MORNING JULY 1
Read Comments
The fruit of the Spirit is goodness.
Be ye ... followers of God, as dear children. — Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. — Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.
After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. — The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. — 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?
GAL. 5:22. Eph. 5:1. -Matt. 5:44,45. -Luke 6:36. Eph. 5:9. Tit. 3:4-6. -Psa. 145:9. -Rom. 8:32.
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 JULY 1
Read Comments
Ebenezer ... Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.
I was brought low, and he helped me. — Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. — Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. — He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. — There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord hath spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.
When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. — Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
I SAM. 7:12. Psa. 116:6. -Psa. 28:6,7. Psa. 118:8,9. -Psa. 146:5, -Psa. 107:7. -Josh. 21:45. Luke 22:35. -Psa. 63:7.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 2
Read Comments
This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof.
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. — Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. — At that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise. But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometime were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, ... having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
EXO. 12:43. Heb. 13:10. -John 3:3. -Eph. 2:12,13. Eph. 2:14,15. Eph. 2:19. Rev. 3:20.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING JULY 2
Read Comments
[Jesus] prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Who in the days of his flesh ... offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death.
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord. — Continuing instant in prayer. — Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication. — By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. — This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.
Delight thyself ... in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
MATT. 26:44. Heb. 5:7. Hos. 6:3. -Rom. 12:12. -Eph. 6:18. -Phi. 4:6,7. Matt. 26:39. -I John 5:14. Psa. 37:4,5.
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 JULY 3
Read Comments
If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.
If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. — Thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. — Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.
He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him I will give power over the nations. — To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
ROM. 8:17. Gal. 3:29. I John 3:l. -Gal. 4:7. -Eph. 1:5. John 17:24. Rev. 2:26. -Rev. 3:21.
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 JULY 3
Read Comments
Things which are despised, hath God chosen.
Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
Jesus, ... saw two brethren, ... casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me. — Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but 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.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. — We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God.
I COR. 1:28. Acts 2:7. Matt. 4:18,19. -Acts 4:13. I Cor. 2:4,5. John 15:16,5. -II Cor. 4:7.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 4
Read Comments
Leaning on Jesus' bosom.
As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you. — They brought young children to him, that he should touch them. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. — Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. — A high Priest ... touched with with the feeling of our infirmities. — In his love and in his pity he redeemed them.
I will not leave you comfortless: (marg. orphans) I will come to you. — 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.
The Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
JOHN 13:23. Isa. 66:13. -Mark 10:13,16. -Matt. 15:32. -Heb. 4:15. -Isa. 63:9. John 14:18. -Isa. 49:15. Rev. 7:17.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING JULY 4
Read Comments
Jesus Christ the righteous: the propitiation for our sins.
Toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat.
Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. — All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins.
I JOHN 2:1,2. Exo. 25:20-22. Psa. 85:9,10. Psa. 130:3,4,7,8. -Rom. 3:23-25.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 5
Read Comments
We have known and believed the love that God hath to us.
God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — 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? — The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
We love him, because he first loved us.
Blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
I JOHN 4:16. Eph. 2:4-7. John 3:16. -Rom. 8:32. -Psa. 145:9. I John 4:19. Luke 1:45.
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 JULY 5
Read Comments
Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. — Having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.
Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty.
ROM. 12:16. Jas. 2:1,5. I Cor. 10:24. -I Tim. 6:8,9. I Cor. 1:27-29. Psa. 131:1.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 6
Read Comments
Let your speech be always with grace.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. — Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. — 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. — By thy words thou shalt be justified. — The tongue of the wise is health.
They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
If thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth. — Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, ... see that ye abound in this grace also.
COL. 4:6. Prov. 25:11,12. -Eph. 4:29. -Matt. 12:35. -Matt. 12:37. -Prov. 12:18. Mal. 3:16. Jer. 15:19. -II Cor. 8:7.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING JULY 6
Read Comments
Thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes.
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. — Your Father which is in heaven: ... maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Be ye ... followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. — Be ye kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. — Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. — The love of Christ constraineth us.
Love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
PSA. 26:3. Psa. 145:8. -Matt. 5:45. Eph. 5:1,2. -Eph. 4:32. -I Pet. 1:22. -II Cor. 5:14. Luke 6:35,36.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 7
Read Comments
Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
In the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. — We have not an 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.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but 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. — My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
MATT. 4:1. Heb.5:7-9. -Heb. 4:15. I Cor. 10:13. -II Cor. 12:9.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING JULY 7
Read Comments
The Son of man came to give his life a ransom for many.
If the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter. — I lay down my life for the sheep. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.
The life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar, to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. — Without shedding of blood is no remission.
While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
MATT. 20:28. Heb. 9:13,14. Isa. 53:7. -John 10:15,18. Lev. 17:11. -Heb. 9:22. Rom. 5:8,9.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 8
Read Comments
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight.
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. — I have blotted out as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. — Your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. — God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. — That he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean. — They shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood.
I JOHN 1:9. Psa. 51:3,4. Luke 15:20. -Isa. 44:22. -I John 2:12. -Eph. 4:32. -Rom. 3:26. Eze. 36:25. -Rev. 3:4. I John 5:6.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING JULY 8
Read Comments
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee?
Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. — Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. — An high priest ... holy, harmless, undefiled.
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. — The prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.
Whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
PSA. 94:20. I John 1:3. -I John 3:2,3. John 14:30. -Heb. 7:26. Eph 6:12. -Eph. 2:2. I John 5:18,19.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 9
Read Comments
I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. — We are all as an unclean thing. — I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. — Ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. — Not having mine own righteousness which is of the law, but ... the righteousness which is of God by faith.
Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him. — The fine linen is the righteousness of saints. — I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.
ZECH. 3:4. Psa. 32:1. -Isa. 64:6. -Rom. 7:18. Col. 3:27. -Col. 3:9,10. -Phi. 3:9. Luke 15:22. -Rev. 19:8. -Isa. 61:10.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING JULY 9
Read Comments
The day shall declare it.
Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more.
God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. — The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
The Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts, is his name, great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
I COR. 3:13. I Cor. 4:5. Rom. 14:10,12,13. Rom. 2:16. -John 5:22,27. Jer. 32:18,19.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 10
Read Comments
The disciple is not above his master.
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. — If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your's also. — I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
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. — Forasmuch ... as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind.
MATT. 10:24. John 13:13. Matt. 10:25. -John 15:20. -John 17:14. Heb. 12:3,4. Heb. 12:1,2. -I Pet. 4:1.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
EVENING JULY 10
Read Comments
My son, give me thine heart.
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
Thy heart is not right in the sight of God. — Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
They ... first gave their own selves to the Lord. — In every work that [Hezekiah] began ... to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord. — As the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.
I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
PROV. 23:26. Deut. 5:29. Acts 8:21. -Rom. 8.7,8. II Cor. 8:5. -II Chr. 31:21. Prov. 4:23. Col. 3:23. -Eph. 6:6,7. Psa. 119:32.
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 JULY 11
Read Comments
I am with thee to save thee.
Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee. And all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. — 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.
We have not an 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. — In that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. — 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.
JER. 15:20. Isa. 49:24-26. -Isa. 41:10. Heb. 4:15. -Heb. 2:18. -Psa. 37:23,24.
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 JULY 11
Read Comments
He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory. — My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. — Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.
I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. — They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. — They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. — My people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord.
PSA. 107:9. I Pet. 2:3. Psa. 63:1,2. -Psa. 84:2. -Phi. 1:23. Psa. 17:15. -Rev. 7:16,17. -Psa. 36:8. -Jer. 31:14.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 12
Read Comments
My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
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. The Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. — Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. — In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. — Our sufficiency is of God.
Lead us not into temptation. — O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. — My times are in thy hand.
EXO. 33:14. Deut. 31:6,8. -Josh. 1:9. -Prov. 3:6. Heb. 13:5,6. -II Cor. 3:5. Matt. 6:13. -Jer. 10:23. -Psa. 31:15.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 12
Read Comments
Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.
How forcible are right words! — I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.
They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. — If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
The Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone. — Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Let ... no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. — Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
HEB. 10:24. Job 6:25. -II Pet. 3:1. Mal. 3:16. -Matt. 18:19. Gen. 2:18. -Eccl. 4:9,10. Rom. 14:13. -Gal. 6:2,1.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 13
Read Comments
I am my Beloved's, and His desire is toward me.
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. — I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of then is lost.
The Lord taketh pleasure in his people. — My delights were with the sons of men. — His great love wherewith he loved us. — Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in you body, and in your spirit, which are God's. — Whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
SONG 7:10. II Tim. 1:12. -Rom. 8:38,39. -John 17:12. Psa. 149:4. -Prov. 8:31. -Eph. 2:4. -John 15:13. I Cor. 6:20. -Rom. 14:8.
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 JULY 13
Read Comments
Seek ye out of the book of the Lord.
Ye shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. — This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. — By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. — Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
We have ... a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. — That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
ISA. 34:16. Deut. 11:18. -Josh.1:8. Psa. 37:31. -Psa. 17:4. -Psa. 119:11. II Pet. 1:19. -Rom. 15:4.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 14
Read Comments
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. — Death and life are in the power of the tongue. —The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart: none of his steps shall slide. — Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. — I believed, therefore have I spoken.
Whosoever ... shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. — With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
MATT. 12:34. Col. 3:16. Prov. 4:23. -Prov. 18:21. -Psa. 37:30,31. -Eph. 4:29. Acts 4:20. -Psa. 116:10. Mark 10:32. -Rom. 10:10.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 14
Read Comments
I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.
Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down! — As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? — Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.
Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. — Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. — God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope. — Whom having not seen, ye love.
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly; Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. — 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 have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
III JOHN 14. Isa. 64:1. -Psa. 42:1,2. -Song 8:14. Phi. 3:20. -Tit. 2:13. -I Tim. 1:1. -I Pet. 1:8. Rev. 22:20. -Isa. 25:9.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 15
Read Comments
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
I came down from heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. — I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart. — O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
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. — Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. — If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. — To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Be not conformed to this world: but ye be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
MATT. 6:10. Psa. 103:20,21. John 6:38. -Psa. 40:8. -Matt. 26:42. Matt. 7:21. -Rom. 2:13. -John 13:17. -Jas. 4:17. Rom. 12:2.
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 JULY 15
Read Comments
The ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. — Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. — I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. — Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith. — He that is spiritual judgeth all things.
Take heed what ye hear. — I know thy works, ... and how thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars. — Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
JOB 34:3. I John 4:1. -John 7:24. -I Cor. 10:15. -Col. 3:16. Rev. 2:29. -I Cor. 2:15. Mark 4:24. -Rev. 2:2. -I Thes. 5:21. John 10:3-5.
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 JULY 16
Read Comments
Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.
Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests. — Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God. — Priests of God and of Christ.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. — By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. — The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
EXO. 19:6. Rev. 5:9,10. -I Pet. 2:9. Isa. 61:6. -Rev. 20:6. Heb. 3:1. -Heb. 13:15. Eph. 2:10. -I Cor. 3:17.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 16
Read Comments
We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. — Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. — Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith.
Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? — Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
NEH. 4:9. Matt. 26:41. -Co1. 4:2. -I Pet. 5:7-9. Luke 6:46. -Jas. 1:22. Exo. 14:15. Phi. 4:6,7.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 17
Read Comments
Thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us. Help us, O God of our salvaton, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. — Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee. — We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.
If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
JON. 4:2. Num. 14:7,18. Psa. 79:8,9. -Jer. 14:7. -Jer. 14:20. Psa. 130:3,4.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 17
Read Comments
Sanctification of the Spirit.
Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out.
Behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! — Fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth: proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
The Comforter is the Holy Ghost. — The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.
In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
All these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
II THES. 2:13. Song 4:16. II Cor. 7:11. -Eph. 5:9,10. John 14:16. -Rom. 5:5. Gal. 5:22. II Cor. 8:2. I Cor. 12:11.
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 JULY 18
Read Comments
He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his; and, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. — Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you ... depart from me, ye that work iniquity. — The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. — Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm. — The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
JOHN 10:3. II Tim. 2:19. -Matt. 7:22,23. -Psa. 1:6. Isa. 49:16. -Song 8:6. -Nah. 1:7. John 14:2,3.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 18
Read Comments
She hath done what she could.
This poor widow hath cast in more than they all. — Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. — If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. — If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? — He which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
MARK 14:8. Luke 21:3. -Mark 9:41. -II Cor. 8:12. I John 3:18. -Jas. 2:15,16. -II Cor. 9:6,7. Luke 17:10.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 19
Read Comments
He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? — Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. — Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy. — Hallowed be thy name.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people.
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. — I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, ... be glory.
LUKE 1:49. Exo. 15:11. -Psa. 86:8. -Rev. 15:4. -Matt 6:9. Luke 1:68. Isa. 63:1. -Psa. 89:19. Eph. 3:20,21.
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 JULY 19
Read Comments
The dew of Hermon.
Mount Sion, which is Hermon. — There the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. — I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.
My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass. — As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. — And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. — It is like the precious ointment upon the head ... even Aaron's ... that went down to the skirts of his garments.
PSA. 133:3. Deut. 4:48. -Psa. 133:3. -Hos. 14:5. Deut. 32:2. -Isa. 55:10,11. John 3:34. -John 1:16. -Psa. 133:2.
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 JULY 20
Read Comments
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. — In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners. — That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.
Jesus of Nazareth ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. — As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. — Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
JOHN 17:16. Isa. 53:3. -John 16:33. Heb. 7:26. -Phi. 2:15. Acts 10:38. -Gal. 6:10. John 1:9. -Matt. 5:14,16.
