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Following in Christ’s Footsteps

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on June 2nd.

Matthew 10:24-42 24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household! 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak ye in the light; and what ye hear in the ear, proclaim upon the house-tops. 28 And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father: 30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven. 34 Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law: 36 and a man's foes `shall be' they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Much of Christianity has a distorted view of discipleship. In our desire to see more people come to Christ, we may be guilty of offering a gospel that emphasizes the benefits of following Jesus while avoiding any mention of the cost involved.

However, Jesus didn’t shy away from speaking truth. He let people know that being His disciple would not be easy, because they’d be following in His footsteps. Since Christ didn’t sail through life without challenges, why should we? Our goal should be to become like our Savior, and that means we must be willing to suffer to one degree or another.

Contrary to what many contemporary sermons suggest, following Jesus may not make your relationships better. It could become a source of contention because a true disciple’s love, devotion, and loyalty to Christ supersedes every other relationship. If what a friend or family member desires contradicts what the Lord has commanded, then the choice must be to follow Christ rather than a loved one.

As Christians, we’ll frequently be tempted to compromise in order to avoid misunderstanding, criticism, rejection, or persecution. But as Christ’s followers, we are called to live a crucified life—and compromise undercuts the wholehearted nature of crucifixion. We cannot pursue the acceptance of the world and at the same time follow the Lord. Until we stand with both feet on the side of obedience, we forfeit assurance of God’s peace and blessings.

Although discipleship is costly, the reward is great. Jesus promises to confess us as His own before God when we enter our heavenly home.

Bible in One Year: Job 9-12 Chapter 9 1 Then Job answered and said, 2 Of a truth I know that it is so: But how can man be just with God? 3 If he be pleased to contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand. 4 `He is' wise in heart, and mighty in strength: Who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered?- 5 `Him' that removeth the mountains, and they know it not, When he overturneth them in his anger; 6 That shaketh the earth out of its place, And the pillars thereof tremble; 7 That commandeth the sun, and it riseth not, And sealeth up the stars; 8 That alone stretcheth out the heavens, And treadeth upon the waves of the sea; 9 That maketh the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, And the chambers of the south; 10 That doeth great things past finding out, Yea, marvellous things without number. 11 Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: He passeth on also, but I perceive him not. 12 Behold, he seizeth `the prey', who can hinder him? Who will say unto him, What doest thou? 13 God will not withdraw his anger; The helpers of Rahab do stoop under him. 14 How much less shall I answer him, And choose out my words `to reason' with him? 15 Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would make supplication to my judge. 16 If I had called, and he had answered me, Yet would I not believe that he hearkened unto my voice. 17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, And multiplieth my wounds without cause. 18 He will not suffer me to take my breath, But filleth me with bitterness. 19 If `we speak' of strength, lo, `he is' mighty! And if of justice, Who, `saith he', will summon me? 20 Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: Though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse. 21 I am perfect; I regard not myself; I despise my life. 22 It is all one; therefore I say, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked. 23 If the scourge slay suddenly, He will mock at the trial of the innocent. 24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked; He covereth the faces of the judges thereof: If `it be' not `he', who then is it? 25 Now my days are swifter than a post: They flee away, they see no good, 26 They are passed away as the swift ships; As the eagle that swoopeth on the prey. 27 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will put off my `sad' countenance, and be of good cheer; 28 I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent. 29 I shall be condemned; Why then do I labor in vain? 30 If I wash myself with snow water, And make my hands never so clean; 31 Yet wilt thou plunge me in the ditch, And mine own clothes shall abhor me. 32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, That we should come together in judgment. 33 There is no umpire betwixt us, That might lay his hand upon us both. 34 Let him take his rod away from me, And let not his terror make me afraid: 35 Then would I speak, and not fear him; For I am not so in myself. Chapter 10 1 My soul is weary of my life; I will give free course to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; Show me wherefore thou contendest with me. 3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, That thou shouldest despise the work of thy hands, And shine upon the counsel of the wicked? 4 Hast thou eyes of flesh? Or seest thou as man seeth? 5 Are thy days as the days of man, Or thy years as man's days, 6 That thou inquirest after mine iniquity, And searchest after my sin, 7 Although thou knowest that I am not wicked, And there is none that can deliver out of thy hand? 8 Thy hands have framed me and fashioned me Together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. 9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast fashioned me as clay; And wilt thou bring me into dust again? 10 Hast thou not poured me out as milk, And curdled me like cheese? 11 Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, And knit me together with bones and sinews. 12 Thou hast granted me life and lovingkindness; And thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. 13 Yet these things thou didst hide in thy heart; I know that this is with thee: 14 If I sin, then thou markest me, And thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity. 15 If I be wicked, woe unto me; And if I be righteous, yet shall I not lift up my head; Being filled with ignominy, And looking upon mine affliction. 16 And if `my head' exalt itself, thou huntest me as a lion; And again thou showest thyself marvellous upon me. 17 Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, And increasest thine indignation upon me: Changes and warfare are with me. 18 Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me. 19 I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. 20 Are not my days few? cease then, And let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, 21 Before I go whence I shall not return, `Even' to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death; 22 The land dark as midnight, `The land' of the shadow of death, without any order, And where the light is as midnight. Chapter 11 1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, 2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be justified? 3 Should thy boastings make men hold their peace? And when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? 4 For thou sayest, My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in thine eyes. 5 But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against thee, 6 And that he would show thee the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. 7 Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? 8 It is high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than Sheol; what canst thou know? 9 The measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea. 10 If he pass through, and shut up, And all unto judgment, then who can hinder him? 11 For he knoweth false men: He seeth iniquity also, even though he consider it not. 12 But vain man is void of understanding, Yea, man is born `as' a wild ass's colt. 13 If thou set thy heart aright, And stretch out thy hands toward him; 14 If iniquity be in thy hand, put it far away, And let not unrighteousness dwell in thy tents. 15 Surely then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; Yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: 16 For thou shalt forget thy misery; Thou shalt remember it as waters that are passed away, 17 And `thy' life shall be clearer than the noonday; Though there be darkness, it shall be as the morning. 18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; Yea, thou shalt search `about thee', and shalt take thy rest in safety. 19 Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; Yea, many shall make suit unto thee. 20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, And they shall have no way to flee; And their hope shall be the giving up of the ghost. Chapter 12 1 Then Job answered and said, 2 No doubt but ye are the people, And wisdom shall die with you. 3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: Yea, who knoweth not such things as these? 4 I am as one that is a laughing-stock to his neighbor, I who called upon God, and he answered: The just, the perfect man is a laughing-stock. 5 In the thought of him that is at ease there is contempt for misfortune; It is ready for them whose foot slippeth. 6 The tents of robbers prosper, And they that provoke God are secure; Into whose hand God bringeth `abundantly'. 7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; And the birds of the heavens, and they shall tell thee: 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; And the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. 9 Who knoweth not in all these, That the hand of Jehovah hath wrought this, 10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? 11 Doth not the ear try words, Even as the palate tasteth its food? 12 With aged men is wisdom, And in length of days understanding. 13 With `God' is wisdom and might; He hath counsel and understanding. 14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again; He shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. 15 Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up; Again, he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth. 16 With him is strength and wisdom; The deceived and the deceiver are his. 17 He leadeth counsellors away stripped, And judges maketh he fools. 18 He looseth the bond of kings, And he bindeth their loins with a girdle. 19 He leadeth priests away stripped, And overthroweth the mighty. 20 He removeth the speech of the trusty, And taketh away the understanding of the elders. 21 He poureth contempt upon princes, And looseth the belt of the strong. 22 He uncovereth deep things out of darkness, And bringeth out to light the shadow of death. 23 He increaseth the nations, and he destroyeth them: He enlargeth the nations, and he leadeth them captive. 24 He taketh away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth, And causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. 25 They grope in the dark without light; And he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.

