MORNING NOVEMBER 1
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Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
A continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee. — In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. — Pray without ceasing.
PROV. 8:34. Psa. 123:2. Exo. 29:42. -Exo. 20:24. Matt. 18:20. John 4:23,24. Eph. 6:18. -1 Thes. 5:17.
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Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
A continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee. — In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. — Pray without ceasing.
PROV. 8:34. Psa. 123:2. Exo. 29:42. -Exo. 20:24. Matt. 18:20. John 4:23,24. Eph. 6:18. -1 Thes. 5:17.
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oEVENING NOVEMBER 1
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His name shall be called Counsellor.
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord.
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
The Lord of hosts ... is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. — 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. — 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.
ISA. 9:6. Luke 11:2,3. Prov. 8:1,4-6,14. Isa. 28:29. -Jas. 1:5. -Prov. 3:5,6.
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His name shall be called Counsellor.
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord.
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
The Lord of hosts ... is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. — 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. — 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.
ISA. 9:6. Luke 11:2,3. Prov. 8:1,4-6,14. Isa. 28:29. -Jas. 1:5. -Prov. 3:5,6.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 2
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Ever follow that which is good.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; ... but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. — Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and 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.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1 Thes. 5:15. I Pet. 2:21-23. -Heb. 12:3. Heb. 12:1,2. Php. 4:8.
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Ever follow that which is good.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; ... but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. — Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and 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.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1 Thes. 5:15. I Pet. 2:21-23. -Heb. 12:3. Heb. 12:1,2. Php. 4:8.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 2
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The mighty God.
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most Mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously ...Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. — Thou spakest in vision to thy Holy One, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty. — The man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts.
Behold, God, is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. — Thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in 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.
ISA. 9:6. Psa. 45:2-4,6. -Psa. 89:19. -Zech. 13:7. Isa. 12:2. -II Cor. 2:14. Jude 24,25.
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The mighty God.
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most Mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously ...Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. — Thou spakest in vision to thy Holy One, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty. — The man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts.
Behold, God, is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. — Thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in 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.
ISA. 9:6. Psa. 45:2-4,6. -Psa. 89:19. -Zech. 13:7. Isa. 12:2. -II Cor. 2:14. Jude 24,25.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 3
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The ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Unto you ... which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, ... a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence. — The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. — Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. — The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. — If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. — Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance.
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. — Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life. — My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
HOS. 14:9. I Pet. 2:7,8. -Prov. 10:29. Mark 11:15. -Psa. 107:43. -Matt. 6:22. -John 7:17. -Matt. 13:12. John 8:47. -John 5:40. -John 10:27.
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The ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Unto you ... which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, ... a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence. — The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. — Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. — The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. — If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. — Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance.
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. — Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life. — My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
HOS. 14:9. I Pet. 2:7,8. -Prov. 10:29. Mark 11:15. -Psa. 107:43. -Matt. 6:22. -John 7:17. -Matt. 13:12. John 8:47. -John 5:40. -John 10:27.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 3
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The everlasting Father.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.
I and my Father are one, the Father is in me, and I in him. — Had ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. — Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father. — Behold I and the children which God hath given me. — He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied. — I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. — Before Abraham was, I am. — God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. — He is before all things, and by him all things consist. — In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
ISA. 9:6. Deut. 6:4. John 10:30,38. -John 8:19. -John 14:8,9. -Heb. 2:13. -Isa. 53:11. -Rev. 1:8. -John. 8:58. -Exo. 3:14. Heb. 1:8. -Col. 1:17. -Col. 2:9.
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The everlasting Father.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.
I and my Father are one, the Father is in me, and I in him. — Had ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. — Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father. — Behold I and the children which God hath given me. — He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied. — I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. — Before Abraham was, I am. — God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. — He is before all things, and by him all things consist. — In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
ISA. 9:6. Deut. 6:4. John 10:30,38. -John 8:19. -John 14:8,9. -Heb. 2:13. -Isa. 53:11. -Rev. 1:8. -John. 8:58. -Exo. 3:14. Heb. 1:8. -Col. 1:17. -Col. 2:9.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 4
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Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. — The exhortation ... speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him. — Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. — For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. — God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.
I PET. 1:6. I Pet. 4:12,13. -Heb. 12:5. -Heb. 12:11. Heb. 4:15. -Heb. 2:18. -I Cor. 10:13.
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Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. — The exhortation ... speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him. — Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. — For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. — God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.
I PET. 1:6. I Pet. 4:12,13. -Heb. 12:5. -Heb. 12:11. Heb. 4:15. -Heb. 2:18. -I Cor. 10:13.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 4
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The Prince of Peace.
He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass; as showers that water the earth. In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. — Glory to God ... on earth peace, good will toward men.
Through the tender mercy of our God; ... the dayspring from on high hath visited us. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace; — peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all).
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. — Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you. — The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
ISA. 9:6. Psa. 72:2-7. -Luke. 2:14. Luke. 1:78,79. -Acts 10:36. John 16:33. -John 14:27. -Php. 4:7.
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The Prince of Peace.
He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass; as showers that water the earth. In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. — Glory to God ... on earth peace, good will toward men.
Through the tender mercy of our God; ... the dayspring from on high hath visited us. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace; — peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all).
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. — Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you. — The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
ISA. 9:6. Psa. 72:2-7. -Luke. 2:14. Luke. 1:78,79. -Acts 10:36. John 16:33. -John 14:27. -Php. 4:7.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 5
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Take thou also unto thee principal spices, and thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment.
Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you. — One Spirit. — Diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. — God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power. — God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
Of his fulness have all we received. — 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. — He which ... hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
EXO. 30:23,25. Exo. 30:32. -Eph. 4:4. -I Cor. 12:4. Psa. 45:7. -Acts 10:38. -John 3:34. John 1:16. -I John 2:27. -II Cor. 1:21,22. Gal. 5:22,23.
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Take thou also unto thee principal spices, and thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment.
Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you. — One Spirit. — Diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. — God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power. — God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
Of his fulness have all we received. — 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. — He which ... hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
EXO. 30:23,25. Exo. 30:32. -Eph. 4:4. -I Cor. 12:4. Psa. 45:7. -Acts 10:38. -John 3:34. John 1:16. -I John 2:27. -II Cor. 1:21,22. Gal. 5:22,23.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 5
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The fashion of this world passeth away.
All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning beat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. — For what is your life? It is even a vapour of that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. — The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. — When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
I COR. 7:31. Gen. 5:27 Jas. 1:9-11. -Jas. 4:14. -I John 2:17. Psa. 39:4. -1 Thes. 5:3,4.
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The fashion of this world passeth away.
All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning beat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. — For what is your life? It is even a vapour of that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. — The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. — When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
I COR. 7:31. Gen. 5:27 Jas. 1:9-11. -Jas. 4:14. -I John 2:17. Psa. 39:4. -1 Thes. 5:3,4.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 6
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When Chrlst, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. — 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.
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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. — When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. — It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.
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.
COL. 3:4. John 11:25. -I John 5:11,12. 1 Thes. 4:16-18. -I John 3.2. -I Cor. 15:43. John 14:3.
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When Chrlst, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. — 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.
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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. — When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. — It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.
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.
COL. 3:4. John 11:25. -I John 5:11,12. 1 Thes. 4:16-18. -I John 3.2. -I Cor. 15:43. John 14:3.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 6
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Lead me in thy truth, and teach me
When ... the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth. — Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. — All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. — The holy Scriptures ... are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. — The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. — If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. — The wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
PSA. 25:5. John 16:13. -I John 2:20. Isa. 8:20. -II Tim. 3:16,17. -II Tim. 3:15. Psa. 32:8. -Matt. 6:22. -John 7:17. -Isa. 35:8.
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Lead me in thy truth, and teach me
When ... the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth. — Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. — All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. — The holy Scriptures ... are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. — The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. — If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. — The wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
PSA. 25:5. John 16:13. -I John 2:20. Isa. 8:20. -II Tim. 3:16,17. -II Tim. 3:15. Psa. 32:8. -Matt. 6:22. -John 7:17. -Isa. 35:8.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 7
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Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. — How great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee!
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. — Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
How great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! — The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
PSA. 107:8. Psa. 34:8. -Psa. 31:19. Isa. 43:21. -Eph. 1:5,6,12. Zech. 9:17. -Psa. 145:9-12.
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Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. — How great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee!
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. — Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
How great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! — The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
PSA. 107:8. Psa. 34:8. -Psa. 31:19. Isa. 43:21. -Eph. 1:5,6,12. Zech. 9:17. -Psa. 145:9-12.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 7
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Behold, we count them happy which endure.
We glory in tribulations: ... knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. — No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. — My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. — Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
JAS. 5:11. Rom. 5:3-5. -Heb. 12:11. -Jas. 1:2-4,12. -II Cor. 12:9,10.
Read Comment
Behold, we count them happy which endure.
We glory in tribulations: ... knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. — No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. — My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. — Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
JAS. 5:11. Rom. 5:3-5. -Heb. 12:11. -Jas. 1:2-4,12. -II Cor. 12:9,10.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 8
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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.
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. — Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; ... we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1 Thes. 5:8. I Pet 1:13. -Eph. 6:14,16,17. Isa. 25:8,9. Heb. 11:1.
Read Comment
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.
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. — Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; ... we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1 Thes. 5:8. I Pet 1:13. -Eph. 6:14,16,17. Isa. 25:8,9. Heb. 11:1.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 8
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The children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.
Thus saith the Lord, because the Syrians have said, the Lord is a God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys; therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the Lord. And they pitched one over against the other seven days; and so it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined: and the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand footmen in one day. — Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
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.
They shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.
I KGS. 20:27. I Kgs. 20:28,29. -I John 4:4. Isa. 41:10. Jer. 1:19.
Read Comment
The children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.
Thus saith the Lord, because the Syrians have said, the Lord is a God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys; therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the Lord. And they pitched one over against the other seven days; and so it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined: and the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand footmen in one day. — Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
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.
They shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.
I KGS. 20:27. I Kgs. 20:28,29. -I John 4:4. Isa. 41:10. Jer. 1:19.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 9
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I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. — There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. — There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The mighty God. — Who made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. — We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. — Forasmuch ... as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same.
PSA. 89:19. Isa. 43:11. -I Tim. 2:5. -Acts 4:12. Isa. 9:6. -Php. 2:7-9. -Heb. 2:9. -Heb. 2:14.
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I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. — There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. — There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The mighty God. — Who made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. — We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. — Forasmuch ... as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same.
PSA. 89:19. Isa. 43:11. -I Tim. 2:5. -Acts 4:12. Isa. 9:6. -Php. 2:7-9. -Heb. 2:9. -Heb. 2:14.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 9
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Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time, without sin, unto salvation. — He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, ... they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am. — Then he shall send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth, to the uttermost part of heaven. — If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee.
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 be Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
PSA. 50:5. Heb. 9:28. -Heb. 9:15. John 17:24. -Mark 13:27. -Deut. 30:4. 1 Thes. 4:16,17.
Read Comment
Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time, without sin, unto salvation. — He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, ... they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am. — Then he shall send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth, to the uttermost part of heaven. — If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee.
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 be Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
PSA. 50:5. Heb. 9:28. -Heb. 9:15. John 17:24. -Mark 13:27. -Deut. 30:4. 1 Thes. 4:16,17.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 10
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Faithful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.
I beseech you, ... brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. — As ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. — In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. — I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
COL. 1:10. Rom. 12:1,2. -Rom. 6:19. -Gal. 6:15,16. John 15:8. -John 15:16.
Read Comment
Faithful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.
I beseech you, ... brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. — As ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. — In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. — I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
COL. 1:10. Rom. 12:1,2. -Rom. 6:19. -Gal. 6:15,16. John 15:8. -John 15:16.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 10
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I sought him, but I found him not.
Return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 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.
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. — It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. — Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
SONG 3:1. Hos. 14:1,2. Jas. 1:13-17. Psa. 27:14. -Lam. 3:26. -Luke 18:7. Psa. 62:1,5.
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I sought him, but I found him not.
Return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 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.
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. — It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. — Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
SONG 3:1. Hos. 14:1,2. Jas. 1:13-17. Psa. 27:14. -Lam. 3:26. -Luke 18:7. Psa. 62:1,5.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 11
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He led them on safely.
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.
Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. — In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
They got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. — So didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.
Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. — O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
PSA. 78:53. Prov. 8:20. Exo. 23:20. -Isa. 63:9. Psa. 44:3. -Isa. 63:14. Psa. 5:8. -Psa. 43:3,4.
Read Comment
He led them on safely.
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.
Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. — In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
They got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. — So didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.
Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. — O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
PSA. 78:53. Prov. 8:20. Exo. 23:20. -Isa. 63:9. Psa. 44:3. -Isa. 63:14. Psa. 5:8. -Psa. 43:3,4.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 11
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Ye are washed, ... ye are sanctified, ... ye are justified.
The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. — The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Christ ... loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. — To her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. — 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.
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. — Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
I COR. 6:11. I John 1:7. -Isa. 53:5. Eph. 5:25-27. -Rev. 19:8. -Heb. 10:22. Rom. 8:33. -Psa. 32:1,2.
Read Comment
Ye are washed, ... ye are sanctified, ... ye are justified.
The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. — The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Christ ... loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. — To her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. — 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.
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. — Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
I COR. 6:11. I John 1:7. -Isa. 53:5. Eph. 5:25-27. -Rev. 19:8. -Heb. 10:22. Rom. 8:33. -Psa. 32:1,2.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 12
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Godly sorrow worketh repentance not to be repented of.
Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. — If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart faileth me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me.
Turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. — He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. — 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?
II COR. 7:10. Matt. 26:75. -I John 1:9. -I John 1:7. Psa. 40:12,13. Hos. 12:6. Psa. 51:17. -Psa. 147:3. -Mic. 6:8.
Read Comment
Godly sorrow worketh repentance not to be repented of.
Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. — If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart faileth me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me.
Turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. — He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. — 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?
II COR. 7:10. Matt. 26:75. -I John 1:9. -I John 1:7. Psa. 40:12,13. Hos. 12:6. Psa. 51:17. -Psa. 147:3. -Mic. 6:8.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 12
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Is it well with thee? And she answered, it is well.
We having the same spirit of faith.
As chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
2 KGS. 4:26. II Cor. 4:13. II Cor. 6:9,10. II Cor. 4:8-10,16-18. 3 John 2.
Read Comment
Is it well with thee? And she answered, it is well.
We having the same spirit of faith.
As chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
2 KGS. 4:26. II Cor. 4:13. II Cor. 6:9,10. II Cor. 4:8-10,16-18. 3 John 2.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 13
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Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. — Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. — Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. — 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. — Thy word hath quickened me.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
EPH. 5:25,26. Eph. 5:2. I Pet. 1:23. -John 17:17. -John 3:5. -Tit. 3:5. -Psa. 119:50. Psa. 19:7,8.
Read Comment
Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. — Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. — Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. — 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. — Thy word hath quickened me.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
EPH. 5:25,26. Eph. 5:2. I Pet. 1:23. -John 17:17. -John 3:5. -Tit. 3:5. -Psa. 119:50. Psa. 19:7,8.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 13
Read Comment
Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one.
Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. — There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. — When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way ... let us draw near.
EPH. 2:18. John 17:23. John 14:13,14,16,17. -Eph. 4:4-6. -Luke 11:2. Heb. 10:19,20,22.
Read Comment
Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one.
Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. — There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. — When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way ... let us draw near.
EPH. 2:18. John 17:23. John 14:13,14,16,17. -Eph. 4:4-6. -Luke 11:2. Heb. 10:19,20,22.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 14
Read Comment
Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. — In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. — Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the Lord thy maker?
I am with thee to deliver thee. — Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. — Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.
PSA. 40:17. Psa. 37:23,24. -Prov. 14:26. -Isa. 51:12,13. Jer. 1:8. -Deut. 31:6. Psa. 59:16. -Psa. 32:7.
Read Comment
Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. — In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. — Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the Lord thy maker?
I am with thee to deliver thee. — Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. — Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.
PSA. 40:17. Psa. 37:23,24. -Prov. 14:26. -Isa. 51:12,13. Jer. 1:8. -Deut. 31:6. Psa. 59:16. -Psa. 32:7.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 14
Read Comment
How wilt thou do in the swellings of Jordan?
For Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest.
The priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. — When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee.
Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
JER. 12:5. Josh. 3:15. Josh. 3:17. Heb. 2:9. Psa. 23:4. -Isa. 43:2. Rev. 1:17,18.
Read Comment
How wilt thou do in the swellings of Jordan?
For Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest.
The priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. — When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee.
Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
JER. 12:5. Josh. 3:15. Josh. 3:17. Heb. 2:9. Psa. 23:4. -Isa. 43:2. Rev. 1:17,18.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 15
Read Comment
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised. — God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. — Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. — Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
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.
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. — And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.
I COR. 1:9. Heb. 10:23. -II Cor. 6:16. -I John 1:3. -I Pet. 4:13. Eph. 3:17-19. I John 4:15. -I John 3:24.
Read Comment
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised. — God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. — Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. — Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
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.
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. — And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.
I COR. 1:9. Heb. 10:23. -II Cor. 6:16. -I John 1:3. -I Pet. 4:13. Eph. 3:17-19. I John 4:15. -I John 3:24.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 15
Read Comment
We are his workmanship.
They brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house. — The house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house. — 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 an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. — Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God.
Ye are God's building. — Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. — Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the eamest of the Spirit.
EPH. 2:10. I Kgs. 5:17. -I Kgs. 6:7. I Pet. 2:5. -Eph. 2:20-22. -I Pet. 2:10. I Cor. 3:9. -II Cor. 5:17. -II Cor. 5:5.
Read Comment
We are his workmanship.
They brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house. — The house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house. — 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 an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. — Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God.
Ye are God's building. — Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. — Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the eamest of the Spirit.
EPH. 2:10. I Kgs. 5:17. -I Kgs. 6:7. I Pet. 2:5. -Eph. 2:20-22. -I Pet. 2:10. I Cor. 3:9. -II Cor. 5:17. -II Cor. 5:5.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 16
Read Comment
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. — Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul: discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.
My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. — I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. — If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
JOHN 17:17. John 15:3. -Col. 3:16. Psa. 119:9,10. Prov. 2:10,11. Job 23:11,12. -Psa. 119:99. -John 8:31,32.
Read Comment
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. — Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul: discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.
My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. — I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. — If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
JOHN 17:17. John 15:3. -Col. 3:16. Psa. 119:9,10. Prov. 2:10,11. Job 23:11,12. -Psa. 119:99. -John 8:31,32.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 16
Read Comment
Fellow citizens with the saints.
Ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. — Our conversation (Gr. citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who 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. — The Father, ... hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
As strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
EPH. 2:19. Heb. 12:22,23. Heb. 11:13. -Php. 3:20,21. -Col. 1:12,13. I Pet. 2.11.
Read Comment
Fellow citizens with the saints.
Ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. — Our conversation (Gr. citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who 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. — The Father, ... hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
As strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
EPH. 2:19. Heb. 12:22,23. Heb. 11:13. -Php. 3:20,21. -Col. 1:12,13. I Pet. 2.11.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 17
Read Comment
Thy thoughts are very deep.
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. — 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.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! — 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. — Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
PSA. 92:5. Col. 1:9. -Eph. 3:17-19. Rom. 11:33. -Isa. 55:8,9. -Psa. 40:5.
Read Comment
Thy thoughts are very deep.
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. — 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.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! — 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. — Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
PSA. 92:5. Col. 1:9. -Eph. 3:17-19. Rom. 11:33. -Isa. 55:8,9. -Psa. 40:5.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 17
Read Comment
Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
They that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. — They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. — He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.
To him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. — 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.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. — The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. — He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
GAL. 6:7. Job 4:8. -Hos. 8:7. -Gal. 6:8. Prov. 11:18. -Gal. 6:8-10. Prov. 11:24. -Prov. 11:25. -II Cor. 9:6.
Read Comment
Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
They that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. — They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. — He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.
To him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. — 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.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. — The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. — He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
GAL. 6:7. Job 4:8. -Hos. 8:7. -Gal. 6:8. Prov. 11:18. -Gal. 6:8-10. Prov. 11:24. -Prov. 11:25. -II Cor. 9:6.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 18
Read Comment
He stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind.
Let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great. — I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee: ... I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. — He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. — I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. — Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.
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. 27:8. II Sam. 24:14. -Jer. 30:11. -Psa. 103:9,10,14. -Mal. 3:17. I Cor. 10:13. -Luke 22:31,32. Isa. 25:4.
Read Comment
He stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind.
Let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great. — I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee: ... I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. — He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. — I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. — Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.
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. 27:8. II Sam. 24:14. -Jer. 30:11. -Psa. 103:9,10,14. -Mal. 3:17. I Cor. 10:13. -Luke 22:31,32. Isa. 25:4.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 18
Read Comment
I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me.
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. — We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
My speech and my preaching was ... in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. But as it is written, 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: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty. — We shall see him as he is. — In my flesh I shall see God. — I shall be satisfied.
I KGS. 10:7. Matt. 12:42. -John 1:14. I Cor. 2:4,5,9,10. Isa. 33:17. -I John 3:2. -Job 19:26. -Psa. 17:15.
Read Comment
I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me.
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. — We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
My speech and my preaching was ... in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. But as it is written, 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: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty. — We shall see him as he is. — In my flesh I shall see God. — I shall be satisfied.
I KGS. 10:7. Matt. 12:42. -John 1:14. I Cor. 2:4,5,9,10. Isa. 33:17. -I John 3:2. -Job 19:26. -Psa. 17:15.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 19
Read Comment
By their fruits ye shall know them.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. — Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. — Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. — A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?
MATT. 7:20. I John 3:7. -Jas. 3:11-13. -I Pet. 2:12. Matt. 12:33. -Matt. 12:35. Isa. 5:4.
Read Comment
By their fruits ye shall know them.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. — Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. — Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. — A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?
MATT. 7:20. I John 3:7. -Jas. 3:11-13. -I Pet. 2:12. Matt. 12:33. -Matt. 12:35. Isa. 5:4.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 19
Read Comment
I will make the place of my feet glorious.
Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.
Will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth! Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!
Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts.
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 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.
ISA. 60:13. Isa. 66:1. 2 Chr 6:18. Hag. 2:6,7,9. Rev. 21:1,3.
Read Comment
I will make the place of my feet glorious.
Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.
Will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth! Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!
Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts.
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 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.
ISA. 60:13. Isa. 66:1. 2 Chr 6:18. Hag. 2:6,7,9. Rev. 21:1,3.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 20
Read Comment
When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. — I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. — What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. — The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
MIC. 7:8. Isa. 43:2,3. -Isa. 42:16. Psa. 23:4. -Psa. 56:3,4. -Psa. 27:1.
Read Comment
When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. — I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. — What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. — The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
MIC. 7:8. Isa. 43:2,3. -Isa. 42:16. Psa. 23:4. -Psa. 56:3,4. -Psa. 27:1.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 20
Read Comment
One God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord. — A mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies ... Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
I TIM. 2:5. Deut. 6:4. -Gal. 3:20. Psa. 106:6,7,23. Heb. 3:1-3. Heb. 8:6,12.
Read Comment
One God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord. — A mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies ... Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
I TIM. 2:5. Deut. 6:4. -Gal. 3:20. Psa. 106:6,7,23. Heb. 3:1-3. Heb. 8:6,12.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 21
Read Comment
Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
It shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious. — I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God. — I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. — Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. — Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.
JOHN 6:37. Exo. 22:27. -Lev. 26:44. -Ezek. 16:60. Isa. 1:18. -Isa. 55:7. -Luke 23:42,43. Isa. 42:3.
Read Comment
Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
It shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious. — I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God. — I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. — Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. — Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.
JOHN 6:37. Exo. 22:27. -Lev. 26:44. -Ezek. 16:60. Isa. 1:18. -Isa. 55:7. -Luke 23:42,43. Isa. 42:3.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 21
Read Comment
His dear Son.
Lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. — Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth. — The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father.
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. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love.
The glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. — Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.
COL. 1:13. Matt. 3:17. -Isa. 42:1. -John 1:18. I John 4:9,10,16. John 17:22-24. -I John 3:1.
Read Comment
His dear Son.
Lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. — Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth. — The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father.
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. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love.
The glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. — Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.
COL. 1:13. Matt. 3:17. -Isa. 42:1. -John 1:18. I John 4:9,10,16. John 17:22-24. -I John 3:1.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 22
Read Comment
Praying in the Holy Ghost.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. — We ... have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
The Spirit ... 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. — This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. — When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication.
JUDE 20. John 4:24. -Eph. 2:18. Matt. 26:39. Rom. 8:26,27. -I John 5:14. -John 16:13. Eph. 6:18.
Read Comment
Praying in the Holy Ghost.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. — We ... have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
The Spirit ... 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. — This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. — When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication.
JUDE 20. John 4:24. -Eph. 2:18. Matt. 26:39. Rom. 8:26,27. -I John 5:14. -John 16:13. Eph. 6:18.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 22
Read Comment
There is a hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.
A bruised reed shall he not break. — He restoreth my soul.
Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. — No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceful fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. — After all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this.
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. He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
JOB 14:7. Isa. 42:3. -Psa. 23:3. II Cor. 7:10. -Heb. 12:11. Psa. 119:67. -Ezra 9:13. Mic. 7:8,9.
Read Comment
There is a hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.
A bruised reed shall he not break. — He restoreth my soul.
Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. — No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceful fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. — After all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this.
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. He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
JOB 14:7. Isa. 42:3. -Psa. 23:3. II Cor. 7:10. -Heb. 12:11. Psa. 119:67. -Ezra 9:13. Mic. 7:8,9.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 23
Read Comment
Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. — He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. — His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Your life is hid with Christ in God. — He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. — Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.
Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. — Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see ; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. — 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.
PROV. 1:33. Psa. 90:1. -Psa. 91:1. -Psa. 91:4. Col. 3:3. -Zech. 2:8. -Exo. 14:13,14. -Psa. 46:1,2. Matt. 14:27. -Luke 24:38,39. -II Tim. 1:12.
Read Comment
Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. — He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. — His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Your life is hid with Christ in God. — He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. — Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.
Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. — Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see ; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. — 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.
PROV. 1:33. Psa. 90:1. -Psa. 91:1. -Psa. 91:4. Col. 3:3. -Zech. 2:8. -Exo. 14:13,14. -Psa. 46:1,2. Matt. 14:27. -Luke 24:38,39. -II Tim. 1:12.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 23
Read Comment
My kingdom is not of this world.
This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies may be made his footstool. — Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — He raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. — He shall shew who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
JOHN 18:36. Heb. 10:12,13. -Matt. 26:64. I Cor. 15:25. I Cor. 15:57. -Eph. 1:20-23. -I Tim. 6:15.
Read Comment
My kingdom is not of this world.