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 JULY 20
Read Comments
He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
The joy of the Lord is your strength. — The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. — Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
By him ... let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
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. — Sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing. — We glory in tribulations also.
PROV. 15:15. Neh. 8:10. -Rom. 14:17. -Eph. 5:18-20. Heb.13:15. Hab. 3:17,18. -II Cor. 6:10. -Rom. 5:3.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 21
Read Comments
What profit is there of circumcision?
Much every way. — Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart. — If ... their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember.
Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. — In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. — You, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.
Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and ... put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness.
ROM. 3:1. Rom. 3:2. -Jer. 4:4. -Lev. 26:41,42. Rom. 15:8. -Col. 2:11. -Col. 2:13. Eph. 4:22-24.
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 JULY 21
Read Comments
The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
The Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. — The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing.
A new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; let us draw near.
MATT. 27:51. I Cor. 11:23,24. -John 6:51. John 6:53,54,56,57,61-63. Heb. 10:20,22.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 22
Read Comments
In that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
He was numbered with the transgressors. — Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. — Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. — By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
This man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. — While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Forasmuch ... as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
ROM. 6:10. Isa. 53:12. -Heb. 9:28. I Pet. 2:24. -Heb. 10:14. Heb. 7:24,25. -Rom. 5:8,9. I Pet. 4:1,2.
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 JULY 22
Read Comments
Keep yourselves in the love of God.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
The fruit of the Spirit is love.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. — Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. — God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. — God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
JUDE 21. John 15:4,5. Gal. 5:22. John 15:8-10. -I John 2:5. John 15:12. -Rom. 5:8. -I John 4:16.
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.
MORNING JULY 23
Read Comments
Then cometh the end.
Of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. — The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. — The coming of the Lord draweth nigh. The judge standeth before the door. — Surely I come quickly.
Seeing ... that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?
The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. — Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
I COR. 15:24. Matt. 13:32,33,37. -II Pet. 3:9. -Jas. 5:8,9. -Rev. 22:20. II Pet. 3:11. I Pet. 4:7. -Luke 12:35,36.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 23
Read Comments
Brethren, pray for us.
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers. — Always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
I THES. 5:25. Jas. 5:14-18. Eph. 6:18. Rom. 1:9. -Col. 4:12.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 24
Read Comments
Patient in tribulation.
It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good. — Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge. — The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. — What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?
Jesus wept. — A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.
Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 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. — Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. — In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
ROM. 12:12. I Sam. 3:18. -Job 9:15. -Job 1:21. -Job 2:10. John 11:35. -Isa. 53:3,4. Heb. 12:6,11. -Col. l:11. -John 16:33.
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 JULY 24
Read Comments
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief.
Have faith in God. Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. — Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
He that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead. — Being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? — With God all things are possible. — Lord, increase our faith.
ROM. 4:20. Mark 11:22-24. -Heb. 11:16. Heb. 11:17-19. -Rom. 4:21. Gen. 18:14. -Matt. 19:26. -Luke 17:5.
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 JULY 25
Read Comments
We know that we have passed from death unto life.
He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. — He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
He which stablisheth us with you in Christ and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. — Hereby we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before him. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. — We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sin. — Quickened ... together with Christ. — Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom his dear Son.
I JOHN 3:14. John 5:24. -I John 5:12. II Cor. 1:21,22. -I John 3:19,21. -I John 5:19. Eph. 2:1. -Eph. 2:5. -Col. 1:13.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 25
Read Comments
Thou wilt shew me the path of life.
Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. — I will teach you the good and the right way.— I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. — Follow me.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death. — Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
An highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. — Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.
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.
PSA. 16:11. Jer. 21:8. -I Sam. 12:23. -John 14:6. -Matt. 14:19. Prov. 4:12. -Matt. 7:13,14. Isa. 35:8. -Hos. 6:3. John 14:2.
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 JULY 26
Read Comments
By faith Abraham, ... called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed.
He shall choose our inheritance for us. — He led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. — Who teacheth like Him?
We walk by faith, not by sight. — Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. — Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. — Arise ye and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.
HEB. 11:8. Psa. 47:4. -Deut. 32:10-12. Isa. 48:17. -Job 36:22. II Cor. 5:7. -Heb. 13:14. -I Pet. 2:11. -Mic. 2:10.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
-
EVENING JULY 26
Read Comments
Give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
The heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? — Yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. How much less man, that is a worm?
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness? — Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts.
As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. — Partakers of his holiness.
The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. — What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, ... without spot, and blameless?
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
PSA. 97:12. Job 15:15,16. -Job 25:5,6. Exo. 15:11. -Isa. 6:3. I Pet. 1:15,16. -Heb. 12:10. I Cor. 3:17. -II Pet. 3:11,14. Eph. 4:29,30.
EVENING JULY 26
Read Comments
Give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
The heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? — Yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. How much less man, that is a worm?
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness? — Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts.
As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. — Partakers of his holiness.
The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. — What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, ... without spot, and blameless?
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
PSA. 97:12. Job 15:15,16. -Job 25:5,6. Exo. 15:11. -Isa. 6:3. I Pet. 1:15,16. -Heb. 12:10. I Cor. 3:17. -II Pet. 3:11,14. Eph. 4:29,30.
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 JULY 27
Read Comments
Christ, who is the image of God.
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. — No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. — He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. — The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person. — God was manifest in the flesh.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature. — Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
II COR. 4:4. Isa. 40:5. -John 1:18,14. -John 14:9. -Heb. 1:3. -I Tim. 3:16. Col. 1:14,15. -Rom. 8:29. I Cor. 15:49.
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 JULY 27
Read Comments
Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle.
When I am weak, then am I strong.
Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. — Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. — There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God.
PSA. 18:39. II Cor. 12:10. II Chr. 14:11. -II Chr. 18:31. Psa. 118:8,9. -Psa. 33:16,17. Eph. 6:12,13.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 28
Read Comments
Walk in love.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. — Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. — Love covereth all sins.
When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. — Love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again. — Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth. — Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrarwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. — If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. — Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
EPH. 5:2. John 13:34. -I Pet. 4:8. -Prov. 10:12. Mark 11:25. -Luke 6:35. -Prov. 24:17. -I Pet. 3:9. -Rom. 12:18. -Eph. 4:32. I John 3:18.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 28
Read Comments
Let your requests be made known unto God.
Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. — There was given to me a thorn in the flesh. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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.
I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. — Hannah ... was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and ... wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life. The Lord remembered her.
We know not what we should pray for as we ought. — He shall choose our inheritance for us.
PHIL. 4:6. Mark 14:36. -II Cor. 12:7-9. Psa. 142:2. -I Sam.1:9-11,20. Rom. 8:26. -Psa. 47:4.
To read any of the above Bible verses using an i-Bible:
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
1. 'Highlight' the ref., 2. 'Ctrl-C' to copy it, 3. 'Click' to get i-Bible,
4. 'Ctrl-V' to paste Ref., 5. 'Update' to read.
MORNING JULY 29
Read Comments
Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down.
Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices. — We ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. — Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. — Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. — 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 have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. — That blessed hope ... the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. — Our conversation is in heaven.
ISA. 64:1. Song 8:14. -Rom. 8:23. -Psa. 144:5. Acts.1:11. -Heb. 9:28. -Isa. 25:9. Rev. 22:20. -Tit. 2:13. -Phil. 3:20.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 29
Read Comments
Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. — The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. — The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings: and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. — 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?
PSA. 61:5. Isa. 54:17. -Psa. 34:7-10. -Psa. 16:6. Mal. 4:2. -Rom. 8:32.
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 JULY 30
Read Comments
Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Get wisdom, get understanding. — The wisdom that is from above. — The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. — We are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
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. — God ... hath quickened us together with Christ, ... and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
They that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. — Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness.
COL. 3:1. Prov. 4:5. -Jas. 3:17. -Job 28:14. -Rom. 6:4,5. Heb. 12:1. -Eph. 2:4-6. Heb. 11:14. -Zeph. 2:3.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 30
Read Comments
Nicodemus ... he that came to Jesus by night.
Peter followed him afar off. — Among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. — The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. — A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench. — Faith as a grain of mustard seed.
God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. — Little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. — Whosoever ... shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
JOHN 7:50. Matt. 26:58. -John 12:42,43. -Prov. 29:25. John 6:37. -Isa. 42:3. -Matt. 17:20. II Tim. 1:7,8. -I John 2:28. -Matt. 10:32.
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 JULY 31
Read Comments
Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and a commander to the people. — It became him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering. — We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God. — We do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.)
The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
II TIM. 2:3. Isa. 55:4. -Heb. 2:10. -Acts 14:22. Eph. 6:12,13. -II Cor. 10:3,4. I Pet. 5:10.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
EVENING JULY 31
Read Comments
The unity of the Spirit.
There is one body, and one Spirit. — Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; 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.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments.
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.
EPH. 4:3. Eph. 4:4. -Eph. 2:18-22. Psa. 133:1,2. I Pet. 1:22.
to read any of the above bible verses using an i-bible:
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
1. 'highlight' the ref., 2. 'ctrl-c' to copy it, 3. 'click' to get i-bible,
4. 'ctrl-v' to paste ref., 5. 'update' to read.
Comment on Morning July 01
When we say that something is good we can mean that that thing is sound as to its basic essential elements and function. And good can also mean in its ethical and moral sense - good in that it does good deliberately to all things around it. "Deliberately" implies that such things are living things with the ability and responsibility to choose and act.
"The fruit of the Spirit is goodness." (Gal. 5:22) This I believe is true in both of the above senses of goodness. People who are fruitful are people transformed and useful in this world. Being useful in this world does not mean that such people hope to or will bring utopia to this present order of things.
We believers remain good despite difficulties confronting us in this world. This is God's wondrous work of grace and mercy in us. "Be ye ... followers of God, as dear children. — Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. — Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." (Eph. 5:1; Mat. 5:44,45; Luk. 6:36)
Goodness is not possible without righteousness and truth. "The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth." (Eph. 5:9) Righteousness are found in activities which are motivated by love for God and His Law, performed harmoniously (as much as possible) with others of God's creatures. There is nothing good in lies. Ultimately, all lies deceive and bring confusion and trouble. Truth must finally unite all things in God.
The Ultimate goodness is manifested in the salvation of wretched men. Ths is seen not so much in the number of people being saved, but in the depth of evil delivered from and the height of glory brought to. We do not know how much we owe Him until that day when we behold that goodness of God in Heaven. That was what Robert M. McCheyne meant in his hymn entitled: "WHEN THIS PASSING WORLD IS DONE". "After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. — The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. — 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?" (Tit. 3:4-6; Psa. 145:9; Rom. 8:32)
Are we good? In what way are we good or not good?
Comment on Evening July 01
The just shall live by faith. That how our Lord would have it for us who are His beloved disciples. He wants us to trust Him at each point of time and in every corner we turn. We are poor and needy, but He is the Almighty. We are called to see and believe that. Then we place our hands in His and let Him lead us where He wills and trust that all will be well finally.
Then we can confess with the saints of all ages: "Ebenezer ... Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." (1Sa. 7:12)
"I was brought low, and he helped me. — Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." (Psa. 116:6; 28:6,7) Are we being presently brought low by Him? Let us not be discouraged because He has in mind to lift us up and fill our mouth with genuine praises now and forever.
This world cannot really function without people trusting each other or at least pretending to do so, if they want to live in groups. Then men discover that they cannot complete trust each other because of many limitations and imperfections. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. — Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. — He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. — There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord hath spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass." (Psa. 118:8,9; 146:5; 107:7; Jos. 21:45) The whole can only be united in the Mighty Creator and Redeemer alone.
He may not tell us everything up-front, but He does take into consideration all things even as He leads us in life. We can count on Him to be thorough in all His way. "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. — Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice." (Luk. 22:35; Psa. 63:7)
Life is so full of changes and sometimes these changes are so unpredictable and surprising and shocking. At the beginning of each new challenge can we, "Ebenezer"?
Comment on Morning July 02
Christians are strangers and pilgrims in this present evil world. Within this world, God has also established His beloved Kingdom for His people. Within that kingdom, sometimes we do have strangers present for one reason or another. Such strangers certainly have no right to everything found within the Kingdom of God. Failure to guard such holy things from strangers have done much harm to God's Kingdom.
"This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof." (Exo. 12:43) So, God's people are called to identify strangers that have come into their midst. This is not to say that we mark them and ill-treat them. They are guests in our midst and we should treat them as such that they may know how good and blessed is the Kingdom of God.
Discipline in God's Kingdom is a matter of ensuring that strangers are not mistaken as members of the Body of Christ. "We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. — Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. — At that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise. But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometime were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ." (Heb. 13:10; Joh. 3:3; Eph. 2:12,13) Failure to discipline is like ignoring the seepage of a vessel in the ocean. Slowly, but surely, the vessel would soon sink and those within drown.
Only in Christ can such a stranger become a member of Christ. Jesus must be confessed as "Christ" of His people. "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, ... having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace." (Eph. 2:14,15) The Gospel must be preached and maintained in the Church.
Strangers within God's Kingdom in this world are not only to be identified, but to be made fellow-citizens as soon as possible. Otherwise, they must be watched over carefully as to their intention, mingling in our midst. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." (Eph. 2:19) All who are declared "fellow-citizens" are to live lives worthy of that callling.
It is the Lord Himself who makes a stranger a member of His Body. "If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev. 3:20) We are but instruments of blessings in His hand.
Are we unwisely casting pearls to the swine to our own undoing?
Comment on Evening July 02
Follow the Lord faithfully whereever He goes, and you will soon learn where He draws His power from in His ministry.
In His most trying moment, just before His crucifixion, we found Him "... prayed the third time, saying the same words." (Mat. 26:44) And we read of angels ministering to strengthen Him.
