Showing posts with label 2 Samuel. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

July 25-31 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems

Christians today do not make the literal sacrifices stipulated by the Mosaic Law; yet they do make sacrifices, in the sense that they use their time, energy, and resources to serve Jehovah. What kind of sacrifices have you made this time of pandemic? Whatever it is, it should be the manifestation of our sincere gratitude to Jehovah.

Like David and Araunah, we must give graciously.

How can we do it today? By offering our "sacrifices of praise"! Doing good to others and sharing messages of hope to people are ways of giving.

The gems that I've found in this week's reading are as follows:

2 Samuel 23:3 describes Jehovah as "the Rock of Israel". Just as a large rock is solidly placed, unmovable, so Jehovah God can be a solid Source of security for you.
2 Samuel 24:10 illustrate the function of our conscience. The Bible describes David’s reaction when he realized that he had sinned. Showing the operation of conscience, the Bible says that “David’s heart began to beat him.” But when he finally confessed his wrong to God and gained His pardon, David experienced relief and joy. His conscience was put at ease, made clean again. Like David, we must maintain a good and clean conscience before Jehovah. Hiding our sins can't help. We should take actions to straighten things out.

Please share in the comment section what have you learned. Thanks and be safe!

July 4-July 10 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems

Modesty is an important quality that we need to display. That is this week's topic. Barzillai is an example of that. He had different admirable qualities. But because of his modesty, he declines King David's offer to have a permanent place in the royal court. One reason is his advanced age. He knows his limitations. He is not ambitious.

What is the lesson for us? We must maintain balance when accepting responsibilities or privileges. If we can do it, then accept it. But we must be reasonable if adding more tasks would put other things in danger such as providing for our family.

Have you prepared some gems? These are mine:

2 Samuel 18:33 reminds us of the pain of losing someone we loved. David cried when Absalom died not as a King but as a father. Today, many have found grief so difficult to endure. The promise of resurrection can help those bereaved to survive the loneliness and emotional distress.
2 Samuel 19: 17, 26, 27 warns us about Ziba. He slandered Mephibosheth and was disloyal. He hoped of acquiring all property of Jonathan's son. He became a liar. We too must avoid greed and slandering others.

Let us be reminded always that Jehovah God loves those who are meek. Privilege is nice but what makes a good servant of Jehovah is the person within. Stay safe brothers!

June 27-July 3 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems

Pride is dangerous. We must not allow ambition to take root in our hearts. Absalom did. He rebelled because of his pride. He sought prestige and glory for himself which leads to his fall. We all have sinful tendencies to impress others. That is why we need to be sincere towards others' welfare not ours. Whatever privilege we had in the congregation, give all the praises to Jehovah.

For this week's Bible reading, these are some gems I found.

2 Samuel 15:12 warns us about having false friends like Ahithophel. He was David's counselor. He turned disloyal and lost love and exclusive devotion to Jehovah. The right kind of friend, then, should be one that encourages the Christian in being loyal to the Most High God. Only lovers of Jehovah can do this. Let us make friends with those who loyally love Jehovah.
2 Samuel 16:5-7 teaches us the importance of self-control. David was pressed to the limit. His people’s hearts had just been stolen from him. His son had turned traitor. His counselors had deserted him. He had lost his kingdom and now was being mocked and cursed! To be called a “good-for-nothing man” (“man of Belial” [Authorized Version]—a term that eventually was applied to the Devil) was the highest insult, for it meant a person of the lowest sort. But David never gave in to these. We should do the same thing when someone is provoking us to get angry.

Yes, we sometimes face different hardships in life. But may all of us be reminded that having a humble heart at all times brings blessings. May we keep that in our minds.

June 20-26 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems

Are you familiar with Amnon? He is one of David's sons who fell in love with his half-sister Tamar. Amnon becomes infatuated with Tamar and his sexual desires let him to uncontrolled behavior. Feigning illness, Amnon contrived to have Tamar sent to his quarters to cook for him, and then he forcibly violated her. This mistake of selfishness led to tragedy in his family. What have we learned? Showing self-control whether we are single or contemplating marriage, or we are married, is always the best option.

Here are some highlights of this week's Bible reading:

In 2 Samuel 13: 5-11, Amnon lustfully planned ahead of time how to satisfy his sexually excited flesh in an immoral way. May we be on guard not to be like him. Plan how to escape such immoral thoughts rather than giving ourselves into them.
2 Samuel 14:11 teaches us " Not a hair of your head will perish (or, fall)’ is a statement guaranteeing complete protection and safety. This motivates us to rely always on Jehovah God.

We have also been reminded about true beauty. Absalom turned out to be an undesirable man in spite of his enviable appearance. His outstanding physical beauty did not compensate for his arrogance and disloyalty, nor did it prevent his ruin. On the other hand, the Bible contains many examples of wise, appealing people about whom nothing is said of their physical appearance. What mattered most was their inner beauty. Let us be beautiful in Jehovah's eyes.

June 13-19 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems

Desire, is it bad? We are created by God Jehovah with desires. But what is wrong is developing improper desire. Like David, we need to control our thoughts and eyes so us not commit wrongdoings. We will suffer terribly if we misuse Jehovah's gift.

We need greater control of our thoughts in different areas of life. Whether we are at home, at work, at school, or relaxing we need to develop self-discipline. We can be assured that Jehovah will help us in this battle.

