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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Wednesday, July 29

2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Wednesday, July 29

Go and march to Mount Tabor . . . I will bring to you Sisera, . . . and I will give him into your hand.​—Judg. 4:6, 7.
The Israelites were ill-equipped, having neither offensive weapons nor defensive armor, whereas their enemies had 900 war chariots with iron scythes. (Judg. 4:1-3, 13; 5:6-8) Nevertheless, Jehovah gave Barak the command stated above. Barak wasted no time in following Jehovah’s instructions. (Judg. 4:14-16) During the main battle in Taanach, a sudden cloudburst turned the surroundings into a marsh. Barak chased Sisera’s army all the way to Harosheth​—a 15-mile (24 km) route. At some point along the way, Sisera abandoned his once frightening but now useless chariot and ran to Zaanannim, perhaps near Kedesh. He sought refuge in the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, and was welcomed by Jael. Exhausted from battle, he fell asleep. Sisera was now vulnerable to Jael’s decisive act of courage to put him to death. (Judg. 4:17-21) Israel’s enemy was defeated! w17.04 29-30 ¶6-8

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Digging for Spiritual Gems – Genesis 12

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The Israelites Dwelled in Egypt 430 Years



In passages like this is when the old Reference Bible is really helpful. The footnote in this verse after “in Egypt” says that the LXX adds “and Canaan”. Either that’s the original reading of the verse and it has been lost in the Hebrew text, or the translator realized what the actual meaning of that scripture was and added those words for clarity.
Those are good solutions. The English (and Spanish) text isn’t so audacious so this point is harder to see. Yet while other translations directly say here that the Israelites dwelled in Egypt 430 years, the NWT says that the Israelites dwelled (somewhere) 430 years, and that they dwelled in Egypt. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they spent those 430 years in Egypt, although that interpretation is the most natural one (and wrong). The Scandinavian word choice solves this problem better.

from Blogger http://meekspaceng.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-israelites-dwelled-in-egypt-430.html

The Israelites Dwelled in Egypt 430 Years


In passages like this is when the old Reference Bible is really helpful. The footnote in this verse after \”in Egypt\” says that the LXX adds \”and Canaan\”. Either that\’s the original reading of the verse and it has been lost in the Hebrew text, or the translator realized what the actual meaning of that scripture was and added those words for clarity.
Those are good solutions. The English (and Spanish) text isn\’t so audacious so this point is harder to see. Yet while other translations directly say here that the Israelites dwelled in Egypt 430 years, the NWT says that the Israelites dwelled (somewhere) 430 years, and that they dwelled in Egypt. That doesn\’t necessarily mean that they spent those 430 years in Egypt, although that interpretation is the most natural one (and wrong). The Scandinavian word choice solves this problem better.

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Tuesday, July 28

2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Tuesday, July 28

You must inculcate them in your sons.​—Deut. 6:7.
As foretold, people “out of all the languages of the nations” are flocking to Jehovah’s organization. (Zech. 8:23) But a language barrier can make it difficult for you to teach your children the truth. Your children are the most important Bible students you will ever have, and their “coming to know” Jehovah means their eternal life. (John 17:3) In order for your children to learn Jehovah’s teachings, you must “speak of them” on all appropriate occasions. (Deut. 6:6, 7) Your children will likely learn the local language at school and in their environment, but they learn your language primarily by frequently interacting with you in your language. Besides enabling your children to have heart-to-heart conversations with you, knowing your language gives them other advantages. Being bilingual sharpens your children’s thinking ability and enhances their social skills. w17.05 9 ¶5-6

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meetingBOX | WEEK JULY 27, 2020 Meeting Workbook Downloads



meetingBOX for midweek and weekend meetings (free downloads)



July 27-August 2, 2020, 2020

 Meeting Materials (References) 


 Apply Yourself  to  Reading  and  Teaching 

 Apply Yourself  to the Field Ministry 

 Bible Readings

 Congregation Bible Study 

 Digging for Spiritual Gems 

 Illustrations 

 Improving Our Skills in the Field Ministry 

 Jehovah’s Word Is Alive 

 Life and Ministry Workbook 

 Life and Ministry Workbook Video Links

 Links to Ministry Workbook Videos 

 Our Christian Life and Ministry 

 Living As Christians 

 Sample Conversations 

 Song and Melodies (Manuscripts) 

 Study and Ministry Project

 Transcripts 

 Treasures from God’s Word 

 Watchtower (Study Materials) 


Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook—2020

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The Passover​—Its Significance for Christians

An Israelite family standing and eating the Passover meal before leaving Egypt.


