Saturday, January 23
I will certainly set my face against the one who is eating the blood, and I will cut him off from among his people.
Jehovah commanded the Israelites not to eat “any sort of blood.” Abstaining from blood
Friday, January 22
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 blood; the new covenant was validated by the shed blood of Jesus. And the nation of Israel was organized through the Law covenant under Moses; those in the new covenant are organized under Jesus
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 blood; the new covenant was validated by the shed blood of Jesus. And the nation of Israel was organized through the Law covenant under Moses; those in the new covenant are organized under Jesus
Wednesday, January 20
I do all things for the sake of the good news, in order to share it with others.
Paul had an earnest desire to relate to “as many people as possible” in his ministry. (1 Cor. 9:19-22) Notice that it was Paul’s hope “to gain Jews . . . , to gain those under law . . . , to gain those without law . . . , to gain the weak.” Yes, he wanted to reach “people of all sorts, so that [he] might by all possible means save some.” (Acts 20:21) How can we imitate Paul’s attitude as we prepare to share the truth with “all sorts of people” in our territory? (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Suggested presentations appear in Our Kingdom Ministry each month. Try them. But if other topics are weighing on the minds of people in your territory, formulate interest-arousing presentations to meet those needs. Think about the environment in which you live, about the other people who live there, and about what concerns them the most. Then, think of a scripture that addresses their needs. w14 8/15 2:14, 15
Tuesday, January 19
When it comes to protecting our friendship with Jehovah, we must act swiftly and decisively. This is the spirit behind Paul’s words above. At the time, Timothy was already a grown man, possibly in his 30’s. Still, foolish “youthful desires” are not always restricted by age. When confronted with such desires, Timothy was to “flee” from them. In other words, Timothy was to “renounce unrighteousness.” (2 Tim. 2:19) Jesus conveyed a similar message when he said: “If your eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you.” (Matt. 18:9) Today, Christians who take this counsel to heart deal decisively with spiritual threats, without hesitation or procrastination. Some who had problems with alcohol before becoming Witnesses have made the personal choice to abstain from alcoholic beverages altogether. Others avoid certain types of entertainment that are not in themselves wrong but that can fuel personal moral weaknesses.
When it comes to protecting our friendship with Jehovah, we must act swiftly and decisively. This is the spirit behind Paul’s words above. At the time, Timothy was already a grown man, possibly in his 30’s. Still, foolish “youthful desires” are not always restricted by age. When confronted with such desires, Timothy was to “flee” from them. In other words, Timothy was to “renounce unrighteousness.” (2 Tim. 2:19) Jesus conveyed a similar message when he said: “If your eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you.” (Matt. 18:9) Today, Christians who take this counsel to heart deal decisively with spiritual threats, without hesitation or procrastination. Some who had problems with alcohol before becoming Witnesses have made the personal choice to abstain from alcoholic beverages altogether. Others avoid certain types of entertainment that are not in themselves wrong but that can fuel personal moral weaknesses.
Monday, January 18
Putting into practice what Paul wrote concerning love can prevent many problems, can result in happiness, and can bring us God’s blessing. (1 Cor. 13:4-8) 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 possessions or privileges in the congregation. Moreover, if we have love, we will not brag or get puffed up with pride. After all, “haughty eyes and an arrogant heart
Putting into practice what Paul wrote concerning love can prevent many problems, can result in happiness, and can bring us God’s blessing. (1 Cor. 13:4-8) 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 possessions or privileges in the congregation. Moreover, if we have love, we will not brag or get puffed up with pride. After all, “haughty eyes and an arrogant heart
Sunday, January 17
As Christians, most of us lead busy lives. We set priorities and plan our schedule carefully. (Eph. 5:16; Phil. 1:10) If something interrupts our schedule, we may feel frustrated. We therefore appreciate it when others respect our time, showing reasonableness when they approach us and in the amount of our time that they take. Bearing in mind the Golden Rule, how can we show that we respect those to whom we preach? (Matt. 7:12) We should try to determine the best time to approach householders. When are people usually at home? When are they likely to be receptive? In some parts of the world, our house-to-house work is most productive in the late afternoon or early evening. If that is true in your witnessing area, could you arrange to do at least some of your house-to-house preaching during those hours of the day? w14 5/15 2:11, 12
As Christians, most of us lead busy lives. We set priorities and plan our schedule carefully. (Eph. 5:16; Phil. 1:10) If something interrupts our schedule, we may feel frustrated. We therefore appreciate it when others respect our time, showing reasonableness when they approach us and in the amount of our time that they take. Bearing in mind the Golden Rule, how can we show that we respect those to whom we preach? (Matt. 7:12) We should try to determine the best time to approach householders. When are people usually at home? When are they likely to be receptive? In some parts of the world, our house-to-house work is most productive in the late afternoon or early evening. If that is true in your witnessing area, could you arrange to do at least some of your house-to-house preaching during those hours of the day? w14 5/15 2:11, 12
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.
