Day 1
THE PASSOVER
The story of the Passover is just an early edition of the Gospel of Christ. Life is in the blood.[Lev.17:11] What a grand promise given that night in Egypt, "When I see the blood I will pass over you."
The Passover story affords some relevant applications:
The first is Condemnation.[Exodus 12:12]
The sentence of death passed upon all the firstborn. There was no difference between Jew or Egyptian. All have sinned.
[Romans 3:23]
This condemnation rests upon all those who are outside of Christ. The Bible says, "He that believeth not is condemned already." [John 3:18]
The second is Substitution. Either the firstborn or an innocent substitute must die. Each man is to take a lamb for his house. Christ is the Lamb of God!
[John1:29]
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
[1 Corinthians 5:7]
Third, there is Appropriation. Take some blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes. Only when the blood was on the door posts was it between the firstborn and the avenger. By faith we lift up the sacrifice of Christ. The blood that flowed on Calvary is between our guilty souls and a sin avenging God. The precious blood of Jesus Christ still avails for us! God looks down upon us, as it were, through the blood of Christ.
The blood is the ground of our atonement. The Hebrew word atonement means "to cover" with regard to sin; it means that sin is so covered that God regards it as gone.
The blood is the ground of our redemption. The blood was a price paid for our redemption.
[1Peter 1:18-19]
The blood is the ground of our peace.
[Colossians 1:20]
The blood is the ground of our forgiveness. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7 .
The blood is the ground for our drawing near. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
(Ephesians 2:13 )
Hunger makes bread precious, thirst makes water precious, poverty makes riches precious. Sin and condemnation make the blood of Christ precious. The love of sin leads away from God. What sin does the blood of Christ undoes. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
(1 John 1:7)
Read:
Exodus 12:1-29
Day 2
THE MANNA - TYPE OF CHRIST
Then the LORD said to Moses, ``I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. (Exodus 16:4)
Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: `He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'' ``I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.''
God supplied His people in the desert with manna from heaven. It was a provision of the bounty of God. It was the staff of their lives. It was designed to make them think of the promise God gave to their fathers of Messiah. We do not envy the people of Israel who were fed with angels food; but we rejoice with both Jew and Gentile that we have the true Bread from heaven.
Christ is a type of the Manna! Manna was food from heaven! It came from the storehouse of God. Israel was in need and God met that need. Christ as the Bread Of Life is the free gift of God. He came down from heaven to supply the need of our spiritual life. In Christ there is an abundance of mercy and grace.
The Manna was received daily! Each gathered as much as he needed.
The Manna was designed for the body, a temporary provision. Jesus is the Bread of Life! He gives everlasting life! The Manna was limited to Israel; Jesus is given and freely offered to the whole world. Jesus declared, ``I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)
The Bread of Life lasts forever! Manna was only for a short time. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live for ever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.'' (John 6:47-51)
Wherever you travel almost any time of the day, even through the night, people are eating, satisfying the desires of the body. What are they doing about feeding their souls? Are their spiritual lives starved? Is your life spiritually starved? Taste and see that the LORD is good.
Read:
Day 3
THE SMITTEN ROCK-TYPE OF CHRIST
I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.'' So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. (Exodus 17:6) They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:3-4)
Water in the wilderness! The smitten rock typified Christ! The rock is an emblem of strength. The rock is an emblem of stability. Jesus is immutable! He is strong and stable!
The rock was smitten by God's command. The smiting was typical of the sufferings of Christ. Christ suffered by the will and appointment of God. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. (Acts 2:23)
The rock was smitten by Moses. The Lawgiver smiting the rock is strikingly a representation of Jesus meeting the claims of the law, bearing its penalties in His own Person. The rock was smitten in the presence of the elders of Israel. Christ suffered publicly! He was arraigned, tried, condemned, scourged and crucified before the elders of Israel. His sufferings were to be open and manifest, not done in a corner secretly. The stream of water did not flow until the rock was smitten. The gushing stream was typical of the water of life. Jesus is the Water of Life!
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ``If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.'' (John 7:37-38)
The blessings of grace come to us through the merits of the Mediator. The benefits of Christ’s death meet all the sinners need. The stream was free to all Israel. Christ is free to all who receive Him.
Can you hear the last invitation? The Spirit and the bride say, ``Come!'' And let him who hears say, ``Come!'' Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)
Read:
Day 4
WORDS!
What is a word? Webster tells us it is that which is said. It is a declaration, a promise, means of communication, information and can be an order or a word of command. The plural is talk; an articulated sound which symbolizes and communicates an idea.
Do our words have meaning? Do we think before we speak? What did Jesus say about words? But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.'' (Matthew 12:36-37)
Before Jesus said those words He said. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. (Matthew 12:34-35)
Paul said, Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4) What is your heart full of right now?
Proverbs is full of the subject! When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (Proverbs 10:19) He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3) The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21) Then there is
Ecclesiastes 5:2 written on my heart by an English teacher at Prairie Bible Institute. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. That is good advice! Remember, God has given you two ears and one mouth; He intended you to do twice as much listening as talking. James says,"Swift to hear and slow to speak."[1:19-20] Words are wonderful things and we could not do without them. We use words to express ourselves. We use words to communicate an idea. Good ideas!! A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-and how good is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23) Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24) A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Proverbs 25:11]
Paul says, Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6) Mix a little salt with your conversation!
Two prayers: Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalms 141:3) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalms 19:14)
Read:
Day 5
LIGHT
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)
And God said, ``Let there be light,'' and there was light. (Genesis 1:3)
He spake and it was done. Infidelity asks, how, where and when? The answer - By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (Hebrews 11:3)
This is the teachable spirit!
