HE IS RISEN!

Not of This World

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on July 2nd.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 Chapter 3 1 But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away.

“What is going on in the world?”  You’ve probably heard people say this. And as Christians, we sometimes wonder how we are to live in a culture that seems to be on a downhill trajectory ethically. Since Jesus said of His disciples, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” ( John 17:16 16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. ), we can certainly conclude that our lives should look different from unbelievers’ lives.

The darker things become, the more pronounced should be the contrast between our way of life and the world’s. And one of the most obvious differences should be in the area of love. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Chapter 3 1 But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away. , Paul warned that in the last days (a period just before Jesus’ return) mankind would be lovers of self, money, and pleasure rather than of God and others. Such misplaced affection results in arrogance, ungratefulness, unholiness, and all the other tragic descriptions found in this passage. When love becomes distorted, these vices inevitably follow. And today we see the evidence of this all around us, don’t we?

Even the technology that makes life easier is drawing us apart. Face-to-face conversations and phone calls are increasingly being replaced with emails and texts. Everywhere we turn, eyes are looking down at phones rather than seeing the people right in front of them.

The good news is that we can make a difference by intentionally living and loving differently from the world around us. As the Lord told us in Matthew 22:37-40 37 And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second like `unto it' is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets. , the way to fight the lovelessness all around us is by loving God and our neighbors.

Bible in One Year: Psalms 119 Chapter 119 1 ALEPH. Blessed are they that are perfect in the way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart. 3 Yea, they do no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded `us' thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways were established To observe thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn thy righteous judgments. 8 I will observe thy statutes: Oh forsake me not utterly. 9 BETH. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed `thereto' according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Jehovah: Teach me thy statutes. 13 With my lips have I declared All the ordinances of thy mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. 17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live; So will I observe thy word. 18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law. 19 I am a sojourner in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me. 20 My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thine ordinances at all times. 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, That do wander from thy commandments. 22 Take away from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies. 23 Princes also sat and talked against me; `But' thy servant did meditate on thy statutes. 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight `And' my counsellors. 25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word. 26 I declared my ways, and thou answeredst me: Teach me thy statutes. 27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I meditate on thy wondrous works. 28 My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word. 29 Remove from me the way of falsehood; And grant me thy law graciously. 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness: Thine ordinances have I set `before me'. 31 I cleave unto thy testimonies: O Jehovah, put me not to shame. 32 I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. 33 HE. Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight. 36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness. 37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, And quicken me in thy ways. 38 Confirm unto thy servant thy word, Which `is in order' unto the fear of thee. 39 Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good. 40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness. 41 VAV. Let thy lovingkindnesses also come unto me, O Jehovah, Even thy salvation, according to thy word. 42 So shall I have an answer for him that reproacheth me; For I trust in thy word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thine ordinances. 44 So shall I observe thy law continually For ever and ever. 45 And I shall walk at liberty; For I have sought thy precepts. 46 I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, And shall not be put to shame. 47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, Which I have loved. 48 I will lift up my hands also unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate on thy statutes. 49 ZAYIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, Because thou hast made me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction; For thy word hath quickened me. 51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: `Yet' have I not swerved from thy law. 52 I have remembered thine ordinances of old, O Jehovah, And have comforted myself. 53 Hot indignation hath taken hold upon me, Because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54 Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I have remembered thy name, O Jehovah, in the night, And have observed thy law. 56 This I have had, Because I have kept thy precepts. 57 HHETH. Jehovah is my portion: I have said that I would observe thy words. 58 I entreated thy favor with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word. 59 I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60 I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments. 61 The cords of the wicked have wrapped me round; `But' I have not forgotten thy law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous ordinances. 63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, And of them that observe thy precepts. 64 The earth, O Jehovah, is full of thy lovingkindness: Teach me thy statutes. 65 TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Jehovah, according unto thy word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge; For I have believed in thy commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray; But now I observe thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver. 73 YODH. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee shall see me and be glad, Because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O Jehovah, that thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; For thy law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be put to shame; For they have overthrown me wrongfully: `But' I will meditate on thy precepts. 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me; And they shall know thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame. 81 KAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation; `But' I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes. 84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85 The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts. 88 LAMEDH. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I observe the testimony of thy mouth. 89 For ever, O Jehovah, Thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They abide this day according to thine ordinances; For all things are thy servants. 92 Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93 I will never forget thy precepts; For with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me; `But' I will consider thy testimonies. 96 MEM. I have seen an end of all perfection; `But' thy commandment is exceeding broad. 97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; For they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers; For thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept thy precepts. 101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word. 102 I have not turned aside from thine ordinances; For thou hast taught me. 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! `Yea, sweeter' than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. 105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances. 107 I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according unto thy word. 108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah, And teach me thine ordinances. 109 My soul is continually in my hand; Yet do I not forget thy law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me; Yet have I not gone astray from thy precepts. 111 Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes For ever, even unto the end. 113 SAMEKH. I hate them that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love. 114 Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word. 115 Depart from me, ye evil-doers, That I may keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; And let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, And shall have respect unto thy statutes continually. 118 Thou hast set at nought all them that err from thy statutes; For their deceit is falsehood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies. 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. 121 AYIN. I have done justice and righteousness: Leave me not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me. 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for thy righteous word. 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy lovingkindness, And teach me thy statutes. 125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies. 126 It is time for Jehovah to work; `For' they have made void thy law. 127 Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem all `thy' precepts concerning all `things' to be right; `And' I hate every false way. 129 PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful; Therefore doth my soul keep them. 130 The opening of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple. 131 I opened wide my mouth, and panted; For I longed for thy commandments. 132 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. 133 Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Redeem me from the oppression of man: So will I observe thy precepts. 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes. 136 Streams of water run down mine eyes, Because they observe not thy law. 137 TSADHE. Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, And upright are thy judgments. 138 Thou hast commanded thy testimonies in righteousness And very faithfulness. 139 My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words. 140 Thy word is very pure; Therefore thy servant loveth it. 141 I am small and despised; `Yet' do I not forget thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; `Yet' thy commandments are my delight. 144 Thy testimonies are righteous for ever: Give me understanding, and I shall live. 145 QOPH. I have called with my whole heart; answer me, O Jehovah: I will keep thy statutes. 146 I have called unto thee; save me, And I shall observe thy testimonies. 147 I anticipated the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy words. 148 Mine eyes anticipated the night-watches, That I might meditate on thy word. 149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thine ordinances. 150 They draw nigh that follow after wickedness; They are far from thy law. 151 Thou art nigh, O Jehovah; And all thy commandments are truth. 152 Of old have I known from thy testimonies, That thou hast founded them for ever. 153 RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me; For I do not forget thy law. 154 Plead thou my cause, and redeem me: Quicken me according to thy word. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked; For they seek not thy statutes. 156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Jehovah: Quicken me according to thine ordinances. 157 Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; `Yet' have I not swerved from thy testimonies. 158 I beheld the treacherous, and was grieved, Because they observe not thy word. 159 Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thy lovingkindness. 160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances `endureth' for ever. 161 SHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause; But my heart standeth in awe of thy words. 162 I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil. 163 I hate and abhor falsehood; `But' thy law do I love. 164 Seven times a day do I praise thee, Because of thy righteous ordinances. 165 Great peace have they that love thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling. 166 I have hoped for thy salvation, O Jehovah, And have done thy commandments. 167 My soul hath observed thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly. 168 I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies; For all my ways are before thee. 169 TAV. Let my cry come near before thee, O Jehovah: Give me understanding according to thy word. 170 Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy word. 171 Let my lips utter praise; For thou teachest me thy statutes. 172 Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness. 173 Let thy hand be ready to help me; For I have chosen thy precepts. 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Jehovah; And thy law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; And let thine ordinances help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments. Psalm 120 A Song of Ascents.

