July 1st

"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deu 29:29).

God has revealed all that He wants His people to know. He has made this revelation in nature and especially in His Word. There are many things which He has not chosen to reveal. These are the “secret things” which belong to Him.

We are not to inquire into these secret things. God has given us what we need to know now. He has given us these revealed things “that we may do all the words of this law.” He wants us to live by what we do know, and to refrain from following our curiosity by seeking into those things that belong only to Him.

Some people are so busy trying to figure out mysteries that God has not chosen to reveal, that they don’t even live basic Christian lives according to the plainly revealed principles of God’s Word.

Let us seek diligently to know everything that God has revealed -- and live according to this revelation! And let us not waste time speculating on what has not yet been revealed.

July 2nd

"But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Psa 115:3).

The truth taught in this verse should bring comfort and stability to the child of God, no matter how confused and troubled the world becomes. God is in control of all things. He is not the author of sin but He overrules even the sinful acts of men for His own wise purposes.

Sinful men and nations can go just so far as the Lord allows them to go and no farther.

King Nebuchadnezzar recognized this sovereignty of God as he said, "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" (Dan 4:35).

This is a very practical truth for the child of God to believe in with all his heart. Let come what may, he will have peace in his heart because the King of kings is on His throne and is in control.

July 3rd

"And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.” (Gen 42:36).

Satan always tries to get the child of God to look on the dark side of life. The devil attempts to make us believe that things are worse than they really are. He does this so that we may be fearful and discouraged in the work of the Lord.

Jacob said "all these things are against me" when in reality they were all working together for his good. Joseph was not really dead, but God in His marvelous providence, had sent him to Egypt for the specific purpose of saving Jacob and his family alive during the famine. (Gen. 45:7). Simeon and Benjamin would both outlive their father and the whole family would live together in happiness and prosperity in the land of Goshen. (Gen. 46:34). Things were a lot brighter than Jacob thought they were.

And things are a lot brighter than you think they are too, child of God. God loves His children and He orders all things for their good and His glory.

July 4th

"Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity....” (Hab 1:13).

There is a great need today for God’s people to understand the holiness of God. Sin will not appear as horrifying to us as it really is unless we understand that sin is committed against a holy God. Salvation in Jesus Christ cannot be properly appreciated until we realize the immeasurable contrast between the Holy God and filthy sinners.

The angelic beings recognize the holiness of God for what it is. Isaiah heard the seraphim cry “... Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isa 6:3). John had this to say about the heavenly creatures: "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (Rev 4:8).

Let us beg the Lord of glory to open our eyes so that we may behold His holiness. Then we will automatically see our own wretchedness and we will glorify God for His salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. And we will be revived! There is no lukewarmness when we behold the glory of the Most High God!

July 5th

"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Prov 15:3).

Do you really believe this verse? Really believe it? Believe it from the heart and not just from the head?

The answer to this question is found by the effect which it has on an individual’s life. A real believer will be just as careful about his private conduct as he is about his public conduct.

One who hesitates to commit certain sins because the eyes of men are upon him, but who commits them when alone, does not really believe this verse. A person who watches his language when he is around Christians, but does not do so at other times, does not believe this verse.

Sodom and Gomorrah could not hide their sins from the Lord. (Gen. 18:21). David could not hide his sin from the Lord. (2 Sam. 11:27). Cain could not hide his murder from the Lord. (Gen. 4:10).

We all live in glass houses as far as God is concerned. May this truth mold our lives in private and in public.

July 6th

"And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel ... But David tarried still at Jerusalem.” (2 Sam 11:1).

It has been well said that “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” David was a mighty man of God and had gone before the armies of Israel many times as they fought the Lord’s battles. But now David had become overconfident or lazy or both. He did not go to battle with his troops, but stayed behind and lounged around the palace.

While he was in this condition of slothfulness, he was tempted to sin and wound up committing adultery and murder. If he had been busy fighting the Lord’s battles the temptation would not have been presented.

One of the best ways to protect ourselves against temptation is to be so busy about our Father’s business that there is no room in our lives for Satan’s suggestions.

Christian friend, busy yourself today in the work of the Lord.

July 7th

"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” (1 Cor 6:18).

When an enemy or something dangerous approaches us the best thing to do is to flee with all our might. To play with fire is to risk being burned. Joseph literally fled from a situation in which he was being tempted to commit fornication. (Gen. 39:12).

The Bible tells us to flee from other things: “... flee from idolatry.” (1 Cor 10:14). Whatsoever a man most trusts in and most delights in is his “god.” Therefore health, wealth, friends, family can all become idols.

