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The LORD is near Daily Devotional for 2023

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Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Treasure in Earthen Vessels It is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:6–7 NKJV Treasure in Earthen Vessels When we come to realize how wretched the flesh within us is, then we need to see that God is teaching us to look away from ourselves and unto Christ. As we look unto Him, His moral features will be impressed upon us. Some of these features are obedience and dependence...More Monday, February 27, 2023 The Bridegroom and the Bride (4) His head is as the finest gold; His locks are flowing, black as the raven. Song of Songs 5:11 JND The Bridegroom and the Bride (4) The bride spoke of her Beloved as the absolutely holy One, who is distinguished from all others. Now she goes into more detail. His head is as the finest gold. The head is the source of thoughts, plans, and purposes. His thoughts and His purposes are pure as fine gold. David says of Him, “But how precious are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” (Ps. 139:17). The Beloved’s thoughts are expressed in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts...More Sunday, February 26, 2023 They Talked About His Decease Behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias: who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. Luke 9:30–31 KJV They Talked About His Decease They talked of His decease which He was to accomplish: three precious and important words. They tell us of the intimacy, the personal intimacy, that there is between the Lord and the elect in the realms of glory. As it was in the Garden of Eden at the beginning, and then among the patriarchs, and then with the disciples and their divine Master, so will it be in the ages of glory. There will be...More Saturday, February 25, 2023 The Urim and Thummim Thou shalt put into the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, that they may be upon Aaron’s heart when he goeth in before Jehovah; and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before Jehovah continually. Exodus 28:30 JND The Urim and Thummim The breastplate of judgment was part of the priestly ephod. It was through the Urim (“lights”) and Thummim (“perfections”)—possibly precious stones that were kept in a pouch or pocket of the breastplate—that the Lord made known His thoughts. Exactly how, we do not know, but it was the high priest who used...More Friday, February 24, 2023 What Can We Learn From Job? (1) My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. James 5:10–11 NKJV What Can We Learn From Job? (1) The story of Job is in all likelihood one of the oldest accounts in the Bible. It is set in the time before God had called Israel to be His chosen people on earth and had given them the Law. God is seen here still dealing directly with individuals, probably even before...More Thursday, February 23, 2023 Waiting Upon God by Faith When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.” Genesis 17:1 NKJV Waiting Upon God by Faith This is the fifth time we read that the Lord appeared to Abram, but the last recorded time God spoke to Abram was thirteen years earlier. Abram had experienced the Lord as he began to walk by faith in chapters 12–13. He had learned the importance of relying on His God in chapters 14–15 as he warred by faith. But now in chapter 16–17 Abram and his wife are finding it hard to wait on the Lord by faith. God had...More Wednesday, February 22, 2023 In the Word and on Your Knees He hath satisfied the longing soul and filled the hungry soul with good. Psalm 107:9 JND In the Word and on Your Knees I look at the various New Testament Epistles as having been written along the lines of Psalm 107:9. There is satisfaction in the Christian’s Savior and Lord for all the longings created in his breast by the new birth, and directed by the Spirit. At the same time there is goodness beyond telling, the very goodness of God in Christ, which in blessing us puts anything like hunger forever at a distance. If you, therefore, read in order to learn Him, praying God to enlighten you, and...More Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Paul’s Benediction to the Corinthians (3) The communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV Paul’s Benediction to the Corinthians (3) Paul concludes his benediction to the Corinthian believers with “the communion [or fellowship] of the Holy Spirit.” This is the only time we get this expression in the Bible. Christ told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come after He returned to heaven. Indeed it was necessary that He return to heaven in order that the Holy Spirit could come. Christ would not abandon them, or leave them orphans—the Helper’s presence would be like having the Lord...More Monday, February 20, 2023 Our Strong Tower The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 NKJV Our Strong Tower The phrase “a strong tower” is only used three times in Scripture. The other two references help to explain it. In Judges 9:46–49, Abimelech, Gideon’s son, attacked the tower of Shechem and it fell. It was only a tower. But in verses 50–53, there was a “strong tower” in a city called Thebez. Abimelech tried to destroy it too, but a woman dropped a piece of millstone on his head, and he was destroyed instead! The strong tower stood. It could