So let my light shine, O Lord, at Calvary!: Daily Light on Daily Path

MORNING MAY 1
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The fruit of the Spirit is peace.

To be spiritually minded is life and peace.

God hath called us to peace. — Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. — The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

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. — Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. — Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Great peace have they which love thy law.

GAL. 5:22. Rom. 8:6. I Cor. 7:15. -John 14:27. -Rom. 15:13. II Tim. 1:12. -Isa. 26:3. Isa. 32:17,18. -Prov. 1:33. Psa. 119:165.

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EVENING MAY 1
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Jehovah-shammah (The Lord is there.)

Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

I saw no temple: ... for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple. The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. — Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion. — Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. — There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.

EZEK. 48:35. Rev. 21:3. Rev. 21:22,23. Psa. 17:5. -Psa. 73:25. Joel 3:20,21. -Zech. 2:10. -Rev. 22:3.

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MORNING MAY 2
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Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.

Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. — Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. — My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. — Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord, Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.

Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much less this house that I have builded? — Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. — Ye are the temple of living God.

GEN. 28:16. Matt. 18:20. -Matt. 28:20. -Exo. 33:14. Psa. 139:7,8. -Jer. 23:23,24. I Kgs. 8:27. -Isa. 57:15. -II Cor. 6:16.

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EVENING MAY 2
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Keep yourselves from idols.

My son, give me thine heart. — Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them? — Mortify ... your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. — They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things.

If riches increase, set not your heart upon them. — My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. — The Lord looketh on the heart.

I JOHN 5:21. Prov. 23:26. -Gal. 3:2. Ezek. 14:3. -Gal. 3:5. -I Tim. 6:9-11. Psa. 62:10. -Prov. 8:19. Matt. 6:21. -I Sam. 16:7.

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MORNING MAY 3
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Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. — Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should he mine.

Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's

Ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. — Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity. — Be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. — Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. — Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

MATT. 5:48. Gen. 17:1. -Lev. 20:26. I Cor. 6:20. Col. 2:l0. -Tit. 2:14. -II Pet. 3:14. Psa. 119:1. -Jas.1:25. -Psa. 139:23,24.

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EVENING MAY 3
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Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. — Teaching us that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. — Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. — Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect.

Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. — For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledege of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

II COR. 7:1. II Cor. 7:1. Psa. 51:6. -Tit. 2:12. -Matt. 5:16. -Php. 3:12. I John 3:3. II Cor. 5:5. Eph. 4:12,13.

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MORNING MAY 4
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Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. — While I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help, leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. — Be not thou far from me, O Lord, O my strength, haste thee to help me.

Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee. — Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us. — Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.

ISA. 59:1. Psa. 138:3 -Dan. 9:21. Psa. 27:9. -Psa. 22:19. Jer. 32:17. -II Cor. 1:10. -Luke 18:7,8.

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EVENING MAY 4
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I have glorified thee on the earth.

My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. — I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. — This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. — Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well — All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words, which proceeded out of his mouth.

Thou art worthy ... for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and peopIe, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

JOHN 17:4. John 4:34. -John 9:4. Luke 2:49,50. -John 11:4,40. Luke 2:52. -Luke 3:22. -Luke 4:22. Rev. 5:9,10.

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MORNING MAY 5
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Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

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. — No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

I would have you without carefulness. — Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. — Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? — Have faith in God.

MATT. 6:31,32. Psa. 34:9,10. -Psa. 84:11,12. I Cor. 7:32. -Php. 4:6. Matt. 10:29-31. -Mark 4:40. -Mark 11:22.

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EVENING MAY 5
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He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. — There shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain,

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. — The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: he took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

PSA. 105:39. Psa. 103:13,14. Psa. 121:6. -Isa. 4:6. Psa. 121:5,8. -Exo. 13:21,22. Heb. 13:8.

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MORNING MAY 6
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Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

A just God and a Saviour.

The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.

God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. — Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forebearance of God; to declare I say at this time his righteousness: that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. — He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed. — Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. — To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly; his faith is counted for righteousness.

PSA. 85:10. Isa. 45:21. Isa. 42:21. II Cor. 5:19. -Rom. 3:25,26. -Isa. 53:5. -Rom. 8:33. -Rom. 4:5.

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EVENING MAY 6
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How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

Beloved, now are we the Sons of God; ... it doth not 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. — As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of heavenly.

The Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; ... shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. — He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once.

If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

I COR. 15:35. I John 3:2. - I Cor. 15:49. Php. 3:20,21. Luke 24:36,37. -I Cor. 15:5,6. Rom. 8:11.

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MORNING MAY 7
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Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. — Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. — In the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. — Your life is hid with Christ in God.

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting the Lord.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

MATT. 24:6. Psa. 46:1-3. -Isa. 26:20,21. -Psa. 57:1. -Col. 3:3. Psa. 112:7. John 16:33.

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EVENING MAY 7
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They persecute him whom thou hast smitten.

It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! — Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. — They did spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? — Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross. — Of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Surely he hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

PSA. 69:26. Luke 17:1. -Acts 2:23. -Matt. 26:67,68. -Matt. 27:41,42. -Acts 4:27,28. Isa. 53:4.

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MORNING MAY 8
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It pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. — Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. — Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. — For I came down from heaven, not to do mine will, but the will of him that sent me. — The cup which my father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

The Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. — My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, — Mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.

ISA. 53:10. John 12:27,28. -Luke 22:42,43. Php. 2:8. -John 10:17. -John 6:38. -John 18:11. John 8:29. -Matt. 3:17. -Isa. 42:1.

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EVENING MAY 8
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Ye that are the Lord's remembrancers, keep not silence.

Thou ... hast made us unto our God kings and priests. — The sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations. And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.

I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. — Their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven. — The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. — Pray one for another: the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Come, Lord Jesus. — Make no tarrying, O my God. — Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.

ISA. 62:6. Rom. 5:9,10. -Num. 10:8,9. Isa. 45:19. -2 Chr 30:27. -Psa. 34:15. -Jas. 5:16. Rev. 22:20. -Psa. 40:17. -II Pet. 3:12.

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MORNING MAY 9
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Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit. — After that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. — Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

We walk by faith, not by sight. — Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

HEB. 11:1. I Cor. 15:19. I Cor. 2:9,10. -Eph. 1:13,14. -John 20:29. -I Pet. 1:8,9. II Cor. 5:7. -Heb. 10:35.

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EVENING MAY 9
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It is I; be not afraid.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. — I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Woe is me! for I am undone; ... mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. — I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

JOHN 6:20. Rev. 1:17,18. -Isa. 43:25. Isa. 6:5-7. -Isa. 44:22. I John 2:1.

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MORNING MAY 10
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For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

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. — Forasmuch ... as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death. that is, the devil. — And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them. — I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I JOHN 3:8. Eph. 6:12. -Heb. 2:14. -Col 2:15. -Rev. 12:10,11. I Cor. 15:57.

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EVENING MAY 10
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Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

We spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. — Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. — I am the Lord, I change not. — Our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. — The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. — Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

ECCL. 1:2. Psa. 90:9,10. I Cor. 15:19. -Heb. 13:14. -Mal. 3:6. -Php. 3:20,21. -Rom. 8:20. Heb. 13:8. -Rev. 4:8.

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MORNING MAY 11
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Awake to righteousness, and sin not.

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. — Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. — Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed: and make you a new heart and a new spirit. — Lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. — Little children, abide in him that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

I COR. 15:34. I Thes. 5:5,6. Rom. 13:11,12. -Eph. 6:13. -Ezek. 18:31. -Jas. 1:21. -I John 2:28,29.

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EVENING MAY 11
s

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MORNING MAY 12
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Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us. — Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. — He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. — In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. — That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

I JOHN 4:7. Rom. 5:5. -Rom. 8:15,16. -I John 5:10. I John 4:9. -Eph. 1:7. -Eph. 2:7. I John 4:11.

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EVENING MAY 12
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Reproach hath broken my heart.

Is not this the carpenter's son? — Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? — Say we not well that thou are a Samaritan, and hast a devil? — He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. — We know that this man is a sinner. — He deceiveth the people. — This man blasphemeth. — Behold a man gluttonous and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. — This is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. — If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye.

PSA. 69:20. Matt. 13:55. -John 1:46. -John 8:48. -Matt. 9:34. -John 9:24. -John 7:12. -Matt. 9:3. -Matt. 11:19. Matt. 10:25. -I Pet. 2:19-23. -I Pet. 4:14.

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MORNING MAY 13
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Pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

The true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. — Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. — When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any.

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. — Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. — My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins.

I TIM. 2:8. John 4:23,24. -Isa. 58:9. -Mark 11:25. Heb. 11:6. -Jas. 1:6,7. Psa. 66:18. -I John 2:1,2.

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EVENING MAY 13
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My heart panteth, my strength faileth me.

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

When (Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? — If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. — He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. — The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. — Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power.

PSA. 38:10. Psa. 61:1,2. II Cor. 12:9,10. Matt. 14:30,31. -Prov. 24:10. -Isa. 40:29. -Deut. 33:27. -Col. 1:11.

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MORNING MAY 14
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The fellowship of His sufferings.

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. — In the world ye shall have tribulation. — Because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

I looked for some to take pity, but there was none. — At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me.

The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. — Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

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.

Php. 3:10. Matt. 10:25. Isa. 53:3. -John 16:33. -John 15:19. Psa. 69:20. -II Tim. 4:16. Matt. 8:20. -Heb. 13:14. Heb. 12:1,2.

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EVENING MAY 14
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They overcame ... by the blood of the Lamb.

Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died. — It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. — I am the LORD. The blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.

There is ... no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.

What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

REV. 12:11. Rom. 8:33,34. -Lev. 17:11. -Exo. 12:12,13. Rom. 8:1. Rev. 7:13,14. Rev. 1:5,6.

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MORNING MAY 15
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God shall wipe away all tears: ... there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, ... for the former things are passed away.

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. — Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. — The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity. — The voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. — Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction. — The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

The things which are not seen are eternal.

REV. 21:4. Isa. 25:8. -Isa. 60:20. -Isa. 33:24. -Isa. 65:19. -Isa. 35:10. Hos. 13:14. -I Cor. 15:26,54. II Cor. 4:18.

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EVENING MAY 15
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Raised up together in Christ Jesus.

Fear not; ... I am he that liveth. — Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.

We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. — He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead. — Ye are complete in him, which is the head.

Forasmuch ... as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil: and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

EPH. 2:6. Rev. 1:17,18. -John 17:24. Eph. 5:30. -Col. 1:18. -Col. 2:10. Heb. 2:14,15. I Cor. 15:53,54.

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MORNING MAY 16
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A servant of Jesus Christ.

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. — If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. — Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. — Being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. — Thou art no more a servant, but a son.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh.

ROM. 1:1. John 13:13. -John 12:26. -Matt. 11:29,30. Php. 3:7. -Rom. 6:22. John 15:15. -Gal. 4:7. Gal. 5:1,13.

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EVENING MAY 16
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I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel.

His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor. — Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding, I have strength. — Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. — Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. — Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. — Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. — He knoweth the way that I take. — Man's goings are of the Lord: how can a man then understand his own way?

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. — This God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

PSA. 16:7. Isa. 9:6. -Prov. 8:14. -Psa. 119:105. -Prov. 3:5,6. Jer. 10:23. -Isa. 30:21. -Prov. 16:3. -Job 23:10. -Prov. 20:24. Psa. 73:24. -Psa. 48:14.

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MORNING MAY 17
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I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them.

As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. — He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. — Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. — Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything, as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. — Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes.

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. — The God of peace, ... make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ.

EZEK. 20:19. I Pet. 1:15. -I John 2:6,29. -I Cor. 7:19. -Jas. 2:10. II Cor. 3:5. -Psa. 119:33. Php. 2:12,13. -Heb. 13:20,21.

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EVENING MAY 17
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I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

Verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren. — Upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. — The Son of man ... which is in heaven. — Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. — Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

PSA. 89:19. Heb. 2:16,17. -Ezek. 1:26. -John 3:13. -Luke 24:39. Php. 2:7-10. -Rev. 3:2.

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MORNING MAY 18
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As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.

Our Saviour Jesus Christ, ... hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. — I am the resurrection, and the life. — Because I live, ye shall live also. — We are made partakers of Christ. — Partakers of the Holy Ghost. — Partakers of the divine nature. — The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. — Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. — Who liveth for ever and ever. — The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality. — Unto the King eternal, immortal, ... be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

JOHN 5:26. II Tim. 1:10. -John 11:25. -John 14:19. -Heb. 3:14. -Heb. 6:4. -II Pet. 1:4. -I Cor. 15:45,51,52. Rev. 4:8. -Rev. 4:9. -I Tim. 6:15,16. -I Tim. 1:17.

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EVENING MAY 18
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Let us not be desirous of vain glory.

Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the carrings of his prey. And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.

Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not. — Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh.

Let nothing be done, through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. — Charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not pufied up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me.

GAL. 5:26. Judg. 8:24,25,27. Jer. 45:5. -II Cor. 12:7. Php. 2:3. -I Cor. 13:4,5. Matt. 11:29.

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MORNING MAY 19
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Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity.

I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. — Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. — If the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a 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 saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. — Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

PSA. 51:2. Jer. 33:8. -Ezek. 36:25. John 3:5. -Heb. 9:13,14. Psa. 106:8. -Psa. 115:1.

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EVENING MAY 19
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Fellowship in the gospel.

As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. — That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. — These words spake Jesus. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.

Php. 1:5. I Cor. 12:12,13. I Cor. 1:9. -I John 1:3. I John 1:7. -John 17:1,20,21.

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MORNING MAY 20
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Take heed unto thyself.

Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. — Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against the flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. — For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. — Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

I TIM. 4:16. I Cor. 9:25-27. -Eph. 6:11,12. Gal. 5:24,25. -Rom. 8:14. -I Tim. 4:15.

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EVENING MAY 20
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Jesus saith unto her, Mary.

Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name: Thou art mine. — The sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name. And the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. — We have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.

Thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial. And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment. And thou shalt set in it four rows of stones. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, ... and they shall be upon Aaron's heart when he goeth in before the Lord.