Compassion for the Lost

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on July 2nd.

Matthew 9:36-38 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few. 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.

Throughout the Gospels, a phrase commonly used of the Lord is “He felt compassion” (Matt. 9:36). These words describe what Jesus often experienced when He encountered people in a helpless condition: He was moved to alleviate their suffering. 

Man’s greatest suffering is due to alienation from the Lord because of sin. Even though many people don’t realize it, they are enemies of God and can do nothing to make themselves right with Him. Thankfully, Jesus felt compassion for us and reached down to save us; otherwise, we would all be doomed to the everlasting punishment of separation from God’s presence. Yet often we fail to show that same compassion for the lost all around us. Like the Pharisees, we may avoid people because their behavior is sinful, but God desires that we show them kindheartedness rather than withdraw into religious isolation.

Jesus pictured the multitude of lost people as sheep without a shepherd and a field ripe for harvest. All that’s needed is for the Lord to send workers into His harvest, and that’s exactly what Jesus did when He said, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” ( John 20:21 21 Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace `be' unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you. ).

There are multiple ways to show Christ’s compassion to those who are suffering physically, financially, or emotionally, and we should do what we can to help. However, temporal suffering is minuscule compared to what awaits the unbeliever eternally. That’s why the most compassionate thing we can do is to make people aware of their helpless condition before God and share the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Bible in One Year: Psalms 119 Chapter 119 1 ALEPH. Blessed are they that are perfect in the way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart. 3 Yea, they do no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded `us' thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways were established To observe thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn thy righteous judgments. 8 I will observe thy statutes: Oh forsake me not utterly. 9 BETH. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed `thereto' according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Jehovah: Teach me thy statutes. 13 With my lips have I declared All the ordinances of thy mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. 17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live; So will I observe thy word. 18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law. 19 I am a sojourner in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me. 20 My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thine ordinances at all times. 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, That do wander from thy commandments. 22 Take away from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies. 23 Princes also sat and talked against me; `But' thy servant did meditate on thy statutes. 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight `And' my counsellors. 25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word. 26 I declared my ways, and thou answeredst me: Teach me thy statutes. 27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I meditate on thy wondrous works. 28 My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word. 29 Remove from me the way of falsehood; And grant me thy law graciously. 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness: Thine ordinances have I set `before me'. 31 I cleave unto thy testimonies: O Jehovah, put me not to shame. 32 I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. 33 HE. Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight. 36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness. 37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, And quicken me in thy ways. 38 Confirm unto thy servant thy word, Which `is in order' unto the fear of thee. 39 Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good. 40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness. 41 VAV. Let thy lovingkindnesses also come unto me, O Jehovah, Even thy salvation, according to thy word. 42 So shall I have an answer for him that reproacheth me; For I trust in thy word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thine ordinances. 44 So shall I observe thy law continually For ever and ever. 45 And I shall walk at liberty; For I have sought thy precepts. 46 I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, And shall not be put to shame. 47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, Which I have loved. 48 I will lift up my hands also unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate on thy statutes. 49 ZAYIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, Because thou hast made me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction; For thy word hath quickened me. 51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: `Yet' have I not swerved from thy law. 52 I have remembered thine ordinances of old, O Jehovah, And have comforted myself. 53 Hot indignation hath taken hold upon me, Because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54 Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I have remembered thy name, O Jehovah, in the night, And have observed thy law. 56 This I have had, Because I have kept thy precepts. 57 HHETH. Jehovah is my portion: I have said that I would observe thy words. 58 I entreated thy favor with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word. 59 I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60 I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments. 61 The cords of the wicked have wrapped me round; `But' I have not forgotten thy law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous ordinances. 63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, And of them that observe thy precepts. 64 The earth, O Jehovah, is full of thy lovingkindness: Teach me thy statutes. 65 TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Jehovah, according unto thy word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge; For I have believed in thy commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray; But now I observe thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver. 73 YODH. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee shall see me and be glad, Because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O Jehovah, that thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; For thy law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be put to shame; For they have overthrown me wrongfully: `But' I will meditate on thy precepts. 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me; And they shall know thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame. 81 KAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation; `But' I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes. 84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85 The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts. 88 LAMEDH. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I observe the testimony of thy mouth. 89 For ever, O Jehovah, Thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They abide this day according to thine ordinances; For all things are thy servants. 92 Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93 I will never forget thy precepts; For with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me; `But' I will consider thy testimonies. 96 MEM. I have seen an end of all perfection; `But' thy commandment is exceeding broad. 97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; For they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers; For thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept thy precepts. 101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word. 102 I have not turned aside from thine ordinances; For thou hast taught me. 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! `Yea, sweeter' than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. 105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances. 107 I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according unto thy word. 108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah, And teach me thine ordinances. 109 My soul is continually in my hand; Yet do I not forget thy law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me; Yet have I not gone astray from thy precepts. 111 Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes For ever, even unto the end. 113 SAMEKH. I hate them that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love. 114 Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word. 115 Depart from me, ye evil-doers, That I may keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; And let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, And shall have respect unto thy statutes continually. 118 Thou hast set at nought all them that err from thy statutes; For their deceit is falsehood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies. 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. 121 AYIN. I have done justice and righteousness: Leave me not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me. 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for thy righteous word. 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy lovingkindness, And teach me thy statutes. 125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies. 126 It is time for Jehovah to work; `For' they have made void thy law. 127 Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem all `thy' precepts concerning all `things' to be right; `And' I hate every false way. 129 PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful; Therefore doth my soul keep them. 130 The opening of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple. 131 I opened wide my mouth, and panted; For I longed for thy commandments. 132 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. 133 Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Redeem me from the oppression of man: So will I observe thy precepts. 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes. 136 Streams of water run down mine eyes, Because they observe not thy law. 137 TSADHE. Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, And upright are thy judgments. 138 Thou hast commanded thy testimonies in righteousness And very faithfulness. 139 My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words. 140 Thy word is very pure; Therefore thy servant loveth it. 141 I am small and despised; `Yet' do I not forget thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; `Yet' thy commandments are my delight. 144 Thy testimonies are righteous for ever: Give me understanding, and I shall live. 145 QOPH. I have called with my whole heart; answer me, O Jehovah: I will keep thy statutes. 146 I have called unto thee; save me, And I shall observe thy testimonies. 147 I anticipated the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy words. 148 Mine eyes anticipated the night-watches, That I might meditate on thy word. 149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thine ordinances. 150 They draw nigh that follow after wickedness; They are far from thy law. 151 Thou art nigh, O Jehovah; And all thy commandments are truth. 152 Of old have I known from thy testimonies, That thou hast founded them for ever. 153 RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me; For I do not forget thy law. 154 Plead thou my cause, and redeem me: Quicken me according to thy word. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked; For they seek not thy statutes. 156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Jehovah: Quicken me according to thine ordinances. 157 Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; `Yet' have I not swerved from thy testimonies. 158 I beheld the treacherous, and was grieved, Because they observe not thy word. 159 Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thy lovingkindness. 160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances `endureth' for ever. 161 SHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause; But my heart standeth in awe of thy words. 162 I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil. 163 I hate and abhor falsehood; `But' thy law do I love. 164 Seven times a day do I praise thee, Because of thy righteous ordinances. 165 Great peace have they that love thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling. 166 I have hoped for thy salvation, O Jehovah, And have done thy commandments. 167 My soul hath observed thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly. 168 I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies; For all my ways are before thee. 169 TAV. Let my cry come near before thee, O Jehovah: Give me understanding according to thy word. 170 Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy word. 171 Let my lips utter praise; For thou teachest me thy statutes. 172 Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness. 173 Let thy hand be ready to help me; For I have chosen thy precepts. 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Jehovah; And thy law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; And let thine ordinances help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments. Psalm 120 A Song of Ascents.

