We Know

1 John Chapter 5

It is an amazing thing that in a comparatively small book such as First John the word "know" is used twenty-five times, and in the fifth chapter, which we are presently considering, it is mentioned seven times. We are constantly meeting those who challenge our ability to know that we are saved (v. 13); to know that we have the truth (v.20); and to know that our prayers are answered (v. 15). It will be evident that John has no doubts concerning our ability to be confidently certain of the reality of all of these things.

Christianity is not a speculative religion except for those who know nothing of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. An unregenerate man, however brilliantly trained, can approach the Scriptures with as shrewd a literary analysis as applied to Plato's Republic, or Shakespeare, and will find nothing whatever within the Word to give him the assurance that the believer finds therein. The Scriptures teach us (1 Cor. 2:14) that "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." The prerequisite, as we have already learned (1 Jn. 2:20), to genuine knowledge of truth is the unction of the Holy Spirit. For this reason an unregenerate criticism of the Scriptures is, for the believer, totally meaningless. Ephesians 2:1 makes it adequately clear that the natural and unregenerate man is of himself spiritually inert. Only the quickening power of the Holy Spirit can awaken his soul to the truth of God and to the confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. Scripture declares, "...no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:3).

The world will continually refuse our testimony on this matter and refuse to recognize that there is a supernatural impartation to every genuine believer in Christ. We must not blame them for there was a time when we too could not see until the Holy Spirit quickened us.


(by Dr. Robert M. McMillan)

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Often the hymns that stand the test of time are those that relate the great stories of God's salvation to our experience. "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come" accomplishes this by recalling the Old Testament feasts and festivals that celebrated the harvest.

This hymn by Henry Alford recalls the blessings God has showered on us and points to the great harvest feast we will celebrate someday in heaven. Praise God today for the many gifts he has given us.

Come, ye thankful people, come; raise the song of harvest home.

All is safely gathered in ere the winter storms begin.

God, our maker, does provide for our wants to be supplied;

Come to God's own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God's own field, fruit unto his praise to yield,

Wheat and tares together sown, unto joy or sorrows grown.

First the blade, and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear,

Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come and shall take his harvest home,

From his field shall in that day all offenses purge away,

Give his angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast,

But the fruitful ears to store in his garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come to your final harvest home,

Gather all your people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,

There, forever purified, in your presence to abide.

Come, with all your angels, come, raise the glorious harvest home.

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible by Tyndale House)

Christ's Superiority

"To the Son, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of Thy kingdom is a scepter of absolute fairness" (Hebrews 1:8)

Christ's Superiority to Created Beings and Things

Hebrews 1:4-14 informs us that Jesus Christ is a higher Being than any other created being or thing. He Himself is uncreated and the Creator of all.

His name is superior (1:4). Observe what Jesus is called in this first chapter: 1. Son of God--v. 5 twice, 2. God--v.8, 3. Lord--v. 10. Men have eagerly grasped for the backing of angels (i.e., the angel Moroni in Mormonism), but angels are simply messengers (1:7,14) and ministers who worship Jesus and from His presence go to minister to the heirs of salvation. Of course, the evil angels are not in view in this passage. The greatest evil angel, the Devil, wants to be called "god" (Matt. 4:8-11) and in fact plays "god" (2 Cor. 4:4) to the unbelieving world. But there is only One who can rightly bear the name of "God," and Jesus is that One,

His nature is superior. This follows from what has been revealed above: (1) Jesus was brought into the world from somewhere else (i.e., heaven)--1:6;  (2) Beside His eternal pre-existence already set forth, is His eternal future existence--1:8;  (3) He receives worship from angels--1:6;  (4) He is a King with eternal authority--1:8;  (5) He is perfectly fair in exercising authoritative judgment--1:8;  (6) He was able to create the universe--1:10-12;  (7) He is able to sit in eternity's highest seat--1:13. None of the angels have the capacity (nature) for these things. The God of all things wants to be actively the God of all your things--your personal God who is eminently fair in the exercise of His authority. "He is thy Lord, and worship thou Him" (Psalm 45:11).

"Isn't He wonderful, wonderful, wonderful;

Isn't Jesus my Lord, wonderful?"

by Dr. Douglas B. MacCorkle

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#8)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#8: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO AFFIRM OTHER LEADERS (Matt. 10:1-42)

Jesus invested Himself in the development of other people, particularly the Twelve. He gave them responsibility and authority, resisting the temptation to get the job done "right" by doing it Himself. In doing so, He accepted the risk that they might fail. Of course, He gave them adequate preparation before sending them out, and on their return He affirmed them on their successful completion of the mission. Jesus calls us to help others grow. If we want to be like Him, we will share the joys and risks of working together with our brothers and sisters.