God called the light day and the darkness He called night. The presence of light makes the day; the absence of light makes the night. In the history of mankind we soon learn that there are sons of light and sons of darkness. Believers receive the Light of Life and the Son of Righteousness shines on them. Unbelievers remain in darkness; they are still wrapped in the shades of spiritual night. You belong to either the one or the other. You may be poor, despised, unlettered; but if through the grace of God you have come to Christ, the Light of the World, you are indeed a son of the day. If you are a total stranger to the Light of the World you are a son of the night.
God made two great lights-the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. (Genesis 1:16) The sun is the great light, the center of our system. The sun is a beautiful and an appropriate symbol of Christ. The moon strikingly reminds us of the Church. The moon reflects the light of the sun. The Church is to reflect the Light of Christ. The Church should watch against everything that would hinder the reflection of the Light of Christ. The Church walking in the Light of Christ will reflect that Light! Will the world around us see the traits of Christ's character in us?
``You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Our relationship and responsibility to God and men are clearly revealed. Jesus said, ``I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'' (John 8:12)
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Day 6
I AM A PILGRIM
One of my favourite themes! By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. (Hebrews 11:8-9)
What is a pilgrim? A pilgrim is one without a fixed habitation; one who is journeying through a strange and foreign land. I would like to share three attitudes.
1. A pilgrims attitude! The attitude of a visitor! We are not here to stay. Consider the tent dwellers of the Old Testament saints over against our modern homes today. The picture is obvious! They were not so settled as we are today. Pitch a tent, pull up the stakes and move on. The patriarchs had the shell of their longing here on earth but the kernel was in heaven. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20) The song writer says,"I'm a pilgrim, I can tarry but a night."
2. A pilgrims appetite! Speaking of appetites, what makes your mouth water? People are continually feeding on something. They go after their desires. Israel desired meat one day and also a king. And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalms 106:15) Israel also desired to go back to Egypt where they had onions, leaks, garlic and cucumbers. A pilgrim should have no desire to return to this world of sin. Nor should they be attached to possessions. "THINGS" lack permanence! Jesus taught us to sit loose on earthly possessions.
3. A pilgrims activity! His is a living active faith. A pilgrim goes on from stage to stage, from experience to experience, from faith to faith. He advances in the knowledge of God, in love, in obedience and in holiness. Sometimes we see nothing but impossibilities. [The Red Sea] Do you have any rivers you think are uncrossable, any mountains you cannot tunnel through; God specializes in things thought impossible; He can do what no other power can do. Is there anything to hard for God? He would have us act on His promises.
Our lives need to be devoted to Him! Whitefield said one day," Lord, if you see me nestling, in pity put a thorn in my nest."
We have only one life, ‘Twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Life is a journey to be taken but once!
Read:
Day 7
ESSENTIALS TO PREVAILING PRAYER
Men are God's method. The Church is looking for better methods, God is looking for better people. What the church needs today is not more machinery or better machinery, not new organizations, but people whom the Holy Spirit can use-people of prayer, people mighty in prayer. The Holy Spirit does not flow through machinery; but through people. He does not come on machinery; but on people. He does not anoint plans, but people - people of prayer."[ E.M.Bounds]
1. Pray sincerely! The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalms 145:18)``And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. (Matthew 6:5)
Some have given testimony later in life that their prayers did not reach the ceiling of the church. They were not sincere and truthful; they wanted to be acknowledged; they wanted to be known for their much praying.
2. Pray simply! Blessed simplicity! And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. (Matthew 6:7)
Two things are quite evident: vain repetitions and many words. Long drawn out prayers demand no urgent need. Prayer is simple; its like quietly opening a door and slipping into the presence of God; their in the stillness, to listen for His voice, perhaps in petition or only to listen; it matters not, just to be there in His presence is prayer.
3. Pray earnestly! Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. (James 5:17)
Prayer moved the hand of God! The Church prayed earnestly. So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. (Acts 12:5) You know about his release from prison.
4. Pray persistently! Be persistent in your prayers. Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1) Do not quit! Never give up! Keep on praying!
5. Pray believing! Faith will climb heaven's heights and bring a blessing down. Faith to lay hold on God! But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:6)
6. Pray agreeing! Agree with others!``Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.'' (Matthew 18:19-20)
God blesses unity-the unity of His people.
7. Pray in the Name of Jesus! And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:13-14)
Day 8
THANKSGIVING- PSALM 103
If your heart is full it needs no priming! I wonder sometimes whether our praise to God is really whole-hearted; we do things so half-hearted. We owe it to God! He made us! We are the work of His hands! Thank Him for the very air that you breath!
David gives vent to his soul. Heart-felt gratitude! David says,"Forget not." We all need reminders! It is human to forget! What are some of these benefits?
1. He forgives all my sin. Psalm 32:1-2 would endorse this. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
2. He heals all my diseases. The soul is subject to many spiritual maladies. Pride, anger, lust, sloth are among the many. Spiritually we are daily under His care. No disease baffles His skill. When physical illness overtakes us, He gives the grace to sustain us. Remember what God said to Paul,``My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'' Then Paul said," I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
3. He redeems my life from the pit. He has removed the sentence of death! He has defeated the enemy of our soul! David says, He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. (Psalms 40:2-3) Job has this testimony, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. (Job 19:25)
4. He crowns me with love and compassion. We enjoy the favour of God daily. His love and mercy surround us. His mercies are new every morning.[Lamentations 3:22-23] We have His promised presence! He loves us with an everlasting love.(Jeremiah 31:3)
5. He satisfies my desires with good things. Only God Himself can satisfy! He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. (Psalms 107:9) The Lord works marvellous changes. My youth [the inner man] is renewed. From a sparrow to an eagle, that is the picture. You were meant to fly. Earth was never meant to satisfy the human heart!