not be...More Sunday, February 19, 2023 The Throne of God and Our Feet Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. John 13:3–5 NKJV The Throne of God and Our Feet Here, then, we have a most marvelous presentation of Christ’s present service toward “His own which are in the world.” There is something peculiarly precious in the expression, “His own.” It brings us so...More Saturday, February 18, 2023 The First and Last Words of Moses Why art thou smiting thy neighbor? Happy art thou, Israel! Who is like unto thee, a people saved by Jehovah? Exodus 2:13 JND; Deuteronomy 33:29 JND The First and Last Words of Moses Moses might well have reigned over Egypt, but God was at work in his life and he “refused to be called son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction along with the people of God than to have the temporary pleasure of sin” (Heb. 11:24–25). Seeing an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, he killed him, thinking, says Stephen, “that his brethren would understand that God by his hand was giving...More Friday, February 17, 2023 Dependence Upon God—A Constant Necessity The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. Romans 8:7 NKJV Dependence Upon God—A Constant Necessity There is no such thing as mending the flesh by even one atom. In innocence it broke down; without law it is grossly and horribly ignorant; under law, rebellious, not subject, neither could be. Bring in grace, and it spits in the face of the One who brings it in; put the Holy Spirit in a man, and the flesh lusts against the Spirit; put a man in the third heaven, and when he comes down the flesh will be puffed up about it (2 Cor. 12:7). The...More Thursday, February 16, 2023 A Good Question The people sent Sherezer … to ask the priests who were in the house of the Lord of hosts, and the prophets, saying, “Should I weep in the fifth month and fast as I have done for so many years?” Zechariah 7:2–3 NKJV A Good Question The people were rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. They had returned from captivity long before, but after laying the temple’s foundation they were discouraged by opposition. For nearly twenty years their work ceased until God used Haggai and Zechariah to stir them up. At this point in Zechariah 7, the people had been spiritually awakened and now asked...More Wednesday, February 15, 2023 What Else Do You Need? After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1 NKJV What Else Do You Need? In chapter 14, Abraham had just had two great victories. First He rescued Lot, and then He resisted the temptation of the king of Sodom. He was able to do both of these things by relying on His God and enjoying the resources that were provided by Melchizedek, king of Salem, who is a picture of the Lord Jesus. After these things, the word of the Lord appears to Abram preparing him for other...More Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Paul’s Benediction to the Corinthians (2) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV Paul’s Benediction to the Corinthians (2) The end of Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians is something every believer should consider. How easily we sometimes glide over verses such as this benediction, thinking them relatively unimportant or unnecessary. We certainly believe them to be inspired, but somehow they are only viewed (subconsciously) as a poetic, if not mundane, punctuation to the main message. Let us now consider Paul’s...More Monday, February 13, 2023 Scruples of Conscience (2)—(Holi)days One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not … to the Lord he does not observe it … why do you judge … Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14:5–6, 10 NKJV Scruples of Conscience (2)—(Holi)days God had told His earthly people Israel to observe special feast days, telling them how, when, and with what sacrifices they were to be celebrated. While some Jewish Christians...More Sunday, February 12, 2023 When the King Is at His Table There they made Him a supper. While the king is at his table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance. John 12:2 NKJV; Song of Songs 1:12 NKJV When the King Is at His Table It was not often in this sad world that anyone made a supper for the Lord. There at last they spread a feast for Him who spread a feast for all the world. There the King sat at His table, and there the spikenard of the bride sent forth its fragrance. It had been blessed to sit at His feet as a learner and hear His word, but Mary’s spikenard sent forth no fragrance there. It was blessed to fall at His feet...More Saturday, February 11, 2023 The High Priest’s Breastplate Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the sanctuary, for a memorial before Jehovah continually. Exodus 28:29 JND The High Priest’s Breastplate God had said to Pharaoh, “Let My son go, that he may serve Me” (Ex. 4:23). After the ten plagues, Israel had been delivered from Egyptian bondage so that they might serve the Lord. However, once they had been delivered from bondage and were going through the wilderness, it became clear that they were not able to serve Him. Even though they had said three times, “All that...More Friday, February 10, 2023 The Christian Is an “Epistle of Christ” But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV The Christian Is an “Epistle of Christ” The apostle Paul had been in stressful situations, as found in