not easy?
Friday, February 26 I do not understand what I am doing. For I do not practice what I wish, but I do what I hate.—Rom. 7:15. Satan knows that we have sinful tendencies, and he tries to induce us to cater to them. It then becomes a formidable challenge to maintain our integrity.  Consider the case of a person who becomes so absorbed in the pleasure of the moment that he ends up doing something ...
two hands reaching out - concept
Thursday, February 25 From among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.—Acts 20:30. Sadly, the original Christian congregation gradually became corrupted.  As indicated by Jesus, such apostasy, promoted by “the wicked one,” Satan, would grow and obscure true Christianity until “the conclusion of the system of things.” Then Jehovah would enthrone Jesus as King over the world of mankind. That happened in October 1914, marking the beginning of ...
Men Will Rise and Speak Twisted Things
Wednesday, February 24 Look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.—Phil. 2:4. Paul urged all Christians to “look out” for the interests of fellow believers. The essence of Paul’s counsel is that we should observe the gifts that others have and acknowledge them.  How do we feel when someone shows interest in the progress that we have made? Usually, it stimulates us to make additional progress, bringing out ...
Should Lies Go Unchallenged?
Tuesday, February 23 I will come against those living in security.—Ezek. 38:11. How will God respond to satanic efforts to destroy his people? Jehovah will intervene in their behalf, exercising his right as Universal Sovereign. Jehovah considers an assault on his servants to be an attack on him.  Therefore, our heavenly Father will take prompt action in order to rescue us. That deliverance will come to its climax with the destruction of Satan’s world at Armageddon, ...
The Time of Jacob's Trouble
Monday, February 22 Those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines.—Heb. 12:6. We do not enjoy being counseled or disciplined.  Yet, think of what the one who is offering us counsel must consider. He needs to be aware of what we are doing that could affect our relationship with Jehovah God, he must be concerned about our feelings, and he has to be willing to devote the time and effort needed to show us from the Bible ...
Boy getting paddled on butt
Sunday, February 21 We just had to celebrate and rejoice, for your brother was dead but has come to life.—Luke 15:32. The illustration of the prodigal son is a strong incentive for those who have left the truth to return to Jehovah without delay! They may be spiritually exhausted, and the way back may seem to be embarrassing and difficult. But it is worth the effort—even the heavens will rejoice when they return.  Never would ...
Angry-Husband
Friday, February 19 The word of God is alive and exerts power.—Heb. 4:12. You never know how people will react to a well-chosen scripture. For instance, two Witnesses in Australia knocked on a young woman’s door. One of them asked her, “Do you know God’s name?” and then read one scripture—Psalm 83:18. “I was floored!” the woman says. “After they left, I drove 35 miles (56 km) to a bookstore to check other Bible translations and then ...
Bible is like a sword
Thursday, February 18 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. Before becoming a Witness, one brother enjoyed the immoral atmosphere of the dance parties he frequented. But after learning the truth, he has completely avoided dancing even at Witness gatherings for fear of awakening improper desires or thoughts from his past. Of course, Christians are not ...
mercy-seat-524x330
Wednesday, February 17 Love never fails.—1 Cor. 13:8. Genuine love is not easily provoked and “does not keep account of the injury.”  Were we to hold a grudge, we would not be pleasing God and would, in effect, be tending a smoldering fire that could flare up, harming us and others.  Love makes us rejoice with the truth, but it will not allow us to “rejoice over unrighteousness,” even if a person who hates us is ...
Jeremiah_lamenting
Sunday, February 14 Well done, good and faithful slave!—Matt. 25:21. In the four illustrations recorded at Matthew 24:45 to 25:46, Jesus highlights traits that would distinguish his true followers in these last days. In the illustration involving the faithful slave, Jesus highlights the need for the small group of anointed ones entrusted with feeding his domestics during the last days to be faithful and discreet. In the parable of the virgins, Jesus stresses that all ...
Throw the evil slave out!
Saturday, February 13 The crowds were astounded at his way of teaching.—Matt. 7:28. Jesus used good judgment when he preached the good news, choosing “gracious words” that amazed his listeners.  He often let God’s Word speak for him—reading, quoting, or referring to just the right scriptures to make his point. Jesus also explained the Scriptures, doing so in ways that moved the hearts of his listeners. After his resurrection, when speaking to two disciples on their way ...
disciples on their way to Emmaus
Thursday, February 11 He was raised up.—Matt. 28:6. That the dead could live again was not a new concept to Jesus’ apostles; resurrections had occurred before they were born. They knew that God had empowered the prophets Elijah and Elisha to perform such miracles.  A dead man had even come to life when his body was thrown into a grave and it touched the bones of Elisha. Very likely, all of us have been greatly moved ...
doubting Thomas sees Jesus
Wednesday, February 10 Happy are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear.—Matt. 13:16. Why were Jesus’ disciples able to understand when others were not? Because they were willing to search for the real meaning behind Jesus’ words, build on what they had already accepted, and use what they had heard in their personal lives and in helping others. If we want to understand Jesus’ illustrations, we need to follow the example ...
They Will Collect Out from His Kingdom...