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 alive.” (Ezek. 3:17, 18) Of course, we do not preach merely to avoid bloodguilt. We love Jehovah, and we love our neighbor. Jesus illustrated what love and mercy really mean in his parable of the neighborly Samaritan. We might ask ourselves, ‘Am I, like the Samaritan, “moved with pity” to give a witness?’ After all, we would never want to be like the priest and the Levite in the parable, excusing ourselves and going by “on the opposite side.” (Luke 10:25-37) Faith in God’s promises and love for neighbor will motivate us to have a full share in the preaching work before time runs out. w144/15 2:14
Friday, January 15
He gave five talents to one, two to another, and one to still another.
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 to his disciples’ question about “the sign of [his] presence and of the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 24:3) Thus, the parable finds its fulfillment in our time and is part of the sign that Jesus is present and ruling as King. The parable of the talents is one of four related illustrations recorded at Matthew 24:45 to 25:46. The other three
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.
Discernment is good judgment
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.
The disastrous path of immorality often starts with the eyes. (2 Pet. 2:14) 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, stage shows, or television programs. Some have visited nightclubs and strip shows or have gone to massage parlors for sensual massages. In a world that lacks restraint and that thrives on every sort of immorality, it is all too easy for a deceitful and desperate heart to spawn romantic feelings for someone other than a marriage mate. (Jer. 17:9, 10) Jesus said: “Out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality.”
Tuesday, January 12
Listen to me, all of you, and understand the meaning.—Mark 7:14.
Aperson may hear the sounds of someone speaking to him. He mayevennotethetoneofvoice. But of what use would that be to him if he did not understand the meaning of the words being spoken? (1 Cor. 14:9) In a similar way, thousands heard what Jesus was saying. He even spoke to them in a language that they could understand. However, not all of them understood the meaning of his words. For this reason, Jesus told themthe above. Why did many fail to understand the meaning of what Jesus said? Some had preconceived opinions and wrong motives. Jesus said of such ones: “You skillfully disregard the commandment of God in order to keepyour tradition.” (Mark 7:9) These people did not really try to get the meaning of his words. They did not want to change their ways and views. Their ears may have been open, but their hearts were tightly shut!—Matt. 13:13-15. w14 12/15 1:1, 2
Monday, January 11
“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.” (Ex. 1:13, 14) Pharaoh even decreed that all Hebrew male babies should be put to death at their birth. (Ex. 1:15, 16) It was at that time that Moses was born. When he was three months old, he was hidden by his mother in the reeds of the Nile, where Pharaoh’s daughter found him. She later adopted him. Providentially, during his early years, Moses was brought up by his faithful mother, Jochebed, and he became a loyal servant of Jehovah. (Ex. 2:1-10;Heb. 11:23-25) Jehovah “took notice” of the sufferings of his people and decided to deliver them from their oppressors, under the leadership of Moses. (Ex. 2:24, 25;3:9, 10) They would thus become a people “redeemed” by Jehovah.
“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.” (Ex. 1:13, 14) Pharaoh even decreed that all Hebrew male babies should be put to death at their birth. (Ex. 1:15, 16) It was at that time that Moses was born. When he was three months old, he was hidden by his mother in the reeds of the Nile, where Pharaoh’s daughter found him. She later adopted him. Providentially, during his early years, Moses was brought up by his faithful mother, Jochebed, and he became a loyal servant of Jehovah. (Ex. 2:1-10;Heb. 11:23-25) Jehovah “took notice” of the sufferings of his people and decided to deliver them from their oppressors, under the leadership of Moses. (Ex. 2:24, 25;3:9, 10) They would thus become a people “redeemed” by Jehovah.