Confidence in Times of Distress

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on July 3rd.

Psalms 46:1-11 Chapter 46 1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains tremble with the swelling thereof. Selah 4 There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God will help her, and that right early. 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 Jehovah of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of Jehovah, What desolations he hath made in the earth. 9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariots in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 Jehovah of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Psalm 47 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

“I’m out of here!” Most of us will feel like crying out this way at some point in life. When a demanding circumstance feels overwhelming, or when the pressure of the daily routine seems unbearable, a common reaction is the desire to escape. Whether the stress is related to a job, relationship, or other situation that seems too hard to handle, we want relief. So we decide we are walking out. Moving on. Heading for anywhere but where we are now.

The Father has a powerful truth for us: The way to handle stressful situations is to cease fighting against them and instead be at rest. To the psalmist, this meant being still and knowing God is truly God ( Psalms 46:10 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. NIV). Jesus promises peace in the midst of trials when we let go of troubles and entrust them to His care. (See Matt. 11:28-30; John 16:33 33 These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. .) So, while human instinct clamors for escape, God calls us to draw near to Him. Then we can discover calmness of spirit as we absorb the truth of His Word.

Most of all, the Lord wants us to know who He is. As we believe the truth of His sovereignty ( 1 Chronicles 29:11 11 Thine, O Jehovah, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heavens and in the earth `is thine'; thine is the kingdom, O Jehovah, and thou art exalted as head above all. ) and accept both the absolute goodness of His plans (Jer. 29:11) and His deep, abiding love for us (Eph. 3:17-19), we will grow in our trust of Him. Then we will find it easier to be still and truly know He is God.

Our stress need not become distress. The better we understand our heavenly Father, the more we’ll be able to walk through circumstances with calmness (Phil. 4:7) and confidence (Jer. 17:7 NIV). This is our privilege as God’s children.

Bible In One Year: Psalms 119 Chapter 119 1 ALEPH. Blessed are they that are perfect in the way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart. 3 Yea, they do no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded `us' thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways were established To observe thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn thy righteous judgments. 8 I will observe thy statutes: Oh forsake me not utterly. 9 BETH. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed `thereto' according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Jehovah: Teach me thy statutes. 13 With my lips have I declared All the ordinances of thy mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. 17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live; So will I observe thy word. 18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law. 19 I am a sojourner in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me. 20 My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thine ordinances at all times. 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, That do wander from thy commandments. 22 Take away from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies. 23 Princes also sat and talked against me; `But' thy servant did meditate on thy statutes. 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight `And' my counsellors. 25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word. 26 I declared my ways, and thou answeredst me: Teach me thy statutes. 27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I meditate on thy wondrous works. 28 My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word. 29 Remove from me the way of falsehood; And grant me thy law graciously. 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness: Thine ordinances have I set `before me'. 31 I cleave unto thy testimonies: O Jehovah, put me not to shame. 32 I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. 33 HE. Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight. 36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness. 37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, And quicken me in thy ways. 38 Confirm unto thy servant thy word, Which `is in order' unto the fear of thee. 39 Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good. 40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness. 41 VAV. Let thy lovingkindnesses also come unto me, O Jehovah, Even thy salvation, according to thy word. 42 So shall I have an answer for him that reproacheth me; For I trust in thy word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thine ordinances. 44 So shall I observe thy law continually For ever and ever. 45 And I shall walk at liberty; For I have sought thy precepts. 46 I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, And shall not be put to shame. 47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, Which I have loved. 48 I will lift up my hands also unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate on thy statutes. 49 ZAYIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, Because thou hast made me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction; For thy word hath quickened me. 51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: `Yet' have I not swerved from thy law. 52 I have remembered thine ordinances of old, O Jehovah, And have comforted myself. 53 Hot indignation hath taken hold upon me, Because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54 Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I have remembered thy name, O Jehovah, in the night, And have observed thy law. 56 This I have had, Because I have kept thy precepts. 57 HHETH. Jehovah is my portion: I have said that I would observe thy words. 58 I entreated thy favor with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word. 59 I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60 I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments. 61 The cords of the wicked have wrapped me round; `But' I have not forgotten thy law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous ordinances. 63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, And of them that observe thy precepts. 64 The earth, O Jehovah, is full of thy lovingkindness: Teach me thy statutes. 65 TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Jehovah, according unto thy word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge; For I have believed in thy commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray; But now I observe thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver. 73 YODH. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee shall see me and be glad, Because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O Jehovah, that thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; For thy law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be put to shame; For they have overthrown me wrongfully: `But' I will meditate on thy precepts. 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me; And they shall know thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame. 81 KAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation; `But' I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes. 84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85 The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts. 88 LAMEDH. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I observe the testimony of thy mouth. 89 For ever, O Jehovah, Thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They abide this day according to thine ordinances; For all things are thy servants. 92 Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93 I will never forget thy precepts; For with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me; `But' I will consider thy testimonies. 96 MEM. I have seen an end of all perfection; `But' thy commandment is exceeding broad. 97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; For they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers; For thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept thy precepts. 101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word. 102 I have not turned aside from thine ordinances; For thou hast taught me. 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! `Yea, sweeter' than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. 105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances. 107 I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according unto thy word. 108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah, And teach me thine ordinances. 109 My soul is continually in my hand; Yet do I not forget thy law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me; Yet have I not gone astray from thy precepts. 111 Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes For ever, even unto the end. 113 SAMEKH. I hate them that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love. 114 Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word. 115 Depart from me, ye evil-doers, That I may keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; And let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, And shall have respect unto thy statutes continually. 118 Thou hast set at nought all them that err from thy statutes; For their deceit is falsehood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies. 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. 121 AYIN. I have done justice and righteousness: Leave me not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me. 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for thy righteous word. 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy lovingkindness, And teach me thy statutes. 125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies. 126 It is time for Jehovah to work; `For' they have made void thy law. 127 Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem all `thy' precepts concerning all `things' to be right; `And' I hate every false way. 129 PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful; Therefore doth my soul keep them. 130 The opening of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple. 131 I opened wide my mouth, and panted; For I longed for thy commandments. 132 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. 133 Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Redeem me from the oppression of man: So will I observe thy precepts. 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes. 136 Streams of water run down mine eyes, Because they observe not thy law. 137 TSADHE. Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, And upright are thy judgments. 138 Thou hast commanded thy testimonies in righteousness And very faithfulness. 139 My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words. 140 Thy word is very pure; Therefore thy servant loveth it. 141 I am small and despised; `Yet' do I not forget thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; `Yet' thy commandments are my delight. 144 Thy testimonies are righteous for ever: Give me understanding, and I shall live. 145 QOPH. I have called with my whole heart; answer me, O Jehovah: I will keep thy statutes. 146 I have called unto thee; save me, And I shall observe thy testimonies. 147 I anticipated the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy words. 148 Mine eyes anticipated the night-watches, That I might meditate on thy word. 149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thine ordinances. 150 They draw nigh that follow after wickedness; They are far from thy law. 151 Thou art nigh, O Jehovah; And all thy commandments are truth. 152 Of old have I known from thy testimonies, That thou hast founded them for ever. 153 RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me; For I do not forget thy law. 154 Plead thou my cause, and redeem me: Quicken me according to thy word. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked; For they seek not thy statutes. 156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Jehovah: Quicken me according to thine ordinances. 157 Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; `Yet' have I not swerved from thy testimonies. 158 I beheld the treacherous, and was grieved, Because they observe not thy word. 159 Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thy lovingkindness. 160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances `endureth' for ever. 161 SHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause; But my heart standeth in awe of thy words. 162 I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil. 163 I hate and abhor falsehood; `But' thy law do I love. 164 Seven times a day do I praise thee, Because of thy righteous ordinances. 165 Great peace have they that love thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling. 166 I have hoped for thy salvation, O Jehovah, And have done thy commandments. 167 My soul hath observed thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly. 168 I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies; For all my ways are before thee. 169 TAV. Let my cry come near before thee, O Jehovah: Give me understanding according to thy word. 170 Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy word. 171 Let my lips utter praise; For thou teachest me thy statutes. 172 Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness. 173 Let thy hand be ready to help me; For I have chosen thy precepts. 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Jehovah; And thy law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; And let thine ordinances help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments. Psalm 120 A Song of Ascents.