Tuesday, February 9 Did God really say that you must not eat from every tree?—Gen. 3:1. After preparing our beautiful planet for human habitation, Jehovah issued three decrees regarding humans: Our God would create mankind in his image, humans were to expand Paradise globally and fill the earth with righteous offspring, and humans were prohibited from eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad.  After the creation of man, adherence to the other ...
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Monday, February 8 We do not wage warfare according to what we are in the flesh.—2 Cor. 10:3. True Christians, who have their conscience trained by the Bible, do not learn war or participate in warfare. As a result of holding to this Christian position, thousands of Witnesses, young and old, male and female, have been persecuted. Many have suffered in forced-labor camps and prisons. During the Nazi era in Germany, some were even murdered. Regardless ...
Come the next war...
Sunday, February 7 Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin.—Rom. 5:12. Both Adam and Eve sinned, but Adam was held responsible for their wrongdoing. The first human pair were led to think that they did not need Jehovah as their Ruler. That raised this vital question of sovereignty: Who has the right to rule? To provide an answer for all eternity, God allowed rule independent of him to continue for ...
Jehovah's Witnesses and WWIII
Saturday, February 6 The solid foundation of God remains standing, having this seal, “Jehovah knows those who belong to him,” and, “Let everyone calling on the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.”—2 Tim. 2:19. In the apostle Paul’s day, certain professed Christians adopted false teachings; yet, they continued to associate with the congregation. To the casual observer, these apostates might not have been different from others in the congregation. But their apostasy presented a danger to faithful ...
wolf in sheepskin disguise
Friday, February 5 God . . . does not dwell in handmade temples.—Acts 17:24. Is it futile to search for God? No, for he wants us to find him. The apostle Paul made that clear when he gave a witness to a group assembled on the Areopagus. That took place within sight of the Parthenon—a temple dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of ancient Athens. Imagine that you are there as Paul speaks about “the God who ...
When Is the Temple Inspection?
Thursday, February 4 When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, it is foolish and humiliating.—Prov. 18:13. Before delving into a discussion of the Bible’s viewpoint on a certain topic, we do well to try to determine what our listener really believes. Otherwise, we might spend a lot of time refuting an idea that he never believed in the first place! Tactful questions can help us to learn why a person believes what ...
Reasoning with Jehovah's Witnesses
Tuesday, February 2 Moses . . . [chose] to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin.—Heb. 11:24, 25. With eyes of faith, Moses recognized that the “enjoyment of sin” was temporary. Others might have reasoned that even though Egypt was steeped in idolatry and spiritism, it had risen to become a world power, while Jehovah’s people suffered as slaves! Yet, Moses knew that God could change matters. Although self-indulgent ...
As Sure as the Sunrise
Sunday, January 31 Just as the Father taught me, I speak these things.—John 8:28. Noah’s sons helped their father build the ark, and then they went into it. Because they valued what they had received through him, they had the privilege of helping to preserve the human race and reestablish true worship on a cleansed earth. Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah, and Daniel were taken to Babylon in 617 B.C.E. They could easily have just blended into the Babylonian ...
The Children Who Are the Work of My Hands
Friday, January 29 Pay attention to what you are hearing.—Mark 4:24. The world is so saturated with conflicting religious teachings and doctrines that many people feel that searching for the true religion is futile. However, Jehovah has made his guidance abundantly clear for those who are willing to take advantage of it. We have to decide whom we will listen to. Since it is practically impossible to listen to two voices simultaneously, we need to ...
You Will Hear a Word Behind You
Thursday, January 28 I was a herdsman, and I took care of sycamore fig trees.—Amos 7:14. We see in the case of the prophet Amos that Jehovah noticed the potential of one of his servants, even though he might have appeared to many to be rather insignificant or unassuming. Amos’ bold response to the corrupt priest Amaziah confirmed that Jehovah had chosen the right person and could use his abilities that might not at ...
The Lion Has Roared!
Wednesday, January 27 There will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.—Matt. 24:21. Regarding his invisible presence and the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus said the above. This unparalleled tribulation will start when Jehovah brings destruction on “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion, by using the political powers. What will come next? After false religion is destroyed, Satan and ...
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Great Tribulation
Tuesday, January 26 If you turn to doing good, will you not be restored to favor? But if you do not turn to doing good, sin is crouching at the door, and its craving is to dominate you.—Gen. 4:7. All of Jehovah’s warnings are really evidence of his loving, watchful care for us as individuals. True, the words of the Bible have been there for centuries, the publications prepared by God’s organization are written for ...
ominous storm at night
Monday, January 25 To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.—Matt. 25:40. Early in his discourse found in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, Jesus indicated that the sign of his presence would include a remarkable feature—the good news of the Kingdom would “be preached in all the inhabited earth.” And just prior to talking about the sheep and the goats, he related the ...
When Did We See You in Prison?
Sunday, January 24 They collected the fine ones into containers, but the unsuitable they threw away.—Matt. 13:48. Understanding the lesson of this illustration helps us to avoid being overly distraught or disappointed if a Bible student or one of our children does not make the truth his own. This may happen despite all our best efforts. Agreeing to have a Bible study or being raised around the truth does not automatically mean that a person ...