JOHN 20:16. Isa. 43:1. -John 10:3,4. Isa. 49:16. II Tim. 2:19. -Heb. 4:14. Exo. 28:9,12,15,17,21,30.

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MORNING MAY 21
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My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. — I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. — The gospel of Christ ... is the power of God unto salvation.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. — I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. — We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

The joy of the Lord is your strength. — Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.

EPH. 6:10. II Cor. 12:9,10. -Psa. 71:16. -Rom. 1:16. Php. 4:13. -Col. 1:29. -II Cor. 4:7. Neh. 8:10. -Col. 1:11.

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EVENING MAY 21
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Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. — He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.

Messias ... which is called Christ. — The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives.

The last Adam was made a quickening spirit. The second man is the Lord from heaven. — My Lord and my God. — Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

I COR. 1:9. Matt. 1:21. -Php. 2:8-10. John 4:25. -Isa. 61:1. I Cor. 15:45,47. -John 20:28. -John 13:13-15.

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MORNING MAY 22
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Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

The world passeth away, and the lust thereof. — Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches. and knoweth not who shall gather them. — What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. — I would have you without carefulness.

These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world. — The Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. — The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

JOHN 14:27. I John 2:17. -Psa. 39:6. -Rom. 6:21. Luke 10:41,42. -I Cor.7:32. John 16.33. -II Thes. 3:16. -Num. 6:24-26.

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EVENING MAY 22
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The Spirit helpeth our infirmities.

The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost. — What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God? — It is God which worketh in you.

We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. — A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.

The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

ROM. 8:26. John 14:26. -I Cor. 6:19. -Php. 2:13. Rom. 8:26,27. Psa. 103:14. -Isa. 42:3. Matt. 26:41. Psa. 23:1,2.

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MORNING MAY 23
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Thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord.

Jesus ... 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. — Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory.

Seeing ... that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.

The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him: and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.

EXO. 28:12. Heb. 7:24,25. -Jude 24. Heb. 4:14-16. Deut. 33:12.

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EVENING MAY 23
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On that night could not the king sleep.

Thou holdest mine eyes waking. — Who is like unto the Lord our God, ... who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. — Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. — Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. — We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

ESTH. 6:1. Psa. 77:4. -Psa. 113:5,6. Dan. 4:35. -Psa. 77:19. -Psa. 76:10. 2 Chr 16:9. -Rom. 8:28. Matt. 10:29,30.

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MORNING MAY 24
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Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

The love of the Spirit. — The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost. — In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. — After that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of the inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. — This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

The Spirit helpeth our infirmities.

EPH. 4:30. Rom. 15:30. -John 14:26. -Isa. 63:9,10. I John 4:13. -Eph. 1:13,14. -Gal. 5:16,17. Rom. 8:26.

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EVENING MAY 24
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I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face.

Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, your sins have hid his face from you. — My beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: ... I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. — I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on forwardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him. — Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God when he led thee by the way?

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 will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

HOS. 5:15. Isa. 59:2. -Song 5:6. -Isa 57:17,18. -Jer. 2:17. Luke 15:20. -Hos. 14:4. I John 1:9.

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MORNING MAY 25
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How great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee!

Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. — Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit. — Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

PSA. 31:19. Isa. 64:4. -I Cor. 2:9,10. -Psa. 16:11. Psa. 36:7-9. I Tim. 4:8.

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EVENING MAY 25
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The Son of God, ... hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. — Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. — The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. — He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. — A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.

The Lord knoweth them that are his. — I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

REV. 2:18. Jer. 17:9,10. -Psa. 90:8. -Luke 22:61,62. John 2:24,25. -Psa. 103:14. -Isa. 42:3. II Tim. 2:19. -John 10:14,27,28.

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MORNING MAY 26
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Our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep.

The chief Shepherd. — I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity us all. — I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. — I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick. — Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

HEB. 13:20. I Pet. 5:4. -John 10:14,27, 28. Psa. 23:1-3. Isa. 53:6. -John 10:11. -Ezek. 34:16. -I Pet. 2:25.

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EVENING MAY 26
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The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. — Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. — The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

The God of all grace, ... hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus.

REV. 21:23. Acts 26:13,15. -Matt. 17:1,2. -Isa. 60:19,20. I Pet. 5:10.

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MORNING MAY 27
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The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. — I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. — Who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! — As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?

If any man love God, the same is known of him. — 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. — The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. — Thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

NAH. 1:7. Jer. 33:11. -Psa. 46:1. -Psa. 91:2. -Deut. 33:29. -II Sam. 22:31,32. I Cor. 8:3. -II Tim. 2:19. -Psa. 1:6. -Exo. 33:17.

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EVENING MAY 27
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I would have you without carefulness.

He careth for you. — The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. — Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them Are ye not much better than they? — 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.

I COR. 7:32. I Pet. 5:7 -2 Chr 16:9. Psa. 34:8,10. -Matt. 6:25,26. -Php. 4:6,7.

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MORNING MAY 28
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We look for the Saviour.

The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. — We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. — And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Php. 3:20. Tit. 2:11-14. -II Pet. 3:13,14. Heb 9:28. -Isa. 25:9.

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EVENING MAY 28
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So run, that ye may obtain.

The slothful man saith, There is a lion without. — Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

I press toward the mark. — I ... so run, not as uncertainly; I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, ... I myself should be a castaway.

The fashion of this world passeth away.

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent. — Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

I COR. 9:24. Prov. 22:13. -Heb. 12:1,2. II Cor. 7:1. Php. 3:14. -I Cor. 9:26,27. I Cor. 7:31. II Pet. 3:13,14. -I Pet. 1:13.

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MORNING MAY 29
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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.

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. — The blood of the Lamb. — The precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. — Without shedding of blood is no remission. — The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

By his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. — Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.

Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

LEV. 17:11. John 1:29. -Rev. 7:14. -I Pet. 1:19. -Heb. 9:22. -I John 1:7. Heb. 9:12. -Heb. 10:19,20,22. I Cor. 6:20.

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EVENING MAY 29
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Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

It came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.

Job spake, and said, Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul; which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures? — Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. — In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

PSA. 55:6. Jon. 4:8. Job 3:2,20,21. -Psa. 34:19. John 12:27. -Heb. 2:17,18.

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MORNING MAY 30
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Let us labour to enter into that rest.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction: ... strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. — The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. — Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you. — Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: ... for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. — So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. — The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

HEB. 4:11. Matt. 7:13,14. -Matt. 11:12. -John 6:27. -II Pet. 1:10,11. -I Cor. 9:24,25. Heb. 4:10. -Isa. 60:19.

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EVENING MAY 30
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Thou hearest me always.

Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. — Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. — Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. — Not my will, but thine, be done.

As he is, so are we in this world. — This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.

Whatsoever we ask. we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

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 ever liveth to make intercession for them. — We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

JOHN 11:42. John 11:41. -John 12.28. -Heb. 10:7. -Luke 22:42. I John 4:17. -I John 5:l4. I John 3:22. Heb. 11:6. Heb. 7:25. -I John 2:1.

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MORNING MAY 31
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Thy name shall be called Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

By his strength he had power with God: yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him. — Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.

Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That 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. — If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. — Blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Lord, increase our faith.

GEN. 32:28. Hos. 12:3,4. -Rom. 4:20. Mark 11:22-24. -Mark 9:23. -Luke 1:45. -Luke 17:5.

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EVENING MAY 31
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Little children, abide in him.

He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another. Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Ye did run well; who did hinder you?

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. — For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

I JOHN 2:28. Jas. 1:6-8. Gal. 1:6-8. Gal. 5:4,7. John 15:4,7. -II Cor. 1:20.

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Comment on Morning May 01

Peace implies stability, equilibrium, harmony, safety, joy, trust, and all good things. Peace is the opposite of all that bring chaos, disorder, confusion, imbalance and finally destruction.

All who have a wholesome experience of the human existence, would agree that peace is better and more primary than conflict. But is this true in the statement: "In time of peace, prepare for war." Does not this statement advocate the idea that peace serves war? It does not when you consider that no military army of any nation call itself a war force. They now call themselves the Defend Force. If war is to be fought, it is for the purpose of maintaining whatever peace that was worth defending, protecting and preserving in a community. To be prepared for a war is not starting a war. It is to prevent one from breaking out, so that there may be continual peace.

"The fruit of the Spirit is peace." (Gal. 5:22) This is the peace that comes from God and it is the only antidote against the Fall of man, which brought about all the conflicts in creation, including all our wars, rumour of wars, and even climate change and economic chaos.

"There shall be no peace to the wicked" so said the prophet. (Isa. 48:22; 57:21) The genuine peace lovers would have to be spiritually minded. "To be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Rom. 8:6) When we have life and peace within our own soul, then are we ready to influence others in a deep way. So it is demonstrable that there can be peace in the soul while conflict all around.

"God hath called us to peace. — Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. — The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (1Cor. 7:15. -John 14:27. -Rom. 15:13) This quiet peace is very important for personal growth as well as for gospel-witnessing.

"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. — Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (2Tim. 1:12. -Isa. 26:3) How can the weak be peaceful without someone strong to rely upon in the midst of troubles and confusion? And who can be stronger than the God Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth? Blessed are those who trust in Him.

"The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. — Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." (Isa. 32:17,18. -Prov. 1:33) The true righteousness which comes from God through our Lord Jesus Christ, shall produce works which bring peace, the true peace which brings quietness, from fear of evil.

"Great peace have they which love thy law." (Psa. 119:165)

Are you one who troubles Israel? (1Ki 18:17, 18)

Comment on Evening May 01

Would this universe be a better and more superior place without any living creatures to begin with? For one thing, if that be the case, I would not be writing this entry in my blog to you nor you reading it with tears or with anger. To prefer a world without living creatures is suicidal in nature. So the conception of life is a higher conception than the conception of non-life. Anselm said that God is that being greater than which nothing can be conceived. A conception of a God as non-living a lesser conception tnan that of a God that is living. According to Anselm, therefore, God cannot be conceeived as non-living. Not only does He exist, but He exist as the Living Being. The Bible reveals that God is the Living God. And we can rejoice in this truth.

"Jehovah-shammah (The Lord is there.)" (Eze. 48:35) All is well if Jehovah, the Mighty Creator, is there. That was the case, when the children of Israel traveled through the wilderness to reach the promised land. In the Tabernacle, He assures His people of His holy presence with them through all the difficulties they would ever encounter in the journey. Finally, when they cross the river Jordan to the promised land, the Tabernacle went ahead of them to lead them safely across.

Such will also be the case for us who finally would have to pass through death to enter the Blessed Promised Land of Heaven. Not only will His presence bring us safely across, but He would be our all in all for ever and ever. "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Rev. 21:3) "I saw no temple: ... for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple. The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Rev. 21:22,23)

The more we walk with God the more we realize that we cannot go without Him. We were created for Him and in Him we find our all in all. "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. — Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee." (Psa. 17:5; 73:25)

"Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion. — Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. — There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him." (Joel 3:20,21. -Zech. 2:10. -Rev. 22:3)

"If Jesus goes with me, I will go anywhere. It's heaven to me whereever I may be if He is there. I count it a privilege here, His love to share. If Jesus goes with me, I'll go anywhere." Is that true of you as well?

Comment on Morning May 02

God is omnipresent - everywhere present in all His being at all times. Yet, it is a fact that many (including people born again) are not always conscious ot that presence! Thus is set forth the objective and subjective realities in this world. These two realities are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are inevitable in the creation of rational, moral creatures which are conscious being, just like God Himself. "Surely the Lord is in this place (objective reality, lck); and I knew it not." (subjective reality, lck) (Gen. 28:16)

The objective reality is absolute, even as God Himself is absolute. It is so by the act of His Sovereign will, according to His own divine counsel and good pleasure. This reality is not debatable, but to be declared by God Himself throgh the means He has appointed.

The subjective reality is the confession (in life and word) of God's rational, moral creatures, concerning His objective reality. A rational, moral creature lives and acts the way he does according to that subjective reality of his. He is responsible for the subjective world he creates for himself and also for his every thought, word and action based upon it.

For us followers of Chrst, He declares to us the objective reality: "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. — Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. — My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." (Matt. 18:20. -Matt. 28:20. -Exo. 33:14) This reality is so, irrespective of how we feel or act, individually or corporately.

Basing on the declared objective reality, God wants our subjective reality to approximate that objective reality. So He wants us to consider the practical implication of His objective reality. "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. — Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord, Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord." (Psa. 139:7,8. -Jer. 23:23,24) He wants us to live by faith which is based upon His infallible and inerrant Word.

In those who trust and obey Him, He makes His abode in their contrite and humble spirit. "Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much less this house that I have builded? — Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. — Ye are the temple of living God." (1Kgs. 8:27. -Isa. 57:15. -II Cor. 6:16) In that way He revives such spirit and heart, now and throughout eternity.

As we grow in the Lord, what kind of spirit and heart can we expect ourselves to possess yet more and more?

Comment on Evening May 02

Idols are anything that we set up in the place of God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. There is a place in every human heart reserved for God, since God created man after His own image and likeness. A person who says that there is not God, has someone else sitting on that seat rather than God, whether he realizes it or not. Most often than not, it is himself who is sitting there usurping the authority of God. He worship himself as god. All these are idols, and there is only one true and living God, namely the God Who has revealed Himself in His Word, the Bible.

"Keep yourselves from idols." (1Jo. 5:21) "They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them." (Psa. 115:8) Such is the nature of that unique seat in man's heart. If we aspire to eternity and infinitum, we must only have God sitting there in our hearts, nothing else.

So He Who saves us says: "My son, give me thine heart. — Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Prov. 23:26. -Gal. 3:2) Anything else is stumbling and leads astray.

"Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them? — Mortify ... your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. — They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things." (Ezek. 14:3. -Gal. 3:5. -I Tim. 6:9-11) To enquire of the Lord means to seek His judgment and blessing. Kings and ruler often do that in the knowledge of their subjects so as to give the impression that what they do are with divine authority and not just their own personal judgment. Jehovah refuses to be "enqured of" by those idolatrous hypocrites, lest His Holy Name be defied in the eyes of His people. In fact, He is furious with such pretentious ways which take His Name in vain.

