HopeLife - Christian Resources, Online Worship Services, Bible Studies & Devotional Materials

Choose a devotional on the left

...to read today's entry.

What’s Required for Salvation

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on June 7th.

Titus 3:4-7 4 But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared, 5 not by works `done' in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 which he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Human beings like to think of themselves as good. That’s why many people find it hard to admit they are sinners who can’t save themselves. Even if they admit their need for a Savior, they want to believe that something within them makes them worthy of salvation. But clinging to such false concepts is actually what keeps them from being saved.

Salvation can be defined as the work of God’s grace by which He pardons our sins and bestows upon us the gift of eternal life. This means we are saved not by our works but by God’s love and undeserved favor.

When Jesus died, He paid our sin debt in full and opened the door for mankind to be saved. And while salvation is a gift from God, it’s not ours until we accept it. To do so, we must respond in the following ways:

Belief. Saving faith is trust in Jesus as the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and eternal life ( 1 John 5:13 13 These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, `even' unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. ).

Submission. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, we are acknowledging that He is Lord (Rom. 10:9-10). This means He has the authority to guide and rule our life according to His will.

Repentance. If Christ is our Savior and Lord, then we must turn from our old sinful lifestyle, which previously ruled us ( 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. ). We now hate sin and have a new desire for righteousness. Although patterns from our old flesh nature sometimes resurface, each time we fall, we have the privilege of turning back to God for forgiveness and cleansing ( 1 John 1:9 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ).

Have you received God’s gift of salvation? If not, won’t you accept it today?