We who are still in our flesh, can we go about without prayers to our Heavenly Father? We are not better than our Leader "Who in the days of his flesh ... offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death." (Heb. 5:7) Prayerfulness is indeed a good thermometer to measure the well-being of our spiritual life.
A prayerful person is a thankful and peaceful person. He is aware of the works of God for the good of His people. He grows in greater confidence of the power of His God and Father. "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord. — Continuing instant in prayer. — Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication. — By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Hos. 6:3; Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Php. 4:6,7)
No one who truly know the True and Living God, would be so foolish as to insist on his own will in opposition with the good will of God. "Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. — This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." (Mat. 26:39; 1Jo. 5:14) So, a Christian always strive to know the will of God in his own life as well as in the things around him. He longs more and more to think God's thoughts after Him.
The more we are confident that the Lord is pleased with us, the more confident we would be that He will hear our prayers. "Delight thyself ... in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Psa. 37:4,5) The prayer of the righteous man avails much.
Why do you think a song writer wrote that our present prayers would be turned to praises when we get to heaven? So, if he is right, when do you think we should be found praying more? And, how to do we get ready for heaven, as far as praising God is concerned?
Comment on Morning July 03
One of the things which will cause us to know how much we truly owe our God and Saviour, when we are in heaven, is the glory we will share with our Lord Jesus Christ, sitting with Him in His throne! Now, we behave the way we do because we do not yet know truly how much we owe.
"If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." (Rom. 8:17) Heirs are those who part of the family, the next in line. Christ the Son of God and we His siblings! What a wonder of grace.
"If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal. 3:29) The promise was made to Abraham and his seed, after him. That seed was Christ according to Gal. 3:16. In Christ, we do have the same Abrahamic Covenant which God established with him. The whole Scripture is for us, if we read it properly.
We are truly the servant of God - His servant friend as He is our Sovereign Friend. But as heir, we are also His children. He calls us as such and we should not be ashamed of that title. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. — Thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. — Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." (1Jo. 3:1; Gal. 4:7; Eph. 1:5) Being not ashamed does not mean that we live carelessly and do not strive to live worthy of that name. The Christian life is a humbling experience of the grace and goodness of God.
When we can see more and more the glory of the Son of God and know that we are destined to be like Him, we understand better what our sanctification is all about. "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me." (Joh. 17:24) God will surely answer the prayer of our Lord Jesus.
The outcome of the Lord's salvation is a hosts of overcomers. Here on this earth they are the wise ones who win souls for the Lord Jesus. "He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him I will give power over the nations. — To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (Rev. 2:26; 3:21)
How great is God? How great are His children?
Comment on Evening July 03
With God there is no big or small, night or day. They are both alike to Him. Little is much when God is in it. He can do the same thing or greater (if He so wishes) with little or with much. It is not in the instruments, but in the hands that wield the instruments that makes the difference.
So, "Things which are despised, hath God chosen." (1Co. 1:28) He is able and in that way, He shows that to Him alone be all glory and praise, now and forever.
To the overseas Jews at Pentecost, the local Jews at Jerusalem were looked down upon. The latter were poor materially speaking while the latter were rich. "Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?" (Act. 2:7) Yet, God had chosen these despised lot for the reception of the Blessed Holy Spirit.
The Word of God is able to make a person wise unto salvation. Jesus is the Word of God become flesh. "Jesus, ... saw two brethren, ... casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me. — Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Mat. 4:18,19; Act. 4:13) Blessed are all those who are chosen by Christ to follow Him.
"My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but 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." (1Co. 2:4,5) What good is our speech and preaching for salvation, if they are not issued in the power of God? God chooses whom He would use for such great work. We can be thankful and excited if He choose to use us.
If we live fruitful Christian lives, we have nothing to boast of ourselves. "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. — We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God." (Joh. 15:16,5; 2Co. 4:7)
Even on earth, as through a glass
Darkly, let Thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet,
Make Thy Spirit's help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Savior's side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.
Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843)
Comment on Morning July 04
To have compassion upon someone is to enter into the suffer of that person in order to help out in someway. Suffering people, who are at the wit's end, naturally look for compassion. When they find it, they try to rest in it, even if it be for a while.
"Leaning on Jesus' bosom." (Joh. 13:23) Jesus was a man full of compassion and that was evident to all His disciples, especially John.
"As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you." (Isa. 66:13) How naturally a helpless child turns to his mother for comfort. So, we can always turn to the God of our Salvation for comfort. "They brought young children to him, that he should touch them. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. — Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. — A high Priest ... touched with with the feeling of our infirmities. — In his love and in his pity he redeemed them." (Mar. 10:13,16; Mat. 15:32; Heb. 4:15; Isa. 63:9) Are you helplessly suffering? He is not unaware of it, but suffers together with you. Trust Him to help you in His own good way. Be not wise in your own eyes, but fear the Lord, departing from evil all the time.
An orphan naturally has no natural parents to turn to for comfort. That is why we so pity the helpless orphan. But, "I will not leave you comfortless: (marg. orphans) I will come to you. — 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." (Joh. 14:18; Isa. 49:15) When our father and mother forsake us, then will we understand better what it means that Jehovah is our comfort.
A lamb is a baby sheep and often need help before they can become more independent. It leans how to be compassionate at an early age. "The Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Rev. 7:17)
Are you suffering in well-doing? Take courage, as the Compassionate One is with you.
Comment on Evening July 04
Salvation is a matter of God showing mercy to helpless, sinful human beings. Reject God's mercy for whatever reason and we are no more dealing with His salvation. In this sinful world there are many ideas of what salvation is all about. All are not divine if they they do not come in the way of humility on man's part and glory of justice, mercy and grace on God's part.
Such a salvation speaks of "Jesus Christ the righteous: the propitiation for our sins." (1Jo. 2:1,2) Jesus is God's gift of salvation to us. His work on the Cross is the atonement to satisfy the justice of God on behalf of His people.
Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament temple is a beautiful picture of this Salvation that is found in Jesus Christ. The testimony (the Law of Moses) was placed inside the Ark, a rectagular container. This is symbolic of non-application of the Law for justification because of Its fulfilment by the mercy of God in Jesus Christ. To cover the Ark was the "mercy-seat" which symbolized the finished work of Christ on the Cross and His resurrection. The angels of God look upon this work with great wonder and interest because by It God meets with His sinful people and commune with them!!! "Toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat." (Exo. 25:20-22)
Those who meet up with this God are those who fear Him. "Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." (Psa. 85:9,10)
The fear of the Lord is not the terror that leads to hell, but a fear born out of the love of God, seen in His forgiveness of sins. "If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. — All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins." (Psa. 130:3,4,7,8; Rom.3:23-25)
Is there true love in this world without the Cross of Jesus Christ?
Comment on Morning July 05
This past few days BBC was promoting the poetical work of Rumi, an Iranian poet. This poet has a great following from both the religious and intellectual camps. He advocated the diligent seeking of love by all in order to know how to live in this world. He even believed that profane love can lead to true love, giving hope to even those who practice homosexual love. God is love and there can never be any knowledge of true love without the knowledge of God Almighty.
"We have known and believed the love that God hath to us." (1Jo. 4:16) Christians are people born of true love and live in it. Christ brought this love down from Heaven to us, poor wretched sinners.
"God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:4-7) A denial of the historic fall of man into sin has led man to self deception and destruction. In such a state, even a profane love (which is nothing but evil lusts) can be mistaken as true love. Without true love of God in Jesus Christ, our Lord, there can never be any true meaning in life. We have all gone astray and every one turn to his own evil way.
In His love there is hope and salvation. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — 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? — The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works." (Joh. 3:16; Rom. 8:32; Psa. 145:9)
"We love him, because he first loved us." (1Jo. 4:19) True love in our heart is first of all a living response of love to the love of God for us. Loving God we love His image which is found in man. We love our fellow human beings who were created after the image of God. We love ourselves also as those who bear that same image of God.
"Blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord." (Luk. 1:45) Divine Love came into our midst in human flesh! Could that really be possible in this sinful world? It did and we behold His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (Joh. 1:14)
If our life a life of true, divine love? There is no depth that this love cannot reach. Where are you? Is there love?
Comment on Evening July 05
Sooner or later, a human being must die and leave this world no matter how great he may be for while. So, he tries to survive as long as possible. Generally, he observes that the strong ones survive longer than the weak ones. Now with the advances in genetic research, men are boasting of the future possibility to select the best genes for the generations to come. This is the "survival of the fittest" mentality - fittest according to man's own determination.
Christians are told to "Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate." (Rom. 12:16) The strong ought to support the weak and not to compete among themselves to become stronger while leaving the weak to perish by themselves.
We do that following the example of our God. "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" (Jas. 2:1,5) The chosen ones are people endowed with faith and love, not people who are strong and mighty in the estimation of the world.
Those who seek to be "rich" in the eyes of men open themselves to much temptations and sinful obsessions. "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. — Having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." (1Co. 10:24; 1Ti. 6:8,9)
To prevent having boasters in Heaven, God ensures that those inheriting His Kingdom are saved by His grace and not by their own works. (Eph. 2:8-9) The chosen ones, who know God truly, have no problem seeing themselves as "foolish", "weak", "base", "despised" and "not". Before God Almighty how dare they think of themselves any higher? And God Almighty never despise the broken and contrite hearts. "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence." (1Co. 1:27-29)
"Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty." (Psa. 131:1)
Is the grace of God at work in our heart?
Comment on Morning July 06
The grace of God speaks of His unmerited favour which brings salvation to the hopeless. We who are experiencing His grace should become instruments of the same to others. "Let your speech be always with grace." (Col. 4:6)
An instrument of grace is an instrument of blessing. It is beautiful to those who have eyes to see. Only good proceeds out of such instruments. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. — Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. — 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. — By thy words thou shalt be justified. — The tongue of the wise is health." (Pro. 25:11,12; Eph. 4:29; Mat. 12:35,37; Pro. 12:18)
God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. To speak grace to each other calls for the speaking of God's Word to each other. God's Word reveals the Name of God to us, and we speak affectionately of His Name to each other. "They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name." (Mal. 3:16) We ever grow in the knowledge of His Name. We continue to speak ot each other of Him.
Speaking with grace is speaking better every time. There is growth and there is improvement in the speech. "If thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth. — Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, ... see that ye abound in this grace also." (Jer. 15:19; 2Co. 8:7)
Are you speaking? And how are you speaking?
Comment on Evening July 06
"Thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes." (Psa. 26:3) And what do my eyes see concerning His lovingkindness?
Now that my eyes can see, I do see that He was kind towards me even in that period when I was not converted as yet, and was rightly called "the evil" and "the unjust". "The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. — Your Father which is in heaven: ... maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Psa. 145:8; Mat. 5:45)
If God can be so kind and loving towards one like me, who am I not to be such towards my fellowmen with whom I share the common estate of sin and misery? "Be ye ... followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. — Be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. — Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. — The love of Christ constraineth us." (Eph. 5:1,2; 4:32; 1Pe. 1:22; 2Co. 5:14)
For the same reason, I should also love my enemies and long for their salvation. "Love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." (Luk. 6:35,36)
I must grow to be more like my God in my own creaturely way. But, does that mean that He must be like me a helpless, ignorant creature? I must love all because He loves people like me. Must He loves all for me to be like Him?
Comment on Morning July 07
Not one doubt that there is evil in this world, and that it comes from the devil. Any one who claim to be saviour would have to show himself able to overcome the devil. How else can we, who need to be saved from the devil and his evil, have confidence in the saviour?
"Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." (Mat. 4:1) Through absolute confidence and trust in the Word of God, Jesus overcame the devil and his temptation.
Such victory did not come without much prayers on His part. "In the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. — We have not an 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." (Heb. 5:7-9; 4:15) It is through prayers that we become more deeply conscious of the greatness of our God and thus more ready to trust and obey Him.
It is never the purpose of God, when he allows temptations in our lives, that we should sin against Him. He wants us to overcome temptations and be purified in our faith. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but 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. — My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (1Co. 10:13; 2Co. 12:9) Any desire in our heart to be overcomers are well pleasing in His sight.
Are you a conscious, active overcomers of the devil and his evils? Or, are you a passive, uninvolved pessenger in the Gospel train to heaven?
Comment on Evening July 07
The reality represented by a sign or symbol is, of course, more important than the sign itself. Signs have their purpose and place in the communication of the truth, but it is the reality that actually changes things objectively.
In the Old Testament era, there were many types and shadows (signs) of the Christ Who was yet to come. When He finally came in the fullness of time, He, in reality, did what God in His Council of redemption had dertermined to be done from all eternity. "The Son of man came to give his life a ransom for many." (Heb. 9: 13,14) Salvation is about the paying of a ransom to appease the offended God and His justice, on behalf of a people whom God would save.
Although the O.T. signs did not save by themselves, they, nevertheless serve their good purpose of bearing witness to the reality without which no man can be saved. "If the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Heb. 9:13,14) The reality, indeed, must always be emphasized. And we, the sanctified ones, are not ashamed to bear witness of the truth by making use of the signs properly ordained by God for that purpose.
Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb, was in absolute control even as He was led to be crucified. "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter. — I lay down my life for the sheep. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." (Isa. 53:7; Joh. 10:15,18) The willful disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, was met by the willful obedience of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We, who are in Christ, are thus saved to serve the true and living God willfully.
"The life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar, to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. — Without shedding of blood is no remission." (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22) Jesus gave His life for us that we mught live His life in this world.
"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Rom. 5:8,9)
Having received peace with God through Christ, how shall we live our life from day to day in this world?