(from the Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#7)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#7: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO SERVE OTHERS  (Matt. 8:1--9:38)

The Sermon on the Mount was immediately followed by "deeds in the valley." Christlike values lead to servant actions--and it was obedient action that Jesus cared about, not just sermonizing (Matt. 7:21-29). Jesus modeled how to do the will of God by actively serving more than 25 different people (Mt. chs. 8-9). These included such undesirables as lepers, an officer of the Roman occupation troops, the sick, the demon-possessed, cave dwellers, tax collectors, and a diseased, outcast woman. If we want to be like Jesus, we need to befriend those who are weak, under oppression, or without Christ. Like Him, we need to become "a friend of sinners" (Mt. 11:19). He offered much more than religious information--He served them.

(from the Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#6)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#6: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO COMMIT TO CHANGED THINKING AND BEHAVIOR (Matt. 5:1--7:27)

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained the values of the kingdom. Money, prayer, relationships, possessions, information, and power were a few of the categories He redefined from God's perspective. He showed that following Him will involve radical change for most of us. It may mean undoing the way we've always done things and rethinking traditional sources of wisdom from our parents and culture. To become like Jesus involves a tough-minded review of our values and a thorough change in our behavior.

(from the Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#5)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#5: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO PROCLAIM THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST  (Matt. 4:12-25)

Jesus' life was not an open book, readable by all. To be sure, He lived a perfect, model life. But even that could not stand alone as an undeniable witness. His actions needed interpretation. So He supplemented His good deeds with good news. In the same way, we need to verbally declare our faith if we want to be like Christ. Certainly we need to back up our words with a Christlike lifestyle. But what we tell others gives meaning to our quiet walk and good deeds.

(from the Word In Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#4)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#4: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO ADMIT OUR VULNERABILITY TO TEMPTATION

Matthew's inclusion of the temptation is remarkable. It shows that the sinless Lord of the universe was tempted, just as we are (Heb. 4:15-16). If we want to be like Jesus, we must accept that temptation is real--as is the possibility of overcoming temptation. But we need to be open about our struggles. In doing so we honor God, recognize the power of sin, and encourage others to do likewise.

(from the Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#3)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#3: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO COMMIT OURSELVES TO OTHER BELIEVERS (Matt. 3:1-17)

John the Baptist was not your average individual. He was an unexpected child. He lived in the wilderness--the "other side of the tracks" for that day. He wore strange clothing and ate strange food. He was pugnacious, even offensive at times. Yet he helped launch Jesus' career. In return, Jesus had nothing but praise for him (Matt. 11:7-15). If we want to be like Jesus, we must not pick and choose our brothers and sisters in God's family. We need to embrace other believers and demonstrate our unity in Christ, no matter how awkward or inconvenient.

(from the Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#2)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:


#2: To Be Like Jesus Means...


TO ENGAGE THE WORLD'S PAIN (Matt. 1:18-2:23)


Jesus' entry into human life was fraught with awkward tensions and human dilemmas: a miraculous but nevertheless embarrassing conception, an earthly father who was considering a quiet divorce, an outraged king resorting to infanticide, an early childhood in a strange culture, and a return to a homeland that remained hostile and dangerous. We, too, are all born into some troubles and circumstances. If we want to be like Jesus, we need to face up to the world and remain very much in it, despite all its troubles.



(from the Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#1)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#1: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO ACCEPT OUR ROOTS (Matt. 1:1-17)

Jesus' family tree hides nothing. His heritage was multiethnic and included several unattractive or embarrassing individuals. Indeed, the circumstances surrounding His own birth might have raised questions in the minds of some. But Jesus never denied His ancestry or allowed others to shame Him. If we want to be like Him, we need to understand and accept our roots in terms of culture, race, gender, and reputation. Moreover, like Jesus we want to avoid demeaning anyone else's heritage.


(from The Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Christ is the Cornerstone

Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God's temple. He was rejected by people, but he is precious to God who chose him. And now God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are God's holy priests, who offer the spiritual sacrifices that please him because of Jesus Christ. As the scripture expresses it, "I am placing a stone in Jerusalem, a precious cornerstone, and anyone who believes in him will never be disappointed." (1 Peter 2:4-6)(NLT)


Peter asserts that Jesus Christ is the living cornerstone upon which the whole church is built. The word stone usually evokes imagery of something that is anything but living--"stone cold faith," for instance. But our faith is built upon a Savior, who is very much alive. Christ's church is alive as well, for Peter calls us "living stones" who are being built into a spiritual temple for the Lord. Let us rejoice that we worship the living cornerstone, Jesus Christ.


LORD JESUS CHRIST, you are the living cornerstone upon which the church is built. Although the world rejects you, we praise and worship you, for you are God's precious Chosen One. Help us to build our life firmly upon you. Amen.