Sunday, January 10
We often say that God’s Kingdom is the only solution to all our problems. What basis is there for us to have unshakable faith in the Kingdom? The Messianic Kingdom is an arrangement established by the Almighty himself to accomplish his purpose regarding his creation. The Kingdom is based on an unshakable foundation
We often say that God’s Kingdom is the only solution to all our problems. What basis is there for us to have unshakable faith in the Kingdom? The Messianic Kingdom is an arrangement established by the Almighty himself to accomplish his purpose regarding his creation. The Kingdom is based on an unshakable foundation
Saturday, January 9
The weapons of our warfare are not fleshly.
Is it the will of God that true Christians go to war and kill people of a different nationality? During the last 100 years, that has often been done by many who called themselves Christians. Catholic army chaplains have blessed troops and their weapons in wars against Catholics of an opposing nation. The same has been true of Protestant chaplains. World War II is a prime example of the resulting slaughter. What did Jehovah’s Witnesses do in that time of war? The historical record shows that they maintained a position of Christian neutrality. What was the basis for their stand? It was primarily the example and teachings of Jesus. He said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples
Friday, January 8
It is not good for the man to continue to be alone. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.
God’s gift of a woman was unique in that she was to be the man’s perfect helper. She would also have the special privilege of bearing children. In fact, “Adam named his wife Eve, because she was to become the mother of everyone living.” (Gen. 3:20; ftn.) What an amazing gift God gave that first human couple! They had the ability to produce other perfect humans. By this means, the earth would eventually become a paradise populated by perfect people who would have other living things in subjection. (Gen. 1:27, 28) To receive the blessings set before them, Adam and Eve would have to obey Jehovah and acknowledge his rulership. (Gen. 2:15-17) Only under those circumstances could they fulfill God’s purpose for them. Sadly, though, they were influenced by “the original serpent,” Satan, and sinned against God.
Thursday, January 7
Present yourself with all your supporters before Jehovah tomorrow, you and they and Aaron.
At first glance, all the men standing before High Priest Aaron seemed to be loyal worshippers of Jehovah. Unlike Aaron, however, the others were arrogant renegades attempting to usurp the priesthood. (Num. 16:1-11) They had deluded themselves into thinking that God would accept their worship. But such an expectation was insulting to Jehovah, who can read hearts and could see their hypocrisy. (Jer. 17:10) Appropriately, the day before, Moses had predicted: “In the morning Jehovah will make known who belongs to him.” (Num. 16:5) Sure enough, Jehovah differentiated between genuine worshippers and counterfeit ones when “a fire came out from Jehovah and consumed [Korah and] the 250 men offering the incense.” (Num. 16:35; 26:10) At the same time, Jehovah spared the life of Aaron, signaling approval of the real priest and genuine worshipper of God.
Wednesday, January 6
Jehovah’s Son, Jesus Christ, declared: “I love the Father.” (John 14:31) Jesus also said: “The Father has affection for the Son.” (John 5:20) That should not surprise us. After all, for ages during Jesus’ prehuman existence, he was God’s “master worker.” (Prov. 8:30) As Jehovah and Jesus worked together, the Son learned much about his Father’s qualities and had innumerable reasons to love him. Love involves a feeling of deep affection for someone. The psalmist David sang: “I have affection for you, O Jehovah, my strength.” (Ps. 18:1) That is how we should feel about God. But can we really love God, since we cannot see him? (John 4:24) Yes, love for Jehovah is possible, and we are commanded in the Scriptures to express that love. For example, Moses told the Israelites: “You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength.”
Jehovah’s Son, Jesus Christ, declared: “I love the Father.” (John 14:31) Jesus also said: “The Father has affection for the Son.” (John 5:20) That should not surprise us. After all, for ages during Jesus’ prehuman existence, he was God’s “master worker.” (Prov. 8:30) As Jehovah and Jesus worked together, the Son learned much about his Father’s qualities and had innumerable reasons to love him. Love involves a feeling of deep affection for someone. The psalmist David sang: “I have affection for you, O Jehovah, my strength.” (Ps. 18:1) That is how we should feel about God. But can we really love God, since we cannot see him? (John 4:24) Yes, love for Jehovah is possible, and we are commanded in the Scriptures to express that love. For example, Moses told the Israelites: “You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength.”
