MORNING DECEMBER 1
Read Comment
A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest.
Forasmuch ... as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same. — The man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts. — I and my Father are one.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. — There shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. — The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. — Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble. — Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.
ISA. 32:2. Heb. 2:14. -Zech. 13:7. -John 10:30. Psa. 91:1. -Isa. 4:6. -Psa. 121:5,6. Psa. 61:2. -Psa. 32:7. -Isa. 25:4.
Read Comment
A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest.
Forasmuch ... as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same. — The man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts. — I and my Father are one.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. — There shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. — The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. — Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble. — Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.
ISA. 32:2. Heb. 2:14. -Zech. 13:7. -John 10:30. Psa. 91:1. -Isa. 4:6. -Psa. 121:5,6. Psa. 61:2. -Psa. 32:7. -Isa. 25:4.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
EVENING DECEMBER 1
Read Comment
Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth.
The new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, ... so shall your seed and your name remain.
We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
ISA. 65:17. Isa. 66:22. II Pet. 3:13. Rev. 21:1-5.
Read Comment
Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth.
The new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, ... so shall your seed and your name remain.
We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
ISA. 65:17. Isa. 66:22. II Pet. 3:13. Rev. 21:1-5.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
MORNING DECEMBER 2
Read Comment
Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power. — It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. — Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
Thou anointest my head with oil. — The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
I JOHN 2:20. Acts 10:38. -Col. 1:19. -John 1:16. Psa. 23:5. -I John 2:27. John 14:26. Rom. 8:26.
Read Comment
Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power. — It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. — Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
Thou anointest my head with oil. — The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
I JOHN 2:20. Acts 10:38. -Col. 1:19. -John 1:16. Psa. 23:5. -I John 2:27. John 14:26. Rom. 8:26.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
EVENING DECEMBER 2
Read Comment
Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.
If the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. — The blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
When Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people. Moreover he sprinkled ... with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
HEB. 10:22. Heb. 9:13,14. -Heb. 12:24. Eph. l:7. Heb. 9:19,21,22.
Read Comment
Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.
If the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. — The blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
When Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people. Moreover he sprinkled ... with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
HEB. 10:22. Heb. 9:13,14. -Heb. 12:24. Eph. l:7. Heb. 9:19,21,22.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
MORNING DECEMBER 3
Read Comment
I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause.
Is anything too hard for the Lord? — Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. — Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. — Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.
Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord.
It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. — The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
JOB 5:8. Gen. 18:14. -Psa. 37:5. -Php. 4:6. -I Pet. 5:7. Isa. 37:14,15. Isa. 65:24. -Jas. 5:16. Psa. 116:1,2.
Read Comment
I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause.
Is anything too hard for the Lord? — Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. — Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. — Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.
Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord.
It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. — The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
JOB 5:8. Gen. 18:14. -Psa. 37:5. -Php. 4:6. -I Pet. 5:7. Isa. 37:14,15. Isa. 65:24. -Jas. 5:16. Psa. 116:1,2.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
EVENING DECEMBER 3
Read Comment
Our bodies washed with pure water.
Thou shalt ... make a laver of brass, ... and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: when they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; ... they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not. — Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you. — If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
In my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. — There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth. — Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity. — I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
HEB. 10:22. Exo. 30:18-21. -I Cor. 6:19. -I Cor. 3:17. Job 19:26,27. -Rev. 21:27. -Hab. 1:13. -Rom. 12:1.
Read Comment
Our bodies washed with pure water.
Thou shalt ... make a laver of brass, ... and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: when they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; ... they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not. — Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you. — If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
In my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. — There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth. — Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity. — I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
HEB. 10:22. Exo. 30:18-21. -I Cor. 6:19. -I Cor. 3:17. Job 19:26,27. -Rev. 21:27. -Hab. 1:13. -Rom. 12:1.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
MORNING DECEMBER 4
Read Comment
Where shall wisdom be found?
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. — Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. — The only wise God. — Be not wise in thine own eyes.
Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. — All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
JOB 28:12. Jas. 1:5,6. -Prov. 3:5,6. -I Tim. 1:17. -Prov. 3:7. Jer. 1:6-8. John 16:23,24. -Matt. 21:22.
Read Comment
Where shall wisdom be found?
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. — Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. — The only wise God. — Be not wise in thine own eyes.
Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. — All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
JOB 28:12. Jas. 1:5,6. -Prov. 3:5,6. -I Tim. 1:17. -Prov. 3:7. Jer. 1:6-8. John 16:23,24. -Matt. 21:22.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
EVENING DECEMBER 4
Read Comment
I would not live alway.
And I said, O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away, and be at rest. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
In this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. — Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.
Let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
JOB 7:16. Psa. 55:6,8. II Cor. 5:2,4. -Php. 1:23. Heb. 12:1-3. John 14:27.
Read Comment
I would not live alway.
And I said, O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away, and be at rest. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
In this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. — Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.
Let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
JOB 7:16. Psa. 55:6,8. II Cor. 5:2,4. -Php. 1:23. Heb. 12:1-3. John 14:27.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
MORNING DECEMBER 5
Read Comment
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. — We suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep the command-ments of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
PSA. 119:71. Heb. 5:8. -Rom. 8:17,18. Job 23:10,11. Deut. 8:2,5,6.
Read Comment
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. — We suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep the command-ments of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
PSA. 119:71. Heb. 5:8. -Rom. 8:17,18. Job 23:10,11. Deut. 8:2,5,6.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
EVENING DECEMBER 5
Read Comment
By strength shall no man prevail.
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone.
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy. — Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
I SAM. 2:9. I Sam. 17:45,49,50. Psa. 33:16,18. -I Chr. 29:12. II Cor. 12:9,10.
Read Comment
By strength shall no man prevail.
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone.
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy. — Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
I SAM. 2:9. I Sam. 17:45,49,50. Psa. 33:16,18. -I Chr. 29:12. II Cor. 12:9,10.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
MORNING DECEMBER 6
Read Comment
It is God which worketh in you.
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. — A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. — No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. — And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever.
Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
Php. 2:13. II Cor. 3:5. -John 3:27. -John 6:44. -Jer. 32:39. Jas. 1:16-18. Eph. 2:10. Isa. 26:12.
Read Comment
It is God which worketh in you.
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. — A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. — No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. — And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever.
Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
Php. 2:13. II Cor. 3:5. -John 3:27. -John 6:44. -Jer. 32:39. Jas. 1:16-18. Eph. 2:10. Isa. 26:12.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
EVENING DECEMBER 6
Read Comment
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
In the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early.
I know that in me, (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. — The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. — Our sufficiency is of God. — My grace is sufficient for thee.
MATT. 26:41 Isa. 26:8,9. Rom. 7:18,22,23. -Gal. 5:17. Php. 4:13. -II Cor. 3:5. -II Cor. 12:9.
Read Comment
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
In the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early.
I know that in me, (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. — The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. — Our sufficiency is of God. — My grace is sufficient for thee.
MATT. 26:41 Isa. 26:8,9. Rom. 7:18,22,23. -Gal. 5:17. Php. 4:13. -II Cor. 3:5. -II Cor. 12:9.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
MORNING DECEMBER 7
Read Comment
He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. — Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. — As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. — There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
The Lord our Righteousness.
II COR. 5:21. Isa. 53:6. -I Pet. 2:24. -Rom. 5:19. Tit. 3:4-7. -Rom. 8:1. Jer. 23:6.
Read Comment
He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. — Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. — As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. — There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
The Lord our Righteousness.
II COR. 5:21. Isa. 53:6. -I Pet. 2:24. -Rom. 5:19. Tit. 3:4-7. -Rom. 8:1. Jer. 23:6.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
EVENING DECEMBER 7
Read Comment
I will be as the dew unto Israel.
The meekness and gentleness of Christ.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he began to say unto thern, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out and wept bitterly.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
HOS. 14:5. II Cor. 10:1. Isa. 42:3. Luke 4:18,19,21,22. Luke 22:61,62. Isa. 40:11.
Read Comment
I will be as the dew unto Israel.
The meekness and gentleness of Christ.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he began to say unto thern, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out and wept bitterly.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
HOS. 14:5. II Cor. 10:1. Isa. 42:3. Luke 4:18,19,21,22. Luke 22:61,62. Isa. 40:11.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
MORNING DECEMBER 8
Read Comment
By love serve one another.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. — Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. — Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. — Be kindly affectioned one to another in brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. — Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
We ... that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
GAL. 5:13. Gal. 6:1,2. Jas. 5:19,20. -I Pet. 1:22. -Rom. 13:8. -Rom. 12:10. -I Pet. 5:5. Rom. 15:1.
Read Comment
By love serve one another.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. — Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. — Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. — Be kindly affectioned one to another in brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. — Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
We ... that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
GAL. 5:13. Gal. 6:1,2. Jas. 5:19,20. -I Pet. 1:22. -Rom. 13:8. -Rom. 12:10. -I Pet. 5:5. Rom. 15:1.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
EVENING DECEMBER 8
Read Comment
The dust shall return to the earth as it was.
It is sown in corruption; it is sown in dishonour; it is sown in weakness; it is sown a natural body. — The first man is of the earth, earthy.
Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. — One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
My flesh ... shall rest in hope. — Though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. — The Lord Jesus Christ shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. — So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
ECCL. 12:7. I Cor. 15:42-44. -I Cor. 15:47. Gen. 3:19. -Job 21:23,25,26. Psa. 16:9. -Job 19:26. -Php. 3:20,21. Psa. 39:4. -Psa. 90:12.
Read Comment
The dust shall return to the earth as it was.
It is sown in corruption; it is sown in dishonour; it is sown in weakness; it is sown a natural body. — The first man is of the earth, earthy.
Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. — One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
My flesh ... shall rest in hope. — Though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. — The Lord Jesus Christ shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. — So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
ECCL. 12:7. I Cor. 15:42-44. -I Cor. 15:47. Gen. 3:19. -Job 21:23,25,26. Psa. 16:9. -Job 19:26. -Php. 3:20,21. Psa. 39:4. -Psa. 90:12.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
MORNING DECEMBER 9
Read Comment
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? — Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. — To love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. — Mary ... sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. One thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
PROV. 21:3. Mic. 6:8. -I Sam. 15:22. -Matt. 12:33. Hos. 12:6. -Luke 10:39,42. Php. 2:13.
Read Comment
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? — Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. — To love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. — Mary ... sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. One thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
PROV. 21:3. Mic. 6:8. -I Sam. 15:22. -Matt. 12:33. Hos. 12:6. -Luke 10:39,42. Php. 2:13.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
EVENING DECEMBER 9
Read Comment
The spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. — There is a spirit in man; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. — The first man Adam was made a living soul. — The spirit of man that goeth upward.
Whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. We are confident, ... and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. — With Christ; which is far better. — I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
ECCL. 12:7. Gen. 2:7. -Job 32:8. -I Cor. 15:45. -Eccl. 3:21. II Cor. 5:6,8. -Php. 1:23. -I Thes. 4:13,14. John 14:2,3.
Read Comment
The spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. — There is a spirit in man; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. — The first man Adam was made a living soul. — The spirit of man that goeth upward.
Whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. We are confident, ... and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. — With Christ; which is far better. — I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
ECCL. 12:7. Gen. 2:7. -Job 32:8. -I Cor. 15:45. -Eccl. 3:21. II Cor. 5:6,8. -Php. 1:23. -I Thes. 4:13,14. John 14:2,3.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
MORNING DECEMBER 10
Read Comment
No man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. — The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. — We are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Your life is hid with Christ in God.
Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
JOHN 10:29. II Tim. 1:12. -II Tim. 4:18. -Rom. 8:37-39. -Col. 3:3. Jas. 2:5. II Thes. 2:16,17.
Read Comment
No man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. — The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. — We are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Your life is hid with Christ in God.
Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
JOHN 10:29. II Tim. 1:12. -II Tim. 4:18. -Rom. 8:37-39. -Col. 3:3. Jas. 2:5. II Thes. 2:16,17.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
EVENING DECEMBER 10
Read Comment
The perfect law of liberty.
Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. — Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. — For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. — I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts.
JAS. 1:25. John 8:32-34,36. Gal. 5:1,13,l4. -Rom. 6:18. -Rom. 7:2. Rom. 8:2. -Psa. 119:45.
Read Comment
The perfect law of liberty.
Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. — Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. — For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. — I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts.
JAS. 1:25. John 8:32-34,36. Gal. 5:1,13,l4. -Rom. 6:18. -Rom. 7:2. Rom. 8:2. -Psa. 119:45.
Copy a Bible Reference and Click Here to read from eBible.
MORNING DECEMBER 11
Read Comment
Let not your good be evil spoken of.
Abstain from all appearance of evil. — Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. — For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. — Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. — Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. — Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
ROM. 14:16. I Thes. 5:22. -II Cor. 8:21. -I Pet. 2:15. I Pet. 4:15,16. Gal. 5:13. -I Cor. 8:9. -Matt. 18:6. -Matt. 25:40.
Read Comment
Let not your good be evil spoken of.
Abstain from all appearance of evil. — Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. — For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. — Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. — Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. — Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
ROM. 14:16. I Thes. 5:22. -II Cor. 8:21. -I Pet. 2:15. I Pet. 4:15,16. Gal. 5:13. -I Cor. 8:9. -Matt. 18:6. -Matt. 25:40.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 11
Read Comment
Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. — Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people, but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. — Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord.
EPH. 5:14. Rom. 13:11. -I Thes. 5:6-8. Isa. 60:1,2. I Pet. 1:13. -Luke 12:35,36.
Read Comment
Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. — Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people, but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. — Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord.
EPH. 5:14. Rom. 13:11. -I Thes. 5:6-8. Isa. 60:1,2. I Pet. 1:13. -Luke 12:35,36.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 12
Read Comment
The Lord is in the midst of thee.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. — Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come and save you. — The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. — Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart.
I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.
ZEPH. 3:15. Isa. 41:10. -Isa. 35:3,4. -Zeph. 3:17. -Psa. 27:14. Rev. 21:3,4.
Read Comment
The Lord is in the midst of thee.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. — Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come and save you. — The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. — Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart.
I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.
ZEPH. 3:15. Isa. 41:10. -Isa. 35:3,4. -Zeph. 3:17. -Psa. 27:14. Rev. 21:3,4.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 12
Read Comment
Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight. — We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. — If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. — Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. — Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. — Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not.
EXO. 14:15. I Chr. 19:13. -Neh. 4:9. Matt. 7:21. -John 7:17. -Hos. 6:3. Matt. 26:41. -I Cor. 16:13. -Rom. 12:11. Isa. 35:3,4.
Read Comment
Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight. — We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. — If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. — Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. — Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. — Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not.
EXO. 14:15. I Chr. 19:13. -Neh. 4:9. Matt. 7:21. -John 7:17. -Hos. 6:3. Matt. 26:41. -I Cor. 16:13. -Rom. 12:11. Isa. 35:3,4.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 13
Read Comment
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power. — As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. — Trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. — Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.
I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. — Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Fight the good fight of faith. — In nothing terrified by your adversaries.
II TIM. 2.1. Col. 1:11. -Col. 2:6,7. -Isa. 61:3. -Eph. 2:20,22. Acts 20:32. -Php. 1:11. I Tim. 6:12. -Php. 1:28.
Read Comment
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power. — As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. — Trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. — Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.
I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. — Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Fight the good fight of faith. — In nothing terrified by your adversaries.
II TIM. 2.1. Col. 1:11. -Col. 2:6,7. -Isa. 61:3. -Eph. 2:20,22. Acts 20:32. -Php. 1:11. I Tim. 6:12. -Php. 1:28.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 13
Read Comment
Thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. — We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. — After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. — Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
PSA. 62:12. I Cor. 3:11,14,15. -II Cor. 5:10. Matt. 6:3,4. -Matt. 25:19. II Cor. 3:5. -Isa. 26:12.
Read Comment
Thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. — We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. — After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. — Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
PSA. 62:12. I Cor. 3:11,14,15. -II Cor. 5:10. Matt. 6:3,4. -Matt. 25:19. II Cor. 3:5. -Isa. 26:12.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 14
Read Comment
Make his praise glorious.
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. — I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth. — By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. — Who is like unto thee, O Lord, ... glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? — I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. — They sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty.
PSA. 66:2. Isa. 43:21. -Jer. 33:8,9. -Heb. 13:15. Psa. 86:12,13. -Exo. 15:11. -Psa. 69:30. -Rev. 15:3.
Read Comment
Make his praise glorious.
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. — I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth. — By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. — Who is like unto thee, O Lord, ... glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? — I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. — They sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty.
PSA. 66:2. Isa. 43:21. -Jer. 33:8,9. -Heb. 13:15. Psa. 86:12,13. -Exo. 15:11. -Psa. 69:30. -Rev. 15:3.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 14
Read Comment
By nature the children of wrath, even as others.
We ourselves also were sometime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. — Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Job answered the Lord, and said, Behold, I am vile: what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. — The Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. — David ... to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
I obtained mercy, ... who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
EPH. 2:3. Tit. 3:3. -John 3:7. Job 40:3,4. -Job 1:8. Psa. 51:5. -Acts 13:22. I Tim. 1:13. John 3:6.
Read Comment
By nature the children of wrath, even as others.
We ourselves also were sometime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. — Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Job answered the Lord, and said, Behold, I am vile: what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. — The Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. — David ... to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
I obtained mercy, ... who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
EPH. 2:3. Tit. 3:3. -John 3:7. Job 40:3,4. -Job 1:8. Psa. 51:5. -Acts 13:22. I Tim. 1:13. John 3:6.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 15
Read Comment
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who ... took upon him the form of a servant. — Even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. — He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
When Jesus ... saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. — Jesus wept. — Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
GAL. 6:2. Php. 2:4,5,7. -Mark 10:45. -II Cor. 5:15. John 11:33. -John 11:35. -Rom. 12:15. I Pet. 3:8,9.
Read Comment
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who ... took upon him the form of a servant. — Even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. — He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
When Jesus ... saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. — Jesus wept. — Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
GAL. 6:2. Php. 2:4,5,7. -Mark 10:45. -II Cor. 5:15. John 11:33. -John 11:35. -Rom. 12:15. I Pet. 3:8,9.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 15
Read Comment
Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
Thou are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Reckon ye ... yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. — As obedient children, not fash-ioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. — Sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abound-ing in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
MATT. 21:28. Gal. 4:7. Rom. 6:11-13. -I Pet. 1:14,15. -II Tim. 2:21. I Cor. 15:58.
Read Comment
Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
Thou are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Reckon ye ... yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. — As obedient children, not fash-ioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. — Sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abound-ing in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
MATT. 21:28. Gal. 4:7. Rom. 6:11-13. -I Pet. 1:14,15. -II Tim. 2:21. I Cor. 15:58.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 16
Read Comment
Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. — Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. — A new command-ment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. — Christ ... loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
JOHN 13:1. John 17:9,10,15,16. John 15:9. -John 15:13,14. -John 13:34. Php. 1:6. -Eph. 5:25,26.
Read Comment
Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. — Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. — A new command-ment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. — Christ ... loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
JOHN 13:1. John 17:9,10,15,16. John 15:9. -John 15:13,14. -John 13:34. Php. 1:6. -Eph. 5:25,26.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 16
Read Comment
The deep things of God.
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. — It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.
We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
I COR. 2:10. John 15:15. -Matt. 13:11. I Cor. 2:12. Eph. 3:14-19.
Read Comment
The deep things of God.
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. — It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.
We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
I COR. 2:10. John 15:15. -Matt. 13:11. I Cor. 2:12. Eph. 3:14-19.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 17
Read Comment
Quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.
It is the Spirit that quickeneth. — The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. — Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance.
I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. — The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. — The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. — If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. — This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.
No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
PSA. 80:18. John 6:63. -Rom. 8:26,27. -Eph. 6:18. Psa. 119:93. -John 6:63. -II Cor. 3:6. -John 15:7. -I John 5:14. I Cor. 12:3.
Read Comment
Quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.
It is the Spirit that quickeneth. — The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. — Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance.
I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. — The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. — The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. — If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. — This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.
No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
PSA. 80:18. John 6:63. -Rom. 8:26,27. -Eph. 6:18. Psa. 119:93. -John 6:63. -II Cor. 3:6. -John 15:7. -I John 5:14. I Cor. 12:3.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 17
Read Comment
Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators. Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolators; for then must we needs go out of the world. I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. — That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
EPH. 5:11. I Cor. 15:33. I Cor. 5:6,7,9-11. -Php. 2:15. II Tim. 2:20.
Read Comment
Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators. Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolators; for then must we needs go out of the world. I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. — That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
EPH. 5:11. I Cor. 15:33. I Cor. 5:6,7,9-11. -Php. 2:15. II Tim. 2:20.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 18
Read Comment
Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. — Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. — Having therefore, ... boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. — We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
HEB. 4:16. Php. 4:6,7. -Rom. 8:15. Isa. 45:19. -Heb. 10:19,22. -Heb. 13:6.
Read Comment
Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. — Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. — Having therefore, ... boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. — We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
HEB. 4:16. Php. 4:6,7. -Rom. 8:15. Isa. 45:19. -Heb. 10:19,22. -Heb. 13:6.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 18
Read Comment
Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. — The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. — If the Son ... shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. — Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. — Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
JOHN 8:32. II Cor. 3:17. -Rom. 8:2. -John 8:36. Gal. 4:31. -Gal. 2:16. Jas. 1:25. -Gal. 5:1.
Read Comment
Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. — The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. — If the Son ... shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. — Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. — Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
JOHN 8:32. II Cor. 3:17. -Rom. 8:2. -John 8:36. Gal. 4:31. -Gal. 2:16. Jas. 1:25. -Gal. 5:1.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 19
Read Comment
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness.
Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. — Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. — The commandment is a lamp, and the law is light.
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
PSA. 112:4. Isa. 50:10. -Psa. 37:24. -Prov. 6:23. Mic. 7:8,9. Matt. 6:22,23.
Read Comment
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness.
Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. — Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. — The commandment is a lamp, and the law is light.
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
PSA. 112:4. Isa. 50:10. -Psa. 37:24. -Prov. 6:23. Mic. 7:8,9. Matt. 6:22,23.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 19
Read Comment
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lend those that are with young.
I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: ... I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. — We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
They brought young children to him, and he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant. — The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. — Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. — I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
ISA. 40:11. Matt. 15:32. -Heb. 4:15. Mark 10:13,16. Psa. 119:176. -Luke 19:10. -I Pet. 2:25. Luke 12:32. -Ezek. 34:15.
Read Comment
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lend those that are with young.
I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: ... I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. — We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
They brought young children to him, and he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant. — The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. — Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. — I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
ISA. 40:11. Matt. 15:32. -Heb. 4:15. Mark 10:13,16. Psa. 119:176. -Luke 19:10. -I Pet. 2:25. Luke 12:32. -Ezek. 34:15.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 20
Read Comment
He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world.
That we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you, ... to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did pre-destinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. — Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. — God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
EPH. 1:4. Eph. 1:4. II Thes. 2:13,14. -Rom. 8:29,30. -I Pet. 1:2. Eze. 36:26. -I Thes. 4:7.
Read Comment
He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world.
That we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you, ... to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did pre-destinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. — Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. — God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
EPH. 1:4. Eph. 1:4. II Thes. 2:13,14. -Rom. 8:29,30. -I Pet. 1:2. Eze. 36:26. -I Thes. 4:7.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 20
Read Comment
If the Lord would make windows in heaven might this thing be?
Have faith in God. — Without faith it is impossible to please God. — With God all things are possible.
Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver?
My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. — Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. — Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many or with them that have no power.
We should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.
2 KGS. 7:2. Mark 11:22. -Heb. 11:6. -Matt. 19:26. Isa. 50:2 Isa. 55:8,9. -Mal. 3:10. Isa. 59:1. -2 Chr 14:11. II Cor. 1:9.
Read Comment
If the Lord would make windows in heaven might this thing be?
Have faith in God. — Without faith it is impossible to please God. — With God all things are possible.
Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver?
My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. — Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. — Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many or with them that have no power.
We should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.
2 KGS. 7:2. Mark 11:22. -Heb. 11:6. -Matt. 19:26. Isa. 50:2 Isa. 55:8,9. -Mal. 3:10. Isa. 59:1. -2 Chr 14:11. II Cor. 1:9.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 21
Read Comment
The days of thy mourning shall be ended.
In the world ye shall have tribulation. — The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. — We that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
ISA. 60:20. John 16:33. -Rom. 8:22,23. -II Cor. 5:4. Rev. 7:14-17.
Read Comment
The days of thy mourning shall be ended.
In the world ye shall have tribulation. — The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. — We that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
ISA. 60:20. John 16:33. -Rom. 8:22,23. -II Cor. 5:4. Rev. 7:14-17.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 21
Read Comment
Master, carest thou not that we perish?