For this week's reading, these are some points to remember:

At 2 Samuel 11:1, David would never have made the most heinous mistake of his life had he kept busy. Once King David stayed at home, apparently deciding to “take it easy.” Had he been busy fighting the sons of Ammon at Rabbah, along with his general, Joab, David would never have been exposed to that temptation to which he succumbed, afterward to regret it so bitterly! Can you not look back and see how at times having much to do may have kept you from making a serious mistake? So let us keep ourselves busy with spiritual things.
2 Samuel 12:9 tells us the danger of despising the word of Jehovah. David disregarded His word and became arrogant. The question now presents itself, How do we respond to counsel when it is administered to us? Do we humbly acknowledge wrong and submit to discipline so that we can make proper advancements again? Like David, let us respond to God’s Word, even though it hurts at the time, remembering that ‘Jehovah disciplines those whom he loves.’

Yes, it is very important to guard our hearts. Let us control improper desires. May we always prove our love to Jehovah and His laws.

June 6-12 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems

What is loyal love? The expression “loyal love” occurs some 230 times in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. What is it? According to the “Glossary of Bible Terms” found in that translation, it refers to “love motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. It is often used in connection with God’s love for humans, but it is also love shown between humans. This is the focus of this week's meeting. David was a good example of displaying this quality. How about us? Do we search for someone to whom we can show loyal love? Do we act immediately to help our fellow believers? May we be prompt to do so!

For spiritual gems, here's what I've found:

Doubts can lead to disaster. That's what I've learned in 2 Samuel 10:2-4. Hanun doubted David resulting in undue conflict. We must guard ourselves against doubting the motives of our fellow Christians. Bro. Morris once said, "Feed your faith, for sure doubts will get starve."
2 Samuel 10:12 teaches us to rely on Jehovah. Joab's statement that we must be strong and courageous for Jehovah will do what is good in His eyes shows trust. Like him, we need to put our confidence in Jehovah. He will always and will always protect us from any harm.

Yes, we are convinced that Jehovah's love for us will not waver! So like our God, let us practice displaying loyal love to our brothers.

May 30-June 5 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems

One of the covenants that can be read in the Bible is the Davidic covenant. Are you familiar with it? This week's meeting will discuss it.

Jehovah makes a covenant with David that He will raise someone from his royal line who will rule forever. Yes, we all know that all of these were fulfilled in the Messiah. Psalms 89: 36,37 gives us reasons to trust that all God's covenants will be accomplished. Like the sun and the moon, Messiah's rulership will be forever and permanent.

For this week's Bible reading, I loved these lessons:

2 Samuel 7:2-17 shows that at first, Nathan's judgment concerning temple construction did not harmonize with God. Without murmuring, however, this humble prophet acquiesced to Jehovah’s purpose and cooperated with it. What a fine example to follow if God should correct us in some way!
2 Samuel 7:26-29 honor the great name of Jehovah. There is no other God who had the same qualities as Him. He proves that He will fulfill every purpose that He desires. As for us, we need to do our utmost not to bring any contempt in His holy name. We need to do our best to maintain our good reputation because we love Him.
2 Samuel 8:11 records that David made some vessels dedicated to Jehovah God. We too made our dedication when we got baptized. It is a serious matter that we need to remember always.

Let us cherish the covenant we made to our God Jehovah. May we never forget that we are His people and He is expecting us to walk with Him daily.

May 23-May 29 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems

Having good intentions are not enough! That is the lesson I've learned in this week's meeting. What important is that we fear Jehovah in a proper way. We may be serving Jehovah for years, so like Uzzah, we should have known Bible principles well. So, any task given to us must be treated according to His way. Let us show in our lives that we fear displeasing our God.

May 23-May 29 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems

For this week's Bible reading, here are the points we should remember.

2 Samuel 5:17-25 recorded two strangely won victories of Jehovah served as excellent historic references for Jehovah God in describing his purposes for the future, even for our own day. Today also we face the opposition of different kinds, but like David, we trust Jehovah that He will and will always protect us!
2 Samuel 6:2, 3 encourages us to follow carefully Jehovah's principles. Unlike David, things went wrong for him when he decided to move the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. Using a wagon to transport the Ark violated all the instructions that Jehovah had given regarding it. It was clearly stated that the only authorized bearers, the Kohathite Levites, should carry the Ark on their shoulders, using poles placed through the rings specially built into Ark. But he ignored these instructions resulting in the displeasing Jehovah and the death of some.

Let us do our utmost to please Jehovah!

May 16-May 22 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems

We will be discussing this week the second book of Samuel. How was your Bible reading? The video at the start of every chapter helps us to have a summary of what it contains. Do not forget to watch it, brothers and sisters. Have you seen a "bow"? Jonathan gave it to David along with the belt, his garments, and sword. So what do we learn from "the bow"? Two things: respect for authority in the congregation and loyalty to our Christian friends. Jehovah God wants us to be respectful in all aspects of our life.

As I read these three chapters, here are the gems that I like the most.

Christian sisters will learn from 2 Samuel 1:24 about dressing moderately and modestly. Just as she should not attract undue attention by wearing gaudy or flashy jewelry, so she should be careful that her use of cosmetics is not unduly obvious. Just like the ancient servants of Jehovah.
2 Samuel 3:3 emphasizes the importance of marrying only in the Lord. Like what we have known, David had six wives and one of those was Michal, King Saul's daughter. Before marriage alliances were sometimes arranged but now we are free to choose to whom we will get married. Let us heed Jehovah's law about this to avoid the lasting bad consequences of disobedience.

Knowledge is nothing when we do not apply it in our lives. Be obedient and be blessed!

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Tuesday, July 26, 2022

July 25-31 Our Christian Life And Ministry (Midweek) Meeting Answers: Spiritual Gems