This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies may be made his footstool. — Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — He raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. — He shall shew who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
JOHN 18:36. Heb. 10:12,13. -Matt. 26:64. I Cor. 15:25. I Cor. 15:57. -Eph. 1:20-23. -I Tim. 6:15.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 24
Read Comment
My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
Both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren: saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren; in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. — In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. — Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
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. — My meat is to do the will of him that sent me. — If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. — Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him.
LUKE 8:21. Heb. 2:11,12. -Gal. 5:6. -John 15:14. -Luke. 11:28. Matt. 7:21. -John 4:34. -I John 1:6. -I John 2:5.
Read Comment
My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
Both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren: saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren; in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. — In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. — Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
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. — My meat is to do the will of him that sent me. — If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. — Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him.
LUKE 8:21. Heb. 2:11,12. -Gal. 5:6. -John 15:14. -Luke. 11:28. Matt. 7:21. -John 4:34. -I John 1:6. -I John 2:5.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 24
Read Comment
What doest thou here, Elijah?
He knoweth the way that I take. — O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting, and mine uprising; thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path, and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are. — The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. — Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. — A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.
Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. — The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. — Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
I KGS. 19:9. Job 23:10. -Psa. 139:1-3,7,9,10. Jas. 5:17. -Prov. 29:25. -Psa. 37:24. -Prov. 24:16. Gal. 6:9. -Matt. 26:41. -Psa. 103:13,14.
Read Comment
What doest thou here, Elijah?
He knoweth the way that I take. — O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting, and mine uprising; thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path, and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are. — The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. — Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. — A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.
Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. — The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. — Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
I KGS. 19:9. Job 23:10. -Psa. 139:1-3,7,9,10. Jas. 5:17. -Prov. 29:25. -Psa. 37:24. -Prov. 24:16. Gal. 6:9. -Matt. 26:41. -Psa. 103:13,14.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 25
Read Comment
Being made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. — When ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. — Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
O Lord our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name. — I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
ROM. 6:18. Matt. 6:24. -Rom. 6:20-22. Rom. 10:4. John 12:26. -Matt. 11:29,30. Isa. 26:13. -Psa. 119:32.
Read Comment
Being made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. — When ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. — Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
O Lord our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name. — I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
ROM. 6:18. Matt. 6:24. -Rom. 6:20-22. Rom. 10:4. John 12:26. -Matt. 11:29,30. Isa. 26:13. -Psa. 119:32.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 25
Read Comment
Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved.
Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, and he reared up altars for Baal. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. — And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. — And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. — The Lord is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish.
ACTS 2:21. 2 KGS. 21:1,2,3,5,6. -2 Chr 33:12,13. Isa. 1:18. -II Pet. 3:9.
Read Comment
Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved.
Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, and he reared up altars for Baal. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. — And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. — And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. — The Lord is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish.
ACTS 2:21. 2 KGS. 21:1,2,3,5,6. -2 Chr 33:12,13. Isa. 1:18. -II Pet. 3:9.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 26
Read Comment
The Lord delighteth in thee.
Thus saith the Lord that created thee, ... Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. — Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of mine hands: thy walls are continually before me.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. — My delights were with the sons of men. — The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. — They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
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.
ISA. 62:4. Isa. 43:1. -Isa. 49:15,16. Psa. 37:23. -Prov. 8:31. -Psa. 147:11. -Mal. 3:17. Col. 1:21,22.
Read Comment
The Lord delighteth in thee.
Thus saith the Lord that created thee, ... Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. — Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of mine hands: thy walls are continually before me.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. — My delights were with the sons of men. — The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. — They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
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.
ISA. 62:4. Isa. 43:1. -Isa. 49:15,16. Psa. 37:23. -Prov. 8:31. -Psa. 147:11. -Mal. 3:17. Col. 1:21,22.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 26
Read Comment
The sorrow of the world worketh death.
When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died. — A wounded spirit who can bear?
Is there no balm in Gilead? is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? — The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek: he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. — Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Philip preached unto him Jesus. — He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
II COR. 7:10. II Sam. 17:23. -Prov. 18:14. Jer. 8:22. -Isa. 61:1-3. -Matt. 11:28-30. Acts 8:35. -Psa. 147:3.
Read Comment
The sorrow of the world worketh death.
When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died. — A wounded spirit who can bear?
Is there no balm in Gilead? is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? — The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek: he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. — Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Philip preached unto him Jesus. — He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
II COR. 7:10. II Sam. 17:23. -Prov. 18:14. Jer. 8:22. -Isa. 61:1-3. -Matt. 11:28-30. Acts 8:35. -Psa. 147:3.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 27
Read Comment
The glory which thou gavest me I have given them.
I saw ... the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. — These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. — Upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness ... of a man above upon it. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.
I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. — No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. — God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
JOHN 17:22. Isa. 6:1-3. -John 12:41. -Ezek. 1:26,28. Exo. 33:18,20. -John 1:18. -II Cor. 4:6.
Read Comment
The glory which thou gavest me I have given them.
I saw ... the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. — These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. — Upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness ... of a man above upon it. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.
I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. — No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. — God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
JOHN 17:22. Isa. 6:1-3. -John 12:41. -Ezek. 1:26,28. Exo. 33:18,20. -John 1:18. -II Cor. 4:6.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 27
Read Comment
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. — Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.
Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.
None of us liveth to himself. — 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 your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. When ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
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.
PROV. 1:10. Gen. 3:6. -Josh. 22:20. Exo. 23:2. Matt. 7:13. Rom. 14:7. -Gal. 5:13. -I Cor. 8:9,12. Isa. 53:6.
Read Comment
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. — Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.
Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.
None of us liveth to himself. — 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 your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. When ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
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.
PROV. 1:10. Gen. 3:6. -Josh. 22:20. Exo. 23:2. Matt. 7:13. Rom. 14:7. -Gal. 5:13. -I Cor. 8:9,12. Isa. 53:6.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 28
Read Comment
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Not every one that saith, ... Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. — Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. — 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. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
JAS. 2:26. Matt. 7:21. -Heb. 12:l4. -II Pet. 1:5-10. Eph. 2:8,9.
Read Comment
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Not every one that saith, ... Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. — Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. — 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. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
JAS. 2:26. Matt. 7:21. -Heb. 12:l4. -II Pet. 1:5-10. Eph. 2:8,9.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 28
Read Comment
As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that he might deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. We are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
HEB. 2:14,15. I Cor. 15:55,57. -II Cor. 4:16. II Cor. 5:1,6-8. John 14:1-3.
Read Comment
As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that he might deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. We are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
HEB. 2:14,15. I Cor. 15:55,57. -II Cor. 4:16. II Cor. 5:1,6-8. John 14:1-3.
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MORNING NOVEMBER 29
Read Comment
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. — He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. — I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
PSA. 65:4. Psa. 27:4. Matt. 5:6. -Luke 1:53. Psa. 107:9. -John 6:35. Psa. 36:7-9.
Read Comment
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. — He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. — I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
PSA. 65:4. Psa. 27:4. Matt. 5:6. -Luke 1:53. Psa. 107:9. -John 6:35. Psa. 36:7-9.
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EVENING NOVEMBER 29
Read Comment
Do ye now believe?
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead. — Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
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.
By their fruits ye shall know them. 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 ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
JOHN 16:31. Jas. 2:14,17. Heb. 11:17-19. -Jas. 2:21,24. Jas. 1:25. Matt. 7:20,21. -John 13:17.
Read Comment
Do ye now believe?
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead. — Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
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.
By their fruits ye shall know them. 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 ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
JOHN 16:31. Jas. 2:14,17. Heb. 11:17-19. -Jas. 2:21,24. Jas. 1:25. Matt. 7:20,21. -John 13:17.
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 NOVEMBER 30
Read Comment
The Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
Peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come. — The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. — 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.
The Comforter ... even the Spirit of truth. — The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace. — The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. 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?
II THES. 3:16. Rev.1:4. -Php. 4:7. Luke 24:36. -John 14:27. John 15:26. -Gal. 5:22. -Rom. 8:16. Exo. 33:14-16.
Read Comment
The Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
Peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come. — The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. — 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.
The Comforter ... even the Spirit of truth. — The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace. — The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. 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?
II THES. 3:16. Rev.1:4. -Php. 4:7. Luke 24:36. -John 14:27. John 15:26. -Gal. 5:22. -Rom. 8:16. Exo. 33:14-16.
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 NOVEMBER 30
Read Comment
We glory in tribulations.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. — Sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, rejoice. — They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
ROM. 5:3. I Cor. 15:19. I Pet. 4:12,13. -II Cor. 6:10. Php. 4:4. -Acts 5:41. Rom. 15:13. Hab. 3:17,18.
Read Comment
We glory in tribulations.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. — Sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, rejoice. — They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
ROM. 5:3. I Cor. 15:19. I Pet. 4:12,13. -II Cor. 6:10. Php. 4:4. -Acts 5:41. Rom. 15:13. Hab. 3:17,18.
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.
Comment on Morning November 01
Praying is seeking to see God in all His glory and beauty as they are related to our experiences in life. God by wisdom created and governs all things. And so in true wisdom we see what we seek for. Wisdom says, "Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors."
If we are the true servants of God, we would not dare make a move without His direction and approval, lest we rob Him of the glory that is due His Name. We can get such direction and approval in the places He appoints so to do. "In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee." The "record of my name" speaks the authoritative declarations of all His attributes and praises. In the New Testament era, such a place is called "the Pillar and the Ground of the Truth". Such a place need not be a congregation of big number of people. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
When we go to the House of prayer to inquire of Him, we go to worship as well. One cannot come to such a presence without worship and adoration. And worship must always be in spirit and in truth. He seeks such to worship Him. If we are found wanting in this "spirit and truth", how shall we expect the Almighty to speak to us? So, we come and wait "until that he have mercy upon us." We are not worthy even of the least of His blessings. But, if He chooses to bless us, we are indeed blessed.
Can one stop praying if indeed prayers bring about such blessedness of seeing God in all things?
Comment on Evening November 01
We need counsel (good, sound, right advice from God) as we live in this dark and sinful world where the lies of the devil are rampant. There is but only one truth in perfect harmony with the counsel of God, but there are so many lies around to confuse and lead us astray.
One of Jesus' Names is "Counsellor" according to Isaiah's prophecy in Isa. 9:6. Indeed, He is the wisdom of God, by Which He created the universe. All things were created by Him and for Him. He is that very Word of God, Which was from the beginning. As our Counsellor, He is always inviting us to go to Him for counsel and not to rely upon ourselves to do things according to our own wisdom or by trials and errors. He invites us to pray and seek His wisdom. "Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength."
Are we suggesting having greater wisdom than the Lord's by praying so little?
Comment on Morning November 02
Formally, we all know that we should be doing good to people around us. This is because basically we also want good to be done to us as well. But, the problem is what one perceived as good may not be so to another. So in some crazy, wicked instances, you may have people who think that it is a good experience that they be tortured for some reasons. So, they go about torturing others with delight as they are prepared to be tortured by others for those same reasons. Recently we read of the "chess-board" serial killer who drank with his victims and later killed them when they were drunk. He must have thought that it was better for these useless, drunkard to be dead than alive! Man does not know what is truly good for himself. Each has his own idea about it and pursue it for himself. Subconsciously, he does the same to those around him, rightly or wrongly.
The life and work of Christ is an example of what is truly good for a human being, created after the image and likeness of God. In this world, He "also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." It is an error for Christians to try and avoid sufferings that come from the Lord. Generally, of course, it is true that, by instinct, the human nature or, for that matter, the nature of any other living being, would try to avoid suffering and death. Such instinct may mistakenly causes us to consider all sufferings as evils to be avoided. From experience we do know that the path to glory often involved some form of hardship and suffering. To avoid such suffering is to be robbed of such glory as well. "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:17) Such are sufferings that come from God, designed by Him for our sanctification. They are not to be avoided, but received humbly and thankfully.
It is a sin to despise the ways of God with us. We must put aside such sin and pursue that which is good patiently. This is our Christian race designed by Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He had run that race ahead of us and finished it triumphantly. Now it is our turn to run the race. We have Him as our mentor. We see His glory at the right hand of God and are encouraged to be faithful and persevering in our race. Like Him, we learn to focus on the joy that was set before us as we run the race. We should not get distracted by the surrounding commotion, but concentrate of keeping the rule and finishing the race successfully.
What are the things we should always be thinking about, if they are not related to our Christian race? Where our treasure is there will our heart be also.
Comment on Evening November 02
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the Godhead as revealed in Scriptures. To doubt that is to have a Saviour Who is less than the mighty God. Scriptures reveal that our only true Saviour is God Himself. "Behold, God, is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation." There is no hope nor salvation for all those whose Saviour is not God, the Mighty One. None else can save us. If possible, God need not sent His Son to save us.
Though our Lord Jesus Christ is said to be a prophet, He is not to be placed side by side with other prophets revealed in Scriptures, as if He is just one among the great. Neither may He be perceived as the greatest among them. He is the anti-type, the realty, of all the rest, who are but the types of Him. In this sense too, Jesus is the Priest and King of His people. We deny our faith in Him when we accept Him merely as another prophet, like Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc.
Who is able, and actually does, "keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy"? Don't you think that to Him alone should "be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever"?
Comment on Morning November 03
The Word of God is a double-edged sword. It cuts both ways. In one direction, it cuts down the evil sins of His beloved people and set them free. In the other direction, it cuts down the disobedient wicked who in pride would find all kinds of excuses and ways to oppose His Word. "The ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the trans-gressors shall fall therein."