“... Flee these things....” (1 Tim 6:11). Here we are told to flee from a covetous love of money.

"Flee also youthful lusts....” (2 Tim 2:22). Many strong desires we have when we are young can lead us into sin but the Bible says to flee them -- to run from them with all our might.

We must believe the word of God that these things are extremely dangerous to our souls and we must heed God’s Word and flee from them. The things that we have been warned to flee from are “... fleshly lusts, which war against the soul....” (1 Pet 2:11).

July 8th

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

The highest aim of a child of God should be to glorify the Heavenly Father. The way to glorify the Father is to bear much fruit. The fruits of righteousness cannot be borne by mere human effort. They can only be borne as the child of God abides in Jesus Christ. “... He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5). We abide in Christ as His words abide in us. (John 15:7). It is impossible for us to abide in Christ and to bring forth fruit to the glory of God if we are not knowing and obeying the word of God.

This can only be done by the power of Jesus Christ in us. Paul prayed that the Philippians should be “... filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (Phil 1:11).

Christian friend, are you glorifying God? Are you bearing much fruit or are you just getting by? The Father is glorified when we bear much fruit.

Get your Bible out; read it; meditate on it; apply it practically to your life today. Then you will be abiding in Christ and you will be bearing much fruit.

July 9th

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Cor 6:19, 20).

Many wonderful things are taught in these verses. First, the child of God learns that his body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. A true belief in this will have a profound effect on the way that one lives. Everywhere he goes, every thought he thinks, every word he speaks, every sight he sees, is witnessed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

This passage also tells the child of God that he does not have the right to live as he pleases. Why? He does not belong to himself. He is God’s by right of purchase. Let that thought sink in deeply -- you do not own yourself!

Finally, this passage teaches that the chief aim of a child of God should be to glorify God both in body and spirit. This should be our constant and conscious aim each day. Our physical, emotional, and mental life must be completely devoted to Him each day.

Glorify Him today as you have never glorified Him before!

July 10th

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Gal 6:10).

One of the primary characteristics of Christians should be their helpfulness to others. In doing this they are imitating the heavenly Father Who “... maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Mat 5:45). He said, “... Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you....” (Mat 5:44).

We are to be helpful every time the opportunity to be so presents itself. The Good Samaritan did good to a total stranger when the opportunity arose. (Luke 10:33-37).

We are to be especially helpful to those of the “household of faith.” Our primary efforts in works of benevolence are to be directed toward the members of the true congregations of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we thus busy ourselves in helping mankind in general and members of the body of Christ in particular, we will live happy, fulfilled lives. We won’t have time to complain, to worry, or to feel sorry for ourselves.

Find someone to help today in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

July 11th

"Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” (John 21:22).

The Lord had told Peter that he would die a martyr’s death. Peter then asked the Lord about John saying, “and what shall this man do?” the Lord replied with the words of our text.

There is a very important lesson for us here. We are sometimes so busy speculating on what others are doing that we don’t get our own jobs done! Our Lord has a job for each of His people to do, and these jobs will take all of our time and energy if they are properly done. If we are doing what the Lord has for us to do we won’t have time to be “... a busybody in other men’s matters.” (1 Pet 4:15).

God has not given us the job of telling other Christians what their jobs are. It is true that for each man, “... to his own master he standeth or falleth....” (Rom 14:4).

Today, do as the Apostle Paul did. Say “... Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?....” (Acts 9:6). Then, get up and be about the Master’s business.

July 12th

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written....” (John 21:25).

The Man, Jesus Christ, is God manifest in the flesh. (1 Timothy. 3:16). In Him “... dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Col 2:9). While on earth, every word that He spoke and every deed that He performed were of infinite significance.

If a man were blessed to study His life daily for a thousand years he would not even begin to exhaust the riches of that blessed Life.

It is the duty and the privilege of every child of God to daily study and meditate on the life and works of the Son of God. Such prayerful study will enrich and strengthen the life of the saint beyond imagination.

Begin today! Make the contemplation of the life of the Lord Jesus Christ the all-consuming passion of all your days on earth. You will be wiser than wise men, richer than kings, stronger than the mighty.

July 13th

"And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:44).

Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead by merely crying, “Lazarus, come forth.” Then he told those that were standing by, “Loose him, and let him go.” There is an important lesson taught here. Jesus did what man cannot do -- He gave life to the dead. Then He told men to do what they were capable of doing -- assist the one who had been given life.

What is true in the natural realm is also true in the spiritual. Man cannot give spiritual life. He cannot even help in giving spiritual life. This is the work of God. God must speak directly through the Holy Spirit to one dead in trespasses and sins in order for him to obtain spiritual life. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” (John 5:25).