Bible in One Year: Job 31-34 Chapter 31 1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin? 2 For what is the portion from God above, And the heritage from the Almighty on high? 3 Is it not calamity to the unrighteous, And disaster to the workers of iniquity? 4 Doth not he see my ways, And number all my steps? 5 If I have walked with falsehood, And my foot hath hasted to deceit; 6 (Let me be weighed in an even balance, That God may know mine integrity); 7 If my step hath turned out of the way, And my heart walked after mine eyes, And if any spot hath cleaved to my hands: 8 Then let me sow, and let another eat; Yea, let the produce of my field be rooted out. 9 If my heart hath been enticed unto a woman, And I have laid wait at my neighbor's door; 10 Then let my wife grind unto another, And let others bow down upon her. 11 For that were a heinous crime; Yea, it were an iniquity to be punished by the judges: 12 For it is a fire that consumeth unto Destruction, And would root out all mine increase. 13 If I have despised the cause of my man-servant or of my maid-servant, When they contended with me; 14 What then shall I do when God riseth up? And when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? 15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? 16 If I have withheld the poor from `their' desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, 17 Or have eaten my morsel alone, And the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; 18 (Nay, from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, And her have I guided from my mother's womb); 19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, Or that the needy had no covering; 20 If his loins have not blessed me, And if he hath not been warmed with the fleece of my sheep; 21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, Because I saw my help in the gate: 22 Then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder-blade, And mine arm be broken from the bone. 23 For calamity from God is a terror to me, And by reason of his majesty I can do nothing. 24 If I have made gold my hope, And have said to the fine gold, `Thou art' my confidence; 25 If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gotten much; 26 If I have beheld the sun when it shined, Or the moon walking in brightness, 27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, And my mouth hath kissed my hand: 28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judges; For I should have denied the God that is above. 29 If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, Or lifted up myself when evil found him; 30 (Yea, I have not suffered by mouth to sin By asking his life with a curse); 31 If the men of my tent have not said, Who can find one that hath not been filled with his meat? 32 (The sojourner hath not lodged in the street; But I have opened my doors to the traveller); 33 If like Adam I have covered my transgressions, By hiding mine iniquity in my bosom, 34 Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, So that I kept silence, and went not out of the door- 35 Oh that I had one to hear me! (Lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me); And `that I had' the indictment which mine adversary hath written! 36 Surely I would carry it upon my shoulder; I would bind it unto me as a crown: 37 I would declare unto him the number of my steps; As a prince would I go near unto him. 38 If my land crieth out against me, And the furrows thereof weep together; 39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, Or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: 40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat, And cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended. Chapter 32 1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. 3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak unto Job, because they were elder than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled. 6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I held back, and durst not show you mine opinion. 7 I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom. 8 But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 9 It is not the great that are wise, Nor the aged that understand justice. 10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will show mine opinion. 11 Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasonings, Whilst ye searched out what to say. 12 Yea, I attended unto you, And, behold, there was none that convinced Job, Or that answered his words, among you. 13 Beware lest ye say, We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not man: 14 For he hath not directed his words against me; Neither will I answer him with your speeches. 15 They are amazed, they answer no more: They have not a word to say. 16 And shall I wait, because they speak not, Because they stand still, and answer no more? 17 I also will answer my part, I also will show mine opinion. 18 For I am full of words; The spirit within me constraineth me. 19 Behold, my breast is as wine which hath no vent; Like new wine-skins it is ready to burst. 20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer. 21 Let me not, I pray you, respect any man's person; Neither will I give flattering titles unto any man. 22 For I know not to give flattering titles; `Else' would my Maker soon take me away. Chapter 33 1 Howbeit, Job, I pray thee, hear my speech, And hearken to all my words. 2 Behold now, I have opened my mouth; My tongue hath spoken in my mouth. 3 My words `shall utter' the uprightness of my heart; And that which my lips know they shall speak sincerely. 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty giveth me life. 5 If thou canst, answer thou me; Set `thy words' in order before me, stand forth. 6 Behold, I am toward God even as thou art: I also am formed out of the clay. 7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, Neither shall my pressure be heavy upon thee. 8 Surely thou hast spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the voice of `thy' words, `saying', 9 I am clean, without transgression; I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me: 10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, He counteth me for his enemy: 11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, He marketh all my paths. 12 Behold, I will answer thee, in this thou art not just; For God is greater than man. 13 Why dost thou strive against him, For that he giveth not account of any of his matters? 14 For God speaketh once, Yea twice, `though man' regardeth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, And sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man `from his' purpose, And hide pride from man; 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword. 19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, And with continual strife in his bones; 20 So that his life abhorreth bread, And his soul dainty food. 21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; And his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the pit, And his life to the destroyers. 23 If there be with him an angel, An interpreter, one among a thousand, To show unto man what is right for him; 24 Then `God' is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom. 25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; He returneth to the days of his youth. 26 He prayeth unto God, and he is favorable unto him, So that he seeth his face with joy: And he restoreth unto man his righteousness. 27 He singeth before men, and saith, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, And it profited me not: 28 He hath redeemed my soul from going into the pit, And my life shall behold the light. 29 Lo, all these things doth God work, Twice, `yea' thrice, with a man, 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of the living. 31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will speak. 32 If thou hast anything to say, answer me: Speak, for I desire to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken thou unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will teach thee wisdom. Chapter 34 1 Moreover Elihu answered and said, 2 Hear my words, ye wise men; And give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. 3 For the ear trieth words, As the palate tasteth food. 4 Let us choose for us that which is right: Let us know among ourselves what is good. 5 For Job hath said, I am righteous, And God hath taken away my right: 6 Notwithstanding my right I am `accounted' a liar; My wound is incurable, `though I am' without transgression. 7 What man is like Job, Who drinketh up scoffing like water, 8 Who goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, And walketh with wicked men? 9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing That he should delight himself with God. 10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. 11 For the work of a man will he render unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways. 12 Yea, of a surety, God will not do wickedly, Neither will the Almighty pervert justice. 13 Who gave him a charge over the earth? Or who hath disposed the whole world? 14 If he set his heart upon himself, `If' he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; 15 All flesh shall perish together, And man shall turn again unto dust. 16 If now `thou hast' understanding, hear this: Hearken to the voice of my words. 17 Shall even one that hateth justice govern? And wilt thou condemn him that is righteous `and' mighty?- 18 `Him' that saith to a king, `Thou art' vile, `Or' to nobles, `Ye are' wicked; 19 That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands. 20 In a moment they die, even at midnight; The people are shaken and pass away, And the mighty are taken away without hand. 21 For his eyes are upon the ways of a man, And he seeth all his goings. 22 There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23 For he needeth not further to consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment. 24 He breaketh in pieces mighty men `in ways' past finding out, And setteth others in their stead. 25 Therefore he taketh knowledge of their works; And he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed. 26 He striketh them as wicked men In the open sight of others; 27 Because they turned aside from following him, And would not have regard in any of his ways: 28 So that they caused the cry of the poor to come unto him, And he heard the cry of the afflicted. 29 When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether `it be done' unto a nation, or unto a man: 30 That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people. 31 For hath any said unto God, I have borne `chastisement', I will not offend `any more': 32 That which I see not teach thou me: If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more? 33 Shall his recompense be as thou wilt, that thou refusest it? For thou must choose, and not I: Therefore speak what thou knowest. 34 Men of understanding will say unto me, Yea, every wise man that heareth me: 35 Job speaketh without knowledge, And his words are without wisdom. 36 Would that Job were tried unto the end, Because of his answering like wicked men. 37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin; He clappeth his hands among us, And multiplieth his words against God.

The Value of Endurance

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on June 7th.

James 1:2-3 2 Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; 3 Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience.

There are so many virtues Christians aspire to have. Who doesn’t want to be known as a loving, compassionate, or gracious person? Yet I don’t think there are very many who long to endure. This word brings up images of hardship, because endurance is often how we cope with things we don’t like, such as criticism, conflict, pain, or illness. If we could get through life without ever having to undergo difficulty, we’d rejoice.

Yet James says we are to consider it joy when we encounter trials. He’s not saying that we should be happy about the suffering we face; rather, we should rejoice in what the Lord does in our lives through hardship. All those circumstances we dread are the means God uses to bring us to spiritual maturity, and the only way to get to the good is to endure what seems bad from our perspective.

Think of an athlete who trains for a marathon. He has to hit the streets day after day in all kinds of weather, follow a strict training plan, and push through physical and mental exhaustion. If that was all he ever did, it would be drudgery with no reward, but he does it for the goal set before him.

When our goal is to grow in Christ and become who He wants us to be, we’ll find ourselves willing to endure the pain—because the outcome will be worth it. We can be sure that every situation the Lord allows in our life is intended to develop something we lack spiritually. Knowing that enables us to submit to whatever He chooses for us. And as we see our trials from God’s perspective, we can even rejoice in what He is doing.