Worship That Glorifies God

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on June 2nd.

Psalms 95:1-11 Chapter 95 1 Oh come, let us sing unto Jehovah; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; Let us make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For Jehovah is a great God, And a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it; And his hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker: 7 For he is our God, And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To-day, oh that ye would hear his voice! 8 Harden not your heart, as at Meribah, As in the day of Massah in the wilderness; 9 When your fathers tempted me, Proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved with `that' generation, And said, It is a people that do err in their heart, And they have not known my ways: 11 Wherefore I sware in my wrath, That they should not enter into my rest.

God created us to worship and has placed this inclination in every human heart. If people don’t worship their Creator, they’ll focus their devotion on something or someone else. That’s why there are so many religions in the world.

As Christians, we may assume that since ours is the God of the Bible, He must be pleased with our worship of Him. But that may not be the case. Hebrews 9 Chapter 9 1 Now even a first `covenant' had ordinances of divine service, and its sanctuary, `a sanctuary' of this world. 2 For there was a tabernacle prepared, the first, wherein `were' the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the Holy place. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holy of holies; 4 having a golden altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein `was' a golden pot holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 and above it cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy-seat; of which things we cannot now speak severally. 6 Now these things having been thus prepared, the priests go in continually into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the services; 7 but into the second the high priest alone, once in the year, not without blood, which he offereth for himself, and for the errors of the people: 8 the Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holy place hath not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is yet standing; 9 which `is' a figure for the time present; according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect, 10 `being' only (with meats and drinks and divers washings) carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh: 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it. 17 For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth. 18 Wherefore even the first `covenant' hath not been dedicated without blood. 19 For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses unto all the people according to the law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, This is the blood of the covenant which God commanded to you-ward. 21 Moreover the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry he sprinkled in like manner with the blood. 22 And according to the law, I may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission. 23 It was necessary therefore that the copies of the things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us: 25 nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place year by year with blood not his own; 26 else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this `cometh' judgment; 28 so Christ also, having been once offered to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time, apart from sin, to them that wait for him, unto salvation. refers to the old covenant, in which the Lord gave very precise instructions about how to approach Him. Although we now have direct access to the Father through the Son, we must still be careful to worship Him in ways that glorify Him—whether or not they please us.