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Day 9
THANKSGIVING
From coast to coast we set aside a day for Thanksgiving. A day to bring to mind the mercies of God. Everyday should be Thanksgiving Day!
Thanksgiving glorifies God!
The call to thanksgiving is numerous in the Bible.
Gratitude should be the logical response for all the benefits and blessings we enjoy. [Psalms 103:2]
There are manifold and manifest reasons for thanksgiving:
1. Our Surroundings! For the land in which we live. Remember the hands of steel, the hearts of gold and the years of toil that pioneers have rendered to this country. For the home where we experienced the care and concern of our parents. For the schools we went to for early childhood training and development. For our friends who came to our aid when we needed them.
2. Our Spiritual Heritage! For the church where we worshipped, where we were fed spiritually, where we had fellowship and were able to grow. For the Bible which was the instrument of our new birth, nourishment for our soul , comfort in sorrow and a weapon to fight the foe. How we should prize the Bible, use it frequently, follow its teaching, love its laws, abide by its principles and serve its Christ.
3. Our Salvation! For Christ who has become our salvation. For God's provision for the forgiveness of sin. For the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide. For the prospect of heaven! Let me say here," True thanksgiving is making proper preparation for heaven." David asks in Psalm 116:12, "How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?" Then he says," I will lift up {take} the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord." God is pleased when we take His offer of salvation. He is pleased when we call on Him!
On a class room door in a public school I read these lines a long time ago:
"Hearts like doors will open with ease;
To very, very little keys.
And don't forget that two of these;
Are ~I thank you and If you please.~
May we all have an attitude of gratitude every day of the year! May we all wear the garment of gratitude! Gratitude exalts God, expels gloom and encourages graciousness. Thanksgiving is the politeness of the soul!
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Day 10
THANKSGIVING !
Thanksgiving is one of the happy days of the year. To mother and grandmother it means hours of preparing turkey dressing, baking pumpkin pie and setting the table. The backbreaking labour is forgotten when they hear the exclamations of delight from children, grandchildren, family members and friends. After the meal the adults visit and the children dress to go out to play in the leaves.
Thanksgiving is more than a reunion with loved ones, lively conversation and football games. It’s a day to count your blessings and to offer thanks to the ONE who has provided all this and more. To God we offer praise for the freedom we enjoy. We thank Him for our health and our homes; for our family and friends. I am sure you are grateful for many things! The list could be long.
Every day ought to be filled with thanksgiving! It has been said, "A grateful mind is a great mind." The Bible says, "It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord" Psalm 92:1. It is a time to bless the Lord Psalm 103.
"Gratitude is the memory of the heart, the homage of the heart -rendered to God for His goodness."
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures for ever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalms 100)
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
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Day 11
THANKSGIVING - PSALM 116:12
How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? (Psalms 116:12) This is a deeply personal and sensible consideration.
When we speak of God's goodness, we should magnify and speak highly of Him. How can I repay the Lord? Can I give anything proportionable? I can no more pretend to give a recompence to God than I can merit any favour from Him. What would God be pleased with as the acknowledgement of a grateful mind?
First! What are some of the good things He does? He hears me v1. He has bent His ear to listen v2. What a privilege to have the sympathetic ear of God. God hears and answers prayer! He delivers from death v3,v8. We have this victory through our Lord Jesus Christ who loved us and gave Himself for us. He saves me v4. He protects me v6. He is bountiful v7. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Innumerable things could be listed as our minds recall the bountiful blessings. He provides health and strength, food, clothing and shelter. Oh! that men would praise the Lord for His goodness!
It is the feeling, the ever-growing feeling of the deepening experience, that no fitting return can be made to God. The only possible return we can make is to let Him do all His work of grace in our lives. Are there some returns? Can I repay the Lord? We can respond in love v1. We can yield to God the affection of our heart. We can call on Him v2. This is an expressive way of showing our gratitude. We can rest in Him v7. I will show my confidence by resting my soul entirely in Him. This He desires! [Matthew 11:28]
There is rest in Jesus! I can walk with Him v9. I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Ephesians 4:1)
God considers my life precious so I offer Him the expressions of my devotion v15,16. I can be His servant v16. I can be thankful v17.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:15-16)
How can I repay the Lord? I can lift up the cup of salvation. I can call on the name of the Lord. I can fulfill my vows to the Lord. Be a man or woman of your word. Be trustworthy!
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Day 12
THE BIBLE
The Bible is God speaking! The Bible is not God, but it is God speaking. He has spoken and the Bible is the result. He has spoken through the Holy Spirit through men to men. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21)
The Bible is a revelation from God to man. Divine revelation in this sense is the communication by God to man of those truths concerning Himself, His plans, His will, His concern for man and his redemption which could not have been known through nature, nor by intuition, nor by any process of reasoning apart from supernatural aid.
God is! He created the universe, He created man in His image, for His companionship, His glory, His pleasure and the Bible is a revelation from God to His intelligent creatures.
1. A revelation is possible! With God all things are possible! Surely the infinitely wise and powerful God can and will reveal Himself, His plans, and His will to man.
2. A revelation is necessary! Sinful man might to a certain extent realize from intuition and reason something about sin and its consequences, but he could know nothing of God's love, God's provision for pardon and reconciliation and salvation and the blessings of the new life in Christ.