Therefore the official preaching of His Word is a moment of crisis. Like the sun that beats upon the earth and causes the seed to sprout and the clay to harden, so God's Word causes some to live and others to die. We are not sufficient to carry out such things. God alone does the job and we stand in awe of Him. His Word is a savour of life unto life and of death unto death. "The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity." (Prov. 10:29) Our calling is to faithfully represent His Word and way in this world.
Such faithful representation calls for careful hearing of His Word. After hearing comes the doing of His Word. It is the doing that matters and not just the hearing. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God."
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Are we hearing His Voice? Are we following? That is how the different shepherds lead their own respective sheep out of the huge common sheepfold in the moutain where shepherds and sheep of different folks come together. An eastern shepherd does not drive his sheep, but lead them by His Voice. Are we growing in familiarity with His Voice?
Comment on Evening November 03
Another name given by divine revelation to our Lord Jesus Christ was "the everlasting Father". That is another name of God - "the everlasting Father". Jesus is God in human flesh!
So, when He was on earth, He said, "I and my Father are one, the Father is in me, and I in him." We do not know Him if we do not recognize Him as God very God. The longer we spend time with Him the more we will realize this fact.
Jesus said that He was the Great "I am" even before Abraham was. (Joh 8:58) "I am" was the One Who delivered the children of Israel out of the land of Egpyt, the land of bondage. (Exo. 3:14) The Son was called "God" whose throne is "for ever and ever" in Heb. 1:8.
The glory and honour of our dear Saviour should never be underestimated. It is always our joy and delight to meditate upon His beauty and majesty. We should be zealous and jealous for His great name and glory. We should never think lightly of Him, but always exalt Him as God would want us to do so. "That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him." (John 5:23) Let us do all things that He might be glorified.
Are you practicing what you believe for the glory of His Name?
Comment on Morning November 04
Christian suffering is always "for a season, if need be".
Often those who suffer cannot see the need of it. Sometimes they even think that it is all very unfair that they are the one who should be suffering. For a moment, if you are in Jesus' shoes, would you think that your suffering is something called for naturally and deservedly? Did He do anything wrong worthy of such painful suffering of the cross? The crucifixion was designed by the Roman soldiers to torture the criminals of that day. Was Jesus really worse than Barabbas, the robber, as the Jews made it seem to be? We cannot see that need of such suffering and said with Peter, "Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee." (Mat.16:22) But the Lord saw the need of it for the Glory of God and our salvation. He "said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
Such suffering is also always only "for a season". And so, in due course ".. God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: .." (Phil 2:8) To those who suffer, the time seems so unending and persisting. Such are times to take hold of the unchangeable Word of God, His precious promises, and cling fast to them, lest we deny Him at such difficult moments. These are real moments of discipleship training from the Lord. We must never despise them, but go through them humbly that "afterward" they may yield "the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."
These are also precious moments when our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will appear more precious and glorious to us who look to Him for strength. He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." "They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true." ("Like a river glorious" - a hymn)
As we suffer we may at times think that no one else know what is happening to us nor can ever understand what we are going through. But, there is always the unseen eyes beholding us all the time wth must concern, to ensure that we are not "tempted above that ye are able." God does not want us to fall into sins and perish in our sins as a result of our trials. So, coming with these trials are ways of escape that we may be able to bear them. "Watch and pray" lest we enter into temptation to sin against the Lord. The more we pray the more we recover strength to run the race with the joy of the Lord.
Are you a joyful, suffering Christian?
Comment on Evening November 04
Another name for our Lord Jesus as prophesied by Isaiah is "the Prince of Peace".
As a Prince, Jesus is the active one ensuring that His Kingdom of Peace shall finally reign forever and ever. He is the only Prince who shall sit upon the throne of His Father to rule the whole world in Peace and Righteousness.
The whole world was thrown into darkness when Adam, the vice-regent of God, rebelled against Him in the Garden of Eden. A fierce war against God was started with no end in sight as far as men are concerned. "Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered *that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." (Isa. 59:15, 16) ".. his arm brought salvation .." - the coming of the Prince of Peace! Praise the Lord!
Like the dew and the rain that fall upon the earth to water the grass and cause them to grow in greenery and refreshing sight, so is the coming of the Prince of Peace. He comes to ".. give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace; .." (Luke. 1:78,79) Behold those who are in Christ Jesus and you will see life and hope of lasting peace and joy.
The world keeps promising peace in the midst of sins and confusions to calm down its poor and confused inhabitants. But there shall be no peace to the wicked says the LORD God. The coming of the Prince of Peace is to put an end to sin and darkness. There is forgiveness with the Lord. So we must repent towards God and put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Follow Him and you shall discover the way of Peace with God.
Are you at peace or at war with God?
Comment on Morning November 05
In the Old Testament era, the anointing of oil is associated with the public consecration of God's servants. So, prophets, priests and kings were all anointed according to the appointment of God. Special oil was prepared for the occasion. Such oil is regarded as holy, not to be used on ordinary occasions. It was symbolic of the Holy Spirit of God, Who must empower His servants in their holy tasks.
The anti-type of all the O. T. types and shadows is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. He is "the Anointed One" as prophesied in Holy Scriptures. "God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him." He was completely empowered by the Holy Spirit. And so, in Him, all believers are partakers of the same anointing. As we abide in Him we are also empowered by the same Spirit to walk in the same path of suffering to glory. That is how God assures us that we are His when He "also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." This is the seal "unto the day of redemption." (Eph. 4:30)
A token is given to remind and assure its recipient that the real thing which it represents is indeed his at the end of the day. Heaven, the blessed life with God, is our inheritance. And right now, in our pilgrimage, God gives us It's token, the Holy Spirit, to remind and assure us of It whenever we feel the token nearby. The presence of the Holy Spirit is felt not by seeing how great and glamorous our works are as seen by the world. If so, most of us, who suffer loss for Christ, would be deprived of such comfort. But to see the fruit of the Spirit in all our lives is evident of the Holy Spirit's presence. This fruit of "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" is evidenced in all the thoughts, words and deeds of those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. Their works may not be appreciated by all, but they are done for the praise of God and not the praise of men. Therefore, such works and never regretted nor discouraged.
Who empowers you as you take each step towards heaven? Are your steps firm and steady? Why?
Comment on Evening November 05
Methuselah lived to 969 year old - more than ten times our every age. In our ungodly day and age, where life is not treasured as it ought to be, most people talk about the quality of life rather than about the quantity (the length) of life. They often say that they would not want to live that long, rejecting the sufferings that come with old age. So, they talk about mercy killing - euthanasia. It is mercy to terminate a suffering life and not to prolong it. These are the thoughts of the ungodly.
Ironically, God-fearing people do not speak like that. Of all people, they are the ones who have hope in Christ. They are assured of Heaven and to them "to die is gain". Yet, they do not believe in euthanasia. They would prolong their lives as long as possible, even though they may be painful and full of suffering. This does not mean that they would always subject to the medical care of to day at all cost. To withdraw from such care is not an attempt at euthanasia, but a submission to God Who determines whether one lives or dies. A God-fearing man lives a useful life with whatever that is left in him till the very last day. So, he praise the God of his salvation even with his last breath.
Is you life a life of a blade of "grass" or is it a life of a "flower"? It really doesn't matter because "withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth" in due time. What really matters is that which will not pass away. "The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." So, it is not how long or how short one lives. Nor, is it about how many people applaud our lives. It is about living for Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Are we ready for Christ's Return when He shall come to reward His servants? "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." Or, are you?
Comment on Morning November 06
Jesus Christ is coming again! He is coming again for us. We need to be like Him perfectly. No, not that we become another person of the Godhead, but that we be the perfect image of God. Such a life is the eternal life that is in Him.
When we shall see Him we shall be like Him. What if we are already dead at that time? If we can't see Him we won't be like Him If we are indeed in Him, we shall without doubt see Him. He will raise us up from the dead to see Him at His coming.
This does not mean that those who are alive at that time can see Him n their natural, sinful flesh. In a moment we who are alive will also be changed and put on immortality and incorruption.
This great comng event is a great comfort to believers, especially to those who are suffering for Christ's sake.
Are you at a loss how to find and give comfort to another believers in their suffering? Try talking to them about Jesus' 2nd Coming. From ther response you will know whose they are.
Who and whose are you and I?
Comment on Evening November 06
Because God has spoken, there is a way of truth in this world. There are many ways in this world because there are so many who speak authoritatively and yet differently. But there is only one way of truth. We need not live in confusion and uncertainty in the midst of the maze of this world.
The Spirit of Truth will guide us into all truth. In that way of Truth, He will teach and instruct us. When you come across a path not according to this Word of truth, you know that "there s no light in" it. If you choose to walk in that path you also know that you walk in darkness. We are the children of the light and of the Day, and we should not choose the path of darkness, f we want to be blessed of God. God want to bless us and so we know where He will lead us. We also know where to go if we want to be blessed.
"The holy Scriptures ... are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." It is the Spirit of the Glorified Christ who inspired that very Word of God, the Holy Bible. Are we wise according to the judgments of Scriptures or according to the wisdom of the world?
Are we made single-eyed trough the unity of the Scriptures? If we find oneness in the Scriptures, our body shall be full of light. What kind of light is radiating out from us?
Comment on Morning November 07
The Lord is good and His works to the children of men is wonderful. But how many are there among men who praise Him for that? Some say, if there be a god, he is not interested in what is happening around us. other say that God is sleeping or even that He is dead. Worse, is to hear those who say that there is no such thing as god. No doubt all these men are far from trying to praise God, the Mighty Creator and Sustainer of all things.
But is God desperate for the praise of men? Is He not the ever blessed One even without our praise? Indeed, He is!
He seeks the praise of men for men's own good. Subconsciously we grow into the likeness of those whom we admire and praise. Our nature is made in the image and likeness of God, and growth to be like Him is most natural and harmonious and healthy for us. The praise of God is healthy and salutary for us.
But fallen men would have nothing to do with God. Those whom God would save, He formed for Himself. They fear and trust Him. They taste and found that He is good. As those predestinated and adopted to be His children, they show forth His praises. "They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of the power: to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom." (Psa 145:9-12)
Was the Psalmist describing you and me in Psa. 145?
Comment on Evening November 07
Are you being tried in your Christian life now? Learn to endure it now for this is from the Lord who takes a personal interest in disciplining you. To be discipline is to live an ordered life. Such a life comes about through patient enduring of hardship designed o take away all the infirmities of life. God knows what they are and would remove them from us so that we may be better equipped for His service.
".. tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience, and experience, hop,... " To have hope in the mist of trials is most crucial and encouraging. To lose hope at such a time, is to be defeated and a stumbling block to others. Where there is hope there need not be any shame. These are all the work of the Holy Spirit to shed His love in our hearts.
So what seems to be grievous can be counted all joy to those who are disciplined by God. A life of love is a life of joy.
A crown of life awaits people who endure such trials from God out of love for Him. We live under such infirmities by the power of Christ. This is the life of Christ made manfest in our moratl bodies.
Are we the blessed ones who endure temptations in this life?
Comment on Morning November 08
Have you ever come across people who go about doing work unprepared? I have and always chuckled about it - not only about others, but about myself as well (how foolish and a waste of time!). In such a situation of unpreparedness, all one has to do is to go back humbly and return once again, hopefully better prepared this time round.
On our way to Heaven, God, our Heavenly Father, has much work for us to do. He does not always tell us everything we must do in all the details, but He promises to be with us and tell us and guide us as we go along. So, we must learn to commune with Him as we go along. But, as for being prepared and be equipped for the work, He never leave it to us guess nor to wait for Him to tell us. He tells us up front tbe equipped with "the whole armour of God". (Eph 6:11-20)
Proudly to be worn at all times is the beautiful and shining helmet, the hope of Salvation. Our Salvation speaks of justification, sanctification and glorification. The whole of our life (the past, present and future) are all dealt with faithfully by our Lord Jesus Christ. We are eternally secure in Him. We are safe!
From the safe position we are put on our "breastplate of faith and love". Together with the "shield of faith", these are protective pieces of the armour which are able "to quench the fiery darts" of the evil ones. Faith must always be based upon the Word of God and not upon our own imagination. It has to do with trust in what God has to say to us and our obedience shown to Him. We do not doubt His sovereign control over all things for our good. And in "love" we do what we have to do in this life. This love springs from the love of God in our Lord Jesus Christ. We love Him because He first loves us. We love others as we love ourselves. In love we do what is truly good to each other. We know what is truly good only from the Bible and not according to our own fancies. Thus in "faith and love" we go prepared every day to do what God has planned for us.
Protective pieces are not the only armour to bring along in our labour. God also provide us with tools to do various complicated tasks. They are all summarized in the "sword of the Spirit", which is the Word of God. We must do God's business in God's way as revealed in Holy Writ. We must be students of the Word. We must learn to search the Word of God diligently so as not to doubt what He has said to us. Do His work His way we can have confidence of His protection and blessings.
Yes, the enemies will rebuke and threaten us as we serve the Lord, but we are not afraid because He will always vindicate for us at His appointed time. We must learn to be patient and wait for Him. He will not fail us as illustrated in His infallible Word.
Will the Lord find faith (and faithfulness) in this world when He returns in the cloud of glory?
Comment on Evening November 08
The battle we Christians fight in this world is not physical although its O. T. types and shadows were all literal battles fought with real physical weapons of wars. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12)
So, the evil ones would discourage us by bearing false witness against God. They would try to limit the power of God by saying that He is "God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys." God is greatly offended with them and would judge and punish them at His appointed time. We must not believe them and join them becoming partakers of their sins. We must believe in the sovereignty of our God, and that He is the God Who has done whatsoever He pleases!
