HE IS RISEN!

Satisfaction for the Thirsty Soul

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on July 11th.

1 Peter 2:1-2 Chapter 2 1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation;

Think about a time you experienced unbearable thirst. You probably would have traded anything for a drink. When you finally got your wish, there was nothing that could have tasted better than that cold, refreshing glass of water.

Compare this physical need to spiritual thirst. The Lord knows our deep need for fulfillment, and only He can truly satisfy.

Isn’t it interesting, then, that we live in a society where most people feel dissatisfied? In Christ, we have everything necessary to be complete, content, and fulfilled. Yet our world deceptively tells us to seek after wealth, glory, and other empty dreams. These seem to work only for a short time, if at all. Yet we often do not recognize our actual needs. The enemy continues to deceive by telling us that his poor substitutes will satisfy the craving inside us.

Our triune God, on the other hand, is all we need. Let’s take a look at several passages from Scripture. Jesus called Himself “the bread of life” and “living water”—the sustenance our souls require to survive and thrive ( John 6:34-35 34 They said therefore unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 Jesus said unto them. I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ; John 7:37-38 37 Now on the last day, the great `day' of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. ). God’s Word is alive, able to teach, convict, and redirect us toward a godly path (Heb. 4:12). Biblical truth, which is compared to milk, provides the nourishment our souls need ( 1 Peter 2:2 2 as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation; ).

All of us have an emptiness within—a longing for something more. What are you attempting to use to satisfy it? Our hearts are like a jigsaw puzzle. No matter how hard you try to force a wrong piece, it will never fit correctly. Turn to Jesus, and trust that He knows how to fulfill you. 

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 16-18 Chapter 16 1 The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established. 4 Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: `Though' hand `join' in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil. 7 When a man's ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice. 9 A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps. 10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment. 11 A just balance and scales are Jehovah's; All the weights of the bag are his work. 12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right. 14 The wrath of a king is `as' messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver. 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. 18 Pride `goeth' before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he. 21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. 22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is `their' folly. 23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are `as' a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death. 26 The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him `thereto'. 27 A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire. 28 A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends. 29 A man of violence enticeth his neighbor, And leadeth him in a way that is not good. 30 He that shutteth his eyes, `it is' to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass. 31 The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness. 32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah. Chapter 17 1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2 A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren. 3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts. 4 An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; `And' a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. 5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; `And' he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers. 7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince. 8 A bribe is `as' a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. 9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends. 10 A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool. 11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is `as' when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling. 15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah. 16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding? 17 A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor. 19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction. 20 He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. 21 He that begetteth a fool `doeth it' to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy. 22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones. 23 A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. 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. 27 He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is `esteemed as' prudent. Chapter 18 1 He that separateth himself seeketh `his own' desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom. 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself. 3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy `cometh' reproach. 4 The words of a man's mouth are `as' deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is `as' a flowing brook. 5 To respect the person of the wicked is not good, `Nor' to turn aside the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. 9 He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer. 10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor `goeth' humility. 13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear? 15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 16 A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. 17 He that pleadeth his cause first `seemeth' just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out. 18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty. 19 A brother offended `is harder to be won' than a strong city; And `such' contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah. 23 The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly. 24 He that maketh many friends `doeth it' to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

The Shed Blood of Jesus

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on July 11th.

John 1:29-34 29 On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man who is become before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not; but that he should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause came I baptizing in water. 32 And John bare witness, saying, I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize in water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit. 34 And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.

When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching, he declared Christ to be the Lamb of God.

This concept was familiar to the Israelites, since their law required blood offerings as atonement for sin (Lev. 17:11). Jesus became our sacrificial Lamb, paying once for all the sin debt owed by mankind ( 1 Peter 3:18 18 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; ). His death secured forgiveness and eternal life for everyone who trusts Him as Savior. With regard to salvation, nothing else is required or acceptable to God.

Jesus was the one who set things right between the Father and man. He died to bring us ...