The by-products of a life in union with God are not to be mistaken as His "fruit" and "revenue". "If riches increase, set not your heart upon them. — My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver." (Psa. 62:10. -Prov. 8:19) The Psalmist of Psalm 73 was mistaken here and became very troubled until he learns his lesson in the sanctuary of God. By-products can change from time to time, irrespective of our personal taste or liking at the particular time. They are always useful in the hand of the Almight for His Beloved people. We can trust Him.

"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. — The Lord looketh on the heart." (Matt. 6:21. -I Sam. 16:7)

Where is your heart today?

Comment on Morning May 03

Our Heavenly Father is perfect. That does not mean that He is jumping all over right now at all the imperfections He sees around Him. We commonly think of a perfectionist as a person who cannot stand the sight of imperfection and so become very impatient with people around him. Is a perfectionist a perfect person? Our Heavenly Father is perfect and govern all things calmly according to His own good pleasure and counsel at His own timing.

"Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Mat. 5:48) God's Word exhorts us to be perfect, to be wholesome, complete and mature. No true believer can be contented with "bottle-feeding" after being a Christian for a number of years. They want to partake of spiritual meat and not just the milk of the Word. Though we are always dependent upon God for our very being, strength, wisdom, etc., He never saves us to be passive "stock and block", totally indifferent objects of mercy.

"I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. — Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should he mine." (Gen. 17:1. -Lev. 20:26) To be holy unto the Lord means to be consecrated to Him in all things. This calls for an innermost dedication of one's heart and mind to live for God and God alone. As out of the heart of man flows all the issues of life, we can expect an active involvement of one who is holy, as God saves him. He both wills and does the good pleasure of the Lord.

As he grows in grace, he confirms again and again that such holy activities are his calling in life. "Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1Cor. 6:20)

What does it take to make a sinner whole and complete? We may not know the detail of it. But we do know and believe that our Lord Jesus has the answer and power to make us perfect. "Ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. — Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity. — Be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (Col. 2:l0. -Tit. 2:14. -II Pet. 3:14) So, we are called to follow Him closely, that where He is there we may be also.

"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. — Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (Psa. 119:1; Jam. 1:25) People who despise the law of the Lord would have to repent of such attitude before they take their abode in Heaven, the perfect place, where righteousness and liberty dwell.

A life striving for perfection is not without the perfect God to search, try, know, see and lead. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psa. 139:23,24)

Are you afraid of a perfect God? Why?

Comment on Evening May 03

It is vain, foolish pride for any human being to think that there is nothing more for him to learn nor to improve upon in this life. This is even more so the case, for Christians in spiritual things. Cultivating holiness is a spiritual exercise.

"Perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2Co. 7:1) is therefore the humble pursuit of a child of God in this life.

As we are so imperfect, defiling and contaminating ourselves in the course of our Christian walk should not surprise us. Perfecting holiness calls for regular cleansing on our part. "Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit." (2Co. 7:1) A proud soul is superficial is such cleansing and therefore slow in learning. A broken and contrite heart learns the deep things of God and grow in greater holiness of life more quickly.

"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. — Teaching us that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." (Psa. 51:6. -Tit. 2:12) We know nothing if we do not know how to say "no" to something and "yes" to something else. "Ungodliness and worldly lusts" shoule be denied in our life again and again. And living "soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" is something to be pursued with all our might.

In this constant struggles against the power of darkness we shine for the Lord. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. — Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect." (Matt. 5:16. -Php. 3:12)

Our struggles shall not be in vain as the Lord promised to come and give us the complete victory finally. "Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." (1Jo. 3:3)

We need not be ashamed of living such a life of constant battle with the evil forces of this world, because this is God's own work which He has revealed to us. God is still in control and doing His will is the only right thing for us and all creatures to do. "Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. — For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledege of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." (2Cor. 5:5; Eph. 4:12,13) This is the work o the Triune God that Christ may have the preeminence in all things.

Are you aligning correctly in your life?

Comment on Morning May 04

We suffer and get no help because we do not ask for it. We ask and do not get help because we ask amiss that we may consume it upon our own lusts. It is never because "the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear." (Isa. 59:1)

The Psalmist and many others in similar words can testify that in "... the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. --- While I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation." (Psa. 138:3 -Dan. 9:21)

We must cry humbly thus: "Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help, leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. — Be not thou far from me, O Lord, O my strength, haste thee to help me." (Psa. 27:9. -Psa. 22:19) We must sincerely confess our dependence upon Him. We need help and salvation. We need strength to carry on. We are His servant ready to do His bidding.

As we pray and cry for help we must confess before Him that He is able and willing to help us. "Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee. — Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us. — Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily." (Jer. 32:17. -II Cor. 1:10. -Luke 18:7,8)

Is Jehovah an unreasonable Master Who sends His servants on errant at their own expense and would not listen to their difficulties encountered?

Comment on Evening May 04

A human being, who is created after the image of God, ought to take great interest in doing the will of God so as to glorify Him. Our Lord Jeus Christ, that perfect man, set us this example. He said, "I have glorified thee on the earth." (Joh. 17:4)

During His sojourn in our flesh, He told His disciples, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. — I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." (John 4:34. -John 9:4) Doing God's will was the source of His energy and completing it on time His constant aim.

Even as the teenage, He told His earthly parents, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them." (Luke 2:49,50) No one is too young to consider doing the will of God. One can never go wrong doing God's will. Great blessings await those who trust and obey.

We may not fully understand the outcome, but the will of God always serve to glorify Him. How could a perfect God not glorify Himself? Glorifying God through His Son, Jesus Christ, also serve to glorify His Son. "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" (John 11:4,40) When we believe and walk by faith, we shall see such things more and more.

As Jesus grew older, He continued with such mentality of glorifying God in all His life to the delight of His Heavenly Father. "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. — Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well — All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words, which proceeded out of his mouth." (Luke 2:52. -Luke 3:22. -Luke 4:22)

Only our Lord Jesus Christ and people like Him shall reign forever. "Thou art worthy ... for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and peopIe, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." (Rev. 5:9,10)

It is not for others best interest to do our own personal will. Why? What would be best for any human being?

Comment on Morning May 05

A person worries because he can trust in none but himself who is losing control of things. The way of a true Christian is indeed an antidote to worrying. "5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (Pro. 3:5-8)

Jesus taught His disciples: "Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." (Mat. 6:31,32) We eat and drink to sustain ourselves physically - to keep ourselves alive physically. Such activities are natural and necessary and none can blame you if you show concern over such matter. To be clothed speaks of being dressed up in order to keep warm and safe from all evils in order to live and cooperate with others. This, too, is necessary if we are to live and survive in this fallen world. Again none can blame us if we do show some concern over such matter. Yet, the Lord taught His disciples that such needful things He will take care and we need not worry about them. In such necessary things, we are called not to worry, how much more in unnecessary things. For Christians, to worry is indeed a sin, a show of the lack of trust in the Lord. We are all guilty of that at one time or another. Let none of us pretend to be perfect here.

"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. — No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee." (Psa. 34:9,10. -Psa. 84:11,12) He has promised and He will make it good. Can we not trust Him Who lie not?

Trust in the midst of uncertainty manifesst itself in prayerfulness. "I would have you without carefulness. — Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (1Co. 7:32. -Php. 4:6) "O, what peace we often forfeit! O, needless pain we bear! All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."

Our Lord reasoned with His disciples who believe in God's Sovereignty: "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. — Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? — Have faith in God." (Mat. 10:29-31. -Mark 4:40. -Mark 11:22)

Are you a worrying, Sovereign Grace person? Think less and pray more.

Comment on Evening May 05

"He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night." (Psa.105:39) Here the Psalmist must be referring to the pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night which the children of Israel enjoyed during their 40 years of wandering in the wildreness. "The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: he took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people." (Exo. 13:21, 22)

Day and night each has its own good points and bad points for us. In the day, the light which enables us to see things clearly is indeed good and welcoming. The heat of it may be very trying for us and we would rather have some shade. Too much light may be glaring and tiring to the eyes, as well. The night is a good time to rest and recuperate. But occasionally some light and warmth may also be very useful for movement, safety and comfort. The Lord who is with us in our pilgrimage to Heaven is our pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." (Psa. 103:13,14) Every day for 40 years, without fail this wonder of God's grace took place before the eyes of the children of Israel and yet we read of all the complaints and dissatisfaction in the Exodus. The grace and mercy must have been taken for granted and yet He abided faithful, like He does in His Providence in nature!

"The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. — There shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain," (Psa. 121:6. -Isa. 4:6) He has not dealt with us according to our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

"The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." (Psa. 121:5,8) What we learn of Him now (in all His mercies and grace toward us) is what He will continue to be forever. What a comfort to us who believe.

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." (Heb. 13:8)

How can we avoid being like the children of Israel in the wilderness? (Gal. 5:16)

Comment on Morning May 06

All who would raise kids to be responsible, kind people would soon encounter the apparent conflict between showing mercy and maintaining law before them. It is not possible to raise someone in our human society without the introduction of rules and laws for him to keep. So, sooner or later the sense of right and wrong would have to be pointed out to him. That right should be encouraged and wrong discouraged, some form of punishment and reward would have to be introduced at the right time. And when it dawns upon us that the human society, right now, is not without the weak and sinful, and the necessity of living in harmony with them, at least for a time, we also realize that we must teach mercy and kindness towards them without compromising truth and justice. The various wrong handlings of truth and mercy contribute to the many problems in human society.

For us believers, "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." (Psa. 85:10) God reveals Himself to us as a "just God and a Saviour". (Isa. 45:21) The evil from which we are being saved, has to do with the violation of the Law of God, to do with truth and justice. The initiation of our salvation from such evil has to do with the love and mercy of God. So in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, truth and mercy are kissing each other.

"The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable." (Isa. 42:21) The true salvation of God is not found in places where God's law is not made honourable. In such places many are deceived into thinking that they are saved. They may be saved in such places from all kinds of "evil", but not the evil of sin. Thus they are not truly saved.

The true salvation has to do with this: "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. — Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forebearance of God; to declare I say at this time his righteousness: that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. — He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed. — Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. — To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly; his faith is counted for righteousness." (2Co. 5:19. -Rom. 3:25,26. -Isa. 53:5. -Rom. 8:33. -Rom. 4:5)

Those who are truly saved, are not afraid to examine their hearts for sins and to know their details, because they see in such honest look a means to enhance their appreciation of Christ and His Salvation. Where sin is superficially dealt with, there also the appreciation of Salvation is slighted. Where sin is declared as non-sin, it is even worst.

What kind of salvation are you presently experiencing?

Comment on Evening May 06

What is the average life span of a human being on this earth? Moses, in his days, said that, by reason of strength, a man might live to 80 year old. By then, if not for grace, a man would have been so used to the present, weakened human body that he is convinced nothing good can come out of it finally. It gives up and a person flies away, like blade of grass withers away in the field or a breath of vapour disappears into the thin air.

So when we talk about the resurrection of the body, we are keen to know how "are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?" (1Co. 15:35) Can really such a phenomenon take place in time, since current news never report of any? In reliable records of human history, are there, ever, mentions of such phenomenon? The Bible mentions it in the resurrection stories of our Lord Jesus Christ. Read this: "Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. — He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once." (Luk. 24:36,37; 1Co. 15:5,6) Other records demonstrate that Jesus resurrected body (a glorified one) is capable of appearing and disappearing instantly at will, passing through closed doors, floating to the clouds of heaven, eating and drinking. Our present body disappoints us in many ways, especially when we grow older in age and are nearer our grave. Can the glorified body be the answer to our eternal, holy, human spirit?

"Beloved, now are we the Sons of God; ... it doth not 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. — As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of heavenly." (1Jo 3:2; 1Co. 15:49) "The Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; ... shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Php. 3:20,21) Now sitting at the right hand of God, our Lord Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, governing over all things for our sakes, His body's sake. With the all powers that is given to Him, He would ensure that we possess such glorified bodies finally, having taken one for Himself first, to give us the guarantee.

"If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Rom. 8:11)

With this hope in us, how should we handle our present, frail body as we serve Him in this present evil world? Should we ignore its cries? Should we be overtly concern how it fare at the expanse of our spiritual life and duties?

Comment on Morning May 07

This past Saturday, 3rd May 2008, a cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar killing more than 10,000 people. That is the power of nature controlled by God to accomplish His own pleasure, and it should put fear and trouble in the hearts of men. Another power force in this world which should also bring trouble and fear to man, is war. Yet, our Lord said, "Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled." (Mat. 24:6) Such power of destruction must need be intensified before the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. But ...

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." (Psa. 46:1-3) Before all these mighty forces, we can do nothing when they come upon us. But God is greater than them all combined, and He is for us, not against us. Is it not natural that we should turn to Him?

"Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity." (Isa. 26:20,21) He explains to us when we come to Him, what all these troubles are about. Do we believe what He says to us and know what we should do living in the midst of such "inhabitants of the earth?"

"In the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. — Your life is hid with Christ in God." (Psa. 57:1. -Col. 3:3) It is all about our sins and His mercy in Jesus Christ. There is no other place of refuge.

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting the Lord." (Psa. 112:7) "For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (Jam. 1:7, 8)

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) The Lord has spoken, but what is that to you who care not to read and meditate upon it?

Are you troubled today? Do you know where to seek help?

Comment on Evening May 07

How can you and I be so sure that a death that took place about 2,000 years ago has merit meant for people of all times and ages, including ours? No, we are not talking about such a death being a good example for people of all times and ages to emulate and thus benefit from. Rather, we are thinking of a death that was designed and planned deliberately to secure a certain merit meant for a specific people down through the ages. Such a time-transcending purpose involves the Fall of man into sin and misery under the judgment of the Holy God and the Redemption plan of God.