Because He is for us we should not be afraid nor be dismayed in the midst of the devil's lies against Him. We must trust in His precious promises that "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)
Victory is ours as sure as Christ is now at the very right hand of God, glorified having overcome sin, the devil and hell. Where He is, there we shall be also.
Where are we?
Comment on Morning November 09
Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, is "one chosen out of the people." (Psa 89:19) He came from outside, yes, even from Heaven above to our world. Yet, He was one chosen out of the people. This means that He must be born and live among our midst as part of the people of God.
As the "chosen one" He is the Messiah, the Anointed One, as prophesied in Holy Writ. This one from among our midst is to be our Prophet, Priest and King. So, we look to Him to know the will of God. He brings our petitions before the throne of mercy and grace. He rules and lead us in the battle of faith. None of us, but Him alone, was able to live that perfect life of the image of God without any sin or offense against God. Where the first Adam failed, Jesus fulfilled perfectly. He was "My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased", testified God from Heaven. So, in ourselves there is no hope, but in Christ we are well-beloved of God.
We, who are dead in trespasses and sins, need help for deliverance from sin and hell. God has "laid help upon one that is mighty", even upon our Lord Jesus Christ. God's way of deliverance is the best way. In fact, there is no other way acceptable to Him. Only the incarnate God can save us by becoming our substitute.
Do you belong to "the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood"? (Acts 20:28)
Comment on Evening November 09
The reality of our Salvation is from the Lord God Himself alone, but the testimonies of such wondrous grace from God, He works in our hearts to keep from generation to generation. He unilaterally established His covenant with us in His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our God and Saviour. So, our salvation is fully the work of our God without us.
This wondrous work of God is pictured, for example, in the ancient rite of covenanting between parties involved, as seen in Gen. 15 when God made a covenant with Abram. That Abram, one of the parties involved, did not go between the pieces of the sacrifice is significant. It shows the unilateral character of this covenant between God and man. However, the keeping of this presentation of God's unilateral covenant with Abram was to be kept accurate by Abram, who drove the birds of prey away from meddling with the carcasses of the sacrifice. So, down through the centuries God's people testify of this unilateral covenant of God in types and shadows of temple worship and later in the Holy Sacraments of the Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
We may fail every now in accurately presenting the unilateral Covenant of God, but He never fails to bring the reality to pass - even the salvation of His beloved people in Christ. In due time, Christ came to bear our sins on the Cross. He was raised for our justification and now sit at the right hand of God making intercession for us. Our salvation is sure and He does gather His people from every nation, tongue and tribe for the Great and Glorious Day of His return.
"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 be Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1Thes. 4:16, 17)
Comment on Morning November 10
What can be rightly expected of a truly born again child of God? Or, what does God reveals will happen to a person being saved by Him? The two questions yield the same answer because a born again person is the same person as the one being saved by God, and we can expect what God reveals as will happen will surely happen.
God reveals that those being saved by Him are saved unto "good works". (Eph. 2:10) So, "faithfulness in ever good work" is a sure sign of being born again. (Col. 1:10) A continuation of such good works also indicates an increase "in the knowledge of God." God is good and all true good works are God-ward in nature. As such all good works are "reasonable services" to God to "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Rom. 12:1, 2)
Because such good works are product of the Holy Spirit working in us, we can call them His fruit sprouting forth in our lives. Of course, there is such things as "artificial fruits", carnal in nature, attached to deceive oneself and others for carnal gain. Such will not last and their true colours will soon be seen to their shame and condemnation. But the true "fruit should remain: that whatsover ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:16)
Are we true disciples of Christ, glorifying God our Heavenly Father by our good works?
Comment on Evening November 10
Although God is sovereign, so that even our sinful ways are within His control and permitted by Him, yet their sinfulness does not belong to God, but wholly belongs to us and we are held responsible for them. So, to draw us in the way of repentance, He sometimes does withdraw Himself from us. So, there were times when "I sought him, but I found him not." He will never leave us nor forsake us. Such withdrawals are always meant to draw us back to Himself, not to abandon us to perish in our sins.
Therefore, at such times we are called to "Return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously." (Hes 14:1, 2; cf Jer. 3:8-14) There is no other way of blessing except to return to Him Who loves us. If we return, we will surely find Him waiting for us to come back, like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son.
A truly penitent person would consider himself unworthy of the least of God's mercy. Like the prodigal son, he would say, "I am not worthy to be called thy son." He would wait until the Lord shall have mercy upon him. "It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord." (Lam. 3:26)
"Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?" (Luke 18:7) "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." (1Joh 1:9)
Comment on Morning November 11
It is good to travel from place to place safely. What is life if we cannot even move? A living vegetable finds meaning being eaten - to sustain life. A living human being is not meant to be eaten by any other animals. He has a higher purpose - to serve the Great and Mighty Creator of all things. When man forsake his role and rebelled against God, he becomes a living death. As such man can in no way live meaningfully. He is lost and wander from place to place without certainty in life and in death.
To travel meaningfully and safely we need to be led. "He led them on safely." The divinely led way is "the way of righteousness, .. the paths of judgment". No, not our own righteousness which is of the law, but the righteousness which is the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. No, not the paths of men's many opinions, but of the judgment of God Almighty, even His very Word as found in the Bible.
So whatever we attained in this journey, we do so not "by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm."
Do we pray often in life, "O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles." Where are we going? And how are we getting there? And why do we want to get there?
Comment on Evening November 11
What is our standing before God Almighty? Can we be certain even while we are on our way to meet Him in Judgment to give an account of our lives? Many don't even believe that there is such a thing as the Final Judgment. What a pity upon these poor, blind creatures of the dust! How could they even think of having a clear conscience before God?
Indeed, for those who would be ready for that Great and Glorious Day of the Lord, there can be certainty of justification. Through this life we experience cleansing and sanctification. We must sense the dirt to experience cleansing. "If we say we have not sinned, we lie and do not the truth." In this life, if God is leading us we can expect to sense our dirt every now and then. Even the great Apostle Paul wrote: "O wretched man that I am."
Cleansing is not the result of our own effort. It is the "blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." That blood was shed 2,000 years ago on the Cross of Calvary, and still has its power to cleanse us of different races and nations from an evil conscience! Do you believe this? If not, you shall not prosper. Your spiritual root must not be traced to the Ark and the rainbow without the Cross of Jesus Christ, if you are to have hope of eternal life.
On the way we also experience sanctification. We are constantly being made holy, more and more fit for the Master's use. Cleansing leads to dedication and consecration of life to God. This is sanctification. Are you growing in greater confidence in God so that you trust Him more and commit more fully to Him in all things? All these confirm within your own souls that you are indeed a child of God destined for eternal glory. You know you have been justified in Christ.
Is there anyone who try to condemn you? Whose justification are you seeking for?
Comment on Morning November 12
Repentance "not to be repented of" is what God would see in us, His children. There are people who repent and later regret that they have made such repentance. They repent of their repentance, and therefore, embrace once again, as right and proper, what they did in the first place. "The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." (2Pe. 2:22) Godly sorrow does not work this kind of repentance.
Godly sorrow is therefore very thorough and genuine and far from superficiality. In contrast, worldly sorrow is superficial, quick and shallow. The "sorrow of the world worketh death." Godly sorrow is the work of God the Holy Spirit in our heart. He makes us to see our sins and miseries and break our heart to pieces for offending the God Whom we love. We become angry with ourselves for being so thoughtless and careless in our ways. We are sorry for not keeping Him ever before our eyes. We are ashamed of ourselves and would not push the blame to others.
Our Lord prepared Peter for such kind of repentance when He told him, "Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." The details of the "thrice" must have caused Peter to count again and again his horrible fall into sin against such a wonderful person.
What can wash away such horrible sins as ours? Nothing, but the Blood of Jesus, the Son of God. This is the one and only help and deliverance the Lord is pleased to render us as we cry to Him in true repentance. This is the only mercy that does not undermine the truth, righteousness and justice of God. Therefore, it is the mercy that heals and restores to life with God. Such is a life that requires us "to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."
What kind of repentance are we experiencing in our life?
Comment on Evening November 12
If we are given eyes to see, we would certainly agree with what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2Co. 6:9-10, which reads: "As chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." Believers are people like that - on the one hand, they are indeed "this", yet, on the other hand, they are also truly "that" which seems to be the very opposite of the "this". Their lives are full of paradoxes.
Such a contrast in a same life at the same time is possible only because God is pleased not to grant it perfect salvation instantly when one is regenerated. Something happens when a man is regenerated and soon, through time, it shall be evident what that change is all about. But this change does not involved the perfecting of the physical body - not as yet before the Second Coming of Christ. So, the physical body continues in its path of "the outward man perisheth". But "the inward man is renewed day by day". The soul of a man can prospers while his physical body weakens at the same time. This is possible as God has His own time to save how He wills. He reveals in His Word that the body would be saved completely at last, at the end of the world, when Christ shall come again to judge all things.
All these are not to suggest that a believer need not be concerned about the well-being of his physical body. Or, worse yet, one may think, as some in the Dark Ages of the Church thought, that the matter is evil and therefore the physical body is evil and needed to be subdued with self-torture every now and then the for the good of one's soul. No, we must indeed take care of our body as much as we can. But we may not allow the care of the body to replace the care of our soul. This can easily happen in a world of materialism. In such a world, people pay too much attention to material possession as indication of success and blessing. Such people would do anything to get material wealth. To neglect spiritual well being for physical adorning is common. Believers should understand that according to God's plan the body would deteriorate through time according to God's appointment, and learn to accept that as from our Heavenly Father Who loves us. Meanwhile, believers should rejoice and concentrate of the renewing of the inward man, the prospering of the soul. Only then, may we wish each other: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
How are you and I prospering in this present world?
Comment on Morning November 13
A Christian is a born again person. This means that he together with other members of the Church is loved of Christ. Christ loves him and gave Himself to die for him on the Cross. On the basis of this atonement, he was given the Word by which he comes to the saving knowledge of Christ - born again "not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God."
A born again person is therefore being sanctified "through thy truth; thy word is truth." The Word of God is the weapon of the Holy Spirit. He uses It to renew us in our mind. Thus "Thy word hath quickened me." If we would be a spiritually lively person, we must be quickened by the Spirit and Word.
Those who despise the Word of God can never go far in their spiritual growth. In fact, one even wander if such a person is even saved to begin with. There is a deeper appreciation of God's Word as one grows spiritually. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes." How else can we be converted, wise, rejoicing and enlightened, if we do not have such a Word from God?
Are we alive and growing? "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." (1 Peter 2:2)
Comment on Evening November 13
Christians who are alive and growing must constantly draw nearer to God, our Heavenly Father. It is most natural for one who is suffering and lonely to be looking for comfort around him. To be able to find a comfortable spot just to lie down and rest for a while would be a treat for a tired body. To meet someone who cares and acts to comfort us would be even greater, as our comfort is now coming to us even when we are completely down cast, unable to even move. To draw near to God is to find in Him such a comfort. There is no better place to turn to than Father's house, when one is at a lost like the prodigal son.
Only in Christ's Name can a person draw near to the Perfect God without being consumed immediately. But, in Christ's Name we are not only able to draw near to Him, we are also given "another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth." So, the two lovers approach each other in love. A Christian is not a man still in rebellion against God. He is reconciled to God and now on the side of God to live and to serve Him humbly. He longs to be one with God in his whole being.
He loves God and therefore hates all who hate God. God is love and to hate God is to hate love. Christians are people born of love and they love God and His image. Hatred has no place in the heart of a believer. So in love they hate and reject all who hate God Who is love. To love those who hate God is to live contrary life. Such a man shall not prosper spiritually.
All things shall fall into their right and proper places in our lives as we draw ever nearer to God. Do constantly cultivate that sweet communion with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Comment on Morning November 14
As finite being we are a people limited. So, there comes a time when we will cry out for help for deliverance. There are many who do not have the opportunity to see a doctor for help in their physical well-being. They do not cry for help not because they do not have any need of such help, but because for some reason such help are simply not available to them. So, is it not true that all human beings, at one time or another, do look for something or someone to help them?
Christians are no exception. They look to their God: "Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God." (Psa 40:17) One need not be ashamed to look in that direction. This is because all things are indeed under God's control and direction. So, that is indeed a good and proper direction to turn to for help. Moreover, God's promise to His people is: "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand." (Pro. 14:26) With such a promise from someone so great, it is indeed foolishness not to turn to Him in time of trouble.
We are naturally afraid of powerful creatures that threaten us. Soon, we also learn that the strengths of the creatures are not all of the same kind with the same power to destroy. And, we notice that the intellectual strength of the human being is the most powerful as compared to the strength of other creatures. The physical strength of the dinosaurs did not save them from extinction, but the human beings are still around. We are indeed afraid when a human being threatens us. In the midst of such threatenings and with the promise of protection from God, He asks us: "Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the Lord thy maker?" (Isa. 51:12,13) The fearful who cannot walk in confidence in this life are those who have forgotten the Lord their maker and redeemer.
If we look constantly to our God, we will find many occasions to "sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble." (Psa 59:16)
The question is not whether we have troubles in this world, but where and how do we look for help in times of trouble. How do you think things will end up whenever we do them correctly?
"Have you no words, ah! think again!
Words flow apace when you complain
And fill your fellow-creatures ear
With the sad tale of all your care.
Were half the breath thus vainly spent
To heaven in supplication sent,
Your cheerful song would oftener be,
"Hear what the Lord has done for me."
William Cowper, 1731- 1800.