How Much Longer?
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Friday, January 22 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their forefathers . . . , “my covenant that they broke.”—Jer. 31:32. How do the Law covenant and the new covenant compare? The Law covenant was between Jehovah and natural Israel; the new covenant is between Jehovah and spiritual Israel. Moses was the mediator of the former covenant; Jesus is the Mediator of the new one. The Law covenant was validated by means of animal ...
Second Coming of Christ Completes the New Covenant
Monday, January 18 Love is patient and kind.—1 Cor. 13:4. Putting into practice what Paul wrote concerning love can prevent many problems, can result in happiness, and can bring us God’s blessing. Just as God has shown patience and kindness in dealing with imperfect humans, we need to be patient and kind when others make mistakes and are thoughtless, or even rude. “Love is not jealous,” so true love will not allow us to covet another person’s ...
The Love of Many Will Grow Cold
Saturday, January 16 If you warn someone wicked and he does not turn back from his wickedness and from his wicked course, he will die for his error, but you will certainly save your own life.—Ezek. 3:19. True Christians already enjoy a friendship with Jehovah and the hope of eternal life. Yet, we recognize that it is our responsibility to “warn the wicked one to turn from his wicked course so that he may stay ...
A Watchman Is What I Have Made You
Friday, January 15 He gave five talents to one, two to another, and one to still another.—Matt. 25:15. In the parable of the talents, Jesus clearly reveals an obligation resting on his anointed followers. We need to understand the meaning of this parable, for it affects all true Christians, whether they have the hope of a heavenly reward or of an earthly one. Jesus gave the parable of the talents as part of the answer ...
Man of Lawlessness and the Deluding Influence
Thursday, January 14 Solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.—Heb. 5:14. Discernment is good judgment—the ability to tell right from wrong and then choose the wise course. It has been defined as “the ability to make sound judgements in spiritual matters.” A discerning worshipper speaks and acts in ways that please God. Such a person chooses words that help ...
man with lantern at night
Wednesday, January 13 Everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.—Matt. 5:28. The disastrous path of immorality often starts with the eyes. Many Christians who have fallen into wrongdoing have weakened their moral defenses by viewing pornography, reading erotic literature, or watching lurid material on the Internet. Others have allowed themselves to be entertained by sexually explicit movies, ...
young muslim woman in head scarf using laptop in cafe with friends
Tuesday, January 12 Listen to me, all of you, and understand the meaning.—Mark 7:14. A person may hear the sounds of someone speaking to him. He may even note the tone of voice. But of what use would that be to him if he did not understand the meaning of the words being spoken?  In a similar way, thousands heard what Jesus was saying. He even spoke to them in a language that they could ...
trapped
Monday, January 11 Look! The people of Israel are more numerous and mightier than we are.—Ex. 1:9. “Consequently, the Egyptians forced the Israelites into harsh slavery. They made their life bitter with hard labor, as they worked with clay mortar and bricks and in every form of slavery in the field.”  Pharaoh even decreed that all Hebrew male babies should be put to death at their birth. It was at that time that Moses was ...
Jehovah Will Choose to Become
Tuesday, January 5 Let your words always be gracious, . . . so that you will know how you should answer each person.—Col. 4:6. A number of years ago, a Christian sister was discussing the Bible with her unbelieving husband. During their discussion, her husband said that he believed in the Trinity. Discerning that he might not have realized what the Trinity teaching is all about, she tactfully asked, “Do you believe that God is God, that ...
Reasoning with Jehovah's Witnesses on 1914
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 pleasure. What was it that moved him so? ...
Entry into the city of God
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 would lead, not to Armageddon, but to a ...
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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 world and its advertising, millions of people strive ...
Watchtower touts amenities of Brooklyn neighborhood
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 of Israel knew what they ought to do, ...
uncertainty
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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. The more we look for them and use ...
No, You Have Not Heard
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 clay is useless, though, generally the potter is ...
Jeremiah Versus the Watchtower
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 example, consider what Jesus said to his 11 ...
e-w
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 of her eating from it, she would be ...
Even in the Face of Death
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 times and bad. Notice David’s words of praise and ...
Trust in God, Indeed!
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 flesh.” Notice Jesus’ priorities in the introduction to his ...
Firstborn of Many Brothers
Wednesday, December 23 The twelve were with him.—Luke 8:1. Taking the lead in field service is an area in which overseers set a fine example for their fellow Christians. In this regard, Jesus set the example for overseers. Preaching the good news of the Kingdom was an important part of Jesus’ earthly activity. He showed his disciples how this work was to be done. In our day, how encouraging it is for publishers to preach ...
I Will Call to Account the Complacent Ones
Tuesday, December 22 He is guarding all the bones of that one; not one of them has been broken.—Ps. 34:20. When the lamb was slaughtered for the Passover meal, the Israelites were not to break any of its bones.  What of “the Lamb of God” who came to provide the ransom? He was impaled with a criminal on each side. The Jews asked Pilate that the bones of the impaled men be broken. This would ...