Christ: The Living Stone

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 3rd.

Jesus is the only source of eternal life and the foundation upon which the church is built.

Peter's description of Christ as "a living stone" is paradoxical because stones aren't alive. In fact, we sometimes speak of something being "stone dead." Yet Peter's symbolism is profound because it beautifully incorporates three realities about Christ.

First, Jesus is the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. The Old Testament referred to the Messiah as a stone, and Peter incorporated those texts into His description of Jesus in 1 Peter 2:6-8 6 Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame. 7 For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; 8 and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. : "Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him shall not be disappointed" (Isa. 28:16); "The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very cornerstone" (Ps. 118:22); and "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" (Isa. 8:14). The parallel is obvious and would be especially meaningful to Peter's Jewish readers. The expectations of pious Jews throughout history were realized in Christ. God had kept His promise to send the Messiah!

Second, Jesus is a stone in that He is the focal point of His spiritual house, the church. The Greek word translated "stone" in verse 4 sometimes referred to the stones used in building projects. They were cut and chiseled to fit perfectly into a specific location, and were practically immovable. Not only is Jesus a stone; He is the cornerstone, which is the most important stone in the entire building. From Him the church draws its spiritual symmetry.

Finally, Jesus is living. That's an appropriate description because everything Peter said in this epistle is based on the fact that Jesus is alive. That's the believer's hope and the basis for every spiritual privilege you have. You "have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Pet. 1:3, emphasis added).

Interestingly, the literal rendering of 1 Peter 2:4 4 unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, is, "Coming to Him as to living stone." Christ is a unique stone—the stone that possesses life. All who come to Him receive eternal life (cf. 1 John 5:11 11 And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ).

Suggestions for Prayer

Praise the Lord for His unchangeable character and irrevocable promises.