Comment on Evening November 14
For the children of Israel, the crossing of the river Jordan is symbolic of the clearing of the final obstacle to cross into "the blessed promised land". Literally that was what happened when they finally arrived at this river after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness - they must now cross it to possess the land that was promised them by God to the forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
Should the Lord tarries, every child of God has his or her "Jordan" to cross before the enter their eternal home in Heaven. Death is not a natural thing for us. It is our last enemy (obstacle) which we must overcome to get there. The children of Israel had their priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord to go ahead of them and open the way for them, when they cross Jordan. (Jos. 3:17) What do we have to help us when we face death? The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord speaks of our Lord Jesus Christ at the right hand of God. There He has conquered sin and death for us. There He is making intercession for us. From there He shall come to sum up all things and ushered in the New Heavens and the New Earth. Such hope of eternal blessedness is the very thing that goes before us to lead us through the experience of death. It is our "death of death" and our "hell's destruction" that "land us safe on Canaan's side".
Are you afraid of death? "Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Rev. 1:17, 18) Who to you is He Who has such keys?
Comment on Morning November 15
Most of us have our own family and home to go to at the end of the day, after a weary day, tired and worn out. But not all of us have good homes to go back to. So, some of us simply do not like to go home because it is not a place where we can find rest and peace, a place where we can recuperate and be strengthened. Our homes are often so imperfect, and often we ourselves are the contribution factors to such unhealthy environment. We feel sad about that for we know that the place where we grow up in ought to be the best place for us to return to be revitalized. We long for such healthy fellowship.
The only perfect family which will not fail to bring us comfort is the family of God. Therein we find the fellowship with the Son o God. But, how on earth can we ever enter into such a family to begin with? Were we not those who were cast out when our first parents, Adam and Eve, rebelled against God, the Father? Yet, truly there is no better place for one such as us, miserable sinners!
If we are not "called unto the fellowship of his Son our Lord" we have no part in this family of God. God does call some people into that fellowship. A person enjoying this fellowship is one who believe that Jesus is the Son of God came to save them from their sins on the Cross of Calvary. "God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. — Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." (II Cor. 6:16. -I John 1:3)
Love is in this perfect family for it is "the bond of perfectness". (Colossians 3:14) Therefore, in this family we are called "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. 3:17-19)
It is a grave mistake to think immediately that the love of God and of Christ is without the commandments of God. Hear what the Apostle Paul wrote: "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8) "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (Romans 13:10) "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:14)
There is no dwelling with God without the keeping of His commandment. "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him." (-I John 3:24)
Do we have a perfect family to be in and return to?
Comment on Evening November 15
Believers "also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house." (1Pe 2:5) The Church is the house of God, and it is made up of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. They are "lively stones" prepared first before being brought together to fit with other pieces to form the house of God. This means that "there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building." (1Ke 6:7) This does not mean that there was no determination of whether one piece fits with another piece. It simply means that there is no shaping while fitting the pieces together.
Recently my 4 year old son asked me to saw the corners of a cube from one toy set to make it fit into a circular hole of another piece from another toy set. I determined and told him that these pieces belong in different sets of toys and we better not spoil any by combining to make a third set of our own. I certainly did not buy a new set of toy so that I have to repair any of the pieces. All the pieces are made already to be fitted together nicely. If not so, such pieces should be sent back to the factory for correction and reissuing. Discipline in the Church is an authoritative declaration that pieces do not fit and that such pieces should be sent back for their maker to remake or modify accordingly. True and beneficial discipline is one in which the disciplined are brought back to God to be dealt with by Him. "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." (Rom 14:4) There is no reason to doubt that all who are dealt with by God will finally fit perfectly into each other as a perfect whole.
If you find yourself unable to fit well into a church, don't you think you should go earnestly to God to be dealt with by Him? You will know what to do when He is really dealing with you.
Comment on Morning November 16
As pilgrims in this world of darkness we do need constant sanctification from the Lord. To sanctify is to make holy, to set apart for holy use. Things which are for common use escape our attention easily. We take for granted such things, important may often be in themselves. To sanctify is to deliberately set apart something (whatever that may be) and use it in a very special way so that it catches people's attention immediately. It is holy when the use is for the glory of God. There is nothing more wholesome than to be God-centred. Nothing more holy.
Pilgrims need to be sanctified because they often go astray from their original intent as such. A pilgrim is one on a journey to a holy destination. He wants to be holier, to be more dedicated and consecrated to God. But on the way he often got tempted and deviated from the right path. Sometimes he even forgets that he is a pilgrim in this world! He needs to be sanctified every now and then if he is to be successful as a pilgrim.
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." People who are genuinely interested in this sanctification cannot ignore the Word of God because there is no sanctification apart from God's Word. God's Word can cleanse us from our sinful pollution and redirect us back to the right path. God's Word can give us wisdom which we need to combat the foolishness of this world, to which we are constantly exposed. We need this wisdom that we might increase in knowledge, discretion and understanding. All these are so necessary in the midst of the devil's many lies against God.
Jesus is the King of truth and those who acknowledge Him "continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." We need to be freed every now and then that we might continue on our way to heaven. God's Word and truth set us free.
Are you and am I on the way or are we getting stuck somewhere?
Comment on Evening November 16
Saints are people who are sanctified and being sanctified. We are first called saints at our justification. God declares us holy in our Lord Jesus Christ. That is justification. In Christ, all that are required of us to be a just and righteous, are fulfilled in us principally. So as saints we "fellow citizens" with each other in the Kingdom of Christ. Some of the citizens are already in Heaven as "spirits of just men made perfect." Though we cannot communicate with any of them now, we are proud to be their fellow-citizens. We speak of their pilgrimages with excitement and thankfulness claiming them as our glorious heritage.
As fellow citizens we do jointly long for the return of our Great King, the Lord Jesus Christ. On that Great and Glorious Day, all our bodies shall "be fashioned like unto his glorious body". In an instant, we shall be able to be, and will indeed be, gathered together as the Glorious Bride of Christ.
As we shall be presented "to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish", let us now in this life, "abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul."
How are you doing, my fellow citizens?
Comment on Morning November 17
All deliberate, man-made objects, be they physical object or a composition of ideas as in a literature, evidence the thinking process. For example this posting is composed by me after the process of thinking that goes through my head. What you read is a composition of my ideas. It is my thought you are receiving. How deep is my thought to you depend on how quickly you grasp what I am saying. So, to some my thought may be superficial and childish while to others it may be profound and deep.
"God's thoughts are very deep" declared the Psalmist in Psalm 92:5. God must have composed something which was signified to us in the language of the Bible. The Psalmist reads it and found that it is meaningful after a long while of meditation upon it. God's thoughts are very deep. Deep not in the sense that he has reach the bottom of it, but it the sense that he has still not reach the bottom afternoon going down for so long! "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Rom 11:33)
In His thoughts God reveals Himself as the all knowing God. His thoughts are carefully formulated according to His infinite knowledge of all things, in His wisdom and understanding. To engage the mind of God is to learn of Him and "be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." Such an exercise equipped us well to walk in the light of His Word.
Not reaching the bottom of the depth of His thoughts is no problem to us who are His children. We need not know that actual depth of His thoughts in order to be comfortable in dealing with Him. This is because we know enough of Him to be comfortable. He reveals Himself clearly that He loves us in His Son Jesus Christ. He Who cannot lie promises us that all things are under His control for our good and salvation. We can trust Him, and His infinite knowledge and understanding only bring us much comfort and assurance that all is well as nothing escape His purview when He thinks and acts.
Are you comfortable in the presence of such an awesome God?
Comment on Evening November 17
Sowing and reaping are profoundly related concepts though they may convey movements in opposite directions. To sow is to throw, to cast away, to scatter, to have less. To reap is to gather together, to collect and keep, to have more. The profound connection lies in that these terms deals with things which have the nature like that of a seed. A seed has the potential power to come back when it is gone. When a farmer gives up a seed to allow it to interact with the soil and other life-giving elements, the seed can germinate and become a plant which in turn can proceed the same kind of seed - in fact, in greater abundance!
Wickedness has the same nature as that of a seed. So, "They that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same." (Job 4:8) Righteousness also has the same nature. So, "To him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward." (Prov. 11:18)
The Word of God also has the same nature. We do not get less of God's Word just because we sow It in abundance and scatter It far and wide. In fact, we do find His Word prospers and return to us in greater measure. So is knowledge and understanding. "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty." (Prov. 11:24)
So, do you understand why some people gain so much of God's Word while others so little?
Comment on Morning November 18
For the sins we have committed, the only proper place for us is hell. So, our present sufferings in God's chastisement is only a very negligible fraction of hell's sufferings. But we are so frail that even for that sometimes we are not able to bear. So, our Heaven Father take into consideration our frailty "correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished." (Jer. 30:11) Our punishment is not a condemnation to hell. It is His loving chastisement for our sanctification.
So it is good to be chastened of the Lord so that we may learn to be humble and seek His mercies and grace at all times. To be chastened by the Lord is any time better than by men. At least, David, the man's after God's own heart thought so. "And David said ... let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man." (1 Chronicles 21:13)
"He stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind." is an ancient Hebrew idiom to enshrine the above truth. The "east wind" is that seasonal wind which blow upon the land of promise just before the time of harvest. Its blowing can be very useful or troublesome. If it blows too gently, the winnowing process to separate the "chaff" (Psa 1:4) from the kernel cannot take place as most of it would fall back even when thrown into the air. So "rough wind" is needed for the job. But when the "rough wind" is not controlled, it can be very troublesome as well. One can imagine how too rough a wind may also blow the kernel away as well, together with other useful things. So to "stayeth his rough wind" means that God controls this rough wind by measure so that the winnowing time (or "the day of the east wind") may be more fruitful. The "rough wind" signifies chastening time to drive away the "chaff" of our lives. In chastening, God remembers mercies, and so "stayeth" the affliction which He also send to us.
Are you still afraid to throw your harvest into the "rough wind" of God?
Comment on Evening November 18
To see so as to enter the Kingdom of God is not a physical activity of the physical eyes of a man. (Joh. 3:3, 5) Otherwise, the physically blind would be damned forever and there is no need to preach to them the Word of life. The sight of God's Kingdom is the sight of faith. God's Word is heard and a person believes and embraces Him as he ought and should. Such faith is the gift of God. Such "faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. But as it is written, 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: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (1Co. 2:4,5,9,10)
In the days of types and shadows, the "wisdom of Solomon" was equivalent to the Word of God. The Queen of the south came to see the widom of Solomon and discovered that "the half was not told me." (1Ki. 10:7) Indeed, all who go to the right place for His Word by the grace of God would discover the same. So this Queen would rise one day to condemned those who have ever heard Christ and rejected His Word because Christ is greater than Solomon, and the wisdom of the former is the Anti-type of the latter. To go back to its dark shadow after having arriving at its foot is unworthy of the search. An interesting shadow should lead us to search for its real object. Having found the object, one discover that the half of it is not told by the shadow.
"Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty. — We shall see him as he is. — In my flesh I shall see God. — I shall be satisfied." (Isa. 33:17. -I John 3:2. -Job 19:26. -Psa. 17:15.)
Are you and am I?
Comment on Morning November 19
You are an explorer and came across a tree which was never classified in this world! One of your tasks is now to name the tree. You decided to call the tree by your own name, say "Mr. X". Many years later, the fame of this tree would not be what you have done, but what this tree can contribute to the human society. This tree would be "known by his fruit." A person like "Mr. X" because it tastes good!
But why do we want to identify things and people around us? Why do we want to name them and know them in their very nature? It is because they form the environment in which we live. We are affected by our environment, whether we like it or not. Knowing the elements around us and controlling them does create and maintain the environment. Of all God's creatures, the human being is the most fascinating and the knowledge of them accurately is very important in the forming of a healthy environment. "By their fruits ye shall know them."
"Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous." A righteous man is one justified by God for Christ's sake alone, not because of his own righteousness wholly or partially. To such a man God has committed Himself to transform and fashion after the image of His Son. God never fails in His Work. So we can rest assured that the fruit in the life of such a man is the sanctified life. He lives a righteous life, full of good works.
A fruit is that which grows naturally out of a living organism as it grows. It is not something artificially forced upon it from outside. It is part and parcel of the tree. God implants a new nature in the heart of those whom He would save. So, we must constantly say no to the "old man" and yes to the "new man" in Christ, as we grow in grace. We will, in that way, discover a new and joyful life, harmonious, natural and wholesome. We need not be ashamed of being ourselves after the new man, though it may be quite different from our previous life before we were converted, when we were living fully after our old man. We are a new creation of God. Praise the Lord.
How do you know others and how do you expect others to know you?
Comment on Evening November 19
Many things around us are growing ever in greater size as the world become more and more global. The market becomes bigger, the planes becomes bigger, the power consumption becomes bigger, the contacts with individual persons become bigger, etc. The bigger and higher one goes the greater will also be the fall when one does fall. A small object falling may destroy little, a bigger one more, and a global one would be global in magnitude as well. If all the bigger ones fall together, the earth is just not made to take the weight. God's Word reveals that the earth shall be "passed away". (Rev. 21:1)
Yet God had promised before "I will make the place of my feet glorious." (Isa. 60:13) The earth is the place of God's feet, and He will make it glorious. A new heaven and a new earth is what God promised us. The time will come when we will see what the Apostle John 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 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."