These truths must come through revelation.
3. A revelation is probable! God longs for His creatures, yearns over them to bring them into fellowship with Himself. Surely a revelation is preeminently probable.
4. A revelation is credible! If it is possible, necessary, and probable it is overwhelmingly credible. In fact it would be most difficult to believe that such a revelation should not be given.
5. A revelation is reasonable! It would seem strange indeed if the Author of our being, who has enabled us to communicate with one another in so many ways, should never have communicated with us at all.
6. A revelation is certain! The claims are fully substantiated by its miracles, its fulfilled prophecy, the propagation of Christianity, the fruits of Christianity and the satisfaction it brings to the human heart all over the world.
This is a great BOOK! Law, history, poetry. prophecy, doctrine, worship, exhortations and the characters with illustrations all unite in making the story of redemption the most fascinating and up to date of all literature. Wherever the gospel goes, sinners are saved, churches are built and spiritual food is required and the Word of God must be translated into the language of the people. This is a great BOOK!
This book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book!
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Day 13
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ``Men of Galilee,'' they said, ``why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.''
It will be the very same Jesus, the One who was born of a virgin, taught among men, died on a cross, arose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. This same Jesus in body with the prints of the nails in His hand is coming back again. Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.
He will come in the same manner as He went away. He went away visibly, He will return visibly! He left them from the Mount of Olives; He will return to the Mount of Olives.
``Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:1-3)
Jesus is coming again! He may return today! Perhaps tonight! Lord we wait for Thine appearing; Even so, Thy people say; Bright the prospect is and cheering, Of beholding Thee that day.
Paul commended the church at Thessalonica. For they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead-Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Our waiting is not to be marked by passive, stagnant, complacent attitudes, but one of keen anticipation which incites to new heights of spiritual activity. Those who are truly waiting are witnessing! For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ``No'' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:14)
Some golden daybreak Jesus will come. Some golden daybreak battles all won. He'll shout the victory, break through the blue; Some golden daybreak for me, for you. Will you be ready for that moment?
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Day 14
THE SABBATH
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2:2-3)
The principle that God had in mind was simply; one in seven was to be a day of rest. The command to keep it came later.
This is the only Sabbath which God celebrated. When man sinned in the garden, and later did not keep the law, God did not rest. The word now is,``My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.'' (John 5:17)
God can have no rest where there is sin. Thorns, thistles, sighs, tears, groans, sorrow, sickness, death, degradation, guilt and a ruined world, can God rest? Jesus justified His actions on the Sabbath in close relation with His Father. Jesus exemplified the way the Sabbath should be observed. God does not stop His deeds of compassion on that day and neither did Jesus. From the fall to the incarnation, from the incarnation to the cross, God the Son was working. He is still working today!
Today we have a new day, the day after the Sabbath. The day Jesus rose from the dead.
The first day of the week is not the Sabbath changed, but altogether a new day. It is the first day of a new period, and not the last day of the old. The seventh day stands connected with earth and earthly rest; the first day of the week introduces us to heaven and heavenly rest. The seventh day appertained to Israel, the first day of the week appertains to the Church. Israel was commanded to observe the Sabbath; the Church is privileged to enjoy the first day.
The former was the test of Israel's moral condition; the later is the significant proof of the Church's eternal acceptance. This was the day on which Christ rose from the dead and set forth the triumph of redemption.
The Sabbath day is well and good, but it belongs to Israel. It was given as a covenant sign along with circumcision. Then God said to Abraham, ``As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. (Genesis 17:9-11) ``
Say to the Israelites, `You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. (Exodus 31:13) It would be difficult to carry out the Sabbath day law due to climatic conditions in the cold north.[Exodus 35:3]
For the people of God today there is a Sabbath rest. [Hebrews 4:9-10]
Do you have the rest of faith? What did Jesus say?
Read:
Day 15
THE CURE FOR HEART TROUBLE
``Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:1-3)
Our hearts may often be troubled when we look within ourselves; when we see our sins and our failures. Heart trouble is a common malady. Jesus is the perfect remedy! He came to bind up the broken-hearted. What is the Great Physicians prescription for a troubled heart?" Trust in God; trust also in Me," are the words of Jesus. What a comfort to a sinful, sorrowful soul; that He who suffered and died for sinners has all the authority and the power of Almighty God. For the future there is the promise of a place. There is plenty of room! This will be a prepared place, a perfect place and a permanent place. Jesus went to the cross, died for our sins, was buried and and rose again after three days. He came out of the grave, so that we might have eternal life. He ascended into heaven so the He might appear in the presence of God for us.
Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people!
The promise of His return is comforting! For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Will you be at the reception? Jesus had this to say to His Father,``Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. (John 17:24)
There is a glorious reception awaiting you at the coming of the Lord! I am looking forward to that day! What a blessed assurance! The way to where He is, is the way of Faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus answered, ``I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
Read:
Day 16
CHRIST'S COMING IN THE
OLD TESTAMENT
The coming of Christ was foretold in many Old Testament scriptures. Even the Lord Jesus asserted that Moses wrote of Him. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.
(Deuteronomy 18:18)
Christ frequently applied Old Testament scriptures to Himself. Look at Isaiah 61:1-2.
We see Jesus reading this on the Sabbath day in Luke’s gospel. ``The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.'' A whole chapter spoke of Him in Isaiah 53
Some of the Old Testament saints looked forward to His coming. Christ Himself said." Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.'' (John 8:56). I always enjoy Abraham in Hebrews 11:10.
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:10)
Let me mention a few Old Testament titles given to the Lord Jesus.
