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The LORD is near Daily Devotional for 2024

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Friday, November 29, 2024 The Perfect Servant By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16 NKJV The Perfect Servant When we read this verse our hearts go automatically to the great sacrifice of the Lord as He laid down His life on the cross. No one took His life—those who crucified Him did not—He gave it. In John 10:17 the Lord had said, “I lay down My life that I may take it again.” It is beautiful to see the perfect little details as the Lord said, “It is finished, bowed His head, and gave up the spirit. His head did not fall down, as we might...More Thursday, November 28, 2024 The Good and Faithful Servant (4) There was set meat before him to eat; but he said, I will not eat until I have made known my business … I am Abraham’s servant. And Jehovah has blessed my master greatly, and he is become great; and He has given him sheep and cattle, and silver and gold, and bondmen and bondwomen, and camels and asses. Genesis 24:33–35 JND The Good and Faithful Servant (4) We have three important lessons in the above verses: First: The good and faithful servant knows the importance and urgency of his mission. It is more important to him than even the essentials of life such as food and drink....More Wednesday, November 27, 2024 He Will Serve You Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning … Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. Luke 12:35–37 NKJV He Will Serve You It is evident we should like to be found, whether absent or present, agreeable to Him when He does come. It gives Christ the place. We are poor things; but if we heard Him saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” what a thing it would be to us! Not that I pretend to expect it, except that they are His own words. There is a little more than waiting in this chapter. “Waist be girded”...More Tuesday, November 26, 2024 Two Kinds of Working Together Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had said to Moses; and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Then the land rested from war. They drew near and came. Everyone helped his neighbor, and said to his brother, “Be of good courage!” Joshua 11:23 NKJV; Isaiah 41:5–6 NKJV Two Kinds of Working Together A brother shared with me his appreciation of the first of these verses. He was impressed not only with what Joshua had done, but specifically that it was done according to all that the Lord had said to Moses....More Monday, November 25, 2024 God’s Providential Care The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him. Ezra 8:22 NKJV God’s Providential Care An aged widow, who was dependent on charity for her bread, could specially appropriate that portion of the Lord’s prayer to herself, “Give us this day our daily bread.” One day a company of boys heard her praying for her daily supply and thought they would have a little fun at the expense of the good old woman’s faith. So they ran off to the baker’s, bought a few loaves, and threw them into her cabin. The old saint saw the bread tumbling about her and broke out in an exclamation of...More Sunday, November 24, 2024 The Father’s Thoughts of His Son The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. John 3:35 NKJV The Father’s Thoughts of His Son We do well to begin this meditation with the words of John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30). As we grow in appreciation of the Lord Jesus, seeing more of the glory of His Person, any high thoughts we had of ourselves will diminish. The Word of God is not only a light for the path, but it is a revelation of God. God has revealed Himself in His own Son, and the Son, ever dwelling in the Father’s bosom, has declared Him. The Father’s...More Saturday, November 23, 2024 The Good and Faithful Servant (3) Behold, Rebecca came out … And the man stooped, and bowed down before Jehovah, and said, Blessed be Jehovah, God of my master Abraham, who has … led me to the house of my master’s brethren. Genesis 24:15, 26–27 JND The Good and Faithful Servant (3) Genesis 24 sets before us the characteristics of a good and faithful servant. Every child of God in the right spiritual condition desires to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, and to hear one day from His mouth these wonderful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” For this reason, it is important that we learn how to be good and faithful...More Friday, November 22, 2024 Prayer Comes Before Service Jesus … praying … was beginning to be about thirty years old. Luke 3:21, 23 JND Prayer Comes Before Service Even at the age of twelve, Jesus was sitting in the temple in Jerusalem—with the conviction that His Father’s things were His highest priority. Even then He showed total devotion, which remained unbroken His entire life. There in the temple He listened to the scribes, asked them questions, and gave astounding answers when they questioned Him. Since the Gospels tell us nothing else about His childhood or youth, we can probably assume that He did not appear in public during this time....More Thursday, November 21, 2024 Genuine Faith Is the Anchor of the Soul But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV Genuine Faith Is the Anchor of the Soul We must believe that He is and what He is. We must have to do with God in the secret of our own souls, apart from and independent of all beside. Our individual connection with God must be a grand reality, a living fact, a real and unmistakable experience, lying at the very root of our existence and forming the stay and prop of our souls at all times and under all circumstances. Mere opinions will not do; dogmas and creeds will not avail. It...More Wednesday, November 20, 2024 The Unsearchable Riches of the Christ That … [it] might be made known through the assembly the all-various wisdom of God, according to the purpose of the ages, which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:10–11 JND The Unsearchable Riches of the Christ God’s plan has Christ as its foundation, its very center, as well as its purpose. The multiple aspects of God’s wisdom are being displayed in this plan. It is like a beautiful diamond that displays a multiplicity of colors and designs to the amazed observer. This is all linked to the blessed person of Jesus, who is Jehovah and who is also a Man—mystery of mysteries....More Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Set Your Heart On Heavenly Things This land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the River Arnon, and half the mountains of Gilead and its cities, I gave to the Reubenites and the Gadites. The rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to half the tribe of Manasseh. Deuteronomy 3:12–13 NKJV Set Your Heart On Heavenly Things Read Deuteronomy 3:18–29. Some people regret all their lives not having been diligent in their schooldays. And parents, who are not always listened to, warn their children that they are investing in themselves and that poor studies run the high risk of being penalized by...More Monday, November 18, 2024 The Good and Faithful Servant (2) The servant took ten of his master’s camels … for all his master’s goods were in his hand … Then he said, “O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” Genesis 24:10, 12 NKJV The Good and Faithful Servant (2) Having received clear instructions from his master in verses 1–9, Abraham’s servant goes on his journey to fulfill his mission. Let us notice three things in verses 10–12: First: He goes on his mission with the rich provisions of his master. All the wealth of Abraham was present to meet his needs,...More Sunday, November 17, 2024 Simplicity of the Early Christians (3) Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. Acts 20:7–8 NKJV Simplicity of the Early Christians (3) The saints of Troas, along with their respected visitor, the apostle Paul, met together in an upper room of a building somewhere in the city. Perhaps it was a building owned by one of the saints, or perhaps it was a rented facility. They met in the evening because the first day of the week was...More Saturday, November 16, 2024 The More Excellent Way Earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. Through love serve one another. 1 Corinthians 12:31 NKJV; Galatians 5:13 NKJV The More Excellent Way As we learn from 1 Corinthians 12–14, the Christians in Corinth were especially interested in the spiritual gift of tongues. Evidently, believers who spoke in unknown languages received a great deal of attention. This led to pride and to spiritually unprofitable meetings. Chapter 14 emphasizes instead that the great need is to build each other up spiritually: “Let all things be done for edification” (14:26)....More Friday, November 15, 2024 Is Christ Everything for Us? That the Christ may dwell, through faith, in your hearts, being rooted and founded in love. Ephesians 3:17 JND Is Christ Everything for Us? The epistle to the Ephesians communicates what God has in mind for the Church of the living God, for all true believers from the day of Pentecost until the Rapture. The apostle described the wonderful plan and the amazing grace that God has bestowed on us. Praise His name! Paul’s prayer (vv. 14–21) closes in worship with a theme that will never end: “To Him be glory in the assembly in Christ Jesus unto all generations of the age of ages....More Thursday, November 14, 2024 Face to Face For we see now through a dim window obscurely, but then face to face; now I know partially, but then I shall know according as I also have been known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 JND Face to Face The Corinthians were richly endowed with spiritual gifts (1:5), but they were using them to elevate themselves. Here, Paul shows that love is sacrificial in its attitude and behavior towards others. It must motivate us in our use of the gifts if this is to be worthy of God. Love never breaks down. In contrast, even the greater gifts (12:31) will fail: prophecies will be ended when nothing more is to be...More Wednesday, November 13, 2024 The Good and Faithful Servant (1) Abraham said to his servant … thou shalt go to my land and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac. And the servant said to him, Perhaps the woman will not be willing … Abraham said … Jehovah … will send His angel before thee, that thou mayest take a wife for my son thence. Genesis 24:2–7 JND The Good and Faithful Servant (1) The story about Abraham sending his servant to get a wife for Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 24, teaches us many valuable lessons about this good and faithful servant. The first important and practical lesson is this: the good servant must get his...More Tuesday, November 12, 2024 David and Solomon (6) Children … “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise. And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day” … The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Ephesians 6:1–2 NKJV; 1 Kings 3:6, 10 NKJV David and Solomon (6) In his prayer to the Lord, who appeared to him at Gibeon in a dream,...More Monday, November 11, 2024 Prayer and Fruit Bearing If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:7–8 NKJV Prayer and Fruit Bearing There is a grand declaration in verse 8. Sometimes we ask ourselves what we could do to show our love to the Lord. The answer to that is found in John 14:15, 21, and 23: to keep His word. In the same way, here the Lord is telling us what glorifies the Father and the demonstration that we are His disciples. It is bearing much fruit; not only some fruit, but much...More Sunday, November 10, 2024 Simplicity of the Early Christians (2) Now on the first day of the week … the disciples came together to break bread. Acts 20:7 NKJV Simplicity of the Early Christians (2) The believers of the assembly in the city of Troas had come together to break bread on the first day of the week. They had a special visitor who would be with them that day, and they were excited to hear more, from his own lips, the doctrines that had thrilled their hearts. Many of these dear believers had never seen or heard the great apostle in person before, but they knew he had risked his life to make known the good news of God’s grace throughout...More Saturday, November 9, 2024 Christ the True Nazarite Who in the days of His flesh, having offered up both supplications and entreaties to Him who was able to save Him out of death … though He were Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. Hebrews 5:7–8 JND Christ the True Nazarite Christ, from the onset of His ministry, maintained the place of an obedient servant. He did not enter into public service until called of God, after He had taken the lowest place in John’s baptism. Christ ever walked in perfect separation of the inner man, in communion with His Father and entire dependence upon Him in obedience without a single...More Friday, November 8, 2024 The Sweet Odor of Christ [Aaron] shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from the altar before the Lord, with his hands full of sweet incense beaten fine, and bring it inside the veil. Leviticus 16:12 NKJV The Sweet Odor of Christ Aaron receives at this point instructions for a special occasion, that of the great Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27). It is to this event that Hebrews 9 refers (vv. 7, 12, 25). Once a year, after having offered a sacrifice for himself, the high priest offered another sacrifice for all the sins of the people committed during the year. Then he brought the blood of this sacrifice within the...More Thursday, November 7, 2024 Glory to Glory But we all, looking on the glory of the Lord, with unveiled face, are transformed according to the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 JND Glory to Glory This chapter contrasts the effect of the principles of the old and new covenants: “the letter kills, but the Spirit quickens” (v. 6). And yet when Moses received the letter of the law on mount Sinai, he experienced a wonderful effect from being in the presence of God: his face shone (v. 7; see Ex. 34:30). The apostle uses this to illustrate the effect of the ministry of grace—the...More Wednesday, November 6, 2024 The Good, Great, and Glorious Shepherd I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. John 10:11 NKJV; Hebrews 13:20–21 NKJV; 1 Peter 5:4 NKJV The Good, Great, and Glorious Shepherd The theme of shepherding runs throughout Scripture. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and David were notable shepherds in...More Tuesday, November 5, 2024 Is It for Christ? For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 NKJV; Philippians 1:21 NKJV Is It for Christ? The apostle Paul was in prison and yet so utterly oblivious of self that his sole desire was that Christ should be magnified in his body, whether by life or by death. Christ was the only object in all that Paul desired and did; everything was...More Monday, November 4, 2024 David and Solomon (5) O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You. And give my son Solomon a loyal heart to keep Your commandments and Your testimonies and Your statutes, to do all these things, and to build the temple for which I have made provision. 1 Chronicles 29:18–19 NKJV David and Solomon (5) Very close to the end of His life, David assembled at Jerusalem all the leading men and officials of Israel. He rose to his feet to address them for the last time. His heart was full as he reviewed the...More Sunday, November 3, 2024 Simplicity of the Early Christians (1) Now on the first day of the week … the disciples came together to break bread. Acts 20:7 NKJV Simplicity of the Early Christians (1) The text in today’s meditation is part of a passage recounting the apostle Paul’s visit to the saints in the city of Troas. This city in Asia Minor, which is today in the country of Turkey, was the site of ancient Troy and of the Trojan War, memorialized in Greek lore. Paul visited Troas because there was a small Christian assembly there, small enough for the believers in Christ to meet in an upper room (v. 8). This is the only account in the New...More Saturday, November 2, 2024 Immutable and Immovable The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My loving-kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall My covenant of peace be removed. Isaiah 54:10 JND Immutable and Immovable The mountains appear to be the most stable objects in the material world; nevertheless, wind and water are wearing them down. But more enduring than the mountains of primitive granite is God’s loving-kindness. Other things may change and vanish away sooner or later—the laboriously amassed money, the lovingly nurtured lawn, or the interminably paid-for house may all be taken away in one adverse...More Friday, November 1, 2024 Urging or Blaming When Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed. Concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time. Galatians 2:11 NKJV; 1 Corinthians 16:12 NKJV Urging or Blaming Whenever Christians interact, there will be disagreements. As it has been said, if two people are in a room there might be three opinions. However, it is important to distinguish between essential matters of truth and lesser matters of preference. The verses quoted above concern two disagreements the...More Thursday, October 31, 2024 Strength to Strength They go from strength to strength: each one will appear before God in Zion. Psalm 84:7 JND Strength to Strength The Psalms are not the Christian’s songbook. Among other things, their writers did not know a risen Lord in glory or have the Holy Spirit indwelling them; but they do prophetically express the feelings of Christ and of those among His earthly people who count on His faithfulness in great tribulation. All Scripture may not be about us, but we can be sure all of it is for us. Psalm 84 will be fulfilled literally in the future as God brings the redeemed of Israel into...More Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Strengthened in the Inner Man That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. Ephesians 3:16 NKJV Strengthened in the Inner Man The Lord Jesus in heaven called Saul of Tarsus just before he arrived at Damascus. He had come there from Jerusalem to arrest the Jewish people who believed in Jesus the Messiah. But Saul himself was arrested, namely, by the Lord Jesus, who called him with a call he could not resist, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). He was brought to a home in the city where he stayed for three days. There he...More Tuesday, October 29, 2024 Prologue to the Book of Revelation (10)—The Alpha and Omega “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 NKJV Prologue to the Book of Revelation (10)—The Alpha and Omega In verse 7, John had just mentioned that the Lord Jesus is coming and will be revealed in glory. Here in today’s verse, we hear from him how this blessed One who is coming will be revealed! Some have described this as the Lord Jesus putting His signature on the prophecy of His return, while others feel it is God the Father speaking. But some suggest the One speaking is the Lord...More Monday, October 28, 2024 “High and Lifted Up” in Isaiah (3)—God’s Dwelling Place For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15 ESV “High and Lifted Up” in Isaiah (3)—God’s Dwelling Place Our text today is the third and final mention of the statement that the Lord is “high and lifted up.” The triple use of this remarkable expression in the Book of Isaiah is full of interest and instruction for the believer. In Isaiah 6:1 He is “high...More Sunday, October 27, 2024 “High and Lifted Up” in Isaiah (2)—The Servant of Jehovah Behold, My servant shall act wisely; He shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. Isaiah 52:13 ESV “High and Lifted Up” in Isaiah (2)—The Servant of Jehovah The Servant mentioned here is Messiah; it is a prophecy concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact the entire passage of Isaiah 52:13–15 is really an introduction or prologue to the great messianic prophecy of Isaiah 53, presenting the suffering Servant of Jehovah. This is the fourth of four “Servant Songs” in Isaiah (42:1–4; 49:1–7; 50:4–7; 52:13–53:12). And what a song it is! This Servant, when on...More Saturday, October 26, 2024 “High and Lifted Up” in Isaiah (1)—The King Upon His Throne In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1 NKJV “High and Lifted Up” in Isaiah (1)—The King Upon His Throne In Isaiah there is an interesting expression that occurs only three times throughout the book: “high and lifted up” (6:1; 52:13; 57:15). Though in a few of our English Bible translations these expressions do not always appear to be identical, in the Hebrew they are exactly the same wording. It is an encouraging and instructive meditation to consider the use of this expression,...More Friday, October 25, 2024 David and Solomon (4) Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.” 