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. — While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease.
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. — God heard the voice of the lad: and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. — Trust ... in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.
MARK 4:38. Psa. 145:9. Gen. 9:3. -Gen. 8:22. Nah.1:7. -Gen. 21:17,19. Matt. 6:31,32. -I Tim. 6:17.
Read Comment
Master, carest thou not that we perish?
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. — While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease.
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. — God heard the voice of the lad: and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. — Trust ... in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.
MARK 4:38. Psa. 145:9. Gen. 9:3. -Gen. 8:22. Nah.1:7. -Gen. 21:17,19. Matt. 6:31,32. -I Tim. 6:17.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 22
Read Comment
Your work of faith.
This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. — Faith worketh by love. — He that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. — We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. — Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power. — It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
I THES. 1:3. John 6:29. Jas. 2:17. -Gal. 5:6. -Gal. 6:8. -Eph. 2:10. -Tit. 2:14. II Thes. 1:3,11. -Phi 2:13.
Read Comment
Your work of faith.
This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. — Faith worketh by love. — He that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. — We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. — Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power. — It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
I THES. 1:3. John 6:29. Jas. 2:17. -Gal. 5:6. -Gal. 6:8. -Eph. 2:10. -Tit. 2:14. II Thes. 1:3,11. -Phi 2:13.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 22
Read Comment
Where is the promise of his coming?
Enoch ... the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all. — Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.
The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
II PET. 3:4. Jude 14,15. -Rev. 1:7. I Thes. 4:16,17. Tit. 2:11-13.
Read Comment
Where is the promise of his coming?
Enoch ... the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all. — Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.
The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
II PET. 3:4. Jude 14,15. -Rev. 1:7. I Thes. 4:16,17. Tit. 2:11-13.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 23
Read Comment
Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me.
I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil. — There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.
In Christ Jesus ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace.
It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell: and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself. — Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past: ... that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. — If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Trust ye in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
ISA. 27:5. Jer. 29:11. -Isa. 48:22. Eph. 2:13,14. Col. 1:19,20. -Rom. 3:24-26. -I John 1:9. Isa. 26:4.
Read Comment
Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me.
I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil. — There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.
In Christ Jesus ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace.
It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell: and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself. — Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past: ... that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. — If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Trust ye in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
ISA. 27:5. Jer. 29:11. -Isa. 48:22. Eph. 2:13,14. Col. 1:19,20. -Rom. 3:24-26. -I John 1:9. Isa. 26:4.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 23
Read Comment
God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. — I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. — No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. — He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life. — For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
I JOHN 5:11. John 5:26,21. John 11:25,26. -John 10:11,17,18. -John 14:6. -I John 5:12. -Col. 3:3,4.
Read Comment
God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. — I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. — No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. — He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life. — For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
I JOHN 5:11. John 5:26,21. John 11:25,26. -John 10:11,17,18. -John 14:6. -I John 5:12. -Col. 3:3,4.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 24
Read Comment
If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these; adultery, forni-cation and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity.
ROM. 8:13. Gal. 5:19,21-25. Tit. 2:11-14.
Read Comment
If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these; adultery, forni-cation and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity.
ROM. 8:13. Gal. 5:19,21-25. Tit. 2:11-14.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 24
Read Comment
Then said the princes of the Phillstines, What do these Hebrews here?
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, ... or as a busybody in other men's matters.
Let not ... your good be evil spoken of. — Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Ye are the temple of the living God. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing.
Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
I SAM. 29:3. I Pet. 4:14,15. Rom. 14:16. -I Pet. 2:12. II Cor. 6:14,16,17. I Pet. 2:9.
Read Comment
Then said the princes of the Phillstines, What do these Hebrews here?
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, ... or as a busybody in other men's matters.
Let not ... your good be evil spoken of. — Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Ye are the temple of the living God. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing.
Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
I SAM. 29:3. I Pet. 4:14,15. Rom. 14:16. -I Pet. 2:12. II Cor. 6:14,16,17. I Pet. 2:9.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 25
Read Comment
The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.
I have loved thee with an everlasting love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. — The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. — Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.
As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
TIT. 3:4. Jer. 31:3. I John 4:9,10. Gal. 4:4,5. -John 1:14. -I Tim. 3:16. Heb. 2:14.
Read Comment
The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.
I have loved thee with an everlasting love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. — The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. — Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.
As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
TIT. 3:4. Jer. 31:3. I John 4:9,10. Gal. 4:4,5. -John 1:14. -I Tim. 3:16. Heb. 2:14.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 25
Read Comment
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. — For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
He ... spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all. — Having yet ... one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! — Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
II COR 9:15. Psa. 100:1,2,4. -Isa. 9:6,7. Rom. 8:32. -Mark 12:6. Psa. 107:21. -Psa. 103:1. Luke 1:46,47.
Read Comment
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. — For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
He ... spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all. — Having yet ... one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! — Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
II COR 9:15. Psa. 100:1,2,4. -Isa. 9:6,7. Rom. 8:32. -Mark 12:6. Psa. 107:21. -Psa. 103:1. Luke 1:46,47.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 26
Read Comment
Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. — As ye have ... received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. — He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. — That on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
By faith ye stand.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
I COR. 15:58. I Cor. 15:58. -Col. 2:6,7. -Matt. 24:13. -Luke 8:15. II Cor. 1:24. John 9:4. Gal. 6:8-10.
Read Comment
Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. — As ye have ... received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. — He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. — That on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
By faith ye stand.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
I COR. 15:58. I Cor. 15:58. -Col. 2:6,7. -Matt. 24:13. -Luke 8:15. II Cor. 1:24. John 9:4. Gal. 6:8-10.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 26
Read Comment
He is able ... to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. — Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. — He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. — Is any thing too hard for the Lord!
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
HEB. 7:25. John 14:6. -Acts 4:12. John 10:27,28. -Php. 1:6. -Gen. 18:14. Jude 24,25.
Read Comment
He is able ... to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. — Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. — He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. — Is any thing too hard for the Lord!
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
HEB. 7:25. John 14:6. -Acts 4:12. John 10:27,28. -Php. 1:6. -Gen. 18:14. Jude 24,25.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 27
Read Comment
We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Here have we no continuing city. — Ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. — There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.
We that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened. — God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. — Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
II COR. 4:18. Heb. 13:14. -Heb. 10:34. Luke 12:32. I Pet. 1:6. -Job 3:17. II Cor. 5:4. -Rev. 21:4. Rom. 8:18. -II Cor. 4:17.
Read Comment
We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Here have we no continuing city. — Ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. — There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.
We that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened. — God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. — Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
II COR. 4:18. Heb. 13:14. -Heb. 10:34. Luke 12:32. I Pet. 1:6. -Job 3:17. II Cor. 5:4. -Rev. 21:4. Rom. 8:18. -II Cor. 4:17.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 27
Read Comment
He is our peace.
God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. — Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself. And you that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. — Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. — Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
EPH. 2:14. II Cor. 5:19,21. -Col. 1:20-22. -Col. 2:14. -Eph. 2:15. John 14:27.
Read Comment
He is our peace.
God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. — Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself. And you that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. — Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. — Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
EPH. 2:14. II Cor. 5:19,21. -Col. 1:20-22. -Col. 2:14. -Eph. 2:15. John 14:27.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 28
Read Comment
Thy sins be forgiven thee.
I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. — Who can forgive sins but God only?
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. — Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity. — Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity?
God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. — The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. — Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
MARK 2:5. Jer. 31:34. -Mark 2.7. Isa. 43:25. -Psa. 32:1,2. -Mic. 7:18. Eph. 4:32. -I John 1:7-9. Psa. 103:12. -Rom. 6:14,18.
Read Comment
Thy sins be forgiven thee.
I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. — Who can forgive sins but God only?
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. — Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity. — Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity?
God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. — The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. — Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
MARK 2:5. Jer. 31:34. -Mark 2.7. Isa. 43:25. -Psa. 32:1,2. -Mic. 7:18. Eph. 4:32. -I John 1:7-9. Psa. 103:12. -Rom. 6:14,18.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 28
Read Comment
We would see Jesus.
O Lord, we have waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. — I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. — Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face. — Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
JOHN 12:21. Isa. 26:8. Psa. 145:18. Matt. 18:20. -John 14:18. -Matt. 28:20. Heb. 12:1,2. I Cor. 13:12. -Php. 1:23. I John 3:2,3.
Read Comment
We would see Jesus.
O Lord, we have waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. — I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. — Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face. — Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
JOHN 12:21. Isa. 26:8. Psa. 145:18. Matt. 18:20. -John 14:18. -Matt. 28:20. Heb. 12:1,2. I Cor. 13:12. -Php. 1:23. I John 3:2,3.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 29
Read Comment
Understanding what the will of the Lord is.
This is the will of God, even your sanctification. — Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. — This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. — We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
We ... do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. — The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, ... give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your under-standing being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe.
EPH. 5:17. I Thes. 4:3. -Job 22:21. -John 17:3. -I John 5:20. Col. 1:9. -Eph. 1:17-19.
Read Comment
Understanding what the will of the Lord is.
This is the will of God, even your sanctification. — Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. — This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. — We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
We ... do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. — The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, ... give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your under-standing being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe.
EPH. 5:17. I Thes. 4:3. -Job 22:21. -John 17:3. -I John 5:20. Col. 1:9. -Eph. 1:17-19.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 29
Read Comment
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Enoch walked with God. — Can two walk together, except they be agreed? — It is good for me to draw near to God.
The Lord is with you, while ye be with him: and if ye seek him, he will be found of you: but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. When they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, ... and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.
JAMES 4:8. Gen. 5:24. -Amos 3:3. -Psa. 73:28. 2 Chr 15:2,4. Jer. 29:11-13. Heb. 10:19-22.
Read Comment
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Enoch walked with God. — Can two walk together, except they be agreed? — It is good for me to draw near to God.
The Lord is with you, while ye be with him: and if ye seek him, he will be found of you: but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. When they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, ... and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.
JAMES 4:8. Gen. 5:24. -Amos 3:3. -Psa. 73:28. 2 Chr 15:2,4. Jer. 29:11-13. Heb. 10:19-22.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 30
Read Comment
Blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. — That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. — Sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.
I COR. 1:8. Col. 1:21-23. -Phi 2:15. II Pet. 3:14. -Php. 1:10. Jude 24,25.
Read Comment
Blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. — That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. — Sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.
I COR. 1:8. Col. 1:21-23. -Phi 2:15. II Pet. 3:14. -Php. 1:10. Jude 24,25.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 30
Read Comment
He will keep the feet of his saints.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. — He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit.
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I SAM. 2:9. I John 1:6,7. -John 13:10. Prov. 4:11,12,14,15,25-27. II Tim. 4:18.
Comment on Morning December 01
Clothes are indeed necessary to cover our shame. We need them because we have affected the environment by our sins so badly that the elements therein are become hostile towards us. Clothes do protect us from some of these fearsome elemets, to some extent. They are indeed symbolic of our constant need of protection. We are not self-sufficient, but need to seek refuge every now and then as we move in this world.
The best place of refuge for man is the man of refuge. The man of refuge is One who is a man who knows all about the weaknesses of man and also about the nature of protection under all possible situations through life. Such is our Lord Jesus Christ. He is God very God, the Mighty Creator of all things. He became man and went through the full range of human sufferings and sorrows so that He knows what it takes to provide such a suitable refuge. "A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest." (Isa. 32:2)
We look for the shade when the heat of the sun becomes unbearable. A shade is the shadow of the thing that stands between the beating sun and the place of comfort. The thing receives the heat to provide the shade. So is our Lord Jesus Christ when He stands between us and the wrath of God against our sins. He received the beating that we might enjoy the comfort of the shade. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psa. 91:1) One who would enjoy the "shadow of the Almighty" must spend secret times with "the most High." Do you pray and read the Bible to be seen of men? That's not very secret. Precious are the moments when we can tell God all our secrets which none on earth need to know, and He us.
"When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psa. 61:2) I am a man, so is He. But He is higher than I and able to keep me out of the overwhelming flood.
Let us grow in greater familiarity with this Rock of Ages.
Comment on Evening December 01
Our experiences of this present heaven and earth are such that there is the "sea" which separate between them. Through our Lord Jesus Christ there is the Bridge, Himself, who link up the two places. Blessed are those who are caused to walk in It. They are bitter-sweet experiences of the sanctified life.
We are thankful for all these experiences, but they are not meant to last forever. God is preparing a better place for us. "Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth." (Isa. 65:17) The present, first heaven and first earth will pass away according to Revelation 21:1, but the new ones "shall remain before me, ..." This is His promise to us. And we, "according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2Pe. 3:13) Why shouldn't we who are righteous in Christ look for such a place? Our present world is full of unrighteousness at every turn. Things are just not right around here. But the day will come when all around us will simply be right and we enjoy that eternal bliss where our God Himself will be the Sun and light of that world.
In that world there is "no sea" to separate the heavens and the earth. They are all together as one, and communion between them is without any hindrance and restriction. There God "will dwell with them ,and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Rev. 21:1-5) Separation speaks of ".. tears, ..... death, ... sorrow, ... crying, .. pain .." All such "former things are passed away" when Christ shall return again to receive us to Himself.
We look forward to that day when "he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new."
Comment on Morning December 02
Why does God give us the Spirit of Truth to abide with us forever in answer to our Lord's prayer? (Joh. 14:16) We do indeed need the truth to guide us every moment of our lives. There are many voices claiming to be the truth in this world, and we need to be certain, as we grow, which of these voices speak the truth so that we may know how to react to what they are saying in a proper, safe and mutually beneficial way. The Spirit of Truth inspired the Holy Scriptures and is most qualified to teach us from It. So, we must thank our Lord Jesus for such a request on our behalf, and to God Who granted such an important prayer.
Jesus knows what is best for us for "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power." He has the first hand experience of what it means to be have the Spirit's presence with Him as He serve the Lord His God. So, we become partaker of the same anointing as the Lord - the constant presence of the Holy Spirit with us as a seal for the day of redemption. While He is with us, "the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." (1Jo. 2:27) If the Holy Spirit takes the trouble to teach us, we must take the trouble to abide in him, lest we offend Him, the sin against Whom is unforgivable. To abide in the Spirit is to live in the realm of the Spirit. It is to live the Spirit-controlled life.
Spiritual things are spiritually discerned and such is the work of the Spirit in us. He uses His weapon and tool to work in us, namely the very Word of God, the Bible. So He brings "all things to your remembrance" whatsoever our Lord Jesus has said to us. (Joh. 14:26) We tend to forget, but a person filled with the Spirit of God can remember spiritual things as they grow in grace.
Growth in spiritual things is not just a matter of monologue from the Holy Spirit. It is a dialogue between God and man. "The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Rom 8:26) God's speech us and ours to Him are not unrelated speeches on abstract subjects all the time. In fact, sweet communion involves the intermingling of abstract truth with the concrete things of this world. It is about the knowledge of God Who rules this world according to His divine counsel and good pleasure.
It is a delight to be filled with the Holy Spirit of Truth. Are you and am I?
Comment on Evening December 02
When we hear or read of blood, we immediately pay more careful attention. Why? This is because blood is symbolic of life which is most precious compared to any other things we are dealing with. Blood is not normally seen though it is the most important part of the physical life. We normally talk about what we see with our physical eyes. To see blood so as to mention it, is indeed alarming and attention catching.
Read the Old Testament and compare that with the New in the KJ Version and you will see "blood" mentioned more than 3 times as much there. To be exact, O. T. mentions that word 346 times while the N.T. 101 times. The sprinkling of blood is even more striking as it suggests deliberation and purposeful sacrifice of the life involved. "Moses ... sprinkled ... with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry." (Heb. 9:19-21) What was the O.T. scriptures trying to impress the readers with all that bloody sacrifices? "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." (Heb. 9:22) All things are in bondage because of sin, and the shedding of blood is necessary for release from such bondage.
The shedding of blood speaks of the taking away of the precious life from a creature. Of all the creatures with physical bodies, there is none higher than that of a human being. The shedding of human blood is the most precious sacrifice of life. And there is no human being greater than our Lord Jesus Christ; and so the shedding of His blood is the most precious sacrifice. All sheddings of blood point to this one perfect sacrifice of Christ. "We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." (Eph. 1:7)
All our sacrifices are vain without the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. Do you believe that "the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God"? (Heb. 9:14) If we are bought by the blood of Christ, we would not trust in our own "dead works" as we "serve the living God". Would we?
Comment on Morning December 03
When I was young I used to play the game called "The wind blows". A group of young people would be sitting down each on one chair. One of us would volunteer to start the game. To do so he must first gives up his seat and removed his chair from the other chairs placed in a circle. He would then said loudly, "The wind blows." The rest of the youngsters would respond louder with the question, "Where?" Then, he would name the place, for example, "On those with black hairs." With that answer, the rest in the circle would have to consider if he or she has black hair. And, if indeed one has black hair, one would have to give up his seat and look for another in the circle. The volunteer would then slip into one of the empty seats. When the commotion is over one in the group would be left standing without the seat. He or she the repeat the game in order to get a seat for himself or herself. It makes me feel young describing this game to you! Now, for the "why".
In life, there are many people who only move when the wind blow upon them. They do not have any aim of their own nor any ultimate purpose in life. They are uncertain "like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." (Jas. 1:6) The Lord is displeased with such a person who has no conviction in life. "For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." (James 1:7)
With conviction and certainty, it does not mean that one is free from problems and difficulties in life. In fact, often the conviction brings along with it difficulties, especially among others who have different and opposing convictions. This is where "I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause." (Job. 5:8), provided I am confident that my cause is the same as God's cause as well. The more one can pray often in the Holy Spirit, the more one can be sure his or her cause is of the Lord. To such prayers the Lord can say, ".. before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. — The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (Isa. 65:24; Jas. 5:16)
If we are confident of what the Lord's will is, have the desire to do it, and long for His praise, we will pray more often according to His will. "Is anything too hard for the Lord? — Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Gen. 18:14; Psa. 37:5) When the Lord keeps His promise to help us in answer to our prayers, will we not sincerely praise and magnify His Name?
Do you want to love the Lord more? Then, pray more with all your struggles in life. "I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live." (Psa. 116:1)
Comment on Evening December 03
The spiritual and moral value of all our deeds and actions lie in the condition of our spiritual heart out of which are the issues of life. If our hearts are evil than all our deeds are evil. If our hearts are good, then they are good and acceptable to God. God looks upon the hearts of men when He judges them.
With all the evil intentions in a man, he cannot influence anything or anyone without his physical body. It is through his body that what is in him, whether good of evil, can come out to affect others. It is through his body that his thoughts can be put down in different forms to be collected by others through their bodies into their souls and hearts, thus influencing them.
To wash the body of a man is to keep that body clean and unwelcome to any evil heart that may try to use it for its own end. This is like being hygienic to prevent the spread of bacteria. Thus we are called to avoid certain activities of the body, which in the past may be so much associated with our past evil heart that they are now of no use, for a while, to even our presently cleansed heart. "Our bodies washed with pure water." (Heb. 10:22)
In the O. T. temple worship, before a priest enter the Tabernacle (portable temple of God) to perform religious rites, symbols of Christ and His works, he must first be washed, both hands and feet, at the brazen laver which was placed in between the Altar of sacrifice and the Tabernacle of the congregation of the children of Israel. (Exo. 30:18-21) To serve the congregation of God's people, we must do so with clean hands and pure hearts. Let us, therefore, cleansed ourselves often as we serve God in the midst of His people to His glory and their good.
Are we aware of what is defiling our bodies constantly? If not, how can we cleanse our bodies in preparation for the Master's use? "20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2Ti. 2)
Comment on Morning December 04
Who are we to speak to another in order to call them to repentance of sins and to change the course of their lives? If we speak with the true wisdom that descends from above we can speak with confidence and with authority like our Lord Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God, did when He was on earth, some 2000 years ago.
But, "Where shall wisdom be found?" (Job. 28:12) There are many people in this world who are "wise in thine own eyes." And we are warned not to be that way in Pro. 3:7. When these people speaks they present their wisdom for our embracing. We consider if we have at last found "wisdom". They speak differently and so we have our doubt that all of them can be right. But which one is right? We are confused. Then we heard, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, ..." (Jas. 1:5, 6) Is that wisdom to say that wisdom comes from God and the getting It lies in the asking of It from Him?
When God speaks there is not another to speak for our comparison, for there is only one, true and living God. We compare what He speaks at different times and to our great surprise could not find Him speaking inconsistently. He spoke wisdom!!! - even that wisdom which was with Him from the beginning and by which He created all things! We have found wisdom. We found it only because He is pleased to give It to us when we ask of Him, like Solomon did.
Now, we may be a child intimidated by all the "adults" of the world, so that we dare not speak. But if wisdom commands us to speak Him, is it wisdom not to do so? "Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord." (Jer. 1:6-8)
Are we praying for wisdom or are we relying on our own?
Comment on Evening December 04
Sinners are all over the place - within and without. And, oh, how they contradict themselves and among themselves! It would not be so bad if they are there passively for us to observe and decide for ourselves what we want to do with them. But, no, they would speak in one form or another. They would impress. And they would use force, if necessary, to impose their will upon us. We are troubled, if we are not of a steady mind and have that which is from above. You do have that Who is from above, so "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (Joh. 14:27)
Our Lord Jesus Christ endured such troubles as well. So, "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
In our endurance of such "contradiction of sinners" we often groan to escape. We know what we do not want, so we want to get out of the body of this death as soon as possible so that "sinners" cannot trouble us any more with their contradictions. But do we know where and what we want to escape to? Some jump out of the frying pan into the fire. May none of us ever do that in foolishnesss to which we are not called. For for us believers, our groaning is always "not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." (2Co. 5:4)
Do you have a "house which is from heaven" with which "to be clothed upon"? (2Co. 5:2)
Comment on Morning December 05
A gold ore may look like an ordinary piece of stone to untrained eyes, but to those who know, it is precious. But before it can appear precious to untrained eyes, we must either train the eyes to see or reveal the truth about the ore. The former requires much endless works since there are ever so many more eyes to be trained as more become interested to see. The later is more practical as once the work is done, all untrained eyes can also see the preciousness of the "stone." God chose the wiser way as He is the only wise.
The preciousness in the "hidden ones" of God (Psa. 83:3) is not easily seen by untrained eyes. God would bring up such preciousness to the open. He tries His hidden ones by the unique way He leads each of them to glory. Our whole life of sanctification is that way of trial to remove all the dross and to expose the truth about us, the chosen of God.
The chosen of God are those who more and more learn and walk according to His statutes. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." (Psa. 119:7) The way we take in our life is the way of His statutes and therefore the way of His trials. He knows and plans that for us, and so we "come forth as gold." (Job. 23:10, 11)
Our Lord Jesus Christ went through the same trials and came forth as gold, seated on the right hand of God. "We suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Rom. 8:17, 18)
In time of trials we should not focus on the hardship, but on the purpose and intention of our Sovereign Father in heaven. if we believe He meant to bring forth the gold that is in us, then we will find it easier to bear the hardship. When we know He wants us to learn His statutes during such hard times, then will pay attention and be instructed and greatly improve in our spiritual life. When we pine and groan and complain, we may be missing the point altogether and stand in need of a prolong time or another time of discipline.
We who are the beloved of the Lord, what do we expect from a loving, perfect Father in Heaven, Who is preparing us for that wonderful place? He knows and all is well under His hand. We can trust Him as we look at the Cross of Christ.
Comment on Evening December 05
Attend the national parade of any nation and you will not fail to notice a display of their fire power. Of course, recent parades also include display all kinds of abilities and achievements of the nations in time of peace. But the fighting powers is a must to show strength and to warn others to keep their distance. All these are understandable in a hostile world where we must show our ability to stand up for ourselves as a sovereign nation.
But God said, "By strength shall no man prevail" (1Sa. 2:9) This is not to suggest that to prevail there is no need of the use of any strength. But it clearly tells us that strength alone is not the determining factor of victory. In fact, the wise man observed, "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." (Ecclesiastes 9:11) What the wise man called "time and chance", we believers know to be the will and council of God. "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another." (Psalm 75:6, 7) So, we do not display our own strength, but our God, even the God of our salvation.
Thus David of old said to the Philistine, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel." (1Sa. 17:45) If we do indeed trust in the God of the Bible, like David did, then "five stones and two fishes" are enough to serve the Lord in His Kingdom. Our Lord is too great to be limited by our many limitations and infirmities. He only asks us to surrender our all to Him, no matter how great or small they may be. It is a lame excuse to suggest that we are not ready, when the Lord says, "Just as you are." As His servants we are all unequal to the task He has for us, but with Him using us we can do all things.