                                          meetingBOX
                                          Treasures from God\’s Word 
                                          Living As Christians 
                                          Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | EXODUS 12

The Passover​—Its Significance for Christians

In order for the Israelites to avoid being harmed by the tenth plague, it was vital for them to obey instructions. (Ex 12:28) On the night of Nisan 14, families were to assemble in their own home. They were to kill a sound one-year-old male lamb or goat. Its blood was to be sprinkled on the doorposts and on the upper part of the doorway. Then they were to roast the entire animal and eat it in a hurry. No one was to go out of the house until morning.​—Ex 12:9-11, 22.
What are some specific ways that obedience protects us today?

meetingBOX | WEEK JULY 27, 2020 Meeting Workbook Downloads

2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Monday, July 27

2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Monday, July 27

Those who [marrywill have tribulation in their flesh.​—1 Cor. 7:28.
If you have an unbelieving mate, you may experience more than the usual stress and anxiety in your marriage. Nevertheless, your mate’s present unwillingness to follow Christ is not in itself a valid reason for separation or divorce. (1 Cor. 7:12-16) Although an unbelieving husband may not take the lead in spiritual matters, he should be respected because of his position as the head of the family. Likewise, an unbelieving wife should be shown self-sacrificing love and tender affection by her Christian husband. (Eph. 5:22, 23,28, 29) What if your spouse tries to limit your worship? For example, one sister was told by her husband to share in the field ministry only on certain days of the week. If you face a similar situation, ask yourself: ‘Is my spouse demanding that I stop worshipping my God? If not, can I yield to the request?’ Being reasonable can help you to avoid needless marital conflict.​—Phil. 4:5w17.10 13 ¶7-8

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Show Your Appreciation for Unseen Treasures

STUDY ARTICLE 22

Show Your Appreciation for Unseen Treasures

“Keep [your] eyes . . . on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.”​—2 COR. 4:18.
SONG 45 The Meditation of My Heart
PREVIEW*

1. What did Jesus say about heavenly treasures?

Jesus said that heavenly treasures are superior to material treasures found on earth, for this reason he encouraged everyone to accumulate heavenly treasures, as he explained that nothing and no one can destroy or steal these valuable treasures.

Matthew 6: 19-21 prompts us to consider what treasures are most valuable to us. The accumulation of treasures in heaven will make us have a good name before God and obtain his approval, this is a good investment because Jesus explained that no one can destroy or steal these treasures.

To get rich in a material sense you need to put a lot of effort and make certain sacrifices. The same is true of spiritual riches. This is what Jesus was referring to when he said: \”Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven\” (Matthew 6:20). And it is that spiritual riches do not accumulate by themselves. The simple fact of belonging to a religion does not automatically make a person spiritually rich, in the same way that no one becomes a millionaire just by having a bank account. To develop as a spiritual person, cultivate a close relationship with God, and abound in spiritual qualities, it takes time, determination, commitment, and sacrifice (Proverbs 2: 1-6).

2. a) What does Paul encourage us to do in 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18?

He encourages us to keep an eye on the things that are not seen, this because, as Paul said, the things that are seen are temporary while those that are not seen are eternal.

Paul encourages us not to allow trouble, hardship, persecution, or any other kind of tribulation to cloud our sight of the blessings that await us. We must look beyond the circumstances of the moment and keep our eyes fixed on the Christian\’s happy outcome. This will help us renew our resolve daily to move forward in the fight.

2. b) What will we analyze in this article?

In this article we will analyze four invisible treasures that we already enjoy today, friendship with God, prayer, the help of the holy spirit and the support of Jehovah Jesus and the angels who give us in the ministry, we will also see how to show gratitude for these unseen treasures.

FRIENDSHIP WITH JEHOVAH

3. What is the most valuable invisible treasure, and what makes it possible?

The most valuable invisible treasure is friendship with Jehovah and what makes this possible was the sacrifice of Jesus, because it is thanks to this sacrifice even Jehovah was able to offer his friendship to humans who lived before the death of Jesus.