1 Kings 2:1–3 NKJV David and Solomon (4) The end of David’s life was not easy for this man of God. His oldest living son, Adonijah, exalted himself and, with the aid of Joab and...More Thursday, October 24, 2024 Man’s Wisdom Does Not Do the Work of God Not one of you convinced Job, or answered his words—lest you say, “We have found wisdom”; God will vanquish him, not man. Job 32:12–13 NKJV Man’s Wisdom Does Not Do the Work of God No, none of Job’s friends were able to find words to convince Job and give an answer to his words, as he was going through this deep and painful experience. Why was it so? Were his friends completely void of any wisdom? Well, it depends, for indeed true wisdom is not found in us. Why is it that sometimes our plans, our actions, the things that we had well prepared concerning our spiritual life or any service...More Wednesday, October 23, 2024 Sorrow Upon Sorrow For he was also sick close to death, but God had mercy on him, and not indeed on him alone, but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. Philippians 2:27 JND Sorrow Upon Sorrow Epaphroditus was true to the meaning of his name: “lovely.” But bringing a gift for Paul 800 miles from Philippi to Rome nearly killed him (v. 30). He was distressed to think of the effect the news of his illness would have on his brethren who had sent him (v. 26), but God had mercy on him and he regained his health. God also had mercy on Paul because it would have been “sorrow upon sorrow” for him had...More Tuesday, October 22, 2024 The Hungry Soul A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. Proverbs 27:7 NKJV The Hungry Soul When I was young, I visited a friend’s house and planned to stay overnight. We had played all afternoon, and now the clock was moving well past the time I usually ate dinner at home. Finally, quite late in the evening, my friend’s mother began to serve a delicious meal. She grinned at me and said, “I find that if I wait a long time to cook dinner, everyone likes what I make!” Her culinary strategy may connect with the verse above; but as the proverb is...More Monday, October 21, 2024 Paul’s Prayers to God the Father I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. Ephesians 1:16–17 ESV Paul’s Prayers to God the Father In Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul addressed the God of our Lord Jesus Christ as the Father of glory. On behalf of all the believers, which includes you and me today, Paul asked for wisdom and knowledge because God’s plans are so wonderful and great, and also in view of the world to come. Later in his epistle, the apostle...More Sunday, October 20, 2024 Birds for Sacrifice (5)—Joseph and Mary They brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord … and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons. Luke 2:22, 24 JND Birds for Sacrifice (5)—Joseph and Mary The birds offered for sacrifice represent the eternal Son of God who came down from heaven. How striking, then, to see that when the Lord Himself entered this world, two birds were offered. Leviticus 12 outlined how a sacrifice was to be offered for the mother after the days of her purification following childbirth. The normal offering to be brought...More Saturday, October 19, 2024 Prologue to the Book of Revelation (9)—With Clouds Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7 NKJV Prologue to the Book of Revelation (9)—With Clouds As John begins to wrap up the prologue to the book of Revelation, he transitions to point us to the very theme of the entire book: the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ! This is not His coming for His own, as promised in John 14:1–3, and outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:50–58 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. This is His glorious appearing when He comes with His own to...More Friday, October 18, 2024 David and Solomon (3) As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it … The Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 28:9–10, 20 NKJV David and Solomon...More Thursday, October 17, 2024 Life Unto Life For we are a sweet odor of Christ to God, in the saved and in those that perish: to the one an odor from death unto death, but to the others an odor from life unto life. 2 Corinthians 2:15–16 JND Life Unto Life A year or so before Paul wrote these words, he sent his first letter to the Corinthians to correct serious wrongdoing that had gone unchecked among them. He did this for the glory of God and in love for them. He was anxious to know their reaction. He had written the letter with tears, and he followed it with fears (2 Cor. 2:4; 7:5). May we cultivate this spirit in our dealings with one...More Wednesday, October 16, 2024 The Author of Salvation (2) Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NKJV The Author of Salvation (2) The whole of His saving work is warranted in the light of His own worthiness. His holiness and honor stand highest in heaven. The salvation Christ accomplished does not depend on human behavior but on the beloved Savior Himself, for “He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9). Nor does this speak of a transient deliverance...More Tuesday, October 15, 2024 The Author of Salvation (1) Having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Hebrews 5:9 NKJV The Author of Salvation (1) We may name a multitude of authors in connection with literature and lexicons, history and homilies, dictionaries and declarations, encyclopedias and encyclicals, but there is only one Author of salvation. In His authorship, Christ precedes all others; in origination He stands supreme and preeminent, without peer or competitor. No other authorship could possibly be appended to this supremely important subject of salvation. The prophet Isaiah records in his message,...More Monday, October 14, 2024 Not Heroes or Heroines but Children of God Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1 NKJV Not Heroes or Heroines but Children of God It is wonderful when the heart of man really meets the heart of God. The moment I am brought through grace into full distinct consciousness that there is no good in me, I find this; I find the perfect blessed love of God which has met me where I am in His presence. At the cross you see sin meeting God, Christ being made sin for us, and the nature of God glorified, far more than merely sin being put away. While the Lord puts away sin, He prepares the way to the accomplishment of...More Sunday, October 13, 2024 Birds for Sacrifice (4)—Cleansing of the Leper Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two clean living birds … And the priest shall command that one bird be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: as to the living bird—he shall take it … and dip [it] in the blood of the bird that was killed. Leviticus 14:4–6 JND Birds for Sacrifice (4)—Cleansing of the Leper Another occasion when birds were used in sacrifice was in the cleansing of the leper. Scripture says, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). We were all spiritual lepers! Only God could heal leprosy, whether...More Saturday, October 12, 2024 Answering the Call (2) Zebulun is a people who jeopardized their lives to the point of death, Naphtali also, on the heights of the battlefield. Judges 5:18 NKJV Answering the Call (2) Israel had fought against their enemies. In this battle, they had had a dual leadership: Deborah, a prophetess and judge, had joined forces with a man, Barak, for the purpose of military action. After God had given them victory, these two sang a song. In it they evaluated, among other things, how each of the tribes of Israel had answered the call to battle. Here are two positive, encouraging examples: Zebulun had been...More Friday, October 11, 2024 Answering the Call (1) Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan, and why did Dan remain on ships? Asher continued at the seashore, and stayed by his inlets. Judges 5:17 NKJV Answering the Call (1) Israel was under stress. Once again they had been attacked by enemies, this time by Jabin, king of the Canaanites, and his army commander Sisera. After God had given victory to Israel, Deborah—the prophetess and judge—and Barak sang a song. In it they described the ways in which the tribes of Israel had each responded to the call to join the fight. Some had engaged in the battle, others had refused. Gilead had...More Thursday, October 10, 2024 Faith to Faith For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. Romans 1:16–17 NKJV Faith to Faith The man who wrote this said of himself elsewhere, “concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Phil. 3:6). Earlier in Paul’s life his righteousness appeared to him, and maybe to others, as good enough for God, but eventually he learned by bitter experience that he was a sinner like everyone else: “all have sinned and...More Wednesday, October 9, 2024 David and Solomon (2) Lord, remember David and all his afflictions; how he swore to the Lord, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob: “Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house, or go up to the comfort of my bed; I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” Psalm 132:1–5 NKJV David and Solomon (2) Psalm 132 indicates that from his youth on, David had longed to build a temple worthy of the ark of God, the symbol of God’s presence among His people Israel. The time came when he had rest from his enemies and wanted...More Tuesday, October 8, 2024 The Solemn Lesson of Ananias and Sapphira A certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 5:1-2 NKJV The Solemn Lesson of Ananias and Sapphira The name Ananias is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Hananiah, one of Daniel’s friends (Dan. 1:6), and is used for probably twelve other men in the Old Testament. It means, “Yah is gracious” or “taken into favor by Yah.” In the New Testament this name occurs eleven times, only in Acts, for three different...More Monday, October 7, 2024 Praying in Every Place! I will therefore that the men pray in every place. 1 Timothy 2:8 JND Praying in Every Place! It is the explicit will of God that men pray in every place. The Son of God is our great example in this regard as well: He prayed at the Jordan, in a barren place, in the desert, on the mountain, at the tomb of Lazarus, in the upper room, in Gethsemane, and on Calvary. He did not have a rigid or legal prayer life that was limited to certain places and certain times of day. We can see this when we think of His prayer times: He prayed early in the morning before sunrise (Mk. 1:35), in the morning...More Sunday, October 6, 2024 Birds for Sacrifice (3)—Sin Offering If his hand be not able to bring what is so much as a sheep, then he shall bring for his trespass which he hath sinned two turtle-doves or two young pigeons, to Jehovah; one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering … And the priest shall make atonement for him to cleanse him from his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him. Leviticus 5:7, 10 JND Birds for Sacrifice (3)—Sin Offering Forgiveness! What a wonderful word. The institution of the sin offering serves at least two purposes. First, it allowed God’s earthly people the hope of forgiveness, pointing forward...More Saturday, October 5, 2024 Prologue to the Book of Revelation (8)—Kings and Priests To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5–6 NKJV Prologue to the Book of Revelation (8)—Kings and Priests In verses 4 and 5 the Lord Jesus is seen as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. Meditating on these things causes John to open up with a doxology of praise. This burst of praise seems to be directed to the Lord Jesus and to the Father. As John lifts His voice in praise to the Lord...More Friday, October 4, 2024 Entering Into the Sorrows of Others Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life, it will happen, when he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die. So your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father with sorrow to the grave. For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, “If I do not bring him back to you, then I shall bear the blame before my father forever.” Genesis 44:30–32 NKJV Entering Into the Sorrows of Others Joseph’s intention in speaking harshly to his brothers, and demanding that...More Thursday, October 3, 2024 Grace Upon Grace For of His fullness we all have received, and grace upon grace. John 1:16 JND Grace Upon Grace Cancel culture was around when the Lord Jesus was here: “He was in the world, and the world had its being through Him, and the world knew Him not” (Jn. 1:10). Unrecognized as Creator, unwanted by His own people as Christ, what did He do? Thank God He did not cancel His love but gave those who received Him by believing on His name “the right to be children of God” (v. 12). How is this possible, given that the law demands compliance with God’s righteous requirements and none of us...More Wednesday, October 2, 2024 David and Solomon (1) When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, he also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! … Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. Proverbs 4:3–8 NKJV David and Solomon (1) These words are part of Solomon’s testimony about his upbringing, which he sought to pass on to his own children. God had him record this in Proverbs to preserve...More Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Timothy’s Spiritual Influences Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 1 Timothy 4:14 NKJV; 2 Timothy 1:6 NKJV Timothy’s Spiritual Influences All spiritual gifts come from God, but these unique messages to Timothy tell us that others were also instrumental in the development of his gift. The ancient world told of mystics who might declare one’s destiny or impart special abilities, but we do not interpret these verses in...More Monday, September 30, 2024 Timothy’s Hometown and Its Lesson for Today Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Acts 14:11 NKJV Timothy’s Hometown and Its Lesson for Today In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas came to Lystra and preached the gospel. There in that city lived a man who had never walked, and Paul brought healing to him through the power of the living God. The immediate response of the people, though, was to honor the mythological gods of the Greek pantheon. Believing that Zeus and Hermes were in their midst, they were only scarcely...More Sunday, September 29, 2024 Birds for Sacrifice (2)—Burnt Offering If his offering to Jehovah be a burnt-offering of fowls, then he shall present his offering of turtle-doves, or of young pigeons … It is a burnt-offering, an offering by fire to Jehovah of a sweet odor. Leviticus 1:14, 17 JND Birds for Sacrifice (2)—Burnt Offering The offerings in Leviticus give us much food for meditation. We notice that the first offering mentioned is the burnt offering, which was all for God—except for the skin of the bullock, which was for the priest. God must have His portion in Christ’s work first. Three types of offerings were allowed: first, a bullock;...More Saturday, September 28, 2024 Prologue to the Book of Revelation (7)—Firstborn From the Dead Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:5 NKJV Prologue to the Book of Revelation (7)—Firstborn From the Dead When John uses this term “firstborn from the dead” to describe who the Lord Jesus is, he is not speaking of Him as the first one to be raised from the dead. There were those in the Old Testament who had been raise from the dead, such as the son of the woman from Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8–24), or the son of the Shulamite (2 Ki. 4), or even the man who touched Elisha’s bones (2 Ki. 13). In the New...More Friday, September 27, 2024 Lessons on Zedekiah (3)—Obedience and Salvation If you surely surrender … then your soul shall live; this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and your house shall live. Jeremiah 38:17 NKJV Lessons on Zedekiah (3)—Obedience and Salvation What a strong expression! “You and your house shall live!” Paul used the same expression when the jailer asked him, “What must I do to be saved?” The answer was simple: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30–31). Zedekiah heard the word that could save him and his house! But what did he do with what he heard? He asked Jeremiah to...More Thursday, September 26, 2024 Lessons on Zedekiah (2)—The Fear of Man Brings a Snare Please, obey the voice of the Lord which I speak to you. So it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live. Jeremiah 38:20 NKJV Lessons on Zedekiah (2)—The Fear of Man Brings a Snare During the short relief of Jerusalem’s siege by the Chaldeans (the Babylonians), Jeremiah had been falsely accused of wanting to surrender to the Chaldeans and was put into prison. Not long after, the siege of the city continued. Shortly before the capture of Jerusalem, Zedekiah meets with Jeremiah to hear the word of the Lord. He receives a strong, clear, and personal message: if he surrenders, all will be...More Wednesday, September 25, 2024 Lessons on Zedekiah (1)—Obedience Glorifies God I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage … But your fathers did not obey Me nor incline their ear. Jeremiah 34:13–14 NKJV Lessons on Zedekiah (1)—Obedience Glorifies God It is in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, that the final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar began (Ezek. 24:1–2). Probably out of despair for a solution, Zedekiah went to the temple, before the Lord (Jer. 34:15), and “made a covenant with all the people who were at Jerusalem to proclaim liberty to...More Tuesday, September 24, 2024 The Long Furrows of Suffering The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long. Psalm 129:3 NKJV The Long Furrows of Suffering This description of suffering in today’s text is graphic, but in a frightening way. Plowmen here are the executors of a court sentence. The punishment consists in the scourging of the back of the convict. Literally, our Savior experienced this. Pilate had made a helpless attempt to exchange the innocent Jesus for the obviously guilty Barabbas. But he did not have the courage to stand up to the cries of the Jews, “Let Him be crucified!” His public declaration, “I am...More Monday, September 23, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (27)—Revelation I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. Revelation 22:16 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (27)—Revelation Revelation, written by John the apostle, is a prophetic summing up of God’s ways with man. A history that began in Genesis in pure freshness and simplicity now ends in great involvements and complications occasioned by man’s accumulated guilt and willful disorder. But our great God, in calm, majestic deliberation, unravels the tangled mess and judges in perfect time and order...More Sunday, September 22, 2024 Birds for Sacrifice (1)—Noah’s Offering Noah built an altar to Jehovah; and took of every clean animal, and of all clean fowl, and offered up burnt-offerings on the altar. Genesis 8:20 JND Birds for Sacrifice (1)—Noah’s Offering We would like to consider some of the birds that were used for sacrifice in the Old Testament. Here in Genesis 8, we find the first occasion where birds were offered up in sacrifice to God. Noah had just stepped off the ark into a cleansed world. Scripture tells us that before the flood, “Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart only...More Saturday, September 21, 2024 The Need Created and the Object Revealed When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” Luke 5:8 NKJV The Need Created and the Object Revealed What could be more suited to a man full of sin than a Savior full of grace? Surely nothing and no one. Though that blessed Savior was full of truth likewise, and truth puts everything and everyone in the right place, yet the grace was amply sufficient to meet all the need which the truth revealed. Hence, although the poor convicted sinner cries out, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord,” he nevertheless feels that...More Friday, September 20, 2024 Pray Without Ceasing Praying at all seasons, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Ephesians 6:18 JND Pray Without Ceasing The Lord Jesus as Man deliberately took the place of dependence on God. With prayer He began His public service at His baptism, and with prayer He ended it at the cross. He lived praying and He died praying! What He did for God and man was done in prayer. He spoke with His Father in seclusion, in the presence of His disciples, in the circle of friends, and publicly on the cross. He prayed for Simon Peter, for His disciples, for those who would believe in Him through their...More Thursday, September 19, 2024 Beyond Compare My beloved is white and ruddy, chief among ten thousand. Song of Songs 5:10 NKJV Beyond Compare When King David, in an hour of national emergency, determined to lead his army in battle against Absalom and his rebels, his own loyal followers vigorously protested, saying, “You shall not go out! … you are worth ten thousand of us” (2 Sam. 18:3). If it were possible for us to muster a group of ten thousand worthies, including the greatest leaders, potentates, celebrities, principalities, governors, dignitaries, supervisors, legislators, presidents, emperors, kings, princes, lords and rulers, we...More Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Prologue to the Book of Revelation (6)—The Faithful Witness Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5–6 NKJV Prologue to the Book of Revelation (6)—The Faithful Witness In today’s verses, John gives us reasons to exalt the Lord Jesus. The first reason is that He is the faithful witness. There are at least three times in the book of Revelation John uses this expression “faithful” in connection...More Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Sheltered by the Blood The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you. Exodus 12:13 NKJV Sheltered by the Blood Show me proof that I am saved. Oh! For evidence that I am among God’s people! “The blood shall be a sign for you.” There is none other granted. Look not for a sign within your breast; see it in the blood of Christ. Look not at your feelings, but at His sufferings; not at your joy, but His pain. It would not have been faith but disobedience in Israel to have spent their night in inquiring and looking if the blood marks were upon their house...More Monday, September 16, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (26)—Jude Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (26)—Jude Jude, whose name means “praise,” though deeply desiring to write, had not intended at all to write as he did. It would have been a much more pleasant and precious employment to write of the common salvation, but God, who had given him the desire to write, had decided that Jude’s message was to be one of intensely serious...More Sunday, September 15, 2024 Esther (12)—The Feast of Purim Queen Esther … with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter about Purim. And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus with words of peace and truth, to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed time, as … prescribed for them, and as they had decreed for themselves and their descendants concerning matters of their fasting and lamenting. Esther 9:29–31 NKJV Esther (12)—The Feast of Purim After the death of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, King Ahasuerus gave Mordecai his signet ring which...More Saturday, September 14, 2024 Peter Interrupted While Speaking (3)—Interrupted by the Spirit While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. Acts 10:44 NKJV Peter Interrupted While Speaking (3)—Interrupted by the Spirit Simon Peter was interrupted by God three times while speaking (Mt. 17:5; Lk. 22:60; Acts 10:44). When this happened on the first two occasions, Peter was speaking in ways that did not honor His Lord, and he had to learn the sad reality of the weakness of the flesh. In today’s meditation, Peter is found speaking correctly; he was being led by God in his speech and bringing the message of life to his hearers. Yet the...More Friday, September 13, 2024 Peter Interrupted While Speaking (2)—Interrupted by the Son Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Luke 22:60–61 NKJV Peter Interrupted While Speaking (2)—Interrupted by the Son Simon Peter was interrupted three times while speaking: by the Father (Mt. 17:5); by the Son (Lk. 22:60); and by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44). There are lessons for us in these three accounts of divine Persons cutting him off in mid-speech. Today’s text is the record of an...More Thursday, September 12, 2024 Peter Interrupted While Speaking (1)—Interrupted by the Father While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5 NKJV Peter Interrupted While Speaking (1)—Interrupted by the Father On three different and unrelated occasions we find the apostle Peter being interrupted by divine Persons while in mid-speech: “While he was still speaking.” In fact He is interrupted by the Father (Mt. 17:5); by the Son (Lk. 22:60); and by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44). The Trinity had something to say to him! Simon...More Wednesday, September 11, 2024 What Is Your God Like? Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? Acts 26:8 NKJV What Is Your God Like? With these words Paul addressed King Agrippa shortly before his journey to Rome. Paul was well accustomed to discussing the resurrection of Christ as he did here. After all, it is a bold claim! When Paul was in Athens, it was the resurrection of Jesus that not only caught the attention of those in the marketplace (17:18), but also divided his audience on Mars Hill: “When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this...More Tuesday, September 10, 2024 Esther (11)—Overpowering the Enemies On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them … And all the officials of the provinces … helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent. Esther 9:1–4 NKJV Esther (11)—Overpowering the Enemies King Ahasuerus continued to honor Mordecai, giving him the signet ring he had taken from Haman, and arraying him in royal apparel....More Monday, September 9, 2024 All Men For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Titus 2:11 NKJV All Men Grace brings salvation to all because all need it. It is no longer confined to the Jews. The Sun has risen far above the Jewish horizon and poured His blessed beams over “all the world” so “every creature under heaven” may bask in the light thereof. It must be obvious to my reader that the term “all” necessarily includes you. It could not possibly be otherwise. If you be not included, then it follows that there is someone for whom the grace of God has not brought salvation, but the...More Sunday, September 8, 2024 A Remarkable Request From the Lord in Glory For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread … “This do … in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23, 25–26 NKJV A Remarkable Request From the Lord in Glory This most remarkable request received from the Lord comes from the lips of the once-crucified Savior but now the risen and glorified Son of Man. It encompasses God’s thoughts concerning Him. The apostle Paul had received this...More Saturday, September 7, 2024 Prologue to the Book of Revelation (5)—Grace and Peace John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:4–5 NKJV Prologue to the Book of Revelation (5)—Grace and Peace John addresses this to the seven churches in Asia, which were located in modern-day western Turkey. These were actual assemblies that existed at the time, but they also are symbolic for the conditions which may be found in churches...More Friday, September 6, 2024 I Will Come Again If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3 NKJV I Will Come Again Yes, after our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ accomplished what none of us could ever do, that is to settle the question of sin to the total satisfaction of God, He went to prepare us a place in the Father’s house. How? “With His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12). But He not only went to prepare this place for us, but He also promised us to personally come back,...More Thursday, September 5, 2024 Blessed in Christ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 NKJV Blessed in Christ Christ ascended to His God and our God, to His Father and our Father. We share all the blessings that flow from these two relationships. He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings; not one is lacking. And they are of the highest order; they are not temporal, as was the case with the Jews. It is in the most exalted capacity of the renewed man that we enjoy these blessings; and they are adapted to that capacity, they are...More Wednesday, September 4, 2024 Rebekah: A Type of the Church They called Rebekah and said unto her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.” Genesis 24:58 NKJV Rebekah: A Type of the Church Rebekah exemplifies the Church or bride of Christ. As the earrings and bracelets given her by the servant were a token of Isaac’s love, so Christ “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end” (Jn. 13:1). The jewels of silver and jewels of gold and clothing typify the fruit of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, for He “loved the Church, and gave Himself for her” (Eph. 5:25). By her affirmative...More Tuesday, September 3, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (25)—3 John Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (25)—3 John Third John again has much to say about truth and love, but emphasizes love as being the necessary accompaniment of truth. Another type of evil had arisen: that of a man in the assembly apparently claiming to be acting for the truth and yet casting others out, even refusing the apostle John. If love for the saints of God is ignored in this way, then no claims of “truth” can stand. Truth and love must stand together, as complements of one...More Monday, September 2, 2024 Esther (10)—Right Recompense for Evil Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, “Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.” Then the king said, “Hang him on it!” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. Esther 7:9–10 NKJV; Proverbs 26:27 NKJV Esther (10)—Right Recompense for Evil God is just. Good and evil will both have their just recompense from...More Sunday, September 1, 2024 An Innumerable Company When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” Revelation 5:8–9 NKJV An Innumerable Company In this chapter, a beautiful scene opens up before us in heaven. That is where Christ is now seated. He once was here, where we still are, but...More Saturday, August 31, 2024 David’s New Cart (6) It happened, as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the City of David, that Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in her heart. 1 Chronicles 15:29 NKJV David’s New Cart (6) Perhaps you will find somebody who will despise you, as here we find Michal despising David. Never mind that; I would rather be an obedient David than a despising Michal. God has given to you and me an opportunity, in the absence of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be faithful to His truth. We have the knowledge that the Holy Spirit...More

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 The Blessings of the Fear of the Lord Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Psalm 128:1–2 NKJV The Blessings of the Fear of the Lord In this short text, the fear of God, obedience, good material provision, and inner well-being are linked together. Bible verses that speak of the fear of the Lord often suffer from the negative image in our minds of the word fear. That this is unjustified is made clear in the introduction: he who lives like this is blessed! He avoids everything that offends God and attacks His...More Tuesday, August 27, 2024 Prologue to the Book of Revelation (4)—Read, Hear, and Keep Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3 NKJV Prologue to the Book of Revelation (4)—Read, Hear, and Keep As we open the pages of the Book of Revelation, we learn that there is a three-fold blessing for those who read, hear, and keep this book. In fact, the Book of Revelation is sandwiched between blessings: here in chapter 1 verse 3, and in chapter 22 verse 7: “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” There are actually seven...More Monday, August 26, 2024 David’s New Cart (5) The priests were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God; and Obed-Edom and Jehiah, doorkeepers for the ark. So David, the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-Edom with joy. 1 Chronicles 15:24–25 NKJV David’s New Cart (5) Let us now see the happy effect of the proper order being adhered to in David’s case. If you want to know where to find the proper order, read Exodus 25:13–15. The ark was only to be carried after that manner. God had written it plainly enough. But David had read his Bible...More Sunday, August 25, 2024 The Blood of Christ Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:18–19 NKJV The Blood of Christ When spoken of as known so as to be valued, the blood always seems to involve, more or less remotely, the idea of atonement. In itself it is atonement; even that by which alone God can be just, and yet the justifier of the sinner. And so it is that which not only enables God to bless, but the sinner to draw near for...More Saturday, August 24, 2024 Warnings in Hebrews (5)—Don’t Remain Weak Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12–13 NKJV Warnings in Hebrews (5)—Don’t Remain Weak In Hebrews 10, we considered the appeal for believers to persist in faith instead of turning back, despite their sufferings. Chapter 11 serves to show that God has always strengthened those who live by faith. Here in chapter 12, another exhortation about suffering is given: God uses it for our discipline and training. The Hebrew readers had forgotten that...More Friday, August 23, 2024 A Great Mountain The stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth … The God of heaven will set up a kingdom shall will never be destroyed. Daniel 2:35, 44 NKJV A Great Mountain Empires, kingdoms, and even nations, have an inherent idea that they are permanent. Their military and economic might deceive them into thinking they are stable and immutable. However, history has shown this to be untrue. Historians tell us the average age of an empire is 250 years. This reality was strikingly reflected in Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “Recessional.” It was written at the height of the...More Thursday, August 22, 2024 Esther (9)—God at Work Haman came in, and the king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?” We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose … What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Esther 6:6 NKJV; Romans 8:28, 31 NKJV Esther (9)—God at Work That night the king had not slept. He had not requested sleeping pills or entertainment. Instead, he had ordered that the record of the events of his reign be read to him. Mordecai’s reporting the assassination...More Wednesday, August 21, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (24)—2 John Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 9 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (24)—2 John Second John is the only epistle in Scripture addressed to a woman. First John has laid down the blessed principles of light, or truth, and of love revealed in the Person of the Son of God. Now this epistle emphasizes the truth as necessary to be maintained faithfully, even by a gentle, tenderhearted woman. Many deceivers were then circulating everywhere, and Satan’s chief...More Tuesday, August 20, 2024 David’s New Cart (4) Bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it. For because you did not do it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order. 1 Chronicles 15:12–13 NKJV David’s New Cart (4) There is a great deep underlying principle here for our souls today. God has a proper order as to everything down here for His Church, and if we step out of this divine order, there is pretty sure to be a catastrophe. The New Testament contains what David called proper order, very full instructions for God’s Assembly. Our Lord...More Monday, August 19, 2024 Warnings in Hebrews (4)—Don’t Cast Away Your Confidence Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10:35–36 NKJV Warnings in Hebrews (4)—Don’t Cast Away Your Confidence We have previously considered some warnings in Hebrews 2, 4, and 6. In chapter 10, the possibility is raised that someone might intentionally sin after receiving “the knowledge of the truth”—and if so, “there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” but only the prospect of judgment (vv. 26–27). This expression has sometimes raised...More Sunday, August 18, 2024 Fit for Heaven (2) Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 NKJV Fit for Heaven (2) God says to me, “You are righteous.” By faith I see Jesus is sitting on the right hand of the majesty on high. When did He go there? “When He had by Himself purged our sins” (Heb. 1:3). Then I know my sins are purged before God. There is no progression here, no such thing as being fitted for heaven. There ought to be growth in us, if left here—progress in likeness to Christ—but it is never in Scripture connected with fitness for heaven. Christ is my title. There...More Saturday, August 17, 2024 Pride Clouds the Thoughts But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be … haughty. 2 Timothy 3:1–2, 4 NKJV Pride Clouds the Thoughts This vain pretension is seen more and more in our society, even among those who call themselves Christians. And no one is really offended by this, provided the other’s pride does not step on one’s toes. This is not a surprise for the child of God. This verse foretold this outcome, and we know that it will ultimately lead to the manifestation of the man of sin, when He who restrains is taken out of the way (2 Th. 2:7). Pride is very...More Friday, August 16, 2024 Paul’s Prayer for Our Sanctification Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 NKJV Paul’s Prayer for Our Sanctification What a prayer! We were at war with God, until we turned to Him away from idols. It was to serve the true and living God—the God of peace—while waiting for His Son to come (1:9). Without God’s help we cannot do anything pleasing to Him, and this is one reason for Paul’s prayer. We have been sanctified through the accomplished work of Christ and are now perfect in...More Thursday, August 15, 2024 David’s New Cart (3) David built houses for himself in the City of David; and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched a tent for it. Then David said, “No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever.” 1 Chronicles 15:1–2 NKJV David’s New Cart (3) Here we see proof that David had studied his Bible. He said this as though he had made a great discovery, and so indeed it was. But 400 years before, it had been plainly written (Dt. 10:8). The Spirit of God doubtless turned David’s attention to this and related...More Wednesday, August 14, 2024 Esther (8)—Pride and Bloodthirstiness Haman … sent and called for his friends and his wife Zeresh. Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king. Moreover Haman said, “Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her.” Esther 5:10–12 NKJV Esther (8)—Pride and Bloodthirstiness Acting calmly, not acting hastily, Esther had invited the king and Haman to a banquet she had prepared. For Haman...More Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Warnings in Hebrews (3)—Don’t Become Sluggish We desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11–12 NKJV Warnings in Hebrews (3)—Don’t Become Sluggish Among the warnings in Hebrews, the one in chapter 6 has been much abused, leading some to doubt the security of their salvation. However, that is far from the intent of this passage! The exhortation begins in chapter 5 as the priesthood of Christ is linked with Melchizedek—an Old Testament reference that the writer fears...More Monday, August 12, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (23)—1 John We know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (23)—1 John First John beautifully dwells on the great truth of eternal life abiding in the believer, the life which is the very nature of God and which has been manifested perfectly in the blessed Person of His Son. If we desire to rightly learn its characteristics, they shine radiantly in all the history of the Lord Jesus on earth. Two grand...More Sunday, August 11, 2024 Fit for Heaven (1) Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. Luke 23:42 NKJV Fit for Heaven (1) “Remember me,” said the converted robber. There was not a cloud on this man’s heart, because he was divinely taught. One heart recognizes that He is Lord in spite of everything. Pilate had washed his hands before all the people, and given Him up to the Jews; He was denied by one of His disciples, betrayed by another. Everything was against it. “Lord, remember me”; without a sign, the robber owns Him, how bright to faith! This man had no time to grow, or serve, or walk; but there was thorough conversion,...More Saturday, August 10, 2024 David’s New Cart (2) They carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart … Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him. 1 Chronicles 13:7, 9–10 NKJV David’s New Cart (2) Now the particular work of the Levites was to carry the ark (Num. 4:15). And that is what David found out afterwards. But he had not found it out here. I do not doubt God has recorded this for our instruction; even an earnest person with a large heart, who had the interests of God very deeply at heart, might...More Friday, August 9, 2024 Prologue to the Book of Revelation (3)—The Testimony of Jesus Christ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Revelation 1:1–2 NKJV Prologue to the Book of Revelation (3)—The Testimony of Jesus Christ We read in today’s text that God gave the Lord Jesus this revelation in order that He might show His servants. When we think of this, we are reminded that, as His servants, you and I are to serve intelligently in line with the...More Thursday, August 8, 2024 The Source of Moral Authority Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts. Psalm 51:6 NKJV The Source of Moral Authority The evangelist Luke especially shows us the humanity of the Lord Jesus. He is presented there as the praying Man fourteen times—a testimony of His perfect dependence (see Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:16, 18, 28; 10:21; 11:1; 22:17, 32, 41–44; 23:34, 46; 24:30). In no other Gospel is it mentioned that He prayed that many times. With our Lord there was no discrepancy between teaching and practice. He lived out what He taught, and He was exactly what He said to people (Jn. 8:25). He loved not only...More Wednesday, August 7, 2024 David’s New Cart (1) David and all Israel went up … to bring up from there the ark of God the Lord, who dwells between the cherubim, where His name is proclaimed. So they carried the ark of God on a new cart. 1 Chronicles 13:6–7 NKJV David’s New Cart (1) Would you not have thought, with all that desire to have things right, that the King—the leader—would have inquired of God as to whether He had given any instructions for the transport of His own ark? We should be sure to think that he would have gone to the Scriptures to find out the right way. But it was not so. David thought, like many a person...More Tuesday, August 6, 2024 Warnings in Hebrews (2)—Don’t Harden Your Hearts Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11 NKJV Warnings in Hebrews (2)—Don’t Harden Your Hearts There are at least five great passages of warning in the Book of Hebrews, in chapters 2, 4, 6, 10, and 12. Previously, we considered the passage in chapter 2, which exhorts us to give earnest heed to every teaching about Christ so that we do not drift away. Here in chapter 4, the appeal—which really begins in the middle of chapter 3—is a warning about the hard heart of disobedience. Having presented...More Monday, August 5, 2024 Esther (7)—Self-Denial, Wisdom, Courage Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me … for three days … My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish! Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. Esther 4:16 NKJV; Esther 5:1 NKJV Esther (7)—Self-Denial, Wisdom, Courage As they faced the threat of annihilation of their people,...More Sunday, August 4, 2024 Freely Give He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32 NKJV Freely Give How much does the Father love us? This is a question that we are not fully able to fathom, to comprehend, to understand. When Abraham offered up his son Isaac, his only son, the one whom he loved, we are in awe (Gen. 22). Which one of us would be able to do so? But we know that God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son. This is the One of whom He said from heaven on two occasions, “this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well...More Saturday, August 3, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (22)—2 Peter His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (22)—2 Peter Second Peter is a provision of God in view of the dread corruption of Christendom in its bold defiance of the authority of the Lord Jesus and the government of the Father. False teachers would not only ignore, but also systematically undermine every true principle of God’s government. Would this therefore absolve the godly from their responsibility of obedience? Quite the reverse! Rather, the...More Friday, August 2, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (15) David assembled at Jerusalem all the leaders … all the mighty men of valor … All the leaders and the mighty men, and also all the sons of King David, submitted themselves to King Solomon. 