Comment on Morning July 08
True freedom in life is to live joyfully in the consciousness of the reality of God. By the reality of God I mean all things as God intent them to be at every moment. Our consciousness of the reality of God is not yet perfect and so the true freedom in life which we Christians are now experiencing is marred by occasional manifestations of the remaining strongholds of he devil.
We must properly deal with these strongholds so as to grow in greater freedom. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1Jo. 1:9) To confess is to say the same things as what God says. Confession requires the knowledge of God and His Word. It calls us to speak what we know about God. So, our confession grows with us in greater purity.
The most difficulty thing to confess in this life is our sins and miseries. Yet, it is foundation for our spiritual growth. "I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight." (Psa. 51:3,4) Every sin is a sin against God. There can be no true confession of sin without God's involvement. If you have to say sorry to someone, say it to God first.
There is no true confession which is not met with the forgiveness of God, our Heavenly Father. "And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. — I have blotted out as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. — Your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. — God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. — That he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Luk. 15:20; Isa. 44:22; 1Jo. 2:12; Eph. 4:32; Rom. 3:26) As a true confession is based upon the atonement of Christ, so God being faithful and just, would surely forgive for Christ's sake. There is forgiveness with God that He may be feared.
"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean. — They shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy." (Eze. 36:25; Rev. 3:4) What a glorious privilege it is to be allowed to walk with God. Cleansing is the only way of access to this privilege.
"This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood." (1Jo. 5:6) Without the incarnation of Christ, there can be no mystery of godliness - the life with God.
Can we still fight the good fight of faith after we have fallen into temptation to sin against God? How?
Comment on Evening July 08
Life for a human being is not merely existing in a living way like a plant. A human being is not a living vegetable. Human beings can fellowship one with another in a very meaningful and exciting way. What becomes of this world has a lot to do with who is having fellowship with whom.
"Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee?" (Psa. 94:20) One naturally gets greatly excited when he can get to have fellowship with the throne, the monarch of the land! How many in the multitude have this opportunity. But not all thrones are the same. Do we welcome fellowship with the "throne of iniquity"?
Christians don't, but they do have a better fellowship. "Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. — Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." (1Jo. 1:3; 3:2,3) Such fellowship need not wait for the time when we are made perfect. While we are being transformed we can enjoy this fellowship with the Almighty God.
"The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. — An high priest ... holy, harmless, undefiled." (Joh. 14:30; Heb. 7:26) The throne of iniquity has no place with our high priest, Jesus Christ. We, His followers, can have no fellowship with such throne either, if we indeed have fellowship with God.
Our interaction with the throne of iniquity is one of conflict and warfare. "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. — The prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." (Eph. 6:12; 2:2) Christians are called to the obedience of God. They therefore reject the throne of iniquity.
"Whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." (1Jo. 5:18,19) The throne of iniquity issues its many theses about this world. We must issue our antithesis based upon the very Word of God, faithfully and steadfastly. We must not be ashamed of our antithetical living. In that way we are protected. In that way we witness and grow.
What are we doing to promote the antithesis for the people of God, not only in our generation, but the many to come?
Comment on Morning July 09
Without holiness no man shall see the Lord, nor enter into His Kingdom. The evidence of holiness is the righteous deeds found in a person. Whether a deed is righteous or not, God alone knows absolutely. Human being can only judge the outward appearance in the light of God's Word.
However, when God sanctifies a person, He change his legal status and starts to renew him more and more in the inner man. In that way, righteous deeds are produced naturally by the saved ones. "I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment." (Zec. 3:4)
For all human beings (apart from our Lord Jesus Christ), blessedness does not consist in their being perfect without any sin at all, all by themselves. If so, then no one would ever be blessed in this whole wide world. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. — We are all as an unclean thing. — I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not." (Psa. 32:1; Isa. 64:6; Rom. 7:18) If you want to be blessed, you must know wherein it lies, or you would be pursuing it in vain, having begun wrongly.
Blessedness lies in our union with Christ, our righteousness. "As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. — Ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. — Not having mine own righteousness which is of the law, but ... the righteousness which is of God by faith." (Col. 3:27,9,10; Php. 3:9) This union begins when God gives us faith in His Word. Faith binds us to Christ now and forever.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2Co. 5:17) "Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him. — The fine linen is the righteousness of saints. — I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness." (Luk. 15:22; Rev. 19:8; Isa. 61:10)
What are you wearing before God and man?
Comment on Evening July 09
A Christian cannot live aright in this world without evaluating the theses set forth by the world around him in the light of God's Word. Such evaluation should end up with the setting forth of the antithesis, not only for himself, but for the generations of Christians to come. Such activities call for a spiritual and intellectual judgment of the surrounding. But, all these do not mean that we take the law into our own hands to pass sentence and execute one another without the authority from God. In the authority that comes from God, there is that final judgment which He reserved for Himself. Such honour is due to Him alone and any attempt to usurp that level of authority is most sinful and unworthy of a believer.
"The day shall declare it." (1Co. 3:13) This speaks of that Great and Glorious Day of the Lord, when He shall sit upon the throne of His Father to judge all things in this present age before ushering in the New Heavens and the New Earth. It is the most solemn and powerful thing to do for one to appeal to that glorious day of the Lord. It can give peace of conscience to one who is judged guilty at all lower courts. And it calls for the whole truth which will judge most righteously and sentence most severely.
For believers who are faithfully in walking in the Light of God's Word, there are very few things which they are uncertain and which they have to wait for that Day of the Lord to settle them. For such few things we can wait for that Day to come. "Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God." (1Co. 4:5) A godly person would rather choose to search the Scriptures more diligently than to appeal to that Day so quickly.
Personally we do not judge each other, but the Church is given that authority to judge and to excommunicate from and to restore to fellowship in the Church. And we are called also to submit to all godly judgment of the Church. "Why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more." (Rom. 14:10,12,13)
None can escape from the Truth Which shall be revealed fully one day to the satisfaction of all. "God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. — The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man." (Rom. 2:16; Joh. 5:22,27) All His attributes shall, at the end, be fully magnified to His glorious praise.
"The Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts, is his name, great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jer. 32:18,19)
Are you given by God to speak absolutely? When and how, and on what matter are you to do so? Are there things in your life, the truth of which you do wait for in that Day?
Comment on Morning July 10
Are you a Master or a follower of a Master? If you are a former, you must have some follwers. If the latter, then you must have a Master.
"The disciple is not above his master." (Mat. 10:24) Can a disciple ever become greater than his master? Yes, if after the Master is gone, he develops further what his master has taught him. While his Master is with him, it is indeed disrespectful to behave as if one is above his Master.
We are not ashamed to call Jesus our Master, and He is not ashamed to acknowledge that we are His disciples. "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." (Joh. 13:13) Let us know what is expected of us as disciples of Christ.
"It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. — If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your's also. — I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (Mat. 10:25; Joh. 15:20; 17:14) A true disciple admires his Master so much that to be totally like Him would be good enough. There is no thought nor any imagination of becoming better than his Master. For him a step closer to be like Him is a step of great joy and thankfulness. So, a disciple is willing to go with his Master through all kinds of thick and thin in life. To be hated by the whole world is something welcomed so long as his Master is also thus hated. "More like the Master, I would ever be."
When our Christian life becomes very difficult, what should we do? "Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." (Heb. 12:3,4) Our Master resisted all temptation to the point of shedding His precious blood. Shall we not be willing to do the same for His glory? If we are truly willing to she our blood to follow the Master closely, we shall indeed improve much in our Christian walk.
The way of the Cross leads home. Our home in heaven is a joyful place. We can always look forward to that joy awaiting us, if we are good and faithful pilgrims in this world. "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." (Heb. 12:1,2)
If we have the same mind as Christ, our Master, we shall indeed triumph like Him. "Forasmuch ... as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind." (1Pe. 4:1)
Are we humble followers of Christ?
Comment on Evening July 10
In the physical, human body, the heart organ serves as the central life supporting unit. Through its complex system of arteries and veins, the heart reaches out to all other parts of the human body. Its complex pumping system sends its blood circulating throughout the body non-stop, providing the vital transport system for the wonderful body to function efficiently. When the heart is weak, the whole body is affected with a general weakness causing breaking down of other parts of the body because of poor supply of nutrients and of poor disposal of wastes.
When God says to us, "My son, give me thine heart.", He was not thinking of this physical heart of the physical life, but the spiritual heart of the spiritual life. A sound spiritual heart is one that transport well the true spiritual nutrients to all parts of the spiritual life and the true , spiritual wastes from the same to be disposed off.
When God's Word, Which determines what's right and wrong, has free flow in our lives, the we are being properly nurished and cleansed regularly. That is spiritual health for us. "O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!" (Deu. 5:29)
Our heart is not right when God's Word is not circulated in our life for one reason or another. "Thy heart is not right in the sight of God. — Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." (Act. 8:21; Rom. 8:7,8) Often the Word is being compromised and polluted. At other times, our very spiritual attitudes and habits in life are wrong, resulting in the prevention of the smooth flowing of God's Word.
As the physical heart is well protected and hidden inside, not easily accessible, so the spiritual heart is deep within the inner life of a person, in the secret recesses of his being. That heart we must find and yield completely to the Lord. It is the work of God's grace to give us a new heart, a heart after God. "They ... first gave their own selves to the Lord. — In every work that [Hezekiah] began ... to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered." (2Co. 8:5; 2Ch. 31:21)
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Pro. 4:23) Take good care of our spiritual heart, if we want to be strong and useful spiritually. If this centre is corrupted, all the rest are affected.
With a good heart, we must do all things heartily. "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord. — As the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men." (Col. 3:23; Eph. 6:6,7)
As God alone can service our heart, we must turn to Him constantly in humble prayers. "I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart." (Psa. 119:32)
How is your heart doing?
Comment on Morning July 11
The Lord promised to be with His people even till the end of the world. For what reason does He want to be with us? "I am with thee to save thee." Our way to heaven is strewned with dangers all around us to deceive and lead us astray. We need deliverance every now and then. What shall we do if He is not with us? "If Jesus is with me, I will go anywhere. It is Heaven to me whereever I may be, if He is there."
If you fall prey to a predator, you are certainly at his mercy, and unable to deliver yourself from him. Our God promises to deliver us from our enemies. We need not fear, but learn to trust in Him with all our heart. He is our Saviour and will not fail us. "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee. And all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. — Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isa. 49:24-26; 41:10)
Jesus is our high priest. A priest is one who represents another before God. Jesus represents us before our God. It is important that He knows how we feel in our every situation. We are created an emotional being and feeling does affect our lives in one way or another, rightly or wrongly. Our High Priest can feel for us as He is a human being too. He was tempted just like us, but without sin, not like us. It is good to have Him representing us in Heaven. "We have not an 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. — In that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. — 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." (Heb. 4:15; 2:18; Psa. 37:23,24)
Do you have a friend like mine, Jesus the Righteous?
Comment on Evening July 11
Food and drink never taste better and more satisfying than to the very hungry and thirsty. People who complain and do not enjoy are those who have too much and take them for granted. Their wrong view of themselves has robbed them of the joy of living.
To help us enjoy to the fullest, God sometimes allows us to go hungry and thirsty, like the father did to his prodigal son in Luke 15. "He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." (Psa. 107:9) Always look upon your spiritual longing as a precursor of great showers of blessings. Wait with hope that would not fail you.
Through all such experiences of God satisfying our spiritual hunger and thirst, He wants to tell us something of Himself. "Ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1Pe. 2:3) Isn't that important for our life to know that He is full of grace toward us?
To be pitied are people who do not seek God while He may be found. Such may be too busy with lesser important things at the neglect of what is truly needful at all times. "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory. — My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. — Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." (Psa. 63:1,2; 84:2; Php. 1:23) It is a good habit, every morning when we get up from bed to seek Him first.
God has made us for Himself and our souls shall not find rest until they find rest in Him. "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. — They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. — They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. — My people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord." (Psa. 17:15; Rev. 7:16,17; 36:8; Jer. 31:14)
Are you satisfied with this present world which is destined to pass away? Or, do you have something better to look forward to?
Comment on Morning July 12
Physically, a man is very little and insignificant when compared to the vast universe, yet unknown in its details! That the Might Creator should take time to talk to man is a great wonder indeed. That He should specify you and I individually to talk to us, is a greater wonder. That He should on His own accord make promises to us, is beyond our understanding. Who are we that we should be favoured thus?
"My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." (Exo. 33:14) These were words of promise made to the children of Israel, down and out slaves in Egypt, by the Almighty Creator. With this promise, all was well to these miserable, down trodden ones.
They were helpless and suppressed for over 400 years. Many generations were brought up in such hostile environment. Can such a people arise to become great in any sense of that word? Yet God told them: "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. The Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. — Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. — In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Deu. 31:6,8; Jos. 1:9; Pro. 3:6) Blessed are those people whose God is the LORD.
We may not understand why He chooses to speak to us and not to others, but when we do hear His Voice, we must not doubt, but be thankful and believing. "He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. — Our sufficiency is of God." (Heb. 13:5,6; 2Co. 3:5) Is that not enough? Who can be greater than God?
A great man may boast all he wants, but it is not in him to direct his steps and that he himself knows right well. "Lead us not into temptation. — O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. — My times are in thy hand." (Mat. 6:13; Jer. 10:23; Psa. 31:15)
It is good to have the promise of God with us and to believe in His Word.
Are you trusting in that Which abides forever?
Comment on Evening July 12
Just as it takes two hands to clap, it takes at least two human beings for the race to survive. In fact, these two human beings must be member of the opposite sex. So, God created a male first and then a female for him.
The survival of the race is not merely a matter of being able to reproduce, but also to assist one another. By nature a human being is dependent on another to survive in fellowship and mutual friendship and care for each other.