If we want to worship God in truth, we must avoid the following pitfalls:

Inaccurate Knowledge of God. If we’ve fashioned God according to our desires, then our worship is worthless. This is why it is so important to know the Lord as He has revealed Himself in His Word.

Lip Service. When our hearts are far from God, we may go through the routines of worship without meaning anything we say or sing.

Wrong Focus. If we come to church simply to have a satisfying emotional experience, we’ve missed the point. Worship is about honoring, reverencing, and adoring God with our whole being—mind, will, and heart.

Psalms 95 Chapter 95 1 Oh come, let us sing unto Jehovah; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; Let us make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For Jehovah is a great God, And a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it; And his hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker: 7 For he is our God, And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To-day, oh that ye would hear his voice! 8 Harden not your heart, as at Meribah, As in the day of Massah in the wilderness; 9 When your fathers tempted me, Proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved with `that' generation, And said, It is a people that do err in their heart, And they have not known my ways: 11 Wherefore I sware in my wrath, That they should not enter into my rest. is a wonderful song of praise. But the writer included a warning not to be like the Israelites in the wilderness, who erred in their hearts and didn’t know God’s ways ( Psalms 95 Chapter 95 1 Oh come, let us sing unto Jehovah; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; Let us make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For Jehovah is a great God, And a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it; And his hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker: 7 For he is our God, And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To-day, oh that ye would hear his voice! 8 Harden not your heart, as at Meribah, As in the day of Massah in the wilderness; 9 When your fathers tempted me, Proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved with `that' generation, And said, It is a people that do err in their heart, And they have not known my ways: 11 Wherefore I sware in my wrath, That they should not enter into my rest. :10). Instead, let’s make it our ambition to know God so we can glorify Him in our worship.

Bible in One Year: Job 9-12 Chapter 9 1 Then Job answered and said, 2 Of a truth I know that it is so: But how can man be just with God? 3 If he be pleased to contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand. 4 `He is' wise in heart, and mighty in strength: Who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered?- 5 `Him' that removeth the mountains, and they know it not, When he overturneth them in his anger; 6 That shaketh the earth out of its place, And the pillars thereof tremble; 7 That commandeth the sun, and it riseth not, And sealeth up the stars; 8 That alone stretcheth out the heavens, And treadeth upon the waves of the sea; 9 That maketh the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, And the chambers of the south; 10 That doeth great things past finding out, Yea, marvellous things without number. 11 Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: He passeth on also, but I perceive him not. 12 Behold, he seizeth `the prey', who can hinder him? Who will say unto him, What doest thou? 13 God will not withdraw his anger; The helpers of Rahab do stoop under him. 14 How much less shall I answer him, And choose out my words `to reason' with him? 15 Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would make supplication to my judge. 16 If I had called, and he had answered me, Yet would I not believe that he hearkened unto my voice. 17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, And multiplieth my wounds without cause. 18 He will not suffer me to take my breath, But filleth me with bitterness. 19 If `we speak' of strength, lo, `he is' mighty! And if of justice, Who, `saith he', will summon me? 20 Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: Though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse. 21 I am perfect; I regard not myself; I despise my life. 22 It is all one; therefore I say, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked. 23 If the scourge slay suddenly, He will mock at the trial of the innocent. 24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked; He covereth the faces of the judges thereof: If `it be' not `he', who then is it? 25 Now my days are swifter than a post: They flee away, they see no good, 26 They are passed away as the swift ships; As the eagle that swoopeth on the prey. 27 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will put off my `sad' countenance, and be of good cheer; 28 I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent. 29 I shall be condemned; Why then do I labor in vain? 30 If I wash myself with snow water, And make my hands never so clean; 31 Yet wilt thou plunge me in the ditch, And mine own clothes shall abhor me. 32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, That we should come together in judgment. 33 There is no umpire betwixt us, That might lay his hand upon us both. 34 Let him take his rod away from me, And let not his terror make me afraid: 35 Then would I speak, and not fear him; For I am not so in myself. Chapter 10 1 My soul is weary of my life; I will give free course to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; Show me wherefore thou contendest with me. 3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, That thou shouldest despise the work of thy hands, And shine upon the counsel of the wicked? 4 Hast thou eyes of flesh? Or seest thou as man seeth? 5 Are thy days as the days of man, Or thy years as man's days, 6 That thou inquirest after mine iniquity, And searchest after my sin, 7 Although thou knowest that I am not wicked, And there is none that can deliver out of thy hand? 8 Thy hands have framed me and fashioned me Together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. 9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast fashioned me as clay; And wilt thou bring me into dust again? 10 Hast thou not poured me out as milk, And curdled me like cheese? 11 Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, And knit me together with bones and sinews. 12 Thou hast granted me life and lovingkindness; And thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. 13 Yet these things thou didst hide in thy heart; I know that this is with thee: 14 If I sin, then thou markest me, And thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity. 15 If I be wicked, woe unto me; And if I be righteous, yet shall I not lift up my head; Being filled with ignominy, And looking upon mine affliction. 16 And if `my head' exalt itself, thou huntest me as a lion; And again thou showest thyself marvellous upon me. 17 Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, And increasest thine indignation upon me: Changes and warfare are with me. 18 Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me. 19 I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. 20 Are not my days few? cease then, And let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, 21 Before I go whence I shall not return, `Even' to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death; 22 The land dark as midnight, `The land' of the shadow of death, without any order, And where the light is as midnight. Chapter 11 1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, 2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be justified? 3 Should thy boastings make men hold their peace? And when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? 4 For thou sayest, My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in thine eyes. 5 But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against thee, 6 And that he would show thee the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. 7 Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? 8 It is high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than Sheol; what canst thou know? 9 The measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea. 10 If he pass through, and shut up, And all unto judgment, then who can hinder him? 11 For he knoweth false men: He seeth iniquity also, even though he consider it not. 12 But vain man is void of understanding, Yea, man is born `as' a wild ass's colt. 13 If thou set thy heart aright, And stretch out thy hands toward him; 14 If iniquity be in thy hand, put it far away, And let not unrighteousness dwell in thy tents. 15 Surely then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; Yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: 16 For thou shalt forget thy misery; Thou shalt remember it as waters that are passed away, 17 And `thy' life shall be clearer than the noonday; Though there be darkness, it shall be as the morning. 18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; Yea, thou shalt search `about thee', and shalt take thy rest in safety. 19 Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; Yea, many shall make suit unto thee. 20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, And they shall have no way to flee; And their hope shall be the giving up of the ghost. Chapter 12 1 Then Job answered and said, 2 No doubt but ye are the people, And wisdom shall die with you. 3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: Yea, who knoweth not such things as these? 4 I am as one that is a laughing-stock to his neighbor, I who called upon God, and he answered: The just, the perfect man is a laughing-stock. 5 In the thought of him that is at ease there is contempt for misfortune; It is ready for them whose foot slippeth. 6 The tents of robbers prosper, And they that provoke God are secure; Into whose hand God bringeth `abundantly'. 7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; And the birds of the heavens, and they shall tell thee: 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; And the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. 9 Who knoweth not in all these, That the hand of Jehovah hath wrought this, 10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? 11 Doth not the ear try words, Even as the palate tasteth its food? 12 With aged men is wisdom, And in length of days understanding. 13 With `God' is wisdom and might; He hath counsel and understanding. 14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again; He shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. 15 Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up; Again, he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth. 16 With him is strength and wisdom; The deceived and the deceiver are his. 17 He leadeth counsellors away stripped, And judges maketh he fools. 18 He looseth the bond of kings, And he bindeth their loins with a girdle. 19 He leadeth priests away stripped, And overthroweth the mighty. 20 He removeth the speech of the trusty, And taketh away the understanding of the elders. 21 He poureth contempt upon princes, And looseth the belt of the strong. 22 He uncovereth deep things out of darkness, And bringeth out to light the shadow of death. 23 He increaseth the nations, and he destroyeth them: He enlargeth the nations, and he leadeth them captive. 24 He taketh away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth, And causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. 25 They grope in the dark without light; And he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.