Tuesday, January 5
Let your words always be gracious, . . . so that you will know how you should answer each person.
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 Jesus is God, and that the holy spirit is God; yet, there are not three Gods but one God?” Surprised, the husband said, “No, I don’t believe that!” A lively conversation about the true nature of God then ensued. That experience illustrates the value of asking tactful, well-chosen questions. Also, we do not need to feel intimidated by challenging topics, such as the Trinity, hellfire, or the existence of a Creator. If we rely on Jehovah and on the training he provides, we can often give a persuasive answer, one that may reach the heart of our listeners. w14 5/15 1:1, 2.
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.”
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? He had recently sent out 70 of his disciples to preach the good news of God’s Kingdom. He was keenly interested in how they would handle their assignment. There were many powerful enemies of the good news, such as the clever and highly educated scribes and Pharisees. They influenced many to look down on Jesus as a mere carpenter and on his disciples as “uneducated and ordinary men.” (Acts 4:13; Mark 6:3) Nonetheless, the disciples returned from their mission aglow with excitement. They had preached despite opposition, even from demons! w15 3/15 1:1
Sunday, January 3
Moses knew what Egypt had to offer. He belonged to the royal household. He “was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.” (Acts 7:22) Within his grasp were the wealth, power, and privilege that a common Egyptian could only dream of! Yet, when he was 40 years of age, Moses made a decision that must have baffled the royal Egyptian family who had adopted him. He chose, not even the “normal” life of a common Egyptian, but a life among slaves! Why? Moses had faith. (Heb. 11:24-26) By faith, Moses saw far more than the physical world around him. As a spiritual man, Moses had faith in “the One who is invisible,” Jehovah, and in the fulfillment of God’s promises. (Heb. 11:27) We too need to see more than what appears to our physical eyes. We must be “the sort who have faith.”
We would be glad to have you join the chat room. Sign up once for all time, and log into your account to contribute. Your comments are most valueable. Keep in track with the chat room for various questions and answeres.
Remember to invite your jw friends, family and congregation members to jw daily activities by adding them on the Facebook group (jw daily theocratic activities).and do well to bookmark or save the page for use, enjoy daily researched comment from brothers and sisters world wide. Join in the Daily Bible Reading program. and see news from around the world streaming from jw.org
By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
Moses knew what Egypt had to offer. He belonged to the royal household. He “was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.” (Acts 7:22) Within his grasp were the wealth, power, and privilege that a common Egyptian could only dream of! Yet, when he was 40 years of age, Moses made a decision that must have baffled the royal Egyptian family who had adopted him. He chose, not even the “normal” life of a common Egyptian, but a life among slaves! Why? Moses had faith. (Heb. 11:24-26) By faith, Moses saw far more than the physical world around him. As a spiritual man, Moses had faith in “the One who is invisible,” Jehovah, and in the fulfillment of God’s promises. (Heb. 11:27) We too need to see more than what appears to our physical eyes. We must be “the sort who have faith.”
We would be glad to have you join the chat room. Sign up once for all time, and log into your account to contribute. Your comments are most valueable. Keep in track with the chat room for various questions and answeres.
Remember to invite your jw friends, family and congregation members to jw daily activities by adding them on the Facebook group (jw daily theocratic activities).and do well to bookmark or save the page for use, enjoy daily researched comment from brothers and sisters world wide. Join in the Daily Bible Reading program. and see news from around the world streaming from jw.org
We would be glad to have you join the chat room. Sign up once for all time, and log into your account to contribute. Your comments are most valueable. Keep in track with the chat room for various questions and answeres.
Remember to invite your jw friends, family and congregation members to jw daily activities by adding them on the Facebook group (jw daily theocratic activities).and do well to bookmark or save the page for use, enjoy daily researched comment from brothers and sisters world wide. Join in the Daily Bible Reading program. and see news from around the world streaming from jw.org
Welcome to jw daily theocratic activities