So God exhorts His people: "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works." (Heb. 10:24) We should not be merely looking at ourselves all the time and consider how a matter would benefit us personally. We must consider the well-being of others and see how we can be a blessing to them. We all need to love and do good works. So let us encourage each other towards that end.
The power and force of one's action has a lot to do with the mind that is behind it. To reach and mould that mind, one must communicate thoughts in the form of words. "How forcible are right words! — I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance." (Job. 6:25; 1Pe. 3:1) So, let us be careful with what we are saying to each other.
While Christians speak less of useless, idle words, they speak more to each other wholesome words which edify one another. "They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. — If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." (Mal. 3:16; Mat. 18:19)
"The Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone. — Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." (Gen. 2:18; Ecc. 4:9,10) God's Word is clear how two human being should deal with each other. They were never put together to fight and destroy each other. They were meant to enter into friendship and fellowship which serves each other for the better.
When in the name of friendship one deliberately cause the downfall of another, it is a great treachery. "Let ... no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. — Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." (Rom. 14:13; Gal. 6:2,1) The law of Christ is a law of blessing and salvation.
When we will be gone from this present world permanently, for what would anyone miss us? Only one life which will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last.
Comment on Morning July 13
All God's people shall finally be brought to the true knowledge of His love. Right now, the best among us fall short of that needful knowledge. We really do not know how much we owe Him until that great and glorious day when we shall be with Him forever in Heaven. While we are so unworthy of His love, His love never fail to abide with us so that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
If something is required of me before I can become His beloved, then I know I will never be His. It is all of sovereign grace that "I am my Beloved's, and His desire is toward me." (Songs 7:10) Such love stirrs in me the true love for Him.
Is your Beloved one who is all ready to forsake you when you show yourselves unfaithful? Mine would rather choose the way of chastisement and restoration for me. "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. — I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of then is lost." (2Ti. 1:12; Rom. 8:38,39; Joh. 17:12)
In this world can you find a greater love than Jehovah's love for His people? "The Lord taketh pleasure in his people. — My delights were with the sons of men. — His great love wherewith he loved us. — Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (Psa. 149:4; Pro. 8:31; Eph. 2:4; Joh. 15:13)
God's people are the Lord's forever, not because of anything found within them, nor of anything which they have or can do, but only becuase He has loved them with an everlasting love in Christ. Christ in us is the only hope of glory for us. We are doom if He ever forsake us for whatever reason. "Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in you body, and in your spirit, which are God's. — Whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." (1Co. 6:20; Rom. 14:8)
Why do you think you are still the Lord's beloved in this world?
Comment on Evening July 13
Our pilgrim's journey is through a place where there are many dark places all around, dangerous places to lead astray and much sufferings, pains and tears. But we are not left to our own devices to make our way to Heaven.
He has given us a book to help us along. "Seek ye out of the book of the Lord." (Isa. 34:16) In this Book is the words of our God and Saviour.
Such words are not meant to be just there. They are to be known and downloaded in our hearts and minds every now and then for useful purposes. "Ye shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes." (Deu. 11:18) They are to be well indexed for quick and useful reference and immediate instructions and corrections. The more we use the Word the more It becomes useful. The more It becomes useful the more we refer to It. The more we refer to It, the more It becomes a sure guide, settled Guide to Heaven, our eternal home. Such is the work of the Mighty Spirit of God in our heart, in relation to that Word Which He had personally breathed into existence.
We must not only know the words of God, but speak of them often in our lives. As we speak we must meditate upon them at all times. As we meditate upon them we must observe or obey them to prosper and succeed. "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Jos. 1:8)
That is what characterize a child of God, who walk worthy of Him in this world. "The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. — By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. — Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psa. 37:31; 17:4; 119:11) We fail often (may God forgive us), but we do not make our many failures the standard of our behaviour for all others by declaring them as something all right to live by.
The Apostle Peter had a great experience at the Mount of Transfiguration, but he did not advocate such experience for all Christians. Instead he wrote: "We have ... a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." The Apostle Paul preached and teach the Word of God, "That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (2Pe. 1:19; Rom. 15:4)
What are you advocating in this world?
Comment on Morning July 14
As far as audio communication is concerned the mouth is a remarkable organ of immediate transmission of thoughts and ideas from a person. Because of its easy of use in transmission, it is often abused by sinful men to dump in this world all kinds of expressible nonsense. Believers must be careful how they use their mouth.
"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." (Mat. 12:34) Believers speak from the heart in all honesty and sincerity. Their hearts are not meant to be full of ignorance, but be filled with the true knowledge of God. Then out of such a heart, a believer is to speak in this world, to testify for His God.
Christ is the Word of God become flesh and dwell among us. The wisdom of our speech in this world is to be filled with His Word. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." (Col. 3:16)
Christians are meant to be channel of blessings in this world. We should therefore keep our hearts right with God with much diligence. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. — Death and life are in the power of the tongue. —The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart: none of his steps shall slide. — Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." (Pro. 4:23; 18:21; Psa. 37:30,31; Eph. 4:29)
Christians are witnesses of the Lord's resurrection. To some of us (500 of us), we actually seen Him with our own eyes. But most of us know Him real in our hearts from day to day. Out of that joy of fellowship with Him we must testify of His glory. "We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. — I believed, therefore have I spoken." (Act. 4:20; Psa. 116:10) Christian should never neglect this personal walk with the Lord at all times.
Our Lord promise us: "Whosoever ... shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. — With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Mar. 10:32; Rom. 10:10)
Do you have something to confess in this world? What could that be?
Comment on Evening July 14
Just today someone told me that indigestion is sometimes due to food consumption without much appreciation of it. So, she said one must look at the food, smell it as it approaches the mouth and taste it as it touches the tongue. God indeed has created the human nature quite remarkable that it should be able to grasp the surrounding with its five senses.
So there is a difference between corresponding with a person in writing or speaking to him face to face. The Apostle John indicated that difference when he wrote: "I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face." (3Jo. 14)
I want to see the Lord face to face one day, don't you? "Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down! — As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? — Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices." (Isa. 64:1; Psa. 42:1,2; Song 8:14)
We are also very thankful for His precious promise to come again to receive us to Himself. He is in Heaven and we on earth, and our lives find their source there in Him. Is it not a joy and great blessing to appear before the very source itself one day? "Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. — Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. — God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope. — Whom having not seen, ye love." (Php. 3:20; Tit. 2:13; 1Ti. 1:1; 1Pe. 1:8)
"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly; Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. — 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 have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." (Rev. 22:20; Isa. 25:9)
For whom are you waiting and why?
Comment on Morning July 15
Heaven is a better place than earth exactly because there the will of God is perfectly done by all. So, wherever God's people may be, there is the desire that that place be also like Heaven.
That was what our Lord Jesus taught us to pray for: "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Mat. 6:10)
People who dare oppose order are those who think they are strong and know better. As human we are no better than angels in many ways. Angels, stronger than us human, in heaven must do the commandments of God, if they want to remain there. How much more must we puny men. "Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure." (Psa. 103:20,21) So Great is our God, that opposing Him in the slightest is a show of our ignorance and foolishness.
Our Lord Jesus Who came down from Heaven set us this example of doing the will of God both in Heaven and on Earth. "I came down from heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. — I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart. — O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." (Joh. 6:38; Psa. 40:8; Mat. 26:42) This example is not meant to entrap us to slavery, but to the true freedom of all. The worst slavery is to be entrapped in our own sinful, self-centred nature.
The will of God, when revealed, is not meant to be disregarded with impunity. When obeyed, God's will is always proven to tbe good and useful to the obedient. "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. — Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. — If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. — To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (Mat. 7:21; Rm. 2:13; Joh. 13:17; Jam. 4:17) It is a grave sin to go contrary to the will of God.
The world lies in wickedness exactly because of its opposition against the will of God. We living in this world are not to follow it or be influenced by it. "Be not conformed to this world: but ye be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Rom. 12:2) Our mind are to be filled with the knowledge of God's will and to obey It as the angels do in heaven.
Are we getting more heavenly minded, which is of great earthly use?
Comment on Evening July 15
Our wonderful five senses are made by God as instruments for interaction with other creatures around us as input and output devices to serve various purposes.
So, "The ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat." (Job. 34:3) But, so often such wonderful organs are so abused that they cannot perform properly as they should anymore. The result is that many words in this world are not tried and meat not tasted for the well-being of the human society.
Not to be aware of false prophets around us is a dangerous thing, just like being unaware of dangerous viruses around us. How can we know their evil presence without trying their words and making known the result? "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. — Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. — I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. — Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." (1Jo. 4:1; Joh. 7:24; 1Co. 10:15; Col. 3:16) What role are you and I playing in ensuring that false prophets are being exposed in this world?
How can we try the words of others if we are not men filled with the Holy Spirit Who inspired that infallible Word? "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith. — He that is spiritual judgeth all things." (Rev. 2:29; 1Co. 2:15)
Preachers are responsible for what they declare authoritatively. And hearers are responsible for what they hear under those preachings. What we hear regularly from an authoritative source will soon affect us one way or another. Therefore a hearer, who is led astray, is as responsible as those who lead them astray. "Take heed what ye hear. — I know thy works, ... and how thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars. — Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (Mar. 4:24; Rev. 2:2; 1Th. 5:21) A church is praised by her Lord when she is conscientious to keep false prophets out of the pulpit. The Church is not just the leaders, but also the members acting faithfully through proper channel.
The failure of ears trying words has led to the uncertain sounds and voices from the pulpit. But in the true Body of Christ (the Church) His voice is always heard and His flock is gathered and led safely to Heaven. "He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers." (Joh. 10:3-5)
Is the Voice of the Good Shepherd heard in the local Church you are presently attending? Is it safe for you to be uncertain about such important thing?
Comment on Morning July 16
Christians appear in this world as a people, a nation, a society peculiar and distinct from others. This community is called holy because of its consecrated link to God the Holy One of Israel, the Mighty Creator of all things. In its function here, it serves as so many priests offering sacrifices of thanksgiving to God for His great mercy and salvation. Its citizens, therefore, call all to get right with God by way of repentance of original and actual sins, and through the blood of Christ, shed on the Cross of Calvary. They are orderly people in this world, having laws and discipline in their midst. All these call for education and witness bearing in this world both inside and outside of the community.
"Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation." (Exo. 19:6)
We are what we are because of the wondrous work of God's grace in Jesus Christ, our Lord. "Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests. — Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." (Rev. 5:9,10; 1Pe. 2:9) What a privilege it is to be chosen by God to show forth His praise in this short span of our lives on earth.
Are we known by the Name of our God? Are we known as His priests to represent men before Him? Are we known as people who pray and offer sacrifices to God, so that people would naturally ask us to pray for them? "Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God. — Priests of God and of Christ." (Isa. 61:6; Rev. 20:6) Here we must be careful, of course, not to give people the impression that we are their and ours only High Priest, after the order of Melchisedec. That glory and honour belongs to Jesus Christ alone, without whom and whose ministry there can be no salvation. We function only to bring men and women, boys and girls, to this Wonderful Christ.
"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. — By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Heb. 3:1; 13:15)
Are you saved? If so, you are God's holy project. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. — The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (Eph. 2:10; 1Co. 3:17) The goal of this project is to make us "the temple of God" where sacrifices of thanksgiving are being offered regularly in praise of the God of our Salvation.
Are you the cause of great joy in this world? And what kind of joy you are causing around here?
Comment on Evening July 16
We have a battle to fight and our enemy is the devil, the father of lies, who speaks against God's Word of truth. We have the calling to know and represent that Word in this world. This means we must set forth the Word of God in the backdrops of all the lies of the devil. We must watch how the devil in every age is lying against the Truth of God. We must pray to detect that. We must pray to set forth such a truth in contrast with all the lies. We must pray to live according to that truth.
Nehemiah was called of God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There were many enemies who would try to stop him. Nehemiah taught the people to pray in order to resist the devil well. "We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them." (Neh. 4:9)
To watch with a spiritual mindset is very important for our Christian walk. This mindset has to do with prayerfulness in the Name of Christ. The more we pray in His Name the more we grow in knowledge of His will and ways in seen in His Word. "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. — Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." (Mat. 26:41; Col. 4:2) We can always be thankful when we see His hands upon us in every turn of the corner. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith." (1Pe. 5:7-9) The devil may be strong and powerful, but our God is infinitely greater than him In such a wonderful faith we must resist the devil.
We watch also to ensure that we are not just hearers of God's Word, but also doers. In other words, we prayerfully watch to prevent self-deception. "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? — Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (Luk. 6:46; Jam. 1:22) The devil is the deceiver, and if we are deceiving ourselves, we are already fallen into his hands. Never take God's Word lightly.
If we have no intention to do God's will then we should also stop praying. "Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." (Exo. 14:15) The lives of God's children in this world are lives of faith and trust.
We worry when we see things go out of control. By faith we can see that all things are absolutely controlled by God, even to their minutest details; and, He controls them for His own glory and our good. There can be no worry with those who walk by faith. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Php. 4:6,7) We need not understand everything in order to have peace. We only need to know and believe in Him Who speaks peace to us. He speaks peace to us in the Atonement of Christ on the Cross.
Do you know you can ask what you will and it shall be done to you? (Joh. 15:7)
Comment on Morning July 17
It takes the gracious God to solve man's most basic problem. What is man's problem? Some think that man has no problem, yet we read and hear day by day the newspapers and other mass media, of unrest all over the world, big and small, causing great sufferings among men. So the princes of this world gather together to try and identify the problem and come out with some solutions. They point to this and they point to that, but they all missed the mark, the most basic problem of man.