(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible by Tyndale House)

All Hail The Power

Edward Perronet's ancestors were French Huguenots, and his father was an Anglican pastor. Edward followed in his father's footsteps but soon left the established church to work with the more energetic Wesleys. Of the many hymns he wrote, this is the only one to survive, but it embodies much of his spiritual exuberance and fire. It has even been called the "National Anthem of Christianity" because of its glorious appeal and stirring effect on the hearts of believers. As you reflect on the words of this hymn, contemplate the kingship of Christ and the response this calls forth from your own heart.

All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all;

Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!

Ye chosen seed of Israel's race, ye ransomed from the fall,

Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all;

Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all!

Let every kindred, every tribe, on this terrestrial ball,

To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all;

To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!

O that with yonder sacred throng we at his feet may fall!

We'll join the everlasting song, and crown him Lord of all;

We'll join the everlasting song, and crown him Lord of all!

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible by Tyndale House Publishers)

A Prayer Of Worship

God, you are with me and you can help me. You were with me when I was taken, and you are with me now. You strengthen me. The God I serve is everywhere--in heaven and earth and the sea, but he is above them all, for all live in him: All were created by him, and by him only do they remain. I will worship only the true God; you will I carry in my heart; no one on earth shall be able to separate me from you.
--Quirinius of Siscia (d. 308)

Missionary Weapons

"When you were under the fig tree, I saw you" (John 1:48)


Worshiping in Everyday Occasions. We presume that we would be ready for battle if confronted with a great crisis, but it is not the crisis that builds something within us--it simply reveals what we are made of already. Do you find yourself saying, "If God calls me to battle, of course I will rise to the occasion"? Yet you won't rise to the occasion unless you have done so on God's training ground. If you are not doing the task that is closest to you now, which God has engineered into your life, when the crisis comes, instead of being fit for battle, you will be revealed as being unfit. Crises always reveal a person's true character.

A private relationship of worshiping God is the greatest essential element of spiritual fitness. The time will come, as Nathanael experienced in this passage, that a private "fig-tree" life will no longer be possible. Everything will be out in the open, and you will find yourself to be of no value there if you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions in your own home. If your worship is right in your private relationship with God, then when He sets you free, you will be ready. It is in the unseen life, which only God saw, that you have become perfectly fit. And when the strain of the crisis comes, you can be relied upon by God.

Are you saying, "But I can't be expected to live a sanctified life in my present circumstances; I have no time for prayer of Bible study right now; besides, my opportunity for battle hasn't come yet, but when it does, of course I will be ready"? No, you will not. If you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions, when you get involved in God's work, you will not only be useless yourself but also a hindrance to those around  you.

God's training ground, where the missionary weapons are found, is the hidden, personal, worshiping life of the saint.

Needs and Wants

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19)

G. Campbell Morgan used to say, "A text without its context is a pretext!" We have so frequently considered the promise of today's text apart from its context that we may have failed to observe to whom it applies.

This promise comes to people who, though poor, were liberal. It was Paul's policy not to accept offerings for himself, but so desirous were the Philippians to give to him that he had made an exception in their case. Once again they have sent him a gift. Paul regards it as a pleasing sacrifice to God. Thus he exclaims, "My God shall supply your need, since you have supplied mine!"

Remember, then, to whom this promise is made, and the nature of it as well. "My God shall supply all your need." In a world where everybody wants to "keep up with the Joneses" it is not always easy to distinguish between needs and wants! God does not promise that we shall drive the latest and fanciest car, wear the finest clothing, live in the most exclusive section, possess every gadget there is. "All your need." Our trouble is that "having food and raiment we are not content therewith!" Yet these are what God promises!

The supply of needs is "according to God's riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Offerings prompted by commitment to Christ and inspired by His Spirit reap their reward from Him who is "the Lord of glory." Hope for reward, however, must never become our motive in giving. This should be done from "a willing heart," but it is reassuring to "know that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord" (Eph. 6:8).

"Because we love Thee and Thy work,

Our offering now we make;

Be pleased to use it as Thine own,

We ask for Jesus' sake."

(This devotional by Dr. Stuart R. Schimpf)

Open My Eyes That I May See

God calls us to employ all our senses as we strive to seek and serve him. We must keep our entire being--our bodies and our soul--tuned to God's every communication and prompting. In our busy lives we often miss the quiet promptings of God's Spirit. And when we do hear God speak, we often ignore the message. Clara Scott (1841-1897) calls us to watch and listen, and then to act on what we have seen and heard, sharing it with others.

Clara Scott was a music teacher who composed a great deal of instrumental and vocal music, including a book of anthems which was published in 1882. Her productive life of composing and teaching at the Women's Seminary in Lyons, Iowa, is evidence that her eyes and ears were open to God's leading, and that she was ready to share what God gave her. We should be ready to do the same.

Open my eyes, that I may see

Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;

Place in my hands the wonderful key,

That shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for Thee,

Ready, my God, Thy will to see;

Open my eyes, illumine me,

Spirit divine!