other portions of this book: “We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves” (2 Cor. 1:8–9). In spite of outward dangers, Paul does not faint or become discouraged. Instead he sees himself identified in...More Thursday, February 9, 2023 Don’t Neglect the Instruction of Proverbs My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck. Proverbs 1:8–9 NKJV Don’t Neglect the Instruction of Proverbs In these words we have the divine reason for the book of Proverbs. God would save all who heed what is there recorded from the heartbreaking experiences and aimless wanderings of the man who was chosen to write them. There are two ways of learning the emptiness of the world and the character of sin. One, and by far the commonest way, is to tread the thorny...More Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Scruples of Conscience (1)—Foods We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself. Romans 15:1–3 NKJV Scruples of Conscience (1)—Foods Beginning in Romans 14, the apostle Paul takes up difficulties arising from the cultural and spiritual backgrounds of the believers at Rome. Many new believers there were Jewish. The Law God had given His earthly people had told them which foods were clean and could be eaten and which were unclean and thus were not to be eaten. Gentile...More Tuesday, February 7, 2023 The Bridegroom and the Bride (3) My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. Song of Songs 5:10 JND The Bridegroom and the Bride (3) As soon as the bride was asked about her Beloved, in what way he was more than another beloved, in what way he is unique and matchless, she had no hesitation in answering. She was delighted to describe her Beloved (vv. 10–16). We will now consider what she says. The first thing that distinguishes Him is that He is white. The Bible uses the word white as a symbol of purity, as in Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as...More Monday, February 6, 2023 Paul’s Benediction to the Corinthians (1) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV Paul’s Benediction to the Corinthians (1) A benediction is a theological term used to describe a short invocation for divine help, blessing, and guidance. It is traditionally read at the end of a Christian meeting or “service” before the people depart. In the New Testament there are several benedictions; these usually occur toward the end of an epistle or the end of a section of an epistle (Rom. 15:13; Gal. 6:18; Eph. 6:23–24; 1 Th. 5:23–24; Heb....More

Saturday, February 4, 2023 A New Creation—Not According to the Flesh Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh … Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:16–17 NKJV A New Creation—Not According to the Flesh Christ is no longer bodily among us in this world, and because we also now live in connection with Him, a new order of things has come in. Even Christ Himself is known by us in a new way. Paul had not been among those who knew Christ “according to flesh” in the days of His flesh. But even if he had been, he would have known Him thus no longer. But also we know no man after the flesh. As...More Friday, February 3, 2023 The Table of Showbread You shall set the showbread on the table before Me always. Exodus 25:30 NKJV The Table of Showbread The tabernacle in the wilderness was set up for the specific purpose that God might dwell among His people and be glorified in their midst. Of all God’s instructions, one point is striking in particular: the term continually occurs seven times in God’s directives given to Moses in Exodus. Many things in the tabernacle system illustrate various aspects of Christ’s person and work. This helps us understand God’s desire that the things which speak of Christ should continue. As to the...More Thursday, February 2, 2023 Do Not Receive False Teachers Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. 2 John 9–11 NKJV Do Not Receive False Teachers Second John is the only epistle in Scripture addressed to a woman. It emphasizes the truth of Scripture that must be maintained diligently and faithfully, even by a gentle, tenderhearted woman and sister in the Lord. Many deceivers...More Wednesday, February 1, 2023 Care for the Member The body is not one member but many … But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased … But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 1 Corinthians 12:14, 18, 24–25 NKJV Care for the Member Some time ago a man was moving a very large, heavy piano and in the process it fell on his big toe crushing it very badly, so much so that the doctors recommended amputation. The man refused, so over the months there were...More Tuesday, January 31, 2023 Are We in Tune With Him? Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23–24 NKJV Are We in Tune With Him? Up to the knowledge you have of divine things, is your heart in tune with Him? Could you say, “Search me”? It is a painful process sometimes. “Lead me in the way everlasting.” Beloved friends, there is a way everlasting, and it is in that way everlasting that God comes and searches the heart. Are you content to have every motive searched out? It must be so if our communion with God and...More Monday, January 30, 2023 Separation From Sinful Associations Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage. 2 Chronicles 18:1 JND Separation From Sinful Associations Jehoshaphat was one of Judah’s finest kings. He sought after God, walking in the ways of David his forefather. He removed idolatry throughout the land. He made sure that his people were taught the law of the Lord. When attacked by a confederation of hostile armies, he led his people in seeking the face of the Lord and later in praising Him for the victory. His prayer on that occasion vibrates with rich instruction for us. But Jehoshaphat...More Sunday, January 29, 2023 Christ Is Our Righteousness Him who knew not sin He has made sin for us, that we might become God’s righteousness in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 JND Christ Is Our Righteousness When the father fell upon the neck of the repentant prodigal, and imprinted on his cheek the kiss of love, he said to his servants, “Bring out the best robe and clothe him in it” (Lk. 15:22). It was the best robe. There could be nothing superior to it. It was the highest possible character of fitness for the father’s presence. But the illustration fails to convey the full blessedness of the righteousness which every believer now is made in Christ,...More Saturday, January 28, 2023 God’s View of Usefulness I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:9 NKJV God’s View of Usefulness A question often arises about “usefulness.” Satan often beguiles by it. He may have suggested to John that he would be more useful if he were to compromise a little, and keep out of trouble for the sake of being free for his service to saints. Useful to whom? To God or to men? God may be able to show out more of His glory by laying men aside. The...More Friday, January 27, 2023 Eliashib’s Testimony Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate. Nehemiah 3:1 NKJV Eliashib’s Testimony When God’s people first returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity, Jeshua the high priest helped rebuild the temple (Ezra 3:2, 8). Now, almost 75 years later, his grandson Eliashib (see Neh. 12:10) took the lead in repairing the city walls. It is God’s principle that His work must be done in a priestly character—that is, with a clear realization that we are serving in the presence of the Lord. It was good that Eliashib, a mature, older leader among his...More Thursday, January 26, 2023 The Bridegroom and the Bride (2) Where has your beloved gone, O most beautiful among women? Where has your beloved turned, that we may seek him with you? Song of Songs 6:1 ESV The Bridegroom and the Bride (2) Two things led the daughters of Jerusalem to ask the bride of this lovely song this question. First, they have been noticing her beauty. Not only is she beautiful, but she is most beautiful among women. That is, her beauty is unique. It is spiritual beauty. It is the beauty of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price. She is attired with compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, a...More Wednesday, January 25, 2023 The Remedy for Carnal Christians I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 1 Corinthians 3:1–3 NKJV The Remedy for Carnal Christians In reflecting on this portion of Scripture, we must bear in mind the great object the apostle Paul had before him. He longed to see the Corinthian saints lifted up and out of their...More Tuesday, January 24, 2023 Salvation Even in Judgment The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NKJV Salvation Even in Judgment This wonderful verse sits in the middle of three chapters of fierce judgment against Nineveh. Nahum is called of the Lord to prophesy judgment on the very people who repented when Jonah had reluctantly preached to them. But time had passed and the people of Nineveh had gone back to their wicked ways. In the first chapter we read of the declaration of judgment, in chapter 2 of the power of judgment, and in chapter 3 of the finality of such judgment. Three chapters of...More Monday, January 23, 2023 Coming Out and Gathering Together And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins.“ Revelation 18:4 NKJV Coming Out and Gathering Together Babylon the Great is the culmination of the present evil world that lies under the sway of the wicked one in opposition to God, just as in John’s day Rome epitomized the antagonism towards Christianity. Although it is often described as the apostate church, it actually encompasses a religious and commercial aspect. The first is emphasized in Revelation 17, where it is viewed as a corrupt religious system represented by a great harlot....More Sunday, January 22, 2023 Jacob a True Worshiper Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He had talked with him, a pillar of stone, and poured on it a drink-offering, and poured oil on it. Genesis 35:14 JND Jacob a True Worshiper Jacob’s experiences have been described for the instruction and encouragement of all believers. God’s wisdom was displayed in Abraham, the father of all believers, and in his life many features of God the Father come to light. Isaac’s birth and life provide illustrations of the Son of the Father, whereas in Jacob the emphasis is on a progressive work by the Holy Spirit, a work that ultimately led to a complete...More Saturday, January 21, 2023 Serving the Lord Together (3)—John Mark John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem … Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them to Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work … so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. Acts 13:13, 15:37–39 NKJV; 2 Timothy 4:11 NKJV Serving