Only in the mercy and grace of God can man's basic problem be solved. Man is a fallen creature. Man is not a creature that is evolving and becoming better all the time. Man's basic problem is rebellion against God, his Creator. So, there shall be no peace to the wicked who refuse to acknowledge sin and get right with God. If God is not merciful and gracious, man's most basic problem can never be solved. "Thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil." (Jon. 4:2)
That there is mercy with God does not mean that God set aside His justice in dealing with men. "I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation." (Num. 14:7,18) The greatness of God exactly lies in His oneness as the merciful God Who is at the same time the most Just and Holy One.
The One, True and Living God calls us to repentance of sins and faith in Him Who alone has salvation. "O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us. Help us, O God of our salvaton, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. — Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee. — We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee." (Psa. 79:8,9; Jer. 14:7) The fear of God should drive us to identify and repent of our sins, and not to justify ourselves by looking for excuses for our sinful actions. When we approach God rightly we will get to know and fear Him properly.
"If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared." (Psa. 130:3,4) There is no hope if God is only righteous without mercy and love. With the latter, there is forgiveness with Him. Let us boldly come to this God and discover His solution to man's most basic problem.
Where in the history of mankind do you think God reveals Himself as Just and Merciful at the same time?
Comment on Evening July 17
Christians are people saved by God to good works. Good works are important in the lives of believers. Not that they are the cause of their salvation, but that they are evidence of their salvation. They are the work of the Holy Spirit in sanctifying to make them more like Christ, the Son of God.
"Sanctification of the Spirit." (2Th. 2:13) This is that which gives fragrance to the lives of God's people. "Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out." (Song 4:16) When the Holy Spirit comes upon the chosen of God, the beautiful fragrance emits like sweet perfume upon the surrounding.
The sweetness of a sanctified life does not lie in its perfection without sin, but in its brokenness and contrition of heart because of sins. "Behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge!" (2Co. 7:11) Therefore, the "Fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth: proving what is acceptable unto the Lord." (Eph. 5:9,10)
In His goodness there is forgiveness and comfort. "The Comforter is the Holy Ghost. — The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Joh. 14:16; Rom. 5:5) Do recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in your life, and yield to Him.
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace." (Gal. 5:22) Such virtues are not meant for self-consumption, but to be shared with others. "In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality." (2Co. 8:2) Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, even the very poor can be a great blessing to others.
Not all believers are sweet in the same way. Our individualities are not discarded so that we all look exactly alike. There are countless ways to magnify our great God. Yet, "All these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." (1Co. 12:11) Learn to see God in the mighty and glorious work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
What do you smell like when the wind blows upon you?
Comment on Morning July 18
It is not that we have chosen Him, but that He has chosen us that really matters. It is not that we have known Him, but that He has known us that really matters. Without the latter there can be no real former. Yet, it is in having the former that we can be assured of the latter.
He must have known us first in order to call us by our name. "He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out." (Joh. 10:3) When we acknowledge Him and follow His leading, then do we know that we belong to Him in an experiential way.
Some follow Christ in order to make use of Him for their own self-fish goals and ends. This is the way of the ungodly. But true followers are known by God to be those who depart from iniquity - even the righteous ones with Christ's righteousness. "The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his; and, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. — Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you ... depart from me, ye that work iniquity. — The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish." (2Ti. 2:19; Mat. 7:22,23; Psa. 1:6)
He knows us as those who are totally dependent upon Him, and so He is ever mindful of us to want to protect us from all evil. "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. — Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm. — The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." (Isa. 49:16; Song 8:6; Nah. 1:7) We can count on Him and trust Him to make us fit for Heaven.
He is not going to renovate Heaven so that It may suit us when He finally bring us there. By ourselves we are indeed not fit to be there in Heaven. We do not have a place there by nature. It takes the wondrous work of the Cross to change our status before God: from guilty, unworthy, wretched sinners to the saints of God , saved by grace. "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (Joh. 14:2,3) It is only in Christ Jesus alone that we can have a place in Heaven. He must come for us and receive us unto Himself or we will not be fit for Heaven.
How fit are you for Heaven, the Holy Place?
Comment on Evening July 18
Having known the Sovereign of God that all things work out according to His plan and purpose to their minute details, let us humbly walk according to His revealed will in His Word. Such a revealed will is full of authority and to be submitted to by all rational, moral creatures. They are the commands of God, by which He will finally judge all things. So, we must walk humbly in obedience to Him to the best of our ability.
"She hath done what she could." (Mar. 14:8) It is sinful to be irresponsible, pretending to believe in the Sovereignty of God. Such people argue that what will be will be, and so let us eat, drink and be merry now, for tomorrow we die.
But God's people, who have the true view of God's Sovereignty, are different. "This poor widow hath cast in more than they all. — Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. — If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." (Luk. 21:3; Mar. 9:41; 2Co. 8:12) They will and do God's good pleasures in this life.
They are people who are most practical. They not merely know, but also do according to what they know. "Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. — If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? — He which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (1Jo. 3:18; Jam. 2:15,16; 2Co. 9:6,7) They give willingly and cheerfully so long as they see God behind their giving. Whatever God does is glorious to Him and good for His people.
We do what we can and the rest we must leave them to God Who is able to do abundantly above all that we imagine or ask. "When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." (Luk. 17:10) Our all are actually not good enough, but, in fact, very often destructive when not accompanied by God's grace. We have confidence to give our imperfect all, because of His promise to go with us, even until the end of the world.
How much are you giving to the Lord each day of your life?
Comment on Morning July 19
We are saved, but not by ourselves. So, another has saved us who were dead in trespasses and sins. Who could our Saviour be?
Mary, the mother of our Saviour, said: "He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name." (Luk. 1:49) The coming of our Saviour is the work of the Almighty God. He is holy and does whatsoever He pleases. It is not an ordinary Salvation. It involves the Second Person of the Godhead, God very God Himself, born of a virgin to be our Saviour.
Of all those who have tasted of His goodness and salvation, is there any who would not say: "Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? — Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. — Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy. — Hallowed be thy name." (Exo. 15:11; Psa. 86:8; Rev. 15:4; Mat. 6:9) There is mercy with the Lord that He may be praised.
The birth of Jesus was the visitation of the God of Israel to redeem His people. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist said so under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people." (Luk. 1:68)
Prophecies of old indicated that our Saviour must be one chosen from among us. He must take the form of a man, born in the line of the Covenant. "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. — I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people." (Isa. 63:1; Psa. 89:19) Anyone who must be saved, must be added to this saved people.
Concerning our salvation, we really do not know what to think nor what and how to ask. If our Saviour is equally blur like us, we are doomed. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, ... be glory." (Eph. 3:20,21) We shall know how much He knows when we finally see Him as He is and be like Him. Not till then, will we know how much we owe.
Are we not glad that it is not based upon how well we think or ask that we are saved? How can we think and ask properly when we don't even know how much we really stand in need of our Saviour?
Comment on Evening July 19
What is that Word that came down from Heaven to earth? Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, it that Word of God that has become flesh and dwell among us. (Joh. 1:14) God speaks of Him as "The dew of Hermon." (Psa. 133:3)
"Mount Sion, which is Hermon. — There the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. — I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon." (Deu. 4:48; Psa. 133:3; Hos. 14:5) Can there be life without water, refreshing water like the dew?
God is our dew, our Word of life. "My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass. — As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Deu. 32:2; Isa. 55:10,11) God's Word comes to us to teach us, to give us good doctrines which shall not return to Him fruitless, but accomplish His own purpose.
Our Lord Jesus is a man filled with the Spirit of God totally. "God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. — And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. — It is like the precious ointment upon the head ... even Aaron's ... that went down to the skirts of his garments." (Joh. 3:34; 1:16; Psa. 133:2) Therefore, also He is the Living Word of God, Who alone can receive of the Father the Spirit of Truth and pour Him upon us. Thus, the Sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God) is something we must used in our battle of faith, if indeed we are filled with the Spirit of God.
Are you and am I a person filled with the Spirit of God? How can we ever know?
Comment on Morning July 20
Among all men in this world, there is a large number of them which are not of this world in the sense that they do not belong to it. The world finds them strange and they increasing find the condition of this world not suitable for them.
The Head of this people said of them: "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (Joh. 17:16)
When their Head first came to this world, "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. — In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (Isa. 53:3; Joh. 16:33)
As their Head, He came to be their Christ - their Prophet, Priest and King. They follow Him and become more and more like Him. "Such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners. — That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation." (Heb. 7:26; Php, 2:15)
As He was so full of good works, so were they full of good works. "Jesus of Nazareth ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. — As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Act. 10:38; Gal. 6:10)
Though not appreciated in this dark world, these people cannot help but shine for they are the light of this world. "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. — Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Joh. 1:9; Mat. 5:14,16)
This present world of darkness is destined to be destroyed and be replaced by the world of light. Of which world are you?
Comment on Evening July 20
Heaven is a happy place. No one can nor should imaging that there we will have sadness, sorrow and crying. Christians are people destined for heaven. Should such people not be happy at the thought of going home to heaven? Our present experience of this world may at time bring us pain and sorrow, but, as Christians, we know better that such sorrow should turn to joy at the thought of home.
Sadness brings gloominess and dampens the spirit. "He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast." (Pro. 15:15) There is much liveliess at such a happy event of feasting.
Joy, singing and thanksgiving are all happy activities which ought to characterise healthy Christians serving in this world. "The joy of the Lord is your strength. — The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. — Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Neh. 8:10; Rom. 14:17; Eph. 5:18-20)
In Jesus Christ, all the promises of God in the Bible are for us. How blessed are Christians to whom the Almighty should look upon in favour. "By him ... let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Heb. 13:15)
If there is a way to turn sorrow into joy, then we need not fear living in this world. "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. — Sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing. — We glory in tribulations also." (Hab. 3:17,18; 2Co. 6:10; Rom. 5:3) The secret lies in the blessed hope of salvation from sin and destruction. Many are sinning their way to hell without being alarmed and concern. Such may be satisfied with the mundane things of this world, with the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life. Such are destined for eternal sorrow. For those with the hope of everlasting life, the sorrows in this world will turn to joy in the morning of the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Are you afraid of the present sufferings? Why?
Comment on Morning July 21
Can a human person avoid becoming a representative or a sign, a symbol, of something else as he lives with others? He cannot as it is beyond his control what other human beings, who know him, what to make of him in their mind. Different people will have different ideas of him, rightly or wrongly, accurately or briefly, etc. For any person to be meaningful among others, he must be consistent in his life and through time, perceived as one by all around him. If he represents too many things inconsistently, then people around him do not know how to deal with him nor can attribute anything to him, but confusion and cause of confusion.
One good way to promote one's public image is to get recognized institutions to declare publicly one's status and character. Circumcision is a public declaration of a religious institution that a circumcised person is one who is to live according to the faith of that religious institution.
"What profit is there of circumcision?" (Rom. 3:1) "Much every way." (Rom. 3:2) This is so because circumcision speaks of the removal of the filthiness of sin in one's heart. "Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart. — If ... their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember." (Jer. 4:4; Lev. 26:41,42) A circumcised person is to live in the way of cleansing. And, such living is most profitable.
Circumcised people testify by their circumcision that Jesus came to fulfill the promises made to their forefathers concerning their salvation from sin. "Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. — In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. — You, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses." (Rom. 15:8; Col. 2:11,13) Such a people continue their existence in this world in the form of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christians are people who bear the sign of baptism, the New Testament circumcision. (Col. 2:10ff)
For their baptism to be meaningful, baptized people are to "Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and ... put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness." (Eph. 4:22-24) In this way, their baptism is profitable.
Are you becoming more like what you appear to be? What profit is there in your appearance?
Comment on Evening July 21
At the Lord's Supper, what do the bread and wine represent? The former, the broken body of Christ, and the latter, the shed blood of Christ. The very first Lord's Supper (administered by our Blessed Lord Himself) the broken bread and poured out wine represented that body and blood, which were yet to be broken and shed respectively and literally. Since then, in every other Lord's Supper, they represent the body and blood which were already shed at the Cross of Calvary. This truth should confirm that the Lord's Supper points to that sacrifice once offered on the Cross, some 2,000 years ago, never to be repeated.
Accompanying that historic event of the Cross was the strange phenomena of the veil in the temple. "The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom." (Mat. 27:51) This was the work of God's hand to tell His people that all the temple's symbolic ministry had now come to an end, with the shedding of Jesus' blood on the Cross. The reality has come and its shadow now faded into the background, having led to the basis of its existence.
In the Lord's Supper we do not recall an interesting mythological story which has some moral lessons to teach and motivate us. There at the table God's people recall an historical event which accomplished something most profound before the Tribunal of God. There the penalty of the sins of all God's people was actually, fully paid for.!!! "The Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. — The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (1Co. 11:23,24; Joh. 6:51) Are you burdened with any particular sins in your life and wander how they can ever be atoned for? If at the Lord's Table, you find the answer at the Cross of Calvary, you are indeed a saved, forgiven person.
Though we do not eat and drink literally, the reference of the flesh and blood of Christ, at the Lord's Supper, refer to those at the Cross of Calvary, not at the right hand of God. "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing." (Joh. 6:53,54,56,57,61-63)
If not through the broken veil to approach God, we shall not see nor ever experience the glorified body of Christ. "A new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; let us draw near." (Heb. 10:20,22)
Are we drawing nearer to God by the new and living way?
Comment on Morning July 22
It is appointed to every man once to die, and so Christ also once died after He first came into this world in human flesh.
His death, however, was not an ordinary death, unlike that of the rest of us. He came to represent a people, like Adam did for the whole human race. So His death was also on behalf of this group of people for whom He was called to represent. "In that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God." (Rom. 6:10)
So, "He was numbered with the transgressors. — Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. — Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. — By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Isa. 53:12; Heb. 9:38; 1Pe. 2:24; Heb. 10:14) That one offering made on the Cross of Calvary should ever be appreciated by God's people throughout history and on to eternity as well.