Open my ears, that I may hear

Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;

And while the wave-notes fall on my ear,

Everything false will disappear.

Silently now I wait for Thee,

Ready, my God, Thy will to see;

Open my eyes, illumine me,

Spirit divine!

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible by Tyndale House Publishers)

A Prayer for the Indwelling of the Spirit

Almighty God, enter our hearts and so fill us with your love, that, forsaking all evil desires, we may embrace you, our only good. Show us, in your mercy, O Lord and God, what you are to us. Say to our souls; I am your salvation. Speak that we may hear. Our hearts are before you; open our ears; let us seek your voice and cling to you. Do not hide your face from us, we pray, O Lord. Enlarge the narrowness of our souls, that you may enter in. Repair the decayed mansions, that you may dwell there. Hear us, O heavenly Father, for the sake of your only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
--Saint Augustine (354-430)

Mere Christianity Quotes (p. 98-99)

Here's another excerpt from the classic book by C.S. Lewis, "Mere Christianity". This passage is from the chapter about sexual morality.

If anyone says that sex, in itself, is bad, Christianity contradicts him at once. But, of course, when people say, 'Sex is nothing to be ashamed of,' they may mean 'the state into which the sexual instinct has now got is nothing to be ashamed of'.If they mean that, I think they are wrong. I think it is everything to be ashamed of. There is nothing to be ashamed of in enjoying your food: there would be everything to be ashamed of if half the world made food the main interest of their lives and spent their time looking at pictures of food and dribbling and smacking their lips.

I do not say you and I are individually responsible for the present situation. Our ancestors have handed over to us organisms which are warped in this respect: and we grow up surrounded by propaganda in favor of unchastity. There are people who want to keep our sex instinct inflamed in order to make money out of us. Because, of course, a man with an obsession is a man who has very little sales-resistance. God knows our situation; He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome. What matters is the sincerity and perseverance of our will to overcome them.

More of Jesus, Less of Me

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21)

To appreciate these words we should begin our reading at verse 15. Some of those who "preached Christ" more boldly on account of the apostle's imprisonment were doing so from low motives--out of envy and strife. They judged Paul to be like themselves and expected that their success in preaching would make him jealous, thus "adding affliction to his chains."

Paul disappointed these insincere preachers of the Gospel. As long as Christ was proclaimed he declared that it was his intention to rejoice! These refreshing words of his, so free from any bitterness or resentment, show us clearly the controlling purpose of his life. It was to "magnify" Jesus Christ.

What does Paul matter as long as Christ is exalted? This is his spirit--more, it is his passion! "He must increase, I must decrease" (John 3:30). Can we join the apostle in his testimony, "For to me to live is Christ!" Slights and insults thrust at us will have no effect. The trampling of Christ's name in the dirt will hurt us deeply. At the same time we shall shun applause for ourselves and delight to see honor given to Christ.

When William Carey lay dying, Alexander Duff, on whom Carey's "mantle" was soon to fall, came to visit his friend. Duff reminded Carey of the blessing that his missionary efforts had meant to India and the debt which the entire world owed him. As he turned to leave, Duff heard the dying man call his name. Upon returning to the bedside, he had to bend low to catch Carey's whispered words. "Duff, when William Carey is gone, don't talk about William Carey. Talk about William Carey's Savior!"

(this devotional by Dr. Stuart R. Schimpf)

The Teaching of Adversity

"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"
(John 16:33)

The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling..."(Psalm 91:1,10)--the place where you are at one with God.

If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." He is saying, "There is nothing for you to fear." The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.

God does not give us overcoming life--He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment--"To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life..."(Revelation 2:7). If you completely give of yourself physically, you become exhausted. But when you give of yourself spiritually, you get more strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. Our temptation is to face adversities from the standpoint of our own common sense. But a saint can "be of good cheer" even when seemingly defeated by adversities, because victory is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God.

A Prayer for Cleansing

O Lord our God, great, eternal, wonderful in glory, cleanse us from our sins, and from every thought displeasing to Thy goodness, cleanse our souls and bodies, our hearts and consciences that with a pure heart and a clear mind, with perfect love and calm hope, we may venture confidently and fearlessly to pray unto Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--The Coptic Liturgy of Saint Basil

God's Goodness is Vast

Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. (Psalm 36:5)(NLT)

The goodness of the Lord overwhelmed David, leaving him unable to describe it except through images from nature. (Ps 36:5-10) Through comparisons with the earth and the sky, the river and the sea, David details the attributes of God's character: His love is as vast as the heavens; his faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds; his righteousness stands as unshakable as the mighty mountains; and his justice runs as deep as the ocean depths. God continues to be good to his people today. Let us praise God for his immeasurable love and unfailing faithfulness toward us.