Bible in One Year: Job 31-34 Chapter 31 1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin? 2 For what is the portion from God above, And the heritage from the Almighty on high? 3 Is it not calamity to the unrighteous, And disaster to the workers of iniquity? 4 Doth not he see my ways, And number all my steps? 5 If I have walked with falsehood, And my foot hath hasted to deceit; 6 (Let me be weighed in an even balance, That God may know mine integrity); 7 If my step hath turned out of the way, And my heart walked after mine eyes, And if any spot hath cleaved to my hands: 8 Then let me sow, and let another eat; Yea, let the produce of my field be rooted out. 9 If my heart hath been enticed unto a woman, And I have laid wait at my neighbor's door; 10 Then let my wife grind unto another, And let others bow down upon her. 11 For that were a heinous crime; Yea, it were an iniquity to be punished by the judges: 12 For it is a fire that consumeth unto Destruction, And would root out all mine increase. 13 If I have despised the cause of my man-servant or of my maid-servant, When they contended with me; 14 What then shall I do when God riseth up? And when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? 15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? 16 If I have withheld the poor from `their' desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, 17 Or have eaten my morsel alone, And the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; 18 (Nay, from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, And her have I guided from my mother's womb); 19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, Or that the needy had no covering; 20 If his loins have not blessed me, And if he hath not been warmed with the fleece of my sheep; 21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, Because I saw my help in the gate: 22 Then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder-blade, And mine arm be broken from the bone. 23 For calamity from God is a terror to me, And by reason of his majesty I can do nothing. 24 If I have made gold my hope, And have said to the fine gold, `Thou art' my confidence; 25 If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gotten much; 26 If I have beheld the sun when it shined, Or the moon walking in brightness, 27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, And my mouth hath kissed my hand: 28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judges; For I should have denied the God that is above. 29 If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, Or lifted up myself when evil found him; 30 (Yea, I have not suffered by mouth to sin By asking his life with a curse); 31 If the men of my tent have not said, Who can find one that hath not been filled with his meat? 32 (The sojourner hath not lodged in the street; But I have opened my doors to the traveller); 33 If like Adam I have covered my transgressions, By hiding mine iniquity in my bosom, 34 Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, So that I kept silence, and went not out of the door- 35 Oh that I had one to hear me! (Lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me); And `that I had' the indictment which mine adversary hath written! 36 Surely I would carry it upon my shoulder; I would bind it unto me as a crown: 37 I would declare unto him the number of my steps; As a prince would I go near unto him. 38 If my land crieth out against me, And the furrows thereof weep together; 39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, Or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: 40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat, And cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended. Chapter 32 1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. 3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak unto Job, because they were elder than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled. 6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I held back, and durst not show you mine opinion. 7 I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom. 8 But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 9 It is not the great that are wise, Nor the aged that understand justice. 10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will show mine opinion. 11 Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasonings, Whilst ye searched out what to say. 12 Yea, I attended unto you, And, behold, there was none that convinced Job, Or that answered his words, among you. 13 Beware lest ye say, We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not man: 14 For he hath not directed his words against me; Neither will I answer him with your speeches. 15 They are amazed, they answer no more: They have not a word to say. 16 And shall I wait, because they speak not, Because they stand still, and answer no more? 17 I also will answer my part, I also will show mine opinion. 18 For I am full of words; The spirit within me constraineth me. 19 Behold, my breast is as wine which hath no vent; Like new wine-skins it is ready to burst. 20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer. 21 Let me not, I pray you, respect any man's person; Neither will I give flattering titles unto any man. 22 For I know not to give flattering titles; `Else' would my Maker soon take me away. Chapter 33 1 Howbeit, Job, I pray thee, hear my speech, And hearken to all my words. 2 Behold now, I have opened my mouth; My tongue hath spoken in my mouth. 3 My words `shall utter' the uprightness of my heart; And that which my lips know they shall speak sincerely. 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty giveth me life. 5 If thou canst, answer thou me; Set `thy words' in order before me, stand forth. 6 Behold, I am toward God even as thou art: I also am formed out of the clay. 7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, Neither shall my pressure be heavy upon thee. 8 Surely thou hast spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the voice of `thy' words, `saying', 9 I am clean, without transgression; I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me: 10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, He counteth me for his enemy: 11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, He marketh all my paths. 12 Behold, I will answer thee, in this thou art not just; For God is greater than man. 13 Why dost thou strive against him, For that he giveth not account of any of his matters? 14 For God speaketh once, Yea twice, `though man' regardeth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, And sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man `from his' purpose, And hide pride from man; 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword. 19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, And with continual strife in his bones; 20 So that his life abhorreth bread, And his soul dainty food. 21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; And his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the pit, And his life to the destroyers. 23 If there be with him an angel, An interpreter, one among a thousand, To show unto man what is right for him; 24 Then `God' is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom. 25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; He returneth to the days of his youth. 26 He prayeth unto God, and he is favorable unto him, So that he seeth his face with joy: And he restoreth unto man his righteousness. 27 He singeth before men, and saith, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, And it profited me not: 28 He hath redeemed my soul from going into the pit, And my life shall behold the light. 29 Lo, all these things doth God work, Twice, `yea' thrice, with a man, 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of the living. 31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will speak. 32 If thou hast anything to say, answer me: Speak, for I desire to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken thou unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will teach thee wisdom. Chapter 34 1 Moreover Elihu answered and said, 2 Hear my words, ye wise men; And give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. 3 For the ear trieth words, As the palate tasteth food. 4 Let us choose for us that which is right: Let us know among ourselves what is good. 5 For Job hath said, I am righteous, And God hath taken away my right: 6 Notwithstanding my right I am `accounted' a liar; My wound is incurable, `though I am' without transgression. 7 What man is like Job, Who drinketh up scoffing like water, 8 Who goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, And walketh with wicked men? 9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing That he should delight himself with God. 10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. 11 For the work of a man will he render unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways. 12 Yea, of a surety, God will not do wickedly, Neither will the Almighty pervert justice. 13 Who gave him a charge over the earth? Or who hath disposed the whole world? 14 If he set his heart upon himself, `If' he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; 15 All flesh shall perish together, And man shall turn again unto dust. 16 If now `thou hast' understanding, hear this: Hearken to the voice of my words. 17 Shall even one that hateth justice govern? And wilt thou condemn him that is righteous `and' mighty?- 18 `Him' that saith to a king, `Thou art' vile, `Or' to nobles, `Ye are' wicked; 19 That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands. 20 In a moment they die, even at midnight; The people are shaken and pass away, And the mighty are taken away without hand. 21 For his eyes are upon the ways of a man, And he seeth all his goings. 22 There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23 For he needeth not further to consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment. 24 He breaketh in pieces mighty men `in ways' past finding out, And setteth others in their stead. 25 Therefore he taketh knowledge of their works; And he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed. 26 He striketh them as wicked men In the open sight of others; 27 Because they turned aside from following him, And would not have regard in any of his ways: 28 So that they caused the cry of the poor to come unto him, And he heard the cry of the afflicted. 29 When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether `it be done' unto a nation, or unto a man: 30 That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people. 31 For hath any said unto God, I have borne `chastisement', I will not offend `any more': 32 That which I see not teach thou me: If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more? 33 Shall his recompense be as thou wilt, that thou refusest it? For thou must choose, and not I: Therefore speak what thou knowest. 34 Men of understanding will say unto me, Yea, every wise man that heareth me: 35 Job speaketh without knowledge, And his words are without wisdom. 36 Would that Job were tried unto the end, Because of his answering like wicked men. 37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin; He clappeth his hands among us, And multiplieth his words against God.

