Monday, September 30, 2013
The LORD [is]
The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)
Rejoice, O believer, for you are always given the privilege of speaking directly to the ear of the Father of heaven though the gift of His Son! He will hear your cry at every hour. Your every need is His own concern. Turn to Him with your every fear, your every trouble, and every prayer of thanks!
Rejoice, O believer, for you are always given the privilege of speaking directly to the ear of the Father of heaven though the gift of His Son! He will hear your cry at every hour. Your every need is His own concern. Turn to Him with your every fear, your every trouble, and every prayer of thanks!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Nevertheless
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)
We as believers have a hope and a promise from God that there will be a new heaven and a new earth, which is the home of the righteous! These mortal things will soon pass! We merely await His glorious return! Let us cry with a great hope: "Come quickly O Lord!"
We as believers have a hope and a promise from God that there will be a new heaven and a new earth, which is the home of the righteous! These mortal things will soon pass! We merely await His glorious return! Let us cry with a great hope: "Come quickly O Lord!"
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Nevertheless I [am]
Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory. (Psalm 73:23-24)
My Prayer: Gracious Father, thank You for continually being present within my life! Thank You for loving me with such unconditional adoration! Make me worthy of Your wonderful devotion toward me that I may give You honour and praise. Cause me to have a passionate desire toward Your word that I may please You in all I do and say. May I desire nothing on this desolate earth but the future glory with You!
My Prayer: Gracious Father, thank You for continually being present within my life! Thank You for loving me with such unconditional adoration! Make me worthy of Your wonderful devotion toward me that I may give You honour and praise. Cause me to have a passionate desire toward Your word that I may please You in all I do and say. May I desire nothing on this desolate earth but the future glory with You!
Friday, September 27, 2013
And I will put enmity
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15)
This is the first promise of the remarkable salvation that would bridge the gap between sinful man and a gracious God. From the beginning of creation, God had a redemptive plan that would begin and end with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the promised Seed, entered the world with the purpose of bruising the head of Satan (Romans 16:20) and claiming God's children to be His own. Thus, Christ destroyed the power of the evil one and freed mankind from the tremendous bondage of sin. From this, His grace flows forth and draws us as believers to His side.
This is the first promise of the remarkable salvation that would bridge the gap between sinful man and a gracious God. From the beginning of creation, God had a redemptive plan that would begin and end with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the promised Seed, entered the world with the purpose of bruising the head of Satan (Romans 16:20) and claiming God's children to be His own. Thus, Christ destroyed the power of the evil one and freed mankind from the tremendous bondage of sin. From this, His grace flows forth and draws us as believers to His side.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
The LORD upholdeth
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed down. (Psalm 145:14)
Ever is the Lord faithful to strengthen those of His who are wounded and bolster His children who are weighed down. His might is become our might. His sovereignty lifts our head in troubling times. Look to Him for your rest and comfort and ever shall you find it!
Ever is the Lord faithful to strengthen those of His who are wounded and bolster His children who are weighed down. His might is become our might. His sovereignty lifts our head in troubling times. Look to Him for your rest and comfort and ever shall you find it!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
For ye shall not
For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel [will be] your rereward. (Isaiah 52:12)
Never need the bride of Christ, when arrayed in her battledress, proceed anxiously to meet the enemy. Nor shall she flee from villainous hoards, defeated and brought low. She is the queen of God's right hand and ever shall He protect her comings and goings, guarding her both before and behind, and ever granting her sword arm the full measure of His omnipotent strength. Rejoice in the Lord! Rejoice in your strength!
Never need the bride of Christ, when arrayed in her battledress, proceed anxiously to meet the enemy. Nor shall she flee from villainous hoards, defeated and brought low. She is the queen of God's right hand and ever shall He protect her comings and goings, guarding her both before and behind, and ever granting her sword arm the full measure of His omnipotent strength. Rejoice in the Lord! Rejoice in your strength!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
And be found in him
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (Philippians 3:9)
When we accept Christ as our Savior, His righteousness is placed upon us. It is not our own semblance of righteousness (which is as filthy rags) that clothes us, but Christ's own perfection (which is as robes of white).
My Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for Your love that allows me to be clothed in Your righteousness! May I never take it for granted!
When we accept Christ as our Savior, His righteousness is placed upon us. It is not our own semblance of righteousness (which is as filthy rags) that clothes us, but Christ's own perfection (which is as robes of white).
My Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for Your love that allows me to be clothed in Your righteousness! May I never take it for granted!
Monday, September 23, 2013
All things that the Father hath
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. (John 16:15)
By His Spirit, God will take that which belongs to Jesus and make it known to us. Amazing! Thank Him for the revelation of His Word that he spoke through the apostles; our God is an awesome God!
By His Spirit, God will take that which belongs to Jesus and make it known to us. Amazing! Thank Him for the revelation of His Word that he spoke through the apostles; our God is an awesome God!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
But of him
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30)
"All we have we have from God as the fountain, and in and through Christ as the channel of conveyance. He is made of God to us all we need, or can desire. We are foolishness, ignorant and blind in the things of God, with all our boasted knowledge; and He is made wisdom to us. We are guilty, obnoxious to justice; and He is made righteousness, our great atonement and sacrifice. We are depraved and corrupt; and He is made sanctification, the spring of our spiritual life; from him, the head, it is communicated to all the members of his mystical body by his Holy Spirit. We are in bonds, and he is made redemption to us, our Saviour and deliverer."
—Matthew Henry
"All we have we have from God as the fountain, and in and through Christ as the channel of conveyance. He is made of God to us all we need, or can desire. We are foolishness, ignorant and blind in the things of God, with all our boasted knowledge; and He is made wisdom to us. We are guilty, obnoxious to justice; and He is made righteousness, our great atonement and sacrifice. We are depraved and corrupt; and He is made sanctification, the spring of our spiritual life; from him, the head, it is communicated to all the members of his mystical body by his Holy Spirit. We are in bonds, and he is made redemption to us, our Saviour and deliverer."
—Matthew Henry
Saturday, September 21, 2013
In all thy ways
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:6)
We must not simply believe that there is an all-powerful God, but we must also live a life of confidence in this hope. We must continually ask for His perfect guidance and immeasurable wisdom throughout our time on this earth. As Christians, we have a distinct honour: if we call upon His great name, He will make our paths straight. If we place ourselves to be under His wonderful direction, we will always benefit from His great kindness and goodness. What a wonderful promise to enjoy!
We must not simply believe that there is an all-powerful God, but we must also live a life of confidence in this hope. We must continually ask for His perfect guidance and immeasurable wisdom throughout our time on this earth. As Christians, we have a distinct honour: if we call upon His great name, He will make our paths straight. If we place ourselves to be under His wonderful direction, we will always benefit from His great kindness and goodness. What a wonderful promise to enjoy!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Abide in me,
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:4-5)
We cannot do anything without the Lord. He is the vine; and just as the branches receive their life-giving nutrients through the vine, so we as Christians receive the things we need for life from Christ. When a branch is apart from its source of life, it is dead. And so it is with us-until we are grafted onto that eternal and life-giving vine of Christ. We abide in Christ by our faith in Him and the salvation he offers. By this faith, even we shall bear fruit.
We cannot do anything without the Lord. He is the vine; and just as the branches receive their life-giving nutrients through the vine, so we as Christians receive the things we need for life from Christ. When a branch is apart from its source of life, it is dead. And so it is with us-until we are grafted onto that eternal and life-giving vine of Christ. We abide in Christ by our faith in Him and the salvation he offers. By this faith, even we shall bear fruit.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
As far as the east is from the west,
As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)
God's forgiveness is immeasurable! Though we be drowned in sin-though we be true sons of Adam steeped in iniquity-God will ever draw His people into His fold and cleanse them from the death-stain of their corruption. Rest in the Lord's forgiveness and go forth in new righteousness!