1 Chronicles 28:1; 29:24 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (15) David surrounded himself with many “mighty men.” He trained them for his kingdom and their own benefit. Towards the end of his life, David felt that the time had come to have all these men publicly submit to his son Solomon. “Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord,...More Thursday, August 1, 2024 “One Thing” (5)—Expectation One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4 NKJV “One Thing” (5)—Expectation All of the “one things” we have looked at—our salvation (one thing you lack), assurance (one thing I know), communion (one thing is needed), and service (one thing I do)—they each lead up to the joyful expectation of being with the Lord Jesus for eternity. “Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face” (1 Cor. 13:12). “When He is revealed, we...More Wednesday, July 31, 2024 Warnings in Hebrews (1)—Don’t Drift Away Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Hebrews 2:1 NKJV Warnings in Hebrews (1)—Don’t Drift Away All the books of the Bible are important, yet some are uniquely significant in the canon of Scripture. For example, Romans establishes us in the truth of the gospel. We could say Romans was written for our feet, presenting the work of Christ and giving us a place to stand. As an essential companion to Romans, the Book of Hebrews was written for our hearts, presenting the Person of Christ and attracting us to Him. The original readers...More Tuesday, July 30, 2024 What Is “The Good” of Those Who Love God? (2) All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:28–29 NKJV What Is “The Good” of Those Who Love God? (2) What is that “good,” then, for which absolutely all things positive and negative work together? The answer is found in what follows: “who are called according to His purpose.” This is the point we all miss: “His purpose.” And what is it? To be “conformed to the image of...More Monday, July 29, 2024 What Is “The Good” of Those Who Love God? (1) We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV What Is “The Good” of Those Who Love God? (1) When difficult circumstances happen, we often think of this passage, either for ourselves to find consolation in it, or to share with someone else, who may not see it as a consolation when it hurts. But this is a very limited use of this otherwise profound passage, and such a use can give a false perception of this verse. What does it mean, then, that all things work together for good? Let us notice...More Sunday, July 28, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (12)—The Spoils of Victory Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (12)—The Spoils of Victory In the concluding verse of this marvelous prophecy, we see that, though the work was His alone, the Victor will share the spoils of His victory with the “great” and with the “strong.” This is referring to those who have believed in Him down through the...More Saturday, July 27, 2024 “One Thing” (4)—Service Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13–14 NKJV “One Thing” (4)—Service Communion comes before service, as seen in the story of Martha (Lk. 10:41–42), but that does not mean service is not important. There is work to be done for the Lord! “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1...More Friday, July 26, 2024 Prologue to the Book of Revelation (2)—The Beloved Son Revealed The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John. Revelation 1:1 NKJV Prologue to the Book of Revelation (2)—The Beloved Son Revealed As we begin to read this first chapter of Revelation, we learn from the opening sentence the purpose and theme of the book: it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The Gospels presented the Lord Jesus as the Son of God coming into this world in humility, but the Book of Revelation presents His second coming, and from the very beginning of the...More Thursday, July 25, 2024 Esther (6)—Responding to an Unjust Law When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry … In every province where the king’s command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes … the queen was deeply distressed. Esther 4:1, 3–4 NKJV Esther (6)—Responding to an Unjust Law The decree to annihilate all Jews in the empire had been sent to every province to be published as law. The king and Haman sat down to drink...More Wednesday, July 24, 2024 The Testimony of the Holy Spirit on Earth But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. John 15:26 NKJV The Testimony of the Holy Spirit on Earth In a persecuting world that hates the disciples of Christ with a blind hatred, how will any testimony for Christ be maintained on the earth, when Christ Himself has gone? The Christian circle is small, and those who compose it are weak. The Lord Himself likens it to a little flock in the midst of wolves. By what power then will the disciples stand against a Christ-hating world and bear witness for...More Tuesday, July 23, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (21)—1 Peter Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (21)—1 Peter Peter means “a stone.” Like James, 1 Peter is addressed to Jewish believers who were dispersed in Asia Minor, but not as connected with Judaism. Rather, they were separated from Judaism. They were suffering, and strangers and pilgrims in more than one sense. In a far higher sense than had ever been true of the nation of Israel, they were a people not...More Monday, July 22, 2024 The Only Thing We Should Worry About I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:4 NKJV; Luke 12:22 NKJV; Luke 12:32 NKJV The Only Thing We Should Worry About There are those who are afraid of man. This fear keeps them from coming to Christ. They are afraid for their life, or their well-being, or of being abased in the eyes of men. But our...More Sunday, July 21, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (11)—My Righteous Servant He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (11)—My Righteous Servant In the preceding verse, it is written that in resurrection Messiah would “see His seed” (v. 10). The theme of seeing is now continued in today’s text. There have been various translations of this verse in attempts to plumb its meaning. What is Messiah actually seeing as a result of the “labor of His soul”? Previously, it was that He would see “His seed,” those who...More Saturday, July 20, 2024 “The Lord Has Need of It” It came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’” Luke 19:29–31 NKJV “The Lord Has Need of It” We tend to be much occupied with our needs. We love to think of the Lord Jesus who met the needs of crowds and individuals, young and old, and of those...More Friday, July 19, 2024 No Need for Water Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. Revelation 4:6 NKJV No Need for Water “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this” (Rev. 4:1). What the apostle John is now being shown, we too will soon see, when we will have been caught up to heaven with all believers. A throne stands there in heaven, and on the throne sits One. It is God, who claims and asserts His rights over creation because He is the Creator. The ground before His throne looks like a sea, yet not of water, but of glass, like crystal—transparent, but hard. Here are two...More Thursday, July 18, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (14) Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, [was] one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. 2 Samuel 23:9–10 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (14) David had several groups of three among the “mighty men” who were with him facing the enemy. From this, we can glean two important lessons: (1) make sure you are working together with the “two or three” who...More Wednesday, July 17, 2024 “One Thing” (3)—Communion Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.“ Luke 10:41–42 NKJV “One Thing” (3)—Communion The next instance of our phrase “one thing,” is found in a well-known story about Martha. To her credit, Martha welcomed Jesus into her home (cf. Rev. 3:20), but during His visit she got distracted with all her preparations. She was irritated that her sister Mary was not helping, but was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His word....More Tuesday, July 16, 2024 In Deed and in Truth By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:16–18 NKJV In Deed and in Truth On a visit to Latin America, we met a couple who, along with their son, were serving the Lord in the hospitals in the capital. They distributed gospel literature throughout many parts of the hospital, even the very...More Monday, July 15, 2024 Esther (5)—The True Cause of Antisemitism When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone … Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai. The dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. Esther 3:5–6 NKJV; Revelation 12:4 NKJV Esther (5)—The True Cause of Antisemitism Faithful to the Lord who had sworn to have war with Amalek from generation to generation (Ex. 17:16), Mordecai daily refused to bow to...More Sunday, July 14, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (10)—He Shall Prolong His Days Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. Isaiah 53:10 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (10)—He Shall Prolong His Days The opening words of today’s text are deeply moving; to think that Jehovah had to bruise His Son. The word “bruise” here means, “crush.” Though Christ’s sacrifice was a pleasant aroma to God, that is not the meaning of the verse here; rather, that it was God’s purpose, or the good pleasure of...More Saturday, July 13, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (20)—James But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (20)—James James, whose name is Jacob in Hebrew, does not address the Church but “the twelve tribes scattered abroad.” Early Christianity from the point of view of Jewish believers is therefore its evident theme. There had been as yet no separation from the Jewish synagogues (2:2), such as the epistle to the Hebrews later insists upon. For this reason James has been called the...More Friday, July 12, 2024 Overcoming Addictions Those who linger long at the wine … will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea … saying: “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?” Proverbs 23:30, 34–35 NKJV Overcoming Addictions Addictions always lie. Proverbs 23 paints the picture of someone waking after a drunken night. Although he physically feels terrible, he intends to “seek another drink.” True, there is a short-lived pleasure in sin (Heb. 11:25); but like the seductive woman in Proverbs 7, addictions never reveal the...More Thursday, July 11, 2024 “One Thing” (2)—Assurance He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25 NKJV “One Thing” (2)—Assurance The second instance of the expression “one thing” occurs in the story of the man born blind who received his sight. Although it was clear that the Lord Jesus had miraculously healed him, the Pharisees did not want to believe the truth. Their repeated questioning expressed the unbelief in their hearts. After two interviews with the man himself, sandwiched around a third with his parents, they end up excommunicating him from...More Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Prologue to the Book of Revelation (1)—Revealing Christ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John. Revelation 1:1 NKJV Prologue to the Book of Revelation (1)—Revealing Christ Many look at the book of Revelation as a mystery, something that is complex and hard to understand, but the key is found in the very first two words of our verse, the Revelation. The Greek word for “revelation” means “to unveil”; it appears eighteen times in the New Testament, and every time it is used of a person it has the thought of...More Tuesday, July 9, 2024 Days of Heaven You shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children … that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied … like the days of the heavens above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:18–19, 21 NKJV Days of Heaven The Israelite’s heart, soul, and might (spirit, soul, and body) are involved as he passes the baton of the truth to his children, having his personal life and his home a reflection of what the Word says, as in chapter 6. The result of this...More Monday, July 8, 2024 A Man in the Glory But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV A Man in the Glory There can be no real or right sanctification till a man is clear about sin. Until I know my perfect acceptance, and am perfectly assured of salvation, through all sin being gone, I am mingling up my state with my standing. The holy nature is there, but there can be no proper sanctification till I see that Christ has not only borne my sins up to such a day, but that all my sins are gone and, besides that, I have a...More Sunday, July 7, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (9)—With the Rich in Death Men appointed His grave with the wicked, but He was with the rich in His death, because He had done no violence, neither was there guile in His mouth. Isaiah 53:9 JND Messiah the Suffering Servant (9)—With the Rich in Death In this prophecy, Isaiah describes the type of burial Messiah would have following His death. If Roman crucifixion was brutal and horrific, the burial of its victims matched that death in its indignities. Normally, the crucified criminals were left on the cross after death, along with the nature of their crime on the headboard. This was done as a graphic reminder to passersby...More Saturday, July 6, 2024 Esther (4)—Mordecai, a Faithful Jew In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai … [who] had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother … While Mordecai sat within the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs … sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther. Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage. Esther 2:5, 7; 2:21–22 NKJV; Esther 3:5 NKJV Esther (4)—Mordecai, a Faithful Jew While our book bears the name of its heroine, Esther, its hero is her faithful cousin...More Friday, July 5, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (19)—Hebrews How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (19)—Hebrews Hebrews, meaning “passengers,” mentions no writer, though the writer was probably Paul. It begins with God and shows the New Testament revelation to be consistent with, and yet in great contrast to, that of the Old Testament. Indeed, prophecies, types and typical persons are seen to have their marvelous fulfillment in God now speaking from heaven in the person of...More Thursday, July 4, 2024 “One Thing” (1)—Salvation Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Mark 10:21 NKJV “One Thing” (1)—Salvation If your parent or teacher says, “There’s only one thing I want you to do,” or, “Just remember this one thing,” you know it is really important! If you don’t pay attention to the one thing you are told, you will probably end up in trouble! Some notable mentions of the expression “one thing” in the Bible...More Wednesday, July 3, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (13) Those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains … killed eight hundred men at one time. 1 Samuel 2:30 NKJV; 2 Samuel 23:8 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (13) An unnamed man of God spoke the solemn words of 1 Samuel 2:30 to the high-priest Eli. The reason was that his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, had greatly dishonored God in their priestly responsibilities. Eli had known about their public sins but never stopped them. As a result, the people started to despise God’s rights, and later asked for a...More Tuesday, July 2, 2024 Walls and Gates The Jews that had escaped, who were left of the captivity … said to [Nehemiah] … the wall of Jerusalem is in ruins, and its gates are burned with fire. Nehemiah 1:2–3 JND Walls and Gates Taking a general view of this particular movement of the Spirit of God in these last days, can we not see the revivals are analogous to those in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah? In the revival of the early part of the 19th century, God used men of great spiritual and intellectual endowments, men of great force of character, who in any sphere of life would have been leaders of men. Through these men, great...More Monday, July 1, 2024 Fervent Love But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7–8 NKJV Fervent Love Now we Christians have to remember that we have come to the end of all things. Obviously, Peter did not mean that when he wrote, somewhere about 60 ad, the end of this dispensation was reached, but rather that the end dispensation was reached—it is “the last time.” The judge is quite ready (v. 5); He stands “at the door” (Jas. 5:9), ready to enter the court and take...More Sunday, June 30, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (8)—Cut Off He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken. Isaiah 53:8 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (8)—Cut Off Today’s verse moves the reader away from the scenes of Messiah’s trial before men to His death on the cross. In reading the words of the above text, we almost must remind ourselves that it is prophecy; the predictive power of its descriptions and declarations are so accurate, it is as though we are reading these scenes directly from the Gospels...More Saturday, June 29, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (18) You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor … And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:5, 7 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (18) As David ponders the very existence of mankind, he concludes that our life is but a vapor. James picks up on this very thought and reminds us that, even though we think our days are in our control, they are not: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not...More Friday, June 28, 2024 Let Us Also Read When this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. Colossians 4:16 NKJV Let Us Also Read “See that it is read”! This is Paul’s aim here. Two kinds of literature were to be read by the believers in Colosse and Laodicea: a letter and another letter. The first letter was the one that the Colossians just held in their hands and that Paul had addressed directly to them. This text was inspired by the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit later made sure that it was recognized as part of the whole...More Thursday, June 27, 2024 Esther (3)—Sad Results of Bad Examples Queen Vashti has not only wronged the king, but also all the princes, and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For the queen’s behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, “King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come” … Thus there will be excessive contempt and wrath. Esther 1:16–18 NKJV Esther (3)—Sad Results of Bad Examples On the seventh day of the feast, when the king’s heart “was merry with wine”—a dangerous time to make decisions—he...More Wednesday, June 26, 2024 Feet Washing (2) He came to Simon Peter … Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” John 13:6, 8 NKJV Feet Washing (2) The incident when the Lord Jesus washed His disciples’ feet is full of important lessons which the Lord wanted His disciples and us to learn. One lesson is emphasized by the Lord’s words to Peter: “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” This means you cannot have fellowship with the Lord if you insist on having dirty feet. The feet refer to our daily walk in this defiled and defiling world....More Tuesday, June 25, 2024 Feet Washing (1) Now before the Feast of Passover … [Jesus] rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. John 13:1, 4–5 NKJV Feet Washing (1) Beginning with chapter 13 and until Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, He spoke only to His disciples to prepare them for His departure. As they were sad and troubled, He assured them that He would go to prepare a place for them and then would come and take them to be with Him in the...More Monday, June 24, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (18)—Philemon For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Philemon 1:7 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (18)—Philemon Philemon, meaning “one who kisses,” is not, strictly speaking, an epistle to an individual, for others also are addressed: a sister, who may likely be the wife of Philemon; a brother, Archippus, spoken of as “our fellow soldier,” a man particularly gifted with ministry from the Lord (Col. 4:17); and also the assembly that met in the house of Philemon. Though written in a personal strain, yet it was made a...More Sunday, June 23, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (7)—The Lamb of God He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. Isaiah 53:7 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (7)—The Lamb of God In the preceding verses of chapter 53 the voice which speaks is the remnant of Israel; it is their confession of Christ in a future day. Now the prophecy continues, but it is the prophet himself who is speaking—it is not a confession but a description. In verses 7 and 8, Isaiah describes the trial of Christ before the court of man and His character...More Saturday, June 22, 2024 When You Can’t Do Everything If there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12 NKJV When You Can’t Do Everything The Corinthians had a genuine desire to share their financial resources with needy saints among the Lord’s people. In fact, their zeal had stirred up many others to give as well (2 Cor. 9:2). However, the Corinthians had not yet followed through by actually sending their gift. Chapters 8 and 9 in this epistle are written to encourage them to do so, and thus the passage provides excellent principles for us,...More Friday, June 21, 2024 The Marvelous Light (2) Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11 NKJV The Marvelous Light (2) In 1 Peter 2:11, the apostle Peter turns the “marvelous light” of God (vv. 9–10) upon the daily lives of the holy and royal priests to whom he writes, addressing them as “sojourners and pilgrims.” They were, of course, sojourners in the lands of their dispersion, as the first verse of the Epistle told us, but this is not what is alluded to here. Every Christian is a sojourner and pilgrim, and we need not be surprised at this, since by the very...More Thursday, June 20, 2024 The Marvelous Light (1) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV The Marvelous Light (1) All was darkness for us, whether we were called out of Judaism or heathenism, or a nominal and corrupted Christianity; and now we are in a light which is marvelous. We are the people of God, having obtained mercy. Marvelous light! Is this how we feel about it? The world plunges on, deeper and ever deeper into its darkness and unbelief. Its learned scientists...More Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Esther (2)—Drinks in Abundance The king made a feast lasting seven days … They served drinks … in abundance, according to the generosity of the king … The drinking was not compulsory … they should do according to each man’s pleasure … On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded … It is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted. Esther 1:5–10 NKJV; Proverbs 31:4–5 NKJV Esther (2)—Drinks in Abundance Just as among celebrities and high-ranking people in present...More Tuesday, June 18, 2024 No Room to Boast When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us?” Matthew 13:54–56 NKJV No Room to Boast We read about four brothers of the Lord Jesus—sons of Joseph and Mary—but we only recognize two of the names. Many consider that James and Judas, who were the instruments God used to write the epistles which bear their names,...More Monday, June 17, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (17) For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. Psalm 62:5–6 ESV Living a Life of Hope (17) David’s life is a picture of hope! He was the last of eight sons and, it would seem, often neglected in some ways. But while he was still fairly young, the prophet Samuel came to anoint this young shepherd boy as the future king (1 Sam. 16:13). While all those around David saw only a young shepherd boy, God saw a king! But we are reminded in 1 Samuel 16:7, “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the...More Sunday, June 16, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (6)—The Two “Alls” All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (6)—The Two “Alls” Today’s text is the story of the Bible in one verse. The message of the Bible is twofold: it is the record of the history of man’s sinfulness, and it is also the unfolding plan of redemption through God’s grace and counsels in Christ. These two features are