Therefore, "I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (1Co. 12:9, 10)
How strong are you?
Comment on Morning December 06
Has something really good happened to you recently? By that good I mean those things which are contributing to your eternal rest and glory. If so you must be very glad and thankful. But thankful to whom? "Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (Jas. 1:16-18) If we do not know to whom we should be thankful, we should at least know that it can never be to ourselves. We do not make the difference as far as our blessedness in Jesus Christ is concerned. Our blessed relationship with Christ is never based upon what we have done, are doing or can ever do - good or evil. This relationship speaks of eternal life, and the fountain of eternal life is found alone in God. (Psa. 36:9)
So how should we believers view the many good works which we do do? Never view them as meritorious because they are the works of God in us. We view them with "fear and trembling" because ".. it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Php. 2:13) We are not sufficient for such things, and should not think vainly "any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." (2Co. 3:5)
In the eyes of the world, some are better than others and more worthy to inherit eternal life than others. But for the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, this is not so. God has opened their eyes to see that none of them is better than another to merit eternal life. They are all the same - wretched, unworthy sinners, damned worthy, if not for the Sovereign Grace of God. God put us all on the same plane, and gives us "one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever." (Jer. 32:39)
This relationship with Christ is so glorious exactly because it is totally not dependent upon man. What kinds of relationship do you have with Christ?
Comment on Evening December 06
As you live your Christian life on this earth, do you sense this struggle within you that ".. the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do"? (Rom. 7:19) If so, you are normal and alive in Christ. You do have the experience that the "spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mat. 26:41)
The above does not mean that it is all right to live defeated Christian life. In fact, we already got the victory in our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Head and is now seated gloriously and triumphantly at the right hand of God in Heaven ruling over all things for the Church, His body. It is unbecoming of any Christian to live a defeated Christian life. It is not honouring to our Lord Jesus Christ. But how to live that victory which we have in Christ?
We live by faith for faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Faith is the knowledge and confidence in the Word of God - all His judgments, statutes, laws, promises, doctrines, rebukes, corrections and instructions in righteousness. Such a faith is a gift of God to all those who are ordained to eternal life. The Holy Spirit works that faith in them at the appointed time and activates it thereafter constantly for their sanctification. So, a child of God does indeed experience that the "flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." (Gal. 5:17) So, through self-denial, we are being filled with the Spirit of God to do His will also in this life.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. — Our sufficiency is of God. — My grace is sufficient for thee." (Php. 4:13. -II Cor. 3:5. -II Cor. 12:9)
Comment on Morning December 07
Every child of God in Heaven is a sinner saved by the Sovereign Grace of God. He or she is a clear demonstration of the righteousness of God in Christ. We "are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus". (Eph. 2:10) He works on us and His works on us are done in Christ. They are all together righteous according to His own judgment.
God is first of all righteous when He condemns us as wretched sinners according to His Holy Law - "the soul that sinneth it shall die." (Eze. 18:4) God is not unrighteous to have created the human specie gregarious with the need of a federal head. As such, it is His righteousness that ".. by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." (Rom. 5:19) The first man, Adam, failed and the human race was plunged into the estate of sin and miseries - all have sinned in Adam. The second man, Jesus Christ, who "his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree," (1Pe. 2:24) and fulfilled all righteousness for us, His people, had succeeded to make "many ... righteous." The second man is "God with us" (Immanuel) acting to save us. Our Salvation is indeed God's righteous acts demonstrated from faith to faith. (Rom. 1:7)
Thus "the Lord [is become] our Righteousness" (Jer. 23:6) and we "made the righteousness of God in him." (2Co. 5:21)
What should men around us see in us to be convinced that we are "the righteousness of God" in Christ? (Php. 1:27, 28)
Comment on Evening December 07
In contrast with the heavy, thunder storm, the dew is indeed the meek and gentle falling of water from the sky. What is the earth without water from the sky? It would be a world without the cycle of the life-giving water when it flows and cleanses. The world would be conteminated and life forms die out and impossible to survive. But water coming down from the sky in the form of heavy storms can also destroy much of life. So, Jehovah said, "I will be as the dew unto Israel" (Hos. 14:5) because He has pity upon us.
"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." (Psa. 103:13, 14) Do you feel weak and weary and unable to carry on the journey? Come to the Lord for "[a] bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." (Isa. 42:3) There is "meekness and gentleness" in Christ (2Co. 10:1); and let not the Church fail to declare that glory of Christ and rob God's people of their hope of forgiveness with Him.
When He was on earth He declared, "he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Isa. 42:3)
Are you chastened of the Lord like the "prodigal son" in Luk. 15? Though you are not worthy, just like anyone of us, you can rest assured of a waiting Heavenly Father to receive a genuinely penitent son. It is foolishness to try and deceive Him, for He knows it all together. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1Jo. 1:8, 9) "[A] broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psa. 51:17)
Won't you come to Him, Who is meek and lowly in heart, that you might find rest to your soul?
Comment on Morning December 08
God is love - so declares the Holy Scriptures. Therefore we can expect godly people to be to have love. True love is not about pleasing everyone we meet. True love is about activities which promote the praise and glory of God And God is good and truth. If we love truly, our lives would promote that which is good and truth. Thus we, Christians, by ".. love serve one another." (Gal. 5:13)
It is burdensome when people walk contrary to God. True love unites us to God and lift up our burden. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:1,2) if you are strong and spiritual you should know what to do to one another.
To love is to seek the conversion and salvation from errors and sins of each other. "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (Jas 5:19,20) How good it is that this world has less sins because of love.
Saved people are called by God to love and to save fervently. "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." (I Pet. 1:22) As such, Christians are debtors when they fail to love. "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." (Rom. 13:8)
Love is to be able to feel for others and to seek their honour, even above our own. "Be kindly affectioned one to another in brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." (Rom. 12:10)
To love calls for humility as the proud seeks their own and are resisted by God. I "Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (I Pet 5:5)
Do we truly love one another? "We ... that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (Rom. 15:1)
Comment on Evening December 08
We are fashioned by God is such a way that we can only operate properly and meaningfully in and through our human body. So there is a natural longing of the soul for a body to relate to, to express itself to others and to influence and affect.
But, alas, our first body from the "first man [who] is of the earth, earthy." (1Co. 15:47) This body "is sown in corruption; it is sown in dishonour; it is sown in weakness; it is sown a natural body." (1Co. 15:42-44) This body is not destined for eternity and so "after my skin worms destroy this body." (Job. 19:26)
God promises us eternity but our "vile body" is not able to receive that glory. So, our "Lord Jesus Christ shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Php. 3:20, 21) So, we can also join Job, who though seeing the corruption of his own flesh, yet said, ".. in my flesh shall I see God." (Job 19:26)
Are we afraid that our "dust shall return to the earth as it was"? (Eccl. 12:7) Should the Lord tarries in His Second Coming, our death is a matter of time. It will come sooner or later. It is good for us to constantly pray thus: "Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. — So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psa. 39:4; - 90:12)
Comment on Morning December 09
Is it possible for people to be very sacrificial and yet not a loving person? The answer to this important question must be in the affirmative. How else could our Lord said, "To love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices" ? (Mat. 12:33) Again the Apostle Paul spoke with the same understanding: "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." (1 Co. 13:3)
People do feel great when they imagine that others are admiring them when they live sacrificially. They live "sacrificial lives" to be admired by others, not because they have true love for them. This is vain glory in one's heart and not love. Love is not selfish, but genuine seeking of the interest of others. Therefore there is justice and judgment in true love. That is also the reason we have Pro. 21:3 which states: "To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." "To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God" is indeed what "good" is. (Mic. 6:8) When people neglect to do this "good", their sacrificial lives count for nothing because God rejects them. What is the use of having the praise of men (open or secret) and not the praise of God?
Many are sacrificing in one form or another to cover up their disobedient lives. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." (1Sa. 15:22) King Saul did just that when he refusd to obey God in destroying the enemy's animals and gave the excuse that he wanted to present these animals as sacrifices to God. When God's Word is clear to you, your calling is to obey and not to think of ways and means to justify your ways of disobedience. Samuel rebuked Saul and many of us to day.
In the New Testament, Jesus said: "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42) Mary had chosen to sit at Jesus' feet to hear what He had to say in order to obey Him. Martha, her sister, was so busy with the present serving that she neglected the more "needful" thing. What is needful must take priority. What is not try to minimize by helping one another to get over with those as soon as possible.
Are you busy about the Lord's work or your own?
Comment on Evening December 09
The human nature is unlike that of a robot which has no spirit in it. "The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathe into his nostril the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Gen. 2:7) This speaks of the spirit of man, which "return unto God" (Eccl. 12:7) and "goeth upward" (Eccl. 3:21). Our spirit directs us to the nobler things in life, to the spiritual aspect of things. That is the reason for seeing human worship while other creatures do not, not even the "praying mantis".
So a Christian must maintain a right spirit before God. When we are carnally minded we are neglecting the spirit in our heart. We must meditate upon God's Word day and night to keep the right spirit within us. His Word is able to cleanse us from all the filthy thoughts which we accumulate through the day interacting with the people of the world, whose spirit is totally estranged from God.
The more we have the right spirit the more we realize that "Whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. We are confident, ... and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." (2Co. 5:6, 8) With such blessed hope we are always ready to go. Our only reason of staying is because there is still work for us to do in His Kingdom here on earth.
Why are you still here, my brethren? You should be in Heaven, if you have nothing else to do here.
Comment on Morning December 10
Is the assurance of our salvation something to be taken for granted by all those who go to church regularly? In other words, is Church attendance the sole indication that one is a true child of God? Immediately, all true Christians can say that that cannot be. There are people who physically attend Church faithfully, but they are never there in their heart. Moreover, there are institutions that call themselves "churches" when they are actually the synagogues of Satan. Faithful attendance at such institutions are not going to save anyone, no matter how assured these people might be of their salvation.
God wants His children to be constantly assured that they are the children of God. We know that because His Word is full of texts which aim at assuring them of the eternal blessedness. These texts are also meant to be faithfully preached regularly by the messengers of God. They are meant to comfort God's people who at times fall into errors and are sorrowful of their sins and who want to return to their Heavenly Father, like the prodigal son in the parable. All these are not to suggest that unnecessary doubts in the Christian walk are indication of blessedness. Or, that there is no such things as full-assurance of one's salvation.
The heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. It is also possible for men to have full-assurance of salvation and yet go lost. Their assurance is based upon the lies of the devil and not upon the Word of God and God's precious promises as found in the Holy Bible. It is right, proper and healthy to aspire after the sense of full-assurance of one's salvation. It is not healthy to doubt the Word of God. In the light of God's Word a child of God sees light for the path to heaven. They are confident that the God Who shows them the path is the God Who has chosen them and will guide them along that path to Heaven without fail. These are His promises again and again repeated for our comfort.
Such people are in good hand and "no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (Joh. 10:19) The Apostle Paul also wrote about this blessedness of abiding in the love of God: "We are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8:37-39) Concerning the poor and bullied, but rich in faith, James wrote: "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" (Jas. 2:5) If God has chosen them then indeed they are in good hand.
In his regular benediction upon God's people, the Apostle Paul pronounced: "Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." (2Th. 2:16, 17)
Are all these not meant to direct us to walk confidently in His love and not to doubt? Taking things for granted is not being truly confident. But it is an exercise of sinful assumption to cover up a careless life. God knows and will judge accordingly. Be not deceived.
Comment on Evening December 10
When we think of laws, rules and regulations, we immediately think of restrictions and the lack of freedom to do as we would like. Monday morning at 6:30 a.m., I must get up and get ready to go to work. Why can't I just to work at anytime as I like? It is because there is a regulation in my working place to curb my freedom. On days when I'm off from work, I can do as I like. I feel free. So, laws are not normally associated with freedom as superficially understood by people.
Yet God calls His Law, "the perfect law of liberty." (Jas. 1:25) "Liberty" means "freedom". It is the devil's great lie to suggests that "freedom" is "lawlessness"; and many are deceived by this detrimental lie of his. All chaos and unruly behaviour of men stem from this lie. Men naturally want to be free, and if freedom means lawlessness, then men begin to frown upon rules and regulations imposed upon them by those in authority over them. So, to some, there is no "freedom of speech" whenever there is the rule that one should speak responsibly or else his speech may be curbed and restricted by the authority.
On the other hand, those in authority may be corrupt and thinking only of themselves and would use the law to oppress the people instead of serving their well-being. In other words, the law fails to address the genuine operation of feedback channels for the people to express their difficulties and hardships. True leadership in Christ's Kingdom is one conducted for the Glory of God and the good of His people. To do that feedback is important so that the leaders may know how to govern with authority, care and love.
Only in the Kingdom of Christ, the Kingdom of the God-man, do we find such a perfect law of liberty. Under such reign, there is genuine freedom as each function happily according to its own nature and harmoniously with each other and all gloriously with the One, true and living God.
In what kind of kingdom can you truly say, "I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts"? (Psa. 119:45)
Comment on Morning December 11
It is important that Christians know each other, especially not to forget those who are "the least of these [Christ's] brethren". (Mat. 25:40) Christ specifically mentioned the "least" for His heart truly reached out to them to want to help them. Are we providing "for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men"? (2Co. 8:21) To provide is to look ahead to make sure that the way is clear and safe for those who are coming later. We provide for "honest things", things which are true, useful and beneficial for God's glory and man's good. The least of Christ's brethren need to be provided for by those who are strong. The strong should always look ahead and think on behalf of the weaker brethren and not become a stumbling block to them.
Foolish men in their ignorance fail to provide for themselves and others. They do not do well in that way. It is "the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." (1Pe. 4:15) Thus, we must be willing to suffer as Christians and not be ashamed of such sufferings but to glorify God always in well doing. (1Pe. 4:15, 16)
Christians must be careful not to appeal to Christian liberty without careful consideration of the weak who might stumble at their exercise of liberty. "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (1 Co. 6:12) Often we may have to deny ourselves, even our right to lawful things, for the interest of our weak brethren. We must take heed to Jesus' words: "Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Mat. 18:6)
Are we by our attitude, words and deeds causing our brethren to stumble in their faith?
Comment on Evening December 11
The light has finally come and we who are so used to darkness must now get use to the light. Life in darkness is quite different from life in the light. The former is slow and full of stumbling the latter is bright and joyful full of confidence and freedom.
To sleep is to close the eyes and preventing the light from sending messages to our brain. It is to enter into "darkness" and be unaware of things around us as much as possible. Sleeping is not the best mode of operation, to get things done. As Christians we are children of the day and not of the night. Our calling is to get things done and sleeping is not our calling. "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." (1Th. 5::6-8)
So shine, my brethren, "for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isa. 60:1, 2) Calling us to shine, the Lord is not asking us to show off our talents and abilities. Rather He is telling us to let His glory in us come forth that His Name may be praised by our speaking the truth of His grace towards us. Our glory is in His cross at Calvary. We have nothing to boast and to shine of ourselves. As He is pleased to call light to shine in our heart, we should be thankful and grateful. To hide His light in us is unbecoming of a Christian.
"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord." (Luk. 12:35, 36) So, shine.
Comment on Morning December 12
Is it not a great thing to know that God is for us? There are much conflicts in this life, and often, sooner or later, we always have to wonder if we are right or the other person is. Thus, in this world there are so many meetings for the purpose of working things out just because there are so many disagreements all around us imperfect beings. To show that we are right we often try to gather as many people who support our views as much as possible and to make sure that our voices are heard. Some with few supporters would try to speak the loudest giving the impression that there are much people with them. Number plays a very important part is such enterprises. But quality of supporters are also very important to persuade people that you are right. So in the recent reports on Global Climate Change we see most scientists come forth to affirm that man is the culprit for such a serious change upon our Earth, that the world leaders are now paying careful attention to the matter. One expert voice ought to outweigh many ordinary voices. But this is not always the case with foolish men.
Christians are wise people. So, who is the expert whom they would wish to rally to their side? Is it not God the Almighty, Creator and Upholder of all things? If God be for us, who can be against us, but those who are foolish and ignorant? But how can we be sure that He is for us? Hear what Moses, the man of God, said: "For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth." (Exo. 33:16) To find grace and favour in the sight of a person is to have his support. It is to have him on your side. Moses said to God that people will know that He is on their side when His presence goes with them on the way.
God is all the necessary equipment that a stranger and pilgrim would need on his very difficult journey. The ill-equipped pilgrim finds himself helpless and confused, without anything to refer to nor to use in time of troubles. The well-equipped are always thankful and amazed to find appropriate things which he has brought along, meeting the need of the hour. But to bring all useful and convenient tools along would indeed add on to the luggage, making the journey more difficult if not impossible. Better it would be to have a very useful guide who not only knows the way to the destination, but who is also able to make useful tools out of the surrounding things to meeting whatever difficult situation that may arise on the way. Such a guide is really all that a traveler needs. God is that Guide to us. So, Moses told God, "If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." (Exo. 33:15) To lead a people of more than 2 million, as stubborn as the Jewish people, for 40 years, through the dry and thirsty desert, is no ordinary task for anyone. We cannot blame Moses, with all his training from Egypt, for not having any confidence in himself in this task. But with God by him as his Guide all the way, Moses was confident and did a good job.
So God assures us: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isa. 41:10)
His presence with us is until the end of the world. At the end this will be what we will hear: "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." (Rev. 21:3, 4) The tabernacle of God speaks of His continual presence in our midst along the way, leading and guiding by day and by night!
Do you have a Guide? Who is He? How much time do you spend with Him along the way? Are you missing something?
Comment on Evening December 12
It is all right to pray to God, especially in time of troubles and to expect great things from Him. We can count on Him. But it is not all right to remain passive, not believing that it is God Who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. If we believe that He is answering our prayers for help, we can freely act according to the best of our knowledge of His will and with all that we have, no matter how little they may appear in the sight of men, and know that all is well in His hand.
While acting, we "watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." (Mat. 26:41) We act believing that God does that work in and through us. But we do not know what is the exact purpose of God in leading us that way. It may be that His purpose is exactly like ours when we started to act in good faith. But it may also not be the case, for His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. So, we watch, with fear and trembling what He is going to reveal to us next, so that we might learn the true connections between and among things which have come to pass. In that way too, our minds are being renewed and made more and more conformed to His mind. "We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night." (Neh. 4:9) We watch and pray to pray and act that we might not be tempted to sin.
The pilgrim's progress is not about writing something to impress the readers' minds. It is about progress in life to eternal glory. It is a serious matter that calls for actions, not just correct thinking. We must behave like a man who has a mind to think, an emotion to feel and a will to wish and decide and act. Then are we wholesome and happy.
Therefore, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." (1Co. 16:13)
Comment on Morning December 13
Christians are soldiers of the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross of Jesus Christ speaks of His Mission in this world, which He received from God, His Father. This mission is to gather out of the fallen race of Adam a people chosen by God to everlasting life. This involves the incarnation of the Son of God, the Second Person of the Godhead, His life, accused death, resurrection from the dead on the third day, ascension to the right hand of God, in heaven making intercession for us, ruling and governing us by His Word and Spirit, returning again to judge all things, glorify His saints and bring in the New Heaven and the New Earth. Some parts of this mission are already completed while others are current and future.
Soldiers of the Cross are all those who believe in this Mission of Christ and would follow Him to advance It. This is the work of God in their heart. To fight in this Mission means to make known this wonderful work of His to the end of the world. This fight calls for resistance to any forces that work against Its fulfillment. Inwardly, this battle involves the building a strong people to demonstrate this covenant life with God. This involves the guarding and guiding of our own children in the way of this truth as revealed to us in His Word. Outwardly, this battle involves the calling of our fellow human beings to get right with God, the Ruler of this world, and to join us in this battle of faith. This is not a battle of flesh and blood (outward and physical), but of the Spirit (spiritual to the pulling down of the strongholds of the devil). So, the battle has to do with the declaration of the Truth as found in the Bible and the demonstration of Its goodness in the lives of God's people.
Such a battle is not easy and the soldiers need to be "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2Ti. 2:1) They must walk by the faith which God has given to them. This faith believes all that is revealed in the Holy Scriptures as true and worthy of our total commitment to It. This faith finds the victory and glory in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords and King of kings. This faith binds them all to that One True and Living God.
Many have fought "the good fight of faith" (1Ti. 6:12), and now is your and my turn to fight. Let us in "nothing terrified by your adversaries." (Php. 1:28) Let us be strong and courageous knowing that the victory is already ours in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Under whose standard are we fighting?
Comment on Evening December 13
There can be no reward to any man except the rewards of grace. This is because "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags". (Isa. 64:6) According to the law there shall be no flesh justified, so no flesh to be rewarded. But according to the Grace of God in Jesus Christ, we are justified because of what He had done for us. So we can perform good works acceptable to God, though not perfect by themselves. This is like children speaking imperfectly and yet acceptable to their parents as they grow to perfection.
This foundation in our Lord Jesus Christ is very important, without which all our works are futile and vain, unable to be established and rewarded by God. "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (1Co. 3:11, 14, 15)
There are always those who put on false modesty in the midst of God's people. They imagine themselves to be most humble and care not for rewards in Heaven, so long as they can get there. The reward of merit is certainly something for us to frown at, since we see nothing good in us and everything good in our God - let Him be glorified. But for the rewards of grace, we may not be ashamed to receive as such rewards speak of the glory of God in His wondrous dealings with us. It is our reward to be used of Him to magnify Him. We can have peace even as we receive such rewards of grace from God. "Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us." (Isa. 26:12)
Do we not want to do well in our Christian walk so that we may be counted among those who will receive the rewards of grace? Or, are we putting a false front to cover up our ungrateful lives?
Comment on Morning December 14
The whole creation sings the praises of God gloriously from eternity to eternity. No one hears it better than God Himself. As for sinful men, there is no way they can hear such perfect praises, nor do they know how to begin praising Him as they ought to.
He causes us, who are saved by His grace, to sing that praise of God. The more we sing the more we learn to sing it harmoniously with the rest of creation. Our part in this choir is to sin of His glorious redemption in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Such a praise flows from our very being because we personally experience that great wonder of Grace. It is not as if we hear or see that grace displayed in the lives of others and are moved to sing His praise. We ourselves are those who are deserving of hell fire because of our sins. Christ came to suffer and die for personally on the Cross of Calvary. He rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven for our sakes. He makes intercession for us in our current trials and temptations through life. We experience of His grace from day to day, from moment to moment.
We are moved like the Psalmist in Psa. 86:12, 13 to say, "I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell." Ours is a praise of thanksgiving. We say, "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." (Psa. 69:30) The Christian life is not just about what others should do, but about what we are doing while we live in this valley of tears. It is about our sins and curse. It is about our being saved by the Grace of God. It is about how we live thankful lives in all our ever changing circumstances. It is about our blessed hope of glory. It is about our God Who brings all these to pass, and blessed be His Name.
"Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty." (Rev. 15:3) Are you rejoicing and praising?
Comment on Evening December 14
Christian people must be reminded again and again that they are by "nature the children of wrath, even as others." (Eph. 2:3) This is necessary because we are often tempted to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. (Rom. 12:3) We are not always sober, and often become vain in our mind. This is especially the case when we are doing well spiritually and begin to imagine that we ourselves have gotten us the victory.
In that state of pride we often look down on others and consider them unworthy to be saved, thus not witnessing to them as we ought. But if we constantly keep in our mind from where the Lord has delivered us, we would not look down upon any sinner around us. "We ourselves also were sometime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." (Tit. 3:3) We are only different because God caused us to be "born again." (Joh. 3:7) Therefore we have nothing to boast and no reason to look down upon others.
As guilt sinners we could only plea for mercy. And He did show us mercy, translating us from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of light. We are what we are not by nature, but by the mercy and grace of God. So, to boast of our present state without exalting the mercy and grace of God, is most unbecoming of any Christian.
If we do not know what we are by nature, how can we know what we are and becoming by the Grace of God?
Comment on Morning December 15
The term, "Christ", refers to a public office, just like the term, "President." "Christ" refers to the Head of a community of people. There are different kinds of head in a community. There is the political head, the religious head, military head, etc. As a Head, "Christ" is the prophet, priest and king of the same community. Christ is therefore the educational, religious and political head of God's people. As the Head, He has his law. The law of Christ is the law of service. ".. the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mar. 10:45) Members of this community obey His law and learn to be like their Head. They learn to seve each other.