\”Intimacy with Jehovah belongs to those who fear him.\” What a privilege it is for us mere mortals to enjoy such an intimate friendship with Him. Let us never let our day-to-day occupations lead us to neglect communication with our heavenly Father. As Jehovah is our friend, he expects us to show him our trust and open our hearts by sharing our fears, desires and concerns.

The great Hindu treasure, which is for many experts the most valuable treasure found to date, was found in 2011 buried in the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, in southern India. The value of the treasure is certainly incalculable, but by some estimates it could comfortably exceed $ 22 billion. How much is friendship with Jehovah worth to us? Without a doubt, we could not put a price on it, what we can do is show day by day how much we value it.

4. Name some friends of God who lived before Jesus died.

Among the friends of God who lived before the death of Jesus are Abraham, Job and Daniel, these three characters stand out for their faith and extraordinary loyalty, in the cited texts we see how Jehovah also spoke about them, even so much is the friendship that He had with them, which he surely remembers even though they are already dead he has them in his memory, we can imagine the longing that Jehovah feels for the day to come when he resurrects his dear friends.

Abraham is an excellent example of a person with extraordinary faith. Jehovah continued to call him even 1000 years after his death his friend since to Jehovah he is alive in his memory.

Job is another good example. Although he was an imperfect man and surely with some defects, Jehovah gave him his confidence by mentioning that he was a man of integrity and upright before a meeting of angels, that is, perfect celestial beings.

Prophet Daniel served Jehovah faithfully for 80 years under unfavorable circumstances due to living in a foreign country surrounded by people who worshiped other gods. Even on one occasion when Daniel was very) old, the angels assured him 3 times that he was someone very valuable to God.

5. What steps must be taken to have “a close friendship” with Jehovah?

In Proverbs chapter 3 verse 32, we find one of these steps, it is to be an upright person, that is, we must maintain a behavior according to the will of Jehovah God, another step is to have faith in the sacrifice of Jesus, this wonderful gift that Jehovah gave us allow us to dedicate ourselves and be baptized.

Proverbs 3:32 urges us to realize that if we appreciate our relationship with Jehovah we will avoid actions that may hurt our brothers or Jehovah himself, that is why once we take the necessary steps, that is, we dedicate ourselves and are baptized we will be Christians with good behavior, patients understanding and compassionate as Jehovah\’s holy spirit will motivate us to act in a loving and benevolent way.

It is true that dedication and baptism are very important steps towards having a close friendship with Jehovah. But this is not the only thing we must do, it is also important to keep our faith strong and our conduct upright.

Also perhaps we could ask ourselves; Is my conduct and faith the same or stronger than when I dedicated myself and baptized Jehovah? Let us examine ourselves and continue to reject the crooked ways of this wicked and violent world, rather maintain a right course and strengthen our relationship with Jehovah.

ILLUSTRATION

A sister stops with her bicycle on a hill by a lake to enjoy creation, it is a way in which we can show gratitude for treasures that are not seen.

6. How can we show gratitude for friendship with God?

We do it by imitating the faith of Abraham and Job, no matter how long we have been serving Jehovah in this world ruled by satan, we can also show gratitude by imitating Daniel who put friendship with Jehovah above his own life, because we must Keep in mind that with Jehovah\’s help we can endure any trial and thus maintain our friendship with him.

In this subtopic then we have seen the great value of being able to have a friendship with Jehovah. But of course this is not something automatic, it is something that must be cultivated. The examples of faithful servants of old are excellent starting points for us, too, to have and maintain a friendship with Jehovah. So if we are already dedicated and baptized servants, let us strive to maintain our friendship with Jehovah and strengthen it even more and, if we are not, let us still work to develop it.

A valuable treasure that remains buried in the ground serves no useful purpose. It differs little from a rock hidden by a layer of earth. But when someone owns and uses that treasure, that is where the value of a treasure truly increases. The invisible treasure of friendship with Jehovah is there, it is up to each one of us to take it and use it in a productive way, if we do not use it, no matter how valuable it is, it will not bring us any benefit and the only ones harmed will be us. Let us strive to tap into this valuable treasure of friendship with Jehovah.

THE GIFT OF PRAYER

7. a) According to Proverbs 15: 8, how does Jehovah view our prayers?

According to this text, Jehovah views our prayers with pleasure, because he loves us and cares for us, without a doubt there is no greater friendship than the one we can have with Jehovah.