God's forgiveness is immeasurable! Though we be drowned in sin-though we be true sons of Adam steeped in iniquity-God will ever draw His people into His fold and cleanse them from the death-stain of their corruption. Rest in the Lord's forgiveness and go forth in new righteousness!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
But without faith
But 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. (Hebrews 11:6)
What is faith? It is trusting in the work of another. Therefore, we cannot please Him until we place all our trust and faith in Christ; for He is the author and finisher of our faith who will reward those who will seek His face.
What is faith? It is trusting in the work of another. Therefore, we cannot please Him until we place all our trust and faith in Christ; for He is the author and finisher of our faith who will reward those who will seek His face.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
For whosoever
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)
How bountiful the mercy of our Lord that He should not only allow salvation, but promise it to those who seek Him. Praise God for your everlasting life! Praise the Lord that He drew you to seek Him!
How bountiful the mercy of our Lord that He should not only allow salvation, but promise it to those who seek Him. Praise God for your everlasting life! Praise the Lord that He drew you to seek Him!
Monday, September 16, 2013
And they shall teach
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. (Jeremiah 31:34)
One beauty of the Covenant of Grace is this: we are promised intimate and familial knowledge of our Lord. No longer is He a God far-removed, approachable by a chosen few. No, in the New Covenant we are all kings and priests and are granted, in Christ, the most intimate access to the Father's throne-indeed, even access to the Father's ear by our prayers!
One beauty of the Covenant of Grace is this: we are promised intimate and familial knowledge of our Lord. No longer is He a God far-removed, approachable by a chosen few. No, in the New Covenant we are all kings and priests and are granted, in Christ, the most intimate access to the Father's throne-indeed, even access to the Father's ear by our prayers!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
" Living before the Omniscient God" — Hebrews 4:13 Dear Father, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, Help me to follow your teachings and live my life according to your will even in unusual or seemingly unimportant circumstances. O Lord, from you nothing is hidden; all things are open and laid bare before your eyes, and to you we give an account of our actions. Let my inmost thoughts and my most secret deeds, which you see and judge anyway, be done in righteous adherence to your teaching, and with a pure heart. And forgive me when I am forgetful or negligent. And if there is rebellion in my spirit, turn me around through your chastisement, that I may turn back to you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
" Living before the Omniscient God" — Hebrews 4:13
Dear Father, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent,
Help me to follow your teachings and live my life according to your will even in unusual or seemingly unimportant circumstances. O Lord, from you nothing is hidden; all things are open and laid bare before your eyes, and to you we give an account of our actions.
Let my inmost thoughts and my most secret deeds, which you see and judge anyway, be done in righteous adherence to your teaching, and with a pure heart. And forgive me when I am forgetful or negligent. And if there is rebellion in my spirit, turn me around through your chastisement, that I may turn back to you.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Dear Father, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent,
Help me to follow your teachings and live my life according to your will even in unusual or seemingly unimportant circumstances. O Lord, from you nothing is hidden; all things are open and laid bare before your eyes, and to you we give an account of our actions.
Let my inmost thoughts and my most secret deeds, which you see and judge anyway, be done in righteous adherence to your teaching, and with a pure heart. And forgive me when I am forgetful or negligent. And if there is rebellion in my spirit, turn me around through your chastisement, that I may turn back to you.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
But the salvation of the righteous
But the salvation of the righteous [is] of the LORD: [he is] their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. (Psalm 37:39-40)
In simple eloquence, the psalmist describes the beauty and strength of our Almighty God. By His graciousness, God's everlasting righteousness is our refuge during times of grave trial and tribulation. What a wonderful comfort! It is breath-taking to consider His love! He is our unrelenting rock and the deliverer of all things! Let us rejoice forever in the knowledge of Christ's saving hand and His reassuring promise of deliverance!
In simple eloquence, the psalmist describes the beauty and strength of our Almighty God. By His graciousness, God's everlasting righteousness is our refuge during times of grave trial and tribulation. What a wonderful comfort! It is breath-taking to consider His love! He is our unrelenting rock and the deliverer of all things! Let us rejoice forever in the knowledge of Christ's saving hand and His reassuring promise of deliverance!