Redemption. This was a word that was used to describe a marketplace transaction—one that buys back something of value. All humanity was in bondage to sin and unable to pay the penalty (Rom. 6:23). As our sacrificial lamb, Jesus willingly died in our place and with His blood, redeemed us for His Father ( 1 Peter 1:18-19 18 knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, `even the blood' of Christ: ).

Forgiveness. As God’s adopted children, we have been saved by the blood of Christ and pardoned for our transgressions. The penalty for our actions has been fully paid. So at the moment of salvation, guilt for all of our sins—past, present, and future—is wiped away.

Meditate on what the Savior did at Calvary. As the sacrificial Lamb, Jesus exchanged His life for ours and gave it up to pay what we owed. His death redeemed us, secured our forgiveness, and gave us a permanent place in God’s family. Thank You, Jesus, for bringing redemption!

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 16-18 Chapter 16 1 The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established. 4 Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: `Though' hand `join' in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil. 7 When a man's ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice. 9 A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps. 10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment. 11 A just balance and scales are Jehovah's; All the weights of the bag are his work. 12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right. 14 The wrath of a king is `as' messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver. 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. 18 Pride `goeth' before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he. 21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. 22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is `their' folly. 23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are `as' a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death. 26 The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him `thereto'. 27 A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire. 28 A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends. 29 A man of violence enticeth his neighbor, And leadeth him in a way that is not good. 30 He that shutteth his eyes, `it is' to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass. 31 The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness. 32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah. Chapter 17 1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2 A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren. 3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts. 4 An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; `And' a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. 5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; `And' he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers. 7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince. 8 A bribe is `as' a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. 9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends. 10 A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool. 11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is `as' when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling. 15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah. 16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding? 17 A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor. 19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction. 20 He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. 21 He that begetteth a fool `doeth it' to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy. 22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones. 23 A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. 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. 27 He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is `esteemed as' prudent. Chapter 18 1 He that separateth himself seeketh `his own' desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom. 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself. 3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy `cometh' reproach. 4 The words of a man's mouth are `as' deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is `as' a flowing brook. 5 To respect the person of the wicked is not good, `Nor' to turn aside the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. 9 He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer. 10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor `goeth' humility. 13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear? 15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 16 A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. 17 He that pleadeth his cause first `seemeth' just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out. 18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty. 19 A brother offended `is harder to be won' than a strong city; And `such' contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah. 23 The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly. 24 He that maketh many friends `doeth it' to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

The Power of Corporate Prayer

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on July 12th.

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 Chapter 20 1 And it came to pass after this, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. 2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea from Syria; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (the same is En-gedi). 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto Jehovah; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to seek `help' of Jehovah: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek Jehovah. 5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of Jehovah, before the new court; 6 and he said, O Jehovah, the God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and art not thou ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? and in thy hand is power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee. 7 Didst not thou, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and give it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? 8 And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, 9 If evil come upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house, and before thee, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, and thou wilt hear and save. 10 And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned aside from them, and destroyed them not; 11 behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. 12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but out eyes are upon thee. 13 And all Judah stood before Jehovah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 14 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of Jehovah in the midst of the assembly; 15 and he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat: Thus saith Jehovah unto you, Fear not ye, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 To-morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the ascent of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 Ye shall not need to fight in this `battle': set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of Jehovah with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; fear not, nor be dismayed: to-morrow go out against them: for Jehovah is with you. 18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Jehovah, worshipping Jehovah. 19 And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Jehovah, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice. 20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in Jehovah your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed them that should sing unto Jehovah, and give praise in holy array, as they went out before the army, and say, Give thanks unto Jehovah; for his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever. 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, Jehovah set liers-in-wait against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, that were come against Judah; and they were smitten. 23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. 24 And when Judah came to the watch-tower of the wilderness, they looked upon the multitude; and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none that escaped. 25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches and dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much. 26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed Jehovah: therefore the name of that place was called The valley of Beracah unto this day. 27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for Jehovah had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 28 And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of Jehovah. 29 And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of the countries, when they heard that Jehovah fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet; for his God gave him rest round about.