How to Pass Down Our Faith

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on June 8th.

Deuteronomy 4:9 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children's children;

The most valuable “possession” believers can leave to family and friends is faith in Jesus Christ. While everyone must choose to trust in the Savior for him- or herself, Christians can and should share key biblical truths with loved ones.

These essentials of the faith should not be kept to ourselves:

Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ ( Acts 4:12 12 And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved. ). From an early age, children should be taught that the most important relationship they’ll ever have is with the Lord. Believing in Him and obeying Him is vital.

Everything that exists was created by the Lord, and He owns it all ( Psalms 24:1 Chapter 24 1 The earth is Jehovah's, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein. ). We’re managers of our resources, not owners. As stewards, we are to invest in God’s kingdom and not just spend on personal pleasures. His priorities are to become our own.

God has a purpose for each of us, and discovering it is very important (Eph. 2:10). We can look for opportunities to share what we are learning about God’s plan for our life. In the process, our loved ones might become curious about what His purpose is for them.

God will provide whatever we need to carry out His plan (Eph. 4:11-13). Our heavenly Father gives us talents and spiritual gifts to achieve His purposes and plans. He has promised that we will have what is necessary for us to live a life that’s pleasing to Him.

Why wait to start sharing your faith? Each day offers new opportunities to speak of our Savior. Think about the people to whom you could pass along this precious possession.