In their service, they bear "one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." This means that they are aware of each other's burden. They are aware of such burdens by faithfully bearing their own burdens and observing the struggles of people around them. Being aware of different kinds of burden, they try to lighten the burdens of others by helping them. Doing so they follow their Master, the Lord Jesus, by taking upon themselves "the form of a servant." (Php. 2:7)
Jesus does sympathize with suffering people around them. He wept when He was with Mary and Martha when their brother passed away. (Joh 11:35) ".. when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36) He wants us to be full of compassion towards each other. "Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." (1Pe. 3:8, 9)
Will God allow stumbling blocks to be in Heaven?
Comment on Evening December 15
As Christian believers we should be most thrilled with the many precious teachings of Scriptures concerning us. In the Holy Scriptures we are told the truth that we are wretched sinners worthy of hell. Then we are told that God loved us and sent His Son to save us from our sins. Next, for the sake of His Son, our Lord Jesus, God justifies us and adopts us to be His children! Now, what do you expect God to do with His children, but to ensure that they are blessed forever. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:11) Often in our ignorance and foolishness, we do not ask for things that are really "good" for us. But our Heavenly Father is not so ignorant and foolish like us, so, He continues to give us "good things" even when we ask wrongly.
But children of God are blessed also because they have blessed work to do - namely to "work ... in [His] vineyard." (Mat. 21:28) The vineyard of the Lord speaks of labour which will count for eternity. Beloved it is a privilege that God should call us to serve Him in His vineyard.
Labour in His vineyard calls for holy living as He Who calls us is holy. It is dishonouring to God, if we serve Him in sinful ways with impenitence. Yes, we do not serve Him perfectly and often even sin against Him while we serve. This should not stop us from continual service, because God continues to call us to service despite our may weaknesses and sins. All He wants is the humbly acknowledge our sins and weaknesses and serve Him in truth and thankfulness for Salvation by His Sovereign Grace. As we serve we try to avoid sins and be humble persevering in our service. "... ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1Co. 15:58)
Are you labouring for food that perishes or for those that count for eternal life? (Joh. 6:27)
Comment on Morning December 16
God is love. This means that all the three Persons of the Godhead is love. Love characterizes the being of God. In His eternal being God lives in perfect love which is the bond of perfectness. Eternal life is love. Eternal life is perfect communion and fellowship. Blessed are all who live in perfect love. God has taken up to Himself some wretched beings to enter into fellowship and communion with Him. Blessed, indeed, are these being for God is able to do abundantly above all that we can ask or do.
"Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." (Joh. 13:1) God's chosen people are His beloved. Though many of them are still in this world and still do not appear what they will be (perfect like the Son of God), yet He still loves them with the everlasting love, and His banner over them is "love". (Sol. 2:4)
So, He prays for them as they experience what it means to be rejected by your own - an experience He Himself has undergone. (Joh. 1:11) "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (Joh. 17:15, 16) Evil is what Adam had plunged the whole human race into, and it has no place for the beloved of God. We must be kept from evil and indeed we shall for He prays for us and the Father hears Him always.
We must continue in this love of God, in this eternal life of His. "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love." (Joh. 15:9) Love is always obedient to the truth. The truth is that Christ loves us with "greater love ... than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (Joh. 15:13, 14) He commands us to love one another. (Joh. 13:34) Are we, who are born of love?
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6) "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Php. 1:6)
We are the beloved of the Lord, the Faithful One. Amen.
Comment on Evening December 16
That God should have His own "deep things" should not surprise us, His creatures. If we know all things like God knows them, then are we not become Gods, having arrived and become sufficient of ourselves like God Himself is? No, our perfection is the perfection of a creature and will always be dependent upon God. God will always have His "deep things" "passeth knowledge" and "unsearchable".
The deep things of God - secret things - He shares with none, but His beloved. He first make them able to receive such things. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Co. 2:14) But, "we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." (1Co. 2:12) "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant." (Psa. 25:14) We know we are special when we have special access to special people. There is no one more special than God, and we have that hidden life with Him - what a great wonder of Grace - not always appreciate even by those who ought to know better.
So the Apostle Paul prayed for God's people thus: "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Eph. 3:14-19)
Comment on Morning December 17
Essential to a meaningful human life is communication. When a human baby is born into this world, he starts to communicate with the elements of this world. Of all the elements, he necessarily and naturally communicates with his fellow human beings. Then we know he has a human life.
A person who communicates with God (meaningful prayers and Word-intake) is born again into God's family. "Quicken us, and we will call upon thy name." (Psa. 80:18) This is the work of the Holy Spirit in regenerating and teaching us how to pray. When Ananias was doubtful of Saul's conversion, the Lord drew his attention to the fact that Saul was praying. (Act 9:11) Prayer in the Holy Spirit is a sign of life, not to be belittled.
What breathing is to the physical life, prayer is to the spiritual life. Subconscious to most of us, we do persevere in breathing as we live this physical life. Our life with God is not without perseverance in prayer. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance." (Eph. 6:18)
Word-intake is necessary for the spiritual life. Jesus said that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. "I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me." (Psa. 119:93) Here we are not merely talking about being acquainted with the letter of the Word. We are referring to the Spirit applying that Word to our hearts. "The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." (1Co. 3:6) This is about the Word abiding in us and we in Christ. (Joh. 15:7) Only is such a situation can we confident that we are praying according to the will of God.
Such a way of living is a demonstration of Christ living in us. He is Lord, and "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (1Co. 12:3) It not merely a matter of saying, but of acknowledging that He is Lord of our life.
Who is boss in your life?
Comment on Evening December 17
Would you treat your refrigerator like a rubbish bin where unwanted, decomposing staff are kept to be thrown away later? If you do, soon the good food inside might also turn bad and useless. Refrigerator is a vessel to honour whereas the rubbish bin is a vessel to dishonour. There should be no fellowship between these two vessels if you want a healthy living. "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour." (2Ti. 2:20)
"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Eph. 5:11) To have fellowship means to join hands in common activities in order to achieve common goals with common joy and delight, sorrow and pain. Light and darkness cannot have fellowship with each other. When Christians or a Christian organizations compromise with the power of darkness in such fellowship, they become contaminated because there is evil communication between them. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." (1Co. 15:33) Some think that a little of such fellowship should be all right, not knowing that "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." (1Co. 5:6) When we get contaminated in this way our light become dim and lack luster. But we are called to "be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." (Php. 2:15)
Do you want to be the fruitful works of light or the unfruitful works of darkness? "Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach." (Heb. 13:13)
Comment on Morning December 18
In times of need, where can we go boldly and be assured that we will find help? "Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)
We do have many needs in this life. We are most conscious of it in our frail body and it "perish" through time and we near the day to be unclothed of it. As that happens, we notice that a lot of things in our life are fast becoming matters of "no more" - no more this and no more that, unless help is rendered at the ever greater inconvenience of others. So, we try to make do on our own and look more often to the unfailing source of help which we still do have in Christ. That is the "new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh." (Heb. 10:19, 22)
The Second Person of the Godhead took upon Himself our human flesh and through it consecrate for us the living way to the very presence of God where we present our petition before Him Who is the Almighty! What an awesome privilege, unparalleled in this whole wide world! The lowly know and appreciate it better than anyone else. They called Him, "Abba, Father." (Rom. 8:15) And He called them, "My sons and daughters." (2Co. 6:18)
Ask, seek and knock, for He said "not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain." (Isa. 45:19) What are we waiting for? No time, we say. Try giving up a little of the time we spend complaining to your fellow-creature's ears, and spend that time saved at the throne of grace. God said that such time shall not be spent in vain. We can trust Him.
Comment on Evening December 18
The Apostle Paul mentioned two laws or principles at work in the spiritual life of a child of God - the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" and the "law of sin and death." (Rom. 8:2) One tends to the Spirit and to life, while the other to sin and death. It is obvious that the children of God are called to maintain the former rather than the latter law. In fact, the engagement of the former is the freeing of the latter.
Sin has to do with the Law and Commandment of God in that it is either a commission against or an omission of It. Sin is a principle and therefore has a certain propensity or leaning or potential. In its inclination, "sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me." (Rom. 7:10) So, the Apostle Paul also wrote that "the strength of sin is the law." (1Co. 15:56) The deception by which sin operates is to assert that a man can be justified by the law in the sight of God. This is deception from the devil because God's Word says, "no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." (Gal. 3:11) When a man is deceived to embrace this false doctrine, sin slays him finally.
The "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" free a man from the "law of sin and death." This is the truth that "shall make you free." (Joh. 8:32) The law or principle speaks of the embracing of Christ and His works on our behalf by faith. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Gal. 2:16) This law is called "the perfect law of liberty" in Jas. 1:25. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Gal. 5:1)
The true life of all is the life of freedom. The life of freedom is the life of the just for there is no more condemnation for him. "The just shall live by faith" - faith not in anything, but only in the Word of God.
By what are we living? Are we in the bondage of sin or are we in the liberty of Christ?
Comment on Morning December 19
Can you imagine a universe without light at all? Without light, the properties of object to reflect the different colours of the rainbow would be meaningless, and every object in this universe would not appear at all in all their different glory as we know them to be in our present world. We would not know what we would be missing, but with the experience of our present world, we know this must be better than a world without light. Another analogy would be the experiences of a blind man in contrast with those of seeing people. What a world of difference! Thank God for creating light for us.
The existence of rational moral creatures without the Word of God is like the existence of the universe without the physical light. Something fundamentally important is missing rendering that world incomplete and not as glorious as it should be. Without the spiritual light of God's Word, rational moral creatures do not communicate properly and thus do not relate to each other well and in a wholesome manner, resulting in confusion and all manner of evils, the activities of darkness. The Fall of man plunged the human race into darkness, confusion and sin. But, thanks be to God, ...
"Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness." (Psa. 112:4) Jesus is the light of that world where men fear the Lord. As the light arises we must learn to "trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." (Isa. 50:10) The surrounding darkness cannot overwhelm us for "the Lord upholdeth him with his hand" (Psa. 37:24) and His "commmandment is a lamp, and the law is light." (Pro. 6:23) With the light we are safe as we keep to that path of light without turning to the left nor to the right.
Our body needs the light and this light is our eye. Our eye perceives and interprets the light reflected by the different objects around us. This gives meaning and tells us what to do next. If our eye sees a unified, consistent world, then our body is full of light and we are happy and confident in our walk. But if our eye sees a confused world that keeps changing every now and then, then we may be thrown to the surrounding darkness instead. If what we see is darkness, then our light is darkness. Then we are the children not of the light, but of darkness.
"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ," (1Th. 5:5-9)
Where are you going?
Comment on Evening December 19
Jesus is our Good Shepherd. As such He is full of compassion towards us. If we are young and tender, He would often "gathers the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom", if we are pregnant he would "gently lead" us. (Isa. 40:11) In other words, He is very mindful of our condition even as He tends to us.
At one time, a great multitude was with Him listening to His messages and He noticed that they had not eaten, so He told His disciples, "I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way." So, He fed them before sending them away! (Mat. 15:32) We have many infirmities and He notices them all even without our telling Him. Observe His way with you and you will notice that He goes ahead of you to prepare the way according to your needs.
He never reject the little ones who come to Him humbly to be blessed. To many others our weaknesses may be obstacles to what they want to accomplish and therefore our help not welcome. But the Lord says, "Bring them hither to me." (Mat. 14:18)
If we do go astray, He will be out there looking for us to try and bring us back to the fold again. So He came to this world to save us from our sins. "Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1Pe. 2:25)
When we become doubtful of our final safety, for one reason or another, He would assure us, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luk. 12:32)
Do you experience Him as your Good Shepherd?
Comment on Morning December 20
Chosen, indeed, we believers are, and that even before the foundation of the world. And because it is the Almighty Who has chosen us, we can rest assured that it is very purposeful, even though such selection is not based upon what He sees in us, but according to His own mercy and kindness in our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is important that we know this purpose of His, by and by, as we live with Him in sweet communion. Otherwise, He would not have spoken of it in His Word to us: "Chosen ... that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." (Eph. 1:4) So, as we mature, we know what He wants and learn to cooperate with Him in greater measure to our smooth experience of His grace.
To be holy means to be dedicated and consecrated to Him Who is the God of our salvation. Holiness speaks of an increasing knowledge and experience of God. It also mean that we trust in this God Who has spoken and obey Him absolutely. All these imply a life with God sitting on the throne of one's heart. There are much willing and doing of His good pleasure, with great delight and thankfulness.
Such a life of truth and sincerity is without blame before God. No one can point a finger at such a person and blame him before God. He does God's will humbly to the best of his knowledge and faith. God knows that. To his own Master he stands or falls.
Such a life is a life of "sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." (2Th. 2:13) Not that such a life is perfect without any need for teaching, rebuke, correction and instruction in righteousness. In fact, such a life, before it reaches its perfect glory in heaven, is full of these profits from the Word of God.
This cannot fail to be because salvation is God's own work and that cannot fail as God cannot fail in whatever He does Being Almighty. The "new heart ... and a new spirit" He gives to His chosen one cannot fail to operate to cleanse and to renew him. His outward man may perish, but his inward man is renewed day by day.
"God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (1Th. 4:7) Are we holy, for He is holy?
Comment on Evening December 20
To doubt the Word of the Lord is a very serious thing. When Elisha told the king of Israel that his besieged city, which was suffering unimaginable famine, would experience unimaginable plentiful, one of his servants expressed doubt with these words: "Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?" (2Ki. 7:2) Elisha responded, "Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof." When God's Word is plain and clear, none of us should ever try to cast any doubt on It to undermine Its authority over the people of God. When we know what He has said, then it is time to exercise faith and to obey.
Nothing is impossible with God. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Having the faith that works by love in what God says is honouring to Him. It is an acknowledging that His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways. His is so much more higher than ours like the heavens is above the earth. (Isa. 55:8, 9) Ours is not to doubt, but to demonstrate what the Lord can do.
With the Lord, "it is nothing ... to help, whether with many or with them that have no power." (2Chr. 14:11) God can create everything out of nothing. God often uses the means He has created to bring to pass what He wants. He is never limited by the means He uses. He can use great means to do little things and little means to do great things. With Him there is no insufficiency or wastage. We just yield our all, trust and obey Him; and He shall do the rest according to His own good pleasure.
In the presence of One Who promises us good and Who "raised the dead", how dare we prefer to "trust in ourselves" than in Him? (2Co. 1:9)
Comment on Morning December 21
The life on this side of the grave is a valley of tears. We cry when we were born, and there is much tears when we are gone from this life. In between, there are countless moments when we shed tears as we hurt each other with our thoughts, words and deeds. When we suffer because of our sins we can understand and find it easier to bear as we deserve what we get. But can get confused and add to our suffering when we suffer for righteousness' and the truth's sake. We mean good, but are not appreciated, and, in fact, strongly opposed by those who would persecute us. The Lord would comfort and encourage us in well doing.
"The days of thy mourning shall be ended." He promised. (Isa. 60:20) The thought that Someone like Him is fully aware of our suffering is most comforting. Not only is He aware, but He is concerned enough to make that promise of deliverance. In that we find much strength to press on in well-doing. But when will that day of termination come?
It shall not be in this present world for in "the world ye shall have tribulation." (Joh. 16:33) Here the "whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." (Rom. 8:22, 23) That day of deliverance will be the day of "adoption", the day of "the redemption of our body." This corruptible body must put on incorruption in order to enter the New Heavens and the New Earth as promised in Rev. 21. '50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." (1Co. 15) The Day of Christ's Second Coming is the day of our deliverance from all tribulation.
Are you longing for such deliverance?
Comment on Evening December 21
All that we can perceive and experience are His works. In fact, even all our perceivings are His works. "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works." (Psa. 145:9) It is the entrance of sin into this world that brought about so much sufferings in this world. God is good when He created and provided for all things. Men have sought out many inventions according to their own carnal lusts resulting in all the confusions and sufferings we see around us. Yet, God is still good and His mercies are still over all His works. So, there is hope even when the vice-regent had fallen into his horrible sins and miseries.
At times, in our miseries and impatience, we may be tempted to imagine that God has forsaken us and cares not for us at all. Like the Apostles, we ask, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" (Mar. 4:38) He truly cares for us even in time when we are unaware of our own dangers and foolish ways. He silently helps us again and again without our asking. He only command us to ask, seek and knock only because that is good for us to become more aware of His constant care for us. "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." (Nah. 1:7)
Having responsibly done what we should in any given situation, to the best of our ability, according to our God-given faith, we should learn to trust Him for the rest without doubting His fatherly care for us. The outcomes of our deeds are not dependent upon us. Sometimes, the outcomes are so unlike what we expect, and begin to become concern. Such worrying is uncalled for. We are certainly called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, but this is not a call to worry, but a call to learn the mind of God in comparison with our own - to discover how God takes care of us who fear and trust Him.
This is what it means to stand still and see the Salvation of God. As we behold the ways of God and learn His paths, we become more confident in life and cease doubting His cares for us. We become more and more convinced, as we live by faith, that "all things work for good to those that love God." (Rom. 8:28) The present sufferings and privation should not discourage us if we can trust His sovereign control even over all such adversities for His own glory and our own good. The just shall live by faith and faith is the victory that overcome the world.
"Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." (Mat. 8:26)
Comment on Morning December 22
"This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (Joh. 6:29) There is nothing more clear than this statement from our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. To believe unto salvation is the work of God. "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph. 2:10) This belief is also one that works out itself in "good works". Christian believers are people full of good works. They work not in order to be saved, but because they are saved. Their good works are the different indications that they are saved by God's Sovereign Grace.
Such "good works" are inevitable because God had ordained that those saved "should walk in them." God will ensure that. While it is not a good work to walk in sin, it is good work to repent of one's sin and to fight the good fight of faith. So, we can expect saved people to be conscious of their sins and to desire always to get right with God. Those who rather that God does not reveal their sins to them than that He should convict them and call them to repentance, manifest themselves unconverted. Converted people deal with the putting off of the old man and the putting on the new man all the days of their lives on this side of the grave.
When we do see the above works manifesting in our brethren, we do indeed give thanks to God for them. We are thankful not only for the many mutual benefits of such communion of the saints where good works abound, but also for the eternal blessings of our brethren. "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power." (2Th. 1:3, 11)
Are you a believer? Where then are your good works?
Comment on Evening December 22
A promise is made, but are we satisfied and our heart at rest with that? It all depends on the issue which brings about the unrest, the relevance of the promise made and the one making the promise.
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ had done wondrously for us on the Cross of Calvary and when He rose again from the dead on the third day. But He left us to go to His Father in Heaven, leaving us without His physical presence. Read through the Four Gospels and discover how exciting those days were when He was physically with us! He spoke for us and defended us. He healed and restored us. He taught us so many things with divine authority. No one can gain say us with His presence. But He left us!
The truth is that He did not leave us completely. He told His disciples that He was with them "even unto the end of the world." (Mat. 28:20) He is still with us in the person of the Holy Spirit, Whom He received of the Father and sent to us at Pentecost. Such a presence is good and safe enough for us, but we still long for His physical presence. So He promise to come back again as we have seen Him taken up from us. (Act. 1:11)
"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him." (Rev. 1:7) "Every eye" shall see Him literally. He will come again to be seen of all men and to judge all men. Believers must know that a longing for His return is also a longing for the conclusion of this present age and the ushering in of the New Heavens and the New Earth. It speaks of a sense that this present evil world is not worthy of the continuing witnesses of the suffering saints of God. Are you suffering for Christ's sake and the Gospel's sake as to be in the position to feel that way about the world?
Let us take heed to what Paul wrote to Titus in 2:11-13 - "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Witnessing to the world will cease when once the Lord comes again. Let us live godly lives while we can. The night comes when no man can work.
"And the evening and the morning ..." (Gen. 1:31) - will be the Eternal Day.
Comment on Morning December 23
Strength is what a man need to have if he wants to accomplish something difficult. Overcoming the sins in our life is something not only difficult, but, in fact, impossible for us fallen human being. "They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul iis precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption." (Psa. 49:6-9) With man, salvation is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible. To be saved is to be at peace with God. "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me." (Isa. 27:5)
The strength of God for our salvation from sin and its curse is to be found in our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is God's own ransom paid for our sins. "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mar. 10:45) "Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins" (Col. 1:19)
To flee to the Cross of Christ is to "take hold of my [Jehovah's] strength." This is the only way for a sinful man to make peace with God. "Trust ye in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." (Isa. 26:4)
Are you trying hard to get right with God in your own strength? Stand still and see the salvation of God.
Comment on Evening December 23
Eternal life is not something apart from Christ, the way leading thereto. The way to eternal life is eternal life Itself. To have communion with Christ is to have eternal life. "God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life." (1Jo. 5:11, 12)
We do not have life in ourselves just like God and His Son have. "As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself." (Joh. 5:26) So God can quicken whom He wills while we are not able to do that. Jesus also has absolute power over His own life. He said, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10:18) Only such a One can guarantee our eternal life.
In Adam we are dead in trespasses and sins. In Christ we are raised to newness of life. His power over death is clearly seen in His own resurrection. In fact He said of Himself: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." (Joh. 11:25, 26)
To live apart from such a One is death, indeed. If we should utterly forsake Christ or He us, at any time, we are lost eternally. Thanks be to God, "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." (2 Timothy 2:13) This faithfulness of God is our hope and salvation. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 1:6)
What kind of a Saviour is yours?
Comment on Morning December 24
Christians are people recreated by God in Christ Jesus to live and not to die. As such we are not to live after the flesh, but after the Spirit. "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Rom. 8:13) To live is to be in sweet fellowship and communion with God and His people. To die is to merrily joining the world in its "ungodliness and worldly lusts" (Tit. 2:12)
The latter is to live after the flesh. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these; adultery, fornication and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal. 5:19) We cannot rejoice in such works, but are constantly called to denounce them both in our own lives and in others as well. They have no place in man who was created after the image of God. Thus the command to repent and to look to Christ for salvation is issued to all men everywhere. More so must this be the calling of all who claimed to be saved. Regarding such works of the flesh, "let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints." (Eph. 5:3)
Then on the other hand, believers are to bear "the fruit of the Spirit". The "fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Gal. 5:21-25) Such virtues are useful for handling ourselves and others around us. Is it not due to the lack of such virtues that so much violent and confusion prevail among men? Christians must promote such virtues among themselves at all times even as the Spirit works in them to bring them forth.
Such conversion experiences are to accompany God's people so long as they are in this present evil world on their way to Heaven. "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity." (Tit. 2:11-14)
Comment on Evening December 24
As Christians we must live for the Lord Jesus Christ is such a way that "not ... your good be evil spoken of" (Rom.14:16) We must learn to be conscientious in doing things according to the Word of God. Then we must ensure, as much as possible, that people around us know that that is exactly what we are doing and not according to our own whims and fancies.
We bear good testimony by not associating with evil that is around us. Often such association tarnishes our good testimonies and slowly corrupts our ways. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Ye are the temple of the living God. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing." (2Co. 6:14, 16, 17)
With all our good works and intention, there will always be those who would reproach us still. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, ... or as a busybody in other men's matters." (1Pe. 4:14-15)
How are we shining for the Lord as Christmas dawn upon us?
Comment on Morning December 25
No doubt it is love that this present world is found wanting. Not that there are no claims made that love is very much alive around us. Just listen to the songs sung by pop stars and you will discover in the lyrics of their songs all kinds of themes on love. Many humanitarian efforts to relieve the many suffering victims of natural disasters and of wars are deemed to be acts of love. So, it is claimed that love is very much alive all around us.
But upon closer examination we also discover that in the midst of all these so called acts of love, there are many related activities which are totally acts of selfishness and lusts. We read of the abuse of funds by aid workers, or what some called "professional beggars". Then there are the peace-keepers who victimize those whom they are suppose to protect. That our present world is still full of problems despite the many years of effort by the United Nations and other world organizations to resolve them show that love is still wanting.
To have the true love which will truly solves all our problems, the love of God must be acknowledged and appreciated. The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, about 2000 years ago, is the appearance of the "kindness and love of God our Saviour." (Tit. 3:4) "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1Jo. 4:9, 10)
Look at how true Christians live in this world and you will see the love of God at work. If indeed every human being is a Christian, our world's problems would be solved. But, alas, not all who hear the Gospel of God's love believe, repent of sins and trust in Jesus Christ. They remain wicked and defiant against God. And God said that there shall be no peace to the wicked.
The birth of Jesus Christ is the coming of God in human flesh "that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Heb. 2:14) In our flesh, Jesus took all the penalty of our sins and fulfill all righteousness on our behalf. Thus we experience the love of God and learn how to love God and man as we should.