O LORD GOD, we thank you for your love and faithfulness, which are as limitless as the skies. We praise you for your justice and righteousness, which run as deep as the ocean. Your goodness is evident to all through your creation. Help us to reflect your love to those around us. Amen.



(from the Praise & Worship Study Bible--Tyndale House Publishers)

His Nature and Our Motives

"...unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20)

The characteristic of a disciple is not that he does good things, but that he is good in his motives, having been made good by the supernatural grace of God. The only thing that exceeds right-doing is right-being. Jesus Christ came to place within anyone who would let Him a new heredity that would have a righteousness exceeding that of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus us saying, "If you are My disciple, you must be right not only in your actions, but also in your motives, your aspirations, and in the deep recesses of the thoughts of your mind." Your motives must be so pure that God Almighty can see nothing to rebuke. Who can stand in the eternal light of God and have nothing for Him to rebuke? Only the Son of God, and Jesus Christ claims that through His redemption He can place within anyone His own nature and make that person as pure and as simple as a child. The purity that God demands is impossible unless I can be remade within, and that is exactly what Jesus has undertaken to do through His redemption.

No one can make himself pure by obeying laws, Jesus Christ does not give us rules and regulations--He gives us His teachings which are truths that can only be interpreted by His nature which He places within us. The great wonder of Jesus Christ's salvation is that He changes our heredity. He does not change human nature--He changes its source, and thereby its motives as well.

A Prayer for Daily Guidance

Grant us, we pray, almighty and most merciful God, fervently to desire, wisely to search out, and perfectly to fulfill all that is well-pleasing to you this day. Order our worldly condition to the glory of your Name; and, of all that you require us to do, grant us the knowledge, the desire, and the ability, that we may so fulfill it as we ought; and may our path to you, we pray, be safe, straightforward, and perfect to the end.
--Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

Holy, Holy, Holy

As a young Anglican vicar, Reginald Heber (1783-1826) wrote his own hymns to tie in with the various Sundays of the church year. "Holy, Holy, Holy," which Alfred Lord Tennyson called the world's greatest hymn, was written by Heber for Trinity Sunday, celebrated eight weeks after Easter.

Heber was continually impressed with the holiness of God, and he calls all of the saints and angels to worship God in response to it. Though sinful people cannot see the glory of God, he alone is truly holy and perfect. Once you have read these words, take a moment to bow in silence before our holy God.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee,

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,

Which wert and art and ever more shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,

Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;

Only Thou art holy--there is none beside Thee,

Perfect in pow'r, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea;

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible)

The Lord is Our Shield

How blessed you are, O Israel! Who else is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword! Your enemies will bow low before you, and you will trample on their backs! (Deut. 33:29)(NLT)

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high. (Psalm 3:3)(NLT)

In biblical times, the sharpest sword or the largest spear did little to help the soldier whose body was unprotected. It was essential that he have some sort of protection, such as armor or a shield. Today we face our own daily battles filled with pain and disappointment. The losses we experience through these struggles can lead to discouragement. But it is encouraging to learn that God is our shield. He will protect us from being overwhelmed by the dangers and pain of life. Praise God that He is our shield in the midst of life's battles.

O LORD OUR SHIELD, you do not send us onto the battlefield of life unprotected. We praise you that you are able to withstand any force we may encounter. Help us to trust in your protection, so that we may boldly face our daily challenges and bring glory to you. Amen.

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible--Tyndale House)

Held By the Grip of God

"I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me" (Philippians 3:12)

Never choose to be a worker for God, but once God has placed His call on you, woe be to you if you "turn aside to the right hand of to the left" (Deuteronomy 5:32). We are not here to work for God because we have chosen to do so, but because God has "laid hold of" us. And once He has done so, we never have this thought, "Well, I'm really not suited for this." What you are to preach is also determined by God, not by your own natural leanings or desires. Keep your soul steadfastly related to God, and remember that you are called not simply to convey your testimony but also to preach the gospel. Every Christian must testify to the truth of God, but when it comes to the call to preach, there must be the agonizing grip of God's hand on you--your life is in the grip of God for that very purpose. How many of us are held like that?

Never water down the Word of God, but preach it in its undiluted sternness. There must be unflinching faithfulness to the Word of God, but when you come to personal dealings with others, remember who you are--you are not some special being created in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do...I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

Fairest Lord Jesus

Exactly how and where this hymn came to be written is uncertain. It may have originated with Moravian Christians who fled Bohemia in the eighteenth century to settle in Silesia. The hymn depicts the character of Christ in some of the loveliest words and music ever penned. The lilting folk tune draws our attention outdoors to God's handiwork in nature, extolling the incredible beauties of creation. Yet as great as these are, the hymn continues, Jesus is fairer still. The song also reminds us of Christ's glory as both God and man. As we think about God's handiwork--the beauties of nature and splendor of the universe, we are led to worship the Creator, who brought it all into being.

Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son,

Thee will I cherish, thee will I honor, Thou my soul's glory, joy, and crown!

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring:

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, and all the twinkling, starry host:

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer, than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations! Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible-Tyndale House)

The Lord is Our Master

Psalm 16:2 (NLT)
I said to the LORD, "You are my Master! All the good things I have are from you."

David understood how uncertain life could be. He was no stranger to disappointment, rejection, and betrayal. Yet, in spite of these experiences, he wholeheartedly entrusted himself to his sovereign Master. David knew that the Lord would watch over him and that all his blessings came from the Lord. It only made sense to submit himself to this caring Master. Like David, we, too, can find safety and security in the Lord. When we acknowledge that he is our Master, we will find true peace and blessing.

GREAT MASTER, keep us safe, for, like David, we have come to you for refuge. In you we find protection and deliverance and blessing. We praise you for being our security for our days on earth and throughout eternity. Amen.

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible-Tyndale House)

A Prayer for Returning to God's Presence

Read Jeremiah 50:17-20

Show me, O Lord, your mercy, and delight my heart with it. Let me find you, whom I so longingly seek. See, here is the man whom the robbers seized, mishandled, and left half dead on the road to Jericho. O kindhearted Samaritan, come to my aid! I am the sheep who wandered into the wilderness--seek after me, and bring me home again to your fold. Do with me what you will, that I may stay with you all the days of my life and praise you with all those who are with you in heaven for all eternity. 
--Saint Jerome (347-420)

Living Simply--Yet Focused

"Look at the birds of the air...Consider the lilies of the field..." (Matthew 6:26, 28)

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin"--they simply are! Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon--all of these simply are as well--yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf! So often we impair God's designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, because of our own conscious efforts to be consistent and useful. Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, and that is through focusing and concentrating on God. In essence, Jesus was saying, "Do not worry about being of use to others: simply believe on Me." In other words, pay attention to the Source, and out of you "will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). We cannot discover the source of our natural life through common sense and reasoning, and Jesus is teaching here that growth in our spiritual life comes not from focusing directly on it, but from concentration on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually--just as the "lilies of the field."

The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and the lilies of the field--simply and unaffectedly. These are the lives that mold and shape us.

If you want to be of use to God, maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on Him, and He will make use of you every minute you live--yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of Him.

Trust & Obey

In 1886, while leading the music for evangelist D. L. Moody during a series of meetings in Brockton, Massuchusetts, Daniel B. Towner was struck by a simple comment made by a young convert: "I am not quite sure--but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey." Towner jotted down the comment and mailed it to the Rev. J. H. Sammis, who developed the thought into the well-known hymn, "Trust and Obey."

The hymn beautifully reflects the perfect balance found in the believer's relationship with Christ. Notice the if/then pattern to the lyrics: If we do his will, then he abides with us... and showers us with untold blessings along the way. Our relationship is not without cost--we must trust and we must obey--but as we toil to do so, he repays us with true happiness in him. As you worship, remember to praise him whose blessings invariably exceed our efforts to trust and obey.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word

what a glory He sheds on our way

While we do His good will He abides with us still

and with all who will trust and obey

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies

but His smile quickly drives it away

Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear

Can abide while we trust and obey

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share

but our toil He will richly repay

Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross

but is blest if we trust and obey

But we never can prove the delights of His love

until all on the altar we lay

For the favor He shows and the joy He bestows

are for them who will trust and obey

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet

or we'll walk by His side in the way

What He says we will do, where He sends we will go

Never fear only trust and obey

Chorus:

Trust and obey for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible)

All Spiritual Blessings

"Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings."  (Ephesians 1:3)

All the goodness of the past, the present, and the future, Christ bestows upon his people. In the mysterious ages of the past the Lord Jesus was his Father's first elect, and in his election he gave us an interest, for we were chosen in him from before the foundation of the world. He had from all eternity the prerogatives of Sonship, as his Father's only-begotten and well-beloved Son, and he has, in the riches of his grace, by adoption and regeneration, elevated us to sonship also, so that to us he has given "power to become the sons of God." The eternal covenant, based upon suretiship and confirmed by oath, is ours, for our strong consolation and security.

In the everlasting settlements of predestinating wisdom and omnipotent decree, the eye of the Lord Jesus was ever fixed on us; and we may rest assured that in the whole roll of destiny there is not a line which militates against the interests of his redeemed. The great betrothal of the Prince of Glory is ours, for it is to us that he is affianced, as the sacred nuptials shall ere long declare to an assembled universe. The marvelous incarnation of the God of heaven, with all the amazing condescension and humiliation which attended it, is ours. The bloody sweat, the scourge, the cross, are ours ever. Whatever blissful consequences flow from perfect obedience, finished atonement, resurrection, ascension, or intercession, all are ours by his own gift.

