Thursday, March 28
Christ . . . [left] you a model for you to follow his steps closely. — 1 Pet. 2:21
Jesus kept his life simple so that he could freely minister to others. (Luke 9:58) He was modest and always based his teaching on the Scriptures. (John 5:19; 17:14, 17) He was approachable and kind. Love was the motivation for everything he did. (Matt. 19:13-15; John 15:12) Jesus’ example had a positive influence on his apostles. For instance, James did not cower in the face of death but until he was executed, loyally served God. (Acts 12:1, 2) John faithfully followed in Jesus’ footsteps for more than 60 years. (Rev. 1:1, 2, 9) Elders who are self-sacrificing, humble, and loving provide the kind of example that younger men need. — 1 Pet. 5:2, 3 w11 11/15 5:7, 8
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 15) Matthew 27:62-66
29 March 2013
27 March 2013
27 March 2013 - John 21: 25
Wednesday, March 27
There are, in fact, many other things also which Jesus did, which, if ever they were written in full detail, I suppose, the world itself could not contain the scrolls written. — John 21:25
Among all the things that Jesus accomplished during his short but dynamic ministry was the locating, training, and organizing of men who would take the lead after his earthly sojourn. When he returned to heaven in 33 C.E., Jesus left behind the foundation of a remarkable congregation that would quickly number into the thousands. (Acts 2:41, 42; 4:4; 6:7) Today, there continues to be a need for men to take the lead in spiritual matters. Those who reach out for this privilege of service are to be commended, for they are “desirous of a fine work.” (1 Tim. 3:1) To serve properly in such a capacity, a man must qualify spiritually. More than abilities or accomplishments, he must have spiritual qualities. w1111/15 5:1-3
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 14) Luke 22:66-71
There are, in fact, many other things also which Jesus did, which, if ever they were written in full detail, I suppose, the world itself could not contain the scrolls written. — John 21:25
Among all the things that Jesus accomplished during his short but dynamic ministry was the locating, training, and organizing of men who would take the lead after his earthly sojourn. When he returned to heaven in 33 C.E., Jesus left behind the foundation of a remarkable congregation that would quickly number into the thousands. (Acts 2:41, 42; 4:4; 6:7) Today, there continues to be a need for men to take the lead in spiritual matters. Those who reach out for this privilege of service are to be commended, for they are “desirous of a fine work.” (1 Tim. 3:1) To serve properly in such a capacity, a man must qualify spiritually. More than abilities or accomplishments, he must have spiritual qualities. w1111/15 5:1-3
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 14) Luke 22:66-71
26 March 2013
Remember the Wife of Job
THINK ABOUT JOB'S WIFE
What a wonderful reminder for us when we tend to beat ourselves up. Sometimes we can only do a little, but keep our integrity which is paramount. Then when we get on our feet again, we can do better.
Sometimes, we can say to ourselves, just go to the meeting, maybe I can't comment tonight, I will do better. I will go in service today, maybe I can't speak, I can just accompany somebody, I will do better. Just don't give up. Here is what was said:
During a recent visit of the circuit overseer (in Louisiana ), he gave a talk centered on being tired and weary. The brother mentioned Jeremiah and how, after being put in stocks for just one day, he was complaining and cursing the man that announced his birth, and wishing that he had died in his mother's womb. Why? He was tired.
Then the CO asked, what comes to mind when you think of Job's wife. Most people think of her telling Job to curse God and die. (Job 2:9).
The CO asked why she wasn't rebuked with the three so-called comforters. It was brought out that Job's wife was tired; probably more tired than we can imagine.
Consider the following:
When the messengers told Job that he had lost all his livestock, Job's wife lost hers too.
When Job was told that he had lost all his land and material goods, Job's wife lost hers too.
When the messengers told Job that he had lost all his children, Job's wife lost hers too.
The 10 children that she carried for 9 months each, bonded with them as she breast-fed each and every one of them, watched them grow up and stand tall, only to lose them all at once, violently.
Then, to make matters worse, her husband mysteriously and suddenly developed huge boils all over his body that are open and oozing pus and stink. She watched as the man she loves, the father of her children, cracked a pottery jar to scratch himself in order to alleviate some of the pain, but to no avail. This man, who has been all that to her, is staying away because his breath is so bad that no one can stand it. And she can only sit by helpless, without any explanation for anything.