Saturday, September 14, 2013
But my God shall supply all your need
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
God is all-powerful. He is able to provide for every need that meets a believer in his walk with Christ. As humans we often think of "needs" in the light of food, shelter, and physical amenities. However, our "real" needs are spiritual, for our spirit is eternal. Jesus has provided for all of our spirital needs. As the Apostle Peter says in his second letter:
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:3-4)
The Philippians trusted in God's promises, and they gave to the Lord's work out of what little they possessed. Praise God that we can trust in Him for our daily provision of all our needs!
God is all-powerful. He is able to provide for every need that meets a believer in his walk with Christ. As humans we often think of "needs" in the light of food, shelter, and physical amenities. However, our "real" needs are spiritual, for our spirit is eternal. Jesus has provided for all of our spirital needs. As the Apostle Peter says in his second letter:
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:3-4)
The Philippians trusted in God's promises, and they gave to the Lord's work out of what little they possessed. Praise God that we can trust in Him for our daily provision of all our needs!
Friday, September 13, 2013
For all the promises of God
For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
God keeps His promises. No matter what His promise may be, He will keep it-and it will be a "Yes" in Christ. Because of His faithfulness through Christ, our proper response should be "Amen," in order that we give Him glory. This should be the goal of all who believe-the further glory of God.
God keeps His promises. No matter what His promise may be, He will keep it-and it will be a "Yes" in Christ. Because of His faithfulness through Christ, our proper response should be "Amen," in order that we give Him glory. This should be the goal of all who believe-the further glory of God.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
There remaineth therefore
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. (Hebrews 4:9-10)
Our gracious Father offers His children the beautiful promise of complete rest in Him. The author here makes an earnest plea to the recipient of the epistle—let us receive this abundant spiritual life that God has made available to us. May we take strength in His eternal rest!
Our gracious Father offers His children the beautiful promise of complete rest in Him. The author here makes an earnest plea to the recipient of the epistle—let us receive this abundant spiritual life that God has made available to us. May we take strength in His eternal rest!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
What shall we then say
What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? (Romans 8:31)
Fear not, O believer, for there is naught to stand against you! All potential powers and enemies pale in significance to the power of God. No mere creation can threaten to undo the work and will of its Creator. God is sovereign. He holds all things in the palm of His hand, He does whatsoever He wills to do. And He loves you! Therefore rejoice, for while God is for you, O child of faith, nothing can truly be against you. And He is with you to everlasting.
Fear not, O believer, for there is naught to stand against you! All potential powers and enemies pale in significance to the power of God. No mere creation can threaten to undo the work and will of its Creator. God is sovereign. He holds all things in the palm of His hand, He does whatsoever He wills to do. And He loves you! Therefore rejoice, for while God is for you, O child of faith, nothing can truly be against you. And He is with you to everlasting.
Monday, September 9, 2013
And ye shall seek me,
And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
God promises to be found when sought after with our whole hearts. How wonderful then, that it is He who places that longing within us. It is He who gives our hearts of stone to be hearts of flesh. Glory to God that He is merciful to draw us near! Praise to the Lord that He first loved us! Live now as righteous, taking heart in the gospel joy of the Lord!
God promises to be found when sought after with our whole hearts. How wonderful then, that it is He who places that longing within us. It is He who gives our hearts of stone to be hearts of flesh. Glory to God that He is merciful to draw us near! Praise to the Lord that He first loved us! Live now as righteous, taking heart in the gospel joy of the Lord!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
For our conversation is in heaven;
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Philippians 3:20)
More than the temporal citizenship offered by the world, we are made inheritors of a heavenly citizenship. Paul wrote this to a church in the midst of a Roman colony who took great pride in their Roman citizenship. Yet the importance is not the location of our present dwelling, but our future heavenly home where we will see all His splendor with eyes unclouded and we shall surely worship Him. Thus, we eagerly await our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
More than the temporal citizenship offered by the world, we are made inheritors of a heavenly citizenship. Paul wrote this to a church in the midst of a Roman colony who took great pride in their Roman citizenship. Yet the importance is not the location of our present dwelling, but our future heavenly home where we will see all His splendor with eyes unclouded and we shall surely worship Him. Thus, we eagerly await our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, September 6, 2013
For if ye turn again
For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him. (2 Chronicles 30:9)
This verse simply states the wonderful character of the God we serve. He is abounding in grace and compassion as He is faithful to never leave His children. Could there be any better promise? To consider the gracious nature of our God only causes us to rejoice and praise His magnificent name!