He is known as the Seed of the Woman in Genesis 3:15.
He is known as the Star of Jacob in Numbers 24:17.
Job said of Him," I know that my Redeemer lives" Job 19:25.
Isaiah's title was Emmanuel in chapter Isaiah 7:14.
One day Philip said, ``We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote-Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.''
Jesus constantly appealed to the Old Testament in support of His claim that He was the Christ. Jesus said, "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,
Sometimes the question has been asked," Could you win a soul to Christ with the Old Testament? The answer is Yes!
Read Psalm 32:1-5.
Think of the Passover in Exodus 12.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Our hearts should respond in love and gratitude. Thirst makes water precious. Hunger makes bread precious. Sin makes the blood of Jesus Christ precious.
Read:
Day 17
QUESTIONS ON MY PRAYER LIFE
Questions that are heart searching and a challenge to any believer regarding prayer.
1. Has my prayer life been powerless because of some besetting sin?
2. Has my prayer life been hindered by haste, irregularity, lack of system, unpreparedness of spirit or unbelief?
3. Has my prayer life been fruitless, have I really had such power with God that I have power with souls?
4. Has my prayer life been limited to my own life, to my own work, to my own service for God?
5. Has my prayer life been intermittent and starved?
6. Has my prayer life been growing? Do I daily know more of the meaning and power of prayer?
7. Has my prayer life been sacrificial? What has it cost me in time, strength, vitality and love?
8. Is prayer still just an emergency, or is it a habit, an attitude of mind and a companionship to live in each day?
9. Is thanksgiving for definite answer to prayer having an increasing place in my prayer life?
10. Am I doing most of the speaking in the dialogue of prayer, do I give God ample time to speak to me by His still small voice and through His word?
11. Am I having each week renewed evidence of the supernatural power and guidance of God's Holy Spirit for the duties of everyday life?
12. Am I growing in grace and in spiritual perception to know God's will and appropriating His fullness in Christ?
Such is the responsibility of prevailing prayer!
Read: John 17.
Day 18
A SATISFYING SIGHT
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)
Five questions:
1. Who shall see Him? We shall see Him! Today we see Him in His word. A day is coming when we shall see Him. Jesus is coming again as He promised to receive us to Himself. When He prayed in John 17:24, we see His desire. Do we have a desire to be with Him?
2. Who shall see Him? We shall! All who have their sins washed in the blood of the Lamb of God shall see Him. All who by faith have accepted Him as their Saviour. Those who are born again into the family of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Are you looking forward to seeing Him? [Titus 2:13]
3. How shall we see Him? As He is! In all His glory! And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began (John 17:5). Fanny Crosby wrote," I shall see Him face to face." That is going to be a great moment. Will you be in that number?
4. What will be the effect? We shall be like Him! As a pilgrim people we are to be Christ-like in our walk and in our talk. A day is coming when we will leave this earthly tent and be clothed with our "heavenly dwelling" [2 Corinthians 5:2].
We all enjoy 1 Corinthians 5:52-53. It will be a body of glory like His own glorious body.
5. Is this quite certain? We shall! This is going to be a reality! In view of eternity my soul demands reality. Jesus is real! He lives! We serve a living Saviour! Because He lives we too will live. Assurance! Yes, blessed assurance! All of this may be yours if you will place your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Read:
Day 19
I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE
As bread satisfies the physical appetite of all who feed upon it, so Jesus Christ the Bread of Life satisfies the deeper appetite of all who feed upon Him. Let us look at two kinds of bread.
1. Material Bread! Jesus saw that the multitude was famished for lack of food that was not readily available. A great multitude followed Him because they saw the miracles He did. Jesus knowing what He would do asks Philip where they could buy bread for this crowd of people. Philip's arithmetic was perfect perhaps, but he failed to take Jesus power into account. Andrew did a bit better. He had faith enough to report the little lads lunch, but not enough faith to believe that with so small a supply the need could be met.
Jesus knew what He would do. The people were to be seated. Jesus gives thanks and the distribution begins. Five barley loaves and two small fish are multiplied in the distribution. Even the left-overs were gathered up. The intention of the people now turns to making Him their king. Jesus knew that it was not God's time for Him to reign. He did not want a loyalty merely based on full stomachs. He withdrew from them.
2. Spiritual Bread! Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval'' (John 6:27). Then Jesus declared, ``I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty (John 6:35).
Spiritual things are paramount! ``Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions''
Things of this world lack permanence! The peoples response is in John 6:28.``What must we do to do the works God requires?'' (John 6:28).
Jesus answered, ``The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'' (John 6:29).
For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.'' (John 6:33).
The Bread of Life is able to satisfy perfectly your spiritual hunger and quench forever your spiritual thirst.
Go with John 6:37 into this day.
Read:
Day 20
EARNEST WORKER - A SINCERE SEEKER
1. An Earnest Worker. Philip! During the persecution of the Christians by Saul [later Paul], we see Philip in Samaria preaching the gospel with great results. This is evident by the statement,"And there was great joy in that city."
Philip is quick to receive divine direction. He is obedient and self-denying. He is prompt to go where ever he is sent. He was ready to exchange a large field of service for a small one. Ready to exchange Samaria for a desert. He makes no excuses. He is eager to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. We see him running to meet the one to whom he is to speak. He begins at once to speak to the man about the word that he is reading. Philip is skillful and kind. He is scriptural. He takes the word from Isaiah 53 and shows the man Jesus. Philip is practical. He leads this man to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ and what is more, he administers baptism. Believers need to be baptized! This is not optional!