When Jehoshaphat saw trouble looming, the first thing he did was turn attention to God and proclaim a fast throughout Judah. People came from all around to support their king in prayer ( 2 Chronicles 20:3 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto Jehovah; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. , 2 Chronicles 20:13 13 And all Judah stood before Jehovah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. ).

Sometimes we are too proud to ask others to pray for us. Jehoshaphat was a king, yet he didn’t put on airs of self-sufficiency. Instead, he admitted his army paled in comparison to the three forces united against him. He recognized his limitations and sought divine intervention. Though Jehoshaphat reigned over his subjects, he nevertheless called on them for prayerful support.

One of the wisest things we can do in the midst of difficulty is to engage the assistance of someone who knows how to talk to God. The body of Christ depends upon cooperation. When the people of Judah began to pray, God provided a solution through a trusted prophet. Jehoshaphat was humble enough to listen and wise enough to follow his directives (vv. 14-17). As a result, the Israelites were saved. The advancing armies turned against each other and destroyed themselves completely. Without shooting an arrow or drawing a sword, Judah’s forces suffered not even one casualty. Because their humble king listened, they witnessed the Lord’s remarkable victory (vv. 22-30).

We have to attune our ears to God’s voice in order to hear Him. Sometimes He speaks through people we would not choose to follow, and He often says things we’re not expecting to hear. But He will provide us with solutions to our problems if we are willing to heed His words.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 16-18 Chapter 16 1 The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established. 4 Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: `Though' hand `join' in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil. 7 When a man's ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice. 9 A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps. 10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment. 11 A just balance and scales are Jehovah's; All the weights of the bag are his work. 12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right. 14 The wrath of a king is `as' messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver. 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. 18 Pride `goeth' before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he. 21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. 22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is `their' folly. 23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are `as' a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death. 26 The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him `thereto'. 27 A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire. 28 A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends. 29 A man of violence enticeth his neighbor, And leadeth him in a way that is not good. 30 He that shutteth his eyes, `it is' to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass. 31 The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness. 32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah. Chapter 17 1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 2 A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren. 3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts. 4 An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; `And' a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. 5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; `And' he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers. 7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince. 8 A bribe is `as' a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. 9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends. 10 A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool. 11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is `as' when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling. 15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah. 16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding? 17 A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor. 19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction. 20 He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. 21 He that begetteth a fool `doeth it' to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy. 22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones. 23 A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. 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. 27 He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is `esteemed as' prudent. Chapter 18 1 He that separateth himself seeketh `his own' desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom. 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself. 3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy `cometh' reproach. 4 The words of a man's mouth are `as' deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is `as' a flowing brook. 5 To respect the person of the wicked is not good, `Nor' to turn aside the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. 9 He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer. 10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor `goeth' humility. 13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear? 15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 16 A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. 17 He that pleadeth his cause first `seemeth' just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out. 18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty. 19 A brother offended `is harder to be won' than a strong city; And `such' contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah. 23 The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly. 24 He that maketh many friends `doeth it' to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Obedience to God's Word

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 12th.

“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments” ( 1 John 2:3 3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. ).

True believers obey God’s commandments.

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven after His resurrection, He gave the following Great Commission to His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). Notice that a true disciple was to observe, or obey, all of Christ’s commands.

The apostle John understood well the Lord’s instruction. He knew that obedience to the commands of God produces assurance—the confidence of knowing for sure “that we have come to know Him” ( 1 John 2:3 3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. ). The Greek word for “keep” in that verse refers to watchful, careful, thoughtful obedience. It is not an obedience that is only the result of external pressure; it is the eager obedience of one who “keeps” the divine commandments as if they were something precious to guard. Such obedience is motivated by love, as John indicates in verse 5: “Whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.” That’s supported by the word translated “commandments,” which refers specifically to the precepts of Christ rather than laws in general. Legal obedience demands perfection or penalty, while 1 John 2:3 3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. is a call to gracious obedience because of the penalty Christ has already paid.