For Further Study

Read Acts 2:22-47 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know; 23 him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay: 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David saith concerning him, I beheld the Lord always before my face; For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; Moreover my flesh also shall dwell in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul unto Hades, Neither wilt thou give thy Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou madest known unto me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of gladness with thy countenance. 29 Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set `one' upon his throne; 31 he foreseeing `this' spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear. 34 For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet. 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. 37 Now when they heard `this,' they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? 38 And Peter `said' unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, `even' as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. 40 And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 41 They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added `unto them' in that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. 46 And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved. .

• What was the central point in Peter's sermon?
• How did the people respond to his preaching?
• How many people were baptized?
• What were some of the activities of the early church?

From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

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Daily Bible - July 3

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 3rd.

Reading for Today:

• 2 Chronicles 1:1 Chapter 1 1 And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and Jehovah his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. –2:18
• Psalms 79:1-4 Chapter 79 1 O God, the nations are come into thine inheritance; Thy holy temple have they defiled; They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. 2 The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be food unto the birds of the heavens, The flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth. 3 Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; And there was none to bury them. 4 We are become a reproach to our neighbors, A scoffing and derision to them that are round about us.
• Proverbs 20:8-9 8 A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
• Acts 11:1-30 Chapter 11 1 Now the apostles and the brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4 But Peter began, and expounded `the matter' unto them in order, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even unto me: 6 upon which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw the fourfooted beasts of the earth and wild beasts and creeping things and birds of the heaven. 7 And I heard also a voice saying unto me, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. 8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath ever entered into my mouth. 9 But a voice answered the second time out of heaven, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. 10 And this was done thrice: and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 And behold, forthwith three men stood before the house in which we were, having been sent from Caesarea unto me. 12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no distinction. And these six brethren also accompanied me; and we entered into the man's house: 13 and he told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, Send to Joppa, and fetch Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 who shall speak unto thee words, whereby thou shalt be saved, thou and all thy house. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. 17 If then God gave unto them the like gift as `he did' also unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God? 18 And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life. 19 They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number that believed turned unto the Lord. 22 And the report concerning them came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas as far as Antioch: 23 who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord: 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 And he went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 27 Now in these days there came down prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius. 29 And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judea: 30 which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Notes:

2 Chronicles 1:1 Chapter 1 1 And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and Jehovah his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. 7 six hundred shekels. Assuming a shekel weighs .4 ounces, this represents 15 pounds of silver for one chariot. one hundred and fifty. Assuming the weight is in shekels, this would be about 3.75 pounds of silver. Deuteronomy 17:16 16 Only he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he may multiply horses; forasmuch as Jehovah hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. warned against the king’s amassing horses.

2 Chronicles 2:1 Chapter 2 1 Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the name of Jehovah, and a house for his kingdom. temple for the name of the LORD. God’s covenant name, Yahweh or Jehovah (Ex. 3:14), is in mind. David wanted to do this, but was not allowed to do any more than plan and prepare (1 Chr. 23–26; 28:11–13), purchase the land (2 Sam. 24:18–25; 1 Chr. 22), and gather the materials (1 Chr. 22:14–16).

Psalms 79:1 Chapter 79 1 O God, the nations are come into thine inheritance; Thy holy temple have they defiled; They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. –13 The historical basis for this lament psalm was probably Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of the temple in 586 B.C. (Ps. 74; 2 Kin. 25:8–21; Lam. 1–5). The psalm contains prayer for the nation’s spiritual needs, curses against the enemies of God’s people, and praises in anticipation of God’s actions. The psalm helps the believer express his anguish in a disaster when it seems as though God is aloof.

Psalms 79:1 Chapter 79 1 O God, the nations are come into thine inheritance; Thy holy temple have they defiled; They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. nations. In this context, the word refers to heathen, pagan people. inheritance. The inheritance of God was national Israel, and specifically its capital city, Jerusalem, where the temple was located.

Acts 11:3 3 saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. ate with them! The Jewish believers were outraged over such a blatant breach of Jewish custom. It was difficult for them to conceive that Jesus could be equally Lord of Gentile believers.

Acts 11:18 18 And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life. God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life. One of the most shocking admissions in Jewish history, but an event that the Old Testament had prophesied (Is. 42:1, 6; 49:6; Acts 2:38 38 And Peter `said' unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ).

Acts 11:27 27 Now in these days there came down prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. prophets. Preachers of the New Testament (1 Cor. 14:32; Eph. 2:20).

Acts 11:28 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius. Agabus. One of the Jerusalem prophets who years later played an important part in Paul’s ministry (21:10, 11). a great famine. Several ancient writers (Tacitus [Annals XI.43], Josephus [Antiquities XX.ii.5], and Suetonius [Claudius 18]) affirm the occurrence of great famines in Israel ca. A.D. 45–46. all the world. The famine reached beyond the region of Palestine. Claudius Caesar. Emperor of Rome (A.D. 41–54).

DAY 3: How does the baptism with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13) relate to the Spirit’s activities in the Book of Acts?

Acts describes a number of occasions in which the Holy Spirit “fell on” or “filled” or “came upon” people (2:4; 10:44; 19:6). Here in Acts 11:16 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. , 17, Peter recounts how the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles just as it had the early Jewish disciples. Peter identifies these actions by God as a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy ( Joel 2:28 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: –32).