When He Fully Open Up the Scriptures
Sunday, December 20 You are my refuge and my stronghold.—Ps. 91:2. Think of the many occasions when God has safeguarded our brothers who were maintaining their Christian neutrality. For example, this was the case during the Nazi era in Germany and other countries in the 1930’s and early 1940’s. Reading and reflecting on life stories and Yearbook accounts of God’s protection during times of persecution will strengthen our trust in Jehovah as our Refuge. Through ...
A Thousand Will Fall at Your Side
Friday, December 18 Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord.—Eph. 5:10. Because of our imperfect flesh and the efforts of Satan and this wicked world, we are constantly battling negative influences in our lives. Some of you dear brothers and sisters have a hard fight every day to maintain your relationship with Jehovah. That endears you greatly to him. Do not give up! Living our lives in harmony with Jehovah’s purpose ...
The Watchtower and the Pharisees
Thursday, December 17 Every man must be swift about hearing.—Jas. 1:19. To keep the lines of communication open, family members must listen—really listen—to one another. Parents, do you really listen to your children? This may be difficult when you are tired or when the conversation seems somewhat trivial. But what appears to be trivial to you may be very important to your child. To be “swift about hearing” means being attentive not only to what ...
Jehovah's Witnesses Family Night
Wednesday, December 16 Who really is the faithful and discreet slave?—Matt. 24:45. The faithful slave must be made up of anointed Christians on earth. Such ones are called “a royal priesthood” and have been commissioned to “‘declare abroad the excellencies’ of the one that called them out of darkness into his wonderful light.” That slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food ...
The Faithful Slave and the Last Days
Tuesday, December 15 Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls.—Heb. 13:17. In giving direction to fellow believers, elders provide encouragement and counsel based either on the Scriptures themselves or on Scriptural principles. Their objective in providing such guidance is not to dictate how their brothers should live their lives. Rather, it is to give their fellow Christians Scriptural guidelines to help ...
governing body meeting
Sunday, December 13 The king will long for your beauty, for he is your lord, so bow down to him.—Ps. 45:11. Over the centuries, Christ has been preparing his future bride for their heavenly wedding. The apostle Paul explained that Christ “loved the congregation and gave himself up for it, in order that he might sanctify it, cleansing it with the bath of water by means of the word, so that he might present the ...
The Bride of Christ and the Watchtower
Friday, December 11 Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together.—Heb. 10:24, 25. For what reasons does our God place such importance on our regularly gathering together? Our meetings, assemblies, and conventions help us to have courage to speak with boldness and to deal with opposition or apathy in our territories. We are strengthened and made firm in the faith by the Scriptural discussions. The teaching and ...
locust infestation
Thursday, December 10 There is where their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be.—Matt. 13:42. Is that happening right now? No. Today, Christendom, as part of the harlot, still says about herself: “I sit a queen, and I am no widow, and I shall never see mourning.” Indeed, Christendom feels very much in charge, even presuming to ‘sit as a queen’ atop the class of political leaders. Presently, those represented by the weeds are ...
Who Will Weep and Gnash Their Teeth?
Monday, December 7 The heart is more treacherous than anything else.—Jer. 17:9. The spirit of a sound mind does not mean just going by what we or others think or feel is reasonable or expedient. Our imperfect mind and heart can be like a watch that is going either too fast or too slow. Being guided by it could bring us serious trouble. We need to calibrate our mind and heart by God’s reliable standards. With ...
Because They Have Abandoned Jehovah
Sunday, December 6 The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.—1 John 5:19. As he did in Eden, Satan also today targets the inexperienced. Young people are a particular favorite for attack. Satan is not happy when a young person, or indeed anyone, volunteers to slave for Jehovah. God’s enemy wants all who dedicate their lives to Jehovah to fail in their devotion and loyalty. Satan promotes the idea that a career ...
Whom Does Satan Target?
Saturday, December 5 They will not lift up sword, nation against nation.—Mic. 4:3. Earth wide today, true worshippers of Jehovah have beaten “their swords into plowshares,” and they refuse to “learn war anymore.” Understandably, we want Jehovah to bring an end to this wicked system soon. If we are to wait patiently, though, we need to view matters from Jehovah’s perspective. He has set a day when he will judge mankind “by a man whom he ...
They Will Learn War No More - When?
Monday, November 30 Your murmurings are not against us, but against Jehovah.—Ex. 16:8. Jehovah and Jesus are perfect Shepherds. The human undershepherds to whom they entrust the care of the congregations are not. This reality may make it challenging for some to follow the elders’ lead. Such individuals may reason: ‘They are imperfect humans just like us. Why should we listen to their counsel?’ However, we need to have a proper view of their shortcomings ...
Saturday, November 28 This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf.—Luke 22:20. The end was soon coming to the old Law covenant between God and natural-born Israelites. It would be replaced by a new covenant between Jehovah and Jesus’ anointed followers. Jesus was deeply concerned about the welfare of this new spiritual nation. Natural Israel was hopelessly divided religiously and socially, bringing great ...
