Saturday, August 1 The defect is their own.—Deut. 32:5. Today, we see mankind’s home marred by pollution, violence, and immorality. As Bible students, we know that God cannot possibly be the cause of all these problems. He created this planet to be a delightful paradise. (Gen. 2:8, 15) God is a God of love. (1 John 4:8) Our study of the Scriptures has helped us to identify the real cause of many of the world’s difficulties. It is none other than Satan the Devil, “the ruler of the world.” (John 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4) However, we cannot blame Satan for all our woes. Why not? Because some of our problems are the result of our own mistakes. (Deut. 32:4-6) Even though we might admit that fact, our imperfect nature can distort our thinking and cause us to go down a path that eventually leads to disaster. (Prov. 14:12) In what way? Instead of blaming ourselves or Satan for a problem, we could start to blame God. We might even become “enraged against God himself.”—Prov. 19:3.
Sunday, August 2 The weeds appeared also.—Matt. 13:26. At the dawn of the second century C.E., “the weeds appeared” when imitation Christians became visible in the world field. By the fourth century, weedlike Christians had greatly outnumbered anointed Christians. Jesus said: “Let both grow together until the harvest.” (Matt. 13:30) This command reveals that from the first century until today, there have always been some anointed wheatlike Christians on earth. That conclusion is confirmed by what Jesus later told his disciples: “I am with you ALL the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 28:20) So anointed Christians would be protected by Jesus all the days leading up to the time of the end. However, since they were overgrown by weedlike Christians, we do not know for certain who belonged to the wheat class during that long period of time. However, some decades before the start of the harvest season, the wheat class became discernible.
Monday, August 3 There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.—Acts 20:35. With that simple statement, Jesus captured the essence of true generosity. A generous person gives freely of his time, energy, and resources to benefit others—and he does so gladly. Really, generosity is measured, not by the size of the gift, but by the motive of the giver. (2 Cor. 9:7) No one is more generous than our “happy God." (1 Tim. 1:11) How does God demonstrate generosity? He provides for the needs of all humans, including those not yet worshipping him. Indeed, "God is good to all.” (Ps. 145:9) He “makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous.” (Matt. 5:45) That is why the apostle Paul, when speaking to unbelievers, could say that God “did good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts to the full with food and good cheer.” (Acts 14:17) Clearly, God is generous toward all humans.—Luke 6:35.
Tuesday August 4 Jer 17:9-The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? Suppose that early one morning while still in bed, you felt an acute pain in the middle of your chest and had shortness of breath. You might wonder, ‘Could it be a heart attack?’ Just denying the problem would not help. Immediate action would be in order. So you might call for an ambulance in order to get expert medical care. A physician might carefully examine you, perhaps employing an electrocardiogram. Prompt diagnosis and treatment could mean the difference between life and death. How about our figurative heart? It may not be easy to know its real condition. Why? We read in the Bible: “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9) So our heart can deceive us, leading us to believe that no real spiritual problem exists, while others may see warning signs and be concerned. Why might we be deceived? Well, our sinful inclinations may work against us, as Satan and this system of things mask our real situation. As for examining our heart, we can learn from Jeremiah and the people of Judah in his day. The majority of the Judeans had shown that their hearts were spiritually defective. They left the only*true God for Canaanite gods, feeling no qualms of conscience. God challenged those worshippers: “Where are your gods that you have made for yourself? Let them rise up if they can save you in the time of your calamity. For as the number of your cities your gods have become.” (Jer. 2:28) In our case, we certainly do not think of ourselves as worshippers of idol gods. However, under the heading “god,” one dictionary says: “A person or thing of supreme value.” Many people in the world place first in life their career, health, family, and even pets. Others consider sports, celebrities, technology, travel, or their traditions to be of supreme value. Many pursue such things at the cost of their relationship with the Creator.
Wednesday, August 5 They had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of [Jesus’]name.—Acts 5:41. You too can view persecution as an opportunity to imitate Peter and the apostles and follow in Jesus’ footsteps by displaying the spirit of self-sacrifice. (1 Pet. 2:20, 21) This outlook could even help if you feel someone has wronged you. Follow Peter’s example rather than take personal offense. (Eccl. 7:9) You can also benefit from Peter’s example when it comes to spiritual goals. You can pursue such in a way that reflects a spirit of self-sacrifice. Yet, be careful that this pursuit does not become a quest for prominence. So ask yourself, ‘Could my desire to improve or increase my service to God be tainted by a wish for more personal recognition or authority?’ If you detect a measure of selfishness in your heart, ask God to help you to correct your thinking and feelings; then work harder to concentrate on his glory instead of your own.—Ps. 86:11.