exactly what is revealed in Isaiah 53:6. The godly Jewish remnant in the time of the Great Tribulation will gradually come to...More Saturday, June 15, 2024 What Is Fruit Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 NKJV What Is Fruit? What then is the spiritual significance of fruit? May we not say that fruit is the expression of Christ in the believer? We read in Galatians 5:22–23, that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” What is this, however, but a beautiful description of Christ as He passed through this world in humiliation? Hence, if such fruit is seen in...More Friday, June 14, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (17)—Titus This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. Titus 3:8 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (17)—Titus Titus, meaning “nurse,” is again individual. Its subject is not exactly that of godliness in maintaining the truth in the Church of God, as in Timothy, but rather the truth producing godliness and order in the Church. If there is truth, it “accords with godliness” (1:1). Titus had remained in Crete for the purpose of appointing...More Thursday, June 13, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (12) All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king. 1 Chronicles 12:38 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (12) Hebron is located in southern Israel, an important city for Abraham and his descendants. While Saul was still reigning, some people from his tribe of Benjamin left him. They publicly identified with David, who was happy to receive them with honor (1 Chr. 12:18). From other parts of the country, faithful Israelite soldiers also arrived to help David. Once Saul had died, God...More Wednesday, June 12, 2024 Transformation—The Renewal of Our Mind But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV Transformation—The Renewal of Our Mind Our mind, or rather our thinking, is shaped by what we deal with every day—for better or for worse. Those things we hear, see, or think about influence our inner attitude, even if we may not always be aware of it. This is true of worldly music and films, among other things, as well as many internet sites and forms of social media, which often—without us...More Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Esther (1)—Introduction Israel is not forsaken, nor Judah, by his God, the Lord of hosts, though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel. The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes. Jeremiah 51:5 NKJV; Proverbs 21:1 NKJV Esther (1)—Introduction The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, trace the history of the remnant of God’s earthly people who returned from captivity in Babylon to rebuild the temple and later the city wall. The book of Esther shows God’s faithful care for His people...More Monday, June 10, 2024 Living in an Unbelieving World After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. Acts 28:11 NKJV Living in an Unbelieving World Acts 27 recounts the shipwreck that cast Paul and 275 others onto the island of Malta. There they spent three months, awaiting suitable sailing weather; and here in Acts 28, the voyage to Rome was to continue on another ship. As was common, this vessel had a figurehead, a carved image on the prow and likely also the stern of the ship. It served as both an ornament and an expression of religious devotion. The “Twin...More Sunday, June 9, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (5)—Wounded for Me But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (5)—Wounded for Me Notice how this verse puts an emphasis on the word “our” by mentioning it three times: “our transgressions,” “our iniquities,” and “our peace.” The Jewish nation will confess this and make it personal, but we should never lose sight of the fact that the “our” recorded in this prophecy belongs to us as well. We who were “sinners of the Gentiles” and who...More Saturday, June 8, 2024 Forever Settled Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 NKJV Forever Settled What a mercy, in the face of the unrest and uncertainty of the present moment, to be able to say, “I have gotten something settled forever and in heaven!” What effect, we may ask, can the bold and insolent reasoning of unbelief have upon the soul that can say, “My heart is linked to the throne of God by means of that Word which is settled forever in heaven”? None whatever. Unbelief and superstition, the two great agents of hell in this day in which we live, can only affect those who really have nothing...More Friday, June 7, 2024 The Old-Fashioned Gospel For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16 NKJV The Old-Fashioned Gospel Dr. Berry, a preacher famed throughout the English-speaking world, was a liberal theologian when the following incident took place: “One night there came to me,” he says, “a Lancashire girl with her shawl over her head and clogs on her feet. ‘I want you to come and get my mother in,’ she said. ‘She is dying, and I want you to get her into salvation.’ I did all I could to get out...More Thursday, June 6, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (16)—2 Timothy Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:8 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (16)—2 Timothy Like 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy also deals with individual responsibility in connection with the Church or Assembly, two English words used to translate the same Greek word. Paul wrote this epistle from prison. It is his last epistle, written knowing that he was about to be put to death for his witness to the Lord. Here he no longer speaks of “the house of God,” but of “a...More Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Aligning Our Life by the Word of God Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book. Deuteronomy 17:18 NKJV Aligning Our Life by the Word of God Has there ever been a perfect political system? In practice, no. In concept, yes. God had specified, down to many details, how His people Israel should be governed. He had foreseen a time when they would desire a king. Already here, in Moses’ farewell speech, provision was made for that time. What was true for the Israelite king according to God’s will is, in principle, true for every leader. Moreover,...More Tuesday, June 4, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (16) Since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 2 Corinthians 3:12 ESV Living a Life of Hope (16) We have heard stories of Christians who live in countries where the gospel is not allowed to be freely proclaimed. Christians in these countries live with the constant threat of imprisonment, and even death! Yet these believers display such great courage for the gospel of Christ when they meet together for worship or even seek to share their faith. There have been many stories of those who have stood for their faith in spite of the consequences. This leads us to ask what enables them to have...More Monday, June 3, 2024 The Sufficiency of the Grace of Christ And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 NKJV The Sufficiency of the Grace of Christ God encouraged the despondent apostle Paul with the thought, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9). We do not know what this thorn in the flesh might have...More Sunday, June 2, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (4)—Smitten by God Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (4)—Smitten by God One of the interesting features of this great prophecy is that it is written in the past tense though it would not be fulfilled until 700 years after the time of its writing. Bible scholars call this the prophetic perfect tense. Indeed, it looks to a time beyond our own era, to a future time, when a godly Jewish remnant will make Isaiah 53 their confession. What a wonderful testament to the truth and power of...More Saturday, June 1, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (11) Of the sons of Judah bearing shield and spear … armed for war; of the sons of Simeon, mighty men of valor fit for war … of the sons of Benjamin, relatives of Saul … (until then the greatest part of them had remained loyal to the house of Saul). 1 Chronicles 12:24, 25, 29 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (11) Chronicles describes the history of God’s people as He views it. This view of the past helps us appreciate God’s thoughts for today, as well as His plans for the future of this nation. The above verses describe the sons of Judah being well equipped for battle. This had an impact on those...More Friday, May 31, 2024 Five Words Yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 1 Corinthians 14:19 NKJV Five Words How important for all speakers to remember this! We know that tongues had their value. They were for a sign to the unbelieving. The grand end of speaking in the assembly is edification, and this end can only be reached when people understand what is said. It is impossible for a man to edify me if I cannot understand what he says. He must speak in an intelligible language and in an audible voice, else I cannot...More Thursday, May 30, 2024 Come to Me (2) In the last, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying, If any one thirst, let him come to Me and drink. He that believes on Me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this He said concerning the Spirit. John 7:37–39 JND Come to Me (2) We looked previously at Joseph, then Moses, and our blessed Lord saying, “Come to Me.” We find at least one other occasion where the Lord Jesus gives the invitation, “Come to Me.” In John 7, we find it was at the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles (v. 2). This feast was to be a time of celebration and...More

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Exercised by Discipline My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when reproved by Him … No chastening at the time seems to be matter of joy, but of grief; but afterwards yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those exercised by it. Hebrews 12:5, 11 JND Exercised by Discipline These verses teach the importance of God’s chastening His children. The word chastening refers to child training and education. God’s chastening is not an angry revenge; it is an evidence of His fatherly love and care. From these verses we learn that there are three possible responses to chastening: 1. A...More Monday, May 27, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (15)—1 Timothy And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (15)—1 Timothy First Timothy, whose name means “honoring God,” was written to an individual, a young man for whom Paul had deep affection. Being of a timid, retiring nature, and yet gifted by God, he needed to be stirred up to a sense of responsibility as to proper behavior “in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God”...More Sunday, May 26, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (3)—A Man of Sorrows He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Isaiah 53:3 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (3)—A Man of Sorrows Are we surprised that God’s beloved Son was despised? We only have to read the Gospel accounts to see the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prediction. It is written, “They hated Me without a cause” (Jn. 15:25; Ps. 69:4). The word translated “without a cause” means “gratuitously” or “freely.” He loved freely and was hated just as freely. Anyone involved...More Saturday, May 25, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (15) By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. Hebrews 11:7 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (15) Noah is a beautiful example of one who lived a life of hope. He lived in a culture where men and women had forgotten God. The Lord Jesus describes the culture of Noah’s day, saying, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and...More Friday, May 24, 2024 Love the One You Married [Isaac] took Rebecca and she became his wife, and he loved her. Genesis 24:67 NKJV Love the One You Married The Holy Scriptures present Isaac as a type of Christ. God said to Abraham, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love … and offer him there as a burnt offering” (22:2). Abraham took him to the appointed mountain, built an altar and piled the wood, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar. In all this we have a foreshadowing of what took place about two thousand years later when God offered His only begotten Son, the Son of His love, at Mount Calvary. The Son of...More Thursday, May 23, 2024 Titus (6)—Bondservants (Employees) Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Titus 2:9–10 NKJV Titus (6)—Bondservants (Employees) What! Is it possible that the Bible addresses slaves, and gives them the directions we have above? Yes, though God did not institute slavery. Sinful man did this, but God recognizes what is, what man has done to his fellow man. He never tells Christians that they must attempt to reform or improve the wicked world system....More Wednesday, May 22, 2024 It Is Good to Follow And when [Jesus] had spoken this, He said to [Peter], “Follow Me.” John 21:19 NKJV It Is Good to Follow This final chapter of John’s Gospel describes the occasion at the Sea of Galilee when “Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples” (21:1). Their presence in that region was not surprising. On the day of Christ’s resurrection, they were told to go to Galilee, for there He would see them (Mt. 28:7, 10; Mk. 16:7). Of course they had rejoiced to see Him in that upper room in Jerusalem! But now they were in Galilee, waiting to see Him again. What thoughts might occupy our...More Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Called to Be Witnesses You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 NKJV Called to Be Witnesses That Christians should be witnesses to the Lord Jesus Christ is a fact that is made very clear in the Word of God. That many Christians have failed to be witnesses for our Lord is also a fact, and a very lamentable one. To be satisfied with the fact that one is saved and feels no responsibility beyond that is a sad situation, and may cast doubt about the reality of one’s faith. This should...More Monday, May 20, 2024 The Necessity of Faith Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NKJV The Necessity of Faith Have you faith in God? Do you know Him? Is there a link between your soul and Him? Can you trust Him for everything? Are you at this moment consciously leaning upon Him, upon His Word, upon His arm? Remember, if there is any darkness or hesitation as to this, devotedness is and must be out of the question. All steady devotedness rests upon the solid ground of personal faith in the living God. We cannot too strongly insist upon this in a day of profession as widespread as it is...More Sunday, May 19, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (2)—His Humble Origins He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. Isaiah 53:2 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (2)—His Humble Origins Messiah’s humble origins are predicted by Isaiah. Of course, when we say His origins, we mean His coming into the world in Manhood; He is the eternal Son. The apostle John wrote, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of...More Saturday, May 18, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (14)—2 Thessalonians Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (14)—2 Thessalonians Second Thessalonians, like 1 Thessalonians, is pastoral in character, but deals with those subtle influences that so soon threatened to rob this young assembly of its fresh, ardent affection for the Lord, as well as its vigorous faith and endurance of persecution. Faithfully, the apostle warns of the future coming...More Friday, May 17, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (10) These were the numbers of the divisions that were equipped for war, and came to David at Hebron to turn over the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 12:23 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (10) The Lord had given a final test to Saul after he had disobeyed a few times. Sadly, Saul completely failed (1 Sam. 15). Yet God allowed him to continue reigning, during which time He called Samuel to anoint David in private, as the king after God’s heart (1 Sam. 16). Marked by obedience and love of God, young David took on the giant Goliath (1 Sam. 17), an unbelievable victory!...More Thursday, May 16, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (14) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11–13 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (14) In today’s text, Paul describes Christ’s coming as a “blessed hope” for every follower of Jesus Christ. This hope is a direct result of the grace of God in our lives. The glorious appearing is when Christ returns to the earth with His own after the seven years...More Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Has God Said? Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said … ? Genesis 3:1 KJV Has God Said? Satan made Eve doubt God’s word and thus God Himself, and this was her downfall. Doubting God’s word made her doubt God and His goodness towards them. Satan tried the same strategy with the Lord in that he used God’s very Word, endeavoring to have the Lord deviate from the path of obedience and dependence (Mt. 4:1–10). Satan does the same to us today, trying to entice with instant gratification, with arguments...More Tuesday, May 14, 2024 The World After the Flood—Who Holds the Reins? I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. John 8:50 NKJV; John 19:11 NKJV The World After the Flood—Who Holds the Reins? After God had judged the world through the flood, He made a new start with Noah and his family. But again, the people failed. Instead of obeying their Creator, trusting that He only wanted the best for them, they tried to reach heaven by their own efforts at the Tower of Babel. Their pride even led them so far that they wanted to make a name for themselves and...More Monday, May 13, 2024 Titus (5)—Younger Men’s Lives Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Titus 2:6–8 NKJV Titus (5)—Younger Men’s Lives After instructing Titus to exhort older men and women, often a delicate task for a younger man, Paul gives Titus instruction about exhorting younger men, men like himself. His own life was to be the practical example to illustrate his teaching. This is an...More Sunday, May 12, 2024 Messiah the Suffering Servant (1)—Two Questions Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Isaiah 53:1 NKJV Messiah the Suffering Servant (1)—Two Questions Isaiah 53 is one of the great prophecies of Christ found in the Old Testament, through one of its greatest prophets. It reveals Him as the Suffering Servant who would bear the iniquities of His people under the wrath of God. It also reveals He would be raised from among the dead and share the spoils of His victory with His redeemed people! It was written some 700 years before the birth of Christ, and when the specific details of the prophecy are...More Saturday, May 11, 2024 Faithfulness and Character Are Greater Than Gift O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. 1 Timothy 6:20 ESV Faithfulness and Character Are Greater Than Gift I think Timothy is a most encouraging example for young believers today. He was young, not strong in body, and probably knew what it was to be despised. He seems to have been timid by nature, and at times in much need of encouragement. He knew what tears meant. He knew the temptation to be a coward (2 Tim. 1). But I know of no fellow-servant whom Paul so delights to honor. Listen to what he says of him: “Timothy, my beloved child” (2 Tim. 1:2); “Timothy, my beloved and faithful...More Friday, May 10, 2024 Abraham and Calling on the Name of God [Abraham] built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord. Genesis 12:8 NKJV Abraham and Calling on the Name of God After the Lord appeared to Abraham, we immediately read, “he built an altar.” This surely speaks of worship. In the Epistle to the Hebrews, those who go forth to Christ outside the camp, not only take up their pilgrim character, as having no continuing city, but they become worshipers who “continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God” (13:13–15). Abraham not only realized something of the glory of the land in the far future, but he caught a...More Thursday, May 9, 2024 Keeping Ourselves Abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Keep yourself pure. Keep [yourself] unspotted from the world. Acts 15:29 NKJV; 1 Timothy 5:22 NKJV; James 1:27 NKJV Keeping Ourselves The wonderful prayer in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 gives confidence that God is faithfully working in our lives: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” If God can...More Wednesday, May 8, 2024 Have You Wandered? As for me, it is good for me to draw near to God. Psalm 73:28 JND Have You Wandered? There is no living comfortably, and there is no living with the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit in the heart, if we wander from the simplicity of our confidence in Christ. There are many believers who wander out of their place. What now is a believer’s place? A believer’s place is in the bosom of his Lord, or at the right hand of his Master, or sitting at His feet like Mary. Ah! Some of you never woke in the morning without thinking of Him, and all day long a sense of His presence was in your heart. How you...More Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (13) Making mention of you in my prayers … that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:16, 18 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (13) When asked, “How much money does it take to make a man happy?” John D. Rockefeller answered, “Just one more dollar.” Money cannot buy you hope or happiness. If money is the goal, the more a person has, the more they want! I once spoke to a man who became a millionaire before He was fifty years old, but his son was very ill. He told me, “All my money can’t buy my son’s health! I...More Monday, May 6, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (13)—1 Thessalonians For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (13)—1 Thessalonians Thessalonica means “victory over that which is false.” First Thessalonians chronologically is the first of Paul’s epistles. It is full of freshness, energy, and warmth. Pastoral in its character, it is addressed “to the church of the Thessalonians,” thus exemplifying...More Sunday, May 5, 2024 Obedient Unto Death For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 NKJV Obedient Unto Death It is well to recall to our minds what the meaning of this Supper is, and what we do when we partake of it. We have now again broken the bread and drunk of the cup; and what has that meant? We have shown the Lord’s death, and this will go on until He comes. Death is an awful