February 1st

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” (Psa 127:3).

We are living in an evil day when children are often unwanted by their parents. Many forms of “birth control” abound. Abortion, which is one of the vilest forms of murder, is practiced on a widespread scale. Even when children are actually born they are often neglected. Instead of enjoying and tenderly caring for their precious off-spring, many mothers turn them over to “baby-sitters” or “day-care” centers while these little ones are in their formative years.

How different is the Biblical picture! The first command that God gave mankind was to “... Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth....” (Gen. 1:28). This command was given before man fell into sin and it has never been withdrawn.

Children are to be deeply appreciated as wonderful blessings from the Lord. They are not, however, just playthings or novelties to be enjoyed selfishly. They belong to the Lord and they are to be diligently brought up in the “... nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4).

February 2nd

“And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.” (Gen 32:12).

Jacob uttered the above words when in fervent prayer. He had reached a crisis in his life and seemed to be in great danger. He pleaded with the Lord to deliver him from the hand of his enemy. Then he uttered the above words. What he was doing here was reminding God of His promises. While God does not need reminding, nevertheless, He is pleased when His children plead His promises with Him in prayer. This is a good way to pray. It is a necessary way to pray. It is an indispensable way to pray. Search the scriptures. Find God’s promises to His people. Then plead these promises while in prayer. Moses did this. (Ex. 32:13). Solomon did this. (1 Kings 8:26). David did this. (Ps. 119:58). Daniel did this. (Dan 9:19).

We must learn to humbly but boldly plead the promises of God in our prayers. God always keeps His promises!

February 3rd

“... Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren ... And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt....” (Gen. 37:2 ... 41:46)

These two passages show us that Joseph went through a great trial of faith which lasted for thirteen long years. He was seventeen years of age when his brothers cruelly sold him into slavery. When he was thirty he became next to Pharaoh in power and authority. In the meantime, he suffered severely. He was absent from his beloved father. He was a slave who had lost his freedom. He was falsely accused of attempted adultery and cast into prison.

How did he behave himself while under these trials? He diligently worked at whatever job was placed before him. He did not murmur or complain. He did not become bitter or discouraged.

After God had tried him and prepared him in the furnace of afflictions, He promoted Joseph to a position of great responsibility and honor.

If you are under trial, take heart! Behave under your trial as Joseph did. Remember, in the providence of God every trial has an end!

February 4th

“... How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Gen 39:9).

Potipher’s wife repeatedly tempted Joseph to commit adultery with her. Finally, when he steadfastly refused her advances, she became angry and falsely reported that he had tempted her to sin. For this, Joseph was cast into prison.

Why didn’t Joseph commit adultery? He was away from home in a strange land where no one knew him. The “boss’s” wife would probably have tried to obtain better working conditions for him if he had pleased her. He could have enjoyed the pleasures of sin for a season.

One thing that kept Joseph from sinning was the respect that he had for his master. But the ultimate reason that Joseph stated for refusing to do this wickedness was that it was “sin against God.” David recognized the same thing about his sin with Bathsheba. He told God that “Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight....” (Ps. 51:4).

Recognize sin for what it truly is and avoid it like the plague. When we sin, we sin against God!

February 5th

“But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” (Gen 39:21).

God is completely and sovereignly in control of every human being. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” (Prov. 21:1). The Lord can cause those who are over you to regard you with favor. Are you having trouble with your employer? Live right before God and pray to Him about it. The Lord gave Joseph favor in the sight of this keeper of the prison. The Lord gave Nehemiah favor in the sight of the king of Persia who gave him permission and help to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. (Neh. 1:11). The Lord gave Esther favor in the sight of the Persian king. (Est. 5:2). “Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.” (Dan. 1:9).

This ought to encourage us to walk humbly before God and to depend upon Him for our proper relationships with people. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Prov. 16:7).

February 6th

“And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.” (Gen 42:21).

Guilt is a terrible thing and we cannot avoid it when we violate the laws of God. We may “... be sure your sin will find you out.” (Num. 32:23). Thirteen years before this, Joseph’s brothers had sinned against God and against Joseph by selling him into slavery. They concealed their evil deed with a lie to their father, Jacob. They thought that no one would ever know. But God knew and he brought them before Joseph, whom they had wronged. Even though they did not as yet know that this was Joseph, their hearts were filled with guilt and fear.