Would we want to continue to see someone suffer or would we too want him to die? Most of us would want a loved one out of their misery. So when Job's wife said curse God and die, she wasn't being disloyal to Jehovah. She wanted her husband's misery to end. It was an act of love. She was tired!
In the end, not only was she not reproved but she was blessed with everything that Job received: 10 more children, more wealth, and a healthy husband.
The CO continued: There are times when due to our health problems, either physical or mental or financial, or whatever else, we are not doing all that we feel we should. Once I myself was in such a state. A young friend asked me if I considered Job a faithful man. Of course, I said, 'oh yes!' Then she lovingly pointed out, that at one time all Job could do was sit in the dirt and scrape his sores. That was his act of worship, proving Satan a liar. He did not lose faith. So, next time you are being hard on yourself for circumstances beyond your control, remember the account of Job. We can, in spite of our circumstances, still give a reply even if we are just breathing and praying to Jehovah to get through the next minute. Whether it is physical or mental distress, or financial, we can be like Job, only able to scrape our sores and pray to get through this trial. Yet we are still doing what Jehovah has asked us to do: give a reply to the one who is taunting him!!!
Paper is not dead!
Way too funny. We have yet to reach that “totally paperless society”... Picture is worth a thousand words??????
26 March 2013 Memorial Date: After Sundown - Isaiah 50: 6
Memorial Date: After Sundown
Tuesday, March 26
My back I gave to the strikers . . . My face I did not conceal from humiliating things and spit. — Isa. 50:6
As shown above, Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be smitten. Micah foretold: “With the rod they will strike upon the cheek the judge of Israel.” (Mic. 5:1) Confirming the fulfillment of these prophecies, the Gospel writer Mark said: “Some started to spit on [Jesus] and to cover his whole face and hit him with their fists and say to him: ‘Prophesy!’ And, slapping him in the face, the court attendants took him.” Mark states that soldiers “would hit him on the head with a reed and spit upon him and, bending their knees [in mockery], they would do obeisance to him.” (Mark 14:65; 15:19) Of course, Jesus did nothing to provoke such abuse. w11 8/15 2:11
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 13) Luke 22:7-13; Mark 14:12-16 (Events after sunset: Nisan 14) Luke 22:14-65
Tuesday, March 26
My back I gave to the strikers . . . My face I did not conceal from humiliating things and spit. — Isa. 50:6
As shown above, Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be smitten. Micah foretold: “With the rod they will strike upon the cheek the judge of Israel.” (Mic. 5:1) Confirming the fulfillment of these prophecies, the Gospel writer Mark said: “Some started to spit on [Jesus] and to cover his whole face and hit him with their fists and say to him: ‘Prophesy!’ And, slapping him in the face, the court attendants took him.” Mark states that soldiers “would hit him on the head with a reed and spit upon him and, bending their knees [in mockery], they would do obeisance to him.” (Mark 14:65; 15:19) Of course, Jesus did nothing to provoke such abuse. w11 8/15 2:11
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 13) Luke 22:7-13; Mark 14:12-16 (Events after sunset: Nisan 14) Luke 22:14-65
25 March 2013
25 March 2013 - John 13: 1
Monday, March 25
Jesus . . . loved them to the end.—John 13:1.
Jesus trained his disciples by providing personal counsel tailored to their needs. For example, he rebuked James and John for wanting to call down fire from heaven on some Samaritans who had not received him. (Luke 9:52-55) When the mother of James and John approached Jesus on their behalf to ask that they be granted favored positions in the Kingdom, Jesus addressed the brothers directly, saying: “This sitting down at my right hand and at my left is not mine to give, but it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” (Matt. 20:20-23) At all times, Jesus gave counsel that was clear, practical, and solidly based on godly principles. He taught his disciples to reason on such principles. (Matt. 17:24-27) Jesus also recognized the limitations of his followers and did not expect perfection from them. His counsel was motivated by genuine love. w11 11/15 5:12
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 12) Luke 22:1-6; Mark 14:1, 2, 10, 11
Jesus . . . loved them to the end.—John 13:1.