thing, and man does not like to think of it. It is the king of terrors to man; it is the wages of sin, the ending of all the pride of life, the end of flesh as fallen. Who among...More Saturday, May 4, 2024 Abraham Walking by Faith as a Pilgrim By faith [Abraham] dwelt in the land of promise. Hebrews 11:9 NKJV Abraham Walking by Faith as a Pilgrim The great principle on which Abraham acted was the principle of faith. Obviously, if he has left one world and has not reached the other, he has nothing for natural sight. It is not that he did not see, but, what he saw was by faith. Thus we read, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance” (Heb. 11:8). Answering to the call of God on the principle of faith, Abraham, and those with him, became “strangers and...More Friday, May 3, 2024 Titus (4)—Older Men and Women Speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discrete, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Titus 2:1–5 NKJV Titus (4)—Older Men and Women The writer of this epistle now addresses Titus directly, telling him to teach what...More Thursday, May 2, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (9) Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear. 1 Chronicles 12:8 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (9) Courageous men joined David during the perilous days when King Saul was trying to kill him. These details have been written for our instruction to help us identify with our rejected Lord. We are also “in a wilderness” in the sense that this world does not provide any support to believers who serve the Lord Jesus. We must rely on Him for all our physical or spiritual needs and for the necessary direction....More Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Full of Grace and Truth The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we have contemplated His glory, a glory as of an only-begotten with a father), full of grace and truth. John 1:14 JND Full of Grace and Truth Here it is not what the Word was, but what He became. He was God; He became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. It was no transient vision, however momentous—it was a contemplation of His glory granted to His witnesses, not that of an earthly conqueror, nor messianic even, but glory as of an only-begotten from beside a father. No sword girds His thigh, no riding to victory, no...More Tuesday, April 30, 2024 An Interesting “I” Condition For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. Romans 7:15 NKJV; Philippians 1:20 NKJV An Interesting “I” Condition Romans 7 records Paul’s distressing experience, one which probably all believers have gone through—namely, the realization that we want to honor the Lord, yet we cannot seem to break free from the power of...More Monday, April 29, 2024 Abraham and the Enemy in the Land Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land. Genesis 12:6 NKJV Abraham and the Enemy in the Land Arriving in Canaan, they find “the Canaanites were then in the land.” This is deeply significant. Of Abraham, God had said, “I will bless you.” Of Canaan, God had said, “Cursed be Canaan” (9:25). If God brings Abraham, the man of blessing, into the land of promise, he at once discovers that the Devil has already brought into that very land the man of the curse. In this way, the Devil seeks to thwart...More Sunday, April 28, 2024 Dwell on This Astonishing Truth Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58 NKJV Dwell on This Astonishing Truth I know of nothing that has so astonished my mind as this revelation of “I am,” or the real thought that Jesus could say, “I am.” How manifest it is that nothing but the gift of faith could, even in a single atom, understand or know the truth in the Person of Jesus! While yet, by the perfection of its manifestation in the flesh, every soul was put under the responsibility to receive it as the true word of God. The broad penetrating fact, “I am,” the...More Saturday, April 27, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (12) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1–5 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (12) I am sure everyone reading this has been through difficult...More Friday, April 26, 2024 Give the Glory to God In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, and a part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar, to the house of his god. Daniel 1:1–2 JND Give the Glory to God Nebuchadnezzar’s action in relation to the vessels of the house of God was meant to honor his false gods, and to elevate them above the true and living God, the Lord of Hosts. Approximately 450 years before, the Philistines captured the ark of the covenant and...More Thursday, April 25, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (12)—Colossians Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Colossians 1:12–13 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (12)—Colossians Colossians, meaning “monstrosities,” has much in common with Ephesians. However, it does not present the saints as seated in heavenly places, but rather considers them as still walking through a wilderness world. Yet provision for the journey is heavenly, and the blessed fullness of this provision in the person...More Wednesday, April 24, 2024 Death Is Yours Whether … the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. 1 Corinthians 3:22 NKJV Death Is Yours In the old creation, man belongs to death. Hence it has been truly said that the very moment man begins to live he begins to die. Solemn fact! Man cannot escape death. There is not so much as a single thing which man possesses in the old creation that will not be wrenched from his grasp by the ruthless hand of death. Death takes everything from him, reduces his body to dust, and sends his soul to judgment. Houses, lands, wealth, and distinction, fame and influence,...More Tuesday, April 23, 2024 Titus (3)—Problems Then and Now There are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith. Titus 1:10–13 NKJV Titus (3)—Problems Then and Now Crete, where Titus was working, was a difficult place. A Cretan prophet, a heathen writer, had said of his own people,...More Monday, April 22, 2024 Abraham and Separation From the World I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great. Genesis 12:2 NKJV Abraham and Separation From the World As separated from this present evil world, God says to Abraham, “I will make you a great nation” and “I will bless you and make your name great.” The men of this world seek to make a great name for themselves; they say, “Let us make a name for ourselves” (Gen. 11:4). But God says to the separated man, “I will bless you and make your name great.” The tendency of our natural hearts is always to seek to make a name for ourselves, and the flesh...More Sunday, April 21, 2024 Nicodemus Comes to the Light (6)—His Courage Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. John 19:39 NKJV Nicodemus Comes to the Light (6)—His Courage This is the third and final time that Nicodemus the Pharisee appears in the Gospel of John. The first time, he had visited the Lord in the evening and was awakened to his spiritual need (3:2). The next time we hear of him, he confessed Christ before his pharisaical peers (7:50). In today’s text, we find Nicodemus at the cross of Christ. It is moving to think that while many of the disciples had fled...More Saturday, April 20, 2024 Victory Through Defeat Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Genesis 32:24 NKJV Victory Through Defeat In Hosea 12:3, we are told that Jacob struggled with God Himself. His mystery opponent was the Angel of the Lord. In a sense, Jacob had been wrestling with God from the moment the sun set on his flight to Padan Aram (28:11). He had outmaneuvered his brother, deceived his father, and in the intervening twenty years had found a worthy opponent to his cunning schemes in his father-in-law, Laban. Now he was frantically trying to appease Esau with droves of gifts. Jacob wrestled all...More Friday, April 19, 2024 The Consumer in These Frenetic Times Piety with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 JND The Consumer in These Frenetic Times Abel is murdered and Seth is born. He names his son Enosh, which means “weak” or “mortal” man. The awareness of their own weakness and dependence drives believers to prayer: “Then people began to call on the name of Jehovah” (Gen. 4:26). The story of the descendants of Cain, on the other hand, is quite different—pride and self-confidence dominate the world. They build cities for themselves and increase their possessions without seeking the will of God (vv. 17–22). We are all in...More Thursday, April 18, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (11) As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 ESV Living a Life of Hope (11) What brings you satisfaction in life? Paul reminds us all here in our verse, that true satisfaction is not found in our wealth, but in the God who not only provides everything we need, but also wants us to enjoy what He provides. This is the secret to true contentment: to enjoy the Blesser more than we enjoy the blessings! Moses is an example for us in this. We...More Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Abraham—Called Out of the World Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1 ESV Abraham—Called Out of the World The word to Abraham is, “Get out of your country, and from your family, and from your father’s house.” Abraham is not told to remain in the city of Ur and deal with man’s wickedness, or attempt to improve its social condition, or reform its domestic ways, or attempt to make it a better and a brighter world. He is called to come out of it in every form. He is to leave the political world: “your country”;...More Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Nicodemus Comes to the Light (5)—His Conviction Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee. John 7:52 NKJV Nicodemus Comes to the Light (5)—His Conviction Nicodemus had stood up for the Christ, telling his unbelieving colleagues that they should at least go to Him and hear what He had to say. This was fully in keeping with the Law of Moses (7:51). The other Pharisees quickly turned on Nicodemus: “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.” But they were wrong. Jonah the prophet’s hometown was Gath Hepher, which was situated in the lower Galilee region...More Monday, April 15, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (8) Of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were designated by name to come and make David king; of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. 1 Chronicles 12:31–32 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (8) The faithful among Israel who identified with David as God’s chosen king were steadily increasing in numbers. The term “David’s mighty men” refers to those faithful ones. We may apply that term to all true believers who identify with the Lord Jesus Christ, past or present. They do so despite the world’s rejection of Him, honoring Him as...More Sunday, April 14, 2024 The Fairest Among Ten Thousand This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17 NKJV The Fairest Among Ten Thousand How marvelous it is for us to contemplate the perfections of our Lord Jesus. God the Father Himself twice exclaimed, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” He is the one who is able to have a true appreciation of His Son, and yet we are encouraged to be engaged with Him, meditating on His lovely, glorious Person and work. In Matthew 9, when the Lord saw the multitudes, His heart went out to them. He had compassion on them, preaching the gospel to them, healing every...More Saturday, April 13, 2024 Titus (2)—Qualifications of an Elder If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:6–9 NKJV Titus (2)—Qualifications of an Elder The apostle Paul had left Titus in Crete with the...More Friday, April 12, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (11)—Philippians Indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (11)—Philippians Philippians, meaning “lovers of horses, or of the race,” is a pastoral epistle, encouraging and refreshing. It was written to an assembly afflicted by poverty, which had yet maintained a devoted affection for Paul since being converted through his labors eleven years before. The epistle presents true Christian experience as a...More Thursday, April 11, 2024 Solomon and the Slippery Path of Sin The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold. Solomon had horses imported from Egypt. King Solomon loved many foreign women. 1 Kings 10:14 NKJV; 1 Kings 10:28 NKJV; 1 Kings 11:1 NKJV Solomon and the Slippery Path of Sin In the event, foreseen by God, of Israel’s having a king, he was forbidden to multiply his wives or his riches, and to go down into Egypt to multiply horses (Dt. 17:16–17). Now, with whatever blessings we may be surrounded, we can never forsake the law of God with impunity. God had bestowed abundance of...More Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Nicodemus Comes to the Light (4)—His Confession Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” John 7:50–51 NKJV Nicodemus Comes to the Light (4)—His Confession Nicodemus now appears for a second time in John’s Gospel, but on this occasion it was with a group of his peers, the Pharisees, and the chief priests (7:45). His religious colleagues had sent out officers of the temple guard to arrest Jesus, but they had returned empty handed: “No man ever spoke like this Man!” (v. 46). Evidently, Christ’s words had been so...More Tuesday, April 9, 2024 Practical Christianity You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 NKJV Practical Christianity It is a very blessed thought, a very solemn truth, that there is nothing of any value in God’s account except the outflow of the life of Christ from His members here. All that is not the direct fruit of that life is utterly valueless in God’s thoughts. The activities of the old nature are not merely worthless but sinful. There are certain natural relationships in which we stand, which are sanctioned by God and in which Christ is our model. For example, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ...More Monday, April 8, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (10) Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not He, O Lord our God? We set our hope on You, for You do all these things. Jeremiah 14:22 ESV Living a Life of Hope (10) Jeremiah ministered the Word during difficult times. The people of God had turned their backs on their God, and He allowed them to pass through deep waters, both spiritually and physically. In chapter 14, they had experienced a physical drought which should have reminded them of their spiritual condition. Jeremiah sought to bring them back to a place where they would...More Sunday, April 7, 2024 The One Perfect Sacrifice But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. Hebrews 10:12 NKJV The One Perfect Sacrifice Oh, the wonders connected with that which is expressed in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven, the one sacrifice never to be repeated! It not only puts the conscience in peace with God, but it forms the conscience. If God is satisfied with the blood, I will be too. In every way it has lessons. It teaches the character of the whole system of iniquity out of which I have come, teaches the enormity of sin, as none but God can. It shows...More Saturday, April 6, 2024 Abraham and the Call of God The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, “Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.” Acts 7:2–3 NKJV Abraham and the Call of God For over four hundred years God bore with this world, and then the God of glory appears to a man on earth and commences to act on an entirely new principle: that of the sovereign call of God. It does not set aside the government of the world; it makes no suggestion as to improving or reforming the world, or correcting its evil. It leaves the...More Friday, April 5, 2024 Titus (1)—Introduction Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His Word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; to Titus, a true son in our common faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 1:1–4 NKJV Titus (1)—Introduction This brief but very important epistle begins with the...More Thursday, April 4, 2024 Nicodemus Comes to the Light (3)—His Conscience And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God. John 3:19–21 NKJV Nicodemus Comes to the Light (3)—His Conscience The story of Nicodemus occurs three times in John’s Gospel, and on each occasion it is stated that he was the one who came to Jesus “by night” (3:2; 7:50;...More Wednesday, April 3, 2024 The Troubles of the Double-Minded He who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind … he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 1:6, 8 NKJV; James 4:8 NKJV The Troubles of the Double-Minded The term “double-minded” appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Epistle of James. It is a picturesque expression. Other English translations give the sense as being “a man of two minds” or “a soul-split man.” When we think of those in the Scriptures who tried to follow the Lord while...More Tuesday, April 2, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (7) Some from Manasseh … helped David against the bands of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor, and they were captains in the army. 1 Chronicles 12:19, 21 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (7) People from Manasseh came to help David when he was staying at Ziklag. In many respects, those were very trying times for David because Saul was seeking to kill him. As one of the Philistine leaders, King Achish, protected David, he even wanted to join the Philistines in their fight against Saul. The Lord prevented this plan because the other Philistine leaders refused to let David join them. When he...More Monday, April 1, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (10)—Ephesians Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (10)—Ephesians Ephesians, meaning “one desire,” is an epistle with no reproofs. It declares in fullest terms the grand counsels of God concerning the saints of God in this present dispensation of grace. It gives their present spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ and their position “in Christ.” The believers “sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (2:6). Christ, in...More Sunday, March 31, 2024 The Lord Is Risen He preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. Acts 17:18 NKJV The Lord Is Risen Let the reader note this: Jesus and the resurrection. Why was it not Jesus and the incarnation or Jesus and the crucifixion? Was it because these profound and priceless mysteries held no place in apostolic preaching and teaching? Read 1 Timothy 3:16 and Galatians 4:4–5 for the answer. These passages settle the question as to the foundation doctrines of incarnation and crucifixion. But Paul preached and taught and jealousy insisted upon resurrection. He himself was converted to a risen and glorified...More Saturday, March 30, 2024 What Is the Cross? (2) God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 NKJV What Is the Cross? (2) As to grace, what free-gift actings in love are there seen in the cross! The only begotten Son was sent down from the glory on high to bear the wrath due to us, that we might be enabled to share the glory given to Him, and be loved even as He is loved. And the marvel of His Person must not be passed by, God manifest in flesh. Such was the Lamb of God. Sin in man was the denial of God being over and above...More Friday, March 29, 2024 What Is the Cross? (1) For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV What Is the Cross? (1) In the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ I see God’s plan to make good His ends, and to give effect to His counsels and purpose, in contrast with man’s schemes. As to man: it was two pieces of wood nailed together, and a few nails, with a hole in the ground. This was an ingenious but malicious mode of death for a hated object. This was man’s scheme, though Satan took care to put in his power through the world, as...More Thursday, March 28, 2024 Silver Trumpets Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps. Numbers 10:2 KJV Silver Trumpets The first use to which these trumpets were put was “for the calling of the assembly.” The tabernacle was the God-appointed center for His redeemed people in those ancient days, and from that center His words went forth, and to it He summoned them when He would. That was the shadow, the picture; Christ is the substance, the reality; and if we are obedient to the word of God, Christ will be our...More Wednesday, March 27, 2024 Nicodemus Comes to the Light (2)—His Crisis For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV Nicodemus Comes to the Light (2)—His Crisis Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a leader, and teacher of Israel, had come to the Lord Jesus by night. He believed that the “signs” connected with the Rabbi from Nazareth indicated that God was with Him (3:2); perhaps He was a prophet. Nicodemus was curious; he needed to know more. He would not lightly dismiss Him or condemn Him, as many of his Pharisee colleagues had done. Did not Moses say that a prophet...More Tuesday, March 26, 2024 In God’s Light The sun shall be no more thy light by day, neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but Jehovah shall be thine everlasting light. Isaiah 60:19 JND In God’s Light This descriptive prophecy will be fulfilled for Israel during the Millennium and for all saints in eternity. God’s thoughts have been from everlasting and they are to everlasting. In eternity there will be a nobler light—a peerless Sun—to supersede the need of all luminaries. There also, in John’s vision was “no need of the sun nor of the moon, that they should shine … for the glory of God has enlightened...More Monday, March 25, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (9) In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13–14 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (9) The Christian hope finds security in the facts of Scripture and not in the feelings or emotions of the human heart. The Word of God helps us realize that our salvation is not based on anything we have done to be saved or anything we must do in order to stay saved....More Sunday, March 24, 2024 Our Substitute Who Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, in order that, being dead to sins, we may live to righteousness: by whose stripes ye have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 JND Our Substitute Christ was an example for us, for we are called to His path, and to follow His steps. The consideration of Christ in all the glory of His perfection cannot fail to have its effect on us, conforming our thoughts and ways to His. Yet even so, we are not as He was, for we have sins and He had none. We needed, therefore, the atoning sacrifice