Bible in One Year: Job 31-34 Chapter 31 1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin? 2 For what is the portion from God above, And the heritage from the Almighty on high? 3 Is it not calamity to the unrighteous, And disaster to the workers of iniquity? 4 Doth not he see my ways, And number all my steps? 5 If I have walked with falsehood, And my foot hath hasted to deceit; 6 (Let me be weighed in an even balance, That God may know mine integrity); 7 If my step hath turned out of the way, And my heart walked after mine eyes, And if any spot hath cleaved to my hands: 8 Then let me sow, and let another eat; Yea, let the produce of my field be rooted out. 9 If my heart hath been enticed unto a woman, And I have laid wait at my neighbor's door; 10 Then let my wife grind unto another, And let others bow down upon her. 11 For that were a heinous crime; Yea, it were an iniquity to be punished by the judges: 12 For it is a fire that consumeth unto Destruction, And would root out all mine increase. 13 If I have despised the cause of my man-servant or of my maid-servant, When they contended with me; 14 What then shall I do when God riseth up? And when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? 15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? 16 If I have withheld the poor from `their' desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, 17 Or have eaten my morsel alone, And the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; 18 (Nay, from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, And her have I guided from my mother's womb); 19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, Or that the needy had no covering; 20 If his loins have not blessed me, And if he hath not been warmed with the fleece of my sheep; 21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, Because I saw my help in the gate: 22 Then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder-blade, And mine arm be broken from the bone. 23 For calamity from God is a terror to me, And by reason of his majesty I can do nothing. 24 If I have made gold my hope, And have said to the fine gold, `Thou art' my confidence; 25 If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gotten much; 26 If I have beheld the sun when it shined, Or the moon walking in brightness, 27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, And my mouth hath kissed my hand: 28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judges; For I should have denied the God that is above. 29 If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, Or lifted up myself when evil found him; 30 (Yea, I have not suffered by mouth to sin By asking his life with a curse); 31 If the men of my tent have not said, Who can find one that hath not been filled with his meat? 32 (The sojourner hath not lodged in the street; But I have opened my doors to the traveller); 33 If like Adam I have covered my transgressions, By hiding mine iniquity in my bosom, 34 Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, So that I kept silence, and went not out of the door- 35 Oh that I had one to hear me! (Lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me); And `that I had' the indictment which mine adversary hath written! 36 Surely I would carry it upon my shoulder; I would bind it unto me as a crown: 37 I would declare unto him the number of my steps; As a prince would I go near unto him. 38 If my land crieth out against me, And the furrows thereof weep together; 39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, Or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: 40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat, And cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended. Chapter 32 1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. 3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak unto Job, because they were elder than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled. 6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I held back, and durst not show you mine opinion. 7 I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom. 8 But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 9 It is not the great that are wise, Nor the aged that understand justice. 10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will show mine opinion. 11 Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasonings, Whilst ye searched out what to say. 12 Yea, I attended unto you, And, behold, there was none that convinced Job, Or that answered his words, among you. 13 Beware lest ye say, We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not man: 14 For he hath not directed his words against me; Neither will I answer him with your speeches. 15 They are amazed, they answer no more: They have not a word to say. 16 And shall I wait, because they speak not, Because they stand still, and answer no more? 17 I also will answer my part, I also will show mine opinion. 18 For I am full of words; The spirit within me constraineth me. 19 Behold, my breast is as wine which hath no vent; Like new wine-skins it is ready to burst. 20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer. 21 Let me not, I pray you, respect any man's person; Neither will I give flattering titles unto any man. 22 For I know not to give flattering titles; `Else' would my Maker soon take me away. Chapter 33 1 Howbeit, Job, I pray thee, hear my speech, And hearken to all my words. 2 Behold now, I have opened my mouth; My tongue hath spoken in my mouth. 3 My words `shall utter' the uprightness of my heart; And that which my lips know they shall speak sincerely. 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty giveth me life. 5 If thou canst, answer thou me; Set `thy words' in order before me, stand forth. 6 Behold, I am toward God even as thou art: I also am formed out of the clay. 7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, Neither shall my pressure be heavy upon thee. 8 Surely thou hast spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the voice of `thy' words, `saying', 9 I am clean, without transgression; I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me: 10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, He counteth me for his enemy: 11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, He marketh all my paths. 12 Behold, I will answer thee, in this thou art not just; For God is greater than man. 13 Why dost thou strive against him, For that he giveth not account of any of his matters? 14 For God speaketh once, Yea twice, `though man' regardeth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, And sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man `from his' purpose, And hide pride from man; 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword. 19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, And with continual strife in his bones; 20 So that his life abhorreth bread, And his soul dainty food. 21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; And his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the pit, And his life to the destroyers. 23 If there be with him an angel, An interpreter, one among a thousand, To show unto man what is right for him; 24 Then `God' is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom. 25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; He returneth to the days of his youth. 26 He prayeth unto God, and he is favorable unto him, So that he seeth his face with joy: And he restoreth unto man his righteousness. 27 He singeth before men, and saith, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, And it profited me not: 28 He hath redeemed my soul from going into the pit, And my life shall behold the light. 29 Lo, all these things doth God work, Twice, `yea' thrice, with a man, 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of the living. 31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will speak. 32 If thou hast anything to say, answer me: Speak, for I desire to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken thou unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will teach thee wisdom. Chapter 34 1 Moreover Elihu answered and said, 2 Hear my words, ye wise men; And give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. 3 For the ear trieth words, As the palate tasteth food. 4 Let us choose for us that which is right: Let us know among ourselves what is good. 5 For Job hath said, I am righteous, And God hath taken away my right: 6 Notwithstanding my right I am `accounted' a liar; My wound is incurable, `though I am' without transgression. 7 What man is like Job, Who drinketh up scoffing like water, 8 Who goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, And walketh with wicked men? 9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing That he should delight himself with God. 10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. 11 For the work of a man will he render unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways. 12 Yea, of a surety, God will not do wickedly, Neither will the Almighty pervert justice. 13 Who gave him a charge over the earth? Or who hath disposed the whole world? 14 If he set his heart upon himself, `If' he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; 15 All flesh shall perish together, And man shall turn again unto dust. 16 If now `thou hast' understanding, hear this: Hearken to the voice of my words. 17 Shall even one that hateth justice govern? And wilt thou condemn him that is righteous `and' mighty?- 18 `Him' that saith to a king, `Thou art' vile, `Or' to nobles, `Ye are' wicked; 19 That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands. 20 In a moment they die, even at midnight; The people are shaken and pass away, And the mighty are taken away without hand. 21 For his eyes are upon the ways of a man, And he seeth all his goings. 22 There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23 For he needeth not further to consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment. 24 He breaketh in pieces mighty men `in ways' past finding out, And setteth others in their stead. 25 Therefore he taketh knowledge of their works; And he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed. 26 He striketh them as wicked men In the open sight of others; 27 Because they turned aside from following him, And would not have regard in any of his ways: 28 So that they caused the cry of the poor to come unto him, And he heard the cry of the afflicted. 29 When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether `it be done' unto a nation, or unto a man: 30 That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people. 31 For hath any said unto God, I have borne `chastisement', I will not offend `any more': 32 That which I see not teach thou me: If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more? 33 Shall his recompense be as thou wilt, that thou refusest it? For thou must choose, and not I: Therefore speak what thou knowest. 34 Men of understanding will say unto me, Yea, every wise man that heareth me: 35 Job speaketh without knowledge, And his words are without wisdom. 36 Would that Job were tried unto the end, Because of his answering like wicked men. 37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin; He clappeth his hands among us, And multiplieth his words against God.