King Herod had beheaded John the Baptist. He thought he had gotten rid of him for good. But when Jesus began to preach and to work miracles, Herod thought that John had risen from the dead. (Mark 6:16). His wicked heart was filled with guilt.

Let us, like Paul, exercise ourselves “... to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men.” (Acts 24:16).

“And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.” (Gen 47:7).

It is a wonderful thing to be a child of God! God’s children are “... heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.... (Rom. 8:17). They are “... rich in faith....” (James 2:5). They are “... partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Col. 1:12). Their wealth is eternal.

Not only are they rich, they are also in a position of dignity, honor, and power. Though they are usually despised by the children of this world, some day they shall judge angels. (1 Cor. 6:3).

In this scene Jacob blessed Pharaoh. “And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.” (Heb. 7:7). Pharaoh might have been amused at Jacob. Here was an old nomad who had a family of around 70 members blessing Pharaoh, the mighty monarch who ruled over vast dominions and great multitudes of people.

But this was no fluke; this was not an accident. Pharaoh was just another king who would soon die and be forgotten. But Jacob was God’s patriarch; he was God’s child.

Are you a child of God? Lift up your head and walk worthy of your calling.

February 8th

“And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day....” (Gen 48:15).

Jacob was well over one hundred years of age when he wrote these words. He had gone through many trying experiences in life and had one time suffered famine. He had been rescued from one trouble after another as he lived. Now, looking back over thousands of days of life and tens of thousands of meals, he said that God had fed him all the way.

David, also an old man, said: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Ps. 37:35). The Lord Jesus said: “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.” Then He asked His disciples, “Are ye not much better than they?” (Matt. 6:26).

God has been feeding His people for centuries and He will continue doing it so long as the world stands. Don’t dishonor Him with distrust.

February 9th

“And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it.” (Exo 2:9).

As we read through the scriptures we must continually marvel and be comforted as we see the controlling influence of God. Here is a vivid case in point. Pharaoh had decreed that all the male infants of the Hebrews were to be destroyed. But Pharaoh’s very own daughter adopted the infant Moses. And Moses’ own mother was paid wages for nursing her own son! Great is the power of God manifested in behalf of His people.

Moreover, Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s house and was educated there. He was “... learned in all wisdom of the Egyptians....” (Acts 7:22). Moses later became the great enemy of the Egyptians. Pharaoh, thus, provided an education for his enemy.

Pharaoh thought that he was a sovereign ruler when he decreed that the baby boys should be killed. But, unintentionally, he fed, clothed, and educated his mortal enemy. God proved to be the only Sovereign and He still rules and reigns.

February 10th

“And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows....” (Exo 3:7).

Sometimes God’s people fear that God has forgotten about them or forsaken them. They get in deep distress. Their troubles grow into a great heap. There doesn’t seem to be any way out. That was precisely the situation with the children of Israel in Egypt. They were forced to perform hard labor for the Egyptians. They had been in Egypt for four hundred years and things had gone from bad to worse. Their situation looked hopeless. Surely God didn’t care any longer.

But, not so! God “saw” their affliction. He “heard” their cry. He “knew” their sorrows. And at the very moment the situation looked the most hopeless He was preparing for their deliverance.

Are you, Christian friend, in dire circumstances? Then remember that God still sees, hears, and knows. “... Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28).

February 11th

“And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.” (Exo 4:14).

A very important lesson is here for us. The Lord had appeared unto Moses in the burning bush and told him to go to Egypt to bring His people out from bondage. Moses, realizing his weakness, questioned God about this. The Lord promised to go with Moses. Moses then protested that the Israelites would not believe him when he told them that God had sent him. The Lord promised to confirm his commission with signs and wonders. Then Moses complained that he was “slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” God promised to “be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”

Moses then asked the Lord to send someone else. God became angry with Moses, but in mercy gave him Aaron as a spokesman. Later, Aaron was the one who made the golden calf the Israelites worshipped as an idol. On another occasion Aaron and his sister Miriam challenged Moses’ authority as leader. (Num. 12:2). Aaron seemed to be a frequent source of trouble to Moses.

Has God given you a job to do? Be about the father’s business. Don’t complain.

February 12th

“For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.” (Exo 5:23).

An old expression has it that “the darkest hour is just before dawn.” It often seems that way in human affairs. Sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better. God had sent Moses to Egypt to deliver His people from cruel bondage. But Pharaoh didn’t let the people go. Instead he made things harder for them. The people were discouraged and angry with Moses. Moses complained to God and wanted to know what was going on.