Is your love-life with or without God?
Comment on Evening December 25
Christmas is a time of thanksgiving for the Gift of gifts. But because men are so superficial and carnal, they have no appreciation of this Gift. In fact, they become so engrossed with the little gifts that they fail to look to the Gift to which all the little gifts are meant to point us to. Can you imagine all the motorists being deeply engrossed with the road signs because they are all so interesting that they forget the realities to which these road signs point? Christmas through commercialization has become more and more a season of disaster for many confused worldlings.
May true Christians keep in mind the wonder of Christmas, the First Advent of our dear Saviour Jesus Christ. Without Him all other gifts are truly meaningless finally. The more we are grateful for the Gift of gifts the more we will know how to live in this world and relate to each other in love. Christians must learn how to "praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psa. 107:21) To praise is to exalt, to lift up high for all to see. Can you see God's goodness in Christmas? Are you glad for it and think that all the world should know this goodness of God? Do you have any plan to lift up His Holy Name? Are you upset if none join you to lift up His Holy Name in this world?
If we are truly thankful to God for so great a salvation in Jesus Christ, we need not wait for Christmas to praise and thank Him. In fact, all our days we are filled with gratitude and exalt Him with all that we have irrespective of whether others appreciate what we are doing. When Mary received the confirmation of God's plan through Elizabeth, she said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luk. 1:46, 47) To Mary, it did not matter that people would think evil of her - a virgin with child. She was simply overwhelmed by the love of God for the lost mankind. To be used of the Lord for the glory of His Name was indeed a great honour to her. She was thankful and full of joy.
Are you and am I like Mary at Christmas 2007?
Comment on Morning December 26
At Christmas we are reminded that we are saved to serve the Lord our God. This was God's oath to Abraham and the possibility of it is the Incarnation of the Son of God. In Luk. 1:73-75 we read "The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life." Such a service is meant for "all the days of our life."
Our sinful nature tells us that we should always aspire to be served rather than to serve. We may have to become servants for a time in order to survive in this world. But our aim should always to improve so that one day we need not serve, but be served. We are always given the impression that success means dominion and control over others according to our own purposes and wishes. So, to serve all the days of our life does not seem correct. Yet, this is the only right and joyful thing to do for any human being.
As we consider this matter we must immediately take note that we are not talking about serving anyone and everyone. We are talking about serving God Almighty, Creator and Ruler of the whole universe. Concerning Him, it is only proper that all things created by Him serve Him. They do serve Him whether they like it or not. Those refusing to do so also find themselves serving Him against their own will. But blessed are those who consciously and joyfully serve Him "all the days of our life."
Serving God is not something which we find it easy in a fallen world. The fallen world says, "We will not have this man to reign over us. " (Luk. 19:14) "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." (Psa. 2:2, 3) Those in power and authority would not submit to God and His Christ naturally. Yet, God insists that all things serve Him. So believers will find much opposition when they would do what God wants of them.
This is where we are exhorted to be "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." (1Co. 15:58) Living in this life there is much work and labour for us, and many of our labours are done in vain. But here is one work and labour which shall never be in vain. "Ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1Co. 15:58) Such labour are not in vain because God Almighty is pleased with it and would bless every such effort.
Many try to serve God, but pay very little attention to what He had to say in His Word. This is a grave error, which should be obvious to all. But the devil has blinded so many that they cannot even understand this simple truth. If your boss tell you something which you ignore in the course of serving him, what would he think of you?
God has revealed Himself to us as the only One worthy of our absolute trust and confidence in that we obey Him to the details of every "jot and title" of His Word, without questions, all the days of our life. He is our Wisdom, our strength, our joy, our comfort, our all in all. In serving others, there is always the possibility of doing wrong and becoming partakers of other man's sins. But serving the God of our Salvation, there can only be good and happy end.
Are you happy serving God currently? Why so?
Comment on Evening December 26
The way to heaven is so full of temptations and trials that sometimes a child of God wonder how he or she is ever going to make it safely there.
Indeed, he or she can never make it safely there all by himself or herself. Our trip to heaven is ordained by God and He Himself is become our Guide and Comforter to accompany us all the way to Heaven. The more we spend time with God on the way, the more we will gain confidence that all is well and that we shall surely make it to Heaven safely.
The way we take is the way of the Almighty Who has control over all things, even over all the forces of evil in this world. He controls over all things like a good Shepherd Who is willing even to give His life for the sheep. All things must therefore serve our good and salvation.
If we are to live comfortably in this life we must learn to commit all things to "him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 24, 25)
Where are you looking for comfort and assurance?
Comment on Morning December 27
"Look before you leap." - this is a good advice for all who would want to move from place to place. Leaping suggests getting into a place which one may find it more difficult to get out. Thus one should look carefully first before leaping. Otherwise, there may be regret and a waste of precious time trying to get back to the right place.
But, sometimes, we do not even know what to look out for before leaping. This is especially so with spiritual things. We are so used to the material things of this world that we do not know how to view spiritual things as we ought. Spiritual things has to do with God, the things of God. They are the eternal things which abide forever. They involve the eternal truth of God, and call for quiet meditation of God's Word prayerfully. As Christians we are called by God to inherit His Kingdom. "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luk. 12:32) Therefore, we should know where to look before we leap.
If you look for the right thing, you will discover that "here we have no continuing city." (Heb. 13:14) This world is not our home and we are just a passing through. So "now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations." (1Pe. 1:6) Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. This present world is like night time to us, and morning is the Second Coming of our blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. We "groan" now (2Co. 5:4), but the day will come when "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Rev. 21:4)
Beloved, where are you looking before you make your many moves in life?
Comment on Evening December 27
Never be at war with one who is infinitely more powerful than you are. You stand to lose. And to think that there is no one more powerful than you are is sheer foolishness. Not, nor be interested, to know how we are related to the greatest of them all is to live in uncertainty. What if we are at war with him while we live. Wouldn't that be terribly dangerous?
But on the other hand, if such a One is our Friend, yea, "our peace" (Eph. 2:14), then we can live confidently and thankfully all the days of our life. There is none greater than God Almighty. For God to be our peace, it means that we, who offend Him, must have been reconciled to Him. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." (2Co. 5:19) We must forsake our sins and trust in Christ as he alone can reconcile us to God.
In Christ alone, we, therefore, have peace. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (Joh. 14:27) The world gives a type of peace which is not the true peace nor will it deceptive quietness last. There shall simply be no peace to the wicked. There is no other way to peace except in the way of repentance of sins towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.
Are you at war with God or is He your peace in Jesus Christ?
Comment on Morning December 28
What is sin? Ask this question, and you will receive many different answers from different people. But, all would agree that it is something bad to be avoided if we would welcome the good. Sin, therefore, is the opposite of what good is. If we know what good is, we would not what sin is, since sin is what good is not. What than is good?
Once, someone called Jesus, "Good master." (Mat. 19:16) and got this reply from Him, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." According to Jesus "good" is not a thing, but a person. What is the different between a thing and a person? A person is not a thing because a person handle things while a thing is handled by a person. Try to handle a thing and a person and you will immediately sense the difference. Good is a person.
This does not mean that a thing cannot be good. A thing is good in a different sense than a person is good. When we say a thing is good we mean that it is in good shape by itself, being and functioning as it ought to. A person is good not only like a thing is good, but also in that he is actively promoting those things which ought to be. Now, there is only one person who is good, according to Jesus. And, He is God, the Mighty Creator and Governor of all things.
If there is one person who should know what all things ought to be, it must be the One Who made and governs them all. Jesus was and is right about "good." So, He must have also known what sin is since He knows what good is. To sin is to go against what good is - to go against God.
Sin is evil in that it serves only to destroy things around it and thrown them into confusion and chaos. God Who is Good would never allow sin, unless He wants His creation to sink into nothingness once again. Otherwise, He would have to eradicate sin completely or confine it permanently. The latter is His plan as is revealed in the eternal punishment of sin.
Salvation and deliverance from sin and its punishment lies in the forgiveness of sin. Since the punishment of sin is God's business, the forgiveness must also come from Him. To forgive is a wonder of God's Grace not to punish the guilty sinners and at the same times not allowing the sins committed to have any of sins' evil influences to come upon the good.
Only God can forgive sin; and, Jesus once told a sinner, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." (Mar. 2:5) Jesus is God for "Who can forgive sins but God only?" (Mar. 2:7) To have that power and authority to forgive sin, the Second Person of the Godhead became a man to live, suffer, die and rose again as such, bearing all the sins of those whom He would save. ".. thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Mat. 1:21) So, "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1Jo. 1:7)
Such cleansing is so powerful that sin is infinitely removed away from God's people "as far as the east is from the west." (Psa. 103:12) "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Rom. 6:18)
Are you God forgiven person?
Comment on Evening December 28
Why would the Greeks in Jesus' days wanted to see Jesus? (Joh. 12:21) At least, they must have first heard of Him. These were Greeks who "came up to worship at the feast", indicating that they did believe in the O. T. Scriptures and did have some knowledge of the coming Messiah. Any serious minded students of the O. T. in Jesus' days, when given the opportunity to see Jesus, would not fail to cease it, like Nicodemus did not.
Blessed are all those who, when having seen Jesus, say to Him, "O Lord, we have waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee." (Isa. 26:8) This is so because "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." (Psa. 145:18) The Lord is always near to His beloved even though they are not always conscious of that fact. But whenever they call upon Him, they discover His assuring words: "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (Joh. 14:18)
Each visit with the Lord deepens our fellowship with Him, so that we begin more and more to have "the desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." (Phi. 1:23) Those who have no hope in this life despise such a longing to depart as they consider such attitude as having the lack of will to live and would therefore shorten one's life. But for believers the length of his life is determined by God, whether it be short or long, hard or easy. Let God have His plan: it is far better to be with Him.
Do you have the desire to see Jesus?
Comment on Morning December 29
The Lord, our Mighty God, is the Ruler of the Universe. He controls everything according to His own wisdom, might and power. Being the only wise God, He cannot but act purposefully. He has a unified will concerning all things. We who are saved by Him has the calling to know and "understand what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:17)
"This is the will of God, even your sanctification." (1Th 4:3) Our sanctification speaks of our being made holy and fit for the Master's use. God does not just want to give us a good name: the name, "children of God." He wants to transform and conform us to the image of His Son. This process of disciple-making is a matter of knowing our Saviour in greater depth. "We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." (1Jo. 5:20) To know is not just a matter of getting more information of a person. It means also to become more and more one with such a person whom we have come to know and love.
If this is God's will concerning all His children, then all believers should seek each other's sanctification, prayerfully.The Apostle Paul had this longing for the Colossian believers. He wrote: "We ... do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Col. 1:9) The 'live and let live' attitude of believers to day is undermining the Ministry of the Messiah as King. There is a lack of knowledge and a lack of authority in the Churches to day.
Who sanction your sanctification, if any at all?
Comment on Evening December 29
"Enoch walked with God." (Gen. 5:24) What does that mean? Certainly we are not imagining a physical walking of two persons hand in hand down the street in Singapore. That cannot be because God is a spirit without any body parts for any to hold. To walk with someone means to have fellowship and communion with each other in the day to day life of the person. It presupposes a certain relation of friendship between those who walk with each other. There can always be the possibility of friends not walking with each other for a time for whatever reason. But they remain friends though they may not treat each other as such with much grief between them.
With God we must always seek to agree; for "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amo. 3:3) God being who He is expect that we agree with Him always and finally and not the other way round. This does not mean that God will always gives His final words immediately upfront when communicating with us. God does not communicate with us merely with commandments. He talks about things with us and often ask our opinions on a certain matters, not because He does not know, but because He wants us to be engaged in our exciting walk with Him. He does not tell us all the details of past, present and future things which only He Himself knows, but promise to go with us all the way eternally! "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer. 29:11-13)
With such a precious promise for God Almighty, it is foolishness not to walk with Him. It is not to every one that He makes such promises. It is our privilege and blessedness in Christ to receive such promises. We have nothing to envy those who are without hope in this world, but only pity. May God have mercy upon them.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (Jam. 4:8)
Comment on Morning December 30
The end of this present world will be at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, when He will sit in judgment of all things and usher in the New Heavens and the New Earth. What will be yours and mine standing on that day before the infinitely perfect Judge?
If we will be blameworthy on that day, we better be afraid now and get right with God immediately. Blessed are those whom the Apostle Paul called "blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Co. 1:8) Only God's own work can be so perfect and blameless. Put any works of fallen men before the perfect God and all kinds of errors and faults would be uncovered. Only before other fallen men can any man boast of his own work.
We will be blameless because we are God's projects "created in Christ Jesus unto good works." (Eph. 2:10) When He first takes us into His fashioning hand, we were "alienated and enemies in ... mind by wicked works." (Col. 1:21) Yet, through the works of Christ personally, and by the power of the His Holy Spirit and Word, translates us into His kingdom and renews us that we become "blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." (Phi. 2:15)
The purpose of shining light around is to give hope and direction to people who are lost in darkness. Those who know that they are lost can find hope in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus is the bright morning star around Whom we, believers, shine our little lights to provide starry formations useful for wayfaring men and women.
So we must all rely upon our Lord Jesus. And, "unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever." (Jud 24, 25)
Do we live blameless lives for Christ's glory and praise?
Comment on Evening December 30
Saints are people with whom the Lord is pleased to establish His covenant graciously. There is this need of such a covenant if any human being is to be saved from sin and its consequences. God sovereignly chooses His friends, even those who are received into His covenant. To them God promise to be their Sovereign Friend while they become His people. In His faithfulness, He keeps the covenant alive despite his people's oft unbelieving ways. In that covenant, He seeks the good and salvation of His people. That goodness and salvation comes in the way of His keeping "the feet of his saints." (1Sa. 2:9)
Divinely kept feet are those that "walk in the light, as he is in the light." (1Jo. 1:7) When believers walk in darkness, they "lie, and do not the truth." (1Jo. 1:6) Lying is not of the Heavenly Father, but of the devil, and has no place in the covenant friendship of God. Through cleansing and chastisement, their feet and washed and kept for further use.
In His covenant, Jehovah says to His servant-friend: "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." (Prov. 4:11,12,14,15,25-27)
In Jesus Christ do you find a Sovereign Friend?
Comment on Morning December 31
The story of Exodus is the story of God leading His people safely, through the wilderness and much temptations, to the Promised Land, "as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place." (Deu. 1:31) Such is the picture God paints for us concerning our pilgrimages - the wonderful story of redemption!
It is a story of God raising up His problematic, adopted kids to be more like His own Son. In nature, it is like the eagle training her young to fly. There up on top of a tall tree is the eagle's nest where a young is ready to be trained its living skill - to fly. There the mother eagle comes and "stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings." (Deu. 32:11, 12) She fly her young to great height and simply drop them to teach them how to fly. Before the young could hit the floor to their instant death, the mother eagle flew down at such speed and accuracy to bear the young away to safety, or to another dropping session. So are believers trained under the watchful eyes of their Heavenly Father Who promises them that "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: .." (Deu. 33:27) If we do fall from great height, we fall into His loving arms. We learn to fly by flapping our wings, not by merely listening to a lecture on flying. Such training establishes the unspeakable bond of trust and confidence in the Almighty.
Our last enemy is death. But before death, we normally grow old first. "Even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." (Isa. 46:4) "This God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." (Psa. 55:22)
Wherever you may be, can you feel His presence near you to guide, teach and protect?
Comment on Evening December 31
Moses was given to see the promised land of Canaan from a high mountain of Nebo, but not allowed to enter it because he failed to sanctify the Lord before the people of God. What his eyes could see were limited by the distance and many other factors, but Moses knew that much more can be said of this Promised Land. So do we who are given a foretaste of Heaven in the midst of God' humble and godly saints in this world. "There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." (Jos. 13:1)
Have you made great strike in your spiritual development recently? The Apostle Paul who was a spiritual giant of his days wrote: "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." (Phi. 3:12) It is unhealthy for any Christian to "rest on his laurel" while in this life. The Heidelberg Catechism considers the attainment of the holiest man among us, in this life, as "a small beginning" when compared with our eternal inheritance in Christ Jesus.
We do enjoy our present walk with the Lord, tough and difficult, though, our journey may prove to be, and at the same time still know that the best of our life with Him is yet to be. What He has planned for us, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit." (1Co. 2:9-10)
With such a blessed hope, we should give "all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." (2Pe. 1:5-7) That is how the Holy Spirit leads us in our sanctification - one virtue leading to another. Evil we must confess and forsake. Good we must meditate upon much that other virtues might come forth as well.
Our weekly Sabbaths remind us that "there remaineth .. a rest for the people of God." (Heb. 4:9) For that eternal rest we must wait for Christ's return for us. Meanwhile we are to fight the good fight of faith and to grow in godliness and righteousness of life.
Are you marching into the following year with a renewed, determined spirit to grow spiritually in Christ's likeness?
Read Comment
He will keep the feet of his saints.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. — He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit.
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I SAM. 2:9. I John 1:6,7. -John 13:10. Prov. 4:11,12,14,15,25-27. II Tim. 4:18.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING DECEMBER 31
Read Comment
The Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.
I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. — In his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. — As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him.
Even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. — This God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee. — Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.
DEUT. 1:31. Exo. 19:4. -Isa. 63:9. -Deut. 32:11,12. Isa. 46:4. -Psa. 48:14. Psa. 55:22. -Matt. 6:25,32. I Sam. 7:12.
Read Comment
The Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.
I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. — In his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. — As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him.
Even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. — This God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee. — Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.
DEUT. 1:31. Exo. 19:4. -Isa. 63:9. -Deut. 32:11,12. Isa. 46:4. -Psa. 48:14. Psa. 55:22. -Matt. 6:25,32. I Sam. 7:12.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING DECEMBER 31
Read Comment
There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Be ye therefore perfect. — Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit.
There remaineth ... a rest for the people of God. — Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
JOSH. 13:1. Php. 3:12. Matt. 5:48. -II Pet. 1:5-7. Php. 1:9. I Cor. 2:9,10. Heb. 4:9. -Isa. 33:17.
Read Comment
There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Be ye therefore perfect. — Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit.
There remaineth ... a rest for the people of God. — Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
JOSH. 13:1. Php. 3:12. Matt. 5:48. -II Pet. 1:5-7. Php. 1:9. I Cor. 2:9,10. Heb. 4:9. -Isa. 33:17.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
Comment on Morning December 01
Clothes are indeed necessary to cover our shame. We need them because we have affected the environment by our sins so badly that the elements therein are become hostile towards us. Clothes do protect us from some of these fearsome elemets, to some extent. They are indeed symbolic of our constant need of protection. We are not self-sufficient, but need to seek refuge every now and then as we move in this world.
The best place of refuge for man is the man of refuge. The man of refuge is One who is a man who knows all about the weaknesses of man and also about the nature of protection under all possible situations through life. Such is our Lord Jesus Christ. He is God very God, the Mighty Creator of all things. He became man and went through the full range of human sufferings and sorrows so that He knows what it takes to provide such a suitable refuge. "A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest." (Isa. 32:2)
We look for the shade when the heat of the sun becomes unbearable. A shade is the shadow of the thing that stands between the beating sun and the place of comfort. The thing receives the heat to provide the shade. So is our Lord Jesus Christ when He stands between us and the wrath of God against our sins. He received the beating that we might enjoy the comfort of the shade. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psa. 91:1) One who would enjoy the "shadow of the Almighty" must spend secret times with "the most High." Do you pray and read the Bible to be seen of men? That's not very secret. Precious are the moments when we can tell God all our secrets which none on earth need to know, and He us.
"When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psa. 61:2) I am a man, so is He. But He is higher than I and able to keep me out of the overwhelming flood.
Let us grow in greater familiarity with this Rock of Ages.
Comment on Evening December 01
Our experiences of this present heaven and earth are such that there is the "sea" which separate between them. Through our Lord Jesus Christ there is the Bridge, Himself, who link up the two places. Blessed are those who are caused to walk in It. They are bitter-sweet experiences of the sanctified life.
We are thankful for all these experiences, but they are not meant to last forever. God is preparing a better place for us. "Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth." (Isa. 65:17) The present, first heaven and first earth will pass away according to Revelation 21:1, but the new ones "shall remain before me, ..." This is His promise to us. And we, "according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2Pe. 3:13) Why shouldn't we who are righteous in Christ look for such a place? Our present world is full of unrighteousness at every turn. Things are just not right around here. But the day will come when all around us will simply be right and we enjoy that eternal bliss where our God Himself will be the Sun and light of that world.
In that world there is "no sea" to separate the heavens and the earth. They are all together as one, and communion between them is without any hindrance and restriction. There God "will dwell with them ,and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Rev. 21:1-5) Separation speaks of ".. tears, ..... death, ... sorrow, ... crying, .. pain .." All such "former things are passed away" when Christ shall return again to receive us to Himself.
We look forward to that day when "he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new."
Comment on Morning December 02
Why does God give us the Spirit of Truth to abide with us forever in answer to our Lord's prayer? (Joh. 14:16) We do indeed need the truth to guide us every moment of our lives. There are many voices claiming to be the truth in this world, and we need to be certain, as we grow, which of these voices speak the truth so that we may know how to react to what they are saying in a proper, safe and mutually beneficial way. The Spirit of Truth inspired the Holy Scriptures and is most qualified to teach us from It. So, we must thank our Lord Jesus for such a request on our behalf, and to God Who granted such an important prayer.
Jesus knows what is best for us for "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power." He has the first hand experience of what it means to be have the Spirit's presence with Him as He serve the Lord His God. So, we become partaker of the same anointing as the Lord - the constant presence of the Holy Spirit with us as a seal for the day of redemption. While He is with us, "the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." (1Jo. 2:27) If the Holy Spirit takes the trouble to teach us, we must take the trouble to abide in him, lest we offend Him, the sin against Whom is unforgivable. To abide in the Spirit is to live in the realm of the Spirit. It is to live the Spirit-controlled life.
Spiritual things are spiritually discerned and such is the work of the Spirit in us. He uses His weapon and tool to work in us, namely the very Word of God, the Bible. So He brings "all things to your remembrance" whatsoever our Lord Jesus has said to us. (Joh. 14:26) We tend to forget, but a person filled with the Spirit of God can remember spiritual things as they grow in grace.
Growth in spiritual things is not just a matter of monologue from the Holy Spirit. It is a dialogue between God and man. "The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Rom 8:26) God's speech us and ours to Him are not unrelated speeches on abstract subjects all the time. In fact, sweet communion involves the intermingling of abstract truth with the concrete things of this world. It is about the knowledge of God Who rules this world according to His divine counsel and good pleasure.
It is a delight to be filled with the Holy Spirit of Truth. Are you and am I?
Comment on Evening December 02
When we hear or read of blood, we immediately pay more careful attention. Why? This is because blood is symbolic of life which is most precious compared to any other things we are dealing with. Blood is not normally seen though it is the most important part of the physical life. We normally talk about what we see with our physical eyes. To see blood so as to mention it, is indeed alarming and attention catching.
Read the Old Testament and compare that with the New in the KJ Version and you will see "blood" mentioned more than 3 times as much there. To be exact, O. T. mentions that word 346 times while the N.T. 101 times. The sprinkling of blood is even more striking as it suggests deliberation and purposeful sacrifice of the life involved. "Moses ... sprinkled ... with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry." (Heb. 9:19-21) What was the O.T. scriptures trying to impress the readers with all that bloody sacrifices? "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." (Heb. 9:22) All things are in bondage because of sin, and the shedding of blood is necessary for release from such bondage.
The shedding of blood speaks of the taking away of the precious life from a creature. Of all the creatures with physical bodies, there is none higher than that of a human being. The shedding of human blood is the most precious sacrifice of life. And there is no human being greater than our Lord Jesus Christ; and so the shedding of His blood is the most precious sacrifice. All sheddings of blood point to this one perfect sacrifice of Christ. "We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." (Eph. 1:7)
All our sacrifices are vain without the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. Do you believe that "the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God"? (Heb. 9:14) If we are bought by the blood of Christ, we would not trust in our own "dead works" as we "serve the living God". Would we?
Comment on Morning December 03
When I was young I used to play the game called "The wind blows". A group of young people would be sitting down each on one chair. One of us would volunteer to start the game. To do so he must first gives up his seat and removed his chair from the other chairs placed in a circle. He would then said loudly, "The wind blows." The rest of the youngsters would respond louder with the question, "Where?" Then, he would name the place, for example, "On those with black hairs." With that answer, the rest in the circle would have to consider if he or she has black hair. And, if indeed one has black hair, one would have to give up his seat and look for another in the circle. The volunteer would then slip into one of the empty seats. When the commotion is over one in the group would be left standing without the seat. He or she the repeat the game in order to get a seat for himself or herself. It makes me feel young describing this game to you! Now, for the "why".