Thursday August 6 Ro 11:33-O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are! In recent times, a number of books setting out the views of the so-called new atheists have come into circulation. These publications have caught the attention of many and have brought about no little discussion and debate. Regarding this, neuroscientist David Eagleman wrote: “Some readers walk away...with the impression that scientists think they have the big picture solved.” Then he added: “But good science is always open-minded, and the history of science is one of surprises.” Down through the ages, talented scientists have indeed made surprising breakthroughs in their search for answers to puzzling questions about nature. Some, however, have also made serious errors in the process. Isaac Newton was one of the greatest scientists of all time. He showed how the force of gravitation binds the planets, stars, and galaxies into one universe. He invented calculus, a branch of mathematics used in computer design, space travel, and nuclear physics. However, Newton also pursued alchemy, a pseudoscience that used astrology and magical formulas in attempts to turn lead and other metals into gold. Over 1,500 years before Newton, the Greek astronomer Ptolemy explored the heavens with his eyes alone. He tracked the planets across the night sky and was skilled as a mapmaker. But he believed that the earth was the center of everything. Astrophysicist Carl Sagan wrote of Ptolemy: “His Earth-centered universe held sway for 1,500 years, a reminder that intellectual capacity is no guarantee against being dead wrong.” Today scientists face similar challenges in their pursuits. Will they ever find a complete explanation of the universe? While it is proper to acknowledge the progress science has made and the benefits it has brought us, it is also essential to bear in mind its limitations. Physicist Paul Davies observed: “The search for a closed logical scheme that provides a complete and self-consistent explanation for everything is doomed to failure.” Those words state an undeniable truth: Humans cannot completely understand the natural world. So when assertions are made about the potential of science to provide an explanation of everything that exists, it is only reasonable to take such assertions with reservations. The Bible speaks of the wonders of nature in these words: “Look! These are just the fringes of [God’s] ways; only a faint whisper has been heard of him!” (Job 26:14) There remains a vast store of knowledge that is beyond human perception and understanding. Admittedly, the words of the apostle Paul, written nearly 2,000 years ago, still hold true: “O*the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are!”—Romans 11:33. Clearly the bible fills our needs in ways science cannot.
Friday, August 7 Your right hand will accomplish awe-inspiring things.—Ps. 45:4. As he rides forth, the King Jesus Christ has a sword strapped on his side. (Ps. 45:3) But the time comes for him to take the sword and wield it with his right hand. When Jesus rides forth to execute God's judgments at Armageddon, he will accomplish “awe-inspiring things” against his enemies. Just what means he will use to destroy Satan’s system, we do not know. But that action will strike terror in the heart of the inhabitants of the earth who have not heeded the divine warning to submit to the King’s rule. (Ps. 2:11, 12) In his prophecy regarding the time of the end, Jesus said that people would become “faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” He added: “And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”—Luke 21:26, 27.
Saturday, August 8 Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.—Ps. 110:1. On the evening before his death, Jesus concluded ‘a covenant for a kingdom’ with his followers. He thereby gave some of his faithful disciples the prospect of joining him as kings in God’s Kingdom. (Luke 22:28-30) When would Jesus begin to rule as King of God’s Kingdom? He could not do so immediately. The very next afternoon, Jesus was executed and his followers scattered. (John 16:32) However, as in times past, God remained in control. On the third day, he resurrected his Son, and on the day of Pentecost 33*C.E., Jesus established a spiritual kingdom over the Christian congregation of his anointed brothers. (Col. 1:13) Still, Jesus would have to wait to take up full kingly power over the earth as the promised “offspring.”—2 Sam. 7:12,.13.