God had a purpose in the delay. He was going to bring severe judgments on Pharaoh. Man’s extremity was God’s opportunity. The harder the battle the sweeter the victory. The people of Israel would have done well to have trusted God’s promises. Their eyes should have been on Him instead of on the circumstances.

Are things difficult? Wait patiently on the Lord. He will manifest Himself in due time.

February 13th

“But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” (Exo 8:15).

True repentance is a gracious gift of God. God “... commandeth all men everywhere to repent....” (Acts 17:30). But in his state of being dead in sin he is unable to do so. It takes a work of grace to enable a person to repent. Paul said of some people that “... if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth....” (2 Tim. 2:25).

True repentance is not sorrow for the consequences of sin, but sorrow for the sin itself. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation....” (2 Cor. 7:10).

Pharaoh was not sorry for his sin; he was sorry because of the consequences of his sin. Pressure had been applied to him and he had seemed to repent. When the pressure was removed, he “hardened his heart.”

How is it with you? Are you genuinely sorry because of your sins? If so, you will turn from them. Not because of the consequences, but because you are sorry that you have sinned against the precious Lord.

February 14th

“Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.” (Exo 10:26).

After God had applied some pressure to Pharaoh he agreed to let the children of Israel go worship God. But he said they must leave their cattle behind. This was a wicked attempt at compromise. God’s people could not worship God with full effectiveness without their cattle because they needed them to offer as sacrifices. Moses immediately refused to accept this compromise. In the boldness of a vigorous faith he told Pharaoh that they wouldn’t leave one hoof behind.

Satan works today like Pharaoh did. He tempts God’s people with compromises. He tells us that it is all right to serve God but we must withhold our money, our prime time, or refuse to part with some of our pet sins. He tells us to hold on to that particular job or that group of friends that is hindering us in our service to God.

We must refuse to compromise. We must tell Satan plainly that all we are and all we have belongs to God. We must not leave a single hoof behind.

February 15th

“And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.” (Exo 12:41).

Even though the world is several thousand years old, God is on a precise timetable. He has history planned out to the minutest detail. He had prophesied to Abraham that the family of God should go into captivity in Egypt and that they would be delivered at a precise time. He accomplished that prophecy on the very day that He had intended to do so.

Later, when He sent His Son into the world, He sent Him “... when the fulness of time was come....” (Gal. 4:4). Not a minute too early, not a minute too late. When the Blessed Redeemer drew near the time He was to go to the cross, He said, “... My time is at hand....”(Matt. 26:18). Christ gave Himself a ransom for all His people “... to be testified in due time.” (1 Tim. 2:6).

The universe is still operating on God’s timetable. At the precise time, the Son of God will return to consummate His kingdom and time will give way to eternity.

February 16th

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” (Eph 6:1).

We are living in a day of general disobedience. This is manifested flagrantly in the disobedience of children to their parents. Most people don’t realize what an abomination this is to God. God commanded obedience to parents in the Ten Commandments. (Ex. 20:12). Under the law, disrespect or disobedience to parents was a crime punishable by death. (Ex. 21:15, 17). In the New Testament, disobedience to parents is listed in the category of “... backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things....” (Rom. 1:30). Paul said that in the last days men would be “... blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” (2 Tim. 3:2).

Children, recognize the seriousness of this and obey your parents! Parents, if you love God and if you love your children, you must insist that they obey you. This is your responsibility before God. To fail to do so will bring the wrath of God down upon you and upon your children. Don’t listen to the world. Don’t listen to godless psychologists. Listen to God!

February 17th

“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment....” (Exo 23:2).

It is easy to follow the crowd. It is hard to resist and to not follow the crowd. But God’s people must do exactly that. The Bible is full of those who refused to follow the multitude to do evil. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to follow the crowd. They would not bow down to worship the golden image. God delivered them. There were many Hebrew captives in Babylon, but evidently many of them followed the multitude and bowed down to the idol.

Daniel refused to follow the multitude to do evil. He continued to pray openly to God even when he was told to do so no longer. He was cast into the den of lions but God delivered him. Throughout history there have been those men and women of God who took a stand against the crowd. Some of them were delivered in life; some of them were delivered in death. Let us walk in their footsteps as they follow Christ.

In the words of the song writer: “Dare to be a Daniel; dare to stand alone; dare to have a purpose firm; dare to make it known.”