In life, there are many people who only move when the wind blow upon them. They do not have any aim of their own nor any ultimate purpose in life. They are uncertain "like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." (Jas. 1:6) The Lord is displeased with such a person who has no conviction in life. "For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." (James 1:7)
With conviction and certainty, it does not mean that one is free from problems and difficulties in life. In fact, often the conviction brings along with it difficulties, especially among others who have different and opposing convictions. This is where "I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause." (Job. 5:8), provided I am confident that my cause is the same as God's cause as well. The more one can pray often in the Holy Spirit, the more one can be sure his or her cause is of the Lord. To such prayers the Lord can say, ".. before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. — The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (Isa. 65:24; Jas. 5:16)
If we are confident of what the Lord's will is, have the desire to do it, and long for His praise, we will pray more often according to His will. "Is anything too hard for the Lord? — Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Gen. 18:14; Psa. 37:5) When the Lord keeps His promise to help us in answer to our prayers, will we not sincerely praise and magnify His Name?
Do you want to love the Lord more? Then, pray more with all your struggles in life. "I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live." (Psa. 116:1)
Comment on Evening December 03
The spiritual and moral value of all our deeds and actions lie in the condition of our spiritual heart out of which are the issues of life. If our hearts are evil than all our deeds are evil. If our hearts are good, then they are good and acceptable to God. God looks upon the hearts of men when He judges them.
With all the evil intentions in a man, he cannot influence anything or anyone without his physical body. It is through his body that what is in him, whether good of evil, can come out to affect others. It is through his body that his thoughts can be put down in different forms to be collected by others through their bodies into their souls and hearts, thus influencing them.
To wash the body of a man is to keep that body clean and unwelcome to any evil heart that may try to use it for its own end. This is like being hygienic to prevent the spread of bacteria. Thus we are called to avoid certain activities of the body, which in the past may be so much associated with our past evil heart that they are now of no use, for a while, to even our presently cleansed heart. "Our bodies washed with pure water." (Heb. 10:22)
In the O. T. temple worship, before a priest enter the Tabernacle (portable temple of God) to perform religious rites, symbols of Christ and His works, he must first be washed, both hands and feet, at the brazen laver which was placed in between the Altar of sacrifice and the Tabernacle of the congregation of the children of Israel. (Exo. 30:18-21) To serve the congregation of God's people, we must do so with clean hands and pure hearts. Let us, therefore, cleansed ourselves often as we serve God in the midst of His people to His glory and their good.
Are we aware of what is defiling our bodies constantly? If not, how can we cleanse our bodies in preparation for the Master's use? "20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2Ti. 2)
Comment on Morning December 04
Who are we to speak to another in order to call them to repentance of sins and to change the course of their lives? If we speak with the true wisdom that descends from above we can speak with confidence and with authority like our Lord Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God, did when He was on earth, some 2000 years ago.
But, "Where shall wisdom be found?" (Job. 28:12) There are many people in this world who are "wise in thine own eyes." And we are warned not to be that way in Pro. 3:7. When these people speaks they present their wisdom for our embracing. We consider if we have at last found "wisdom". They speak differently and so we have our doubt that all of them can be right. But which one is right? We are confused. Then we heard, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, ..." (Jas. 1:5, 6) Is that wisdom to say that wisdom comes from God and the getting It lies in the asking of It from Him?
When God speaks there is not another to speak for our comparison, for there is only one, true and living God. We compare what He speaks at different times and to our great surprise could not find Him speaking inconsistently. He spoke wisdom!!! - even that wisdom which was with Him from the beginning and by which He created all things! We have found wisdom. We found it only because He is pleased to give It to us when we ask of Him, like Solomon did.
Now, we may be a child intimidated by all the "adults" of the world, so that we dare not speak. But if wisdom commands us to speak Him, is it wisdom not to do so? "Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord." (Jer. 1:6-8)
Are we praying for wisdom or are we relying on our own?
Comment on Evening December 04
Sinners are all over the place - within and without. And, oh, how they contradict themselves and among themselves! It would not be so bad if they are there passively for us to observe and decide for ourselves what we want to do with them. But, no, they would speak in one form or another. They would impress. And they would use force, if necessary, to impose their will upon us. We are troubled, if we are not of a steady mind and have that which is from above. You do have that Who is from above, so "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (Joh. 14:27)
Our Lord Jesus Christ endured such troubles as well. So, "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
In our endurance of such "contradiction of sinners" we often groan to escape. We know what we do not want, so we want to get out of the body of this death as soon as possible so that "sinners" cannot trouble us any more with their contradictions. But do we know where and what we want to escape to? Some jump out of the frying pan into the fire. May none of us ever do that in foolishnesss to which we are not called. For for us believers, our groaning is always "not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." (2Co. 5:4)
Do you have a "house which is from heaven" with which "to be clothed upon"? (2Co. 5:2)
Comment on Morning December 05
A gold ore may look like an ordinary piece of stone to untrained eyes, but to those who know, it is precious. But before it can appear precious to untrained eyes, we must either train the eyes to see or reveal the truth about the ore. The former requires much endless works since there are ever so many more eyes to be trained as more become interested to see. The later is more practical as once the work is done, all untrained eyes can also see the preciousness of the "stone." God chose the wiser way as He is the only wise.
The preciousness in the "hidden ones" of God (Psa. 83:3) is not easily seen by untrained eyes. God would bring up such preciousness to the open. He tries His hidden ones by the unique way He leads each of them to glory. Our whole life of sanctification is that way of trial to remove all the dross and to expose the truth about us, the chosen of God.
The chosen of God are those who more and more learn and walk according to His statutes. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." (Psa. 119:7) The way we take in our life is the way of His statutes and therefore the way of His trials. He knows and plans that for us, and so we "come forth as gold." (Job. 23:10, 11)
Our Lord Jesus Christ went through the same trials and came forth as gold, seated on the right hand of God. "We suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Rom. 8:17, 18)
In time of trials we should not focus on the hardship, but on the purpose and intention of our Sovereign Father in heaven. if we believe He meant to bring forth the gold that is in us, then we will find it easier to bear the hardship. When we know He wants us to learn His statutes during such hard times, then will pay attention and be instructed and greatly improve in our spiritual life. When we pine and groan and complain, we may be missing the point altogether and stand in need of a prolong time or another time of discipline.
We who are the beloved of the Lord, what do we expect from a loving, perfect Father in Heaven, Who is preparing us for that wonderful place? He knows and all is well under His hand. We can trust Him as we look at the Cross of Christ.
Comment on Evening December 05
Attend the national parade of any nation and you will not fail to notice a display of their fire power. Of course, recent parades also include display all kinds of abilities and achievements of the nations in time of peace. But the fighting powers is a must to show strength and to warn others to keep their distance. All these are understandable in a hostile world where we must show our ability to stand up for ourselves as a sovereign nation.
But God said, "By strength shall no man prevail" (1Sa. 2:9) This is not to suggest that to prevail there is no need of the use of any strength. But it clearly tells us that strength alone is not the determining factor of victory. In fact, the wise man observed, "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." (Ecclesiastes 9:11) What the wise man called "time and chance", we believers know to be the will and council of God. "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another." (Psalm 75:6, 7) So, we do not display our own strength, but our God, even the God of our salvation.
Thus David of old said to the Philistine, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel." (1Sa. 17:45) If we do indeed trust in the God of the Bible, like David did, then "five stones and two fishes" are enough to serve the Lord in His Kingdom. Our Lord is too great to be limited by our many limitations and infirmities. He only asks us to surrender our all to Him, no matter how great or small they may be. It is a lame excuse to suggest that we are not ready, when the Lord says, "Just as you are." As His servants we are all unequal to the task He has for us, but with Him using us we can do all things.
Therefore, "I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (1Co. 12:9, 10)
How strong are you?
Comment on Morning December 06
Has something really good happened to you recently? By that good I mean those things which are contributing to your eternal rest and glory. If so you must be very glad and thankful. But thankful to whom? "Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (Jas. 1:16-18) If we do not know to whom we should be thankful, we should at least know that it can never be to ourselves. We do not make the difference as far as our blessedness in Jesus Christ is concerned. Our blessed relationship with Christ is never based upon what we have done, are doing or can ever do - good or evil. This relationship speaks of eternal life, and the fountain of eternal life is found alone in God. (Psa. 36:9)
So how should we believers view the many good works which we do do? Never view them as meritorious because they are the works of God in us. We view them with "fear and trembling" because ".. it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Php. 2:13) We are not sufficient for such things, and should not think vainly "any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." (2Co. 3:5)
In the eyes of the world, some are better than others and more worthy to inherit eternal life than others. But for the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, this is not so. God has opened their eyes to see that none of them is better than another to merit eternal life. They are all the same - wretched, unworthy sinners, damned worthy, if not for the Sovereign Grace of God. God put us all on the same plane, and gives us "one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever." (Jer. 32:39)
This relationship with Christ is so glorious exactly because it is totally not dependent upon man. What kinds of relationship do you have with Christ?
Comment on Evening December 06
As you live your Christian life on this earth, do you sense this struggle within you that ".. the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do"? (Rom. 7:19) If so, you are normal and alive in Christ. You do have the experience that the "spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mat. 26:41)
The above does not mean that it is all right to live defeated Christian life. In fact, we already got the victory in our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Head and is now seated gloriously and triumphantly at the right hand of God in Heaven ruling over all things for the Church, His body. It is unbecoming of any Christian to live a defeated Christian life. It is not honouring to our Lord Jesus Christ. But how to live that victory which we have in Christ?
We live by faith for faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Faith is the knowledge and confidence in the Word of God - all His judgments, statutes, laws, promises, doctrines, rebukes, corrections and instructions in righteousness. Such a faith is a gift of God to all those who are ordained to eternal life. The Holy Spirit works that faith in them at the appointed time and activates it thereafter constantly for their sanctification. So, a child of God does indeed experience that the "flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." (Gal. 5:17) So, through self-denial, we are being filled with the Spirit of God to do His will also in this life.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. — Our sufficiency is of God. — My grace is sufficient for thee." (Php. 4:13. -II Cor. 3:5. -II Cor. 12:9)
Comment on Morning December 07
Every child of God in Heaven is a sinner saved by the Sovereign Grace of God. He or she is a clear demonstration of the righteousness of God in Christ. We "are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus". (Eph. 2:10) He works on us and His works on us are done in Christ. They are all together righteous according to His own judgment.
God is first of all righteous when He condemns us as wretched sinners according to His Holy Law - "the soul that sinneth it shall die." (Eze. 18:4) God is not unrighteous to have created the human specie gregarious with the need of a federal head. As such, it is His righteousness that ".. by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." (Rom. 5:19) The first man, Adam, failed and the human race was plunged into the estate of sin and miseries - all have sinned in Adam. The second man, Jesus Christ, who "his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree," (1Pe. 2:24) and fulfilled all righteousness for us, His people, had succeeded to make "many ... righteous." The second man is "God with us" (Immanuel) acting to save us. Our Salvation is indeed God's righteous acts demonstrated from faith to faith. (Rom. 1:7)
Thus "the Lord [is become] our Righteousness" (Jer. 23:6) and we "made the righteousness of God in him." (2Co. 5:21)
What should men around us see in us to be convinced that we are "the righteousness of God" in Christ? (Php. 1:27, 28)
Comment on Evening December 07
In contrast with the heavy, thunder storm, the dew is indeed the meek and gentle falling of water from the sky. What is the earth without water from the sky? It would be a world without the cycle of the life-giving water when it flows and cleanses. The world would be conteminated and life forms die out and impossible to survive. But water coming down from the sky in the form of heavy storms can also destroy much of life. So, Jehovah said, "I will be as the dew unto Israel" (Hos. 14:5) because He has pity upon us.
"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." (Psa. 103:13, 14) Do you feel weak and weary and unable to carry on the journey? Come to the Lord for "[a] bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." (Isa. 42:3) There is "meekness and gentleness" in Christ (2Co. 10:1); and let not the Church fail to declare that glory of Christ and rob God's people of their hope of forgiveness with Him.
When He was on earth He declared, "he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Isa. 42:3)
Are you chastened of the Lord like the "prodigal son" in Luk. 15? Though you are not worthy, just like anyone of us, you can rest assured of a waiting Heavenly Father to receive a genuinely penitent son. It is foolishness to try and deceive Him, for He knows it all together. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1Jo. 1:8, 9) "[A] broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psa. 51:17)
Won't you come to Him, Who is meek and lowly in heart, that you might find rest to your soul?
Comment on Morning December 08
God is love - so declares the Holy Scriptures. Therefore we can expect godly people to be to have love. True love is not about pleasing everyone we meet. True love is about activities which promote the praise and glory of God And God is good and truth. If we love truly, our lives would promote that which is good and truth. Thus we, Christians, by ".. love serve one another." (Gal. 5:13)
It is burdensome when people walk contrary to God. True love unites us to God and lift up our burden. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:1,2) if you are strong and spiritual you should know what to do to one another.
To love is to seek the conversion and salvation from errors and sins of each other. "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (Jas 5:19,20) How good it is that this world has less sins because of love.
Saved people are called by God to love and to save fervently. "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." (I Pet. 1:22) As such, Christians are debtors when they fail to love. "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." (Rom. 13:8)
Love is to be able to feel for others and to seek their honour, even above our own. "Be kindly affectioned one to another in brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." (Rom. 12:10)
To love calls for humility as the proud seeks their own and are resisted by God. I "Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (I Pet 5:5)
Do we truly love one another? "We ... that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (Rom. 15:1)
Comment on Evening December 08
We are fashioned by God is such a way that we can only operate properly and meaningfully in and through our human body. So there is a natural longing of the soul for a body to relate to, to express itself to others and to influence and affect.
But, alas, our first body from the "first man [who] is of the earth, earthy." (1Co. 15:47) This body "is sown in corruption; it is sown in dishonour; it is sown in weakness; it is sown a natural body." (1Co. 15:42-44) This body is not destined for eternity and so "after my skin worms destroy this body." (Job. 19:26)
God promises us eternity but our "vile body" is not able to receive that glory. So, our "Lord Jesus Christ shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Php. 3:20, 21) So, we can also join Job, who though seeing the corruption of his own flesh, yet said, ".. in my flesh shall I see God." (Job 19:26)
Are we afraid that our "dust shall return to the earth as it was"? (Eccl. 12:7) Should the Lord tarries in His Second Coming, our death is a matter of time. It will come sooner or later. It is good for us to constantly pray thus: "Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. — So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psa. 39:4; - 90:12)
Comment on Morning December 09
Is it possible for people to be very sacrificial and yet not a loving person? The answer to this important question must be in the affirmative. How else could our Lord said, "To love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices" ? (Mat. 12:33) Again the Apostle Paul spoke with the same understanding: "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." (1 Co. 13:3)
People do feel great when they imagine that others are admiring them when they live sacrificially. They live "sacrificial lives" to be admired by others, not because they have true love for them. This is vain glory in one's heart and not love. Love is not selfish, but genuine seeking of the interest of others. Therefore there is justice and judgment in true love. That is also the reason we have Pro. 21:3 which states: "To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." "To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God" is indeed what "good" is. (Mic. 6:8) When people neglect to do this "good", their sacrificial lives count for nothing because God rejects them. What is the use of having the praise of men (open or secret) and not the praise of God?
Many are sacrificing in one form or another to cover up their disobedient lives. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." (1Sa. 15:22) King Saul did just that when he refusd to obey God in destroying the enemy's animals and gave the excuse that he wanted to present these animals as sacrifices to God. When God's Word is clear to you, your calling is to obey and not to think of ways and means to justify your ways of disobedience. Samuel rebuked Saul and many of us to day.
In the New Testament, Jesus said: "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42) Mary had chosen to sit at Jesus' feet to hear what He had to say in order to obey Him. Martha, her sister, was so busy with the present serving that she neglected the more "needful" thing. What is needful must take priority. What is not try to minimize by helping one another to get over with those as soon as possible.
Are you busy about the Lord's work or your own?
Comment on Evening December 09
The human nature is unlike that of a robot which has no spirit in it. "The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathe into his nostril the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Gen. 2:7) This speaks of the spirit of man, which "return unto God" (Eccl. 12:7) and "goeth upward" (Eccl. 3:21). Our spirit directs us to the nobler things in life, to the spiritual aspect of things. That is the reason for seeing human worship while other creatures do not, not even the "praying mantis".
So a Christian must maintain a right spirit before God. When we are carnally minded we are neglecting the spirit in our heart. We must meditate upon God's Word day and night to keep the right spirit within us. His Word is able to cleanse us from all the filthy thoughts which we accumulate through the day interacting with the people of the world, whose spirit is totally estranged from God.
The more we have the right spirit the more we realize that "Whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. We are confident, ... and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." (2Co. 5:6, 8) With such blessed hope we are always ready to go. Our only reason of staying is because there is still work for us to do in His Kingdom here on earth.
Why are you still here, my brethren? You should be in Heaven, if you have nothing else to do here.
Comment on Morning December 10
Is the assurance of our salvation something to be taken for granted by all those who go to church regularly? In other words, is Church attendance the sole indication that one is a true child of God? Immediately, all true Christians can say that that cannot be. There are people who physically attend Church faithfully, but they are never there in their heart. Moreover, there are institutions that call themselves "churches" when they are actually the synagogues of Satan. Faithful attendance at such institutions are not going to save anyone, no matter how assured these people might be of their salvation.
God wants His children to be constantly assured that they are the children of God. We know that because His Word is full of texts which aim at assuring them of the eternal blessedness. These texts are also meant to be faithfully preached regularly by the messengers of God. They are meant to comfort God's people who at times fall into errors and are sorrowful of their sins and who want to return to their Heavenly Father, like the prodigal son in the parable. All these are not to suggest that unnecessary doubts in the Christian walk are indication of blessedness. Or, that there is no such things as full-assurance of one's salvation.
The heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. It is also possible for men to have full-assurance of salvation and yet go lost. Their assurance is based upon the lies of the devil and not upon the Word of God and God's precious promises as found in the Holy Bible. It is right, proper and healthy to aspire after the sense of full-assurance of one's salvation. It is not healthy to doubt the Word of God. In the light of God's Word a child of God sees light for the path to heaven. They are confident that the God Who shows them the path is the God Who has chosen them and will guide them along that path to Heaven without fail. These are His promises again and again repeated for our comfort.
Such people are in good hand and "no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (Joh. 10:19) The Apostle Paul also wrote about this blessedness of abiding in the love of God: "We are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8:37-39) Concerning the poor and bullied, but rich in faith, James wrote: "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" (Jas. 2:5) If God has chosen them then indeed they are in good hand.
In his regular benediction upon God's people, the Apostle Paul pronounced: "Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." (2Th. 2:16, 17)
Are all these not meant to direct us to walk confidently in His love and not to doubt? Taking things for granted is not being truly confident. But it is an exercise of sinful assumption to cover up a careless life. God knows and will judge accordingly. Be not deceived.
Comment on Evening December 10
When we think of laws, rules and regulations, we immediately think of restrictions and the lack of freedom to do as we would like. Monday morning at 6:30 a.m., I must get up and get ready to go to work. Why can't I just to work at anytime as I like? It is because there is a regulation in my working place to curb my freedom. On days when I'm off from work, I can do as I like. I feel free. So, laws are not normally associated with freedom as superficially understood by people.
Yet God calls His Law, "the perfect law of liberty." (Jas. 1:25) "Liberty" means "freedom". It is the devil's great lie to suggests that "freedom" is "lawlessness"; and many are deceived by this detrimental lie of his. All chaos and unruly behaviour of men stem from this lie. Men naturally want to be free, and if freedom means lawlessness, then men begin to frown upon rules and regulations imposed upon them by those in authority over them. So, to some, there is no "freedom of speech" whenever there is the rule that one should speak responsibly or else his speech may be curbed and restricted by the authority.
On the other hand, those in authority may be corrupt and thinking only of themselves and would use the law to oppress the people instead of serving their well-being. In other words, the law fails to address the genuine operation of feedback channels for the people to express their difficulties and hardships. True leadership in Christ's Kingdom is one conducted for the Glory of God and the good of His people. To do that feedback is important so that the leaders may know how to govern with authority, care and love.
Only in the Kingdom of Christ, the Kingdom of the God-man, do we find such a perfect law of liberty. Under such reign, there is genuine freedom as each function happily according to its own nature and harmoniously with each other and all gloriously with the One, true and living God.
In what kind of kingdom can you truly say, "I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts"? (Psa. 119:45)
Comment on Morning December 11
It is important that Christians know each other, especially not to forget those who are "the least of these [Christ's] brethren". (Mat. 25:40) Christ specifically mentioned the "least" for His heart truly reached out to them to want to help them. Are we providing "for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men"? (2Co. 8:21) To provide is to look ahead to make sure that the way is clear and safe for those who are coming later. We provide for "honest things", things which are true, useful and beneficial for God's glory and man's good. The least of Christ's brethren need to be provided for by those who are strong. The strong should always look ahead and think on behalf of the weaker brethren and not become a stumbling block to them.
Foolish men in their ignorance fail to provide for themselves and others. They do not do well in that way. It is "the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." (1Pe. 4:15) Thus, we must be willing to suffer as Christians and not be ashamed of such sufferings but to glorify God always in well doing. (1Pe. 4:15, 16)
Christians must be careful not to appeal to Christian liberty without careful consideration of the weak who might stumble at their exercise of liberty. "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (1 Co. 6:12) Often we may have to deny ourselves, even our right to lawful things, for the interest of our weak brethren. We must take heed to Jesus' words: "Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Mat. 18:6)
Are we by our attitude, words and deeds causing our brethren to stumble in their faith?
Comment on Evening December 11
The light has finally come and we who are so used to darkness must now get use to the light. Life in darkness is quite different from life in the light. The former is slow and full of stumbling the latter is bright and joyful full of confidence and freedom.
To sleep is to close the eyes and preventing the light from sending messages to our brain. It is to enter into "darkness" and be unaware of things around us as much as possible. Sleeping is not the best mode of operation, to get things done. As Christians we are children of the day and not of the night. Our calling is to get things done and sleeping is not our calling. "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." (1Th. 5::6-8)
So shine, my brethren, "for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isa. 60:1, 2) Calling us to shine, the Lord is not asking us to show off our talents and abilities. Rather He is telling us to let His glory in us come forth that His Name may be praised by our speaking the truth of His grace towards us. Our glory is in His cross at Calvary. We have nothing to boast and to shine of ourselves. As He is pleased to call light to shine in our heart, we should be thankful and grateful. To hide His light in us is unbecoming of a Christian.
"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord." (Luk. 12:35, 36) So, shine.
Comment on Morning December 12
Is it not a great thing to know that God is for us? There are much conflicts in this life, and often, sooner or later, we always have to wonder if we are right or the other person is. Thus, in this world there are so many meetings for the purpose of working things out just because there are so many disagreements all around us imperfect beings. To show that we are right we often try to gather as many people who support our views as much as possible and to make sure that our voices are heard. Some with few supporters would try to speak the loudest giving the impression that there are much people with them. Number plays a very important part is such enterprises. But quality of supporters are also very important to persuade people that you are right. So in the recent reports on Global Climate Change we see most scientists come forth to affirm that man is the culprit for such a serious change upon our Earth, that the world leaders are now paying careful attention to the matter. One expert voice ought to outweigh many ordinary voices. But this is not always the case with foolish men.
Christians are wise people. So, who is the expert whom they would wish to rally to their side? Is it not God the Almighty, Creator and Upholder of all things? If God be for us, who can be against us, but those who are foolish and ignorant? But how can we be sure that He is for us? Hear what Moses, the man of God, said: "For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth." (Exo. 33:16) To find grace and favour in the sight of a person is to have his support. It is to have him on your side. Moses said to God that people will know that He is on their side when His presence goes with them on the way.
God is all the necessary equipment that a stranger and pilgrim would need on his very difficult journey. The ill-equipped pilgrim finds himself helpless and confused, without anything to refer to nor to use in time of troubles. The well-equipped are always thankful and amazed to find appropriate things which he has brought along, meeting the need of the hour. But to bring all useful and convenient tools along would indeed add on to the luggage, making the journey more difficult if not impossible. Better it would be to have a very useful guide who not only knows the way to the destination, but who is also able to make useful tools out of the surrounding things to meeting whatever difficult situation that may arise on the way. Such a guide is really all that a traveler needs. God is that Guide to us. So, Moses told God, "If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." (Exo. 33:15) To lead a people of more than 2 million, as stubborn as the Jewish people, for 40 years, through the dry and thirsty desert, is no ordinary task for anyone. We cannot blame Moses, with all his training from Egypt, for not having any confidence in himself in this task. But with God by him as his Guide all the way, Moses was confident and did a good job.