Then the work of the church of Jesus Christ is to “loose and let go” the one who has been given spiritual life. The gospel removes the graveclothes of ignorance and false ideas and allows the child of God to serve his Lord freely and unhindered.

Christian, are you loosing and letting go the children of God?

July 14th

"And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” (Col 4:17).

Paul was closing his letter to the church at Colosse as he wrote this verse. Evidently Archippus was neglecting the job which the Lord had assigned him to.

Each saint has a ministry which he has received from the Lord. No one can do the job which the Lord has given to you but you!

Each saint needs “to take heed” to his ministry. Satan will try to hinder you in it or divert your attention from it. The attractions of this present evil age are designed to make you forget or neglect your ministry.

But it is essential that you fulfill it! First, prayerfully determine what your ministry is. God will show it to you. Then seek to fulfill it with all your might. Don’t let anybody or anything distract you from it.

Then, as you lay dying you will be able to joyfully say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith....” (2 Tim 4:7).

July 15th

"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica....” (2 Tim 4:10).

Demas had at one time been a professing Christian and a follower and helper of Paul. Writing to the Colossians from prison in Rome, Paul had said, "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.” (Col 4:14). Writing to Philemon Paul had said, "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.” (Phile 24).

But now, in his last imprisonment, Paul says that Demas has forsaken him. And why? Because he loved this present world. Demas evidently became afraid of persecution and hardship and deserted the apostle. While we cannot judge the soul of this man it is evident that he was guilty of a very great sin which brought sorrow to his life and dishonor to the cause of Christ.

Christian friend, are you a Demas? Has the going gotten too rough for you? Must you hang your head in shame?

If so, repent! Confess your sin. There is forgiveness in Jesus Christ. He forgave Peter and restored him to service.

Get back in the battle on the Lord’s side. There is victory at the end.

July 16th

"For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” (Phile 1:7).

"Refresh” is a wonderful word. It means “to give rest, to give intermission from labor.” Often we become weary in both body and soul. How sweet it is when some good brother or sister in Christ refreshes us with a kind word of encouragement, with a good meal, or with assistance in our work.

Such a man was Philemon who refreshed the weary saints of God. Paul spoke of others who “... refreshed my spirit and yours....” (1 Cor 16:18). On this occasion the refreshment evidently consisted of a much-needed gift of money.

On another occasion Paul wrote, “... the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.” (2 Cor 7:13).

Let us be as a brook of cool waters to our thirsty Christian friends. Let us do this in both word and deed.

July 17th

"Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.” (2 Cor 8:6).

The “grace” under consideration is the grace of giving. It is a wonderful blessing when God works in our hearts so that we willingly give of our money in His cause. “The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.” (Exo 35:29).

When God gives us the grace of a willing heart we need to exercise this grace by actually giving. Titus was commanded to “finish” or perfect this grace in the Corinthian saints. When God stirs up your heart to give, be thankful for this great blessing and don’t despise it. Say with Paul: “... and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain....” (1 Cor 15:10).

Remember, “... God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor 9:7).

July 18th

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse....” (Rom 1:20).

God does not grant a saving knowledge of Himself to everyone, but He has left such abundant witness of His majesty in nature that no human being can without excuse deny His power in creation. Even “... The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.” (Psa 19:1).

There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to be an atheist or to advocate the false theory of evolution. The work of the Master Designer is everywhere evident in the natural creation.

The child of God, whose spiritual eyes have been wonderfully opened, has even more reason to see the mighty hand of God revealed in the natural creation. Let us take time to observe the wonders of nature today.

Let us cry out with the angelic seraphim: “... Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isa 6:3).

July 19th

"But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.” (John 12:10-11).

When man is dead in sin, his blindness and rebellion against God is incredible. These religious leaders knew that a miracle had been wrought. They knew that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. But, instead of worshipping Him as the Son of God, they tried to get rid of the evidence of this miracle!

Later these same leaders reacted in a similar fashion to another miracle. They said, “... for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.” (Acts 4:16). But again they refused to worship Jesus of Nazareth. Again they tried to suppress the evidence. Why, oh, why? Because they were dead in their sins!

Truly the Lord Jesus said that “... no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” (John 6:65).

July 20th

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you ... For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now....” (Phil 1:3, 5).

The word “fellowship” here means “sharing in common.” Paul is thankful that these Philippian saints have shared in common his efforts to spread the gospel. How did they share in his work? By praying for him and by assisting him many times with gifts of money as he was preaching.