Daily Bible - June 8

Published by Grace To You for reading on June 8th.

Reading for Today:

2 Kings 3:1 Chapter 3 1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years. –4:44
Psalms 71:17-24 17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth; And hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 18 Yea, even when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not, Until I have declared thy strength unto `the next' generation, Thy might to every one that is to come. 19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high; Thou who hast done great things, O God, who is like unto thee? 20 Thou, who hast showed us many and sore troubles, Wilt quicken us again, And wilt bring us up again from the depths of the earth. 21 Increase thou my greatness, And turn again and comfort me. 22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, `Even' thy truth, O my God: Unto thee will I sing praises with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises unto thee; And my soul, which thou hast redeemed. 24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long; For they are put to shame, for they are confounded, that seek my hurt. Psalm 72 `A Psalm' of Solomon.
Proverbs 18:9 9 He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.
John 17:1-26 Chapter 17 1 These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee: 2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. 3 And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, `even' Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they know that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are from thee: 8 for the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received `them', and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine: 10 and all things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine: and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we `are'. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil `one'. 16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, `art' in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me. 22 And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we `are' one; 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me. 24 Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world knew thee not, but I knew thee; and these knew that thou didst send me; 26 and I made known unto them thy name, and will make it known; that the love wherewith thou lovedst me may be in them, and I in them.

Notes:

2 Kings 3:15 a musician. The music was used to accompany praise and prayer, which calmed the mind of the prophet that he might clearly hear the word of the Lord. Music often accompanied prophecies in the Old Testament (1 Chr. 25:1).

2 Kings 4:4 shut the door behind you. Since the widow’s need was private, the provision was to be private also. Further, the absence of Elisha demonstrated that the miracle happened only by God’s power. God’s power multiplied little into much, filling all the vessels to meet the widow’s need (1 Kin. 17:7–16).

John 17:17 17 Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. Sanctify. This verb also occurs in John’s Gospel at v. 19; 10:36.The idea of sanctification is the setting apart of something for a particular use. Accordingly, believers are set apart for God and His purposes alone so that the believer does only what God wants and hates all that God hates (Lev. 11:44, 45; 1 Pet. 1:16). Sanctification is accomplished by means of the truth, which is the revelation that the Son gave regarding all that the Father commanded Him to communicate and is now contained in the scriptures left by the apostles.

John 17:21 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, `art' in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me. they all may be one. The basis of this unity centers in adherence to the revelation the Father mediated to His first disciples through His Son. Believers are also to be united in the common belief of the truth that was received in the Word of God (Phil. 2:2). This is not still a wish, but it became a reality when the Spirit came ( Acts 2:4 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ; 1 Cor. 12:13). It is not experiential unity, but the unity of common eternal life shared by all who believe the truth, and it results in the one body of Christ all sharing His life.

DAY 8: What was Jesus’ prayer in John 17 Chapter 17 1 These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee: 2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. 3 And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, `even' Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they know that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are from thee: 8 for the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received `them', and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine: 10 and all things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine: and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we `are'. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil `one'. 16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, `art' in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me. 22 And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we `are' one; 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me. 24 Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world knew thee not, but I knew thee; and these knew that thou didst send me; 26 and I made known unto them thy name, and will make it known; that the love wherewith thou lovedst me may be in them, and I in them. about?

Although Matthew 6:9 9 After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. –13 and Luke 11:2 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Father, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. –4 have become known popularly as the Lord’s Prayer, that prayer was actually a prayer taught to the disciples by Jesus as a pattern for their prayers. The prayer recorded in John 17 Chapter 17 1 These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee: 2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. 3 And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, `even' Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they know that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are from thee: 8 for the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received `them', and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine: 10 and all things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine: and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we `are'. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil `one'. 16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, `art' in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me. 22 And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we `are' one; 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me. 24 Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world knew thee not, but I knew thee; and these knew that thou didst send me; 26 and I made known unto them thy name, and will make it known; that the love wherewith thou lovedst me may be in them, and I in them. :1–26 is truly the Lord’s Prayer, exhibiting the face-to-face communion the Son had with the Father. Very little is recorded of the content of Jesus’ frequent prayers to the Father (Matt. 14:23; Luke 5:16 16 But he withdrew himself in the deserts, and prayed. ), so this prayer reveals some of the precious content of the Son’s communion and intercession with Him.