Slow in Heart to Believe the Prophets
Friday, November 27 By means of him we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one.—Eph. 1:7. Memorializing the Jewish Passover was part of the Mosaic Law, and we are not under the Law. Instead, we hold dear another event, the death of God’s Son. Still, there are features of the Passover observance that was instituted back in Egypt that have meaning for us. The lamb’s blood sprinkled on the doorposts and lintel ...
Wednesday, November 25 Let me tell the next generation about your power and about your mightiness.—Ps. 71:18. As an experienced Christian, you have opportunities that are not open to others. You can pass on to younger ones what you have learned from Jehovah. You can strengthen others by relating experiences you have enjoyed while serving God. King David prayed for opportunities to do so, as shown in today’s text. How could you make known the ...
The Next Generation?
Tuesday, November 24 [Abraham] came to be called Jehovah’s friend.—Jas. 2:23. Jehovah referred to the patriarch and ancestor of the Israelites as “Abraham my friend.”  Second Chronicles 20:7 also calls Abraham a friend of God. What was the basis for that faithful man’s enduring friendship with his Creator? It was Abraham’s faith.Like Abraham, the more you learn about Jehovah, the stronger your faith in him becomes, and your love for him deepens. Think back to ...
Abraham - God's friend
Saturday, November 21 O Jehovah, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our Potter; and all of us are the work of your hand.—Isa. 64:8. A potter has full authority to mold the clay into the type of vessel he wants to make. The clay has no control over the matter. So it is with man and God. The man cannot rightly dispute with God any more than the clay can ...
Thursday, November 19 The desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin.—Jas. 1:15. In an attempt to break our attachment to God, Satan targets the source of our desires—our heart. By what means does Satan make our heart his target? Satan’s weapons include “the things in the world.” Over thousands of years, the Devil has carefully crafted the environment surrounding us. Since we live in this world, we need to guard against his subtle ...
Do Not Bring Us into Temptation
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 season began in that year. The time had ...
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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 reasonable, we might be deceiving ourselves, no matter ...
blind-man-on-cliff
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 his parents and siblings firmly and loyally applied ...
barbara-anderson--e1416053538919-420x300
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 each one in the name of its god; but we, ...
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 has drawn near.’” After his resurrection, Jesus foretold that his ...
Old Watchtower magazine cover
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 their path took them across a stream. A heavy downpour ...
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 congregation, and it is still a major part of our worship. One important way ...
All the Meeting Places Must Be Burned!
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. Consider, too, our devoted missionaries ‘who pour themselves out like ...
'Lord, when did we see you hungry?
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 resources, which we can freely spend in his service. Even ...
The Coming Spiritual Famine
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 understood that not everyone could give the same amount, and ...
The Sacrifices of the Heartbroken
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 blamed Jehovah for their problems. If we are beset by ...
"Bethel Will Become Something Uncanny"
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 I behold in my members another law warring against the ...
We Are not Ignorant of Satan's Designs - Are You?
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 work. For instance, To Whom the Work Is Entrusted, a ...
The Harvest of the Wheat and the Weeds
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 conduct but also our inner person. Since Jehovah ...
Satan keeps disguising himself as an angel of light
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” under Jesus’ care. Since 1919, a small group of anointed brothers ...
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 Society rebelled against the decision to have Brother Rutherford take ...
Has the harvest of the wheat and the weeds begun?
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 life! How can we imitate Jehovah’s generosity? Jehovah “furnishes us ...
Doing good to the brothers of Christ. When?
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 many continue to stream to “the mountain of ...
The End of the Watchtower
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 older men of the congregation in Ephesus: “You well know ...
Paul Exposes the Man of Lawlessness
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 occur. Ungodly society will continue to advance from ...
Critical Times Hard to Deal With?
Sunday, September 27 We are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building.—1 Cor. 3:9. People who work together often develop close friendships. All who are dedicated to Jehovah have the privilege of being considered both his friends and his “fellow workers.” Indeed, as we engage in the preaching and disciple-making work, we gain greater insight into the marvelous qualities of our heavenly Father. We see how his holy spirit helps to equip ...
You Will Stumble in Broad Daylight
Friday, September 25 I am sending forth to you prophets and wise men and public instructors.—Matt. 23:34. Jesus was speaking about his disciples, whom he taught to use the Scriptures in their ministry. At Pentecost 33 C.E., one of these “public instructors,” the apostle Peter, gave a talk to a large crowd in Jerusalem in which he quoted several passages from the Hebrew Scriptures. On hearing Peter’s application of these words, many listeners “were stabbed to ...
Wisdom of Their Wise Men Will Perish
Thursday, September 24 Neither let us practice fornication, as some of them committed fornication, only to fall.—1 Cor. 10:8. As servants of Jehovah, we certainly do not search for tempting situations that could lead to immoral sexual behavior. Instead, we pray that Jehovah God will not permit us to succumb when someone tempts us to disobey Him. But Satan constantly tries to undermine our spirituality as we strive to maintain our integrity in this ...
Satan's sex-maddened world
Tuesday, September 22 Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?—Matt. 24:45. “Brothers, I cannot begin to count the times you have put into my hands articles that contained just what I needed when I needed it most.” That is how one sister expressed her appreciation in a letter to the brothers who work at our world headquarters. The ...