So God assures us: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isa. 41:10)
His presence with us is until the end of the world. At the end this will be what we will hear: "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." (Rev. 21:3, 4) The tabernacle of God speaks of His continual presence in our midst along the way, leading and guiding by day and by night!
Do you have a Guide? Who is He? How much time do you spend with Him along the way? Are you missing something?
Comment on Evening December 12
It is all right to pray to God, especially in time of troubles and to expect great things from Him. We can count on Him. But it is not all right to remain passive, not believing that it is God Who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. If we believe that He is answering our prayers for help, we can freely act according to the best of our knowledge of His will and with all that we have, no matter how little they may appear in the sight of men, and know that all is well in His hand.
While acting, we "watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." (Mat. 26:41) We act believing that God does that work in and through us. But we do not know what is the exact purpose of God in leading us that way. It may be that His purpose is exactly like ours when we started to act in good faith. But it may also not be the case, for His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. So, we watch, with fear and trembling what He is going to reveal to us next, so that we might learn the true connections between and among things which have come to pass. In that way too, our minds are being renewed and made more and more conformed to His mind. "We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night." (Neh. 4:9) We watch and pray to pray and act that we might not be tempted to sin.
The pilgrim's progress is not about writing something to impress the readers' minds. It is about progress in life to eternal glory. It is a serious matter that calls for actions, not just correct thinking. We must behave like a man who has a mind to think, an emotion to feel and a will to wish and decide and act. Then are we wholesome and happy.
Therefore, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." (1Co. 16:13)
Comment on Morning December 13
Christians are soldiers of the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross of Jesus Christ speaks of His Mission in this world, which He received from God, His Father. This mission is to gather out of the fallen race of Adam a people chosen by God to everlasting life. This involves the incarnation of the Son of God, the Second Person of the Godhead, His life, accused death, resurrection from the dead on the third day, ascension to the right hand of God, in heaven making intercession for us, ruling and governing us by His Word and Spirit, returning again to judge all things, glorify His saints and bring in the New Heaven and the New Earth. Some parts of this mission are already completed while others are current and future.
Soldiers of the Cross are all those who believe in this Mission of Christ and would follow Him to advance It. This is the work of God in their heart. To fight in this Mission means to make known this wonderful work of His to the end of the world. This fight calls for resistance to any forces that work against Its fulfillment. Inwardly, this battle involves the building a strong people to demonstrate this covenant life with God. This involves the guarding and guiding of our own children in the way of this truth as revealed to us in His Word. Outwardly, this battle involves the calling of our fellow human beings to get right with God, the Ruler of this world, and to join us in this battle of faith. This is not a battle of flesh and blood (outward and physical), but of the Spirit (spiritual to the pulling down of the strongholds of the devil). So, the battle has to do with the declaration of the Truth as found in the Bible and the demonstration of Its goodness in the lives of God's people.
Such a battle is not easy and the soldiers need to be "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2Ti. 2:1) They must walk by the faith which God has given to them. This faith believes all that is revealed in the Holy Scriptures as true and worthy of our total commitment to It. This faith finds the victory and glory in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords and King of kings. This faith binds them all to that One True and Living God.
Many have fought "the good fight of faith" (1Ti. 6:12), and now is your and my turn to fight. Let us in "nothing terrified by your adversaries." (Php. 1:28) Let us be strong and courageous knowing that the victory is already ours in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Under whose standard are we fighting?
Comment on Evening December 13
There can be no reward to any man except the rewards of grace. This is because "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags". (Isa. 64:6) According to the law there shall be no flesh justified, so no flesh to be rewarded. But according to the Grace of God in Jesus Christ, we are justified because of what He had done for us. So we can perform good works acceptable to God, though not perfect by themselves. This is like children speaking imperfectly and yet acceptable to their parents as they grow to perfection.
This foundation in our Lord Jesus Christ is very important, without which all our works are futile and vain, unable to be established and rewarded by God. "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (1Co. 3:11, 14, 15)
There are always those who put on false modesty in the midst of God's people. They imagine themselves to be most humble and care not for rewards in Heaven, so long as they can get there. The reward of merit is certainly something for us to frown at, since we see nothing good in us and everything good in our God - let Him be glorified. But for the rewards of grace, we may not be ashamed to receive as such rewards speak of the glory of God in His wondrous dealings with us. It is our reward to be used of Him to magnify Him. We can have peace even as we receive such rewards of grace from God. "Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us." (Isa. 26:12)
Do we not want to do well in our Christian walk so that we may be counted among those who will receive the rewards of grace? Or, are we putting a false front to cover up our ungrateful lives?
Comment on Morning December 14
The whole creation sings the praises of God gloriously from eternity to eternity. No one hears it better than God Himself. As for sinful men, there is no way they can hear such perfect praises, nor do they know how to begin praising Him as they ought to.
He causes us, who are saved by His grace, to sing that praise of God. The more we sing the more we learn to sing it harmoniously with the rest of creation. Our part in this choir is to sin of His glorious redemption in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Such a praise flows from our very being because we personally experience that great wonder of Grace. It is not as if we hear or see that grace displayed in the lives of others and are moved to sing His praise. We ourselves are those who are deserving of hell fire because of our sins. Christ came to suffer and die for personally on the Cross of Calvary. He rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven for our sakes. He makes intercession for us in our current trials and temptations through life. We experience of His grace from day to day, from moment to moment.
We are moved like the Psalmist in Psa. 86:12, 13 to say, "I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell." Ours is a praise of thanksgiving. We say, "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." (Psa. 69:30) The Christian life is not just about what others should do, but about what we are doing while we live in this valley of tears. It is about our sins and curse. It is about our being saved by the Grace of God. It is about how we live thankful lives in all our ever changing circumstances. It is about our blessed hope of glory. It is about our God Who brings all these to pass, and blessed be His Name.
"Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty." (Rev. 15:3) Are you rejoicing and praising?
Comment on Evening December 14
Christian people must be reminded again and again that they are by "nature the children of wrath, even as others." (Eph. 2:3) This is necessary because we are often tempted to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. (Rom. 12:3) We are not always sober, and often become vain in our mind. This is especially the case when we are doing well spiritually and begin to imagine that we ourselves have gotten us the victory.
In that state of pride we often look down on others and consider them unworthy to be saved, thus not witnessing to them as we ought. But if we constantly keep in our mind from where the Lord has delivered us, we would not look down upon any sinner around us. "We ourselves also were sometime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." (Tit. 3:3) We are only different because God caused us to be "born again." (Joh. 3:7) Therefore we have nothing to boast and no reason to look down upon others.
As guilt sinners we could only plea for mercy. And He did show us mercy, translating us from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of light. We are what we are not by nature, but by the mercy and grace of God. So, to boast of our present state without exalting the mercy and grace of God, is most unbecoming of any Christian.
If we do not know what we are by nature, how can we know what we are and becoming by the Grace of God?
Comment on Morning December 15
The term, "Christ", refers to a public office, just like the term, "President." "Christ" refers to the Head of a community of people. There are different kinds of head in a community. There is the political head, the religious head, military head, etc. As a Head, "Christ" is the prophet, priest and king of the same community. Christ is therefore the educational, religious and political head of God's people. As the Head, He has his law. The law of Christ is the law of service. ".. the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mar. 10:45) Members of this community obey His law and learn to be like their Head. They learn to seve each other.
In their service, they bear "one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." This means that they are aware of each other's burden. They are aware of such burdens by faithfully bearing their own burdens and observing the struggles of people around them. Being aware of different kinds of burden, they try to lighten the burdens of others by helping them. Doing so they follow their Master, the Lord Jesus, by taking upon themselves "the form of a servant." (Php. 2:7)
Jesus does sympathize with suffering people around them. He wept when He was with Mary and Martha when their brother passed away. (Joh 11:35) ".. when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36) He wants us to be full of compassion towards each other. "Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." (1Pe. 3:8, 9)
Will God allow stumbling blocks to be in Heaven?
Comment on Evening December 15
As Christian believers we should be most thrilled with the many precious teachings of Scriptures concerning us. In the Holy Scriptures we are told the truth that we are wretched sinners worthy of hell. Then we are told that God loved us and sent His Son to save us from our sins. Next, for the sake of His Son, our Lord Jesus, God justifies us and adopts us to be His children! Now, what do you expect God to do with His children, but to ensure that they are blessed forever. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:11) Often in our ignorance and foolishness, we do not ask for things that are really "good" for us. But our Heavenly Father is not so ignorant and foolish like us, so, He continues to give us "good things" even when we ask wrongly.
But children of God are blessed also because they have blessed work to do - namely to "work ... in [His] vineyard." (Mat. 21:28) The vineyard of the Lord speaks of labour which will count for eternity. Beloved it is a privilege that God should call us to serve Him in His vineyard.
Labour in His vineyard calls for holy living as He Who calls us is holy. It is dishonouring to God, if we serve Him in sinful ways with impenitence. Yes, we do not serve Him perfectly and often even sin against Him while we serve. This should not stop us from continual service, because God continues to call us to service despite our may weaknesses and sins. All He wants is the humbly acknowledge our sins and weaknesses and serve Him in truth and thankfulness for Salvation by His Sovereign Grace. As we serve we try to avoid sins and be humble persevering in our service. "... ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1Co. 15:58)
Are you labouring for food that perishes or for those that count for eternal life? (Joh. 6:27)
Comment on Morning December 16
God is love. This means that all the three Persons of the Godhead is love. Love characterizes the being of God. In His eternal being God lives in perfect love which is the bond of perfectness. Eternal life is love. Eternal life is perfect communion and fellowship. Blessed are all who live in perfect love. God has taken up to Himself some wretched beings to enter into fellowship and communion with Him. Blessed, indeed, are these being for God is able to do abundantly above all that we can ask or do.
"Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." (Joh. 13:1) God's chosen people are His beloved. Though many of them are still in this world and still do not appear what they will be (perfect like the Son of God), yet He still loves them with the everlasting love, and His banner over them is "love". (Sol. 2:4)
So, He prays for them as they experience what it means to be rejected by your own - an experience He Himself has undergone. (Joh. 1:11) "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (Joh. 17:15, 16) Evil is what Adam had plunged the whole human race into, and it has no place for the beloved of God. We must be kept from evil and indeed we shall for He prays for us and the Father hears Him always.
We must continue in this love of God, in this eternal life of His. "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love." (Joh. 15:9) Love is always obedient to the truth. The truth is that Christ loves us with "greater love ... than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (Joh. 15:13, 14) He commands us to love one another. (Joh. 13:34) Are we, who are born of love?
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6) "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Php. 1:6)
We are the beloved of the Lord, the Faithful One. Amen.
Comment on Evening December 16
That God should have His own "deep things" should not surprise us, His creatures. If we know all things like God knows them, then are we not become Gods, having arrived and become sufficient of ourselves like God Himself is? No, our perfection is the perfection of a creature and will always be dependent upon God. God will always have His "deep things" "passeth knowledge" and "unsearchable".
The deep things of God - secret things - He shares with none, but His beloved. He first make them able to receive such things. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Co. 2:14) But, "we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." (1Co. 2:12) "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant." (Psa. 25:14) We know we are special when we have special access to special people. There is no one more special than God, and we have that hidden life with Him - what a great wonder of Grace - not always appreciate even by those who ought to know better.
So the Apostle Paul prayed for God's people thus: "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Eph. 3:14-19)
Comment on Morning December 17
Essential to a meaningful human life is communication. When a human baby is born into this world, he starts to communicate with the elements of this world. Of all the elements, he necessarily and naturally communicates with his fellow human beings. Then we know he has a human life.
A person who communicates with God (meaningful prayers and Word-intake) is born again into God's family. "Quicken us, and we will call upon thy name." (Psa. 80:18) This is the work of the Holy Spirit in regenerating and teaching us how to pray. When Ananias was doubtful of Saul's conversion, the Lord drew his attention to the fact that Saul was praying. (Act 9:11) Prayer in the Holy Spirit is a sign of life, not to be belittled.
What breathing is to the physical life, prayer is to the spiritual life. Subconscious to most of us, we do persevere in breathing as we live this physical life. Our life with God is not without perseverance in prayer. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance." (Eph. 6:18)
Word-intake is necessary for the spiritual life. Jesus said that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. "I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me." (Psa. 119:93) Here we are not merely talking about being acquainted with the letter of the Word. We are referring to the Spirit applying that Word to our hearts. "The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." (1Co. 3:6) This is about the Word abiding in us and we in Christ. (Joh. 15:7) Only is such a situation can we confident that we are praying according to the will of God.
Such a way of living is a demonstration of Christ living in us. He is Lord, and "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (1Co. 12:3) It not merely a matter of saying, but of acknowledging that He is Lord of our life.
Who is boss in your life?
Comment on Evening December 17
Would you treat your refrigerator like a rubbish bin where unwanted, decomposing staff are kept to be thrown away later? If you do, soon the good food inside might also turn bad and useless. Refrigerator is a vessel to honour whereas the rubbish bin is a vessel to dishonour. There should be no fellowship between these two vessels if you want a healthy living. "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour." (2Ti. 2:20)
"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Eph. 5:11) To have fellowship means to join hands in common activities in order to achieve common goals with common joy and delight, sorrow and pain. Light and darkness cannot have fellowship with each other. When Christians or a Christian organizations compromise with the power of darkness in such fellowship, they become contaminated because there is evil communication between them. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." (1Co. 15:33) Some think that a little of such fellowship should be all right, not knowing that "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." (1Co. 5:6) When we get contaminated in this way our light become dim and lack luster. But we are called to "be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." (Php. 2:15)
Do you want to be the fruitful works of light or the unfruitful works of darkness? "Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach." (Heb. 13:13)
Comment on Morning December 18
In times of need, where can we go boldly and be assured that we will find help? "Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)
We do have many needs in this life. We are most conscious of it in our frail body and it "perish" through time and we near the day to be unclothed of it. As that happens, we notice that a lot of things in our life are fast becoming matters of "no more" - no more this and no more that, unless help is rendered at the ever greater inconvenience of others. So, we try to make do on our own and look more often to the unfailing source of help which we still do have in Christ. That is the "new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh." (Heb. 10:19, 22)
The Second Person of the Godhead took upon Himself our human flesh and through it consecrate for us the living way to the very presence of God where we present our petition before Him Who is the Almighty! What an awesome privilege, unparalleled in this whole wide world! The lowly know and appreciate it better than anyone else. They called Him, "Abba, Father." (Rom. 8:15) And He called them, "My sons and daughters." (2Co. 6:18)
Ask, seek and knock, for He said "not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain." (Isa. 45:19) What are we waiting for? No time, we say. Try giving up a little of the time we spend complaining to your fellow-creature's ears, and spend that time saved at the throne of grace. God said that such time shall not be spent in vain. We can trust Him.
Comment on Evening December 18
The Apostle Paul mentioned two laws or principles at work in the spiritual life of a child of God - the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" and the "law of sin and death." (Rom. 8:2) One tends to the Spirit and to life, while the other to sin and death. It is obvious that the children of God are called to maintain the former rather than the latter law. In fact, the engagement of the former is the freeing of the latter.
Sin has to do with the Law and Commandment of God in that it is either a commission against or an omission of It. Sin is a principle and therefore has a certain propensity or leaning or potential. In its inclination, "sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me." (Rom. 7:10) So, the Apostle Paul also wrote that "the strength of sin is the law." (1Co. 15:56) The deception by which sin operates is to assert that a man can be justified by the law in the sight of God. This is deception from the devil because God's Word says, "no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." (Gal. 3:11) When a man is deceived to embrace this false doctrine, sin slays him finally.
The "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" free a man from the "law of sin and death." This is the truth that "shall make you free." (Joh. 8:32) The law or principle speaks of the embracing of Christ and His works on our behalf by faith. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Gal. 2:16) This law is called "the perfect law of liberty" in Jas. 1:25. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Gal. 5:1)
The true life of all is the life of freedom. The life of freedom is the life of the just for there is no more condemnation for him. "The just shall live by faith" - faith not in anything, but only in the Word of God.
By what are we living? Are we in the bondage of sin or are we in the liberty of Christ?
Comment on Morning December 19
Can you imagine a universe without light at all? Without light, the properties of object to reflect the different colours of the rainbow would be meaningless, and every object in this universe would not appear at all in all their different glory as we know them to be in our present world. We would not know what we would be missing, but with the experience of our present world, we know this must be better than a world without light. Another analogy would be the experiences of a blind man in contrast with those of seeing people. What a world of difference! Thank God for creating light for us.
The existence of rational moral creatures without the Word of God is like the existence of the universe without the physical light. Something fundamentally important is missing rendering that world incomplete and not as glorious as it should be. Without the spiritual light of God's Word, rational moral creatures do not communicate properly and thus do not relate to each other well and in a wholesome manner, resulting in confusion and all manner of evils, the activities of darkness. The Fall of man plunged the human race into darkness, confusion and sin. But, thanks be to God, ...
"Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness." (Psa. 112:4) Jesus is the light of that world where men fear the Lord. As the light arises we must learn to "trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." (Isa. 50:10) The surrounding darkness cannot overwhelm us for "the Lord upholdeth him with his hand" (Psa. 37:24) and His "commmandment is a lamp, and the law is light." (Pro. 6:23) With the light we are safe as we keep to that path of light without turning to the left nor to the right.
Our body needs the light and this light is our eye. Our eye perceives and interprets the light reflected by the different objects around us. This gives meaning and tells us what to do next. If our eye sees a unified, consistent world, then our body is full of light and we are happy and confident in our walk. But if our eye sees a confused world that keeps changing every now and then, then we may be thrown to the surrounding darkness instead. If what we see is darkness, then our light is darkness. Then we are the children not of the light, but of darkness.
"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ," (1Th. 5:5-9)
Where are you going?
Comment on Evening December 19
Jesus is our Good Shepherd. As such He is full of compassion towards us. If we are young and tender, He would often "gathers the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom", if we are pregnant he would "gently lead" us. (Isa. 40:11) In other words, He is very mindful of our condition even as He tends to us.
At one time, a great multitude was with Him listening to His messages and He noticed that they had not eaten, so He told His disciples, "I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way." So, He fed them before sending them away! (Mat. 15:32) We have many infirmities and He notices them all even without our telling Him. Observe His way with you and you will notice that He goes ahead of you to prepare the way according to your needs.
He never reject the little ones who come to Him humbly to be blessed. To many others our weaknesses may be obstacles to what they want to accomplish and therefore our help not welcome. But the Lord says, "Bring them hither to me." (Mat. 14:18)
If we do go astray, He will be out there looking for us to try and bring us back to the fold again. So He came to this world to save us from our sins. "Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1Pe. 2:25)
When we become doubtful of our final safety, for one reason or another, He would assure us, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luk. 12:32)
Do you experience Him as your Good Shepherd?
Comment on Morning December 20
Chosen, indeed, we believers are, and that even before the foundation of the world. And because it is the Almighty Who has chosen us, we can rest assured that it is very purposeful, even though such selection is not based upon what He sees in us, but according to His own mercy and kindness in our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is important that we know this purpose of His, by and by, as we live with Him in sweet communion. Otherwise, He would not have spoken of it in His Word to us: "Chosen ... that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." (Eph. 1:4) So, as we mature, we know what He wants and learn to cooperate with Him in greater measure to our smooth experience of His grace.
To be holy means to be dedicated and consecrated to Him Who is the God of our salvation. Holiness speaks of an increasing knowledge and experience of God. It also mean that we trust in this God Who has spoken and obey Him absolutely. All these imply a life with God sitting on the throne of one's heart. There are much willing and doing of His good pleasure, with great delight and thankfulness.
Such a life of truth and sincerity is without blame before God. No one can point a finger at such a person and blame him before God. He does God's will humbly to the best of his knowledge and faith. God knows that. To his own Master he stands or falls.
Such a life is a life of "sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." (2Th. 2:13) Not that such a life is perfect without any need for teaching, rebuke, correction and instruction in righteousness. In fact, such a life, before it reaches its perfect glory in heaven, is full of these profits from the Word of God.
This cannot fail to be because salvation is God's own work and that cannot fail as God cannot fail in whatever He does Being Almighty. The "new heart ... and a new spirit" He gives to His chosen one cannot fail to operate to cleanse and to renew him. His outward man may perish, but his inward man is renewed day by day.
"God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (1Th. 4:7) Are we holy, for He is holy?
Comment on Evening December 20
To doubt the Word of the Lord is a very serious thing. When Elisha told the king of Israel that his besieged city, which was suffering unimaginable famine, would experience unimaginable plentiful, one of his servants expressed doubt with these words: "Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?" (2Ki. 7:2) Elisha responded, "Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof." When God's Word is plain and clear, none of us should ever try to cast any doubt on It to undermine Its authority over the people of God. When we know what He has said, then it is time to exercise faith and to obey.
Nothing is impossible with God. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Having the faith that works by love in what God says is honouring to Him. It is an acknowledging that His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways. His is so much more higher than ours like the heavens is above the earth. (Isa. 55:8, 9) Ours is not to doubt, but to demonstrate what the Lord can do.
With the Lord, "it is nothing ... to help, whether with many or with them that have no power." (2Chr. 14:11) God can create everything out of nothing. God often uses the means He has created to bring to pass what He wants. He is never limited by the means He uses. He can use great means to do little things and little means to do great things. With Him there is no insufficiency or wastage. We just yield our all, trust and obey Him; and He shall do the rest according to His own good pleasure.
In the presence of One Who promises us good and Who "raised the dead", how dare we prefer to "trust in ourselves" than in Him? (2Co. 1:9)
Comment on Morning December 21
The life on this side of the grave is a valley of tears. We cry when we were born, and there is much tears when we are gone from this life. In between, there are countless moments when we shed tears as we hurt each other with our thoughts, words and deeds. When we suffer because of our sins we can understand and find it easier to bear as we deserve what we get. But can get confused and add to our suffering when we suffer for righteousness' and the truth's sake. We mean good, but are not appreciated, and, in fact, strongly opposed by those who would persecute us. The Lord would comfort and encourage us in well doing.
"The days of thy mourning shall be ended." He promised. (Isa. 60:20) The thought that Someone like Him is fully aware of our suffering is most comforting. Not only is He aware, but He is concerned enough to make that promise of deliverance. In that we find much strength to press on in well-doing. But when will that day of termination come?
It shall not be in this present world for in "the world ye shall have tribulation." (Joh. 16:33) Here the "whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." (Rom. 8:22, 23) That day of deliverance will be the day of "adoption", the day of "the redemption of our body." This corruptible body must put on incorruption in order to enter the New Heavens and the New Earth as promised in Rev. 21. '50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." (1Co. 15) The Day of Christ's Second Coming is the day of our deliverance from all tribulation.
Are you longing for such deliverance?
Comment on Evening December 21
All that we can perceive and experience are His works. In fact, even all our perceivings are His works. "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works." (Psa. 145:9) It is the entrance of sin into this world that brought about so much sufferings in this world. God is good when He created and provided for all things. Men have sought out many inventions according to their own carnal lusts resulting in all the confusions and sufferings we see around us. Yet, God is still good and His mercies are still over all His works. So, there is hope even when the vice-regent had fallen into his horrible sins and miseries.
At times, in our miseries and impatience, we may be tempted to imagine that God has forsaken us and cares not for us at all. Like the Apostles, we ask, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" (Mar. 4:38) He truly cares for us even in time when we are unaware of our own dangers and foolish ways. He silently helps us again and again without our asking. He only command us to ask, seek and knock only because that is good for us to become more aware of His constant care for us. "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." (Nah. 1:7)
Having responsibly done what we should in any given situation, to the best of our ability, according to our God-given faith, we should learn to trust Him for the rest without doubting His fatherly care for us. The outcomes of our deeds are not dependent upon us. Sometimes, the outcomes are so unlike what we expect, and begin to become concern. Such worrying is uncalled for. We are certainly called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, but this is not a call to worry, but a call to learn the mind of God in comparison with our own - to discover how God takes care of us who fear and trust Him.