Jesus trained his disciples by providing personal counsel tailored to their needs. For example, he rebuked James and John for wanting to call down fire from heaven on some Samaritans who had not received him. (Luke 9:52-55) When the mother of James and John approached Jesus on their behalf to ask that they be granted favored positions in the Kingdom, Jesus addressed the brothers directly, saying: “This sitting down at my right hand and at my left is not mine to give, but it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” (Matt. 20:20-23) At all times, Jesus gave counsel that was clear, practical, and solidly based on godly principles. He taught his disciples to reason on such principles. (Matt. 17:24-27) Jesus also recognized the limitations of his followers and did not expect perfection from them. His counsel was motivated by genuine love. w11 11/15 5:12
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 12) Luke 22:1-6; Mark 14:1, 2, 10, 11
24 March 2013
Memorial Invitation Video
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY GREAT!!!
Have you received your Invitation to the Memorial and Special Talk yet?
Memorial Invitation Video: Be sure to have your sound on
24 March 2013 - Matthew 10: 7
Sunday, March 24
As you go, preach. — Matt. 10:7
After zealously engaging in his ministry for about two years, Jesus expanded the preaching activity by sending out his 12 apostles to preach. First, though, he gave them instructions. (Matt. 10:5-14) When about to feed a crowd of thousands miraculously, Jesus told his disciples how he wanted them to organize the people and distribute the food. (Luke 9:12-17) Clearly, then, Jesus trained his disciples by giving them clear and specific direction. This pattern of training, coupled with the powerful influence of holy spirit, later equipped the apostles to organize the extensive preaching work that took place in 33 C.E. and thereafter. w11 11/15 5:9
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 11) Luke 20:1-47
As you go, preach. — Matt. 10:7
After zealously engaging in his ministry for about two years, Jesus expanded the preaching activity by sending out his 12 apostles to preach. First, though, he gave them instructions. (Matt. 10:5-14) When about to feed a crowd of thousands miraculously, Jesus told his disciples how he wanted them to organize the people and distribute the food. (Luke 9:12-17) Clearly, then, Jesus trained his disciples by giving them clear and specific direction. This pattern of training, coupled with the powerful influence of holy spirit, later equipped the apostles to organize the extensive preaching work that took place in 33 C.E. and thereafter. w11 11/15 5:9
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 11) Luke 20:1-47
23 March 2013
23 March 2013 - Ephesians 1: 7 (with Memorial Bible reading)
Saturday, March 23
By means of [Jesus] we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one. — Eph. 1:7
The most outstanding example of a peacemaker is Jehovah—“the God who gives peace.” (Rom. 15:33) Out of his great love, Jehovah arranged for our salvation by sending his beloved Son from heaven to be born as a perfect human. And the Son willingly complied. He allowed himself to be put to death by God’s enemies. (John 10:17, 18) How does the provision of the ransom sacrifice of God’s Son affect the damaged relationship between God and sinful mankind? “The chastisement meant for our peace was upon him,” states Isaiah 53:5, “and because of his wounds there has been a healing for us.” Instead of being viewed as God’s enemies, obedient humans can now enjoy a peaceful relationship with him. w11 8/15 3:4, 5
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 10) Luke 19:45-48; Matthew 21:18, 19; 21:12, 13
By means of [Jesus] we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one. — Eph. 1:7
The most outstanding example of a peacemaker is Jehovah—“the God who gives peace.” (Rom. 15:33) Out of his great love, Jehovah arranged for our salvation by sending his beloved Son from heaven to be born as a perfect human. And the Son willingly complied. He allowed himself to be put to death by God’s enemies. (John 10:17, 18) How does the provision of the ransom sacrifice of God’s Son affect the damaged relationship between God and sinful mankind? “The chastisement meant for our peace was upon him,” states Isaiah 53:5, “and because of his wounds there has been a healing for us.” Instead of being viewed as God’s enemies, obedient humans can now enjoy a peaceful relationship with him. w11 8/15 3:4, 5
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 10) Luke 19:45-48; Matthew 21:18, 19; 21:12, 13
22 March 2013
22 March 2013 - John 3: 16 (with Memorial Bible Reading)
Friday, March 22
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
By accepting God’s love and by exercising faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can be freed from the condemnation resulting from our inherited sin. We may, therefore, be inclined to exclaim, as did Paul: “Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom. 7:25) Though exercising faith in the ransom can free us from the law of sin and of death, we are still imperfect and sinful. More is involved in attaining good spiritual health and enjoying God’s favor and blessing. Yet, how happy we can be that Jehovah has made it possible for us to overcome the law of sin and of death! w11 11/15 2:11, 12