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Parousia
Saturday, September 19 He will certainly bring about deliverance from the Assyrian.—Mic. 5:6. Today, Jehovah certainly has provided an abundance of spiritual men to shepherd his precious sheep, to strengthen his people for the future attack of the modern-day “Assyrian.” The most practical step that we can take to prepare for the coming attack of “the Assyrian” is that of strengthening our faith in God and helping our brothers to do the same. When “the ...
The Assyrian and the 8th Kingdom
Friday, September 18 What son is he that a father does not discipline?—Heb. 12:7. We need discipline from Jehovah in order to be fit to survive into his righteous new world. We show that we accept God’s direction in our lives by faithfully enduring in his service and allowing his spirit to refine us. And if we commit a serious sin, we can be sure that Jehovah will forgive us if we are truly repentant ...
Discipline from Jehovah
Wednesday, September 16 You young men and young women, . . . praise the name of Jehovah, for his name alone is unreachably high.—Ps. 148:12, 13. If you have cultivated in your heart a desire to serve Jehovah, enjoy the opportunities that come with being a young servant of God. Make choices that will enable you to enjoy serving Jehovah in these exciting times. On the other hand, what should you do if you do not yet feel ...
What Would Jesus Do?
Tuesday, September 15 He died for all so that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised up.—2 Cor. 5:15. Because of their love for God and their gratitude for the inestimable privilege of serving him, the early Christians gladly accepted “the ministry of the reconciliation.” Their work of preaching and making disciples opened the way for honesthearted individuals to come to be at peace ...
A Great Crowd that Will Never Die
Monday, September 14 Honor your father and your mother.—Ex. 20:12. Jesus underscored this commandment by condemning the Pharisees and scribes who refused to provide for their parents. Jesus himself set a good example. For instance, when he was at the point of death on the stake, Jesus entrusted the care of his mother, who was apparently then a widow, to his beloved disciple John. The apostle Paul was inspired to write that believers should provide ...
The Sacred Secret of Christ
Saturday, September 12 The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy.—Ps. 19:7. Reminders helped early Christians to remain firm in the faith. Imagine the encouragement that Timothy must have received when the apostle Paul, who was then a prisoner in Rome, told him: “Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me.” After encouraging fellow Christians to cultivate such qualities as endurance, brotherly affection, and self-control, the apostle Peter said: “I shall be disposed always ...
Beware the Idolizing of the Watchtower
Friday, September 11 Do not loiter at your business. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah.—Rom. 12:11. From the Law that God gave to Israel, we learn about the sort of slavery that Jehovah requires of us. A Hebrew slave was to be granted his freedom in the seventh year of his servitude. However, for a slave who really loved his master and who wished to remain in his service, Jehovah made a remarkable provision ...
What Will You Do?
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Thursday, September 10 Their best one is like a brier, their most upright one is worse than a thorn hedge.—Mic. 7:4. Jehovah’s prophet Micah saw conditions in Israel deteriorate spiritually until they became appalling under the rulership of wicked King Ahaz. Micah likens the unfaithful Israelites to “a brier” and “a thorn hedge.” Just as a brier or a thorn hedge injures anyone who walks into it, those corrupt Israelites harmed anyone with whom they ...
The Day of Your Watchmen is Near
Tuesday, September 8 God . . . will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed.—Dan. 2:44. The Bible Students spent decades pointing out that the year 1914 would be significant. Many people at that time were optimistic. As one writer states: “The world of 1914 was full of hope and promise.” With the outbreak of World War I later that year, however, Bible prophecy came true. The subsequent famines, earthquakes, and pestilences as well as the ...
Has the wild beast received the fatal head wound?
Monday, September 7 There is no righteous man on earth who always does good and never sins.—Eccl. 7:20. When we look carefully at ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word and see flaws, even evidences of selfishness, we might become discouraged. If that ever happens to you, reflect on the successful man in James’ illustration. James did not stress how quickly the man fixed the problems he detected or even that he was able to ...
Is the Watchtower clean and undefiled?
Sunday, September 6 The armies in heaven were following him on white horses.—Rev. 19:14. Who will be Christ’s fellow warriors making up the heavenly “armies” that follow him into battle? When he first girded on his sword to expel Satan and his demons from heaven, Jesus was accompanied by “his angels.” It seems logical to conclude that at the war of Armageddon, Christ’s armies will include the holy angels. Also, Jesus made this promise to ...
No anointed persons on earth after Armageddon
Saturday, September 5 Let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out.—Gal. 6:9. Do we periodically take the time to reflect on the workings of Jehovah’s organization? Some have chosen to include time in their family worship or personal study to do research on these matters and to meditate on them. The book Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom and other publications ...
Meditating on Jehovah's judgments
Friday, September 4 The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.—Isa. 9:7. Those words refer to what the rulership of God’s Son will accomplish. They emphasize our heavenly Father’s active interest in the salvation of mankind. Jehovah’s example of zeal clearly indicates that our God-given work as Kingdom proclaimers deserves our wholehearted support, our enthusiasm, our zeal. Our burning desire to help people get to know God is a reflection of Jehovah’s zeal ...