It was true that wicked men (some of whom were in holy offices) who persecuted Christ unjustly and had Him executed as a criminal. But in the eternal counsel of God, something else was taking place as well, at the same time. Christ, according to God's plan of redemption, would have to be the substitute of God's people, bearing the penalty of their sins, as He suffered and died the accursed death of the Cross. "They persecute him whom thou hast smitten." (Psa. 69:26)

Scripture clearly reveals that God's plan was in the execution while men were doing their wicked deeds and being responsible for them. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was also fully aware of God's plan all along, as He suffered and died the atoning death. "It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! — Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. — They did spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? — Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross. — Of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done." (Luke 17:1. -Acts 2:23. -Matt. 26:67,68. -Matt. 27:41,42. -Acts 4:27, 28) This awareness of Jesus concerning God's eternal plan in what was happening in the crucifixion, is crucial in the nature of His death and the benefits we derive from it. If He was not aware of it, then He could not have done gone through it for our sake, but for some other reason. The benefit of His death can be anything but a Substitute for us. But, ..

"Surely he hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted." (Isa. 53:4) This unique death in time has eternal significance. It was that moment when the death of God's people died - an event celebrated by God's people throughout their history!

What have become of your and mine deaths, if they had died on the Cross of Christ? (2Co. 5:8)

Comment on Morning May 08

God created man after His own image and likeness, and, so, we are not surprised that Scripture reveals that He was very happy after the creation of man, especially when He saw man in connection with the rest of creation - He said to Himself, "It was very good." (Gen. 1:31) What was very good did not last very long, because soon man rebelled against God and that image in him became so corrupt that nothing good can come out of it, but lies as man collaborates with their father, the devil. (Joh. 8:44)

After the Fall of man, there was not another human being well pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, until the advent of the Second Adam, our Lord Jesus Christ. God testified of His Son at His baptism, "My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," (Mat. 3:17)

It is a great wonder that such pleasure extend to the bruising of His beloved Son. "It pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief." (Isa. 53:10) Was the reaction of the Lord to such bruising pleasing in the eyes of the Lord?
Let us hear Him as he entered into such trying moment: "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. — Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him." (Joh. 12:27,28; Luk. 22:42,43) For Him obedience to God means sufferings and death of the worst form for the salvation of God's people without murmuring nor complaining, but in love. "Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Php. 2:8)

Was the Father pleased with Him? Jesus Himself knew better: "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. — For I came down from heaven, not to do mine will, but the will of him that sent me. — The cup which my father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" (Joh. 10:17; 6:38; 18:11)

What did Jesus think of the Cross? He said: "The Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. - Mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth." (Joh. 8:29; Isa. 42:1)

Does each of us have his own cross to bear? And are we like our Master as we bear it to the place of execution?

Comment on Evening May 08

Great is the God of our salvation, the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Whom we remember throughout our history, with great delight, in our ordinances and manner of life.

"Ye that are the Lord's remembrancers, keep not silence." (Isa. 62:6) We speak and "keep not silence" for our battle is not with flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, rulers of darkness in this world - against the devil and all his lies. We speak the truth in love, even our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom and for whom all things were created. We declare with the authority of our King Jesus. We are made unto our God, "kings". (Rom. 5:9, 10)

But we also speak as "priests" for we are made unto our God, "priests". (Rom. 5:9, 10) As priest we pray and offer to God sacrifices of thanksgiving and make intercession of concern for ourselves and for one another.

We cannot battle the enemies without the labour of the priests. "The sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations. And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies." (Num. 10:8,9)

As He has commanded us "keep not silence", so He also promised to hear us. "I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. — Their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven. — The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. — Pray one for another: the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (Isa. 45:19; 2Ch. 30:27; Psa. 34:15; Jas. 5:16) No armour is put on well and proper without prayer. So, pray as we march into battle. (Eph. 6:18)

We pray for that final victory: "Come, Lord Jesus. — Make no tarrying, O my God. — Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God. (Rev. 22:20; Psa. 40:17; 2Pe. 3:12)

What kind of kings and priests have we been all these while? Silent ones?

Comment on Morning May 09

What is faith, and particularly, the Christian faith? "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1) It has to do with "things hoped for" and "things not seen". It deals with things not so obvious to the ordinary eyes, but things which one would hope for, things good and welcoming. Things not seen are things not so tangible as yet, but nevertheless known by those who have faith. One cannot say to have faith in things that he has absolutely no knowledge of.

Faith is a "substance" and an "evidence". People who finally obtained what they believe in, can tell you that the "substance" of it was already there in the faith. When they speak of their faith, we may ask for evidence of what they say. To those who have faith, it is an evidence in itself of the things not seen.

The true Christian Faith according to Heidelberg Catechism Q & A 21: "True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word, but also an assured confidence, which the Holy Ghost works by the gospel, in my heart; that not only to others, but to me also, remission of sin, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given by God, merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits."

So, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." (1Co. 15:19) Christians are not people who live act as if there is nothing better beyond the grave, and what good they have now they better enjoy themselves as much as they can before it is all over. That is why they are most miserable if they are proven wrong on this count - while others are enjoying themselves, they are doing something else not with less joy, but a different kind.

Christians deal with eternal things and most precious and blessed. Only the eyes of faith, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, can appreciate such things. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit. — After that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession." (1Co. 2:9,10; Eph. 1:13,14) Live a life filled with the Spirit of God and you will see such things more and more, clearer and clearer. We do not see to believe, but believe to see.

"Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. — Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." (Joh. 20:29; 1Pe. 1:8,9) Can such a life of faith be steady and sure, quiet and confident?

"We walk by faith, not by sight. — Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward." (2Co. 5:7; Heb. 10:35)

Would you throw away the baby with the wash? Why then your faith?

Comment on Evening May 09

Are you afraid of your parents who love and care for you? You say, "No" because in their love for you they would not do you harm and you know that for sure. Are we only afraid of people who would do us harm? Are we not also afraid of people who, and force that, has the power and authority to do us harm? If you were living in the cyclone affected area in Yangon last Saturday, would you not be afraid of Cyclone Nargis, even though it did not touch a single of your hair?

Often we are not afraid of God, as we should, simply because we do not truly know Him and His power and authority over all things. Irrespective of what He would do to us, if we do have a true knowledge of Him, we will naturally stand in awe of Him at all times. A misunderstanding of such fear may cause us to keep away from Him and declare Him unapproachable. That is wrong on our part, a falling into the trap of the devil, the father of lie. Such awesome fear need not drive us away from its source, if the latter is manifested for our good and protection.

The disciples naturally feared and trembled when they saw the Lord walking above the roaring waves which threatened their lives. They were too engrossed with trying to overcome any force greater than and threatening their lives that the appearance of their powerful Lord was, for a moment, a threat to them as well. The Lord calmed their foolish fear by saying to them, "It is I; be not afraid." (Joh. 6:20) - "I, more powerful than the waves, but not here to destroy, but to save you. So, be not afraid."

Another demonstration of His greater power than all else, is His glorious resurrection from the dead. Would you not be afraid when your loved one suddenly gets up from his coffin at his funeral wake? That awesome power momentarily would cause a great shock and fear. But, when assured of who he really is, may soon cause you to approach him for profound instruction concerning life and death. Do you not stand in awe of His resurrection? And do you wisely approach Him Who welcomes you?

"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. — I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." (Rev. 1:17,18; Isa. 43:25)

For those who have met the glorious, resurrected Lord, things would not be ever the same again. "Woe is me! for I am undone; ... mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. — I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." (Isa. 6:5-7; 44:22) They are witnesses of His resureection.

"If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1Jo. 2:1)

As you continue to sin, do you have an advocate before God? What kind of an advocate is He? Do you know?

Comment on Morning May 10

When God came to our first parents, Adam and Eve, to save and help them out of their foolish and sinful collaboration with the devil, He declared the warfare between the woman and serpent and between her seed and his seed.

So, when the fulness of time came, Jesus bruised the head of serpent, while His heel was bruised in the crucifixion. (Gen. 3:15) "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." (1Jo. 3:8) The devil is a fallen angel and, therefore, a spirit without any physical body. His bruised head is not to be taken in a physical sense. However, Jesus' bruised heal was to be taken in a physical sense, since we now know that He was crucified. But, behind that physical bruised heel was the deadly spiritual bite of serpent, meant to destroy Him. But the devil failed, as our triumphant Lord survived that deadly bite - "he openeth not his mouth." (Isa. 53:7) "For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." (Jam. 3:2)

Beloved, the nature of our Christian life and struggle is not the physical condition of our being, but the mentality and attitude standing behind these conditions - the words of our inner being. "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. — Forasmuch ... as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death. that is, the devil." (Eph. 6:12; Heb. 2:14) All true followers of Christ can appreciate this unseen, not so obvious, victory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, "... having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them." (Col 2:15) This open display of His victory is seen in every resurrected life of a child of God in this world. "I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Rev. 12:10,11)

"Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Co. 15:57)

Are you fighting in the Lord's battle?

Comment on Evening May 10

God had made us for Himself, the infinite, eternal One to own and possess the finite and limited ones. And we cannot be satisfied with anything less than Him, in whose image and likeness we were made.

Thus, without God - "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity." (Ecc. 1:2) So, the wise man in Ecclesiastes concludes his investigation thus: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Ecc. 12:13, 14)

"We spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." (Psa. 90:9,10) How many more years are you expecting to remain here before you fly away?

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. — Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. — I am the Lord, I change not. — Our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. — The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope." (1Co. 15:19. -Heb. 13:14. -Mal. 3:6. -Php. 3:20,21. -Rom. 8:20) This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. How about you?

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. — Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." (Heb. 13:8. -Rev. 4:8)

What then is the purpose of our sojourning here below? (Rom. 12:1 2)

Comment on Morning May 11

The concrete life of a child of God in this world is one of righteousness. No, not the righteousness which is of the law, but the righteousness which is by faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not one that is in opposition to the Law of God. In fact, the Law bear witness to this righteousness that it is well acceptable in the eyes of God. Therefore, this righteousness is the fulfilling of the law of God, a demonstration of love for God and man.

You who are saved, awake "to righteousness, and sin not." (I Co. 15:34) "Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." (1Th. 5:5,6) We Christians are not watchful and still drunk, if we do not appreciate the Law of God as setting forth the will of God for the true life of gratitude. As thankful people, do you know how you should live in this present, evil world?

"It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. — Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. — Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed: and make you a new heart and a new spirit." (Rom. 13:11,12. -Eph. 6:13. -Ezek. 18:31) When are you going to wake up, lazy bones? Work while it is day, the night comes when no man can work.

"Lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. — Little children, abide in him that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him." (Jas. 1:21. -I John 2:28,29) Be more aware of what must be put off in our lives. Then be aware of what can be put on it their places. The engrafted word, our Lord Jesus Christ in our heart, will teach and guide you in such matters. He is your Lord and Master. Follow Him.

Who are you trying to please in your righteous living?

Comment on Evening May 11

Mysticism is a belief that God speaks and directs our lives in a mystical way, without the clear teaching of the Word of God. Thus, mysticism is non-verifiable and dangerous for God's children to be indulged in. We who follow Jesus Christ are not mystical in the above sense, but we follow the mysteries of the Bible, which speak of the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ. The saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ, is not without His lordship over us.

"My sheep hear my voice." (Joh. 10:27) This lordship of Christ is personal as well as corporate in the midst of His people. The Church must pay attention to what the Lord is saying to the churches. But personally too, we must give ear to the voice of our Master. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, 1 will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev. 3:20)

"I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled. I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer." (Song 5:2,6) This personal, sweet communion with the Lord is never to be despised by any, neither should it be imposed upon others as the standard to be observed and experienced by all.

"Speak; for thy servant heareth. — When Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. — I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly." (1Sa. 3:10. -Luke 19:5,6. -Psa. 85:8) It is foolish to think that the Lord is with us always until the end of the world, without speaking to us on the way! If silence prevail for too long while He walks with us, we should urge Him, "Speak; for thy servant heareth."

When was the last time you heard His voice?

Comment on Morning May 12

How does a person know that God loves him? Or, is the love of God something to be taken for granted? Should we just simply say, "Of course, God loves everybody. And that goes without saying." If that be the case, then the love of God is so common that it is of not much special value in it. This is the same with a wife's appreciation of her husband love, when that love is for all women in the world alike. God's love, as revealed in Holy Scripture, is so related to the salvation of men, that when it is common for all, that all men would indeed be saved.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." (1Jo. 4:7) In just one verse, love is mentioned three times. And, they are related to being "born of God, and knoweth God". God is love and those born of Him experience His love and learn to love. Love is obedience to God's commandments - the fulfilling of the Law.

"The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us. — Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. — He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself." (Rom. 5:5. -Rom. 8:15,16. -I John 5:10) When we view the love of God as common and ordinary, we also depreciate the love of God for us, resulting in a very poor understanding of our relationship with our Father in Heaven. This in turn affect our undersatnding of our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. — In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. — That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (I John 4:9. -Eph. 1:7. -Eph. 2:7) Our Christian life in and through Christ is the intended result of the manifestation of the love of God. Our salvation is therefore to show forth "the exceeding riches of his grace", namely His love.

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." (1Jo. 4:11) There is hatred and destruction in the world around us, but among God's people, there should be the manifestation of the love of God. We must each other with that kind of love of God, as we see in the life and work of Christ.

Do we love as God loves? Or, do we have our own idea of what love is?

Comment on Evening May 12

The things which we do in this life is not always so obvious to all. There may be times when no amount of explanation will convince any of our good intention in what we do. Worse yet is when people insist on their misinterpretation of our actions and situations.

Our Lord suffered such unjust treatment. The Psalmist prophesied of Him: "Reproach hath broken my heart." (Psa. 69:20) Here are some reproaches He suffered: "Is not this the carpenter's son? — Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? — Say we not well that thou are a Samaritan, and hast a devil? — He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. — We know that this man is a sinner. — He deceiveth the people. — This man blasphemeth. — Behold a man gluttonous and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners." (Mat. 13:55; Jo. 1:46; 8:48. -Mat. 9:34; Jo. 9:24; 7:12; Mat. 9:3; Mat. 11:19)

Jesus is our Lord and Master and those who faithfully walk in His steps should not be surprised when they experience similar things from the world. "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. — This is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. — If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye." (Matt. 10:25. -I Pet. 2:19-23. -I Pet. 4:14)

What is your lot in life? Are you thankful and do you consider it a privilege to be given the opportunity to be like Him?