In our pilgrimage through the empty space in search of the promised land, God has designed a mother ship in which we maintain an environment much like the promised land. We cannot survive without this environment because we are created for it. We may investigate outside of the mother ship, but never without it's environment going with us in one form or another. The communion of the saints as manifested in every true local Church of Christ is such a mother ship.
Are you well connected to your mother ship? If not how can you expect to arrive safely in it's environment made perfect?
Comment on Morning November 20
Darkness is the absence of light and no one experiences darkness more than a totally blind man. Light just has no meaning to him, if he is born blind from the very beginning. One who becomes blind or who are made to see having being born blind, can appreciate the light as they have the memories of both world to do comparison and thus show appreciation. Those of us who can see can try a live a normal week in this world totally blindfolded to set up a set of memories of the world of darkness for real experimental comparison. But let us also remember that one week of blindness may not be the same as years of darkness, but may be good enough to shut our mouth of complain and open the mouth of thankfulness for sight.
"When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me." A man born totally blind may not know the meaning of light, but he may soon become aware that those who claim to be able to see with the light around them are more superior to him in movement and getting things done. He may not understand what light and seeing is all about, but he certainly wish to have sight whatever that may be that he might be as efficient as others around him. In the spiritual world, the seeing are in the minority and the majority are blind. It is in a blind world that we Christians are living.
We do spiritual things better and faster than the spiritually blind. In fact, they couldn't even move spiritually because they are spiritually dead. They simply cannot long for spiritual sight unless they are born again and given the ability to see. Then, they will begin more and more to appreciate the light. The more we see that more we want to see. The Lord Who is our light becomes more and more precious to us.
Never go anywhere in this world of darkness without the Lord. The day will come when you will say with the Psalmist: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Such a valley is dark because of the shadow, but the Lord will guide you to the greater light which causes the shadow, beyond the mountains of death.
Where is the source of your light?
Comment on Evening November 20
Jesus Christ is a Mediator. A mediator comes in between two parties who are at odd with each other but wish to be reconciled to one another. So a mediator is someone who represents both parties each to the other in order to remove the obstacle that separates them so that they can come together again. One cannot be a mediator for only one party. So, the presence of a mediator of a relationship with God as one of the two parties presupposes that there is another party outside of God. Outside of God we can only find His creatures, for He is Creator. So, we are talking about reconciliation between God and creatures. What had happened to this relationship which causes the separation of the parties?
The Holy Scriptures reveal that man had rebelled against God, his Creator by disobeying the command of God not to eat of the forbidden fruit. This is the offense that must be removed. The fault of this drift in this relationship is fully the responsibility of man. God is pure and holy. If any of the two parties is to say sorry, it would have to be man and never God. But reconciliation is not merely a matter of saying sorry. There has to be the pacifying of the offended party, the genuine penitence of the offending party and a coming together of the two parties into union again. This is the job of the Mediator between God and man. He is Christ Jesus, the designed Prophet, Priest and King of a people who would be reconciled to God..
All the Old Testament covenants are types and shadows of that one and only Covenant of Grace which God established with the Mediator, without which there would be no hope of reconciliation. "He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." In His office as Christ, the Mediator accomplished all that is necessary for our salvation. There is no other Mediator Who can reconcile us back to God, beside this Man, Christ Jesus.
All who comes to God through Christ, the Mediator, can be assured of reception, because in Him we have the forgiveness of our sins and the adoption of children. We are given true faith to receive all these salvation benefits purchased for us in Jesus Christ. Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, " but by Him, the only Mediator between God and man. (Joh. 14:6)
Are you reconciled to God? And who is your Mediator?
Comment on Morning November 21
It would be a day most horrible for you and me, if when we finally repent and decided to turn back to God only to find that He cannot forgive us nor receive us back into communion with Him ever again because His covenant with us in the first place was not meant to be eternal in nature but only temporally and conditional (which condition we have failed to fulfill in time)!
"Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." If this is not true for the justified in Christ, who repented and return to the Lord, "where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" (1Pe 4:18) This would be a hopeless world. But, thanks be to God, that it is true: He will not cast out those who come to Him penitently in the days of grace. The days of grace are the days of our life "till death." "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27)
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." For us wretched sinners, oh, never advocate a doctrine which will give no hope even to the justified in Christ who have backslid. If so where else can we fallen men turn to for comfort and salvation?
"A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." (Isa. 42:3) Are you a "bruiesd reed" or a "smoking flax" which many would simply just give up hope and leave to perish and consumed away? Why not come to the God of Grace Who established His everlasting covenant with men to save them to the uttermost? He will not "break" nor will he "quench."
Comment on Evening November 21
The death of Jesus on the cruel Cross of Calvary some two thousand years ago was an event in human history unparalleled. It was the death of God's very own, one and only begotten, beloved Son. The death was the most cruel both in term of human suffering and injustice. The event took place in the lower courts of God! God allowed it for the purpose that He Himself might save a people represented by His Son.
The motivation for such a wondrous work of God is His love for wretched sinners like us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son .." (Joh. 3:16) If the atonement of Christ on the Cross cannot dispel your doubt of His love for you, you have indeed not known the Saviour as you ought. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32) Nothing can "separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39)
Consider what we are currently, we cannot only shake our heads in shame for we are so unlike Christ, the beloved Son of God. Yet, for His sake, God calls us all "the sons (or children) of God". "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." (1Jo. 3:1) Like Abraham, we believe in the God "who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were." (Romans 4:17)
Are you ashamed to be called the son or daughter of God, when He is not ashamed to own you as such? Why? And what shall we do? How shall we live?
Comment on Morning November 22
We, Christians, are commanded to pray without ceasing. That does not mean to pray anyhow, but to pray "in the Holy Ghost." (Jude 20) Praying in the Holy Spirit indicates the desire to pray harmoniously according to the good will of God. If everyone pray selfishly or self-centredly according to their own individual lusts, how could the body of Christ be praying harmoniously?
Indeed, there is no perfect prayer in this life, except that which were uttered by our Lord Jesus Christ. This is because our holy desires in this earth are also mixed with our sinful lusts. Therefore we must also add to our prayers: "When Thou hearest, forgive." (1Ki 8:30; 2Chr. 6:21) and "... nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Mat. 26:39) Such humble prayer is evidenced of the Spirit making intercession for us.
How can a life filled with the Holy Spirit be deprived of such intercessions of the Holy Spirit? A life filled with the Holy Spirit is one in which a person constantly asks the Lord to search his heart. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:" (Psalm 139:23) Such a person is not only known by the Holy Spirit, but also by himself as well. He increasingly know himself more accurately through the years of such prayers. Such person are also more accurate in knowing others by their fruits. Such people know in increasing measure what is in the mind of the Spirit as the Spirit reveals it to him.Such people prays in the Spirit "with groanings which cannot be uttered."
The content of such paryers cannot be uttered not in the sense that it cannot be prayed before God
Almighty, but in the sense that it cannot be spoken to others. "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant." (Psalm 25:14) The LORD will share His own secrets with whomever He wills.
Such prayer life requires constant watching and perseverance. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication." (Eph. 6:18) We do not merely watch our own life, but those of our others around us as well. With the searching eye of the Spirit and a prayerful heart, we are to make our journey to heaven. He promised to be with us even until the end of the world.
How are you and I praying?
Comment on Evening November 22
A child of God, under the care of God, cannot be destroyed. "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. He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness." (Mic 7:8, 9) Like a tree, "There is a hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease." (Job 14:7)
Such restoration and revival comes in the way of true repentance. True repentance has godly sorrow. Such sorrow is not the sorrow of the world. The world also sorrow when they make mistakes in life. Their sorrow does not have anything to do with God, nor is it a desire to be restored into fellowship with Him. It is a selfish and self-centred desired to be restored into former lusts without all the painful consequences. Godly sorrow can accept all the pains that comes with the chastening hand of God. It only desires to be restored into the communion with God once again. He wants to hear the sweet voice of His Heavenly Father once again. "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." (Psa 119:67) To go astray is to be wise in one's own eyes and not to fear the Lord. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (Hebrews 12:6) He longs for us as much as we for Him, if not more. But He will wait for the prodigal son to return home humbly.
How is the love of God manifesting itself in your and my life?
Comment on Morning November 23
That there is conflict among intelligent human beings in this world, there can be no doubt. And that such conflict is based upon the selfish nature of men and their lack of trust in each other is also evident. These conflict is not only found in small scale among individuals, but also among nations and big corporations. Worse yet is to find the good being persecuted for the good they are doing. A glaring example of this last assertion is the persecution and Christ and all His.
Our Lord Jesus Christ came as the Saviour of the world. While He was on earth He did good and teach good. But He was rejected and finally crucified. His disciples down through the centuries did the same in all their missions, and many were also persecuted! How do we interpret such things in the light of God's Word?
Some think that God is trying to save the world and does not seem to be very successful. But God's Word clearly tells us that He is gathering His beloved elect from among the nations, and He is very successful doing everything according to His own timing. So the work of God is like Moses going to Pharaoh to let God's people go free. The persecution of the world against God's people is like Pharaoh refusing and increasing the persecution as he would not lose these slaves who rightly belong to God. All the sufferings and difficulties in the Christian life is to be understood as God leading His people through the fallen elements of this world for the "promised land".
There is much to be fearful about as we journey on the way, but God constantly assures us, "Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." (Pro. 1:33) God speaks to us and His Word is infallibly recorded in the Holy Bible. He is committed since the beginning to lead His people all the way to Heaven, but selected only a portion of that journey to describe infallibly to us our experiences with Him. This is to become a handbook for His people to refer to as they journey with Him. If we are to be "qiuet from fear of evil" we must pay close attention to what He is saying to us through that Book.
In that Book, we are told that "Your life is hid with Christ in God." (Col. 3:3) Jesus did it all for us - from beginning to the end. If we are hiding with Him in God we are okay and safe. Never rely upon any thing else than in the Lord Jesus Christ - "all other grounds are sinking sand." To day the devil tries to deceive believers by creating another "other ground" which is a mixture of Christ and our own good works. Even that ground is "sinking sand". Let us take heed and be warned of what would rob us of our quiet confidence.
All Christian living is built upon this right relationship with Jesus Christ. If this is wrong, all instructions about how to live our Christian life are also wrong. And this relationship is all of grace and nothing of ourselves.
Upon what is your relationship with Christ based?
Comment on Evening November 23
No man is an island. This is an expression to say that every man is dependent upon some others. He is not absolutely an independent being. If all men are absolutely independent beings, living all by himself or herself, the human race would simply be wiped out as no reproduction of themselves would take place. So, men come together inevitably as they exist in this world. They form families and families formed clans and clans form nations and kingdoms. That is what we see in this world - many kingdoms. To which shall we join, or shall we start our own?
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world." (Joh. 18:36) His is a unique Kingdom Which we must long to join if we are to have hope of eternal life. The whole Bible describes that Kingdom of Christ in many ways and approaches, causing it to shine brightly.
This is the kingdom that shall triumph over all other kingdoms. "He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet." (1Co. 15:25) "He shall shew who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords." (1Ti 6:15)
"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ... Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (Joh. 3:3, 5)
Are you born again?
Comment on Morning November 24
In creation, there is nothing living which is not dependent upon some other thing outside of themselves to survive. No living thing is self-sufficient in this creation. That is why to believe in God Who is self-sufficient is a matter of faith, the gift of God. Search through nature by scientific experimentation and one would never come to conclude that there is such a thing as God. There is simply no parallel here.
The spiritual life which God gives to man is dependent upon the doing of His will, which is revealed in His Word, to survive. Jesus said: "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." (Mat 7:21) It is not the knowing, but the doing of God's will that matters. Many may intellectually know God's will as found in the Bible, but such knowledge is not the knowledge of God, for the knowledge of God include the doing of His will. To know is to embrace and not simply to be aware intellectually of a thing. One who truly knows God will also submit to Him. Even Jesus' spiritual food "is to do the will of him that sent me." (Joh. 4:34)
We call each other brothers and sisters in Christ. This means that we are all in the same family of God. Jesus said, "My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it." (Luk. 8:21) The Apostle Paul wrote: "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." (Romans 2:13) James wrote: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22)
Are we deceiving ourselves?
Comment on Evening November 24
Have you ever become disappointed with yourself because you have failed the Lord Who loves you so? You know what's right and what's wrong, but yet you could not do that which is right and fall into temptation to do that which is wrong. We are indeed wretched man just like what Paul said of himslef in Rom. 7:24.
Elijah, that great prophet of God, was no different from us. After gaining that great victory for the Jehovah God, he ran for his life to the cave when threatened by Jezebel. God asked him, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" (1Ki. 19:9) Like Elijah we become disappointed with ourselves and rather die or become a hermit living in the cave alone all by ourselves. We are become useless.
"The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mat. 26:41)
It is a comfort to know that God, our Heavenly Father, knows all about our struggles and never despises us. "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." (Psa 139:9, 10) He came to Elijah in a still small voice and send him forth again as if nothing had happened. God put a thorn in our flesh not to discourage us, but to keep us connect to Him Who is our infinite strength. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Therefore, "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Gal. 6:9)
Are we constantly plugged into God?
Comment on Morning November 25
Man is created dependent. He is not self-sufficient in himself by nature. He cannot be totally free. If he is not serving this master, then he must be serving another. So, when he sought to be free from God and His Word he became bond to sin and the devil's lies.
As Christians having being "made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Rom 6:18) To be free in one way is to be bond in another. The sooner we realize this the better. We cannot serve to opposing masters - "God and Mommon." (Mat. 6:24) Mommon speaks of the riches of this world. It refers to all the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life. (1Jo. 2:15f) God bought us with the blood of Christ that we might be His servants. Failing to serve God is a fundamental error leading to the lack of victory over sin.