Upon his breastplate he is now bearing our names; and in his authoritative pleadings at the throne he remembers our persons and pleads our cause. His dominion over principalities and powers, and his absolute majesty in heaven, he employs for the benefit of them who trust in him. His high estate is as much at our service as was his condition of abasement. He who gave himself for us in the depths of woe and death, doth not withdraw the grant now that he is enthroned in the highest heavens.

(a devotional by Charles Spurgeon)

The Lord is a Jealous God

Then Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy and jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and sins. (Joshua 24:19)(NLT)


When we speak of jealousy among human beings, we normally consider it a vice. However, the Bible clearly describes God--who is perfectly good--as jealous. How can a good God be jealous? The answer is that God's jealousy stems from his covenant love. He has specially chosen his people and loves them so much that he is jealous when they are unfaithful to him. Unlike human jealousy, God's jealousy is not selfish. God created us to enjoy his fellowship, and he knows that our unfaithfulness will only hurt us in the end. Meditate on the ways God's jealous love keeps us from disaster.


HOLY GOD, we praise  you for your jealous love. Despite our unworthiness, you have chosen us as your people. Fill us with your Spirit so that we may serve you wholeheartedly. Help us to sever any loyalties that draw our attention away from you. Amen.

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible--Tyndale House)

Ready in Season

"Be ready in season and out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2)


Many of us suffer from the unbalanced tendency to "be ready" only "out of season." The season does not refer to time; it refers to us. This verse says, "Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season." In other words, we should "be ready" whether we feel like it or not. If we do only what we feel inclined to do, some of us would never do anything. There are some people who are totally unemployable in the spiritual realm. They are spiritually feeble and weak, and they refuse to do anything unless they are supernaturally inspired. The proof that our relationship is right with God is that we do our best whether we fell inspired or not.

One of the worst traps a Christian worker can fall into is to become obsessed with his own exceptional moments of inspiration. When the Spirit of God gives you a time of inspiration and insight, you tend to say, "Now that I've experienced this moment, I will always be like this for God." No, you will not, and God will make sure of that. Those times are entirely the gift of God. You cannot give them to yourself when you choose. If you say you will only be at your best for God, as during those exceptional times, you actually become an intolerable burden on Him. You will never do anything unless God keeps you consciously aware of His inspiration to you at all times. If you make a god out of your best moments, you will find that God will fade out of your life, never to return until you are obedient in the work He has placed closest to you, and until you have learned not to be obsessed with those exceptional moments He has give you.

The Lord Alone is God

Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. (Deut. 6:4-5)(NLT)

Verse 4 describes the Lord as the only God of the Israelites. To know the one true God was essential for a people who were surrounded by a plethora of rival deities. We face similar challenges today as we hear the competing claims of false gods who bid for our loyalty. We may rejoice, however, that we have a personal relationship with the one true God through his Son, Jesus Christ.

O LORD, we humbly bow at your feet and worship you, for you alone are God. Although we have chosen to follow you, we confess that we are often lured away by many other gods of this world. Help us to remain faithful to you, Lord, refusing to bow before these other gods. For truly you alone are worthy of worship and praise. Amen.

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible--Tyndale House)

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

The writer of this hymn made it difficult to miss his confession of spiritual weakness. Robert Robinson (1735-1790) knew all too well the difficulty of faithfully walking with Christ and was quick to give the credit to the Lord alone for the times he remained "fixed in the name." As a young man, Robinson was converted to Christ by the passionate preaching of George Whitefield. Despite entering the ministry, however, Robinson eventually lapsed into sin and questionable doctrinal positions. Some contemporaries believe that he later regretted this separation from Christ and longed to return to the former closeness he had felt in his earlier days.

As you reflect on these lyrics, be reminded that it is Christ's work and not ours that draws us and keeps us near him. Thank God for his steadfast pursuit of us, though we are prone to wander away from him.

Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above;

Praise his name--I'm fixed upon it--name of God's redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by thy help I've come;

And I hope by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger, bought me with his precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!

Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee:

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;

Here's my heart, O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House)

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Altars and memorials are mentioned frequently throughout the Old Testament. These objects were significant in Israelite worship, for they were tangible and often imposing reminders of what God had accomplished for his people. They served as a testimony to later generations, who would see the memorial and learn about God's everlasting covenant with his people.

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness" can rightly be called a memorial in song, for it too reminds us of God's greatness--the constancy of his character, his everlasting goodness, and his mastery over the universe. As you read Thomas Chisholm's words, reflect on God's faithfulness to us.

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with thee;

Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;

As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

(chorus)

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed thy hand hath provided--

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible by Tyndale House)

Turning Back or Walking with Jesus?

"Do you also want to go away?" (John 6:67)


What a penetrating question! Our Lord's words often hit home for us when He speaks in the simplest way. In spite of the fact that we know who Jesus is, He asks, "Do you also want to go away?" We must continually maintain an adventurous attitude toward Him, despite any potential personal risk.