This is what it means to stand still and see the Salvation of God. As we behold the ways of God and learn His paths, we become more confident in life and cease doubting His cares for us. We become more and more convinced, as we live by faith, that "all things work for good to those that love God." (Rom. 8:28) The present sufferings and privation should not discourage us if we can trust His sovereign control even over all such adversities for His own glory and our own good. The just shall live by faith and faith is the victory that overcome the world.
"Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." (Mat. 8:26)
Comment on Morning December 22
"This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (Joh. 6:29) There is nothing more clear than this statement from our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. To believe unto salvation is the work of God. "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph. 2:10) This belief is also one that works out itself in "good works". Christian believers are people full of good works. They work not in order to be saved, but because they are saved. Their good works are the different indications that they are saved by God's Sovereign Grace.
Such "good works" are inevitable because God had ordained that those saved "should walk in them." God will ensure that. While it is not a good work to walk in sin, it is good work to repent of one's sin and to fight the good fight of faith. So, we can expect saved people to be conscious of their sins and to desire always to get right with God. Those who rather that God does not reveal their sins to them than that He should convict them and call them to repentance, manifest themselves unconverted. Converted people deal with the putting off of the old man and the putting on the new man all the days of their lives on this side of the grave.
When we do see the above works manifesting in our brethren, we do indeed give thanks to God for them. We are thankful not only for the many mutual benefits of such communion of the saints where good works abound, but also for the eternal blessings of our brethren. "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power." (2Th. 1:3, 11)
Are you a believer? Where then are your good works?
Comment on Evening December 22
A promise is made, but are we satisfied and our heart at rest with that? It all depends on the issue which brings about the unrest, the relevance of the promise made and the one making the promise.
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ had done wondrously for us on the Cross of Calvary and when He rose again from the dead on the third day. But He left us to go to His Father in Heaven, leaving us without His physical presence. Read through the Four Gospels and discover how exciting those days were when He was physically with us! He spoke for us and defended us. He healed and restored us. He taught us so many things with divine authority. No one can gain say us with His presence. But He left us!
The truth is that He did not leave us completely. He told His disciples that He was with them "even unto the end of the world." (Mat. 28:20) He is still with us in the person of the Holy Spirit, Whom He received of the Father and sent to us at Pentecost. Such a presence is good and safe enough for us, but we still long for His physical presence. So He promise to come back again as we have seen Him taken up from us. (Act. 1:11)
"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him." (Rev. 1:7) "Every eye" shall see Him literally. He will come again to be seen of all men and to judge all men. Believers must know that a longing for His return is also a longing for the conclusion of this present age and the ushering in of the New Heavens and the New Earth. It speaks of a sense that this present evil world is not worthy of the continuing witnesses of the suffering saints of God. Are you suffering for Christ's sake and the Gospel's sake as to be in the position to feel that way about the world?
Let us take heed to what Paul wrote to Titus in 2:11-13 - "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Witnessing to the world will cease when once the Lord comes again. Let us live godly lives while we can. The night comes when no man can work.
"And the evening and the morning ..." (Gen. 1:31) - will be the Eternal Day.
Comment on Morning December 23
Strength is what a man need to have if he wants to accomplish something difficult. Overcoming the sins in our life is something not only difficult, but, in fact, impossible for us fallen human being. "They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul iis precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption." (Psa. 49:6-9) With man, salvation is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible. To be saved is to be at peace with God. "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me." (Isa. 27:5)
The strength of God for our salvation from sin and its curse is to be found in our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is God's own ransom paid for our sins. "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mar. 10:45) "Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins" (Col. 1:19)
To flee to the Cross of Christ is to "take hold of my [Jehovah's] strength." This is the only way for a sinful man to make peace with God. "Trust ye in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." (Isa. 26:4)
Are you trying hard to get right with God in your own strength? Stand still and see the salvation of God.
Comment on Evening December 23
Eternal life is not something apart from Christ, the way leading thereto. The way to eternal life is eternal life Itself. To have communion with Christ is to have eternal life. "God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life." (1Jo. 5:11, 12)
We do not have life in ourselves just like God and His Son have. "As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself." (Joh. 5:26) So God can quicken whom He wills while we are not able to do that. Jesus also has absolute power over His own life. He said, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10:18) Only such a One can guarantee our eternal life.
In Adam we are dead in trespasses and sins. In Christ we are raised to newness of life. His power over death is clearly seen in His own resurrection. In fact He said of Himself: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." (Joh. 11:25, 26)
To live apart from such a One is death, indeed. If we should utterly forsake Christ or He us, at any time, we are lost eternally. Thanks be to God, "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." (2 Timothy 2:13) This faithfulness of God is our hope and salvation. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 1:6)
What kind of a Saviour is yours?
Comment on Morning December 24
Christians are people recreated by God in Christ Jesus to live and not to die. As such we are not to live after the flesh, but after the Spirit. "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Rom. 8:13) To live is to be in sweet fellowship and communion with God and His people. To die is to merrily joining the world in its "ungodliness and worldly lusts" (Tit. 2:12)
The latter is to live after the flesh. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these; adultery, fornication and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal. 5:19) We cannot rejoice in such works, but are constantly called to denounce them both in our own lives and in others as well. They have no place in man who was created after the image of God. Thus the command to repent and to look to Christ for salvation is issued to all men everywhere. More so must this be the calling of all who claimed to be saved. Regarding such works of the flesh, "let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints." (Eph. 5:3)
Then on the other hand, believers are to bear "the fruit of the Spirit". The "fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Gal. 5:21-25) Such virtues are useful for handling ourselves and others around us. Is it not due to the lack of such virtues that so much violent and confusion prevail among men? Christians must promote such virtues among themselves at all times even as the Spirit works in them to bring them forth.
Such conversion experiences are to accompany God's people so long as they are in this present evil world on their way to Heaven. "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity." (Tit. 2:11-14)
Comment on Evening December 24
As Christians we must live for the Lord Jesus Christ is such a way that "not ... your good be evil spoken of" (Rom.14:16) We must learn to be conscientious in doing things according to the Word of God. Then we must ensure, as much as possible, that people around us know that that is exactly what we are doing and not according to our own whims and fancies.
We bear good testimony by not associating with evil that is around us. Often such association tarnishes our good testimonies and slowly corrupts our ways. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Ye are the temple of the living God. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing." (2Co. 6:14, 16, 17)
With all our good works and intention, there will always be those who would reproach us still. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, ... or as a busybody in other men's matters." (1Pe. 4:14-15)
How are we shining for the Lord as Christmas dawn upon us?
Comment on Morning December 25
No doubt it is love that this present world is found wanting. Not that there are no claims made that love is very much alive around us. Just listen to the songs sung by pop stars and you will discover in the lyrics of their songs all kinds of themes on love. Many humanitarian efforts to relieve the many suffering victims of natural disasters and of wars are deemed to be acts of love. So, it is claimed that love is very much alive all around us.
But upon closer examination we also discover that in the midst of all these so called acts of love, there are many related activities which are totally acts of selfishness and lusts. We read of the abuse of funds by aid workers, or what some called "professional beggars". Then there are the peace-keepers who victimize those whom they are suppose to protect. That our present world is still full of problems despite the many years of effort by the United Nations and other world organizations to resolve them show that love is still wanting.
To have the true love which will truly solves all our problems, the love of God must be acknowledged and appreciated. The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, about 2000 years ago, is the appearance of the "kindness and love of God our Saviour." (Tit. 3:4) "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1Jo. 4:9, 10)
Look at how true Christians live in this world and you will see the love of God at work. If indeed every human being is a Christian, our world's problems would be solved. But, alas, not all who hear the Gospel of God's love believe, repent of sins and trust in Jesus Christ. They remain wicked and defiant against God. And God said that there shall be no peace to the wicked.
The birth of Jesus Christ is the coming of God in human flesh "that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Heb. 2:14) In our flesh, Jesus took all the penalty of our sins and fulfill all righteousness on our behalf. Thus we experience the love of God and learn how to love God and man as we should.
Is your love-life with or without God?
Comment on Evening December 25
Christmas is a time of thanksgiving for the Gift of gifts. But because men are so superficial and carnal, they have no appreciation of this Gift. In fact, they become so engrossed with the little gifts that they fail to look to the Gift to which all the little gifts are meant to point us to. Can you imagine all the motorists being deeply engrossed with the road signs because they are all so interesting that they forget the realities to which these road signs point? Christmas through commercialization has become more and more a season of disaster for many confused worldlings.
May true Christians keep in mind the wonder of Christmas, the First Advent of our dear Saviour Jesus Christ. Without Him all other gifts are truly meaningless finally. The more we are grateful for the Gift of gifts the more we will know how to live in this world and relate to each other in love. Christians must learn how to "praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psa. 107:21) To praise is to exalt, to lift up high for all to see. Can you see God's goodness in Christmas? Are you glad for it and think that all the world should know this goodness of God? Do you have any plan to lift up His Holy Name? Are you upset if none join you to lift up His Holy Name in this world?
If we are truly thankful to God for so great a salvation in Jesus Christ, we need not wait for Christmas to praise and thank Him. In fact, all our days we are filled with gratitude and exalt Him with all that we have irrespective of whether others appreciate what we are doing. When Mary received the confirmation of God's plan through Elizabeth, she said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luk. 1:46, 47) To Mary, it did not matter that people would think evil of her - a virgin with child. She was simply overwhelmed by the love of God for the lost mankind. To be used of the Lord for the glory of His Name was indeed a great honour to her. She was thankful and full of joy.
Are you and am I like Mary at Christmas 2007?
Comment on Morning December 26
At Christmas we are reminded that we are saved to serve the Lord our God. This was God's oath to Abraham and the possibility of it is the Incarnation of the Son of God. In Luk. 1:73-75 we read "The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life." Such a service is meant for "all the days of our life."
Our sinful nature tells us that we should always aspire to be served rather than to serve. We may have to become servants for a time in order to survive in this world. But our aim should always to improve so that one day we need not serve, but be served. We are always given the impression that success means dominion and control over others according to our own purposes and wishes. So, to serve all the days of our life does not seem correct. Yet, this is the only right and joyful thing to do for any human being.
As we consider this matter we must immediately take note that we are not talking about serving anyone and everyone. We are talking about serving God Almighty, Creator and Ruler of the whole universe. Concerning Him, it is only proper that all things created by Him serve Him. They do serve Him whether they like it or not. Those refusing to do so also find themselves serving Him against their own will. But blessed are those who consciously and joyfully serve Him "all the days of our life."
Serving God is not something which we find it easy in a fallen world. The fallen world says, "We will not have this man to reign over us. " (Luk. 19:14) "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." (Psa. 2:2, 3) Those in power and authority would not submit to God and His Christ naturally. Yet, God insists that all things serve Him. So believers will find much opposition when they would do what God wants of them.
This is where we are exhorted to be "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." (1Co. 15:58) Living in this life there is much work and labour for us, and many of our labours are done in vain. But here is one work and labour which shall never be in vain. "Ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1Co. 15:58) Such labour are not in vain because God Almighty is pleased with it and would bless every such effort.
Many try to serve God, but pay very little attention to what He had to say in His Word. This is a grave error, which should be obvious to all. But the devil has blinded so many that they cannot even understand this simple truth. If your boss tell you something which you ignore in the course of serving him, what would he think of you?
God has revealed Himself to us as the only One worthy of our absolute trust and confidence in that we obey Him to the details of every "jot and title" of His Word, without questions, all the days of our life. He is our Wisdom, our strength, our joy, our comfort, our all in all. In serving others, there is always the possibility of doing wrong and becoming partakers of other man's sins. But serving the God of our Salvation, there can only be good and happy end.
Are you happy serving God currently? Why so?
Comment on Evening December 26
The way to heaven is so full of temptations and trials that sometimes a child of God wonder how he or she is ever going to make it safely there.
Indeed, he or she can never make it safely there all by himself or herself. Our trip to heaven is ordained by God and He Himself is become our Guide and Comforter to accompany us all the way to Heaven. The more we spend time with God on the way, the more we will gain confidence that all is well and that we shall surely make it to Heaven safely.
The way we take is the way of the Almighty Who has control over all things, even over all the forces of evil in this world. He controls over all things like a good Shepherd Who is willing even to give His life for the sheep. All things must therefore serve our good and salvation.
If we are to live comfortably in this life we must learn to commit all things to "him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 24, 25)
Where are you looking for comfort and assurance?
Comment on Morning December 27
"Look before you leap." - this is a good advice for all who would want to move from place to place. Leaping suggests getting into a place which one may find it more difficult to get out. Thus one should look carefully first before leaping. Otherwise, there may be regret and a waste of precious time trying to get back to the right place.
But, sometimes, we do not even know what to look out for before leaping. This is especially so with spiritual things. We are so used to the material things of this world that we do not know how to view spiritual things as we ought. Spiritual things has to do with God, the things of God. They are the eternal things which abide forever. They involve the eternal truth of God, and call for quiet meditation of God's Word prayerfully. As Christians we are called by God to inherit His Kingdom. "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luk. 12:32) Therefore, we should know where to look before we leap.
If you look for the right thing, you will discover that "here we have no continuing city." (Heb. 13:14) This world is not our home and we are just a passing through. So "now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations." (1Pe. 1:6) Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. This present world is like night time to us, and morning is the Second Coming of our blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. We "groan" now (2Co. 5:4), but the day will come when "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Rev. 21:4)
Beloved, where are you looking before you make your many moves in life?
Comment on Evening December 27
Never be at war with one who is infinitely more powerful than you are. You stand to lose. And to think that there is no one more powerful than you are is sheer foolishness. Not, nor be interested, to know how we are related to the greatest of them all is to live in uncertainty. What if we are at war with him while we live. Wouldn't that be terribly dangerous?
But on the other hand, if such a One is our Friend, yea, "our peace" (Eph. 2:14), then we can live confidently and thankfully all the days of our life. There is none greater than God Almighty. For God to be our peace, it means that we, who offend Him, must have been reconciled to Him. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." (2Co. 5:19) We must forsake our sins and trust in Christ as he alone can reconcile us to God.
In Christ alone, we, therefore, have peace. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (Joh. 14:27) The world gives a type of peace which is not the true peace nor will it deceptive quietness last. There shall simply be no peace to the wicked. There is no other way to peace except in the way of repentance of sins towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.
Are you at war with God or is He your peace in Jesus Christ?
Comment on Morning December 28
What is sin? Ask this question, and you will receive many different answers from different people. But, all would agree that it is something bad to be avoided if we would welcome the good. Sin, therefore, is the opposite of what good is. If we know what good is, we would not what sin is, since sin is what good is not. What than is good?
Once, someone called Jesus, "Good master." (Mat. 19:16) and got this reply from Him, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." According to Jesus "good" is not a thing, but a person. What is the different between a thing and a person? A person is not a thing because a person handle things while a thing is handled by a person. Try to handle a thing and a person and you will immediately sense the difference. Good is a person.
This does not mean that a thing cannot be good. A thing is good in a different sense than a person is good. When we say a thing is good we mean that it is in good shape by itself, being and functioning as it ought to. A person is good not only like a thing is good, but also in that he is actively promoting those things which ought to be. Now, there is only one person who is good, according to Jesus. And, He is God, the Mighty Creator and Governor of all things.
If there is one person who should know what all things ought to be, it must be the One Who made and governs them all. Jesus was and is right about "good." So, He must have also known what sin is since He knows what good is. To sin is to go against what good is - to go against God.
Sin is evil in that it serves only to destroy things around it and thrown them into confusion and chaos. God Who is Good would never allow sin, unless He wants His creation to sink into nothingness once again. Otherwise, He would have to eradicate sin completely or confine it permanently. The latter is His plan as is revealed in the eternal punishment of sin.
Salvation and deliverance from sin and its punishment lies in the forgiveness of sin. Since the punishment of sin is God's business, the forgiveness must also come from Him. To forgive is a wonder of God's Grace not to punish the guilty sinners and at the same times not allowing the sins committed to have any of sins' evil influences to come upon the good.
Only God can forgive sin; and, Jesus once told a sinner, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." (Mar. 2:5) Jesus is God for "Who can forgive sins but God only?" (Mar. 2:7) To have that power and authority to forgive sin, the Second Person of the Godhead became a man to live, suffer, die and rose again as such, bearing all the sins of those whom He would save. ".. thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Mat. 1:21) So, "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1Jo. 1:7)
Such cleansing is so powerful that sin is infinitely removed away from God's people "as far as the east is from the west." (Psa. 103:12) "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Rom. 6:18)
Are you God forgiven person?
Comment on Evening December 28
Why would the Greeks in Jesus' days wanted to see Jesus? (Joh. 12:21) At least, they must have first heard of Him. These were Greeks who "came up to worship at the feast", indicating that they did believe in the O. T. Scriptures and did have some knowledge of the coming Messiah. Any serious minded students of the O. T. in Jesus' days, when given the opportunity to see Jesus, would not fail to cease it, like Nicodemus did not.
Blessed are all those who, when having seen Jesus, say to Him, "O Lord, we have waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee." (Isa. 26:8) This is so because "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." (Psa. 145:18) The Lord is always near to His beloved even though they are not always conscious of that fact. But whenever they call upon Him, they discover His assuring words: "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (Joh. 14:18)
Each visit with the Lord deepens our fellowship with Him, so that we begin more and more to have "the desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." (Phi. 1:23) Those who have no hope in this life despise such a longing to depart as they consider such attitude as having the lack of will to live and would therefore shorten one's life. But for believers the length of his life is determined by God, whether it be short or long, hard or easy. Let God have His plan: it is far better to be with Him.
Do you have the desire to see Jesus?
Comment on Morning December 29
The Lord, our Mighty God, is the Ruler of the Universe. He controls everything according to His own wisdom, might and power. Being the only wise God, He cannot but act purposefully. He has a unified will concerning all things. We who are saved by Him has the calling to know and "understand what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:17)
"This is the will of God, even your sanctification." (1Th 4:3) Our sanctification speaks of our being made holy and fit for the Master's use. God does not just want to give us a good name: the name, "children of God." He wants to transform and conform us to the image of His Son. This process of disciple-making is a matter of knowing our Saviour in greater depth. "We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." (1Jo. 5:20) To know is not just a matter of getting more information of a person. It means also to become more and more one with such a person whom we have come to know and love.
If this is God's will concerning all His children, then all believers should seek each other's sanctification, prayerfully.The Apostle Paul had this longing for the Colossian believers. He wrote: "We ... do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Col. 1:9) The 'live and let live' attitude of believers to day is undermining the Ministry of the Messiah as King. There is a lack of knowledge and a lack of authority in the Churches to day.
Who sanction your sanctification, if any at all?
Comment on Evening December 29
"Enoch walked with God." (Gen. 5:24) What does that mean? Certainly we are not imagining a physical walking of two persons hand in hand down the street in Singapore. That cannot be because God is a spirit without any body parts for any to hold. To walk with someone means to have fellowship and communion with each other in the day to day life of the person. It presupposes a certain relation of friendship between those who walk with each other. There can always be the possibility of friends not walking with each other for a time for whatever reason. But they remain friends though they may not treat each other as such with much grief between them.
With God we must always seek to agree; for "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amo. 3:3) God being who He is expect that we agree with Him always and finally and not the other way round. This does not mean that God will always gives His final words immediately upfront when communicating with us. God does not communicate with us merely with commandments. He talks about things with us and often ask our opinions on a certain matters, not because He does not know, but because He wants us to be engaged in our exciting walk with Him. He does not tell us all the details of past, present and future things which only He Himself knows, but promise to go with us all the way eternally! "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer. 29:11-13)
With such a precious promise for God Almighty, it is foolishness not to walk with Him. It is not to every one that He makes such promises. It is our privilege and blessedness in Christ to receive such promises. We have nothing to envy those who are without hope in this world, but only pity. May God have mercy upon them.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (Jam. 4:8)
Comment on Morning December 30
The end of this present world will be at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, when He will sit in judgment of all things and usher in the New Heavens and the New Earth. What will be yours and mine standing on that day before the infinitely perfect Judge?
If we will be blameworthy on that day, we better be afraid now and get right with God immediately. Blessed are those whom the Apostle Paul called "blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Co. 1:8) Only God's own work can be so perfect and blameless. Put any works of fallen men before the perfect God and all kinds of errors and faults would be uncovered. Only before other fallen men can any man boast of his own work.
We will be blameless because we are God's projects "created in Christ Jesus unto good works." (Eph. 2:10) When He first takes us into His fashioning hand, we were "alienated and enemies in ... mind by wicked works." (Col. 1:21) Yet, through the works of Christ personally, and by the power of the His Holy Spirit and Word, translates us into His kingdom and renews us that we become "blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." (Phi. 2:15)
The purpose of shining light around is to give hope and direction to people who are lost in darkness. Those who know that they are lost can find hope in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus is the bright morning star around Whom we, believers, shine our little lights to provide starry formations useful for wayfaring men and women.
So we must all rely upon our Lord Jesus. And, "unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever." (Jud 24, 25)
Do we live blameless lives for Christ's glory and praise?
Comment on Evening December 30
Saints are people with whom the Lord is pleased to establish His covenant graciously. There is this need of such a covenant if any human being is to be saved from sin and its consequences. God sovereignly chooses His friends, even those who are received into His covenant. To them God promise to be their Sovereign Friend while they become His people. In His faithfulness, He keeps the covenant alive despite his people's oft unbelieving ways. In that covenant, He seeks the good and salvation of His people. That goodness and salvation comes in the way of His keeping "the feet of his saints." (1Sa. 2:9)
Divinely kept feet are those that "walk in the light, as he is in the light." (1Jo. 1:7) When believers walk in darkness, they "lie, and do not the truth." (1Jo. 1:6) Lying is not of the Heavenly Father, but of the devil, and has no place in the covenant friendship of God. Through cleansing and chastisement, their feet and washed and kept for further use.
In His covenant, Jehovah says to His servant-friend: "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." (Prov. 4:11,12,14,15,25-27)
In Jesus Christ do you find a Sovereign Friend?
Comment on Morning December 31
The story of Exodus is the story of God leading His people safely, through the wilderness and much temptations, to the Promised Land, "as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place." (Deu. 1:31) Such is the picture God paints for us concerning our pilgrimages - the wonderful story of redemption!
It is a story of God raising up His problematic, adopted kids to be more like His own Son. In nature, it is like the eagle training her young to fly. There up on top of a tall tree is the eagle's nest where a young is ready to be trained its living skill - to fly. There the mother eagle comes and "stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings." (Deu. 32:11, 12) She fly her young to great height and simply drop them to teach them how to fly. Before the young could hit the floor to their instant death, the mother eagle flew down at such speed and accuracy to bear the young away to safety, or to another dropping session. So are believers trained under the watchful eyes of their Heavenly Father Who promises them that "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: .." (Deu. 33:27) If we do fall from great height, we fall into His loving arms. We learn to fly by flapping our wings, not by merely listening to a lecture on flying. Such training establishes the unspeakable bond of trust and confidence in the Almighty.
Our last enemy is death. But before death, we normally grow old first. "Even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." (Isa. 46:4) "This God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." (Psa. 55:22)
Wherever you may be, can you feel His presence near you to guide, teach and protect?
Comment on Evening December 31
Moses was given to see the promised land of Canaan from a high mountain of Nebo, but not allowed to enter it because he failed to sanctify the Lord before the people of God. What his eyes could see were limited by the distance and many other factors, but Moses knew that much more can be said of this Promised Land. So do we who are given a foretaste of Heaven in the midst of God' humble and godly saints in this world. "There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." (Jos. 13:1)
Have you made great strike in your spiritual development recently? The Apostle Paul who was a spiritual giant of his days wrote: "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." (Phi. 3:12) It is unhealthy for any Christian to "rest on his laurel" while in this life. The Heidelberg Catechism considers the attainment of the holiest man among us, in this life, as "a small beginning" when compared with our eternal inheritance in Christ Jesus.
We do enjoy our present walk with the Lord, tough and difficult, though, our journey may prove to be, and at the same time still know that the best of our life with Him is yet to be. What He has planned for us, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit." (1Co. 2:9-10)
With such a blessed hope, we should give "all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." (2Pe. 1:5-7) That is how the Holy Spirit leads us in our sanctification - one virtue leading to another. Evil we must confess and forsake. Good we must meditate upon much that other virtues might come forth as well.
Our weekly Sabbaths remind us that "there remaineth .. a rest for the people of God." (Heb. 4:9) For that eternal rest we must wait for Christ's return for us. Meanwhile we are to fight the good fight of faith and to grow in godliness and righteousness of life.
Are you marching into the following year with a renewed, determined spirit to grow spiritually in Christ's likeness?
No comments:
Post a Comment