Comment on Morning May 13

Christians are people who have spiritual lives with God. They are translated from the kingdom of darkness and death to God's Kingdom of light and life. They pass from death to life. So, prayer can be expected of a truly born again person. "Behold, he prayeth." (Acts 9:11)

"Pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1Ti. 2:8) Hands are the most common organ of the human body for physically handling things around us to manipulate, redirect, create, etc, according to one's will. They, therefore, symbolize the outward expressions of our inner being. Lifting up of hands in worship is symbolic of the submission of one's life to be examined by the adorable One. Holy hands symbolize the claim that one's life is dedicated and consecrated to the Holy One of Israel, the God Almighty. Everywhere, Christians are exhorted to "pray lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." Only one who sits in judgment can express wrath. One who prays are not one who sits in judgment. In prayer, he comes to be judged not to judge. He has no "wrath", but submit to the "wrath of the Lamb", Who sits in judgment. Before Him all things shall be vindicated in truth and justice. There is quietness and peace in the perfect Court of God. There is also not doubt there for the believers. They all believe that all is well for them, because of the love of God shown in His Son for them. All the lies of the devil against the Word of God have no effect upon one who prays with uplifted holy hands. The truth shall prevail for them, and all lies and the father of liars and lie shall be utterly destroyed before Him.

"The true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. — Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. — When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any." (Jo. 4:23,24; Isa. 58:9; Mar. 11:25) Whenever we pray we ask to be forgiven. With such spirit we also naturally forgive others who may have sinned against us. As for vengeance, it belongs to the Lord and He will repay accordingly. We must pray in faith, not according to our own idea and liking, irrespective of God's Word.

"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. — Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord." (Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:6,7) There is simply no stability anywhere else apart from the Word of God, where we can cling fast to without wavering.

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. — My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins." (Psa. 66:18; 1Jo. 2:1,2)

According to Spurgeon, one who has truly met the Lord like the Apostle Paul and others did, would be clothed with humility, happiness and holiness.

Where is our prayerful life leading us?

Comment on Evening May 13

When we stand alone by ourselves and yet feel strong and invincible, it is because we do not know and understand the task that is before us. Often do we feel lonely, and at times such as that, like the Psalmist, we do cry, "My heart panteth, my strength faileth me." (Psa. 38:10) We are simply not equal to the task set before us, and what shall we do?

"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psa. 61:1,2) It is very doubtful that one knows and belongs to God, when, at such a time as that mentioned above, he does not turn to his God in humble prayer.

To those who truly pray, "He said ..., My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then am I strong." (2Co. 12:9,10) With God not only darkness and light are alike to Him, but strength and weakness also make no difference to Him. Never compare yourself with stronger Christians and be discouraged. Just as you are, come to Him Who does wondrously, irrespective of our relative strength and weaknesses.

"When (Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? — If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. — He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. — The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. — Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power." (Mat. 14:30,31; Pro. 24:10; Isa. 40:29; Deut. 33:27; Col. 1:11) It doesn't matter where you presently are, just look up and you will find the way out of your horrible situation.

What are you waiting for? Jacob's ladder? (Gen. 28:12)

Comment on Morning May 14

Some define "fellowship" as the experiences of "fellows" in the same "ship". Whatever happen to the ship happen to them all, so they better cooperate to keep the ship afloat and traveling in the right direction till they reach their destination.

Jesus is the Captain of His people. They travel with Him in the same ship. His experience is also ours as we journey together with Him to Heaven. From this world, His experience is one of sufferings. So, we are also called to enter into the "fellowship of His sufferings." (Php. 3:10) What a privilege and blessing! What a taste of divine love and endurance. What a lesson for us.

"It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord." (Mat. 10:25) What more can we ask? It is a shameful thing to hear Christians showing unwillingness to suffer for Christ's and the Gospel's sake, giving all kinds of excuses. Don't they have any appreciation of Christ's sufferimgs for them?

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. — In the world ye shall have tribulation. — Because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (Isa. 53:3; Joh. 16:33; 15:19) We suffer better in this present evil world when we do not expect much from it - when our treasures are not laid up here, but in Heaven. If the fellowship of His sufferings sounds strange to you, you might want to consider if you are of the world rather than of Christ.

"I looked for some to take pity, but there was none. — At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me. " (Psa. 69:20; 2Ti. 4:16) Be prepared to be alone, when you walk with the Lord. Yet, we are never really alone because He does always walk with such people. There is no better company than His.

"The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. — Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. " (Mat. 8:20; Heb. 13:14) If this present, evil world is all that we have, what shall we do when the time comes for it to be taken away from us? What shall we be left with? Nothing? Some try to "balance" between the two worlds to have the better of both, not taking heed to the warning of the Lord that no man can serve two masters.

"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 you can see Him "at the right hand of the throne of God", can you guess His calling there? (Mar. 16:19; Act 2:33; Rom. 8:34; Col. 3:1; Heb. 10:12; 1Pe. 3:22) With such things happening there, what can you expect will happen here?

Comment on Evening May 14

Christians are not people who are perfect withut sins. But they are, indeed, people thoroughly washed and sanctified, made fit for the Master's use. What can wash away their sins? Nothing, but the blood of Jesus.

"They overcame ... by the blood of the Lamb." (Rev. 12:11) Christians are overcomers. They are not meant to be overcomed by any forces of evil, but to over them all, since their Lord and Master has already overcome and subdued them all at the Cross of Calvary. No one is an overcomer who ignore the "old rugged cross", the symbol of Christ's atone death, 2000 years ago.

"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died. — It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. — I am the LORD. The blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you." (Rom. 8:33,34. -Lev. 17:11. -Exo. 12:12,13) All the sacrifices of the Old Testament point to this one Sacrifice of Christ. And It was offered perfectly on the Cross of Calvary, nevermore to be repeated.

"There is ... no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." (Rom. 8:1) The transaction was already completed and God was well pleased with It as indicated by His raising Him from the dead on the third day. Not only was the righteousness of Christ provided for His people, but they were clothed with It by the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in due time.

"What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Rev. 7:13,14)

"Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (Rev. 1:5,6)

For what are you most grateful to the Lord and do ascribe to Him "glory and dominion for ever and ever?

Comment on Morning May 15

It was said that the founder of Buddhism was originally a prince who later became a holy man, discovering the true way of living. What caused the change was the sight of an old man, then a sick man and finally a dead man. Such unavoidable sufferings happen to all whether inside or outside the palace. Tears, sorrows, pain and death characterize this present life. Just think of the recent cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the earthquake in Sichuan, China. What pain, sufferings and death. Tears, tears, tears. Will there ever come a time when we can look back and say that these are the former things which have passed away?

"God shall wipe away all tears: ... there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, ... for the former things are passed away." (Rev. 21:4) These were remarks made by the Apostle John who was given the vision of the New Heaven and the New Earth. Evidently, these new things have not arrived yet. Now, we only hear about them in the promises and prophecies of God.

An Old Testament prophecy states: "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." (Isa. 25:8)

The Coming Age shall be full of light with no darkness at all. In prophetic language, this means that there would be no want of knowledge and truth. the ways of the devil and of lies are simply not there at all to cause confusion and troubles. "Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. — The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity. — The voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. — Sorrow and sighing shall flee away." (Isa. 60:20. -Isa. 33:24. -Isa. 65:19. -Isa. 35:10)

Death and all that lead to death shall be utterly done away with. God Himself shall see to that in our Lord Jesus Christ, Who had conquered death. "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction. — The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." (Hos. 13:14. -I Cor. 15:26,54)

"The things which are not seen are eternal." (2Co. 4:18)

Are you a blessed one who, though see not, yet believing, rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory at the Word of God?

Comment on Evening May 15

Read the Bible carefully and you will not find It revealing Jesus Christ as an ordinary man, like anyone of us, sinners who need to be saved. The life of Christ as revealed in Scripture is not an excellent example of a sinner who manage to please God with His life and thus gaining salvation for Himself. Divine salvation is not a matter of man's effort in the keeping of God's perfect law for him. A "man is not justified by the works of the law," (Gal. 2:16)

Divine salvation is a matter of being raised ".. up together in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:6) Those, and those only, who are given to Christ to be represented by Him, are saved in Him. "Fear not; ... I am he that liveth. — Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am." (Rev. 1:17,18. -John 17:24) To be with where the Lord is is to be saved. The Lord prayed for the salvation of His people.

"We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. — He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead. — Ye are complete in him, which is the head." (Eph. 5:30. -Col. 1:18. -Col. 2:10) Look at Christ Jesus and you see yourself in the love of God, a saved person being molded and prepared for heaven.

We do not reach up to Him to be saved, but He reached down to us to save us. "Forasmuch ... as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil: and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Heb. 2:14,15)

If we are honest, we know that till our dying day we do sense the corruption of our human body. We believe that the divine salvation in Christ shall include that perfection of our corrupt body. "This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." (1Co. 15:53,54) This wonder of grace shall take place at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, something still in the future.

Without faith in God's Word, can a man have a full and complete knowledge of his salvation?

Comment on Morning May 16

A hired servant does not belong in any sense to the family. They have no share in the inheritance and may be hired and fired at anytime without giving any reason. In that sense their well-being is in their own hands and if blessing of grace is to come from their employer, it is for Him to give as He wills. The prodigal son came back, humbled to the dust. He was not even thinking of being a slave own by his father, becoming his father's property. He was conscious of his hell-deserving situation, and seek only the mercy of his father and heaven. JOH

Though children, we have no quam serving our Heavenly Father like His willing slaves. "A servant of Jesus Christ." (Rom. 1:1) Those failing to see this can join Moses in Midian or the prodigal son to feed swines. Our restoration to our true status is not ours to demand, but His to give in mercy and grace.

"Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. — If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. — Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (John 13:13. -John 12:26. -Matt. 11:29,30) As hell-deserving creatures, we are already grateful to be hired as only God's servant in His kingdom. But He never hires people like us. He would only receives people like us as willing slaves and makes them deacons in His kingdom. We are only too glad to belong to Him as His slaves.
"What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. — Being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." (Php. 3:7. -Rom. 6:22) There is no faithful, willing slaves, to whom the Lord would not, by and by, reveals what He is doing. What an exclusive privilege and wonder of grace!

"Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. — Thou art no more a servant, but a son." (John 15:15. -Gal. 4:7) What a privilege and blessing it must had been for Abraham, a friend of God, to be given to know what Jehovah was about to do to Sodom and Gomorrah.

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh." (Gal. 5:1,13) Although it does not yet appear what we shall be, this does not mean that we do not try to live noble lives as princes and princesses of the Lord of lords and King of kings.

Are you and am I walking worthy of our calling?

Comment on Evening May 16

Are you comfortable in your life because all your decisions are made according to your plan taking into consideration all the factors that are involved, whether they be great or small, for now or eternity, and you are sure all things will come to pass as you decide? If so, be sure to be prepared for disappointment because your comfort (if any) would not be for long. For one thing, you are deceiving yourselves thinking that you know all factors involved in a matter. Second, you cannot be so sure that all things will work out as you plan and expect - this is not true to life. There is only One Being Who is blessed with us an assurance, and that is God Himself Who is Almighty. You must repent of your sin of trying to be God.

Does the above mean that a mere man can never experience true comfort at all in this life? Our comfort does not lie in our being God, but in our being taken care of by God in His love and mercy. This we can have irrespective of all our decisions in life. We make many mistake in life, but none can rob us of this comfort which we have in Christ, if indeed we do have. All these do not mean that we can make decision carelessly, even without God.

"I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel." (Psa. 16:7) The Lord gives us counsel exactly so that we may make decisions and act wisely according to His own good pleasure.

When He reveals Himself to us as the God of our Salvation, "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor. — Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding, I have strength." (Isa. 9:6. -Prov. 8:14) Therefore "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psa. 119:105) And we will "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Prov. 3:5,6)

The Lord let us try as He walks with us in our life. But He is not that foolish as to let things go out of control just because we make mistakes trying. "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. — Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. — Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. — He knoweth the way that I take. — Man's goings are of the Lord: how can a man then understand his own way?" (Jer. 10:23. -Isa. 30:21. -Prov. 16:3. -Job 23:10. -Prov. 20:24)

"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. — This God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." (Psa. 73:24. -Psa. 48:14) This is true comfort and our walk with Him is really exciting and blessed.

What is His presence like to you?

Comment on Morning May 17

Our salvation is 100 % of the Lord and none of us. This is something we must figure out as we journey to heaven, and something which we shall acknowledge before we enter the pearly gate of Heaven. This 100% way of the Lord does not mean that we are stocks and blocks, without any consciousness nor involvement, as we are being carried to Heaven. He never treat us that way since He did not create us that way to begin with. His 100% salvation is not some actions in violation of our basic human nature. It is in our basic human nature to have the conscience, the heart, the mind, the emotions, the body. These are areas which the Lord would not violate when He stretches forth His hand to save.

So having raised us from spiritual death, He tells us, "I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them." (Eze. 20:19) "As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. — He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him." (I Pet. 1:15. -I John 2:6,29) When He saves us, He brings us to Himself, the place of safety. This is like the rescuers who saved the many trapped victims in the collapsed buildings in China - the victims must get out of their situations to the situation of the rescuers.

There may be many equipments and techniques of rescue which the rescuers have learnt to use, but real salvation lies in the actual use of them effectually. "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. — Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (1Co. 7:19; Jam. 2:10)

When we walk in the "highway of holiness", "the way everlasting", we are not confessing that ".. we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything, as of ourselves .." We always confess that ".. our sufficiency is of God." (2Co. 3:5) "Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes." (Psa. 119:33)

In the wake of a national disaster such as the destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis, no one can blame the Government involved for putting on hold other national programmes to concentrate on rescue operation. But we live in a world where for a "Football World Cup Final" a compromise for cease-fire between warring nations is possible, but, for permanent peace among nations, such cease-fire is not possible. "There shall b no peace to the wicked."

But our response to God's work of saving us must be different. We must "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. — The God of peace, ... make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ." (Php. 2:12,13. -Heb. 13:20,21)

Is your salvation one without good works? In what sense is it with or without good works? How do you define "good works"?