"From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more" (John 6:66). They turned back from walking with Jesus; not into sin, but away from Him. Many people today are pouring their lives out and working for Jesus Christ, but are not really walking with Him. One thing God constantly requires of us is a oneness with Jesus Christ. After being set apart through sanctification, we should discipline our lives spiritually to maintain this intimate oneness. When God gives you a clear determination of His will for you, all your striving to maintain that relationship by some particular method is completely unnecessary. All that is required is to live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. Never try to live your life with God in any other way than His way. And His way means absolute devotion to Him. Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus.

Peter saw in Jesus only someone who could minister salvation to him and to the world. But our Lord wants us to be fellow laborers with Him.

In verse 70 Jesus lovingly reminded Peter that he was chosen to go with Him. And each of us must answer this question for ourselves and no one else: "Do you also want to go away?"

The Lord Stands By Us

No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. (Joshua 1:5)(NLT)

As Joshua stood at the threshold of the Promised Land, God spoke to him: "I will not fail you or abandon you" (Joshua 1:5). Like a steadfast friend and a faithful father, the Lord promised to stand by Joshua as he took on the leadership of Israel. Just prior to the dawning of the church, this scene was repeated. Jesus' disciples were gathered on a mountain in Galilee, probably largely unaware of what challenges lay ahead now that Jesus was going to return to his Father. But Jesus assured them, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Let us go forward with the great assurance that the Lord will always stand by us.

ALMIGHTY GOD, we praise you for the assurance that you are with us and will never fail us. We ask that the words you spoke to Joshua would be heard by all your people who feel lonely or fearful, including those in positions of leadership. Thank you, faithful Lord. Amen.

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible-Tyndale House)

The Cost of Sanctification

"May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely..." (1 Thessalonians 5:23)


When we pray, asking God to sanctify us, are we prepared to measure up to what that really means? We take the word sanctification much too lightly. Are we prepared to pay the cost of sanctification? The cost will be a deep restriction of all our earthly concerns, and an extensive cultivation of all our godly concerns. Sanctification means to be intensely focused on God's point of view. It means to secure and to keep all the strength of our body, soul, and spirit for God's purpose alone. Are we really prepared for God to perform in us everything for which He separated us? And after He has done His work, are we then prepared to separate ourselves to God just as Jesus did? "For their sakes I sanctify myself..." (John 17:19). The reason some of us have not entered into the experience of sanctification is that we have not realized the meaning of sanctification from God's perspective. Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us. Are we really prepared for what that will cost? It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God.


Are we prepared to be caught up into the full meaning of Paul's prayer in this verse? Are we prepared to say, "Lord, make me, a sinner saved by grace, as holy as You can"? Jesus prayed that we might be one with Him, just as He is one with the Father (see John 17:21-23). The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person's life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ, and the freedom from everything that is not like Him. Are we prepared to set ourselves apart for the Holy Spirit's work in us?

Why Do You Go?

Some go to church to take a walk; some go there to laugh and talk.

Some go there to meet a friend; some go there their time to spend.

Some go there to meet a lover; some go there a fault to cover.

Some go there for speculation; some go there for observation.

Some go there to daze and nod; the wise go there to worship God.

---C. H. Spurgeon

God Transcends Understanding

Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be his counselor? And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay him back? For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen.  (Romans 11:33-36)(NLT)

God made us in his image. We would be gravely mistaken, however, to assume that this allows us to understand the mysteries of his eternal being. God has infinitely more knowledge than the total sum of human learning. His decisions are more intelligent, more certain, more wise than those of any human being. Like Paul, we can only marvel at the greatness of our God and give thanks that he has chosen to reveal himself to us through his Word.

ETERNAL GOD, when we think about your attributes, we are filled with awe. Your infinite wisdom can never be fully understood. You have existed from the beginning of time, and you will remain when heaven and earth are no longer. We praise your name for you are great. Amen.

from the Praise and Worship Study Bible--Tyndale House

Praise Him! Praise Him!

In the fifth chapter of Revelation, John begins to weep, for there seemed to be no one who could open the seven-sealed scrolled of God. But then the Lion of the tribe of Judah appears, the Lamb who has been killed for all humanity and has been raised to life once again. He is worthy to open the scroll, and all heaven bursts into glorious praise.

Perhaps this is the scene that inspired Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915) to compose this popular hymn. Jesus Christ, our Lamb, has been sacrificed for our salvation, and he is worthy of our honor and worship. As you reflect on her words of praise, consider the many ways you can give Christ glory.

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died;

He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,

Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.

Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows;

Love unbounded, wonderful deep and strong:

Praise Him! praise Him! tell of His excellent greatness;

Praise Him! praise Him! ever in joyful song!

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House)