February 18th

“By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.” (Exo 23:30).

Canaan was full of enemies to the people of Israel. God promised to drive those enemies out. But He said that He would not drive them out all at once. If He drove them out immediately there would be no one to cultivate the land. The Israelites were not yet numerous enough to populate the land. The land would become a wilderness filled with wild beasts.

God promised that He would drive out the inhabitants by “little and little.” As the children of Israel gradually increased and were able to occupy and care for the country the Lord would give them more and more territory.

There is a good spiritual lesson here. Many of God’s people would like to have opportunities for service that they are not capable of handling. They don’t understand why God doesn’t open up more doors for them. But, as God’s people increase in godliness, dedication, and spiritual knowledge then “little by little” He will open the doors of opportunity. We must concentrate on deepening the testimony of our lives. God will provide for the spreading of that testimony to others.

February 19th

“And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.” (Exo 28:12).

Aaron was the high priest of Israel. As such, he was a type of the Lord Jesus Christ as the High Priest of His people. When Aaron went into the most holy place of the tabernacle, he bore the names of the children of Israel on his shoulders before the Lord. The names were engraved on two onyx stones which were placed upon the shoulders of the high priest.

The tabernacle and the priesthood were “... patterns of things in the heavens....” (Heb. 9:23). Aaron represented the Lord Jesus Christ as the High Priest who appears before God the Father to intercede in behalf of His people. What is the significance of the names being borne on the shoulders of the high priest? The shoulders in scriptures often represent the points of strength. In Isa. 9:6, speaking of Christ, it is said, “... and the government shall be upon His shoulder....”

No one but Christ has the strength and ability to bear His people before God the Father. No one else is “... mighty to save.” (Is. 63:1).

February 20th

“And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.” (Exo 28:29).

As we saw yesterday, Aaron as the high priest of Israel represented Christ as the High Priest of His people. As Aaron went into the most holy place of the tabernacle, Christ is entered into the heavens into the presence of God the Father. “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us....” (Heb. 9:24).  As the High Priest of His people, he “... ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Heb. 7:25).

Aaron bore the names of the children of Israel before God in the tabernacle. These names were engraved on twelve precious stones which were contained in Aaron’s breastplate “upon his heart.” What a precious type! The names of God’s children are continually borne before God the Father by Jesus Christ. And they are borne upon His heart -- the place of affection! Wonderful blessing it is to be “near to the heart of God!”

February 21st

“And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” (Rev 5:8).

In the Old Testament tabernacle service there was an altar of incense. This altar stood right before the holiest of holies. The priest burned sweet-smelling incense on this altar morning and evening. (Ex. 30:7,8). What did this incense represent? What lesson are we to learn from it? Evidently incense was symbolical of the ascending prayer of the officiating high priest. David prayed, “Lest my prayer be set before thee as incense....” (Paul’s. 141:2).

Here, in Rev. 5:8, there are “... golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” In Rev. 8:3,4 incense is offered with the prayers of the saints.

Beautiful spiritual realities are taught here. The prayers of the saints ascend before the throne of God as they are mixed with the beautiful fragrance of the intercessions of their great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. His blessed fragrance is what makes our prayers accepted.

February 22nd

“Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.” (Exo 32:26).

God’s people had sinned grievously when they had made and worshipped the golden calf. When Moses came down from the mount and saw what abominations they had committed, he made this challenge. The Levites committed themselves and came to Moses’ side.

Today the need is great for those who profess Christianity to come out loudly and clearly on the Lord’s side. We must live the separated life, in order to be on the Lord’s side. Not separated physically, but separated in attitudes and actions. Where do you stand? Whose side are you on in matters of morality, dress, entertainment, education, etc? Does the world dictate your standards or does God’s word? Do those with whom you live and work know where you stand? They do if you have really taken a stand. And, of course, God knows exactly where you stand. He knows if you are on His side or not.

February 23rd

“Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin....” (Exo 34:7).

If Christians realized more fully the horror of their sins they would be more thankful for the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. Often we try to minimize the true nature of our sins by referring to them as “weaknesses” or “shortcomings.” But the scriptures permit no such minimizing. They call sin “sin” and even use many descriptive words to show the nature of sin.

Here the Lord referred to “iniquity,” “transgression,” and “sin.” The Hebrew word translated “iniquity” means “perverseness” or “crookedness.” It has reference to one who leaves a straight path. The word translated “transgression” means “rebellion.” We sinners rebel against the most high God every time we fail to fully obey Him from the heart. The word translated “sin” means “missing the mark.” Paul speaks of this in Rom. 3:23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God....”