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 9) Luke 19:29-44
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
By accepting God’s love and by exercising faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can be freed from the condemnation resulting from our inherited sin. We may, therefore, be inclined to exclaim, as did Paul: “Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom. 7:25) Though exercising faith in the ransom can free us from the law of sin and of death, we are still imperfect and sinful. More is involved in attaining good spiritual health and enjoying God’s favor and blessing. Yet, how happy we can be that Jehovah has made it possible for us to overcome the law of sin and of death! w11 11/15 2:11, 12
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 9) Luke 19:29-44
21 March 2013 - Leviticus 10: 2
Thursday, March 21
A fire came out from before Jehovah and consumed them. — Lev. 10:2
Today, Jehovah does not immediately execute those who violate his laws. He lovingly gives them an opportunity to repent from their unrighteous works. How would Jehovah feel, though, if the parents of an unrepentant wrongdoer kept putting Him to the test by having unnecessary association with their disfellowshipped son or daughter? Many who were once disfellowshipped now freely admit that the firm stand taken by their friends and family members helped them come to their senses. One young woman who cleaned up her life said that her fleshly brother’s “faithful adherence to Scriptural guidelines” helped her to want to return. What conclusion should we draw? That we need to fight against the tendency of our imperfect hearts to rebel against Scriptural counsel. We must be absolutely convinced that God’s way of dealing with our problems is always best. w11 7/15 4:16-19
A fire came out from before Jehovah and consumed them. — Lev. 10:2
Today, Jehovah does not immediately execute those who violate his laws. He lovingly gives them an opportunity to repent from their unrighteous works. How would Jehovah feel, though, if the parents of an unrepentant wrongdoer kept putting Him to the test by having unnecessary association with their disfellowshipped son or daughter? Many who were once disfellowshipped now freely admit that the firm stand taken by their friends and family members helped them come to their senses. One young woman who cleaned up her life said that her fleshly brother’s “faithful adherence to Scriptural guidelines” helped her to want to return. What conclusion should we draw? That we need to fight against the tendency of our imperfect hearts to rebel against Scriptural counsel. We must be absolutely convinced that God’s way of dealing with our problems is always best. w11 7/15 4:16-19
20 March 2013
20 March 2013 - 1 Thessalonians 5: 12
Wednesday, March 20
Have regard for those who are working hard among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you. — 1 Thess. 5:12.
In order to preside well over the flock, the elders discuss among themselves how to address the needs of the congregation. It might be more efficient if one elder made all the decisions. Yet, following the example of the first-century governing body, modern-day bodies of elders discuss matters freely, seeking guidance from the Scriptures. Their goal is to apply Scriptural principles to the needs of the local congregation. This is most effective when each elder prepares for the elders’ meetings, considering the Scriptures and the guidelines from the faithful and discreet slave class. Of course, this takes time. When there is a difference of opinion, as occurred when the first-century governing body considered the matter of circumcision, extra time and research might be needed to reach a consensus based on the Scriptures. — Acts 15:2, 6, 7, 12-14, 28 w11 6/15 4:11, 13
Have regard for those who are working hard among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you. — 1 Thess. 5:12.
In order to preside well over the flock, the elders discuss among themselves how to address the needs of the congregation. It might be more efficient if one elder made all the decisions. Yet, following the example of the first-century governing body, modern-day bodies of elders discuss matters freely, seeking guidance from the Scriptures. Their goal is to apply Scriptural principles to the needs of the local congregation. This is most effective when each elder prepares for the elders’ meetings, considering the Scriptures and the guidelines from the faithful and discreet slave class. Of course, this takes time. When there is a difference of opinion, as occurred when the first-century governing body considered the matter of circumcision, extra time and research might be needed to reach a consensus based on the Scriptures. — Acts 15:2, 6, 7, 12-14, 28 w11 6/15 4:11, 13
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