However, those who claim to know God and yet despise His commandments John calls liars: “The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (v. 4). “They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed” ( Titus 1:16 16 They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. ).

How can you determine if you are a true Christian? Not by sentiment, but by obedience. If you desire to obey God out of gratitude for all Christ has done for you, and if you see that desire producing an overall pattern of obedience, you have passed an important test indicating the presence of saving faith.

Suggestions for Prayer

If you have found your obedience is predicated more on the act of obedience than on gratitude for God, confess that now and seek to change your attitude.

For Further Study

Memorize 1 Samuel 15:22 22 And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. as motivation for the right spirit of obedience.

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

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Loving Christ

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 12th.

Love for Christ is the primary characteristic of a true believer.

First Peter 2:7 speaks of the believer's affection for Christ as contrasted to an unbeliever's rejection of Him. The first part of that verse could be translated, "To you who believe, He is precious." "Precious" means "valuable," "costly," "without equal," or "irreplaceable." Christ is all that, but only believers recognize His supreme value and regard Him with affection.

Affection for Christ is the bottom-line characteristic of true believers. Believing in Him and loving Him are inseparable. In John 16:27 27 for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father. Jesus says, "The Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed." In Matthew 10:37 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. He says, "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." Believers have a compelling and surpassing love for Christ.

To His antagonists Jesus declared, "If God were your Father, you would love Me" ( John 8:42 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I came forth and am come from God; for neither have I come of myself, but he sent me. ). Anyone who truly loves God will love Christ. Those antagonists claimed to be children of God, but their deception was revealed when they tried to kill Jesus for preaching God's truth. They were in fact children of the devil (v. 44).

In John 14 Chapter 14 1 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, `there' ye may be also. 4 And whither I go, ye know the way. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye would have known my Father also: from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou, Show us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater `works' than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask anything in my name, that will I do. 15 If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever, 17 `even' the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no more; but ye behold me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 In that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. 22 Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my words: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, while `yet' abiding with you. 26 But the Comforter, `even' the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. 28 Ye heard how I said to you, I go away, and I come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go unto the Father: for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe. 30 I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me; 31 but that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. Jesus adds, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. . . . He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him. . . . If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words" (vv. 15, 21, 23- 24).

Many people are confused about what it means to be a Christian. But you have the privilege of clarifying the issue as you esteem Christ highly, love Him deeply, and demonstrate your love by obeying His Word. May God bless you richly as you pursue that goal today.

Suggestions for Prayer

Ask God to give you opportunities to demonstrate Christ's love in specific ways to those around you.

For Further Study

Read 1 John 4:7-5:3.

• How did John characterize God?
• What affect should your love for God have on your relationships with others?
• How did John define love?

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

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Daily Bible - July 12

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 12th.

Reading for Today:

• 2 Chronicles 19:1 Chapter 19 1 And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. –20:37
• Psalms 82:1-8 Chapter 82 1 God standeth in the congregation of God; He judgeth among the gods. 2 How long will ye judge unjustly, And respect the persons of the wicked? Selah 3 Judge the poor and fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. 4 Rescue the poor and needy: Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. 5 They know not, neither do they understand; They walk to and fro in darkness: All the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 I said, Ye are gods, And all of you sons of the Most High. 7 Nevertheless ye shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes. 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; For thou shalt inherit all the nations. Psalm 83 A song. A Psalm of Asaph.
• Proverbs 20:29-30 29 The glory of young men is their strength; And the beauty of old men is the hoary head. 30 Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; And strokes `reach' the innermost parts.
• Acts 17:1-15 Chapter 17 1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 and Paul, as his custom was, went in unto them, and for three sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 opening and alleging that it behooved the Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom, `said he,' I proclaim unto you, is the Christ. 4 And some of them were persuaded, and consorted with Paul and Silas, and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. 5 But the Jews, being moved with jealousy, took unto them certain vile fellows of the rabble, and gathering a crowd, set the city on an uproar; and assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them forth to the people. 6 And when they found them not, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7 whom Jason hath received: and these all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, `one' Jesus. 8 And they troubled the multitude and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. 10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Beroea: who when they were come thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed; also of the Greek women of honorable estate, and of men, not a few. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed of Paul at Beroea also, they came thither likewise, stirring up and troubling the multitudes. 14 And then immediately the brethren sent forth Paul to go as far as to the sea: and Silas and Timothy abode there still. 15 But they that conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timothy that they should come to him with all speed, they departed.