David admitted being guilty of all three of these in Ps. 51:1, 2. Let us freely admit our guilt before God and be thankful for the salvation that is in Jesus Christ.

February 24th

“And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.” (Exo 36:5).

A sort of true religious revival is described here. The tabernacle was being constructed by the command of God. Much material, most of it of a very expensive and precious nature, was required in the construction of the tabernacle. It might have been thought that this material would be very hard to obtain. But the Lord stirred up the hearts of the people. They freely gave of what they had in the service of the Lord. They were so generous that the workmen told Moses that they had too much material. Moses issued a proclamation for the people to bring no more.

When people’s hearts are stirred like this, it is because the Holy Spirit is at work among them. Would you like to check the condition of your heart? How generous are you toward God? Do you give to His cause freely and joyfully or grudgingly and sparingly? Pray for a revival in your soul. What a wonderful thing it would be to see this scene repeated in our own day!

February 25th

“And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the Lord....” (Lev 5:7).

God never asks us to do more than we can but He does ask us to do everything we can do. For the trespass offering, the guilty party was to bring a lamb to be sacrificed. But some people were too poor to bring a lamb. They had the responsibility of bringing two turtledoves or two young pigeons. If a man could not afford the lamb, the Lord accepted his offering of birds just as certainly as He would have accepted the lamb. But if a man who could afford a lamb offered the turtle doves or pigeons, he would be robbing God.

The same principle applies today. If you have been prospered by the Lord but you only give as much in His cause as one who has not been so prospered, you are as guilty as the man who could sacrifice a lamb but only sacrificed turtledoves

February 26th

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering....” (Col 3:12).

God’s elect are priests with God. Speaking of New Testament saints Peter said, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet 2:5).

One of the things that distinguished Old Testament priests was the type of clothing that they wore. Lev. 8:7-9 gives a description of the clothes which the priests wore. They had a special coat, an ephod, a robe and other garments. These clothes served to distinguish them from all other people.

The New Testament priest is to be distinguished from all other people also. But not so much by his outward dress (even though Christians are to dress modestly and decently). The Christian is to be distinguished by his attitudes and actions which manifest the condition of his heart. He is to be merciful, kind, humble, meek, longsuffering. It is certain that if a Christian puts on these things in abundance he will stand out from those around him

February 27th

“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” (John 3:34).

The Lord Jesus Christ is the great High Priest of His people. As such, He was anointed by God the Father with the Holy Spirit without measure. Aaron was a type of Christ as the High Priest. Aaron was anointed with the anointing oil before he entered in on his service as the High Priest (Lev 8:12). The Son of God was anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure before He began His public ministry. At His baptism the Spirit descended and remained on Him. (John 1:33).

All believers in Christ are given the Holy Spirit, but only Christ was given the Spirit without measure. God the Father said to Him: "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”  (Heb 1:9).

February 28th

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Pet 1:15, 16).

God intends for His people to be holy. This is the only way we can have fellowship with Him. His nature is holy, so if we are to commune with Him we must be holy too. Now, no human is perfectly holy in the present state. But God’s Spirit is continually working in all the children of God to bring them to greater degrees of practical holiness. The Lord chastens His people that they “... might be partakers of his holiness.” (Heb 12:10). The fact that the Lord is coming again should make us continually consider “... what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness....” (2 Pet 3:11).

If we have a desire to be holy now, this is evidence that we are truly children of God. We can then look forward to the day that we will be “holy and without blame” before God because of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Eph 1:4-7).

February 29th

“And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons....” (Lev 12:8).

The Lord Jesus Christ is a “merciful and faithful High Priest” for His children. (Heb. 2:17). He can comfort His people when they suffer because He suffered when on earth in His body of flesh. (Heb. 2:18). One of the areas in which He is able to comfort is in the area of poverty. The Lord Jesus was born into a poor home. As is pointed out here, when a woman under the law gave birth to a child she had to go through the rite of purification. For an offering at this time she was to bring a lamb. But if she was unable to bring a lamb, she was to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons.

When Mary, the mother of our Lord, came to be purified, she offered the sacrifice of the poor. (Luke 2:24). So, if you are in or from a poor home, the blessed Lord was also. He can comfort you.