Sunday, August 9 It is already the hour for you to awake from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than at the time when we became believers.—Rom. 13:11. God’s promised new world is near, and our salvation is nearer than we may think. We must not fall asleep spiritually, and we should never allow the world’s distractions to crowd out our time to be alone with God in prayer. Instead, let us “be vigilant with a view to prayers.” (1 Pet. 4:7) Doing so will help us to engage in “holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion” as we await the day of God. (2 Pet. 3:11, 12) Our way of life will thus reveal that we are staying awake spiritually and that we really believe that the end of this wicked system of things is imminent. May we therefore “pray incessantly.” (1 Thess. 5:17) Let us also imitate Jesus by seeking solitude for private prayer. If we linger in our personal prayers to God, we will draw ever closer to him. (Jas. 4:7, 8) And what a blessing that will prove to be!
Monday, August 10 We request of you not to be quickly shaken from your reason.—2 Thess. 2:1, 2. When we reflect on the way God has blessed his people over the years with increased understanding of Bible prophecy, we can appreciate what a wonderful reward lies ahead. The anointed have the prospect of joining Christ in heaven. What an incentive for them to maintain their power of reason! We can certainly apply to them Paul’s words written to the Thessalonians: “We are obligated to thank God always for you, brothers loved by God, because God selected you...by sanctifying you with spirit and by your faith in the truth.” (2 Thess. 2:13) And those who look forward to everlasting life on earth should likewise strive to avoid being quickly shaken from their reason. They can take to heart the loving encouragement that Paul wrote to fellow anointed ones in Thessalonica, as recorded at 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5. Each of us should deeply appreciate those sentiments.
Slave for God.—Rom. 12:11. Christian slavery differs greatly from what many people think about the subject of slavery. In their minds, being a slave conjures up thoughts of being cruelly dominated, oppressed, and unjustly treated. But God’s inspired Word speaks of slavery that involves willing service to a loving Master. In fact, when the apostle Paul admonished first-century Christians to “slave for God,” he was encouraging sacred service prompted by love of God. When a person presents themselves for Christian baptism, they have already decided to serve God, to be his slave. their dedication sprang from the desire to obey God and to do his will. Nobody forced them to do this. Indeed, even young ones who get baptized should do so only after they make their own personal dedication to God, not simply to please their parents. The basis for Christian dedication is love of our heavenly Master.—1 John 5:3.
Wednesday, August 12 God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.—Jas. 4:6. Good communication within marriage is like a stream that flows gently and peacefully through a garden. Being “humble in mind” plays a key role in keeping that stream flowing. (1 Pet. 3:8) “Humility is the quickest route to resolve a difference because it moves you to say, ‘I’m sorry,’” noted a man who has been married for 11 years. Pride, however, is anything but conciliatory. It stifles communication because it takes away both the desire and the courage to apologize. Instead of humbly saying, “I’m sorry; please forgive me,” the proud person makes excuses. Rather than courageously acknowledging a weakness, he points to faults in the other person. When hurt, instead of pursuing peace, he takes offense, perhaps retaliating with harsh words or icy silence. (Eccl. 7:9) Yes, pride can be lethal to a marriage.
Thursday August 13 I thought this was particularly interesting considering the upcoming political battles Mt 6:9, 10 “You must pray, then, this way: “‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth." “At the end of the day, public officials are still citizens and we are all a product of society.” So stated the chief auditor of Nicaragua when explaining why he felt that government corruption was impossible to eliminate. Would you not agree that if human society is corrupt, then any government that is a part of it will inevitably be corrupt? If that is the case, then a government free of corruption must come from outside human society. The Bible describes just such a government—God’s Kingdom, the government for which Jesus taught his followers to pray.—Matthew 6:9, 10. God’s Kingdom is a real government that rules from heaven. It will replace all human governments. (Psalm 2:8, 9; Revelation 16:14; 19:19-21) Among the blessings that the Kingdom will bring to mankind is the elimination of government corruption. Consider six features of the Kingdom that guarantee this. 1. POWER THE PROBLEM: Human governments are funded by their citizens, most often through taxes and duties. This flow of money tempts some officials to steal, while others accept bribes from individuals who want them to reduce their taxes or other payments due the government. A vicious circle may result—the government raises taxes to make up for such losses, and this in turn fosters more corruption. In an environment like that, people who are honest may suffer the most. THE SOLUTION: God’s Kingdom receives its power from the almighty God. (Revelation 11:15) It does not need to collect taxes to pay for its operation. Instead, God’s “awe-inspiring power” and his unselfish generosity ensure that the Kingdom will abundantly provide for the needs of all its subjects.