Overcoming the Barrier of Inadequacy

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on June 3rd.

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 14 But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place. 15 For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish; 16 to the one a savor from death unto death; to the other a savor from life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.

No one likes feelings of inadequacy, but they are something we all must learn to handle, as no one can avoid them permanently. Tragically, however, many people live with a cloud over their head because in their thinking, they never measure up. For some, this may be due to childhood experiences that negatively affected their self-image. For others, the problem may stem from a lack of success related to work, school, relationships, or any number of things.

In today’s passage, Paul asks a question that points to a common insecurity: “Who is adequate for these things?” (v. 16). Have you ever avoided serving the Lord in ways that challenge your comfort zone? If so, you’ve probably missed a tremendous opportunity to overcome feelings of inadequacy. He has promised to lead us “in triumph in Christ” (v. 14), but unless we believe Him and step out in faith, we’ll never experience the fullness of life that He has planned for us.

Feeling inadequate is not a sin, but using it as an excuse is. When the Lord challenges you to do something that you feel is beyond your abilities, you have two options: You can focus on Christ and proceed in triumph, or you can focus on yourself and withdraw in defeat.

It’s really a matter of faith. God would never ask you to do something without empowering you to accomplish it. This doesn’t necessarily mean you will do it perfectly, but each step of obedience is a victory. The alternative is to play it safe, but then you’ll miss out on God’s best for your life.

