Sunday, March 31
There we saw the Nephilim. — Num. 13:33
Joshua and Caleb were part of a group of 12 men who went into the Promised Land to spy it out. Upon their return, ten of those men gave a very negative and discouraging report. They even claimed that some of the land’s inhabitants were giants descended from the Nephilim, the offspring of rebel angels and women. (Gen. 6:4) Now, that claim was absurd. Those wicked hybrids had been wiped out in the Deluge many centuries earlier. But even the most baseless ideas can exert power over those weak in faith. The negative reports from those ten spies quickly spread fear and panic among the people. Before long, most were sure that it would be a mistake to enter the Promised Land as Jehovah had directed. In that volatile situation, what did Joshua and Caleb do? (Num. 13:25-32) Although the crowd hated to hear it, those two men told the truth and stuck to it—even when threatened with death by stoning! — Num. 14:10 w11 7/15 1:4, 5
31 March 2013
30 March 2013
30 March 2013 - 1 Timothy 5: 21
Saturday, March 30
Keep these things without prejudgment, doing nothing according to a biased leaning. — 1 Tim. 5:21
Three Biblical examples underscore the danger of acting hastily after hearing only one side of a controversy. Potiphar believed his wife’s story that Joseph had tried to rape her. With unjustified anger, Potiphar had Joseph thrown into prison. (Gen. 39:19, 20) King David believed Ziba, who said that his master, Mephibosheth, had sided with David’s enemies. “Look! Yours is everything that belongs to Mephibosheth” was David’s hasty response. (2 Sam. 16:4; 19:25-27) King Artaxerxes was told that the Jews were rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and were about to rebel against the Persian Empire. The king believed the false report and ordered that all rebuilding in Jerusalem cease. As a result, the Jews stopped work on God’s temple. (Ezra 4:11-13, 23, 24) Christian elders wisely follow Paul’s counsel to Timothy to avoid making premature judgments. w118/15 4:12
Keep these things without prejudgment, doing nothing according to a biased leaning. — 1 Tim. 5:21
Three Biblical examples underscore the danger of acting hastily after hearing only one side of a controversy. Potiphar believed his wife’s story that Joseph had tried to rape her. With unjustified anger, Potiphar had Joseph thrown into prison. (Gen. 39:19, 20) King David believed Ziba, who said that his master, Mephibosheth, had sided with David’s enemies. “Look! Yours is everything that belongs to Mephibosheth” was David’s hasty response. (2 Sam. 16:4; 19:25-27) King Artaxerxes was told that the Jews were rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and were about to rebel against the Persian Empire. The king believed the false report and ordered that all rebuilding in Jerusalem cease. As a result, the Jews stopped work on God’s temple. (Ezra 4:11-13, 23, 24) Christian elders wisely follow Paul’s counsel to Timothy to avoid making premature judgments. w118/15 4:12
29 March 2013
29 March 2013 - John 20: 9
Friday, March 29
They did not yet discern the scripture that he must rise from the dead. — John 20:9
The concept of humans becoming spirit creatures and ruling in a heavenly Kingdom was foreign to Jesus’ disciples prior to Pentecost. (Acts 1:6) Once they were baptized with holy spirit and given the heavenly hope, they could grasp the meaning of what Jesus meant. Insight previously unattainable to Jesus’ disciples became available after the outpouring of holy spirit. By inspiration, the writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures set out—for our benefit—amazing facets of Jehovah’s purpose. (Eph. 3:8-11, 18) Today, both spirit-anointed ones and those of the “other sheep” feed together spiritually, assimilating these same truths. (John 10:16) Do you cherish the knowledge and understanding of God’s Word that holy spirit thus makes available to you? w11 12/15 4:7, 8
They did not yet discern the scripture that he must rise from the dead. — John 20:9
The concept of humans becoming spirit creatures and ruling in a heavenly Kingdom was foreign to Jesus’ disciples prior to Pentecost. (Acts 1:6) Once they were baptized with holy spirit and given the heavenly hope, they could grasp the meaning of what Jesus meant. Insight previously unattainable to Jesus’ disciples became available after the outpouring of holy spirit. By inspiration, the writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures set out—for our benefit—amazing facets of Jehovah’s purpose. (Eph. 3:8-11, 18) Today, both spirit-anointed ones and those of the “other sheep” feed together spiritually, assimilating these same truths. (John 10:16) Do you cherish the knowledge and understanding of God’s Word that holy spirit thus makes available to you? w11 12/15 4:7, 8
28 March 2013 - 1 Peter 2: 21
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
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
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
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