They had helped him from the “first day” that they had received the gospel when Lydia let Paul and his companions use her house for a base of operations. (Acts 16:15). They had helped him several times as they sent him funds so that he might be free to be in the preaching ministry full-time. (Phil. 4:14-16). And even “now,” when he was imprisoned at Rome, they had sent him a gift. (Phil. 4:18). They had shared in common Paul’s work of preaching even though they had not actually been out in the field preaching themselves.

Christian friend, are you fellowshipping your pastor and other faithful ministers of the word?

July 21st

"Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.” (Heb 13:3).

When things go well with us, it is all too easy for us to forget those who are in trouble. Even when we don’t completely forget them, we don’t enter into their troubles prayerfully as we should.

But we must mentally put ourselves in the place of our brethren in Christ who are in trouble. We must think on their troubles and try to vividly imagine what they are suffering. Then we must fervently be in diligent prayer for them. We will be better able to pray fervently if we have gained a sympathetic knowledge of their troubles.

But this is not enough. We must not remember them in word, thought, prayer only. We must remember them in deed. We must help them in every way we possibly can. This is truly “remembering” in the scriptural sense of the word.

The saints of God must heed the words of the apostle when he said, “... whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.” (1 Cor 12:26).

This kind of closeness among the people of God will make life in this cold world a lot more pleasant.

July 22nd

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” (Psa 115:1).

Man has no real glory of his own but he is nevertheless prone to try to take honor and glory to himself. Even religious men like to glory in their works for the Lord. Many men like to boast of how many souls they have saved when, in reality, “... Salvation is of the LORD.” (Jonah 2:9).

We must beg God to help us subdue our pride and to give all glory to God. We must have the same song on our lips as those heavenly ones did in the vision which God gave to John. They said, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev 4:11). No one is worthy to receive glory but the Lord of hosts. How unbecoming it is for a mere man to seek for glory.

We must have the same attitude as John the Baptist. Speaking of the Savior he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30). We must be as Paul who said, “... He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Cor 1:31).

When Christ taught His disciples to pray He instructed them to say, “... For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Mat 6:13).

Praise the Lord, right now! Praise Him forevermore!

July 23rd

"And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” (Phil 1:14).

Paul was under house-arrest at Rome. He was still permitted to preach the gospel. Many of the Christians in Rome had been silent because of fear of persecution from the Jews and from the Roman government. But Paul was not afraid to preach Christ. His bold example stirred up many of those who had been timid to preach also.

We never know when our example may be just what someone else will need to enable him to stand up for the Lord Jesus Christ. The opportunity may occur in a classroom when an ungodly teacher is ridiculing the claims of the Bible.

God will bless us and will use His Word when we speak it. Satan knows this and he will attempt to put a muzzle on us.

Stand up for God today. Set the example for timid Christians. You may be pleasantly surprised to see the results.

July 24th

"Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” (Acts 17:16).

Athens was the cultural, intellectual, and artistic capital of the ancient world. People came from afar to see the art and architecture. They came to hear the wisdom of the famous philosophers. Men in general were greatly impressed by this fabulous city.

But Paul was a man whose heart beat for God. He was not impressed by all this worldly finery. He was stirred in soul because there was no worship of the true God in this place. All these magnificent works were used in the service of idols.

Friends, the world in general is in just about the same condition as it was in the days of Paul. We have much that is impressive. Science has performed wonders. “Higher” education is available to more people than ever before. Worldly comforts have rapidly multiplied and become widely available.

But there is very little worship of the true God. Oh, there is plenty of worship going on, but a close examination will reveal that most of it is a modern form of paganism.

We need men and women like Paul. Those who are not easily impressed by the “progress” that is being worshipped today.

Open your eyes. Is the world more pagan than you thought it was? Will your soul be stirred? Will you speak in the name of your Lord?

July 25th

"And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.” (Acts 18:6).

A very important principle of personal responsibility is taught here. Paul had faithfully preached to these Jews in Corinth. They had rejected the message. Then Paul told them that their blood was on their own heads.

He was referring to a principle in Ezek. 33 where a watchman was set over the people. When the watchman saw danger approaching he was to warn the people. If the people refused to take heed the blood was on their heads. But if the watchman failed to warn the people the blame would be upon him.

Paul was faithful to live by this principle for his entire ministry. As he neared the end he could say, "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:26, 27).

What kind of position do you find yourself in? Has the whole counsel been preached to you and have you rejected it? If so, blame lies at your door. Have you been in a position to deliver warning and have failed to do so? Blood is on your head.

These are serious matters. We must consider them often.

July 26th

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psa 122:1).