Notes:

2 Chronicles 19:1 Chapter 19 1 And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. –3 Having faced possible death that was diverted by God (18:31), Jehoshaphat was rebuked because of his alliances. The prophet condemned the king’s alliance with God’s enemy, Ahab (1 Kin. 22:2), yet there was mercy mingled with wrath because of the king’s concern personally and nationally for the true worship of God.

Psalms 82:1 Chapter 82 1 God standeth in the congregation of God; He judgeth among the gods. congregation of the mighty. The scene opens with God having called the world leaders together. among the gods. Some have taken this psalm to be about demons or false pagan gods. The best interpretation is that these “gods” are human leaders, such as judges, kings, legislators, and presidents (Ex. 22:8, 9, 28; Judg. 5:8, 9).God the Great Judge presides over these lesser judges.

Psalms 82:6 6 I said, Ye are gods, And all of you sons of the Most High. I said. Kings and judges are set up ultimately by the decree of God (Ps. 2:6). God, in effect, invests His authority in human leaders for the stability of the universe (Rom. 13:1–7). But God may revoke this authority (v. 7). “You are gods.” Jesus, in quoting this phrase in John 10:34 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods? , supported the interpretation that the “gods” were human beings. In a play on words, He claims that if human leaders can be called “gods,” certainly the Messiah can be called God.

Psalms 82:8 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; For thou shalt inherit all the nations. Psalm 83 A song. A Psalm of Asaph. You shall inherit all nations. The psalmist prayerfully anticipates the future when God will set up His kingdom and restore order and perfect justice to a sin-cursed world (Pss.96; 97; Is.11:1–5).

Acts 17:7 7 whom Jason hath received: and these all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, `one' Jesus. contrary to the decrees of Caesar. One of the most serious crimes in the Roman Empire was to acknowledge allegiance to any king but Caesar ( John 19:15 15 They therefore cried out, Away with `him', away with `him', crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. ).

Acts 17:15 15 But they that conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timothy that they should come to him with all speed, they departed. Athens. The cultural center of Greece. At its zenith, Athens was home to the most renowned philosophers in history, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who was arguably the most influential philosopher of all. Two other significant philosophers taught there: Epicurus, founder of Epicureanism, and Zeno, founder of Stoicism—two of the dominant philosophies in that day (v. 18).

DAY 12: How did Jehoshaphat express his faith in the face of adversity?

Second Chronicles 20:1–30 is one of the great stories of faith in the Old Testament. Attacked by a great multitude from Moab and Ammon, Jehoshaphat made the appropriate spiritual response, i.e., the king and the nation appealed to God in prayer and fasting. The fast was national, including even the children (v. 13). Jehoshaphat stood in the redecorated center court praying for the nation, appealing to the promises, the glory, and the reputation of God which were at stake since He was identified with Judah (vv. 5–12). In his prayer he acknowledged God’s sovereignty (v. 6), God’s covenant (v. 7), God’s presence (vv. 8, 9), God’s goodness (v. 10), God’s possession (v. 11), and their utter dependence on Him (v. 12).

The Lord responded immediately, sending a message of confidence through the prophet Jahaziel. “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them…. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD” (v. 15–17).