—Isaiah 40:26; Psalm 145:16. 2. RULER THE PROBLEM: The effort to eliminate corruption must start at the top. Governments lose credibility when they try to eradicate corruption among police or customs officers while tolerating it among high officials. And even the most ethical human ruler is subject to inherent imperfection. As the Bible says, “there is no righteous man on earth who always does good.”—Ecclesiastes 7:20. THE SOLUTION: Unlike imperfect humans, Jesus Christ, whom God has selected to be Ruler of the Kingdom, cannot be tempted into doing what is wrong. Jesus showed this by rejecting the most massive bribe ever offered—“all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” Jesus was promised this in exchange for one act of false worship to the ruler of the world, the Devil. (Matthew 4:8-10; John 14:30) Even when Jesus was being tortured to death, he was so determined to maintain his integrity that he refused a drug that would have dulled the pain but might also have left him without full command of his senses. (Matthew 27:34) Now raised back to heavenly life by God, Jesus has proved that he is fully qualified to rule over the Kingdom.—Philippians 2:8-11. 3. STABILITY THE PROBLEM: Many countries hold elections regularly, which in theory allows people to vote corrupt officials out of office. The reality, though, is that campaigns and elections are prone to corruption, even in so-called developed countries. By means of campaign contributions and other actions, the rich can unduly influence current and future officeholders. Justice John Paul Stevens of the U.S. Supreme Court wrote that such influence threatens “not only the legitimacy and quality of Government but also the public’s faith therein.” It is little wonder, then, that many people worldwide have the perception that political parties are the most corrupt of all institutions. THE SOLUTION: God’s Kingdom removes the possibility of campaign or electoral fraud by being a stable, permanent rulership. (Daniel 7:13, 14) Since its Ruler is chosen by God, the Kingdom is neither validated by elections nor subject to overthrow. Its stability helps to ensure that the actions it takes are always in the best long-term interests of its people. 4. LAWS THE PROBLEM: At first, you might think that enacting new laws could improve matters. However, experts have found that in many cases, increasing the number of laws just provides more opportunities for corruption. Additionally, legislation specifically intended to reduce corruption often costs much to implement yet accomplishes little. THE SOLUTION: The laws of the Kingdom of God are vastly superior to those of human governments. For example, rather than itemizing an extensive list of dos and don’ts, Jesus gave what is often called the Golden Rule. He stated: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them.” (Matthew 7:12) Perhaps more significantly, the laws of the Kingdom focus on both motives and actions. “You must love your neighbor as yourself,” said Jesus. (Matthew 22:39) Of course, God, who can read the heart, could actually enforce such commands.—1 Samuel 16:7. 5. MOTIVES THE PROBLEM: The driving forces behind corruption are greed and self-interest. Government officials and citizens often display those negative qualities. In a department-store collapse in Seoul Korea, government officials accepted bribes from contractors who knew that paying a bribe would be less costly than using proper building materials and construction practices. To eliminate corruption, then, people must be taught how to overcome entrenched motives such as greed and selfishness. However, human governments lack both the will and the ability to implement this type of educational program. THE SOLUTION: God’s Kingdom deals with corruption at its roots by teaching people how to overcome the wrong motives that cause it. This education helps them “to be made new in [their] dominant mental attitude.” (Ephesians 4:23) They learn to replace greed and selfishness with contentment and interest in others.—Philippians 2:4;1 Timothy 6:6. 6. SUBJECTS THE PROBLEM: Even in the best environment and with the finest education in morals, some people will choose to be dishonest and corrupt. Experts admit that this is why human governments cannot eliminate corruption. The most that can be hoped for is that the scope and destructive effects of corruption can be limited. THE SOLUTION: The United Nations Convention Against Corruption states that to fight corruption, governments should promote “integrity, honesty and responsibility.” While this is a noble goal, God’s Kingdom does more than just promote these qualities—it requires them of its subjects. The Bible says that “greedy people” and “liars” will not qualify to inherit the Kingdom.— 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Revelation 21:8. People can learn to adhere to these high moral standards, as the early Christians proved. For example, when a disciple named Simon tried to buy a spiritual favor from the apostles, they refused the bribe and told him: “Repent of this badness of yours.” Once Simon saw the danger of his wrong desire, he asked the apostles to pray in his behalf so that he could overcome it.—Acts 8:18-24.