Comment on Evening May 17

To those so-called "Christians" who do not know nor believe the Jesus Christ of the Bible, a declaration that He is one of the great prophets among all men, is flattering, and good enough for the salvation of the world. Never mind even He is not the final and only Prophet Whom all true prophets point to and talk about. This is the spirit of the antichrist which is already in the world, and against which we must guard ourselves.

There is nothing uncertain about the Christ of God. God reveals, "I have exalted one chosen out of the people." (Psa. 89:19) Christ must come from among the people of God as we recognize them from Holy Scriptures. The Holy Scriptures speak of this people abundantly, their history, culture, future, spirituality, faith, etc. From among this people, and not from any other people which we might have come across in this world, Christ is to be chosen and exalted. Jesus warned us of the rise of Antichrists (the false Christs) from among strange people, people who are not the people of God according to the Holy Scriptures.

Secondly, Scripture reveals that the True Christ could decide what form He would like to take as He came into this world for the first time. "Verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren." (Heb. 2:16,17) The True Christ has the authority and power of the Almighty. He is God very God in human flesh. (Joh. 1:14)

This God-Man in the ancestral line of Abraham, God has chosen and exalted to the highest position attainable by any human being, namely His very right hand. "Upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. — The Son of man ... which is in heaven. — Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." (Ezek. 1:26. -John 3:13. -Luke 24:39)

"He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." (Php. 2:7-10)

There is no hope for those whose Saviour is less than God Himself. No matter how much you may exalt Christ, if it falls short of confessing Him as God, your work is "not found .. perfect before God." (Rev. 3:2) We must be watchful lest we labour in vain.

You watch and notice the wars and rumours of wars, the earthquakes and economic crises, the tsunami and pestilence. What else do you see indicating that the day is fast approaching?

Comment on Morning May 18

To be immortal means to remain fixed and unchangeable forever in what one ought to be. God alone has the essential attribute of immortality. Adam was not created with immortality and therefore he was subject to the possibility of the death of disobeying God. But man's nature is such that it can receive a creature-immortality from God.

So Christ, the Son of God, was given immortality. "As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself." (Joh. 5:26)

Then later, "Our Saviour Jesus Christ, ... hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. — I am the resurrection, and the life. — Because I live, ye shall live also." (2Ti. 1:10; Joh. 11:25; 14:19) In Christ we are now made alive and shall be given immortality at His Second Coming for us.

Now we ".. are made partakers of Christ. — Partakers of the Holy Ghost. — Partakers of the divine nature. — The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. — Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." (Heb. 3:14. -Heb. 6:4. -II Pet. 1:4. -I Cor. 15:45,51,52) Where He is there we shall be also. We are complete in Him, Who is our head.

"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. — Who liveth for ever and ever. — The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality. — Unto the King eternal, immortal, ... be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Rev. 4:8. -Rev. 4:9. -I Tim. 6:15,16. -I Tim. 1:17)

What good is our salvation if it does not come with immortality?

Comment on Evening May 18

That Christians should be examples for others to follow is clearly taught in Scriptures. Elders are not to be lords over God's heritage, but to be examples. If a Church has good Elders and members, there would be no want of qualified office-bearers.

Examples are not followed if they are not attractive to those observing them. Such attraction can be dangerous when not properly handled by the attracting ones and the attracted. The latter might secretly become idolatrous and the former "desirous of vain glory". (Gal. 5:26)

Gideon was right when he rejected the request to become a ruler over the children of Israel, but instead recommend them to God. But Gideon was wrong when he "said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the carrings of his prey. And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house." (Judg. 8:24,25,27)

Serving in God's Kingdom is certain something great since there is nothing that shall abide finally, but the Kingdom of God because It is founded upon the abiding Word of God. When God makes a man great in the service of His Kingdom, it is not to teach him to serve for "vain glory". "Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not." (Jer. 45:5)

Sometimes, God help us to remain humble especially when we are involved in a very great work. We can be thankful for that. The Apostle Paul wrote: "Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh." (2Co. 12:7)

"Let nothing be done, through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. — Charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not pufied up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own." (Php. 2:3. -I Cor. 13:4,5) True love is very pure and humble. It is therefore very powerful as well, not easily discouraged. It is enduring seeking the praise of the God of his salvation.

Such is the way of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me." (Matt. 11:29)

Do you know what truly make you happy?

Comment on Morning May 19

Human beings were created after God's image and likeness, and therefore, by original nature, holy, righteous and with true knowledge of God and all things. The Fall of man in the Garden of Eden brought about corruption of that perfect nature of man. Man became perverse and depraved, even though he would never acknowledge that, without the grace of God.

To all those who are given faith (like all true Christians are) this knowledge brings about much misery of soul and the desire to be set right with God again. So, such a man cries, "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity." (Psa. 51:2)

As urgent and important as deliverance from all our many woes in human existence may be, an object of God's mercy recognizes that his sin is the root cause of all his troubles. He cannot rest until he has this assurance from God: "I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. — Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you." (Jer. 33:8. -Ezek. 36:25)

This indeed is an indication of rebirth from above. "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. — If the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a 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?" (John 3:5. -Heb. 9:13,14)

Only when one deals with sin in the matter of salvation, does he realizes that salvation is a matter not possible with man. Who can forgive and cleanse away sin, but God? And with God all things (including salvation) are possible. "He saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. — Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake." (Psa. 106:8. -Psa. 115:1) We fail to glorify God as we should, to extol His mercy and truth, when we fail to deal with our sins from day to day in this life.

Do you know how to stop kidding yourself? (1Jo. 1:8, 9)

Comment on Evening May 19

When more than one person come together to cooperate in the performance of some common goals, a relationship of friendship is established. This relationship is often called "covenant" in Holy Scripture. The actual interaction between or among parties involved in this covenant is called the "fellowship" of the covenant. For a meaningful fellowship, parties involved should grow in understanding of their various, respective positions and roles in that covenant, and doing things consistent with the design of the covenant.

People being saved by the Triune God are those with whom God has established His covenant. The life of this covenant is called the "Fellowship in the gospel." (Php. 1:5) The life of this group of persons in covenant bond is like that of a human body. "As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (I Cor. 12:12,13) In Scripture, this body is sometimes called the "Body of Christ".

This Covenant and Its fellowship continue to exist exactly because "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. — That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." (I Cor. 1:9. -I John 1:3) God designed, from all eternity, and faithfully bring to pass, in time, His Covenant with each of us, all by Himself, without us, who were either nonexistent or spiritually dead at that momentous occasion.

The fellowship of this covenant is what we as Christians ought to maintain faithfully in this life till the day of Its consummation at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rev. 21:1-3) "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. — These words spake Jesus. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us." (I John 1:7. -John 17:1,20,21)

The Church exists to confess God's own revelation of Himself. She is the Pillar and the Ground of the Truth to set forth and defend It in this world. What do you think is the foundation of the revelation of God, upon which the Church is to be built in unity? And where can we discover this foundation? (Psa 87:1)

Comment on Morning May 20

That there are hypocrites among us there can be no doubt. This is not to say that it is all right to be hypocrites, to be the be the "Pharisees" and "Scribes" of our days. Occasionally, the best among us do live in hypocritical way. This could be due to our lack of the knowledge of the whole truth, or due to some weaknesses at that moment of temptation, etc. We are no hypocrite when we live in the truth, in the light of God's Word. By this is meant to humbly acknowledge our sins when clearly pointed out to us in Scriptures, and seek forgiveness from God through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Jo. 1)

To combat hypocrisy we must each take "Take heed unto thyself." (1Ti. 4:16) Hypocrisy is a form of hiding and pretending. It is therefore not meant to be obvious to people around us. A true examination of ourselves is to be done in the presence of the truth, namely in the presence of God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Knowing the truth of a matter is only the first step in dealing with hypocrisy. After that we must speak and promote the truth not only for others, but for ourselves. In that way, we are forced to turn to Christ for healing and cleansing. In the true experience of Salvation there is no room for hypocrisy. There is only room for the promotion of the Gospel of Christ with zeal and enthusiasm.

"Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. — Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against the flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (I Cor. 9:25-27. -Eph. 6:11,12)

What we claim is one thing, what is real is another. It is our calling to let the reality of what we claim be seen by all around us. "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. — For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. — Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all." (Gal. 5:24,25. -Rom. 8:14. -I Tim. 4:15)

Think we must. Speak we must. But what is seen by what we do in deed?

Comment on Evening May 20

Who can blame Mary for missing her Lord and Master when He was taken away from her, put to death, buried, "stolen" and missing? "Why do His enemies hate Him so much?", she must have asked in her confusion and loneliness. She was at a lost as to what she should or could do. So absorb was she with herself and her problem that she was able to discern the Lord's presence next to her, until her name was called by that familiar voice. "Jesus saith unto her, Mary." (Joh. 20:16) It is good that the Good Shepherd know each sheep by name and use it whenever necessary.

'Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name: Thou art mine. — The sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name. And the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." (Isa. 43:1. -John 10:3,4) True faith is not just about what God is doing to a group of people (that may indeed be its initial requirement), but also includes that personal element so that a believer, in his or her own conscience (and none else), is dealt with by God.

"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." (Isa. 49:16) If taken literally, that print on His hands must be the nail-prints from the crucifixion. How could He ever forget us for whom He had suffered so much and marked forever? "Walls" speak of that which separate and protect from harmful elements, and our Saviour is ever interested in our protection! What a comfort to have Him as our Saviour.

"The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. — We have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God." (II Tim. 2:19. -Heb. 4:14) If there is no one to be saved then there is no need for the revelation of the God of Salvation, the Holy Scriptures. Therefore the foundation of the revelation of God lies in His own determination to save a people whom He foreknew from all eternity. This people are destined to have "a great high priest" in the Son of God, Who "passed into the heavens" on their behalf.

In the Old Testament Temple worship, the high priest, representing Christ, wore a breastplate of righteousness where the names of the twelve tribes were engraved. "Thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial. And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment. And thou shalt set in it four rows of stones. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, ... and they shall be upon Aaron's heart when he goeth in before the Lord." (Exo. 28:9,12,15,17,21,30) In all His saving works, our High Priest, acts on the behalf of His people.

Can you recognize the spirit of antichrist in those who promote the comfort of soul in any other beings other than the Christ of Scriptures?

Comment on Morning May 21

If you lie buried under the rubble of a collapsed building in Chengdu, you cannot help but feel helpless and totally dependent upon others to survive. You may have felt invincible and boasted of your own power before such a disaster happen to you. But now you are humbled to the dust and would even cry for mercy in your heart.

We all stand in need of strength every moment in order to live. When such strength is available for us to use at our own will we feel comfortable. But when the strength needed is not available for us to use at will, we become troubled, as our destiny now lies somewhere else. "My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." (Eph. 6:10) There is no better place to find our strength than in the God of our salvation. In Him we find the power that is able to raise the dead. In Him we also find Someone Who is willing to help us.

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2Co. 12:9,10) Paul's desire was the magnification of the strength of Christ. If his weakness can serve to magnify Him and His strength, then Paul glory in his infirmities.

"I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. — The gospel of Christ ... is the power of God unto salvation." (Psa. 71:16. -Rom. 1:16) What sustains us and keep us going happily and victoriously? Is it not the gospel of Christ, the power of God unto salvation? Is there a greater power where we can find shelter and comfort?

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. — I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. — We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (Php. 4:13; Col.1:29; 2Co. 4:7) Many Christians are not aware of the greatness of the power that is working in them. And, therefore, they are not able to use it rightly and effectively for themselves and for others. Thus, many are troubled on every side. True Christans never suffer from want of power, but from the proper and effective use of it.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength. — Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." (Neh. 8:10. -Col. 1:11) This joy of our salvation should never be underestimated. It is greatly enhanced whenever we see a new convert expressing it. Thus, the strength of the Church also lies in her witnessing for the Lord and seeing people ushered into His Kingdom.

Are you a happy and strong Christian? Wherein lies your joy and strength?

Comment on Evening May 21

"Jesus Christ our Lord." (1Co. 1:9) means that there is a group of people that belongs to Someone they call "Lord" or Master and Owner. Their Lord is none other than the Jesus of Nazareth. They believe that He is the Christ (the Messias), the Anointed One prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures. As their Head, Jesus is their Prophet, Priest and King. In that union with Him, they are saved.

"Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. — He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth." (Mat. 1:21. -Php. 2:8-10) It took His incarnation, humiliation and glorification, to bring us to glory through the way of sin and the curse.

"Messias ... which is called Christ. — The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives." (John 4:25; Isa. 61:1) The way of Christ is the way of healing for the "brokenhearted" and of liberty for the captives. If we are made meek by God, we will find His declaration to be good tidings for us.

Finally, we must find our Lord Jesus to be our very model. We do walk in His steps as we follow Him. "The last Adam was made a quickening spirit. The second man is the Lord from heaven. — My Lord and my God. — Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." (1 Co. 15:45,47; Joh. 20:28; 13:13-15) He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. So, must we be a blessing to others around us. We do so not in order to tbe saved, but because we are joyful and thankful to be saved already in Christ.

What and who is Jesus to you?

Comment on Morning May 22

When the surrounding is regular, predictable and controlled all seems so quiet and peaceful. Let a cyclone come or an earthquake struck, and immediately the surrounding is thrown into confusion and disarray. Men, women and children, all, try to bring some kind of order and regularity back. Momentarily there may be some relief when control seem to be there. But such hope may be dashed again and again until one is left defeated and contented for every breath given.

God's Word says that there shall be "no peace to the wicked." (Isa. 48:22; 57:21) Peace is related to the moral standing of a person. A wicked person is one who cares not about maintaining the surrounding as they ought to be. He has only himself to please and imagine that all things exist to serve him and him alone. That wicked man seeks the destruction of all things, including himself, without realizing it. The reason is obvious. As he is not the reason for all things, pleasing him and him alone cannot bring good to the surrounding.