True friends don\’t just talk to each other when they need something. They are interested in each other, and their friendship deepens when they express their feelings. In the same way, prayer does not serve only to ask for the necessary things. It gives us an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah by expressing our sincere devotion to him.

The privilege of prayer should never be taken lightly. It should not be reserved as a last resort, to be used only when all else has failed. Instead, prayer should be part of our daily life. Private prayer, family prayer, and congregation prayer will strengthen us in these difficult times. Speaking to God through prayer brings his peace, promotes the flow of his holy spirit, and helps us trust his blessings for an eternal future of life in his righteous new order.

7. b) How do you answer them?

He answers our prayers at the right time and in the best way, this means that there will be times when we will not receive the answer immediately or maybe the answer he gives us is not what we expected.

On some occasions we will not receive the answer we want for our prayer, because instead of freeing ourselves from a test, Jehovah gives us only the necessary strength to endure it, we should not feel bad for that, rather we must remember that Jehovah will never allow them to difficulties are greater than our ability to overcome them, He will always give us a way out to endure them.

The same sister is sitting in a cafeteria saying a prayer. At the next table is a woman with her son.

8. How can we show gratitude for the gift of prayer?

We can do this by following the words recorded in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 17, praying constantly, since it is obvious that if someone gives us a gift we must use it, it is also necessary in all prayers to mention how grateful we are to Jehovah and praise him.

When praying we must not forget to give thanks and praise him. When can we do it? Perhaps when something we have read in his word, seeing his fascinating creation, or for the privilege of preaching the good news reaches our hearts. Jehovah has done fascinating things for us without our prompting, so we must continually show our appreciation. It is like when someone does something for us that helped us a lot and we thank him not once but several times, in the same way we should do that with Jehovah who has given us all the good we have.

ILLUSTRATION

The same sister is sitting in a cafeteria saying a prayer. At the next table is a woman with her son.

9. a) How does a brother named Chris see prayer?

For this brother, prayer is a way in which he can achieve tranquility, so much so that we can see how he enjoys this wonderful gift.

Brother Chris sees prayer as a wonderful gift. He loves to get up early to be able to pray quietly to Jehovah while he can see the first rays of the sun, it is born in him, to thank Jehovah for all his gifts and especially for the honor he has given him to be able to pray to him. Even at the end of his day he says a prayer for a peaceful sleep with a clear conscience.

9. b) How do you see the sentence?

I see it as a way in which I can unburden myself, in case of having any problems or difficulties, it makes me feel so special to be able to communicate with the creator of the universe and to know that he is willing to listen to me, without a doubt I enjoy telling him my joys and also my sorrows.

Personally, I try to make an effort to never see prayer as routine. I don\’t want to express words learned by heart. I want my prayer to have a true meaning. Sometimes I find myself with the dilemma that there are so many things that I have to say to God, but I know that he hears them no matter how long my prayers are, in them I can express to him how admired I am for his creation, the joys and sorrows of every day, the interest I feel for some people in the territory or even for some of my brothers who are going through problems. I also endeavor to ask that you continue to give guidance to the brothers of the governing body so that they can serve the interests of the kingdom here on earth. I always want to strive for my prayers to be spontaneous and from the heart.

THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

10. Why should we value God\’s holy spirit so highly?

Because it comes from God and how we know Jehovah wants the best for us and with the help of his spirit we can endure any trial that comes our way, we see how important God\’s holy spirit is so important that even Jesus encouraged us to ask for it insistently.

Jehovah is the best father there is if we plead with him from our hearts for his holy spirit he will never deny us. Let us ask for his Holy Spirit to be able to resist in this world dominated by Satan, let us do everything we can to continue receiving this wonderful help from God.

ILLUSTRATION

The sister preaches with her phone to the woman and the child.

11. How can the holy spirit help us?

It can help us in the responsibilities we receive in our service from God, if we ask for holy spirit we can fulfill these obligations as best as possible, because this spirit can enhance our talents and abilities.

It helps us to fulfill our responsibilities in a good way in our service to God. The holy spirit enhances or enhances our talents and abilities to achieve good results in our worship of Jehovah.

A biblical example of how the holy spirit enhances our abilities is that of Bezalel and Oliab. These were two Israelites who had been slaves for their entire lives, yet Jehovah commissioned them to build the Tabernacle. How could they build such a magnificent work? Jehovah filled them with holy spirit and enhanced their abilities. The tabernacle of the tent of meeting served its purpose for 485 years, Jehovah\’s spirit had worked through them.