2. A Sincere Seeker. The Ethiopian. He is a man of high rank and authority. He is a noble seeker. He is a diligent seeker. He is a teachable seeker. Returning from Jerusalem, we find him reading from the Word of God. He is eager to learn the truth and willing to be instructed. He desired Philip to come and explain the scriptures to him. When he sees that the scriptures speak of Jesus, he becomes a believer. He receives Christ as his Saviour. He is a confessing believer. He is not ashamed to profess Christ in the presence of others. I am sure others were with him as escorts. Then we see him leaving with joy.
This is always a good sign when believers come to know that Christ is their Saviour. There is joy!
Faith is the great difficulty in the way of seekers, yet when it is won, it seems strange that so simple a matter should have hindered. Someone has taken the word FAITH and made it into an acrostic.
Forsaking
All
I
Take
Him
Read:
Day 21
A SINCERE SEEKER - AN EARNEST WORKER
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly (Acts 10:1-2).
Here lay the great excellence of his character. We learn that God is no respecter of persons. God made Himself known to him. God is the God of the individual. He is mindful of you and desires to help you. Remember, that Cornelius was not saved until Peter comes with the gospel [Acts 11:14]
God is at work all the time! God is also preparing Peter. The Lord is teaching him that He is no respecter of persons. When the messengers of Cornelius arrive, Peter is still wondering what the vision he had seen could mean. Peter went. Cornelius is over-joyed at the presence of Peter. Cornelius had his house full ready to hear what Peter had to say. This was new for Peter. They were Gentiles to whom he was speaking. Peter's ministry had been among the Jews, now he had a new audience. Peter had learned the lesson. God is no respecter of persons. This has always been true, but Peter had to learn this and he did.
The gospel is universal! The gospel is for everyone! The gospel is for you! Do you believe with all your heart that Jesus is God's Son and that He died to take away your sin? Your faith in Him should be a life-changing faith. God prescribes the terms of salvation. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:12).
Here is the answer to your spiritual need. Faith in Christ spells salvation and deliverance from the consequences of sin.
The effects of Peters message that day resulted in a household being baptized by water [v47]. That is the step of obedience every believer should take. Seal your faith in the waters of baptism. Baptism is the pledge of a good conscience toward God
Baptism is the symbol of an altered life; the symbol of complete fellowship with Christ. The Christian life is a new life in Christ, an active life of joy and triumph in Christ.
Read:
Day 22
EAGLES AND WHAT THEY TEACH US
Once in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament, God and Christ are compared to a bird. [Deuteronomy 32:11 - Matthew 23:37] In each case the comparison suggests thoughts of motherhood and love.
Stay with the eagle. There are four outstanding references to this noble bird. The first is in Exodus which speaks of REDEMPTION. The second in Deut. which speaks of EQUIPMENT. The third is in Isaiah which speaks of POWER and the fourth is in Psalms and speaks of RENEWAL.
1. REDEMPTION! `You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. (Exodus 19:4)
Israel was in bondage in the grip of the Egyptian taskmasters. His redeeming love reached down and lifted them clear our of slavery and brought them into fellowship with Himself. This is the picture of the greater redemption that God did for us on Calvary through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. EQUIPMENT! Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions. (Deuteronomy 32:11) The training which the mother bird gives her young to equip them for life, sets forth the discipline by which God strengthens and develops the faith of His people. God's divine disturbances are summons to the heights. God is there to help us. Underneath are the everlasting arms
[Deuteronomy 33:27]. God's ways are there to equip us for greater things.
3. EMPOWERED! But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
When a storm strikes the eagle sets its wings in such a way that the air currents lift and they go above the fury of the storm. Those who wait, those who hope will soar! In quietness and confidence shall be your strength [Isaiah 30:15]. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage,He will strengthen you.
4. RENEWED! Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalms 103:5)
The poets have attributed to the eagle miraculous powers of becoming young again through the moulting time which characterizes all birds. The plumage returns and the flight is renewed. It is the picture of those renewal of the Holy Spirit that Paul talks about in Titus 3:5.
With these spiritual resources let us take heart as we face the days that are ahead. "Though your way be long and dreary, Eagle strength He'll still renew, Garments fresh and foot unweary, Tell how God has brought you through."
Read:
Day 23
AWAKENING FAITH - ACTS 16
In Acts 16 we have the record of the early converts of the church at Phillippi. There was Lydia, whose heart the Lord opened; she believed and was baptized. Then the poor slave girl, possessed with an evil spirit; she was delivered and experienced salvation. This led to persecution from her masters, who had Paul and Silas put in prison. Are Paul and Silas disheartened and discouraged? About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25) These men were not ashamed of the gospel. This brings us to the jailor!
The earthquake must have been quite a shock. The jailor saw the prison doors open and supposed the prisoners gone; and he knew the consequences. Paul prevented him from taking his life. This made an impression on the jailor. The jailor witnessed reality. God was at work in behalf of these men and the gospel. Paul was able to speak freely to the jailor.
This jailor came with man's greatest question. What must I do to be saved? His salvation is now his concern. This is nearest to his heart. The jailor is desirous to know. Notice the clear cut answer that Paul gives to this man, ``Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household.'' (Acts 16:31) We must approve the method God has taken of reconcile the world to Himself. Christ is the answer! Christ is the way! Christ is the only mediator. Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.''(Acts 4:12)
The answer is the same for every member of the family.