Bible in One Year: Job 9-12 Chapter 9 1 Then Job answered and said, 2 Of a truth I know that it is so: But how can man be just with God? 3 If he be pleased to contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand. 4 `He is' wise in heart, and mighty in strength: Who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered?- 5 `Him' that removeth the mountains, and they know it not, When he overturneth them in his anger; 6 That shaketh the earth out of its place, And the pillars thereof tremble; 7 That commandeth the sun, and it riseth not, And sealeth up the stars; 8 That alone stretcheth out the heavens, And treadeth upon the waves of the sea; 9 That maketh the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, And the chambers of the south; 10 That doeth great things past finding out, Yea, marvellous things without number. 11 Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: He passeth on also, but I perceive him not. 12 Behold, he seizeth `the prey', who can hinder him? Who will say unto him, What doest thou? 13 God will not withdraw his anger; The helpers of Rahab do stoop under him. 14 How much less shall I answer him, And choose out my words `to reason' with him? 15 Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would make supplication to my judge. 16 If I had called, and he had answered me, Yet would I not believe that he hearkened unto my voice. 17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, And multiplieth my wounds without cause. 18 He will not suffer me to take my breath, But filleth me with bitterness. 19 If `we speak' of strength, lo, `he is' mighty! And if of justice, Who, `saith he', will summon me? 20 Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: Though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse. 21 I am perfect; I regard not myself; I despise my life. 22 It is all one; therefore I say, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked. 23 If the scourge slay suddenly, He will mock at the trial of the innocent. 24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked; He covereth the faces of the judges thereof: If `it be' not `he', who then is it? 25 Now my days are swifter than a post: They flee away, they see no good, 26 They are passed away as the swift ships; As the eagle that swoopeth on the prey. 27 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will put off my `sad' countenance, and be of good cheer; 28 I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent. 29 I shall be condemned; Why then do I labor in vain? 30 If I wash myself with snow water, And make my hands never so clean; 31 Yet wilt thou plunge me in the ditch, And mine own clothes shall abhor me. 32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, That we should come together in judgment. 33 There is no umpire betwixt us, That might lay his hand upon us both. 34 Let him take his rod away from me, And let not his terror make me afraid: 35 Then would I speak, and not fear him; For I am not so in myself. Chapter 10 1 My soul is weary of my life; I will give free course to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; Show me wherefore thou contendest with me. 3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, That thou shouldest despise the work of thy hands, And shine upon the counsel of the wicked? 4 Hast thou eyes of flesh? Or seest thou as man seeth? 5 Are thy days as the days of man, Or thy years as man's days, 6 That thou inquirest after mine iniquity, And searchest after my sin, 7 Although thou knowest that I am not wicked, And there is none that can deliver out of thy hand? 8 Thy hands have framed me and fashioned me Together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. 9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast fashioned me as clay; And wilt thou bring me into dust again? 10 Hast thou not poured me out as milk, And curdled me like cheese? 11 Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, And knit me together with bones and sinews. 12 Thou hast granted me life and lovingkindness; And thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. 13 Yet these things thou didst hide in thy heart; I know that this is with thee: 14 If I sin, then thou markest me, And thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity. 15 If I be wicked, woe unto me; And if I be righteous, yet shall I not lift up my head; Being filled with ignominy, And looking upon mine affliction. 16 And if `my head' exalt itself, thou huntest me as a lion; And again thou showest thyself marvellous upon me. 17 Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, And increasest thine indignation upon me: Changes and warfare are with me. 18 Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me. 19 I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. 20 Are not my days few? cease then, And let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, 21 Before I go whence I shall not return, `Even' to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death; 22 The land dark as midnight, `The land' of the shadow of death, without any order, And where the light is as midnight. Chapter 11 1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, 2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be justified? 3 Should thy boastings make men hold their peace? And when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? 4 For thou sayest, My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in thine eyes. 5 But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against thee, 6 And that he would show thee the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. 7 Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? 8 It is high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than Sheol; what canst thou know? 9 The measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea. 10 If he pass through, and shut up, And all unto judgment, then who can hinder him? 11 For he knoweth false men: He seeth iniquity also, even though he consider it not. 12 But vain man is void of understanding, Yea, man is born `as' a wild ass's colt. 13 If thou set thy heart aright, And stretch out thy hands toward him; 14 If iniquity be in thy hand, put it far away, And let not unrighteousness dwell in thy tents. 15 Surely then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; Yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: 16 For thou shalt forget thy misery; Thou shalt remember it as waters that are passed away, 17 And `thy' life shall be clearer than the noonday; Though there be darkness, it shall be as the morning. 18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; Yea, thou shalt search `about thee', and shalt take thy rest in safety. 19 Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; Yea, many shall make suit unto thee. 20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, And they shall have no way to flee; And their hope shall be the giving up of the ghost. Chapter 12 1 Then Job answered and said, 2 No doubt but ye are the people, And wisdom shall die with you. 3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: Yea, who knoweth not such things as these? 4 I am as one that is a laughing-stock to his neighbor, I who called upon God, and he answered: The just, the perfect man is a laughing-stock. 5 In the thought of him that is at ease there is contempt for misfortune; It is ready for them whose foot slippeth. 6 The tents of robbers prosper, And they that provoke God are secure; Into whose hand God bringeth `abundantly'. 7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; And the birds of the heavens, and they shall tell thee: 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee; And the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. 9 Who knoweth not in all these, That the hand of Jehovah hath wrought this, 10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? 11 Doth not the ear try words, Even as the palate tasteth its food? 12 With aged men is wisdom, And in length of days understanding. 13 With `God' is wisdom and might; He hath counsel and understanding. 14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again; He shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. 15 Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up; Again, he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth. 16 With him is strength and wisdom; The deceived and the deceiver are his. 17 He leadeth counsellors away stripped, And judges maketh he fools. 18 He looseth the bond of kings, And he bindeth their loins with a girdle. 19 He leadeth priests away stripped, And overthroweth the mighty. 20 He removeth the speech of the trusty, And taketh away the understanding of the elders. 21 He poureth contempt upon princes, And looseth the belt of the strong. 22 He uncovereth deep things out of darkness, And bringeth out to light the shadow of death. 23 He increaseth the nations, and he destroyeth them: He enlargeth the nations, and he leadeth them captive. 24 He taketh away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth, And causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. 25 They grope in the dark without light; And he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.