As servants of God we have our "fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." (Rom 6:22) The way of sanctification is the way of being the servants of God. This does not mean that we must all become office-bearers of the Church. Rather we must all be supporting the Messianic Ministry of Christ - the work of the Prophet, Priest and King. We must support the preaching ministry of the Church by attending to and searching of God's Word in order to observe It. We must support the diaconate ministry of the Church by taking care of the needy in our midst. We must exercise discipline personally and corporately in the Church. Jesus said, "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour." (Joh. 12:26)
Christ came to save us from our sins. Who then are we serving - Christ or sin?
Comment on Evening November 25
"Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." (Isaiah 59:1,2)
Salvation is about the removal of the sin that separate between God and man. It is about being reconciled to God. It is about having a sweet communion with God now and forever. God, the Holy God, cannot change and He cannot live with sin. Either we get rid of our sins or there is absolutely no way we can enjoy God, not even for a moment.
"Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved." (Acts 2:21) To call upon the name of the Lord is to seek His mercy and forgiveness. The mercy of God is manifested in the death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary for the sins of His people. God in His love and mercy sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins on the Cross. Those who believe in this testimony of God concerning His Son and seek forgiveness through Him alone shall indeed be saved.
If Manasseh, whose sins are described in 2Ki. 21:1-6, can be forgiven because "he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto him", we can be assured of the same if we come to Him in a broken and contrite heart.
If you have sinned against the Lord, won't you come back to Him like the prodigal son? He is waiting for you and will abundantly pardon. Amen.
Comment on Morning November 26
The Lord delights in His people. (Isa. 62:4) And does that suggest that His people of themselves are lovely in His sight by nature? No, because even all their righteousnesses are as filthy rags in His sight. How can such a people be delight to the Lord God? Only the seed of Abraham is a delight to Him. Of Him it is said from Heaven, "This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased." With this Seed of Abraham is the Covenant of God established. There can be no fellowship of love outside of our Lord Jesus Christ. "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29) Be in Christ and the Lord takes delight in you.
In Christ Jesus we are created anew. (Eph. 2:10) "Thus saith the Lord that created thee, ... Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." (Isa. 43:1) A man may sinfully and unnaturally forsake and forget his own offspring, but the Lord will never do such sinful thing. Having loved us, He will love us to the very end. His love for us is not conditioned upon ours for Him simply because He first loves us. His is a sovereign love from all eternity, without which there is simply no hope for us sinful creatures. He loves and has mercy upon whom He will according to His own good pleasure.
You, who are like Jacob, "not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; " (Genesis 32:10), are most troubled when you hear that God only establishes conditional covenant with His people. The covenant of God is not a means to an end. It is the very goal which will one day be revealed in all its glory in the New Heavens and the New Earth. (Rev. 21) This wonderful friendship is established with us, His chosen and hidden ones, unconditionally in His Son, our Lord and Saviour. We are not worthy of any of His mercies. If there is a condition laid upon us, we are doomed, and we naturally would be in great despair.
But there is hope and joy for those who trust in His Word. "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." (Psa 147:11) Is your hope based upon His Sovereign mercy or upon your own ability to fulfill some conditions laid down by Him?
Comment on Evening November 26
Sometimes we are sorrowful because we cannot get our way to be followed and appreciated. Such was the sorrow of Ahithophel and it did not do him any good. "When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died." (2Sa. 17:23) "The sorrow of the world woreth death." (2Co. 7:10)
Are we glad simply because we find ourselves "sorrowful" and regretful for some wrong we have done? Wrong can mean different thing to different people. Only the sorrow for the wrong against the true and living God count for godly sorrow. Godly sorrow produces a broken and contrite heart in man. And God never despise such a condition in the heart of man because such is His own work in us. He cannot deny Himself. Thus Isaiah, the prophet wrote: "The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek: he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." (Isa. 61:1-3)
Are you among those who "labour and are heavy laden" with the burden laid by God? Do you long to be lifted up so that you may be restored to sweet communion with Him? If so, Jesus said to you, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Mat. 11:28-30)
Comment on Morning November 27
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Godhead in human flesh, has declared the glory of God (Joh. 1:18) with the glory that was given Him. (Joh. 17:22) That glory Christ has also given to us to declare the glory of God all the days of our lives as members of His mystical body, the Church of Christ.
Isaiah, the great prophet of old, spoke of Him "when he saw his glory" in Isa. 6:1-3. (Joh. 12:41) The holy angels in heaven speaks of that glory thus: "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." That Christ is the Lord of hosts means that He has an army of soldiers whom He leads in the spiritual battles from victory to victory. So, the whole earth is full of his glory. Few are the men who are able to see that glory now, but the Great Day of the Lord will reveal this to all. That Christ is holy means that He is fully consecrated to His Father in Heaven. He came here not to do His own will, but the will of Him who sent Him and to finish it. That was His very food of life. He is thrice holy.
Those who are in Christ as His members are also holy, called to be saints, the holy ones. If you are a Christian, you are called to be holy. "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16) We are to watch and pray that we may not be filled with our own lusts, but with the knowledge of His will and to do His will. We are called to be holy. This is the declaration of the glory of God. This is the life of Christlikeness. This is the walking in His steps.
Are you receiving the glory that was given Him? (Joh. 17:22)
Comment on Evening November 27
To know that we are saved by grace is a joyful thing. The life of joy is a life of seeking Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. The love of the brethren (philadelphia) is a good sign that one is a child of God. Such a love seek the good and well-being of one's brethren, even their salvation. As such, a believer tries not to be a stumbling block to his brethren.
"All things are lawful for me" and therefore I have the liberty to do "all things." But not all things "are expedient" and therefore I should often choose not to do things which I'm at liberty to do if by myself, but would not do for the sake of the weak conscience of my brethren. When our brethren walk against their own conscience they sin against God. We must take into consideration the well-being of our brethren. Doing so means living a self-denying life as well as living a life of patiently teaching and showing others what is right according to the Word of God. Jesus showed us His example: ours was the transgressions and His the deadly pain.
While we must not be a stumbling block to others, we are also called not to follow those who sin against the Lord, no matter how many bad examples there may be before our very eyes. There is a tendency to put our confidence in men and princes, especially when they come to us in multitude hands joint in hands. Such cloud of witnesses cannot be wrong we say and followed them blindly without studying God's Word for ourselves to develop the true conviction from God alone. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in men and in princes. Heaven and earth may pass away, but God's Word will not pass away. "Thou shalt lnot follow the multitude to do evil." (Exo. 23:2)
Are you like many who walk in the "wide ... and broad .. way, that leadeth to destruction .."? (Mat. 7:13)
Comment on Morning November 28
The doctrine of election obvious implies that there are some people not chosen of God to inherit eternal life. As the issue is not about the justice of God since we all do not deserve Heaven, but, indeed, hell; but about the Sovereignty of God to choose and save whom He wills, we who believe can only be interested if He has indeed chosen us. Blessed, indeed, are all those who are chosen of Him to glorify and enjoy Him forever.
If God has explicitly mention your name and other infallible indications as to, for example, your finger print, in the Holy Bible, that you are chosen of Him, then indeed, there is no reason to doubt your blessedness. Besides the very few names mentioned in the Bible, the rest of us cannot have such an assurance of blessedness. This does not mean that a child of God must live in doubt all the days of his life. Assurance of salvation is a very important feature in the life of sanctification. Without it how can a Christian live thankfully and joyfully?
While we should stop looking for our unique, personal identification in the Bible, we are indeed called to look for other general identifications of the blessed ones of God. "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." (2Pe.1:10) There are believers who try to find comfort from their fellow believers, especially from their pastors. If their pastors assure them that they are saved they are very happy. If their pastors show doubt they are very troubled. Their assurance is based upon the judgment of men, no matter how well intentioned.
Only God's Word as ministered to us by the Spirit of Adoption can give us the true and full assurance that we are the children of God. When the Spirit of truth, Who searches our heart, tells us that we are the children of God because we live by the faith which works by love found in the community of God's people, then we can be fully assured of our blessedness.
Do you have the assurance of salvation? And upon what is your assurance based?
Comment on Evening November 28
We all know that fear is very paralyzing. When fear comes, one stops to think more carefully what he should be doing next. He becomes more cautious and slower as he acts. In ultimate, sudden fear one can even becomes momentarily, totally paralyzed. That's what the lion tries to do to its preys when it roars suddenly at them.
Our last enemy, and most frightening, is death. All afflictions and hardship in this life end up in death. A life of total ignoring of God, the Mighty Creator, with Whom we have to do, cannot find death a comfort as it is a time appointed to face the Creator in judgment. So, all man fears death naturally. But men "through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Heb. 2:14, 15) For men to function without the sense of bondage, they must get the thought of their imminent death off their mind. So, through various deceptive means men are taught to put aside the thought of death even to the very last moment of life.
In our Lord Jesus Christ we confront death to the face and say, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Co. 15:55, 57) Christ tasted death for us when He died its worst form - crucifixion. He conquered death by going through it and coming out the other side alive with a glorified body!!! Such is the victory over death that our Lord has gained for us.
Death, for us believers, is changed to a gateway to our eternal glory and blessedness. So, we "know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. We are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." (2Co. 5:1, 6-8)
Are you fainting because your outward man is perishing? Pay attention to your inward man. (2Co. 4:16)
Comment on Morning November 29
A house is a place a man build for himself to rest from all his labour. So he equips his house with all good things so that he can enjoy them with satisfaction without much trouble and inconveniences.
So there is much goodness in God's house to satisfy His children. God's children are not people easily satisfied with all the goodies of this present world. Yes, indeed they were once filled with lusts and pride as the "children of wrath". At that time they cared not for the house of God. But ever since God put the divine nature in them, they have increasingly long for the house of God and its goodness.
There in God's house they "behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple." (Psa. 27:4) In the sanctuary of God we are given to see the Almighty at work in all the world. He is awesome and beautiful. There we also find Someone Who truly cares for us and would assures us of His constant, protecting presence with us Who fear His Name.
The proud who has no thirst and hunger after God are turned away empty. But those who right long for Him are fully satisfied with His goodness.
One who walks aright with God can only find His house increasingly a place of great delight and satisfaction. Of all the days of the week, the Lord's Day is the best because on that day they go to God's house to worship Him in the beauty of holiness.
When you are spiritually tired, where do you go for a good rest? How else are you assured of your eternal rest?
Comment on Evening November 29
True, saving faith is a gift of God to all those whom God would save in Jesus Christ. As such this faith is a working faith. It is a living faith and not a dead faith. A living faith has works. "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (Jas. 2:17)
There are many to day who claim to have faith. How authentic are they in their claim? How can we ever know so as to know how to conduct ourselves towards them properly? The Lord said that by his fruit we shall know them. (Mat. 7:20) Good works are the fruit of a life saved by grace through faith. Works therefore justify a man in that they demonstrate that one's faith is genuine as far as we can tell from one's works. "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Jas. 2:21, 24)
The experiences of salvation are not merely intellectual exercises of the mind. They are very practical and touch all aspects of life of a human being. This calls for all kinds of works and activities on the part of those who have the living faith. So the proper exercises of faith not only bring blessings to others, but to ourselves as well. "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." (Jas. 2:25)
Are we merely happy knowing things for ourselves and not doing them? If that be the case, would not what we know simply just die with us? What a pity that knowledge is not shared. How unlike a human being one can become!
Comment on Morning November 30
To be at peace is to possess that quiet confidence that all is well and working well for our good and well-being. So the Sovereign Lord of the Universe is always at peace because He ordained all things and know exactly what has happened, is happening and will happen. Everything is under His absolute control, so there is simply nothing to fear, but simply to behold with great delight and joy as everything falls into place according to His infinite wisdom and counsel.
When this Lord is with us in a favourable way, we too can be at peace. "The Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." (2Th. 3:16) No one can promise us peace, nor should trust any for it, except He Who is the Sovereign Lord of all. Yes, many make promises and fail to fulfill them because they are simply not in control of all the many factors necessary for peace.
To possess peace we need not understand all the details of how it comes to us. The true peace from God "passeth all understanding," (Php. 4:7) so it is futile and vain to insist on understanding it fully before embracing it. Since the Prince of Peace has promised us peace, we can simply trust in Him. He promised, "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)
As the Holy Spirit of the glorified Christ works in our heart, we bear forth the fruit of peace. This is inevitable if, indeed, we are drawn closer to see the glory of Christ Who rules sovereign in this world. All power is given to Him, and He controls them for the good of His beloved Church. With such faith and confidence in God's Word, how can one not find peace in Christ?
Does the Prince of Peace speak peace to you who fight under His banner?
Comment on Evening November 30
"Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." (Job 14:1 ) We cry entering into this world and make many cry leaving it. Till "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", (Revelation 21:4), we must need bear with this trouble of sin.
But believers troubles in this life also include "suffering shame for his name." (Acts 5:41) For the sake of Christ, believers do live in a certain way for His glory. But such ways of life are not always appreciated by the world. They often consider them worthy of public punishment, putting believers to public shame. So, many were imprisoned and even martyred for their faith.
True believers are prepared for the worst, so they learn to "glory in tribulations" as they make their way to Heaven. (Rom. 5:3) They who know their Bible, "think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." (1Pe. 4:12, 13) Such attitude of hope is very powerful in the midst of sufferings. It causes one to "rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice." (Php. 4:4)
In Hab. 3:17, 18, we have the Old Testament example of such powerful rejoicing - "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."
Are we in the right company of people?
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