What Christ did also demonstrates that He is our High Priest after the order of Melchisedec. This is an unchangeable priesthood demanding that one in office should ever live. "This man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. — While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Heb. 7:24,25; Rom. 5:8,9) To day believers do have an Advocate in Heaven making intercession for them faithfully without fail in our Lord Jesus Christ. What a blessed state of affair for them.
He prays for us that we might be strong in the cause of His Kingdom in this world. He prays that we might follow in His steps. "Forasmuch ... as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." (1Pe. 4:1,2)
Can we see the difference between "the lusts of men" and "the will of God"? If not, how do we know where we should live in? It is not right to live in the wrong place for the rest of our lives.
Comment on Evening July 22
As glue sticks things together, so love binds rational, moral beings together in fellowship. It is for love's sake that people continue to deal with each other for mutual benefits and enjoyment.
God lives in perfect love within Himself so much so that He is all that love is. As human beings we are created for love. "Keep yourselves in the love of God." (Jud. 21)
In our Lord Jesus Christ we are saved and safe. In Him we bear the fruit of love. "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (Joh. 15:4,5) "The fruit of the Spirit is love." (Gal. 5:22)
Love is not a mere feeling of complacency and delight. It is intelligent and very deliberate as well. It has to do with the knowledge of God and of His will. It is an abiding in the Word of God. "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. — Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected." (Joh. 15:8-10; 1Jo. 2:5)
Beginning with God's love in Himself, we soon learn of His love for us. We then response to His love by His grace and learn to love Him as we should. In loving Him we also learn to love our neighbours and ourselves. "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. — God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. — God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (Joh. 15:12; Rom. 5:8; 1Jo. 4:16)
Are you confusing the "lusts of the flesh", "the lusts of the eyes" and "the pride of life" with the true love from God? If we go after the former we demonstrate that we do not have the latter.
Comment on Morning July 23
Before you fully realize the implication, you are old and in a few years (or months or days) time will be no more around to give joy or irritate others, blessing or cursing, personally. That is the coming of our personal end in this present world.
But an even less-perceived, greater event eludes us. The end of this present world itself. "Then cometh the end." (1Co. 15:24)
Our ignorance of the exact day and hour of that great event should not cause us to be indifferent and complacent. Rather we should even be more watchful and prayerful. And knowing the purpose of the delay we should be more conscientious in getting ready for it. "Of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. — The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. — The coming of the Lord draweth nigh. The judge standeth before the door. — Surely I come quickly." (Mat. 13:32, 33, 37; 2Pe. 3:9; Jam. 5:8,9; Rev. 22:20) When it comes, it comes - time and tide waits for no man.
All things shall be dissolved one day because of ungodliness. What shall those who knows do all the days of their lives? "Seeing ... that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" (2Pe. 3:11)
Since the time of the Apostles, we belong to that generation which shall see the end of all things. "The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. — Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately." (1Pe. 4:7; Luk. 12:35,36) Many are too individualistic to see the above reality, and be affected by it.
Do you know the meaning of "Save Gaia"? Can Gaia be saved? How?
Comment on Evening July 23
Unless God is there to bless us, all our labour for ourselves and for one another would be in vain. If we need God's blessing, is He indebted to it to us? Prayer is not a demand of one's right, it is a form of begging for the mercy and grace of God.
We need to pray for God's blessings. "Brethren, pray for us." (1Th. 5:25) We pray for ourselves and we request others to pray for us as well. May God have mercy upon us to bless us.
It is only the sick who look for a doctor to help. It is only those who know that they are the guilty sinners who would turn to God for mercy. Those who think they are righteous would not seek God's mercy. When God would save us, He will first make us realize our true condition and lead us to prayer for mercy. Such a person, though without his own righteousness to boast, is clothed with the righteousness of Christ. "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." (Jam. 5:14-18)
Christians, who are actively engaged in the battle of faith, are prayerful people as well. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Eph. 6:18)
The Apostle Paul set us the example of prayerfulness in labour. "Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers. — Always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." (Rom. 1:9; Col. 4:12)
Do you realize that our powerful arch-enemy trembles when he sees the weakest saint on his knees before God?
Comment on Morning July 24
That there is sufferings for all in this world is obvious. There is crying at birth and also at death. And who among us is exempt from such things? So, the question is not am I suffering, but for what reason am I suffering whenever it comes upon us.
Tribulation speaks of sufferings for a cause. Christians suffer for righteousness' and the Gospel's sake. As such, we must be "Patient in tribulation" (Rom. 12:12), lest we undermine our cause.
Our cause is His doing. So are the accompanying tribulations. "It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good. — Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge. — The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. — What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (1Sa. 3:18; Job. 9:15; 1:21; 2:10) Christians are called to trust in the wisdom and might of their God, and not in their own wisdom and understanding.
Trusting in God is not a matter of a blind jumping into the dark. In Christ, God has reveals Himself as the God Who can feel with us in all our infirmities. "Jesus wept. — A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows." (Joh. 11:35; Isa. 53:3,4) We should trust and experience His tender love and compassion.
Sufferings for believers also have great sanctifying effect upon us. Through sufferings, we are made more like Christ, the Son of God. Through sufferings we are made stronger and more able to overcome the devil and the world. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 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. — Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. — In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (Heb. 12:6,11; Col. 1:11; Joh. 16:33)
Are you counting it all joy when you suffer for our Lord Jesus' sake?
Comment on Evening July 24
One would be surprised at how much, in life, he acts by faith. In fact, one of the initial things we do, naturally, when we meet a stranger, is to assess his trustworthiness. We may have done this subconsciously, but it is necessary to prepare ourselves for future interaction with such a person. A cheat or con man would gain this initial trust before proceeding with his wiles. Though cheated, men still continue to trust each other in many activities in life. It is simply impossible to function in this world without somehow trusting someone along the way.
So we should not be surprised that the Christian life calls for trust in God. "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief." (Rom. 4:20) The Holy Bible is full of God's promises to His people. Whenever you come across any of them, remember that right there God calls you to trust Him at His Word. The sooner one truat God the better it is for him.
God promises to answer all those who fear Him and make requests before Him. "Have faith in God. Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. — Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Mar. 11:22-24; Heb. 11:16) To have faith in God means to believe all that He has revealed about Himself to us in His Word.
In offerring up his only son, Isaac, on the altar, Abram showed that he had faith in the Word of God. God's Word was not just the current one he was receiving, but also past promises which are yet to be fully fulfilled. "He that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead. — Being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." (Heb. 11:17-19; Rom. 4:21) True faith is not unreasonable, but, in fact, is full of reason for us reational, moral creatures. It is reasoning based upon the very Word of God.
Why are we, at times, so hesitant to pray? Is it because of the lack of faith in God? "Is any thing too hard for the Lord? — With God all things are possible. — Lord, increase our faith." (Gen. 18:14; Mat. 19:26; Luk. 17:5)
How big is a grain of mustard seed? Is your faith as small as that?
Comment on Morning July 25
Does a true Christian know that he has eternal life? "We know that we have passed from death unto life." (1Jo. 3:14) According to God's Word there are some people in this world who actually know that they have passed from death unto life. Who could this people be if they are not the true Christians in this world?
Such people come into contact with Jesus' Word and believe in the One Who sent Him. They believe all the the Holy Scripture reveals concerning God and His Grace. "He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. — He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (Joh. 5:24; 1Jo. 5:12)
The Apostles (the sent-out ones) were people established in Christ, by God, together with His people. He is also the One who anoint us with the Holy Spirit as a token of our inheritance in Glory. With these indication of the grace of the Triune God, we are assured of eternal life. We know the whole world lies in wickedness and we, of God, in the truth. "He which stablisheth us with you in Christ and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. — Hereby we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before him. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. — We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." (2Co. 1:21,22; 1Jo. 3:19,21; 1JO. 5:19) Therefore, we are not ashamed to represent the cause of the Son of God.
We are the quickened ones and no more the dead ones. "You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sin. — Quickened ... together with Christ. — Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom his dear Son." (Eph. 2:1, 5; Col. 1:13)
Are you living "the living death" or "the dying life"? Or, in Christ, are you living the "overcomer's life"?
Comment on Evening July 25
To every destination there is a way. Any place is not a destination until someone has arrived at it and would introduce it to others. So, even an accidental find can become a way to a place which has become a destination.
A destination is not much appreciated if there are so many ways easily leading to it. It is not challenging enough. So, to mount Everest as a destination, it is still something to aspire after by many. There are not many ways up there and few there be that find and conquer it. It is challenging and one who overcomes can boast of his prowess.
The path that leads to life (even the eternal life in Heaven) is not designed for the boast of any fallen men. Because it is an impossible path, even for the best among men, with regards to traveling on this path with one's own strength, God's Word declares one dead in trespasses and sins, even before he embarks on the expedition. One must be first raised to spiritual life before starting on such an expedition.
Even then, he cannot arrive at the destination without a Devine Guide. To-day few, if any, dare try to conquer Mount Everest without a guide. What more a trip to Heaven!
'Thou wilt shew me the path of life." (Psa. 16:11) He gives us the map in His precious Word and show us "the path of life". "Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. — I will teach you the good and the right way.— I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. — Follow me." (Jer. 21:8; 1Sa. 12:23; Joh. 14:6; Mat. 14:19) We follow because we have a Guide. This does not mean that we ignore the Map He gave us. We use the map to better appreciate our Guide and the trip up there.
Even with the Map, we dare not trust our own judgment and understanding of things written therein. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death. — Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Pro. 4:12; Mat. 7:13,14) He has given us the Spirit of adoption and of truth to be a token until the day of redemption. The Map was written by Him and He can guide us with It all the way to our Heavenly Home. Let us be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Those who walk after the Spirit are sanctified and be holy as He is holy. "An highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. — Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." (Isa. 35:8; Hos. 6:3) The more we walk in the Spirit the more we know the Lord our God. There is no nearing of our destination without this increase of the knowledge of Him.
"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." (Joh. 14:2) He shall not prepare such a place for us in vain, for we shall be there when the time comes.
Can you see the path He is showing you? Are you following Him, your Divine Guide?
Comment on Morning July 26
If you are on an expedition to conquer Mount Everest and you have an authentic map and the best guide with you, what should your relationships with both of them be like? Would you keep looking at your map and ignore your guide? Should you just listen to your guide and never use your map again?
A true guide will not fail to lead one to the right destination. He will not contradict the map, even though at times, temprarily, he may seem to detour for one reason or another. He would soon lead back to the familiar way to the destination. One must trust and obey his guide and still follow the map thankfully to learn and enjoy the trip. "By faith Abraham, ... called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed." (Heb. 11:8)
He Who prepares for us a place in Heaven, knows how to lead us there. "He shall choose our inheritance for us. — He led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him." (Psa. 47:4; Deu. 32:10-12)
To fully understand the way the Lord takes to lead us to heaven, is not an easy thing. For most, if not all, of us, it will take heaven itself for us to have a good grasp of it. Meanwhile, we must learn as much as we can, and in all things to trust and obey Him. "I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. — Who teacheth like Him?" (Isa. 48:17; Job. 36:22)
Sometimes, in our pilgrimage, we come across the comfort and conveniences of a great city. But we must move on as that is not our destination. At other times, we are in immediate danger which call for immediate action to arise and depart. "We walk by faith, not by sight. — Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. — Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. — Arise ye and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction." (2Co. 5:7; Heb. 13:14; 1Pe. 2:11; Mic. 2:10) Our Guide knows best.
Are you traveling alone to Heaven? How can that be the case? Are you sure you are on the right track? Can one reach Heaven without a Guide?
Comment on Evening July 26
Are we not thankful that there is consistency in so called "physical laws of nature"? If there be any discrepancies, it is because of our limited understanding of things and not because of their inconsistency. We must do more research and more clearly define things.
Actually all creations are consistent since the beginning because God determined and governs them according to His own good pleasure. And the Lord God is one, perfectly consistent in His being.
To those who know better because of His revelation, we must "Give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." (Psa. 97:12) His holiness speaks of His devotion to Himself, the only good and perfect one. In the midst of our confusion, He is Holy and we must give thanks by faith.
Puny, foolish man would want all to be devoted to him. But could an Holy God be so foolish as to do that to "abominable and filthy" man? "The heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? — Yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. How much less man, that is a worm?" (Job. 15:15,16; Job 25:5,6) In fact, the troubles in this world is the result of the fall of man into sins. But despite that fall, God still is holy upholding all things according to His own good pleasure. All things are still consistent, even though they may appear to puny men as confusing.
There is none like our God, great and mighty. "Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness? — Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts." (Exo. 15:11; Isa. 6:3) Let us worship Him in godly fear.
Our holiness lies in our devoting of all things at our disposal to the God of our Salvation - the God as He has revealed Himself to us in His Word. "As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. — Partakers of his holiness." (1Pe. 1:15,16; Heb. 12:10)
God is holy and we should not think that He feels comfortable dwell in an unholy place. "The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. — What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, ... without spot, and blameless?" (1Co. 3:17; 2Pe. 3:11,14) Do you know what constitute holiness for us?
The work of God the Holy Spirit in us is to join us to the Body of Christ (the Church) to form a perfect whole for useful service now and forever. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." (Eph. 4:29,30)
Do you know the place of Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, in the overall plan of God for His creation? If you do, then maybe you can also see a little of your own place in that Master Plan.
Comment on Morning July 27
Long after you and I are gone from this world, how would our posterity have any inkling of us? That by which they can have any idea of us is our image. In our modern days, this image can come in multimedia forms, so that our image can be as real as possible.