Viewed from the perspective of the entire New Testament, these experiences were neither the same nor replacements for what John the Baptist ( Mark 1:8 8 I baptized you in water; But he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit. ) and Paul described as the baptism with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). The baptism with the Spirit is the one-time act by which God places believers into His body. The filling is a repeated reality of Spirit-controlled behavior that God commands believers to maintain (Eph. 5:18). Peter and others who experienced the special filling on Pentecost Day (2:4) were filled with the Spirit again and again (4:8, 31; 6:5; 7:55) and so boldly spoke the word of God. That was just the beginning. The fullness of the Spirit affects all areas of life, not just speaking boldly (Eph. 5:18–33).

From The MacArthur Daily Bible Copyright © 2003. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson Bibles, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc, Nashville, TN 37214, www.thomasnelson.com.

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July 3 - Discerning False Prophets: The Character Test

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 3rd.

“‘You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit’” ( Matthew 7:16 16 By their fruits ye shall know them. Do `men' gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? –17).

One’s basic character—attitudes, inner motives, loyalties, standards—eventually manifests itself in his or her life. Christians produce good fruit in their attitudes and actions. But unbelievers, especially false prophets, will eventually manifest bad fruit.

False teachers can hide their true fruit for a time behind ecclesiastical trappings, evangelical vocabulary, and false fellowship. But how they behave when not around Christians will soon enough reveal their true loyalties and convictions. Unless they exhibit “moral excellence . . . knowledge . . . self-control . . . perseverance . . . godliness” and so forth (see 2 Peter 1:5 5 Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in `your' virtue knowledge; –8), we can be sure God has not sent them and they do not belong to Jesus Christ. Another crucial indicator of character that we can look for, as summarized by Christ Himself, is this: “He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but Hhe who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him” ( John 7:18 18 He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. ).

The teacher who emulates Christ and wants to glorify Him is a genuine servant of the Lord. But the false one, no matter how clever, can’t hide for long his corrupt character—and the discerning believer will recognize this. As John Calvin wrote, “Nothing is more difficult to counterfeit than virtue.”

Ask Yourself

How does this teaching coexist with the “judge not” command from earlier in Jesus’ sermon? What happens when character judgments are treated as taboo by the people of God? How have you witnessed this occurring?

From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.

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Peace with God

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 3rd.

“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” ( Romans 5:1 Chapter 5 1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; ).

Peace with God is the first link in the chain that securely binds a true believer to Jesus Christ.

Perhaps the most significant attack Satan wages against Christians is raising doubt about the reality and security of their salvation. He continually promotes the destructive notion of a works-righteousness system as a means of salvation, thus making the preservation of one’s salvation totally dependent upon the believer’s faithfulness.

To counteract such a misguided interpretation of what the Bible teaches about salvation, the apostle Paul wrote Romans 3 Chapter 3 1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much every way: first of all, that they were intrusted with the oracles of God. 3 For what if some were without faith? shall their want of faith make of none effect the faithfulness of God? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment. 5 But if our righteousness commendeth the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who visiteth with wrath? (I speak after the manner of men.) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 But if the truth of God through my lie abounded unto his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8 and why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just. 9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin; 10 as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God; 12 They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not, so much as one: 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit: The poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God: 20 because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law `cometh' the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God set forth `to be' a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God; 26 for the showing, `I say', of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith. 28 We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God `the God' of Jews only? is he not `the God' of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also: 30 if so be that God is one, and he shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make the law of none effect through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish the law. and 4 to establish that salvation comes only on the basis of God’s grace working through man’s faith. Quoting Genesis 15:6 6 And he believed in Jehovah; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness. , Paul said, “‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’” (Rom. 4:3).

Because some might have questioned if good works, which offer no security at all, were then the conditions under which a person preserved salvation, Paul wrote Romans 5:1 Chapter 5 1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; -11 to further cement in believers’ minds that our hope as Christians is not in ourselves but in our great God (cf. 2 Tim. 2:13; Heb. 10:23). Six links bind us to our Lord and Savior, and our passage for today describes the first: peace with God.

It’s hard to imagine that we were ever enemies of God, but the sad fact is that all unbelievers are at war with God and He is at war with them (Rom. 8:7; Eph. 5:6). Yet every individual who has been justified by faith in Christ receives reconciliation with God, which also brings peace with Him. And this peace is permanent and irrevocable because Christ “always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25).

Not only did Jesus Christ establish eternal peace between us and God the Father, but also “He Himself is our peace” (Eph. 2:14). That emphasizes Christ’s atoning work as the basis for our assurance. Such absolute and objective facts are what allow you to stand firm under Satan’s attacks. They free you from focusing on your own goodness and merit and allow you to serve the Lord with the confidence that nothing can separate you from your Heavenly Father (Rom. 8:31-39).

Suggestions for Prayer

• Thank God for saving you and establishing peace between you and Him.
• Ask Him to guide you into opportunities of service.

For Further Study

Read Romans 3 Chapter 3 1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much every way: first of all, that they were intrusted with the oracles of God. 3 For what if some were without faith? shall their want of faith make of none effect the faithfulness of God? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment. 5 But if our righteousness commendeth the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who visiteth with wrath? (I speak after the manner of men.) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 But if the truth of God through my lie abounded unto his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8 and why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just. 9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin; 10 as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God; 12 They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not, so much as one: 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit: The poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God: 20 because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law `cometh' the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God set forth `to be' a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God; 26 for the showing, `I say', of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith. 28 We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God `the God' of Jews only? is he not `the God' of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also: 30 if so be that God is one, and he shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make the law of none effect through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish the law. —4. What verses establish that salvation is solely the work of God? Keep a list for reference when Satan may attack your faith.