Daily Bible - June 3

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

Reading for Today:

1 Kings 15:1 Chapter 15 1 Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat began Abijam to reign over Judah. –16:34
Psalms 69:22-28 22 Let their table before them become a snare; And when they are in peace, `let it become' a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see; And make their loins continually to shake. 24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, And let the fierceness of thine anger overtake them. 25 Let their habitation be desolate; Let none dwell in their tents. 26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; And they tell of the sorrow of those whom thou hast wounded. 27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity; And let them not come into thy righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous.
Proverbs 17:25-26 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him. 26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, `Nor' to smite the noble for `their' uprightness.
John 13:1-20 Chapter 13 1 Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto his Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's `son', to betray him, 3 `Jesus', knowing that the Father had given all the things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and goeth unto God, 4 riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself. 5 Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 So he cometh to Simon Peter. He saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt understand hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is bathed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew him that should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them. 18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled: He that eateth my bread lifted up his heel against me. 19 From henceforth I tell you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am `he'. 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Notes:

1 Kings 15:11–15 Asa did 4 good things: 1) he removed the sacred prostitutes (v. 12); 2) he rid the land of all the idols made by his predecessors (v. 12); 3) he removed the corrupt queen mother and burned the idol she had made; and 4) he placed holy things, items that he and his father had dedicated to the Lord, back in the temple (v. 15). Though he never engaged in idolatry, Asa’s failure was his toleration of the high places (v. 14).

1 Kings 15:13 obscene image. This term is derived from the verb “to shudder” ( Job 9:6 6 That shaketh the earth out of its place, And the pillars thereof tremble; ). It suggests a shocking, perhaps even a sexually explicit, idol. Asa removed his grandmother, Maacah, the official queen mother, because of her association with this idol.

1 Kings 15:29 he killed all the house of Jeroboam. Baasha, the northern king, in a vicious practice too common in the ancient Near East, annihilated all of Jeroboam’s family. This act fulfilled Ahijah’s prophecy against Jeroboam (14:9–11). However, Baasha went beyond the words of the prophecy, since 14:10 specified judgment only on every male, while Baasha killed all men, women, and children.

1 Kings 16:30 evil…more than all who were before him. With Ahab, Israel’s spiritual decay reached its lowest point. He was even worse than his father, Omri, who was more wicked than all before him (v. 25). Ahab’s evil consisted of perpetuating all the sins of Jeroboam and promoting the worship of Baal in Israel (vv. 31, 32). Of all Israel’s kings, Ahab outraged the Lord most (v. 33).

Psalm 69:26 the ones You have struck. Those hostile to the psalmist were ridiculing him as one suffering from God’s chastisement. In its messianic application, the suffering of the Messiah was a part of God’s plan from eternity past (Is. 53:10).

Proverbs 17:26 punish…strike. Here is a clear statement on political and religious injustice, focusing on the equally bad mistreatment of the innocent and the noble.

DAY 3: Why was Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet so powerful a lesson?

The dusty and dirty conditions of the region necessitated the need for footwashing. Although the disciples most likely would have been happy to wash Jesus’ feet, they could not conceive of washing one another’s feet ( John 13:4 4 riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself. –17). This was because in the society of the time footwashing was reserved for the lowliest of menial servants. Peers did not wash one another’s feet, except very rarely and as a mark of great love. Luke points out (22:24) that they were arguing about who was the greatest of them, so that none was willing to stoop to wash feet. When Jesus moved to wash their feet, they were shocked. His actions serve also as symbolic of spiritual cleansing (vv. 6–9) and a model of Christian humility (vv. 12–17). Through this action Jesus taught the lesson of selfless service that was supremely exemplified by His death on the cross.

These proceedings embarrassed all of the disciples (vv. 6–10). While others remained silent, Peter spoke up in indignation that Jesus would stoop so low as to wash his feet. He failed to see beyond the humble service itself to the symbolism of spiritual cleansing involved (v. 7; 1 John 1:7 7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. –9). Jesus’ response made the real point of His actions clear: Unless the Lamb of God cleanses a person’s sin (i.e., as portrayed in the symbolism of washing), one can have no part with Him. The cleansing that Christ does at salvation never needs to be repeated—atonement is complete at that point. But all who have been cleansed by God’s gracious justification need constant washing in the experiential sense as they battle sin in the flesh. Believers are justified and granted imputed righteousness (Phil. 3:8, 9), but still need sanctification and personal righteousness (Phil. 3:12–14).