Here was the praise of faith (vv. 18–21). They were confident enough in God’s promise of victory to begin the praise before the battle was won. So great was their trust that the choir marched in front of the army, singing psalms. People were appointed who should “praise the beauty of holiness” (v. 21). The Lord is beautiful in holiness (Ex. 15:11; Ps. 27:4), but the text here would better be translated “in holy attire,” which was referring to the manner in which the Levite singers were clothed in symbolic sacred clothing (1 Chr. 16:29) in honor of the Lord’s holiness.

Similar to God’s intervention in Gideon’s day (Judg. 7:15–23), God caused confusion among the enemy, who mistakenly turned upon themselves and slaughtered each other (vv. 22–24). Some think this may have been done by angels who appeared and set off this uncontrolled and deadly panic. The destruction was complete before Jehoshaphat and his army ever met the enemy (v. 24).

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

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July 12 - Response to the Greatest Sermon

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 12th.

“When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes” ( Matthew 7:28 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching: –29).

The response to the best and most astounding preaching ever—the Sermon on the Mount—was in itself very remarkable. Likely some among our Lord’s audience that day believed in Him for salvation. But quite probably the number converted was small, affirming Jesus’ assertion about the narrow gate: “there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:14).

The verb translated “were amazed” means to be struck out of oneself, or to be beside oneself with astonishment. The crowd was utterly flabbergasted by the power, comprehensiveness, and extraordinary insight of Christ’s words. Never had people heard such a penetrating description of true righteousness or such a relentless condemnation of self-righteousness.

Even more remarkable is the way Jesus spoke with a power (“authority”) that proved and reflected His sovereignty. Unlike the Jewish teachers, who quoted the rabbis words and additional sacred writings, He quoted only Scripture and spoke as the final authority on truth.

The Sermon on the Mount is important for everyone to hear. But the response to it must not conclude with mere amazement but real, saving faith. If we have read it and meditated upon its instructions and imperatives, we also need to move from astonishment to obedience. Such obedience entails moving from intellectual knowledge of the narrow gate and way to actually entering the gate by faith and following the way to eternal life.

Ask Yourself

Think back on the many lessons taken from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Which have struck you with new force? Which are your children in greatest need of hearing? Don’t let His Word grow quiet within you.

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

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Faith Expels Guilt, Greed, and Fear

Published by John Piper for reading on July 12th.

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ( 1 Timothy 1:5 5 But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned: )

Faith in God’s grace expels from the heart the sinful powers that hinder love.

If we feel guilty, we tend to wallow in self-centered depression and self-pity, unable to see, let alone care, about anyone else’s need. Or we play the hypocrite to cover our guilt, and so destroy all sincerity in relationships. Or we talk about other people’s faults to minimize the guilt of our own.

It’s the same with fear. If we feel fearful, we tend not to approach a stranger at church who might need a word of welcome and encouragement. Or we may reject frontier missions for our lives, because it sounds too dangerous. Or we may waste money on excessive insurance, or get swallowed up in all manner of little phobias that make us preoccupied with ourselves and blind us to the needs of others.

If we are greedy, we may spend money on luxuries — money that ought to go to the spread of the gospel. We don’t undertake anything risky, lest our precious possessions and our financial future be jeopardized. We focus on things instead of people, or see people as resources for our material advantage.

Faith in future grace produces love by pushing guilt and fear and greed out of the heart.

It pushes out guilt because it holds fast to the hope that the death of Christ is sufficient to secure acquittal and righteousness now and forever ( Hebrews 10:14 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. ).

It pushes out fear because it banks on the promise, “Fear not, for I am with you. . . . I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” ( Isaiah 41:10 10 Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ).

And it pushes out greed because it is confident that Christ is greater wealth than all the world can offer ( Matthew 13:44 44 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. ).

In every case the glory of Christ is magnified when we are more satisfied with his future grace than we are with the promises of sin.

Morning Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon for July 12th

Published by C.H. Spurgeon for reading on July 12th.