the Lord Together (3)—John Mark The story of John Mark is one of the many accounts in Scripture showing God’s patience in training His servants, and how He...More Friday, January 20, 2023 Beware of Turning Loose the Jackals Samson went and caught three hundred jackals, and took torches, and turned tail to tail, and put a torch in the midst between the two tails. And he set the torches on fire, and let them run into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, and the olive gardens. Judges 15:4–5 JND Beware of Turning Loose the Jackals Samson goes and takes jackals—a strange thing for a Nazarite to be tampering with: the unclean beast that roams around Palestine, the beast that feeds upon carrion, that hides the bones of its prey until it is ready to renew its...More Thursday, January 19, 2023 The First and Last Words of Jacob Sell me now thy birthright. All these are the twelve tribes of Israel … and [Jacob] blessed them: every one according to his blessing he blessed them. Genesis 25:31 JND; Genesis 49:28 JND The First and Last Words of Jacob After hunting, Esau returns to the family encampment to find his younger brother has cooked dinner: “Feed me, I pray thee … for I am faint.” He receives the curt answer at the top of our page, Jacob’s first words in Scripture. He seems to have had them in mind for some time, waiting for the right moment to take advantage of his impulsive brother. That moment...More Wednesday, January 18, 2023 Jesus Only When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Matthew 17:8 NKJV Jesus Only I am very thankful that I live in a day when I have only got to do with Jesus. I have not to tremble before Moses now. I have not to fear Elijah now. I have not to think that redemption is to be got by what I ought to be, or by turning my thoughts in upon myself. Neither law-keeping nor reformation can meet my case. The moment has arrived when God the Father says, “This is my beloved Son, hear Him!” (Mk. 9:7). I have heard the voice of Jesus. Have you heard His voice? Have you not? Ah! Do you not...More Tuesday, January 17, 2023 Serving the Lord Together (2)—Paul I have appeared to you … to make you a minister and a witness … I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you. Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing” … Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. Acts 26:16–17 NKJV; Acts 15:36, 40 NKJV Serving the Lord Together (2)—Paul When Paul, then Saul of Tarsus, a raging persecutor, was nearing Damascus, intending to arrest believers...More Monday, January 16, 2023 The Purpose of Wilderness Trials Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14–15 NKJV The Purpose of Wilderness Trials Paul’s two letters to the Corinthians are wilderness epistles, and the saints are viewed as having been set apart from the world by a divine call. To the eye of faith, this world has become a wilderness, providing nothing to sustain faith. As a Christian passes through this world, his desire and purpose should be to live a life of complete dependence and obedience...More Sunday, January 15, 2023 The Destroyer and the Lamb When He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you. Exodus 12:23 NKJV The Destroyer and the Lamb The “destroyer” was going to pass through the land of Egypt to kill the firstborn of every house. He was representative of Jehovah, an angelic being who had the power to destroy with death. Hence sometimes this “destroyer” is called, “the angel of death.” This angel of death passed over the houses in Egypt that were marked with blood. The blood would signify to him that a death...More Saturday, January 14, 2023 How Good Is Your Vision? Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NKJV How Good Is Your Vision? How we view things in life affects the way we live our lives! Perspective is everything. This is true in our spiritual lives as well. The question for us to ponder today is, “How do we see the Lord?” Some see Him as a good man, others as a rejected man. He was indeed all of these. Pilate brought Him out before them and declared, “Behold the Man!” (Jn....More Friday, January 13, 2023 Spiritual Encouragement From David (2) Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8 NKJV Spiritual Encouragement From David (2) We have all heard the story of the man who built his house on the rock, and how the storms came for him despite having built on the rock. He did not avoid the storms, but his house would not be shaken by them. Do you feel like you have waves beating down on you? What had once been a soothing rhythm of splashes as tides moved in and out now may seem like an incessant crashing of wave after wave. You may feel overwhelmed and doubts...More