Zeal of Jehovah of Armies
Monday, August 31 Love, not in word or with the tongue, but in deed and truth.—1 John 3:18. It can be heart-wrenching to realize that your parents, once strong and self-sufficient, are no longer able to look after themselves. Perhaps Mom or Dad has fallen and broken a hip, has become disoriented and wandered off, or has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Then there is the other side of the coin. The elderly may ...
Does the Watchtower really "abhor child abuse"?
Sunday, August 30 He that is walking with wise persons will become wise.—Prov. 13:20. Working alongside good associates in the ministry builds us up spiritually. For example, most pioneers spend considerable time in the ministry with fellow evangelizers. This provides more opportunities for “an interchange of encouragement.” A pioneer named Lisa observes: “In the workplace, there is often a spirit of competition and jealousy. Daily you are subjected to gossip and vulgar language. It’s all ...
The Next Phase - After the Watchtower
Saturday, August 29 They lacked nothing. Their very garments did not wear out, and their feet themselves did not become swollen.—Neh. 9:21. Today, Jehovah provides us with everything we need to serve him faithfully. May we never be like the thousands of Israelites who died in the wilderness because of their disobedience and lack of faith. In fact, those things “were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of ...
Warwick Watchtower Headquarters Project Fail
Friday, August 28 The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those having authority over them are called Benefactors. You, though, are not to be that way.—Luke 22:25, 26. Because of human imperfection, some of God’s sheep may be slow to understand what Jehovah expects of them. They may fail to take action that is in harmony with Scriptural counsel, or they may act in a way that indicates a lack of spiritual maturity ...
Watchtower Repudiates Christianity
Thursday, August 27 Two days from now the passover occurs, and the Son of man is to be delivered up to be impaled.—Matt. 26:2. On Nisan 13, 33 C.E., as the day drew near ‘on which the passover victim was to be sacrificed,’ Christ told Peter and John: “Go and get the passover ready for us to eat.” “At length . . . the hour came” for the Passover meal, after sunset on Nisan 14, which would be Thursday ...
The Coming Revelation of Christ
Wednesday, August 26 Wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse.—2 Tim. 3:13. Think about the contrast between what was found shocking in the 1940’s or 1950’s and what is taking place today in the workplace, in the field of entertainment, in sports, and in fashion. Extreme violence and immorality are now commonplace. People compete to be seen as more fierce, lewd, or ruthless than anyone else. What was considered edgy television in the ...
Beware Wicked Men and Imposters
Monday, August 24 Do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it.—Prov. 3:27. Confusion, depression, incontinence, and loss of hearing, sight, and memory may be a result of aging; yet, if some of such health problems appear, they may well be effectively treated. At the onset of any such issues, seek medical attention. Children may need to take the initiative in this regard. At a certain point, they may also have to start ...
Preparations for a Future Day"
Sunday, August 23 We shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.—Acts 6:4. Like those who took the lead in the first century, Christian elders who oversee the preaching work today are devoted “to the ministry of the word.” As these brothers make decisions, they seek direction from God’s Word, making it ‘a lamp to their foot and a light to their roadway,’ and they earnestly pray for Jehovah’s guidance. They ...
Jehovah's Witnesses & the Locusts of Joel
Friday, August 21 You, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive.—Ps. 86:5. How do we know that Jehovah’s forgiveness is permanent? Consider Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning the new covenant, made with anointed Christians, which makes true forgiveness possible for those who exercise faith in the ransom. Jehovah says: “I shall forgive their error, and their sin I shall remember no more.” So Jehovah assures us that once he forgives, he will never in the future act ...
Will Jehovah Forgive the Governing Body?
Thursday, August 20 You have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to babes.—Matt. 11:25. In the 1870’s, a small group of sincere truth-seekers got together and formed Bible classes. With humble hearts and open minds, those sincere Bible Students, as they called themselves, made a careful and prayerful search of the Scriptures. The Bible Students’ diligent study of the Scriptures yielded rich results. Those loyal men and women ...
Who Is Blind Except Jehovah's Servant?
Wednesday, August 19 There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.—Prov. 12:18. We need to ‘encourage one another all the more as we behold the day drawing near.’ Encouraging others involves motivating them to continue moving forward in their service to God. Just as inciting to love and fine works can be likened to stirring up a fire that is about ...
Elders - Sometimes Thoughtless
Thursday, December 31 It is not a desirable thing with my Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.—Matt. 18:14. Jehovah cares deeply about all those who have expressed love for his name, even if they are not actively serving him at present.  Are you among those who are not now actively serving God? Perhaps someone in the congregation hurt you and as a result you stopped associating with Jehovah’s ...
The End of the Watchtower's Hypocrisy
Thursday, October 16 Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.—Ps. 34:18. David faced many distressing circumstances in his life. (1 Sam. 30:3-6) His inspired words reveal that Jehovah knew his feelings. (Ps. 56:8) God knows our feelings as well. When we are “broken at heart” or “crushed in spirit,” he draws near to us. This in itself may give us a measure of comfort, as ...