Friday, August 14 Do not cast me off in my old age; do not abandon me when my strength fails.—Ps. 71:9. David likely made this request. He served God from his youth to his advanced years, and God used him in mighty ways. (1 Sam. 17:33-37, 50;1 Ki. 2:1-3, 10) Even so, David felt the need to ask God to continue to show him favor. (Ps. 71:17, 18) Many today are like David. Despite advancing years and “days of distress,” they continue to praise God to the best of their ability. (Eccl. 12:1-7) Many of them may not be able to do all that they once did in various aspects of life. But they too can implore God to continue to take care of them. Such faithful older ones can be sure that God will answer their prayers. The Scriptures make it plain that God highly values faithful older ones and that he expects his servants to honor such ones.—Ps. 22:24-26; Prov. 16:31; 20:29.
Sorry I was really busy this weekend and got behind..... Saturday, August 15 With you is the source of life.—Ps. 36:9. Life is a wonderful gift from God. By using our lives to do the divine will, we experience abundant blessings now and have the prospect of eternal life in the new world. (Prov. 10:22; 2 Pet. 3:13) But how is this possible in view of the tragic consequences of Adam’s disobedience? God is indeed the Grand Provider in ways without number. For instance, his undeserved kindness comes to our rescue. Yes, all of us are sinful and have inherited imperfection. (Rom. 3:23) Nevertheless, because of Jehovah’s love, he took the initiative to open the way for us to have a close relationship with him. “By this the love of God was revealed in our case,” wrote the apostle John, “that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might gain life through him. The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.”—1 John 4:9, 10.
Sunday, August 16 A man of understanding acquires skillful direction.—Prov. 1:5. Those who really know you well can give you advice with discernment. For example, suppose you want to drop out of high school mainly because you do not like the hard work that school requires. A person who loves you may discern your motives and help you to realize that school can help you to learn not to give up easily, a vital quality if you want to serve God fully. (Ps. 141:5; Prov. 6:6-10) Everyone who serves God will face spiritual dangers—influences that may draw him away from his creator. (1 Cor. 15:33; Col. 2:8) But some types of employment may present more spiritual dangers than others. Have some in your area experienced “shipwreck of their faith” after choosing a particular type of employment? (1 Tim. 1:19) It would certainly be wise to avoid making decisions that endanger your relationship with God.—Prov. 22:3.
Monday, August 17 [Hezekiah] allures you, saying, "God himself will deliver us.”—2 Ki. 18:32. Wisely, the people of Jerusalem did not try to respond to that slanderous propaganda, a course often followed by God's servants in our day. (2 Ki. 18:35, 36) Hezekiah was understandably upset, but instead of turning to a foreign power for help, he sent for Isaiah the prophet. Isaiah told Hezekiah: “He [Sennacherib] will not come into this city nor will he shoot an arrow there.” (2 Ki. 19:32) All that was required of the inhabitants of Jerusalem was that they stand their ground. God would fight for Judah. And fight he did! “It came about on that night that an angel proceeded to go out and strike down a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians.” (2 Ki. 19:35) Judah’s salvation came, not by Hezekiah’s stopping up the fountains of waters of the city nor by his building up its walls, but by divine intervention.
Tuesday, August 18 Be transformed by making your mind over.—Rom. 12:2. The transformation involves what we are inside, so to bring it about, we need something that can penetrate the surface, reaching deep inside us. What can help us in that way? When we learn what God requires of us in harmony with his purpose as stated in the Bible, our response to what we read reveals what is in our heart and what adjustments we need to make in order to act in accord with the “perfect will of God.” (Heb. 4:12) If we allow God to mold us, the transformation that results is internal, or spiritual—precisely what we need in order to combat worldly influences. (Isa. 64:8). By doing so, we are submitting ourselves to God's molding.—Ps. 1:2; Acts 17:11; Heb. 10:24, 25.
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.’ (Heb. 10:25) 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 to go out, encouraging others can be likened to putting fuel on the fire to keep it burning or to increase its intensity. Encouraging others calls for strengthening and comforting the downhearted. When given an opportunity to encourage such a person, we must speak in a warm and gentle manner. Moreover, let us “be swift about hearing” and “slow about speaking.” (Jas. 1:19) If we listen empathetically, we may be able to identify situations that discourage a fellow Christian and say something to help him deal with those circumstances.
Hey brotha, keep up the good work with this thread!! I enjoy what you have going here. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