David had a proper appreciation of the house of the Lord. Many Christians lack this appreciation today. The New Testament house of God is the congregation of believers who worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. (1 Timothy. 3:15).

Many Christians try to do their spiritual work on their own or organized into groups apart from the church. There is not one whit of authorization for these practices in the word of God. Men think they can improve on God’s ways, but this is impossible.

We need a fresh appreciation for the church of the living God. This is God’s house. It is where He dwells in a special way. This is the institution which He has chosen to propagate His truth.

The church is not beautiful to the world and never has been. But the child of God who has been shown the beauty of God’s house is compelled to say, "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psa 84:10).

Are you blessed to be a member of a true New Testament congregation? Thank God for it. This is one of the choicest blessings that God gives. Be glad beyond measure when it is time for the assembly to meet.

July 27th

"And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (John 1:51).

There is a tremendous gap between the sin-cursed earth and heaven. This gap could only be bridged by the proper mediator or go-between. This mediator was the Son of Man and the Son of God combined in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In prophetic vision Jacob saw a ladder reaching from heaven to earth and the angels of God ascending and descending on it. (Gen. 28:12). When he awoke from his sleep, he said, “... this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” (Gen 28:17).

John here identifies Jacob’s ladder as the Lord Jesus Christ. The bottom of that ladder stands at the house of God, which is the church of the living God. (1 Tim. 3:15).

One of the benefits of the mediatorial work of Christ is the sending of angels to minister to His people. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Heb 1:14).

It is impossible to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ too much. There are innumerable pictures of Him in the Bible. May you today glorify Him Who is the true Jacob’s ladder -- the One who bridged the chasm between heaven and earth and brought complete salvation to all His people.

July 28th

"Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Th 4:18).

Paul had just been teaching the church at Thessalonica the glorious truth of the resurrection of the bodies of the saints. They were assured that they would once again see their brethren in Christ who had died in the Lord. Even better they had been told, “and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Then he told them to comfort each other with these words.

We need to do this today. We hear bad news on every hand. This life is full of toil and trouble for the conscientious child of God. There are always wars and rumors of wars.

God’s people need to come together as often as possible and comfort one another with the glorious truths of the resurrection. Just a few more days, and troubles and toils will come to an end. Sin will be no more. Our own sinful bodies will be raised and glorified. We will see God in peace forevermore. What glorious words of comfort these are!

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.” (Mal 3:16).

Find a believer today and remind him of the glorious resurrection.

July 29th

"For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Mal 3:6).

What a glorious truth this is. What tremendous security there is in it for the child of God. Immutability, or the quality of not changing, is one of the attributes of God. God is not fickle like man is. But many people believe that God is changeable -- that He may love you today and hate you tomorrow. His love, so they say, depends on their conduct. But, praise be to God, this is not so. Israel was not preserved because of her faithfulness. She was preserved because of the unchanging love of God.

God spoke to Israel, “... Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jer 31:3). These glorious promises of God don’t belong to just Israelites according to the flesh; they belong to every child of God. Speaking to the saints at Philippi, many of whom were Gentiles, Paul said, "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Phil 3:3).

Let us praise God with the poet who wrote, “Change and decay in all around I see: O Thou who changest not, abide with me!”

July 30th

"Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” (Jer 48:10).

In an army a man that refuses to join battle with the enemy is regarded as a very poor soldier if not an out-and-out traitor.

We are poor soldiers of Jesus Christ when we “keep back our swords from blood.” The sword we are to wield is “... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God....” (Eph 6:17). It is a sin to know the word of God and not to use it. This is keeping back our swords from blood. We need to use this sword in defending the truth, in combating false ideas, in denouncing sinful practices.

We can have full confidence in our weapons because God has provided them for us. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” (2 Cor 10:4).

Warfare is not easy. We cannot be lazy or cowardly and be a good soldier. Paul instructed Timothy to “... therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Tim 2:3).

Are you keeping back your sword from blood? Are you letting your brethren fight all the spiritual battles?

Remember, our LORD said, “... cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.”

July 31st

"By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” (Heb 11:27).

God is only visible to the eye of faith. Therefore some believe that a belief in God is a very flimsy thing. But those who have had their eyes opened by the Holy Spirit know that the invisible God and that all the other spiritual realities are much more real and enduring than are the material things.

As Paul said in another place, “... for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor 4:18).

Invisibility is a basic attribute of God. “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Tim 1:17).

But the only one who can endure is the one who knows the invisible God and who constantly sees Him by an eye of faith. A man may be alone in a prison cell but he won’t despair if he sees God there with him.

We can even face death unafraid if we can see that the invisible One is with us.