16. Who should take the credit when we do well in ministry?

Like Paul, whenever we do well in the ministry, we should give credit to Jehovah.

To reap good results in preaching, we need Jehovah\’s help. Keeping this in mind helps us to be humble and have a correct attitude in ministry. Although it is true that we preach and teach with determination, the credit for growth belongs to Jehovah, none of us can understand the process of spiritual growth of the people of the territory, much less control it.

17. How can we show that we appreciate the honor of partnering with God, Christ, and the angels?

Looking for opportunities to be able to talk about the good news with as many people as possible, this is why apart from participating in public preaching and from house to house, we can also do it informally, either in the place of study or work, as well as In the means of transport that we use, for this we must realize if the person is willing to speak and thus tactfully present the message of the Kingdom.

We show our gratitude to Jehovah, Jesus, and the angels by taking every opportunity to preach to people. For example by preaching from house to house, by letter, by telephone, in public preaching and even informal preaching. Whenever we find a person willing to speak we give him the message of the Kingdom.

18, 19. a) How do we water the seeds of truth?

We water the seeds of truth, by doing our best to cultivate people\’s interest in the Kingdom message and in the event that due to some inconvenience we cannot start a Bible course, we can ask someone else to help us get in touch with this person.

Jehovah has given us many tools to cultivate people\’s interest, we have the teaching kit, the Bible, the magazines, the brochures, the jw site. It is important that we use these tools as each of us has a responsibility to keep busy with the preaching every month.

ILLUSTRATION

A sister giving Bible classes to a woman she gave informal witness to in a coffee shop and we also see angels smiling as they watch them study the Bible.

18, 19. (b) How did Jehovah help a Bible student named Raphalalani?

It helped him when the student allowed Jehovah to shape his way of thinking, it helped him to cleanse his life and thus allow him to participate in the ministry as a Jehovah\’s Witness, Jehovah also helped him through the brothers who helped him find a job that was in accordance with biblical teachings.

Raphalalani was a South African healer taking Bible classes and he loved what he learned when he read in Deuteronomy 18: 10-12 what the Bible teaches about communicating with ancestors he left witchcraft and allowed God to shape his way of thinking. Witchcraft was his source of employment so he is grateful to the Jehovah\’s Witnesses because they helped him find a new job and he is more than grateful to Jehovah for helping him clean his life, now he preaches and is a baptized witness.

20. What are we determined to do?

We are determined to value more the unseen treasures, our friendship with Jehovah, prayer, holy spirit and the support we receive from heaven in the ministry, also we will never stop thanking Jehovah for being a wonderful friend.

We are determined to value these treasures more and more, that is; being friends of Jehovah, prayer and the help of the holy spirit, as well as heavenly support in our ministry and we will never stop thanking Jehovah for being such a wonderful friend.

HOW CAN WE SHOW GRATITUDE FOR THESE TREASURES THAT ARE NOT SEEN?

The honor of praying.

We can do this by following the words recorded in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 17, praying constantly, since it is obvious that if someone gives us a gift we must use it, it is also necessary in all prayers to mention how grateful we are to Jehovah and praise him .

We show gratitude for the gift of prayer When we make constant use of it, no one forces us to pray we do it because it is a way of being close to God. So we pray many times throughout the day to give thanks and praise him.

The help of the holy spirit.

We can do it by reflecting on what the holy spirit is achieving today, one of the things they are achieving is that with the support of this spirit, more than 8 and a half million people from all corners of the planet have decided to serve. To Jehovah, another of the things the holy spirit accomplished is to help us cultivate wonderful qualities.

Jehovah\’s holy spirit helps us fulfill our responsibility to serve Jehovah, empowering our talents and abilities. Jehovah helps us through his spirit.

The support we receive from heaven in ministry.

We can do it by looking for opportunities to be able to talk about the good news with as many people as possible, that is why apart from participating in public preaching and from house to house we can also do it informally and thus in the place of study or work, As well as in the means of transportation that we use for this, we must realize if the person is willing to speak and thus tactfully present the message of the Kingdom.

Every day we are looking for new opportunities to speak the good news to as many people as possible, we do it in different ways from house to house and in public. Whenever we find someone willing to listen to us, we talk about the Kingdom of God no matter where we are.