Was the man really converted? What do you think? The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God-he and his whole family. (Acts 16:34)
Faith produces joy! The gospel is the power of God to everyone that believes. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Read:
Day 24
WORSHIP--[Acrostic]
When you go to God's house, what do you expect; what do you experience and what do you exercise? When you worship, do you really worship? Using an acrostic, I'd like to share what worship might include.
W. Wanting to know God better. Does Psalm 84:2 describe my longing? My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. I believe worship has in it this desire. God desires to give spiritual blessing when we desire to know Him and desire to follow Him.
O. Obeying His word. God desires an obedient heart! ``Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law Deuteronomy 32:46. You get more light on the things of God's word as you obey.
R. Realize His Holiness and Greatness. Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy. (Psalms 99:9) When we worship we come into the presence of a Holy God. If you want to see how great God is, read Isaiah 40 sometime and see.
S. Seeking His will. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.'' (Psalms 40:8) We know that prayer is essential and we come praying. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalms 143:10)
H. Honouring Him with our substance. Giving is a part of worship. Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops (Proverbs 3:9). Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
I. Invite Him to Control all our thoughts and actions. Like a carburetor on a car needs cleaning and tuning up. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
P. Praising Him with all our heart is a part of worship. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. (Psalms 40:3) The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
What is your definition of worship?
Read all the references again.
Day 25
SPIRITUAL SURVIVAL
People want to know: Are we in the last days; will there be peace in this world; will we see the return of Christ? In other words, what about the future? The future in the word of God is made known for practical purposes and not for mental enjoyment. The Bible says,"What kind of people ought we to be." 2 Peter 3:11.
1. Be attentive to the word of prophecy.
2 Peter 3:1,2. Be a man or a woman of the Book! Peter reminds his readers of the prophets and the command of Christ. Prophetic photographs of coming events are brought into focus in the New Testament. The prophetic word did and will give us knowledge of what will happen in the future
2. Be acquainted with the ways of God.
We are not to be ignorant. We are not only to increase our knowledge; we are to dispel ignorance. We are not to be ignorant as to the divine estimation of time v 8. We are not to be ignorant as to the desire of the Lord v9. We are not to be ignorant as to the characteristics of that day v10. The Day of the Lord will come! This world is marked for destruction. Acquaintance with the ways of God will save us from panic and fear.
3. Be active in the work of purity. Peter presses home the moral application
2 Peter 3:11-15. Be engaged in the work of holiness. Our life is to line up with the Lord Jesus. We are to fear sin more than bombs. In the new heaven and the new earth dwells righteousness. We need to become acclimatized!
4. Be alert to the wiles of the Enemy.
Be on your guard! Peter gives us two aspects of the wiles of the Enemy. a. False teachers will distort the word of God. b. False teachers will seek to mislead the saints. Let nothing move you from Jesus Christ! But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
Read:
Day 26
PRAYERFUL! PSALM 5
David was a man of God. He had real spiritual aspirations. He had a real thirst for God. A brief study in Psalm 5.
1. Contact with God. In the first three verses we see a prayerful invocation. It is a reminder of a consistent devotional life. Prayer is personal conversation with God. Prayer brings the soul near to God. Prayer is a blessed privilege. We need to practise unhurried communion with God.
2. Consideration of God. In the next three verses [vv4-6] we see a prayerful contemplation. We see what God is like. God's hatred of sin is inseparable from His holiness. To be a Holy God, He must have an equal amount of hatred for sin. He does not sympathize with sin. Sin chokes the channel of communion with God.
Calvary is God's answer for the sin question.
3. Coming to God. The next two verses are a prayer of supplication [vv7-8]. We have confidence in God! Do you love to be in God's house? Here is a heart that is in sympathy with God. We can ask for guidance. Here we learn to trust in His love and are strengthened to go out to face the Enemy.
4. Counting on God. We can leave the Enemy in His hands [vv9-12]. The enemies of the psalmist are the enemies of God and his prayer is a prayer of righteous retribution. A day is coming when there will be a casting away from God. Trust awakens joy; trust calls for praise. Our refuge is in God!
Count upon God in your life. Do not leave Him out of your life. It is good to have God's favour upon our lives. His Divine protection has been our portion day by day.
Read:
Day 27
JESUS IS COMING SOON
What was true in Noah's day was true in Lot's day. Noah's testimony was largely unheeded. Lot's testimony went unheeded in Sodom. There was no great revival before the flood. There was no great wholesale turning to God in Lot's day. There were less than ten believers in the whole district of Sodom and Gomorrah
Today the company of true Bible-believing born again Christians is pitiably small in comparison to the host of unbelievers. Judgement is pending! Jesus is coming!
An unknown author writes,"
Quite suddenly, it may be as I lie in dreamless sleep, God's gifts to many a sorrowing heart, with no more tears to weep; That a call shall break the slumber, and a Voice sound in my ear, Rise up, my love, and come away; behold the Bridegrooms' here.
" Hope is the ballast of the soul! Hope will keep the soul from rolling and tumbling in the great storm.
We are living in a day when the world is thoroughly shaken by the tremendous breath-taking strides that history has taken. Men pant with unutterable fatigue as they endeavor to keep up with the mad whirl of our space age. Few realize, however, that just beyond the horizon there is an event greater than any the passing ages have ever seen. Jesus is coming! Our Enemy would keep us from believing in the truth of His coming. Satan knows and recognizes what this belief teaches us [Titus 2:11-14]. If we are occupied with the second coming, Satan's clutches upon our soul will be broken.
Jesus must come again if Calvary is to be vindicated and His infallible word verified. In view of the sudden, imminent return of the Lord, the scriptural injunction is not "Get ready" but "Be ready"!