Jesus said, “I have given you an example” (v. 15). The word used here suggests both example and pattern. Jesus’ purpose in this action was to establish the model of loving humility.“ If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (v. 17). Joy is always tied to obedience to God’s revealed Word.

Additional Resources

June 3 - Proper Fasting and Prayer

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

“‘But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you’” ( Matthew 6:17 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; –18).

Jesus’ statement “when you fast” indicates that fasting is normal and acceptable in the Christian life. He assumes His followers will fast on certain occasions, especially in times of testing, trial, or struggle.

Fasting is appropriate during times of sorrow. On occasions of deep grief, fasting is a natural human response. Most people don’t feel like eating at those times. Other things that motivate fasting have included overwhelming danger, penitence, and the receiving or proclaiming of a special revelation from God. And fasting often accompanied the beginning of an important task or ministry.

In every scriptural account, genuine fasting is linked with prayer. You can pray without fasting, but you cannot fast biblically without praying. Fasting is an affirmation of intense prayer, a corollary of deep spiritual struggle before God. It is never an isolated act or ceremony or ritual that has some inherent efficacy or merit.

Fasting is also always linked with a pure heart and must be associated with obedient, godly living. This is the attitude that will motivate the one fasting not to attract attention to his deprivation and spiritual struggle. Fasting is not to be a display for anyone, including God. Genuine fasting is simply a part of concentrated, intense prayer and concern for the Lord, His will, and His work. Jesus’ point is that the Father never fails to notice fasting that is heartfelt and genuine, and He never fails to reward it.

Ask Yourself

Has fasting ever been a part of your life and relationship with God? If so, what have those experiences taught you about Him . . . and about yourself and your need for Him? If you’ve never actually participated in fasting, what might be some appropriate times and ways for you to practice it?

Additional Resources

Integrity Triumphs over Pride

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

“Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding, and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. . . . Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah” ( Daniel 1:3-4 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in `certain' of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal and of the nobles; 4 youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. , 6).

Man values physical beauty and superior human capabilities, whereas God values spiritual character.

As King Nebuchadnezzar was besieging Jerusalem, he received word that his father had died. So he returned to Babylon, leaving Jehoiakim, king of Judah, in power. To ensure the king’s loyalty, Nebuchadnezzar instructed Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to take some hostages from among the royal families of Israel. Among those selected were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

Nebuchadnezzar’s plan was to train these young hostages in the ways of the Babylonians (Chaldeans), then press them into service as his representatives among the Jews. There were an estimated fifty to seventy-five hostages, each of whom was young (probably in his early teens), handsome, and without physical defect. In addition, each had superior intellect, education, wisdom, and social graces.

Being among such a select group of people could have led to pride in Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. But self-glorification meant nothing to them. Their priority was to serve their God with humility, integrity, and fidelity. Nebuchadnezzar could look on them favorably, train them in the ways of the Chaldeans, and offer them power and influence in his kingdom, but he could never incite their pride or diminish their allegiance to the Lord.

Like Babylon, our society is enamored with physical beauty and human capabilities. However, let your focus be on spiritual character and using for God’s glory the talents and abilities He has given you.

Suggestions for Prayer

Thank the Lord for the special gifts He has given you.
Prayerfully guard your heart against subtle pride, which undermines spiritual character.

For Further Study

Read Daniel 4:28-36 28 All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon. 30 The king spake and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling-place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty? 31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, `saying', O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken: The kingdom is departed from thee: 32 and thou shalt be driven from men; and they dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over thee; until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hair was grown like eagles' `feathers', and his nails like birds' `claws'. 34 And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation. 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 36 At the same time mine understanding returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added unto me. .

How did God deal with King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride?
What was the king’s response (see v. 37)?

Additional Resources

Be Quick to Hear

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

"This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear" ( James 1:19 19 Ye know `this', my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: ).

Being quick to hear involves a proper attitude toward God’s Word.

It has been well said that either God's Word will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from God's Word. Apparently some of James's readers were allowing sin to keep them from receiving the Word as they should. God was allowing them to experience various trials so their joy and spiritual endurance would increase, but they lacked wisdom and fell into temptation and sin. James called them back to the Word and to a godly perspective on their circumstances.

James 1:19 19 Ye know `this', my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: begins with the phrase "This you know," which refers back to verse 18. They had experienced the power of the Word in salvation, now James wants them to allow it to sanctify them. For that to occur, they must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath (v. 19).

Being quick to hear means you don't disregard or fight against God's Word. Instead, when trials or difficult decisions come your way, you ask God for wisdom and receive the counsel of His Word with a willingness to obey it. You're not like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, whom Jesus described as "foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken" ( Luke 24:25 25 And he said unto them, O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! ).