There is only one being, the absolute pleasing of whom, and whom alone, is not wickedness. He is God, the Almighty Creator and Sustainer of all things. This is because He is the reason of all things. All things were made by Him and for Him. (Col. 1:16) A man is not wicked when he seeks the pleasing of this Blessed Being.

To them He said, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." (Joh. 14:27) Men need peace and the world offer them its peace. Blessed are all those who find peace from our Lord Jesus Christ, and not from the world.

"The world passeth away, and the lust thereof. — Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches. and knoweth not who shall gather them. — What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death." (1Jo. 2:17. -Psa. 39:6. -Rom. 6:21) Now men are "disquieted" by the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China. Will they be "disquieted in vain"?

"Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. — I would have you without carefulness." (Luke 10:41,42. -I Cor.7:32) The Lord was not saying to Martha that she should not serve, but that she should not neglect nor despise "that good part" chosen by others whenever it is presented to them. Are you missing out on "that good part" often presented to you? Is that the reason for the lack of peace in your life?

"These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world. — The Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. — The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." (John 16.33. -II Thes. 3:16. -Num. 6:24-26) He knows that we are still in this world where there are wickedness and the lack of peace. Therefore, He has spoken to us for our peace's sake.

What are you doing with what He has spoken to you? Is that the real reason for the lack of His peace? Or, what of peace are you getting?

Comment on Evening May 22

That we are weak, especially in spiritual matter there can be no doubt. Before we become Christians we are spiritually dead. Now we are weak, and, according to the Heidelberg Catechism, the best among us only has a small beginning of this obedience. How would God deal with our weaknesses? Would He despise and condemn us? Would He wait for us to improve before deciding what to do with us? Would He give us a second chance? What's the teaching of Scriptures?

"The Spirit helpeth our infirmities." (Rom. 8:26) Is it not good to us to know that we have help, even from God Himself?

"The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost. — What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God? — It is God which worketh in you." (John 14:26. -I Cor. 6:19. -Php. 2:13) God takes a personal interest in our Salvation. His gracious involvement put His reputation at stake as well. Can One Who help us fail? Can our weaknesses be so overpowering that even the Holy Spirit is helpless to help us sucessfully? His help is given graciously and therefore unconditional. He can only fail because He Himself fails and not for any other reasons.

"We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Rom. 8:26,27) When He chooses to help us, He helps us even in the area of our prayers. Often we receive not because we ask not. And often we ask and receive not, because we ask amiss. Now, His Spirit "maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered." Would our Heaven Father fail to answer such prayers?

"He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. — A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." (Psa. 103:14. -Isa. 42:3) What a comfort it is to know that He never gives up on us. I know that any man would have given up on me ("a bruised reed" and "a smoking flax") long time ago. That He is there for me is evident in my soul.

"The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matt. 26:41) His Spirit works in my spirit, witnessing to me that I'm a child of God by grace and not of works of righteousness. When urge to go, I say, "To whom shall I go, Thou has the words of eternal life?" (Joh. 6:68)

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." (Psa. 23:1,2) When the water of life is troubling, He stills It for us.

Whose footprints are those when they turn from two to one pair on the sand of life? What happen?

Comment on Morning May 23

As a high priest in the Tabernacle of God, Aaron was a type of Christ. That he carried "two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod" whenever he was dressed up for his calling is significant for us Christian believers. "Thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord." (Exo. 28:12) Jesus is our High Priest, and He carried our names with Him wherever and whenever He goes about in His divine calling to represent us before God.

"Jesus ... 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. — Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory." (Heb. 7:24,25. -Jude 24) So long as our Lord Jesus lives, we have Someone Mighty making intercession for us! What else can we ask? He is able and willing and we have no doubt of His love for us.

"Seeing ... that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace." (Heb. 4:14-16) With Jesus Christ ready to speak for us, we should not be afraid to approach God in prayer, even though we know that we often pray incorrectly and stand in need of rebuke and correction. If we are humble and teachable, there is no reason for not learning how to pray by praying. Start praying more often, if you have not already done so.

"The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him: and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders." (Deut. 33:12) Jesus our forerunner has cleared the way to the highest for us. Let us not be timid in drawing divine power to do the will of God.

If we have to be perfect before we can start serving the Lord, when will we start? If our names are enrolled in Christ with God, we can start immediately. In serving Him we are being perfected for higher service above.

Comment on Evening May 23

In modern day we read of constitution monarchy in which the king is only a figure head with no executive power. His function is quite different from ancient days when such monarchs held absolute sway over all things and often were even above the laws of the country. It was in such a context that we read: "On that night could not the king sleep." (Est. 6:1) How could he when God wanted him to read some records and reward a Jew, Mordecai, at that appointed time. This led to the rescue of God's people from a planned massacre. "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." (Pro. 21:1)

"Thou holdest mine eyes waking. — Who is like unto the Lord our God, ... who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!" (Psa. 77:4. -Psa. 113:5,6) Our God is able and He does actually behold all things as to their being and development through time to ensure that all things fall out according to His plan and purpose.

"He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. — Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. — Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain." (Dan. 4:35. -Psa. 77:19. -Psa. 76:10) Let every man do as he pleases, according to his own passion, and the Lord would ensure that they all serve the praise of Himself. What is left undone, He will also control sovereignly.

"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. — We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." (2 Chr 16:9. -Rom. 8:28) Do you love God and are called of Him? Be sure that Someone Great and Mighty takes great interest in you - more than you would ever realize.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." (Mat. 10:29,30) What we regard as trivial because of our ignorance, He, Who knows all things, takes into account for our interest!

Can you take care of yourself better than God can?

Comment on Morning May 24

Of the million upon million of letters sent all over the world, why are some letters treated more special than others by those who handle them? Behind the special treatment is the authority those letters carry with them, indicated by their accompanying undeniable seals. Reliability is questioned once the seal is tempered with.

"Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." (Eph. 4:30)A true Christian must become more aware of this divine seal of the Holy Spirit in his life. The sense of His presence should bring comfort, assurance of safety, joy and thankfulness. For the more mature ones, the tempering of Him is a serious undermining of His work, thus a grieving of Him.

"The love of the Spirit. — The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost. — In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them." (Rom. 15:30. -John 14:26. -Isa. 63:9,10) We can be thankful for that chastening hand of the Lord in restoring us in the path of sanctification again.

We dwelling in Him gives us the sense of our eternal blessedness. He dwelling in us gives us the sense of current victory. We know these realities in the work of the Holy Spirit in our spirit. "Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. — After that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of the inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. — This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." (I John 4:13. -Eph. 1:13,14. -Gal. 5:16,17)

"The Spirit helpeth our infirmities." (Rom. 8:26) In our many infirmities are the many opportunities for the Spirit to help us and for us to know His presence in us.

How do you recognize the Spirit of God? (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12)

Comment on Evening May 24

The story of the Prodigal son is about the Father returning to His rightful place till the son acknowledges his wrong and seeks his Father's face. "I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face." (Hos. 5:15) This indeed is the Gospel.

"Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, your sins have hid his face from you. — My beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: ... I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. — I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on forwardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him. — Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God when he led thee by the way?" (Isa. 59:2. -Song 5:6. -Isa 57:17,18. -Jer. 2:17) In the Gospel, any forsaking is only for a moment and must never be taken as permanent - the breaking of the everlasting covenant. "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." (2Ti. 2:13) The Covenant of Grace is all His Own in that He designed, established and maintained It by grace without us. If the Covenant finally fail, it reflects on the God Who fails in what He sets forth to accomplish. In all our confession we must never say that God can fail. That is bearing false witness against the God Whom we love.

"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 will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away." (Luke 15:20. -Hos. 14:4) The father never disown the prodigal son, but wait for the dead son to return.

When God "forsake" us, it is not in order that He may marry another, but that we may be ashamed and return to Him, our everlasting Husband. "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)

In this present evil world of unfaithfulness, where can you find encouragement to be faithful? "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." (Mat. 5:13)

Comment on Morning May 25

Not all men fear God. That does not mean that such fearless men are mightier than God, Who is a consuming fire and ought to be feared by all. Those who truly know God for what He is would fear Him. Yet, there are two kinds of fear. One is a foolish, sinful fear which lead to greater rebellion and attempt to destroy God. The other is a God-given fear which draw one nearer to Him in greater love and worship. And ...

"How great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee!" (Psa. 31:19)

"Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. — Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit. — Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Isa. 64:4. -I Cor. 2:9,10. -Psa. 16:11) Such wonderful things are not things which we can descover all by oursleves. They are things reveal "by his Spirit." Walk in the Spirit, if you are interested in such things.

"How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light." (Psa. 36:7-9) Those led by the Spirit "go in and out, and find pasture." (Joh. 10:9) In the light of His Word found in His House, they see light in their day to day pilgrim experience.

"Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (1Ti. 4:8) Godliness is to be full of the God Who has revealed Himself to us.

For what are you labouring in life?

Comment on Evening May 25

Have you ever feel uncomfortable looking into the eyes of some people? Often we feel uncomfortable because we feel (rightly or wrongly) that those pair of eyes are able to look at our secret thoughts! This is particularly so when we have just done something terribly wrong against them and are afraid that they might know of it. Those pair of eyes are like searching light penetrating into the secret recesses of our heart!

"The Son of God, ... hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire." (Rev. 2:18) God has committed all judgment to His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. (Joh. 5:22)

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. — Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. — The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly." (Jer. 17:9,10. -Psa. 90:8. -Luke 22:61,62) It is better for us to look into Jesus' eyes more often on this side of the grave and weep like the Apostle Peter, than to see them on that Great and Glorious Day of the Lord.

"Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. — He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. — A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." (John 2:24,25. -Psa. 103:14. -Isa. 42:3) What would He see in our secret life - a broken and contrite heart?

"The Lord knoweth them that are his. — I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (2Ti. 2:19. -John 10:14,27,28)

Can you hear Him (Eph. 4:21), not about Him, Who knows the secrets of your heart? What is He saying to you? -

Comment on Morning May 26

David of old was a great King of Israel, one after God's own heart. God trained him be great leader of His people. He was trained to be a good shepherd of Israel. His experiences as such a shepherd served him well in his calling as a King of Israel. He became a model King by which other kings are measured for their goodness. He was a type of Christ Who is greater.

"Our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep." (Heb. 13:20) To have the right and proper understanding of our Lord, we must consider the ancient shepherd of the middle-east countries, and not the modern ones. One major difference is the former leads the flock while the latter drives them. The former calls for an intimate relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, while the latter less. Driving certainly can force the sheep to go in a certain direction the shepherd wants. But we can sense the difference between that and leading by example to accomplish the same goal.

"The chief Shepherd. — I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (1Pe. 5:4. -John 10:14,27, 28) This speaks of the immediate enjoyment of a relationship between a father and his son, without all the complicated explanation of what that relationship meant. In our world of deception, such complicated explanations are necessary for a faithful witness in this world. But the enjoyment of such a relationship is the reality not dependent upon the understanding of such explanations.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psa. 23:1-3) This is the confession of the great King David who knows more about shepherding than anyone of us. He heard the Shepherd and follow like His sheep with joy and thankfulness.

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity us all. — I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. — I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick." (Isa. 53:6. -John 10:11. -Ezek. 34:16) The Good Shepherd saw our great troubles and was willing to give His all to help us. He gave His very life to save us.

"Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1Pe. 2:25) We are no more lost sheep, but found and safe. Let us not be lost again, but keep close to Him and enjoy our walk with Him all the days of our life.

What kind of experiences are you having with your Shepherd?

Comment on Evening May 26

The earth never appear more glorious than in the day when there is light around to reveal the surrounding for us to behold in all their glorious colours, orders and designs. Because both darkness and light are alike to God, to Him all things are glorious even without light to reveal them for us dependent creatures. He should be praised and thanked for making his creation so glorious that many of His creatures are able to enjoy and take great delight therein.

The day will come when there will be no more night time nor darkness. This means that there will be the day of eternal glory. "The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Rev. 21:23)

When Jesus was on earth the first time, there were instances where He shone gloriously like the sun - foretastes of that great and glorious day. "I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. — Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." (Acts 26:13,15. -Matt. 17:1,2)

"The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended." (Isa. 60:19,20) What cause dullness, gloominess, darkness, shall all be done away with when our Lord ushers in the New Heavens and the New Earth. (Rev. 21:1-3)

"The God of all grace, ... hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus." (1Pe. 5:10)

Do you have such a day awaiting you?

Comment on Morning May 27

God is omniscient and knows all things. He knows all things all at once and at all time and throughout eternity. Some knowledge He knows them essentially, as the knowledge of Himself in His eternal being. Others He knows them willfully in that He wills them into knowledge and realities in His creation and providence. Yet others He knows them as possibilities without any concrete reality; for examples, the vain, evil and sinful thoughts of men. Some He knows in joy and delight, others in hatred and wrath. He knows them all before any came into existence.

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." (Nah. 1:7) This does not mean that He does not know people who do not trust in Him. He knows all things and all men. How else could He govern the whole universe perfectly and righteously, in grace and mercy, if He does not? Nahum meant by this verse that the goodness and stronghold of the Lord is not with all human beings, but with only those who trust in Him. Those who trust in Him are those known by God is a special way. The word "know" can refer to the knowledge of intimacy given only to those chosen and none else. "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, " (Gen. 4:1) Such a knowledge brings about the fruit of eternal life. Such a trust is not the cause or reason of such a knowledge, but rather the reverse its true - such a knowledge is the cause of such a trust.

"Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. — I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. — Who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! — As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?" (Jer. 33:11. -Psa. 46:1. -Psa. 91:2. -Deut. 33:29. -II Sam. 22:31,32)

"If any man love God, the same is known of him. — 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. — The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. — Thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name." (I Cor. 8:3. -II Tim. 2:19. -Psa. 1:6. -Exo. 33:17) Again such a man's love is not the cause or reason of such a divine knowledge of him. The reverse is true.

Upon what foundation is your saving knowledge and assurance based?

Comment on Evening May 27

In this life we, Christians, indeed, do have troubles every now and then. I am not thinking of the troubles that come upon all men, especially in these last days and age. I am thinking of the troubles which faithful Christians are called to bear as they witness for their Lord. These troubles are very often unreasonable, just like what our Lord faced in His first advent.