of which verse 24 speaks. He who did no sin “bore our sins in His body on...More Saturday, March 23, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (9)—Galatians But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (9)—Galatians Galatians, written to the assemblies in the region of Galatia (possibly meaning “milky”), is an earnest remonstrance against the evil doctrine that works of law form the standard for a believer’s walk and conduct. Though saved by grace through faith, yet they had added law as the principle of maintaining their salvation. This mixture is abominable to God, the God of all...More Friday, March 22, 2024 Enoch (2)—Prophesying Judgment on the Ungodly Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” Jude 14–15 NKJV Enoch (2)—Prophesying Judgment on the Ungodly Enoch walked with God and pleased God. He did not die, for he had faith God would take him to Himself before the judgment that would come before the death of his son Methuselah....More Thursday, March 21, 2024 Enoch (1)—Walking With God Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Genesis 5:21–24 NKJV; Hebrews 11:5 NKJV Enoch (1)—Walking With God The patriarchs before the flood in Genesis 5 were descended from...More Wednesday, March 20, 2024 For the Glory of God Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV For the Glory of God As a boy I worked for a Scottish shoemaker named Dan Mackay, a forthright Christian. It was my responsibility to pound leather for shoe soles. A piece of cowhide would be cut to suit, then soaked in water. I had a piece of iron over my knees and, with a flat-headed hammer, I pounded these soles until they were hard and dry. It seemed an endless operation, and I wearied of it many times. What made my task worse was the fact that, a block away, there was another shop, and in it sat a jolly, godless...More Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Nicodemus Comes to the Light (1)—His Confusion There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” John 3:1–2 NKJV Nicodemus Comes to the Light (1)—His Confusion Historians tell us that there were only 6,000 Pharisees living in Judea during the time of Christ, a very small sect with an influence greater than their numbers would suggest. When reading the Gospels, they seem to be everywhere, but this is because they were interested in derailing the...More Monday, March 18, 2024 Truly God Is Good Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart … It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works. Psalm 73:1, 28 NKJV Truly God Is Good Psalm 73 is a very honest psalm. The author, Asaph, tells us about the time he almost stopped following the Lord. He saw the arrogance of the wicked, envied their success, and wondered why they were permitted to prosper. Had he cleansed his heart in vain? He had troubles every day while the wicked seemed to be carefree (vv. 5, 13). But by the time he composed the psalm, Asaph had...More Sunday, March 17, 2024 Every Believer Is a Priest You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 NKJV Every Believer Is a Priest Had we approached one of the sons of Aaron and asked him how he became a priest, he would doubtless have told us that it was, firstly, by his birth; and that, secondly, being born of the priestly family, he was put into the priest’s office by the washing of water, the sprinkling with blood, and the anointing with oil, as ordered in Exodus 29. We, too, are priests by birth. Being born of God, we...More Saturday, March 16, 2024 The Blessedness of Fearing God Joseph said to them … “I fear God.” Genesis 42:18 NKJV The Blessedness of Fearing God Joseph’s declaration was not just empty words; it was a reality in his life. It was not that he was afraid of God; it was that he respected God—no, it was more than that: he reverenced God. And this reverence was displayed throughout his life. It molded him and defined his life. Joseph knew that God was holy, and thus when tempted to sin, he resisted, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (39:9). When placed in prison in very undesirable circumstances,...More Friday, March 15, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (8) For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (8) The hope that we possess as followers of Jesus Christ should have an impact on every area of our lives, including the way we view death. The apostle Paul could say, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). He could say this because he knew his hope was anchored to a Man in the glory who had secured his place in heaven, laying down His life for Paul and every single person who would put their faith in...More Thursday, March 14, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (6) Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains. 1 Chronicles 12:8 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (6) It took great courage to identify with someone who was fiercely pursued by King Saul. David had retreated to a stronghold in the wilderness, not a pleasant or attractive place. However, the men who joined David there were drawn to him because of love, as God moved their hearts. King...More Wednesday, March 13, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (8)—2 Corinthians For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (8)—2 Corinthians Second Corinthians deals, not with the order of the assembly, but with ministry in connection with the assembly—the manifestation in practical life and service of the Spirit’s presence in the assembly. Paul is himself the example of this self-denying labor, spending and being spent for the sake of the saints of God. His sufferings because of his...More Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Manasseh: The Old Testament Prodigal Son (5)—His Responsibility The living, the living man, he shall praise You, as I do this day; the father shall make known Your truth to the children. Isaiah 38:19 NKJV Manasseh: The Old Testament Prodigal Son (5)—His Responsibility The life history of Manasseh is a fascinating study; the lessons drawn from it reveal much about the character of both man and God. Man’s tendency toward sin and wickedness, and God’s abounding grace are on full display. We are thankful that Manasseh repented of his sin and was restored. If this had not been recorded for us, it would have left us with a dark picture indeed, and a dark...More Monday, March 11, 2024 Passing Time or Redeeming the Time? The world is passing, and its lust, but he that does the will of God abides for eternity. 1 John 2:17 JND Passing Time or Redeeming the Time? After the fall, the descendants of Cain tried to make their lives as pleasant as possible through possessions, music, and inventions of all kinds in order to be happy without God (Gen. 4). This very attitude is what still characterizes the world today. How many things people have invented in the last 6,000 years that distract them from focusing on what is linked with eternity! Just think of the explosive development of technology and means of...More Sunday, March 10, 2024 Christ’s Love for His Own Jesus, knowing that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, loved them to the end. John 13:1 JND Christ’s Love for His Own The opening verse of chapter 13 is introductory to the last discourses of our Lord. The occasion was that at last, “His hour had come.” In the course of our Lord’s earthly path we have heard of other “hours.” At Cana of Galilee, He could say to His mother, “Mine hour has not yet come”—the hour of His manifestation in glory to the world. In John 5, we read, “An hour is coming, and...More Saturday, March 9, 2024 A Heart Full of Praise To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, pipe, lute … and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up. Daniel 3:4–5 JND A Heart Full of Praise The special place given to the orchestra in Daniel 3 is very noticeable, as much so as in large worldly religious gatherings at the present time. It excites the emotions, and, thus working upon the feelings, gives people a sense of devotion, which after all may be very unreal. In the Old Testament, musical instruments were used...More Friday, March 8, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (7)—1 Corinthians But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–24 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (7)—1 Corinthians Corinth means “satiated or satisfied.” The first letter to the Corinthians was written by Paul to correct the disorders allowed at Corinth in the early Church. This epistle lays down solid, practical principles of local assembly government and order, most necessary for the Church of God worldwide. This authoritative universal...More Thursday, March 7, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (7) He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. Psalm 147:10–11 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (7) Psalm 147 is a psalm of praise to our God for His infallible and unchanging Word, as well as His providence in the lives of His own. It is a psalm that reminds us that He is a God who “counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the...More Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Speculations and Suppositions Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. John 21:23–25 NKJV Speculations and Suppositions The Lord Jesus had told Peter, “Follow Me.”...More Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Manasseh: The Old Testament Prodigal Son (4)—His Restoration Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the Lord God of Israel, indeed they are written in the book of the kings of Israel. 2 Chronicles 33:18 NKJV Manasseh: The Old Testament Prodigal Son (4)—His Restoration After Manasseh repented, God brought him back to Jerusalem and restored him to his kingdom. It was then that the reality of God’s power and grace hit home to his heart: “Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God” (v. 13). Repentance is an inward change in our soul’s view of our sin in light of...More Monday, March 4, 2024 All the Frankincense (2) He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests, one of whom shall take from it his handful of fine flour and oil with all the frankincense. Leviticus 2:2 NKJV All the Frankincense (2) When we reach the end of the life of Christ and see the climax when one disciple sold Him for thirty pieces of silver, another cursed and swore he knew Him not, all forsook Him and fled, and the world nailed Him to a cross between two thieves, God showed to the universe how much He differed from all the thoughts of men by placing the crucified One on the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. The primary...More Sunday, March 3, 2024 All the Frankincense (1) He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests, one of whom shall take from it his handful of fine flour and oil with all the frankincense. Leviticus 2:2 NKJV All the Frankincense (1) Let the reader note particularly that “all the frankincense” was consumed on the altar. Why was this? Because frankincense typified the fragrance of Christ’s manhood as enjoyed exclusively by God Himself. There was that in Christ as a man down here, which only God could duly appreciate. Every thought, every look, every word, every movement, every act of “the Man Christ Jesus” emitted a fragrance which...More Saturday, March 2, 2024 The Fragments That Remain Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” John 6:11–12 NKJV The Fragments That Remain This chapter contains many beautiful threads which display the Lord’s sovereignty as well as His tenderness. When Jesus saw the crowd, He told Philip to provide food for them, knowing it was impossible; but “He Himself knew what He would do” (v. 6)....More Friday, March 1, 2024 David’s Mighty Men (5) These were the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still a fugitive from Saul the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men, helpers in the war. 1 Chronicles 12:1 NKJV David’s Mighty Men (5) It is amazing that the very first group of men who joined David came from King Saul’s own tribe of Benjamin. They risked their very lives because Saul was fiercely persecuting David. Obviously, David welcomed these men. He trained them to become his “mighty men” and “helpers in the war” as they realized that Saul not only persecuted David but was fighting against God. The choice...More Thursday, February 29, 2024 The Last Enemy For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 NKJV The Last Enemy Are you at times afraid of the last enemy, death? Do you see for yourself a dark shadow ahead over the terminating portals? When you first see the darkening portals, the promptings of nature may produce fear, but He says, "Do not be afraid" (Rev. 1:17). He knows that by His resurrection He has divested the grave of all its terrors. He has keys of death, and He will bear you through the portals of death into His presence....More Wednesday, February 28, 2024 The Valley of Baca Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. Psalm 84:6 KJV The Valley of Baca The valley of Baca, meaning "weeping," is a place of sorrow and humiliation, but one of blessing also. To Paul it was the thorn in the flesh, something that made him despicable in his ministry to the Galatians. It was truly humbling, and called forth from him a thrice-repeated prayer. But when he heard the Lord say, "My grace is sufficient for thee," he no longer pleaded for its removal. No, he rather gloried in his infirmity, that the power of Christ might be known....More

Monday, February 26, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (6) - Romans Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (6) - Romans Romans, meaning "strong ones," gives truth that stands at the foundation of Christianity. Here God is the Sovereign Judge, absolute in righteousness, discovering and exposing the sin of all mankind. He allows no excuse, spares no evil of whatever degree. All are shown to be "guilty before God" (3:19). Yet in pure righteousness also He offers complete justification from guilt, for this is based on "the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (v. 24), who...More Sunday, February 25, 2024 The Memorial Which Christ Left to Us As often as ye shall eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye announce the death of the Lord, until He come. 1 Corinthians 11:26 JND The Memorial Which Christ Left to Us The institution of the Lord's Supper must be regarded, by every spiritual man, as a peculiarly touching proof of the Lord's gracious care and considerate love for His Church. From the time of its appointment until the present hour, it has been a steady, though silent, witness to a truth which the enemy has sought to corrupt and set aside: that redemption is an accomplished fact to be enjoyed by the weakest believer in...More Saturday, February 24, 2024 An Example of Worship Mary therefore, having taken a pound of ointment of pure nard of great price, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. John 12:3 JND An Example of Worship Bethany may mean "house of affliction" or "house of response," but both were true of the house that was a home to the Lord Jesus there. Death had afflicted it, but now, following His gracious and powerful intervention in raising Lazarus, there was response: freehearted service from Martha, fellowship out of death with Lazarus, and...More Thursday, February 23, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (6) Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (6) The hope of a home in heaven awaits every true follower of Christ. Just before He went to the cross, the Lord Jesus promised His followers that He was going to go to prepare them a place. Then He went to the cross, and His finished work on that...More Wednesday, February 22, 2024 Manasseh: The Old Testament Prodigal Son (3)—His Repentance Now when he was in affliction, he implored the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. 2 Chronicles 33:12 NKJV Manasseh: The Old Testament Prodigal Son (3)—His Repentance The Lord had spoken to Manasseh and his followers, "but they would not listen" (v. 10). Manasseh was an influential character; he was not passive but active and energetic in evil, and many of his countrymen followed him. How little we realize the influence we may have upon others for good or for evil. God brought the king of Assyria to Israel who carried Manasseh off to a foreign...More Tuesday, February 21, 2024 Beware of Envy Laying aside envy. 1 Peter 2:1 NKJV Beware of Envy Envy is an insidious attitude that can creep into our hearts, so we must be aware of this possibility and be vigilant against it. If allowed to develop unjudged it can lead to murder. One wonders if envy was part of the motive behind Cain's killing of his brother. Abel's sacrifice was accepted by God while his was not. We do know that envy was the reason that the Lord was delivered up to Pilate, that He be crucified: "For [Pilate] knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy" (Mk. 15:10). Paul also suffered envy by the Jews who...More Monday, February 20, 2024 David Strengthened Himself in the Lord in His Distress David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV David Strengthened Himself in the Lord in His Distress The distress was very real for David. Lack of faith at a critical time had brought David and his men into an unholy alliance with the Philistines, and they were about to join battle with them against Israel, the people of God. This was something that God would not allow. In God's plan, He was using the Philistines as...More Sunday, February 19, 2024 Why the Gospel of John Was Written And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:30-31 NKJV Why the Gospel of John Was Written These verses tell us why John's Gospel was written. Were three Gospels not enough? What could a fourth one add to what Matthew, Mark, and Luke had already covered? These inspired writers had written the Gospels we call by their names, and had doubtless been long with the Lord by the time John wrote his...More Saturday, February 18, 2024 Psalm 45 (3)—Christ's Love Myrrh and aloes, cassia, are all thy garments; out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made thee glad. Psalm 45:8 JND Psalm 45 (3)—Christ's Love The aloes, the central spice of the three, speaks of the love that lay behind all the suffering. It was more fragrant and prized than all other spices; nothing to be compared with it ever came out of the mysterious East. I found in an old dictionary the following account of it: "It was the inner wood, or heart, of a tree that grew in India, exceedingly fragrant, worth more than its weight in gold, and said to be a sovereign cordial for all...More Friday, February 17, 2024 Psalm 45 (2)—Christ's Glory Myrrh and aloes, cassia, are all thy garments; out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made thee glad. Psalm 45:8 JND Psalm 45 (2)—Christ's Glory Christ is glorious as well as gracious (v. 2). His arrows are sharp in the heart of the King's enemies. He stands out in His glory above every name that is named. He will be triumphant over all that hate Him, even as He is tender to all who hear His voice and love Him. This also must be declared of Him, that we may know that His grace to us is not weakness. In His majesty, He will ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and...More Thursday, February 16, 2024 Psalm 45 (1)—Christ's Grace Thou art fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. Psalm 45:2 JND Psalm 45 (1)—Christ's Grace Christ's claim to our love has a triple basis: He claims us because He can meet all our needs by His grace; He claims us because of what He is in His own glorious person; and He claims us because of the love that He has for us, love that led Him into the deep suffering of death on our behalf. Psalm 45 declares these three great things, and though this psalm may have the earthly bride in view in the coming glorious Millennium, yet we...More Wednesday, February 15, 2024 David's Mighty Men (4) Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. 