This verse simply states the wonderful character of the God we serve. He is abounding in grace and compassion as He is faithful to never leave His children. Could there be any better promise? To consider the gracious nature of our God only causes us to rejoice and praise His magnificent name!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
For the LORD loveth judgment,
For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. (Psalm 37:28)
Eternal is the abundant life of God's people! Praise God forever! We shall be preserved and we shall delight in glorifying God unto everlasting! Hallelujah! Fear no rejection for you are His and all things are bound together for your good. Trust in the incredible love of the Lord and proceed in that same love to preach this gospel of preservation to the ripened fields of the lost!
Eternal is the abundant life of God's people! Praise God forever! We shall be preserved and we shall delight in glorifying God unto everlasting! Hallelujah! Fear no rejection for you are His and all things are bound together for your good. Trust in the incredible love of the Lord and proceed in that same love to preach this gospel of preservation to the ripened fields of the lost!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Blessed [be] the God
Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ: (Ephesians 1:3)
Every spiritual blessing. Every single last one! Can you believe it? What abounding grace has been granted us who believe! Every spiritual blessing! To us, the former children of our once-father, the devil. Even while every believer should be rejoicing in thankful abandon at being granted to taste of life eternal, how much more should the adopted son of the High King of Heaven give unceasing thanks for the bountiful treasure unmerited which has been granted him by God's unmeasured mercy!
Every spiritual blessing. Every single last one! Can you believe it? What abounding grace has been granted us who believe! Every spiritual blessing! To us, the former children of our once-father, the devil. Even while every believer should be rejoicing in thankful abandon at being granted to taste of life eternal, how much more should the adopted son of the High King of Heaven give unceasing thanks for the bountiful treasure unmerited which has been granted him by God's unmeasured mercy!
Monday, September 2, 2013
"Only Out of Love" — Titus 1:11-14
"Only Out of Love" — Titus 1:11-14
Dear Father,
Help me never to teach or serve in your kingdom for selfish gain. May I live and do good out of pure love for you.
Help me to stay away from stupid myths, concocted by human imagination, and follow only the truth that comes from you.
Help me to be frugal in my approach to life. Save me from overindulgence of every kind.
In the holy name of Christ Jesus I ask it. Amen.
Dear Father,
Help me never to teach or serve in your kingdom for selfish gain. May I live and do good out of pure love for you.
Help me to stay away from stupid myths, concocted by human imagination, and follow only the truth that comes from you.
Help me to be frugal in my approach to life. Save me from overindulgence of every kind.
In the holy name of Christ Jesus I ask it. Amen.
And wisdom and knowledge
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, [and] strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD [is] his treasure. (Isaiah 33:6)
What a faithful God we serve! By His tender love for us, our incredible salvation is our strength and firm stability. His wealth of infinite wisdom and perfect knowledge affords us the privilege of trusting in God throughout our lives. Surely we worship an awesome and great Lord!
What a faithful God we serve! By His tender love for us, our incredible salvation is our strength and firm stability. His wealth of infinite wisdom and perfect knowledge affords us the privilege of trusting in God throughout our lives. Surely we worship an awesome and great Lord!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Who gave himself for us,
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14)
Our redemption and future life is assured: for Jesus Christ, the Lamb, was stricken down for our sakes and so every spiritual blessing is even now granted us! Christ demanded Himself a people and so He duly paid for one! We are His people! We are His sheep! We are His workmanship! We who believe are assured our salvation for the winning of it lay in the hand of He who has already won it!
Our redemption and future life is assured: for Jesus Christ, the Lamb, was stricken down for our sakes and so every spiritual blessing is even now granted us! Christ demanded Himself a people and so He duly paid for one! We are His people! We are His sheep! We are His workmanship! We who believe are assured our salvation for the winning of it lay in the hand of He who has already won it!
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