This chapter is a transitional chapter, marking the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of His intercessory ministry for believers (Heb. 7:25).In many respects, the prayer is a summary of John’s entire Gospel. Its principle themes include: 1) Jesus’ obedience to His Father; 2) the glorification of His Father through His death and exaltation; 3) the revelation of God in Jesus Christ; 4) the choosing of the disciples out of the world; 5) their mission to the world; 6) their unity modeled on the unity of the Father and Son; and 7) the believer’s final destiny in the presence of the Father and Son. The chapter divides into three parts: 1) Jesus’ prayer for Himself (vv. 1–5); 2) Jesus’ prayer for the apostles (vv. 6–19); and 3) Jesus’ prayer for all New Testament believers who will form the church (vv. 20–26).

Jesus speaks to His Father that the hour of His death has come (v. 1).“Glorify Your Son.” The very event that would glorify the Son was His death. By it, He has received the adoration, worship, and love of millions whose sins He bore. He accepted this path to glory, knowing that by it He would be exalted to the Father. The goal is that the Father may be glorified for His redemptive plan in the Son.

Note Jesus’ concern that the Father keep His disciples “from the evil one” (v. 15). The reference here refers to protection from Satan and all the wicked forces following him (Matt.6:13; 1 John 2:13 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father. , 14; 3:12; 5:18, 19). Though Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the defeat of Satan, he is still loose and orchestrating his evil system against believers. He seeks to destroy believers (1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 6:12), but God is their strong protector (12:31; 16:11; Ps. 27:1–3; 2 Cor. 4:4; Jude 24, 25).

Additional Resources

June 8 - Worry Is a Sin

Published by Grace To You for reading on June 8th.

“‘For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?’” ( Matthew 6:25 25 Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? ).

For Christians to worry is to be disobedient and unfaithful to God. Nothing in our lives, internal or external, justifies our being anxious when God is our Master.

Worry is basically the sin of distrusting the promise and providence of God, and yet it is a sin Christians commit perhaps more frequently than any other. In the Greek, the tense of Jesus’ command includes the idea of stopping what is already being done. We are to stop worrying and never start again.

The English term worry comes from an old German word meaning to strangle, or to choke. That’s exactly what worry does—it’s a type of mental and emotional strangulation that probably causes more mental and physical afflictions than any other single cause.

The substance of worry is nearly always extremely small compared to the size it forms in our minds and the damage it does in our lives. It’s been said that worry is a thin stream of fear that trickles through the mind that, when encouraged, will cut a channel so wide that all other thoughts will be drained out.

If worrying is a pattern in your life—stop now. In the days to follow you’ll learn why you should trust your Father and stop worrying.

Ask Yourself

Would you categorize yourself as a worrier? If so, what do you think has driven you to choose the perceived relief of worry over the actual relief of trust in God? If not, what has tipped your heart in favor of less worry and more confidence and contentment?

Additional Resources

Integrity Passes the Test

Published by Grace To You for reading on June 8th.

“So [the king’s overseer] listened to [Daniel and his friends] in this matter and tested them for ten days. And at the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food. So the overseer continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables” ( Daniel 1:14-16 14 So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths that did eat of the king's dainties. 16 So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse. ).

All spiritual commitment will be tested.

When God wants to prove the quality of one’s commitment, He tests it. The test may come directly from Him, as with Abraham when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen. 22:1-2), or it may come through difficult circumstances, as with the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings (Deut. 8:16), or it may even come from Satan himself, as God permitted with Job ( Job 1:12 12 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of Jehovah. ; 2:6). Regardless of its source, every test is designed by God to produce greater spiritual fruit in His children ( 1 Peter 1:6-7 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, `being' more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ: ).

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego’s tests came at the hands of their Babylonian captors. Separation from family, friends, and homeland must have been an extremely difficult test for them, but through it all their commitment to the Lord remained unshakable. Now they faced a test to determine whether or not they could remain undefiled. For ten days they would eat only vegetables and drink only water, while their fellow captives ate the king’s special diet.

Normally such a brief period of time would make no noticeable change in one’s physiology, but God must have intervened because at the conclusion of just ten days, these four young men were clearly healthier and more vigorous than their peers. The results were so convincing that their overseer allowed them to remain on a vegetarian diet throughout their entire three-year training period. God honored their uncompromising spirit.

When you are tested, remember that God is working on your spiritual maturity and that He will never test you beyond what you are able to endure and will always provide a means of victory (1 Cor. 10:13).

Suggestions for Prayer

Pray for wisdom and strength to meet each test in your life with courage and victory.

For Further Study

Read Psalms 26:1-3 Chapter 26 1 Judge me, O Jehovah, for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in Jehovah without wavering. 2 Examine me, O Jehovah, and prove me; Try my heart and my mind. 3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes; And I have walked in thy truth. .

What did King David request of God?
How does he describe a person of integrity?

Additional Resources

Being a Doer of the Word

Published by Grace To You for reading on June 8th.

"Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves" ( James 1:22 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. ).

A doer of the Word obeys what Scripture says.

Effective Bible study is built on three key questions: What does the Bible say? What does it mean? How does it apply to my life? Each of those questions is important, but applying the Word must always be the highest goal. Knowledge without application is useless.

Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the importance of applying Scripture. For example, just prior to leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua received this message from God: "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success" (Josh. 1:8). That's a command to be a doer of the Word—one who receives, studies, and understands Scripture, then applies it to every aspect of his or her life. That was the key to Joshua's amazing success.

James 1:22 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. is a New Testament counterpart to Joshua 1:8 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. and is directed to every believer: "Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." It's not enough to hear the Word; you must also do what it says.