The fig tree is budding today! Israel is back in the Land! Spiritual fruit among them will come after Messiah returns. This is promising! We wait the coming of the Lord! We do not wait in vain!
God makes a promise, faith believes it, hope anticipates it and patience quietly awaits it!
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Day 28
LAUGHTER
A cheerful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22)
Laughter is a sign of health! What we need today is a good sense of humour. God gave us the power to weep; He also gave us the power to laugh. We can respond to the gloom of life and to the humour of life. So we have the gift of mirth!
Humour is mirth consistent with tender compassion for all that is frail; and with a profound reverence for all that is sublime.
In life we must see both : solemn truths which come to us and the lighter touches of life. He who has never smiled at the antics of a kitten or a puppy has lost touch with certain basic realities of life.
Each person has the right to own his or her own feelings, but I feel that our humour ought to be clean and free from any trace of irreverence. It should not be an expression of malice, nor should it be off-colour.
God gave us humour as an outlet for our emotions. How often the irritations of life can be resolved in moments of cheer and pleasantry. Frequently tensions are broken when there is a burst of laughter. Often the tensions in our own hearts can be resolved if we could sit down and laugh at ourselves a bit more.
Do you have the ability to smile even when the going is a bit rough? A cheerful heart is good medicine! For some people I know it is the best medicine.
Humour is one of the important allies of faith! Be of good cheer today!
Let me add two more verses: A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. (Proverbs 15:30)
Read:
Day 29
HURT FEELINGS!
Today I may step on your toes! I am sure that all of us have friends and acquaintances whose feelings are very easily hurt. We must always be on our guard since they are overly sensitive. We can never feel quite comfortable in their presence.
Sometimes, husbands and wives are overly sensitive. Both are saying, "Don't you dare step on my toes." This leads to conflict and triggers off "hurt feelings".
Why are some people so sensitive? Is there a feeling of inner insecurity and inferiority? That may be the reason. A person who is strong and confident will not be easily threatened by others. But when they are uncertain in themselves and not too confident about their own abilities, they will be easily hurt by the criticism and remarks of others. Such people live on the defensive. There is a feeling of uneasy pride; for they too want to succeed in life.
This spirit is learned in childhood sometimes when parents say," The neighbour boy or girl does things much better; why can't you be like they are"? This helps to develop a feeling of inferiority.
How do you remove "hurt feelings"? What is the remedy? One is to go to the person who hurt you and tell him or her about it. Tell them how you feel. You may find out that no insult was intended. The other is to sit down and carefully examine yourself. Try to find out why you are on the defensive. Why are you so easily threatened? Try to get at the source of the matter. Talk it over with some trusted friend. You may discover that in your relationships with others that others are human too. You may also discover if you are really honest, that many things that gave you "hurt feelings" are things that are true.
So the real solution may be self-examination. Be willing to admit shortcomings. Pray with David in Psalm 139:23-24. Search me, O God and know my heart, try me, and know my thoughts. If you think someone has hurt you, pray the prayer of David earnestly and I'm sure that you will rise to your feet and find the "hurt feeling" gone.
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Day 30
PRETENDING!
All of us are aware of what the word "camouflage" means. Men and machines can be disguised to make them look harmless. There is a lot of mental and emotional camouflage today. We try to conceal what actually goes on within. We use masks to hide our true identity; to hide our inner feelings. We cover up our inner motives and desires so that they will appear acceptable.
Pretense is very common in everyday life! We say "How nice to see you" while actually we are thinking,"I wish I could have avoided you." Naturally, social graces require that we do not say everything that comes into our minds.
There may be some dangers in pretending. In most cases we put ourselves in the best possible light with regard to our accomplishments. We even pretend that we know more that we really do. We use fancy terms to cover up a lot of ignorance about a subject. Often when a minister is present, people will pretend to be very religious; more than they actually are. This is a form of spiritual camouflage.
Others parade as humble souls to hide their inner pride. Some take on a boastful attitude to hide their feelings of insecurity.
When we pretend, we cannot relax; we are always threatened. We must put on or keep up a front. All of this produces unnecessary tensions.
Why do we build up an elaborate front? Do we want others to think well of us? Can we not face ourselves as we really are? Who are we trying to impress? The word to all of us today is "STOP PRETENDING".
Learn to face reality. All of us have fears and weaknesses. All of us have emotional highs and lows. All of us have sin. Put God at the centre of your life! God has given to each of us certain resources, never minimize these. Be honest with yourself! Be yourself! God loves you! Make a contribution with your life.
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Day 31
PREJUDICE!
Prejudice is an evil that has plagued mankind for many centuries. The Romans and Greeks viewed all other nations, including our fore-fathers as barbarians. In the days of Jesus there was a strong racial conflict between the Jews and the Samaritans. Today there are large barriers of prejudice between the races in our country. I'm sure a certain amount is in all of us.
The word "prejudice" finds its root meaning in an act of pre-judging; that is to form an opinion about someone else in the absence of all the facts. It forms judgements of people for reasons other than what they are as persons.
Prejudice is something that grows in the developing personality. For example. As children we grow and we must learn to get along with people. Our circle grows and we begin to relate to others outside the home. Then to strangers and out to those of different races, religion and languages.
Today there is a high demand for social growth. Today we must be able to meet the strangers and relate to them. Many of us are not ready for this.
Have you ever thought of pride as being back of all our individual prejudice? Have we not harboured an attitude that we are better than others? Do we not tend to draw lines of distinction between various groups?
I'm wondering if we need to read Romans 12:3. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We should never let our prejudices against certain people prejudice us against their ideas and their accomplishments.
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