Jude 1 Chapter 1 1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied. 3 Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in privily, `even' they who were of old written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 5 Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And angels that kept not their own principality, but left their proper habitation, he hath kept in everlasting bonds under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, having in like manner with these given themselves over to fornication and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire. 8 Yet in like manner these also in their dreamings defile the flesh, and set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities. 9 But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these rail at whatsoever things they know not: and what they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things are they destroyed. 11 Woe unto them! For they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah. 12 These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved forever. 14 And to these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have ungodly wrought, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their lusts (and their mouth speaketh great swelling `words'), showing respect of persons for the sake of advantage. 17 But ye, beloved, remember ye the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 That they said to you, In the last time there shall be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are they who make separations, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And on some have mercy, who are in doubt; 23 and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy, 25 to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, `be' glory, majesty, dominion and power, before all time, and now, and for evermore. Amen. "Sanctified in Christ Jesus."— 1 Corinthians 1:2 2 unto the church of God which is at Corinth, `even' them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called `to be' saints, with all that call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, their `Lord' and ours: "Through sanctification of the Spirit."— 1 Peter 1:2 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

MARK the union of the Three Divine Persons in all their gracious acts. How unwisely do those believers talk who make preferences in the Persons of the Trinity; who think of Jesus as if He were the embodiment of everything lovely and gracious, while the Father they regard as severely just, but destitute of kindness. Equally wrong are those who magnify the decree of the Father, and the atonement of the Son, so as to depreciate the work of the Spirit. In deeds of grace none of the Persons of the Trinity act apart from the rest. They are as united in their deeds as in their essence. In their love towards the chosen they are one, and in the actions which flow from that great central source they are still undivided. Specially notice this in the matter of sanctification. While we may without mistake speak of sanctification as the work of the Spirit, yet we must take heed that we do not view it as if the Father and the Son had no part therein. It is correct to speak of sanctification as the work of the Father, of the Son, and of the Spirit. Still doth Jehovah say, "Let us make man in our own image after our likeness," and thus we are "his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." See the value which God sets upon real holiness, since the Three Persons in the Trinity are represented as co-working to produce a Church without "spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." And you, believer, as the follower of Christ, must also set a high value on holiness—upon purity of life and godliness of conversation. Value the blood of Christ as the foundation of your hope, but never speak disparagingly of the work of the Spirit which is your meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light. This day let us so live as to manifest the work of the Triune God in us.

Evening Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon for July 12th

Published by C.H. Spurgeon for reading on July 12th.

2 Timothy 4:18 18 The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom `be' the glory forever and ever. Amen.

YONDER city of the great King is a place of active service. Ransomed spirits serve Him day and night in His temple. They never cease to fulfil the good pleasure of their King. They always "rest," so far as ease and freedom from care is concerned; and never "rest," in the sense of indolence or inactivity. Jerusalem the golden is the place of communion with all the people of God. We shall sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in eternal fellowship. We shall hold high converse with the noble host of the elect, all reigning with Him who by His love and His potent arm has brought them safely home. We shall not sing solos, but in chorus shall we praise our King. Heaven is a place of victory realized. Whenever, Christian, thou hast achieved a victory over thy lusts—whenever after hard struggling, thou hast laid a temptation dead at thy feet—thou hast in that hour a foretaste of the joy that awaits thee when the Lord shall shortly tread Satan under thy feet, and thou shalt find thyself more than conqueror through Him who hath loved thee. Paradise is a place of security. When you enjoy the full assurance of faith, you have the pledge of that glorious security which shall be yours when you are a perfect citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem. O my sweet home, Jerusalem, thou happy harbour of my soul! Thanks, even now, to Him whose love hath taught me to long for Thee; but louder thanks in eternity, when I shall possess thee.

"My soul has tasted of the grapes, And now it longs to go Where my dear Lord His vineyard keeps And all the clusters grow.

"Upon the true and living vine, My famish'd soul would feast, And banquet on the fruit divine, An everlasting guest."