Pontius Pilate was greatly surprised that the Jewish people chose Barabbas instead of Jesus. He then must have knew that these were wicked, unreasonable people, but to save his own skin, he collaborated with them to have Jesus Christ crucified - another unreasonable act. Christians are not wicked people in this world. People may disagree with our teachings, but who can say that Christians in their faithful walk according to the Bible are not a blessing to society? To testify against the wicked deeds of men to glorify God is not an evil work though, it must be admitted, it does make people feel uncomfortable and guilty in their conscience. This would be a better world if the guilty repent towards God and put their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. But, instead, they persecute the Christians. So Christians often become worried and full of carefulness in this world.

"I would have you without carefulness." (1Co. 7:32) Many things do worry us naturally, but we are told to trust God and be courageous still doing those things which are right and pleasing in the sight of God.

"He careth for you. — The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." (I Pet. 5:7 -2 Chr 16:9) If we are confident doing God's will we should realize that He cares for us and would ensure that all things work out for our good and the praise of His Own Name. Even when we are to die for Him, He would ensure we die a glorious death. Our deaths are also precious in His sight.

Many who trust in the Lord fully, find Him fully true, and tell us about it. But such things are for us to experience and not just know intellectually. "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psa. 34:8,10) We do not truly know what is for our ultimate good, but God does. When we trust in Him, we discover more and more what is that true good which He has planned for us.

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them Are ye not much better than they? (Mat. 6:25,26) We worry in vain because of our ignorance of things. When we walk by faith more often we begin to trust and grow in godliness with contentment, which is great gain.

The life of godliness and contentment does not mean a life of indifference. It is a life of prayerfulness and quiet confidence in the God of our Salvation. "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)

Why are you vying with God to take good care of you? Can you do a better job? Walk by faith and not by sight.

Comment on Morning May 28

Aimlessness is movement without a goal and destination. In the mind of the Almighty Creator and Governor of all things, there is nothing aimless. Everything function according to His plan and work out perfectly as He would have them at every moment of their existence. Yet, relatively, in the lives of many of His rational, moral creatures, there are such things as aimlessness. There are always people who simply tagged along with the current movement. They just have no idea what is happening and be and let be, like all inanimate objects leaving everything to the surrounding forces and their natural reactions to them.

Christians are called to be different. "We look for the Saviour." (Php. 3:20) As Christians we do have a Saviour Who gave His very life for us, dying the cruel death of the Cross for our sins. He is our very God Who has promised us that He will come back for us one day. We are not discouraged, but continue to look for Him and speaks of His promise with great enthusiasm, knowing that His delay means salvation for many more.

"The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. — We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (Tit. 2:11-14. -II Pet. 3:13,14) In this life there are things for us to say "no" to and there are things for us to say "yes" to. Of course, this must means more than words. We don't do certain things and do certain things as Christians. We may struggles in the actual performance of such things, but we all agree that that is what the Christians should maintain in this world. We find our strength to press on at the thought of Jesus' Second Coming - the coming of the New Heavens and the new Earth, wherein dwells righteousness.

"Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. — And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." (Heb 9:28. -Isa. 25:9) "Once offered" in time and the foundation of Salvation was set forever! There is no other Salvation besides this, and all who are of the truth would come to Christ for He is the way, the truth and the life to God and eternal glory.

Are you on the right track? How do you know?

Comment on Evening May 28

No true Christian will fail to obtain eternal life and glory. This is because his salvation is work of the Almighty God Who can never fail in what He set forth to do and accomplish. That does not mean that a Christian life, as we sees it in this side of the grave, can be anything according to one's own liking and imagination. The Apostle Paul exhorted the Chrisians in Corinth: "So run, that ye may obtain." (1Co. 9:24) "So" speaks of a certain manner. Christian must live in such a way that they obtain what God has planned for them.

"The slothful man saith, There is a lion without." (Pro. 22:13) A slothful man is a lazy man. He often gives excuses for not being faithful in the work he is called to do. That is not the way of who is being saved by God. "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." (Heb. 12:1,2) It is these little sins here and there which often cause our being slothful in the things of God. Let us deal with them faithfully in the blood of the Lamb.

"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (II Cor. 7:1) "Perfecting" speaks of doing the finer things of a matter. Holiness is not somthing for one to posses without being affected and some kind of manifestation outwardly. "Old things are passed away and all things are become new." (2Co. 5:17)

"I press toward the mark. — I ... so run, not as uncertainly; I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, ... I myself should be a castaway." (Php. 3:14; 1Co. 9: 26, 27) In this highway of holiness our journey is a upward course. The way may be slow and often with ups and down, but it leads up for sure. Let us rejoice in that.

"The fashion of this world passeth away." () As for the attractive fashion of the world, be sure it will pass away. Let us not be foolish to be attracted by it.

"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent. — Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (II Pet. 3:13,14. -I Pet. 1:13)

Are you running in vain? Let us be more discipline in our ways.

Comment on Morning May 29

Whenever we see an injured body, the immediate alarming factor is the sight of blood flowing. The red staff attracts our attention and concern. Somehow we know that that blood must stop flowing or the victim would simply die without it. "The life of the flesh is in the blood: .." (Lev. 17:11a)

To make an atonement is to perform a sacrifice for the purpose of reconciliation, of bring together again two opposing parties, by the way of paying the penalty of sins and their forgiveness. Jesus made an atonement on behalf of His people, the Church, when He died on the Cross of Calvary, so that they and God might be reconciled. This atonement involved the offering of His blood willingly, of the life of His flesh. "... 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." (Lev. 17:11b) Our souls are much affected when we are given to see what He did for us two thousand years ago.

"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. — The blood of the Lamb. — The precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. — Without shedding of blood is no remission. — The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (Joh. 1:29; Rev. 7:14; 1Pe. 1:19; Heb. 9:22; 1Jo. 1:7) In the Old Testament era, before the First Coming of Christ, a lamb was used in place of Jesus to show this one and only Atonement acceptable to God in reconciling men bact to God. In the New Testament era, we only need to bear witness of this event in our lives.

In the O.T. temple worship, worshippers, through their High Priest, with the blood of the Atonement, entered the most holy place in the temple to sprinkle the blood on the Ark of the Covenant. This is a picture of our coming to the Father by Jesus Christ. Jesus is our High Priest who shed His atoning blood for us. "By his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. — Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith." (Heb. 9:12; 10:19, 20, 22)

A goods in a shop does not belong to you and you may not use it as you please. But, when you have paid the price for it, it becomes yours and you have every right to use it as you please. We were once not belonging to God because of the Fall, but to the devil, destined for hell. But God showed us His mercy and bought us with the price of the precious blood of Christ. "Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1Co. 6:20) There is no greater transaction than this transaction in all the whole wide world, and blessed are all those who know they belong to God and its implications.

Do you know what and who you are?

Comment on Evening May 29

Is it possible among human beings that one prefers death rather living on, whatever the consequences might be? Talk to those who are ready to commit suicide and probably you will get the answer to this question. Sometimes, one's sufferings are so great that one knows what he does not want immediately (namely, the present sufferings) and care not for what may follow thereafter. So, to these people death, being a definite total change of the present situation, cannot be any worse than the now. Yet, they are wrong in their judgment. Life is sacred and is not left to any man to decide its beginning nor its terminating at their whims and fancies. God decides all that through His ordained means. And, we must honour Him by waiting for His timing, no matter what the circumstances of our lives may be.

Believers, sometimes, may also wish for death because of the present hardship, though not to the point of considering suicide. "Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest." (Psa. 55:6) But we are not given such wings of freedom, and so we can only pray to our God and wait patiently for His grace and mercy to bring us home.

Jonah was not as merciful as Jehovah God and found it hard to serve Him, especially in the salvation of the unworthy in this world. He wished to serve in the perfect place of Heaven rather then to serve on this earth among sinful creatures. "It came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live." (Jon. 4:8) Jonah's wish was not granted because he needed to learn more that he was equally the unworthy who was being saved by the merciful God.

"Job spake, and said, Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul; which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures? — Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." (Job 3:2, 20, 21; Psa. 34:19) To His own light and life come often through much afflictions.

About Jesus it was said, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; .." (Heb. 5:8) "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. — In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." (Joh. 12:27; Heb. 2:17, 18)

Are you tempted severely? Do you know where and whom to go to for succour?

Comment on Morning May 30

In divine things we often hear things that seem to be contradictory, but are not because they are perfect in God, the Infinite Being. For example, to say that it is in bondage that we are free seem so contradictory at first sight. But to the spiritually minded who can see that bondage to God is the true freedom of one created after His own image, there is no contradiction at all. In fact, such things must necesarily be. Or, another example, of God being unchangeable and yet in perfect, living motion, may seem contrary to finite beings whose motion does indicate change. But to Perfect Being there is perfect harmony in rest and motion. So ...

"Let us labour to enter into that rest." (Heb. 4:11) Can labour be rest and rest labour? With man this is impossible, but with God such things are possible. In fact, salvation comes in the way of resting in God and yet such is the way of labour - restful, joyful labour.

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction: ... strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. — The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. — Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you. — Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: ... for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. — So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." (Matt. 7:13,14. -Matt. 11:12. -John 6:27. -II Pet. 1:10,11. -I Cor. 9:24,25) We are not saved by good works, but saved unto good works. The life of sanctification as worked by the Holy Spirit is described above.

"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. — The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory." (Heb. 4:10. -Isa. 60:19) To God alone be the glory. And that is especially so in the matter of our salvation.

Are you being deceived into thinking that you make all the difference in the matter of your salvation? He can never be beholden to us, even in this matter of our eternal destiny. He is Sovereign and does as He pleases.

Comment on Evening May 30

Jesus prayed as much as He could during the time of His first advent. He was busy during the day time, but at night He would often go to a nearby mountain to pray and spend time with His Father in Heaven. Whatever the circumstances of His life, He was confident that His Father was there for Him. He prayed, "Thou hearest me always." (Joh. 11:42) Jesus always prayed in faith, believing that His Father would answer His prayers.

"Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. — Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. — Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. — Not my will, but thine, be done." (Joh. 11:41; 12:28; Heb. 10:7; Luk. 22:42) Though He expresses His desires, He is always ready to do the Father's will and not His own. He never prayed to to interfer with the eternal counsel and good pleasure of God. We must follow in His steps.

"As he is, so are we in this world. — This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us." (1Jo. 4:17; 5:14) The more we pray about matters in our life, the more we will grow in understanding of His will as we observe how He answers those requests, unless we are in-submissive rebels to His ways with us.

"Whatsoever we ask. we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." (1Jo. 3:22) God, Who knows all things, knows if we truly love Him and seek His glory and praise, like He Himself is doing. If He approves of how we live, would He not hear our humble prayers for His glory?

"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." (Heb. 11:6) If we have no confidence that He is pleased with us, would we come often to Him in prayer? Faith in His Word and promises is indispensable in the matter of being prayerful.

In Christ not only do we have a good example of Someone prayerful, but He is become our very Advocate with the Father in Heaven in His resurrection and ascension. "He ever liveth to make intercession for them. — We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (Heb. 7:25; 1Jo. 2:1) Without His intercession for us how can our frail prayers ever ascend as sweet-smelling savour to our Heavenly Fahter?

What are you doing with your right of access to the Almighty through the living way opened to you by the Blood of the Lamb?

Comment on Morning May 31

"Thy name shall be called Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." (Gen. 32:28) These are God's Word concerning unworthy Jacob who prayed at Penuel just before meeting his twin brother, Esau, whom he had offended some decades ago. Jacob was frightened of his fierce brother and turned to his God in prayer for help. There he was said to have "power with God and with men, and hast prevailed". How can a mere man who struggled with God, prevail? That was what Hosea, the prophet, commented about Jacob: "By his strength he had power with God: yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him." (Hos. 12:3,4)

Hosea went on to explain how this frail man prevailed over God: "... he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial." (vv. 4b, 5) Bethel was that place where Jacob had a vision of a ladder (or staircase) reaching up to Heaven, upon which angels moved up and down upon Jacob. At Bethel, Jacob was fleeing from his fierce brother Esau. At Penuel, he was about to meet him. At Penuel, Jacob claimed the promise of God to protect him and bring him back safely, made at Bethel: "13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of." (Gen. 28)

Jacob's grandfather, Abraham, was of similar strength in prayer. "Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." (Rom. 4:20) God cannot deny Himself and only His Own Word can prevail over Him. He wants us to have this power and strength when He speaks and promises us various things. Our strength in prayers lie n our knowledge and faith in God's precious promises to us.

"Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That 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. — If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. — Blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord." (Mar. 11:22-24; 9:23; Luk. 1:45)

"Lord, increase our faith." (Luk. 17:5) True faith is not without the Word and promises of God.

Do you know wherein lies your power with God?

Comment on Evening May 31

There is no life and hope apart from Christ alone. Therefore, "Little children, abide in him." (1Jo. 2:28) As the Lord had warned us against the coming of many antichrists in the last days, we should be on the alert to avoid them. We do so by paying careful attention to the Christ of Scriptures, the Christ as revealed in the Word of God. He is the true and only Christ.

He alone is good enough for us. We do not waver on such things. "He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (Jam. 1:6-8) To think Him insufficient is not to have Him, but have some other insufficient one, for He is sufficient as God is sufficient.

So the Apostle Paul marvelled at the soon departure of the Galatian Christians on such things. He wrote: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another. Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal. 1:6-8) Any news that does not set forth Jesus alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour is bad news. Those bring such news to deceive ought to be cursed.

"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Ye did run well; who did hinder you?" (Gal. 5:4, 7) If such things can happen in Apostolic times, what about now, in our time and age? We must be alert and fight the good fight of faith.

"As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. — For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (Joh. 15:4, 7; 2Co. 1:20) Fruits that do not spring from abiding in Christ are no fruit of His Holy Spirit. Whatever they are does not matter. We should not eat nor bear them.

Are we fruitful branches in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Vine?

So let my light shine, O Lord, at Calvary!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Daily Light on Daily Path - May

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