In the world of perfection (the world of God Himself) the Son of God is the very image of God, the very Word of God, the God communicating. "Christ, who is the image of God." (2Co. 4:4) is the Second person of the Godhead incarnate.
Scriptures clearly reveal this great wonder of Incarnation, without which there shall be no knowledge of God in any form. "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. — No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. — He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. — The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person. — God was manifest in the flesh." (Isa. 40:5; Joh. 1:18,14; 14:9; Heb. 1:3; 1Ti. 3:16)
God reveals Himself in Holy Scriptures as the God of Salvation. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature. — Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." (Col. 1:14,15; Rom. 8:29) Thus Scriptures reveal the Fall of man, eternal punishment, the Covenant of Grace, the Second Coming of Christ, the New Heavens and the New Earth, etc.
Adam was created after the image of God. He was a type of Christ. The earthy is to serve the heavenly. Adam to serve the revelation of Christ, the very image of God. Christians are people both in the first and second Adam. "As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." (1Co. 15:49) We are destined to be like Christ and shall be like Him when we see Him as He is one day.
The Psalmist wrote in Psa. 17:15 thus: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness." How as for you and me: what will fully satisfy us in life and death?
Comment on Evening July 27
Whose battle are we fighting in our Christian life? Most, if not all Christians, can give the right answer immediately. We are fighting the Lord's battle. We are His soldiers. He is the Captain of the Lord's hosts. But, by the way we live in this world, do people see good soldiers in us under a Great and Victorious Warrior.
Who prepares us for the battle? "Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle." (Psa. 18:39) A good soldier is one well-disciplined to follow his captain immediately at the shortest notice, irrespective of his own present condition. He is ready to lay down his life at any time, when duty calls.
Our Captain is such that our weaknesses are no problem for Him. In fact, "When I am weak, then am I strong." (2Co. 12:10) They are those soldiers who are wise in their own eyes, who are great hindrances in the battlefields.
His soldiers must learn quickly, like Asa, that their Captain can conquer powerfully with little or with much. He is so great and mighty. "Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. — Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him." (2Ch. 14:11; 18:31)
In this spiritual battle, it is better to trust in the Captain than in the weapons at hand. A closer walk with Him is absolutely essential for a good fight with the enemies. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. — There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength." (Psa. 118:8,9; 33:16,17)
So, our whole armour is really our Captain Himself. He is all in all to us. "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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God." (Eph. 6:12,13) Our knowledge of this battle against Satan, the world and our sinful self, is so insignificant that it is sheer foolishness to go into it all by ourselves. However, with our Lord Jesus Christ, Who had won the battle already and now at the right hand of God, we can go into it with great confidence of victory. The more we obey Him absolutely with complete trust the more we are confident in the fight.
Is it obvious to all that you are fighting the Lord's battle and not your own?
Comment on Morning July 28
Christians are people born again because of the love of God for them. Love is not just a good, welcoming feeling of being wanted and accepted. Love is a emotional, intelligent, devotional, commitment to seek the well-being of another.
Christians born of true love, are to "Walk in love." (Eph. 5:2)
Love has the power to overcome the temptation to sin. Sin is the commission against or omission of the commandments of God. Love is the fulfillment of the Law. "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. — Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. — Love covereth all sins." (Joh. 13:34; 1Pe. 4:8; Pro. 10:12)
In the midst of sins, the power of love manifests itself in forgiving and repenting. "When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. — Love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again. — Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth. — Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrarwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. — If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. — Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Mar. 11:25; Luk. 6:35; Pro. 24:17; 1Pe. 3:9; Rom. 12:18; Eph. 4:32) Such power of love flows from the Fountain of Love, even from God.
Love flows in actions of faith and hope. "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." (1Jo. 3:18) Therefore love works and changes things.
Are we loving people in this world? Do we seek and bring about goodness around us?
Comment on Evening July 28
When we know that a matter is wrong, we should not ask for it in our prayers to God. This is very dishonouring as it amount to asking God to do wrong. To ask for what appears impossible for us is not necessarily wrong. In fact, at times, it is very honouring to God as it shows our faith that God is able to do the impossible. We confess His omnipotence in this way. But, where God's own words reveals what is wrong and displeasing in His sight, such things we must never ask in our prayers, no matter how impossible they may be. We must never ask God to deny Himself. Such request is like asking Him to destrloy Himself, which is blasphemous.
God would never blame us if we, in ignorance, ask for the wrong, impossible thing. He wants to encourage us to pray. While we are foolish in asking the wrong thing, He is not foolish to just answer our foolish prayers positively. But, He will answer our prayer by teaching us wherein lies the wrong in our requests. So, it is always good to "Let your requests be made known unto God." (Php. 4:6) This does not mean that it is good to insist that God does whatever we ask in all the details. In fact, that is not right and most dishonouring to God as it tries to manipulate the Almighty.
When we carefully observe how God always answer our detailed, humble prayers, we learn to fear and trust in Him more. We also learn to be fewer in words when come to pray to Him. In prayers we do not come to inform Him, but to better understand our situation and express our concern before Him - to be taught and moulded by Him. "Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. — There was given to me a thorn in the flesh. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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." (Mar. 14:36; 2Co. 12:7-9) Observe, what the Apostle Paul learn about himself in relation to the Almighty as the result of the "thorn" and his prayers.
"I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. — Hannah ... was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and ... wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life. The Lord remembered her." (Psa. 142:2; 1Sa. 1:9-11,20) Sincere prayers may lead to sincere vows before God. And God takes these vows seriously and expect them to be kept. What an living interaction between God and man!
Ignorance of what to pray for is no excuse for not praying. It is in our humble prayers that we learn how and what to pray for. "We know not what we should pray for as we ought. — He shall choose our inheritance for us." (Rom. 8:26; Psa. 47:4)
Why are we not praying as often as we ought to?
Comment on Morning July 29
How much do we desire for the Lord's Second Coming? Well, that depends on how much of heaven one has tasted while on earth. Robert M. McCheyne of Dundee, considered himself a debtor in this world and wrote that he shall never fully know how much he owes until the last day of judgment at Christ's Second Coming. Here he would live a life of love to show how much he owes. Such a man grows to long for that great and glorious day more and more.
If we grow well spiritually, we also increase our appetite for Heaven. "Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down." (Isa. 64:1) We long for Jesus' return not to establish this present world, no matter how glamourous it may appear to the people of the world, but to bring in the New Heavens and the New Earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
In ancient days, women took great delight and longing for spices and perfumes, especially those rare ones from across the mountains, from far away lands. Roes and young harts are used to carry such rare treasures across the difficult moutains to these women. "Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices. — We ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. — Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke." (Song 8:14; Rom. 8:23; Psa. 144:5) Only our Lord Jesus can bring the riches of heaven to us, poor and needy people.
Are you disappointed that Jesus is not with you now in His physical body? "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. — Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. — 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 have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." (Act. 1:11; Heb. 9:28; Isa. 25:9) If we can see His ascension in His physical body, we can also see His Second Coming in the same physical body.
Heaven has no riches without the Son of God. The riches and glory of Heaven are brought to us in our Lord Jesus Christ. "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. — That blessed hope ... the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. — Our conversation is in heaven." (Rev. 22:20; Tit. 2:13; Php. 3:20)
Have you tasted Heaven yet? May the Lord give you a taste of Himself.
Comment on Evening July 29
We naturally fear and become cautious when we stand before an object of great power, that can destroy us instantly. An innocent and ignorant child may play freely before such an object, oblivion of the danger. Those who know move with caution for his own safety.
There is no power greater than that of the Omnipotent One. To those who know Him is given the fear of His Name. Blessed are those who fear His Name for they shall walk in safety and confidence. "Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name." (Psa. 61:5)
To those who fear the Lord, right and wrong is determined by Him They are clothed with His righteousness in Jesus Christ. "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. — The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. — The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." (Isa. 54:17; Psa. 34:7-10; 16:6) Many are not happy and satisfied with the Righteousness of Christ alone. They must adde their own in one form or another in order to feel comortable and safe. Such are people who has no fear of the Lord in their hearts.
An ancient farmer who starts work very early in the morning, while it is yet dark, finds the ever-rising sun an increasing solution to many of his problems and difficulties. "Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings: and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. — 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?" (Mal. 4:2; Rom. 8:32) How shall we know how much we owe, when we do not even know that we shall be "dressed in beauty not mine own". (Robert M. McCheyne)
Do you have the heritage of those who fear the Name of the Lord?
Comment on Morning July 30
Since the day we were born we have been looking for something all the time, knowingly or unknowingly. We make noise and cry, looking for something, maybe our food for our physical nourishment. As we grow and become more aware of things around us, we develop, rightly or wrongly, different kinds of dependence. We need this or that to live, to be comfortable, to enjoy, etc. We look for them, we seek for them, we fight for them, we would even suffer and die for them.
Man is created for God and needs God. His soul is restless until he finds rest in God. "Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." (Col. 3:1) He came from God and is now return to Him. Only in Him can there be this satisfaction.
Man is limited between the lowest depth of hell and the highest spot at God's right hand. And, Jesus Christ has reach both ends with His infinite knowledge and wisdom and understanding. "Get wisdom, get understanding. — The wisdom that is from above. — The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. — We are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." (Pro. 4:5; Jam. 3:17; Job. 28:14; Rom. 6:4,5) Follow Him faithfully and closely and we will not live as fools in this world.
Where we fail and sin against God, it is for us to acknowledge the truth and to repent in true humility. Flee to Christ, whose precious blood alone can cleanse us from all our sins. "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. — God ... hath quickened us together with Christ, ... and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." (Heb. 12:1; Eph. 2:4-6)
We who talk about God and His creation, know what are truly needful in our lives. We do not go whoring after the lustful imaginations of our heart. "They that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. — Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness." (Heb. 11:14; Zep. 2:3)
What are you looking for to day?
Comment on Evening July 30
Those of us who are weak in faith need not be in despair, thinking that the Lord would take no interest in us. The fundamental axiom of the evolution theory - "the survival of the fitest" - is not one of the article of the Christian faith.
"Nicodemus ... he that came to Jesus by night." (Joh. 7:50), may well be one who was weak in faith. But Jesus received him and taught him, and us, invaluable lesson about regeneration.
A true believer may, at times, be very unwise and compromise their faith to their own confusion and hurt. "Peter followed him afar off. — Among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. — The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." (Mat. 26:58; Joh. `21:42,43; Pro. 29:25) The chastening hands of the Lord is to bring them back by way repentance and faith.
Faith is given by God to be exercised and not buried underground. It is in that exercise of faith that it grows stroner and more useful. "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. — A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench. — Faith as a grain of mustard seed." (Joh. 6:37; Isa. 42:3; Mat. 17:20)
It is good for believers to encourage one another to exercise their faith, no matter how weak such faith may appear to be. Being encouraged we should try to walk more and more all by ourselves. A clutch may be good and useful initially to encourage a patient to walk and recuperate. Full recovery comes when one can walk without the clutch finally. "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. — Little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. — Whosoever ... shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." (2Ti. 1:7,8; Mat. 10:32)
Are you shying away from the Lord because of your weaknesses in faith? Weak faith does not mean no faith. Get a hold of that faith and act now if you want to be strong.
Comment on Morning July 31
In recent months, here in Singapore July 2008, there had been a number of death of soldiers while under training. Some think that the soldiers were not fit enough while others that the training was unnecessarily tough. Whatever, a soldier must be trained to endure hardness as in real war nothing is going to be easy to one's liking.
The Christian warfare is no different. Christians begin with the wrong steps if they think that their Christian life is going to be a bed of roses. "Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2Ti. 2:3) If we are not prepared to suffer for our faith sake we are not going to be good Christians.
Christ is our Captain, our Leader, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He showed us by His life and example, that the path of perfection is a path of sufferings. "I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and a commander to the people. — It became him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering. — We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Isa. 55:4; Heb. 2:10; Act. 14:22)
Often the sufferings of God's people are physical as we read so much of it in Biblical times and settings. But in reality, out battle is spiritual in nature as our archenemy is the devil who is a spirit. "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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God. — We do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.)" (Eph. 6:12,13; 2Co. 10:3,4) As such our sufferings are fundamentally, spiritual, psychological and mental. In these areas of life we must therefore be armed with the Armour of God.
As we are prepared to suffer, we must also know where to go to find strength and courage to press on when the way goes tough. Only God can sustain us in the midst of such sufferings. "The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (1Pe. 5:10) We must constantly look to Him in prayers.
Can we totally avoid sufferings in this world? Often we must go through sufferings in order to be sanctified. Are we prepared for such sufferings in life following Christ's example?
Comment on Evening July 31
God is a Spirit Who chooses to dwell in the midst of human community where there is true unity. So He created for Himself such a community out of the individual human beings gathered from the fallen race of Adam.
The unity of this community is "The unity of the Spirit." (Eph. 4:3) It is not any artificial unity created by man out of his own wisdom and understanding.
In this community now, the Old Testament distinction of Jews and non-Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised is done away with. "There is one body, and one Spirit. — Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; 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." (Eph. 4:4; 2:18-22) This Community is the Christian Community conssiting of the followers of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
This unity created by the Holy Spirit is not without the authority of the Messiah, the Christ. The Priestly office of the Old Testament is often used in Scriptures to represent the Authority of Christ, the Anointed One. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments." (Psa. 133:1,2) At the consecration of Aaron as the High Priest of Israel, there was such unforgettable joy and unity among God's people.
Such unity is founded upon the purifying truth revealed by the Spirit of Truth. "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." (1Pe. 1:22) Purified souls are loving souls.
What do you think of that kind of unity that disregard the inspired Word of God? What will such a unity finally lead to?
No comments:
Post a Comment