The faux spiritual paradise
Wednesday, October 15 The Lord turned and looked upon Peter, and Peter recalled the utterance of theLord when he said to him: “Before a cock crows today you will disown me three times.”—Luke22:61. Peter manifested fear of man, stumbling badly at times; yet, he remained loyal to Jesus and Jehovah. For example, he publicly denied his Master, not just once, but three times. (Luke 22:54-60) Later, Peter failed to act in a Christian manner, treating Gentile ...
Only Christ can correct them!
Tuesday, October 14 True worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed,the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him.—John 4:23. Our spiritual heritage includes a wealth of accurate and valuable information from the past. For example, consider Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These patriarchs and their families must have had discussions about how to please Jehovah. So it is not surprising that upright Joseph rejected sexual immorality so as not to ...
Is it really "true religion"?
Monday, October 13 How loyal and righteous and unblamable we proved to be.—1 Thess.2:10. What do Delilah, Absalom, and Judas Iscariot have in common? They were all disloyal—Delilah to the man who loved her, Judge Samson; Absalom to his father, King David; Judas to his Master, Christ Jesus. In each case, their deplorable actions wreaked havoc on others! But why should this be of concern to us? A modern-day author lists betrayal among today’s most common ...
Will Jehovah's Witnesses betray one another?
Sunday, October 12 God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.—Acts 15:14. As “people who are called by [God’s] name,” the members of the new nation of spiritual Israel used the divine name, certainly doing so when quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures. (Acts 15:17) Thus, when the apostle Peter addressed an international audience of Jews and proselytes at Pentecost 33 C.E., he used God’s ...
Watchtower has profaned the name of Jehovah
Saturday, October 11 They do not know the voice of strangers.—John 10:5. Researchers have found that the task of simultaneously differentiating between many sounds becomes increasingly difficult when it involves listening to human speech. This means that when you hear two voices at the same time, you have to choose which one you will focus on. Your selection will depend on which one youwant to listen to. The Jews who wished to do the desires of ...
The voice of the stupid prophets
Friday, October 10 You, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive; and the loving-kindness to all those calling upon you is abundant.—Ps. 86:5. There is power in prayer; it accomplishes much with God. David expressed his deep feelings in a prayer of faith that is beautifully preserved in the Psalms. (Ps. 32:1-5) As David admitted, trying to repress a guilty conscience wore him out! He apparently suffered ill effects mentally and physically and lost joy because ...
Watchtower guilt
Thursday, October 9 Have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God.—1 Pet. 2:17. Jehovah’s Witnesses have a healthy fear of displeasing God, and this provides them with added motivation to do his will. They are happy to be serving Jehovah as part of a worldwide association of brothers and sisters who have the same desire. Therefore, it is only natural for them to “have love for the whole association of brothers.” ...
Will Jehovah's Witnesses continue to have love?
Wednesday, October 8 Humble yourself.—Prov. 6:3. To apologize is difficult for most people. However, servants of God cultivate the spirit of a lesser one by admitting their mistakes and asking for forgiveness. They are also ready to forgive others for their transgressions. Whereas pride fosters division and contention, forgiveness promotes peace within the congregation. We may need to ‘humble ourselves’ by sincerely apologizing to another person if we are unable to honor an agreement because ...
Where is the Watchtower's humility?
Tuesday, October 7 You are a priest to time indefinite according to the manner of Melchizedek!—Ps.110:4. During the reign of King David, Jehovah made two sworn promises for the benefit of all who obey him. First, he swore to David that his throne would last forever. (Ps. 89:35, 36; 132:11, 12) Second, Jehovah inspired David to foretell that, in time, a unique King would also serve as mankind’s High Priest. In Israel the kingship and priesthood were ...
All his enemies are his footstool?
Monday, October 6 [Abraham] was awaiting the city having real foundations, the builder and maker of which city is God.—Heb. 11:10. Are you resolved to stand out as being different from this wicked world? Granted, doing so is not always easy. But with God’s help and with support from your fellow Christians, you can succeed. Remember, you are not alone.All who want to serve Jehovah have a fight on their hands! (Eph. 6:12) Still, it is ...
Is the Kingdom of God here?
Sunday, October 5 They will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble.—Mic. 4:4. In today’s world, adequate housing is a serious problem. People are packed into crowded cities. Many have to manage with makeshift dwellings in shantytowns and city slums. Having a house of their own remains a mere dream for them. Under Kingdom rule, the desire of every resident to have ...
Has Jehovah really set matters straight?
Saturday, October 4 I bend my knees to the Father, to whom every family in heaven and on earth owes its name.—Eph. 3:14, 15. Family. What does that word bring to your mind? Warmth? Happiness? Working together toward a common goal? A safe haven in which to grow, learn, and share ideas? Likely it does if you are part of a caring family. Jehovah himself is the Originator of the family. He purposed that all his creatures ...
The sheep will be scattered
I would like to make a belated remark on the daily text published by the Watchtower Society for Thursday, August 12, 2010, which was based upon the following scripture: “Do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God.” —1 John 4:1. The Watchtower went on to comment: “In harmony with John’s counsel, we always encourage those we meet in the preaching work to test what they have been ...
The Unfinished Mystery