The phrase "doer of the word" doesn't refer to the person who obeys periodically, but the one who habitually and characteristically obeys. It's one thing to run in a race; it's something else to be a runner. It's one thing to teach a class; it's something else to be a teacher. Runners are known for running; teachers are known for teaching—it's characteristic of their lives. Similarly, doers of the Word are known for their obedience to biblical truth.

Never be content to be a hearer of the Word only, but prove yourself a doer in the Christian life. Your claim to love Christ will mean something only if you obey what He says.

Suggestions for Prayer

Memorize Joshua 1:8 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. and pray regularly that God will make you a faithful doer of the Word.

For Further Study

Read Psalms 1 Chapter 1 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers: 2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; But the way of the wicked shall perish. .

What are the benefits of delighting in God's law?
How does the psalmist characterize those who reject righteousness?

Additional Resources

Glorify God in Your Body

Published by John Piper for reading on June 8th.

You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. ( 1 Corinthians 6:20 20 for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body. )

“Worship” is the term we use to cover all the acts of the heart and mind and body that intentionally express the infinite worth of God. This is what we were created for.

Don’t think worship services when you think worship. That is a huge limitation which is not in the Bible. All of life is supposed to be worship.

Take breakfast, for example, or midmorning snacks. First Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Now eating and drinking are about as basic as you get. What could be more real and human?

Or take sex, for example. Paul says the alternative to fornication is worship.

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. ( 1 Corinthians 6:18 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. –20)

Or take death for a final example. This we will do in our body. In fact, it will be the last act of the body on this earth. The body bids farewell. How shall we worship in that last act of the body? We see the answer in Philippians 1:20 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but `that' with all boldness, as always, `so' now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. –21. Paul says that his hope is that Christ would be exalted in his body by death. Then he adds, “For to me . . . to die is gain.” We express the infinite worth of Christ in dying by counting death as gain.

You have a body. But it is not yours. “You have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”

You are always in a temple. Always worship.

Morning Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon for June 8th

Published by C.H. Spurgeon for reading on June 8th.

1 Chronicles 5:22 22 For there fell many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their stead until the captivity.

WARRIOR, fighting under the banner of the Lord Jesus, observe this verse with holy joy, for as it was in the days of old so is it now, if the war be of God the victory is sure. The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh could barely muster five and forty thousand fighting men, and yet in their war with the Hagarites, they slew "men, an hundred thousand," "for they cried to God in the battle, and He was entreated of them, because they put their trust in Him." The Lord saveth not by many nor by few; it is ours to go forth in Jehovah's name if we be but a handful of men, for the Lord of Hosts is with us for our Captain. They did not neglect buckler, and sword, and bow, neither did they place their trust in these weapons; we must use all fitting means, but our confidence must rest in the Lord alone, for He is the sword and the shield of His people. The great reason of their extraordinary success lay in the fact that "the war was of God." Beloved, in fighting with sin without and within, with error doctrinal or practical, with spiritual wickedness in high places or low places, with devils and the devil's allies, you are waging Jehovah's war, and unless He himself can be worsted, you need not fear defeat. Quail not before superior numbers, shrink not from difficulties or impossibilities, flinch not at wounds or death, smite with the two-edged sword of the Spirit, and the slain shall lie in heaps. The battle is the Lord's and He will deliver His enemies into our hands. With steadfast foot, strong hand, dauntless heart, and flaming zeal, rush to the conflict, and the hosts of evil shall fly like chaff before the gale.

Stand up! stand up for Jesus! The strife will not be long; This day the noise of battle, The next the victor's song. To him that overcometh, A crown of life shall be; He with the King of glory Shall reign eternally.

Evening Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon for June 8th

Published by C.H. Spurgeon for reading on June 8th.

Numbers 11:23 23 And Jehovah said unto Moses, Is Jehovah's hand waxed short? now shalt thou see whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

GOD had made a positive promise to Moses that for the space of a whole month He would feed the vast host in the wilderness with flesh. Moses, being overtaken by a fit of unbelief, looks to the outward means, and is at a loss to know how the promise can be fulfilled. He looked to the creature instead of the Creator. But doth the Creator expect the creature to fulfil His promise for Him? No; He who makes the promise ever fulfils it by His own unaided omnipotence. If He speaks, it is done—done by Himself. His promises do not depend for their fulfillment upon the co-operation of the puny strength of man. We can at once perceive the mistake which Moses made. And yet how commonly we do the same! God has promised to supply our needs, and we look to the creature to do what God has promised to do; and then, because we perceive the creature to be weak and feeble, we indulge in unbelief. Why look we to that quarter at all? Will you look to the north pole to gather fruits ripened in the sun? Verily, you would act no more foolishly if ye did this than when you look to the weak for strength, and to the creature to do the Creator's work. Let us, then, put the question on the right footing. The ground of faith is not the sufficiency of the visible means for the performance of the promise, but the all-sufficiency of the invisible God, who will most surely do as He hath said. If after clearly seeing that the onus lies with the Lord and not with the creature, we dare to indulge in mistrust, the question of God comes home mightily to us: "Has the Lord's hand waxed short?" May it happen, too, in His mercy, that with the question there may flash upon our souls that blessed declaration, "Thou shalt see now whether My word shall come to pass unto thee or not."