1 Chronicles 11:22 NKJV David's Mighty Men (4) The name Benaiah means "Yah has built up," and his father Jehoiada, "Yahweh knows." He was from Kabzeel ("God gathers"), a town in southern Judah and close to Edom. Our text says that he "had done many deeds" or was "a doer of great deeds" (esv). He had struck down two heroes of Moab and a lion in a pit on a snowy day. Benaiah was an...More Tuesday, February 14, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (5)—Acts With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (5)—Acts The Acts of the Apostles or, as sometimes called, the Acts of the Holy Spirit, is a history of the way in which divine wisdom ordered events to gradually lead people out from God's previously established dispensation of law into the full liberty of the dispensation of the grace of God. The power and working of the Holy Spirit is beautifully seen here, as the apostles are used by God to establish Christianity. The...More Monday, February 13, 2024 Manasseh: The Old Testament Prodigal Son (2)—His Rebellion The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen. 2 Chronicles 33:10 NKJV Manasseh: The Old Testament Prodigal Son (2)—His Rebellion Manasseh came to the throne at the tender age of twelve years after the death of his father, Hezekiah. Whatever godly influence his father may have had upon him was quickly forgotten. Perhaps the guardians overseeing Manasseh led him into the paths of wickedness—we are not told. He worshiped the host of heaven, caused his sons "to pass through the fire" (the worship of Molech), practiced witchcraft and sorcery, and "filled Jerusalem...More Sunday, February 12, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (5) Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will declare justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory; and in His name Gentiles will trust. Matthew 12:18-21 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (5) These verses quoted from the prophet Isaiah remind us clearly that true hope is found in no one else but the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus came that mankind might...More Saturday, February 11, 2024 Enjoying Even While Not Fully Comprehending You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 NKJV Enjoying Even While Not Fully Comprehending We know this grace, yet we must confess we know only a little of its depth. A little child hears his parents tell him that Jesus died for him on the cross. He hears what his parents say, he knows he has done wrong things, has been bad, and in simplicity he asks Jesus to forgive his sins and save him. He has never come into personal contact with death. He has never known...More Friday, February 10, 2024 Trust or Mistrust? A Lesson From Paradise You are good, and do good. Psalm 119:68 NKJV Trust or Mistrust? A Lesson From Paradise About 6,000 years ago, God placed Adam and Eve in a wonderful environment in paradise where they lacked nothing. But although they had the loving care of their Creator before their eyes every day, they doubted His love for them and consciously decided to act against His will. They wanted to be on the same level as God—to be like Him—and to make their decisions independently of Him. Does this sound familiar to you? Is it not often the case that we fear that God wants to withhold from us what we...More Thursday, February 9, 2024 The God of Second Chances The word of Jehovah came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, the great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I shall bid thee. Jonah 3:1-2 JND The God of Second Chances Initially, Jonah refused to do what he knew to be the will of God. Has that not been true of all of us? But God brought Jonah to his senses and delivered him! If people would only accept the work of the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation, how soon they would experience deliverance from bitter lives. Jonah finally remembered the Lord and "prayed unto Jehovah his God out of the fish's belly ...More Wednesday, February 8, 2024 Luke's Service (2) [Paul] decided to return through Macedonia But we sailed away from Philippi and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly It was decided that we should sail to Italy And so we went toward Rome. Acts 20:3, 6; 21:17; 27:1; 28:14 NKJV Luke's Service (2) Based on Acts 16:8-40, we believe Luke left Troas, likely his home town, to visit Philippi with Paul. He evidently stayed to help the believers there when Paul traveled onward. Now, in Acts 20:3-6, it seems Luke rejoined Paul when he later passed through...More Tuesday, February 7, 2024 Luke's Service (1) So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:8-10 NKJV Luke's Service (1) During Paul's second missionary journey, he, Silas, and Timothy stopped in Troas. When Paul had a vision of a Macedonian man seeking help, it was received as the Lord's direction for their travels. But here now is an interesting moment in the book of Acts. Whereas verse 8 says "they" came to Troas, verse 10 says "we" decided to...More Monday, February 6, 2024 The Glory of God And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Revelation 21:10-11 NKJV The Glory of God First, we are to enter into the glory of God; for us it is the Father's house, and we are made meet for it by the Father's grace and the blood of Jesus. And then we are to come out of it all radiant with the light that fills it, to shed that light upon the earth during the millennial reign of Christ....More Sunday, February 5, 2024 Manasseh: The Old Testament Prodigal Son (1)—His Roots Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. But he did evil in the sight of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 33:1-2 NKJV Manasseh: The Old Testament Prodigal Son (1)—His Roots Manasseh was only twelve years old when he became King of Judah. His father, King Hezekiah, was one of the godliest kings to have ever reigned over Judah, instituting many reforms to the nation, and purging it from idolatry. After these things, Hezekiah became sick. The sickness was unto death, and God told him, "Set your house in order" (2 Ki. 20:1). Hezekiah prayed that the...More Saturday, February 4, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (4)—John And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (4)—John John, meaning "Jehovah is gracious giver," is a Gospel unique in its majestic glory. Here the Lord Jesus is manifested as the Creator Himself, the eternal, only-begotten, unique Son of God, sent from the Father to fully reveal His glory. This is much more than authority, service, or grace, but the light and love of the eternal God. He, a divine Person, is here the object of our adoring...More Friday, February 3, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (4) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (4) Hope is emphasized throughout the book of Hebrews. Our hope is anchored in heaven in Christ who, as the forerunner, has sat down at the right hand of God (6:18-20). We are presently looking for Him to return, and we are looking for a city that is yet to come (9:28; 13:14). Our eyes are to be fixed on Christ who is our Hope (12:1-2). In our text today, we are told to hold fast the confession of our hope, without wavering. The idea of holding fast is...More Thursday, February 2, 2024 David's Mighty Men (3) Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of another three. He had lifted up his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name among these three. 1 Chronicles 11:20 NKJV David's Mighty Men (3) Abishai means "my father is Jesse" or "my father is a gift," and his mother was one of David's sisters (1 Chr. 2:13-16). Jesse was David's father and Abishai was one of Jesse's grandsons. Abishai was the most renowned of David's thirty mighty men, but he was not one of the first three (11:21). Abishai's younger brother, the fast runner Asahel, was killed by Saul's general (2 Sam....More Wednesday, February 1, 2024 Citizens of Heaven Our commonwealth has its existence in the heavens, from which also we await the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 JND Citizens of Heaven Everybody says that a Christian citizen should be interested in the government of the country to which he belongs, and ought to vote, so as to help to put good men in power. God says differently; in many places and ways He tells me that, as His child, I am not a citizen of any country, or a member of any society; my citizenship is in heaven, and I have henceforth to do with heavenly things; the cross of Christ has crucified me to the world, and the world to me;...More Tuesday, January 31, 2024 Misjudged and Falsely Accused When His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, "He is out of His mind." And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebub," and, "By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons." "Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?" So they were offended at Him. Even His brothers did not believe in Him. Mark 3:21-22 NKJV; Mark 6:3 NKJV; John 7:5 NKJV Misjudged and Falsely Accused Think of what it must have been for the Boy Jesus to grow...More Monday, January 30, 2024 The Lord Jesus and the Outcast Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." John 4:10 NKJV The Lord Jesus and the Outcast What blessing is thus in preparation for this poor outcast! None other than an outcast could know it. But such must also know that the source of this blessing is not in themselves. And this the Samaritan learns. She is made to know herself, to look well around on all things that she ever did (v. 39). Her conscience is dismayed: "The one whom you now have is not your...More Sunday, January 29, 2024 The Unity of the Spirit There shall be eight boards, and their bases, of silver, sixteen bases; two bases under one board, and two bases under another board. And thou shalt make bars of acacia-wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle at the rear westward; and the middle bar in the midst of the boards reaching from one end to the other. Exodus 26:25-28 JND The Unity of the Spirit The three sides of the tabernacle were made of boards, in other words broad planks, of acacia-wood,...More Saturday, January 28, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (3)—Luke He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." Luke 24:38-39 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (3)—Luke Luke, meaning "a light," is the only known Gentile inspired to write Scripture. Here Christ is presented beautifully as "the Son of Man." Every part of the book combines to set forth the reality and perfection of His manhood. Here we have His birth announced and described, His increasing in wisdom and stature, His accessibility...More Friday, January 27, 2024 Holy and Without Blame Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Ephesians 1:4 NKJV Holy and Without Blame The character of God Himself is depicted in that which is ascribed to the saints. God could find His moral delight only in Himself and in that which morally resembles Him. Indeed this is a universal principle. An honest man can find no satisfaction in a man who does not resemble him in this respect. With still greater reason, God could not endure that which is in opposition to His holiness since, in the activity of His nature, He must...More Thursday, January 26, 2024 The Shepherd Psalm You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Psalm 23:5 NKJV The Shepherd Psalm David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, who wrote this beautiful psalm, had many wonderful experiences while tending his father's sheep. The Spirit of God uses these incidents to illustrate spiritual lessons. The reason David gleaned such rich, practical lessons from his experiences was because he went through these experiences with the Lord. He was aware of the Lord's presence with him during all that time that he was alone in the fields of Judah, keeping his...More Wednesday, January 25, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (3) Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. Titus 1:1-2 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (3) What does your hope rest on? According to our verse, the believer's hope rests on the eternal life promised us as it is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. But let us examine this hope a bit more closely. It is based on several things. First, it is based on God Himself, on His Person. You and I have a hope given to us through the promises of a God who is, who was, and who always will...More Tuesday, January 24, 2024 When There Is Discouragement Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and in detail how he had slain all the prophets with the sword And [Elijah] went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a certain broom-bush, and requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough: now, Jehovah, take my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 1 Kings 19:1, 4 JND When There Is Discouragement After Elijah had a mighty victory for the Lord at Carmel, Queen Jezebel threatened him with execution and he, discouraged and disheartened, ran away to a desolate place. He sat under the broom-bush and asked...More Monday, January 23, 2024 The Fulfillment of Our Faith And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. James 2:23 NKJV The Fulfillment of Our Faith Abraham is a frequent model of faith in the Scriptures. Besides the verse above from James, the epistles of Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews all highlight the fact that Abraham believed God. The Old Testament reference quoted here comes from Genesis 15, when God promised Abraham that his descendants would one day be as numerous as the stars of heaven. Even though Abraham did not have even one child at the...More Sunday, January 22, 2024 Confidence in God He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58 NKJV Confidence in God We have little idea of how much we lose by our lack of simple confidence in God. Unbelief ever hinders the display of divine power and goodness. This holds good in our individual history every day. God will not show Himself if our unbelief fills the field of vision with other objects. It must be God alone from first to last. "My soul, wait silently for God alone Trust in Him at all times"(Ps. 62:5, 8). Such is the language of faith: "God alone" and "at all times." This is the ground, the solid...More Saturday, January 21, 2024 God's Food: Sweet Aroma Offerings Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Command the children of Israel ‘My offering, My food for My offerings made by fire as a sweet aroma to Me, you shall be careful to offer to Me at their appointed time the one lamb you shall offer in the morning, the other lamb you shall offer in the evening, and one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil its drink offering shall be one-fourth of a hin for each lamb.'" Numbers 28:1-7 NKJV God's Food: Sweet Aroma Offerings We customarily eat our meals at certain times of the day. What a...More Friday, January 20, 2024 Pilgrims in the World (2) Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake. 1 Peter 2:11-13 NKJV Pilgrims in the World (2) Peter was writing to the pilgrims of the dispersion, Jewish believers spread abroad through distant lands. They truly, physically, were pilgrims, and yet he admonishes them to have this attitude...More Thursday, January 19, 2024 Pilgrims in the World (1) By faith Abraham, being called, obeyed to go out and went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he sojourned as a stranger in the land of promise as a foreign country, having dwelt in tents. Hebrews 11:8-9 JND Pilgrims in the World (1) A friend was called by the Lord to leave Scotland to serve in Newfoundland Canada, where they did so for several years. Over the next 30 years, he and his family were moved by the Lord to a number of different places in Canada for His service. They never bought a house as they did not want to be restricted but rather free to move wherever and whenever the...More Wednesday, January 18, 2024 The Value of Christ's Name For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 NKJV The Value of Christ's Name In Matthew 18, verses 19 and 20, the Lord brings things down to the smallest possible plurality, showing that the potency of prayer and of church action does not depend upon numbers but upon His Name. In the case of the little child and the kingdom, the important point was "in My name" (v. 5). In the case of the brother and the church, again, "in [or, unto] My name" is the decisive thing. The whole weight of authority lies there. Verse 20 is sometimes...More Tuesday, January 17, 2024 David's Mighty Men (2) Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the army of the Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 1 Chronicles 11:15-16 NKJV David's Mighty Men (2) How depressing it was that the Philistines had occupied Bethlehem, David's birthplace, and even made it their garrison. In this context "David said longingly, ‘Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!' Then the three mighty men broke through the...More Monday, January 16, 2024 The Dependent Life I am come that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. John 10:10 JND The Dependent Life The Lord Jesus once said to His disciples, "Without Me ye can do nothing" (Jn. 15:5). With this statement He makes it clear that there is only one way we can bear fruit for God: if we remain in Him, the true Vine. But what does this actually mean in practice? How can this be implemented in daily life? How would you answer this question? Dependence means to be dependent on someone. The word often has a negative connotation for us, because we like to be independent and do not want to be restricted in...More Sunday, January 15, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (2) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:3-4 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (2) Peter opens his first epistle by informing us that new birth provides every believer with a living hope through the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. What does this living hope bring us into? Romans 8:17 reminds us that we are "heirs of God" and this truth is...More Saturday, January 14, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (2)—Mark For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (2)—Mark Mark, meaning "a defense," gives a brief, energetic account of the service of the Lord Jesus Christ, for he portrays Him as the perfect Servant of God. His language is direct and simple, and his description of events is in chronological order, the order in which they actually happened. None of the other Gospel writers follows this order, but each uses an order that is appropriate to his particular theme. The lowliness and unwearying...More Friday, January 13, 2024 Laboring and Witnessing for Christ in the World This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of meeting, relating to the most holy things: When the camp prepares to journey, Aaron and his sons shall come, and they shall take down the covering veil and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. Then they shall put on it a covering of badger skins, and spread over that a cloth entirely of blue; and they shall insert its poles. Numbers 4:4-6 NKJV Laboring and Witnessing for Christ in the World Read Numbers 4:1-15. Although different from one another, the functions of the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites were all in...More Thursday, January 12, 2024 Human Love Pales in Comparison to God's Love Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:29 NKJV Human Love Pales in Comparison to God's Love Our Lord Jesus assembles into this one verse a group of the tenderest of earthly relationships. But, human affection falls far short of the depth and intensity of His love. Are you solitary and desolate? Has bereavement severed earthly ties and sundered your closest links of earthly affection? Our Lord Jesus is One whose presence and fellowship can compensate...More Wednesday, January 11, 2024 The Moral Power of Christ's Appearing Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 NKJV The Moral Power of Christ's Appearing Reader, permit me to ask you if, when the subject of Christ's appearing is introduced, you ever feel a sort of difficulty or reserve in your mind? Would you be afraid to see Jesus? Would you rather put off the moment of His coming? Do you feel yourself not quite ready? If so, it may be you are not yet able to "read your title clear" or you are not cultivating a spiritual capacity, or your moral condition is not such as would naturally introduce you to...More Tuesday, January 10, 2024 Gleaning From God's Word in the Morning In the morning you shall be filled with bread there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance And Moses said to them, "This is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat." Exodus 16:12, 14-15 NKJV Gleaning From God's Word in the Morning It has pleased the Lord to teach me the truth that the first great and ordinary business to which I ought to attend every day is to have my soul happy in the Lord. If I am not happy in the Lord and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, the things I do to serve the Lord might not be done in the right spirit. I...More Monday, January 9, 2024 Two Women—Two Wonderful Gifts! Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood. But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Mark 12:43-44 NKJV; Mark 14:6, 8 NKJV Two Women—Two Wonderful Gifts! The poor widow the Lord Jesus is commending in the first passage was desperately poor. All she had was two of the very...More Sunday, January 8, 2024 Forever Safe The Lord is my shepherd. Psalm 23:1 NKJV Forever Safe On this sentence hangs every blessing in Psalm 23, and they are many. But notice, it is not, "The Lord is the Shepherd," but "The Lord is my Shepherd"; it is a personal matter, deeply and exclusively personal. A young man said to me one day, "I don't like the personal way you put things." "And that is the reason you are not saved," was my answer. If you cannot say, "The Lord is my Shepherd," you are not saved. You do not know Him, and you are not a disciple of His. How can you come into this? A girl was very ill, and greatly troubled...More Saturday, January 7, 2024 Indifference to Christ Where two or three are gathered together unto My name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 JND Indifference to Christ Those wholehearted for Christ desire to be in His company. They instinctively make their way to where He is known to be. Is this possible? Yes, "Where two or three are gathered together unto My name." No one who is truly conscious of the greatness and excellency of His Person, and the blessedness of communion with Him, would be willingly absent there. A neglected Lord's Table, and prayer meeting, speak aloud of the Laodicean state of the heart. Of old, "they...More Friday, January 6, 2024 Living a Life of Hope (1) No king is saved by the multitude of an army; a mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him. Psalm 33:16-18 NKJV Living a Life of Hope (1) Where do you turn for hope? Maybe we should ask the question, what do we really mean by the word hope? What is hope? Webster's dictionary defines hope as, "to cherish a desire with anticipation, to want something to happen, to trust." But when hope is used in Scripture, it means so much more than this. In the Bible, hope...More Thursday, January 5, 2024 Fervent Prayer Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts 12:5 KJV Fervent Prayer At least ten times, the Book of Acts mentions the collective prayer of first-century believers. Here, Acts 12 describes their united prayer for Peter, whose death at the hands of Herod seemed imminent. Four characteristics of that prayer meeting are helpful. First, their prayer was without ceasing. Other translations use the term "fervent" or "earnest" to give the sense of a Greek word that means "stretched out" or "at full tension." This was not a time of...More Wednesday, January 4, 2024 David's Mighty Men (1) [Eleazar] was with David at Pasdammim. Now there the Philistines were gathered for battle, and there was a piece of ground full of barley. So the people fled from the Philistines. 1 Chronicles 11:13 NKJV David's Mighty Men (1) Chronicles uses the term mighty men more often than do other books of the Bible. One of David's "three mighty men" (v. 12) was Eleazar, whose name means "God has helped." Many soldiers were fleeing for fear of the Philistines, but this man stayed put and defended a field full of barley. Why? Food for God's people must be kept out of enemy control. This mighty man learned...More Tuesday, January 3, 2024 The New Testament in Brief (1)—Matthew Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30 NKJV The New Testament in Brief (1)—Matthew Matthew, meaning "gift of Jehovah," the first book of the New Testament, is written from a Jewish point of view, and preserves admirable continuity with the Old Testament. It presents the Lord Jesus Christ as the long sought Messiah of Israel, as their King. His genealogy therefore is traced to David and Abraham. This genealogy is that of Joseph. It therefore establishes...More Monday, January 2, 2024 By Faith I call God to witness upon my soul that to spare you I have not yet come to Corinth. Not that we rule over your faith, but are fellow-workmen of your joy: for by faith ye stand. 2 Corinthians 1:23-24 JND By Faith Paul had no wish to come among the Corinthians only to find himself bound to act in severity by reason of sin and grave disorder still being found in their midst. Hence he had waited until he had news of the effect of the earlier epistle he had written to them. He hoped for better things. It was not that he assumed dominion over their faith, but rather that he was just a "helper," or...More

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