From Strength for Today by John MacArthur Copyright © 1997. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

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Good News: God Is Happy

Published by John Piper for reading on July 3rd.

. . . the gospel of the glory of the blessed God . . . ( 1 Timothy 1:11 11 according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. )

This is a beautiful phrase in 1 Timothy, buried beneath the too-familiar surface of Bible buzzwords. But after you dig it up, it sounds like this: “The good news of the glory of the happy God.”

A great part of God’s glory is his happiness.

It was inconceivable to the apostle Paul that God could be denied infinite joy and still be all glorious. To be infinitely glorious was to be infinitely happy. He used the phrase, “the glory of the happy God,” because it is a glorious thing for God to be as happy as he is.

God’s glory consists much in the fact that he is happy beyond our wildest imagination. As the great eighteenth-century preacher, Jonathan Edwards, said, “Part of God’s fullness which he communicates is his happiness. This happiness consists in enjoying and rejoicing in himself; so does also the creature’s happiness.”

And this is the gospel: “The gospel of the glory of the happy God.” It is good news that God is gloriously happy. No one would want to spend eternity with an unhappy God.

If God is unhappy, then the goal of the gospel is not a happy goal, and that means it would be no gospel at all. But, in fact, Jesus invites us to spend eternity with a happy God when he says, “Enter into the joy of your master” ( Matthew 25:23 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ).

Jesus lived and died that his joy — God’s joy — might be in us and our joy might be full ( John 15:11 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and `that' your joy may be made full. ; 17:13). Therefore the gospel is “the gospel of the glory of the happy God.”

Morning Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon for July 3rd

Published by C.H. Spurgeon for reading on July 3rd.

Genesis 41:4 4 And the ill-favored and lean-fleshed kine did eat up the seven well-favored and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.

PHARAOH'S dream has too often been my waking experience. My days of sloth have ruinously destroyed all that I had achieved in times of zealous industry; my seasons of coldness have frozen all the genial glow of my periods of fervency and enthusiasm; and my fits of worldliness have thrown me back from my advances in the divine life. I had need to beware of lean prayers, lean praises, lean duties, and lean experiences, for these will eat up the fat of my comfort and peace. If I neglect prayer for never so short a time, I lose all the spirituality to which I had attained; if I draw no fresh supplies from heaven, the old corn in my granary is soon consumed by the famine which rages in my soul. When the caterpillars of indifference, the cankerworms of worldliness, and the palmerworms of self-indulgence, lay my heart completely desolate, and make my soul to languish, all my former fruitfulness and growth in grace avails me nothing whatever. How anxious should I be to have no lean-fleshed days, no ill-favoured hours! If every day I journeyed towards the goal of my desires I should soon reach it, but backsliding leaves me still far off from the prize of my high calling, and robs me of the advances which I had so laboriously made. The only way in which all my days can be as the "fat kine," is to feed them in the right meadow, to spend them with the Lord, in His service, in His company, in His fear, and in His way. Why should not every year be richer than the past, in love, and usefulness, and joy?—I am nearer the celestial hills, I have had more experience of my Lord, and should be more like Him. O Lord, keep far from me the curse of leanness of soul; let me not have to cry, "My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me!" but may I be well-fed and nourished in Thy house, that I may praise Thy name.

Evening Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon for July 3rd

Published by C.H. Spurgeon for reading on July 3rd.

2 Timothy 2:12 12 if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us:

WE must not imagine that we are suffering for Christ, and with Christ, if we are not in Christ. Beloved friend, are you trusting to Jesus only? If not, whatever you may have to mourn over on earth, you are not "suffering with Christ," land have no hope of reigning with Him in heaven. Neither are we to conclude that all a Christian's sufferings are sufferings with Christ, for it is essential that he be called by God to suffer. If we are rash and imprudent, and run into positions for which neither providence nor grace has fitted us, we ought to question whether we are not rather sinning than communing with Jesus. If we let passion take the place of judgment, and self-will reign instead of Scriptural authority, we shall fight the Lord's battles with the devil's weapons, and if we cut our own fingers we must not be surprised. Again, in troubles which come upon us as the result of sin, we must not dream that we are suffering with Christ. When Miriam spoke evil of Moses, and the leprosy polluted her, she was not suffering for God. Moreover, suffering which God accepts must have God's glory as its end. If I suffer that I may earn a name, or win applause, I shall get no other reward than that of the Pharisee. It is requisite also that love to Jesus, and love to His elect, be ever the mainspring of all our patience. We must manifest the Spirit of Christ in meekness, gentleness, and forgiveness. Let us search and see if we truly suffer with Jesus. And if we do thus suffer, what is our "light affliction" compared with reigning with Him? Oh it is so blessed to be in the furnace with Christ, and such an honour to stand in the pillory with Him, that if there were no future reward, we might count ourselves happy in present honour; but when the recompense is so eternal, so infinitely more than we had any right to expect, shall we not take up the cross with alacrity, and go on our way rejoicing?