You should be quick to hear the Word because it provides nourishment for your spiritual life and is your weapon against all spiritual adversaries. It is the means by which you are strengthened and equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It delivers you from trials and temptations and engages you in communion with the living God. The Word should be your most welcome friend!

Be quick to hear, pursuing every opportunity to learn God's truth. Let the testimony of the psalmist be yours: "O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day. . . . I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy word. . . . How sweet are Thy words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Ps. 119:97, 101, 103).

Suggestions for Prayer

Thank God for His precious Word and for the marvelous transforming work it accomplishes in you.

For Further Study

Read Psalms 19:1-14 Chapter 19 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language; Their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run his course. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, And his circuit unto the ends of it; And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. 7 The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever: The ordinances of Jehovah are true, `and' righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: In keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern `his' errors? Clear thou me from hidden `faults'. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous `sins'; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, And I shall be clear from great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer. Psalm 20 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. .

What terms did the psalmist use to describe God's Word?
What benefits does the Word bring?

Additional Resources

Faith for the Impossible

Published by John Piper for reading on June 3rd.

He grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. ( Romans 4:20 20 yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God, –21)

Paul has in mind a special reason why faith glorifies God’s future grace. Simply put, the reason is that this God-glorifying faith is a future-oriented confidence in God’s integrity and power and wisdom to follow through on all his promises.

Paul illustrates this faith with Abraham’s response to the promise of God: that he would be the father of many nations ( Romans 4:18 18 Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be. ). “In hope he believed against hope,” that is, he had faith in the future grace of God’s promise.

He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. ( Romans 4:19 19 And without being weakened in faith he considered his own body now as good as dead (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb; –21)

The faith of Abraham was a faith in the promise of God to make him the father of many nations. This faith glorified God because it called attention to all the resources of God that would be required to fulfill it.

Abraham was too old to have children, and Sarah was barren. Not only that: How do you turn a son or two into “many nations,” which God said Abraham would be the father of? It all seemed totally impossible.

Therefore Abraham’s faith glorified God by being fully assured that he could and would do the impossible.

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

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

1 Chronicles 4:23 23 These were the potters, and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah: there they dwelt with the king for his work.

POTTERS were not the very highest grade of workers, but "the king" needed potters, and therefore they were in royal service, although the material upon which they worked was nothing but clay. We, too, may be engaged in the most menial part of the Lord's work, but it is a great privilege to do anything for "the king"; and therefore we will abide in our calling, hoping that, "although we have lien among the pots, yet shall we be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold." The text tells us of those who dwelt among plants and hedges, having rough, rustic, hedging and ditching work to do. They may have desired to live in the city, amid its life, society, and refinement, but they kept their appointed places, for they also were doing the king's work. The place of our habitation is fixed, and we are not to remove from it out of whim and caprice, but seek to serve the Lord in it, by being a blessing to those among whom we reside. These potters and gardeners had royal company, for they dwelt "with the king" and although among hedges and plants, they dwelt with the king there. No lawful place, or gracious occupation, however mean, can debar us from communion with our divine Lord. In visiting hovels, swarming lodging-houses, workhouses, or gaols, we may go with the king. In all works of faith we may count upon Jesu's fellowship. It is when we are in His work that we may reckon upon His smile. Ye unknown workers who are occupied for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the low, be of good cheer, for jewels have been found upon dunghills ere now, earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and ill weeds have been transformed into precious flowers. Dwell ye with the King for His work, and when He writes His chronicles your name shall be recorded.

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

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

Philippians 2:8 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient `even' unto death, yea, the death of the cross.

JESUS is the great teacher of lowliness of heart. We need daily to learn of Him. See the Master taking a towel and washing His disciples' feet! Follower of Christ, wilt thou not humble thyself? See Him as the Servant of servants, and surely thou canst not be proud! Is not this sentence the compendium of His biography, "He humbled Himself"? Was He not on earth always stripping off first one robe of honour and then another, till, naked, He was fastened to the cross, and there did He not empty out His inmost self, pouring out His life-blood, giving up for all of us, till they laid Him penniless in a borrowed grave? How low was our dear Redeemer brought! How then can we be proud? Stand at the foot of the cross, and count the purple drops by which you have been cleansed; see the thorn-crown; mark His scourged shoulders, still gushing with encrimsoned rills; see hands and feet given up to the rough iron, and His whole self to mockery and scorn; see the bitterness, and the pangs, and the throes of inward grief, showing themselves in His outward frame; hear the thrilling shriek, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" And if you do not lie prostrate on the ground before that cross, you have never seen it: if you are not humbled in the presence of Jesus, you do not know Him. You were so lost that nothing could save you but the sacrifice of God's only begotten. Think of that, and as Jesus stooped for you, bow yourself in lowliness at His feet. A sense of Christ's amazing love to us has a greater tendency to humble us than even a consciousness of our own guilt. May the Lord bring us in contemplation to Calvary, then our position will no longer be that of the pompous man of pride, but we shall take the humble place of one who loves much because much has been forgiven him. Pride cannot live beneath the cross. Let us sit there and learn our lesson, and then rise and carry it into practice.