Thursday, January 12, 2023 Spiritual Encouragement From David (1) He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. Psalm 62:6 NKJV Spiritual Encouragement From David (1) David’s thoughts of God are vivid in their description. There was nothing more firm or dependable to David than his God. God is not one of many rocks, or on his top five list of defenses. David could say, “He only is my rock,” and “He is my defense.” Too often we rely on God, but only for some things; we turn to God in certain situations, but not in all of them. One cannot accurately and faithfully state, “I shall not be moved” if there is even an ounce...More Wednesday, January 11, 2023 Serving the Lord Together (1)—Barnabas Joses … named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet … Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark … Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Acts 4:36–37; 15:37, 39 NKJV Serving the Lord Together (1)—Barnabas Joses was a Levite, the tribe God had chosen to serve Him. Now a disciple, he sold his land in Cyprus and brought the proceeds to the apostles. They began calling him Son of Encouragement—Barnabas—the name we know him...More Tuesday, January 10, 2023 Valuing Your Inheritance Naboth said to Ahab, Jehovah forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to thee! 1 Kings 21:3 JND Valuing Your Inheritance Naboth lived in an evil day in Israel. King Ahab had sold himself to do evil in the sight of the Lord, and his wife, Jezebel, was even worse, urging him on in his evil course. There had been a short-lived revival when the prophet Elijah had defeated 850 false prophets on Mount Carmel and all the people had shouted, “Jehovah, He is God!” But the Word of God gives no evidence that this wonderful confession really touched the lives of the people. They...More Monday, January 9, 2023 Showing Forth Christ’s Praises in Our Life You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9–10 NKJV Showing Forth Christ’s Praises in Our Life In bright contrast to Israel’s rebellious rejection of their true Messiah, the beloved saints of God today are said to be “a chosen generation.” Here is the true election of God, those chosen by Him whose knowledge brought into...More Sunday, January 8, 2023 The Priest Who Never Dies That … we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge … even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:18–20 NKJV The Priest Who Never Dies Our text today would have had a special resonance for these Hebrew believers who were wavering between going back to the temple system in Jerusalem and continuing on in the walk of faith in Jesus Christ. This epistle had the perfect answer for them by pointing them to the Law of Moses, which they fully trusted as inspired by God, pointing them to the cities of refuge found in Numbers...More Saturday, January 7, 2023 The Bridegroom and the Bride (1) What is thy beloved more than another beloved, thou fairest among women? What is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? Song of Songs 5:9 JND The Bridegroom and the Bride (1) Solomon wrote the three books that follow the Psalms. In the first, Proverbs, he uses the title “Lord.” In the second, Ecclesiastes, he speaks of “God,” but in the third, The Song of Songs, he uses only the pronoun “He.” Yet in all of these Solomon was speaking of the same Person, the Lord God, Jehovah Elohim, who is Jesus our Lord. The Song of Songs opens with the statement, “Let...More Friday, January 6, 2023 The Purpose of Tests We also boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation works endurance; and endurance, experience; and experience, hope. Romans 5:3–4 JND The Purpose of Tests Experience! This is quite a popular word these days in the world of computers, cars, sports, and other things. With God, it already existed a long time ago. As part of God’s school, experience can be paraphrased as the ability of passing a process of being tested, with the objective of passing the test—and, I might add, getting out of it stronger than before. This specific word “experience” occurs seven times in the New Testament....More Thursday, January 5, 2023 The Preeminence of Worship Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said: “Who am I, O Lord God?” 2 Samuel 7:18 NKJV The Preeminence of Worship What was the effect of the Lord’s promises upon the heart of David? We have the answer in that one pithy statement: “Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said: ‘Who am I?’” Mark the attitude, and ponder the question. They are full of deep meaning. “He sat.” This is rest and sweet repose. He wanted to go to work too soon. No, says God, you must sit down and look at My work, and trace My actings on your behalf in the past, the...More Wednesday, January 4, 2023 Be Like a Locust Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Mark 1:6 NKJV Be Like a Locust John the Baptist’s diet of locusts and wild honey may not be one we would choose, but it sustained him. The locusts are especially interesting because, unlike most flying insects, they were classified as clean animals. According to Old Testament dietary laws, any flying insects which have jointed legs for jumping, such as locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers, were clean and could be eaten (Lev. 11:21–22). Other flying insects creep upon the earth...More Tuesday, January 3, 2023 Sin Can Be Forgiven—But There Are Always Consequences You have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. 2 Samuel 12:14 NKJV Sin Can Be Forgiven—But There Are Always Consequences When confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sins against Uriah and Bathsheba, David confessed and was assured that he had been forgiven. But although he was forgiven, the consequences of his sins would be very grave, not only for his life personally but also with regard to the honor and glory of God. His actions gave great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. Years later King Manasseh had a similar experience. He sinned in...More Monday, January 2, 2023 Abiding in Christ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:4–5 NKJV Abiding in Christ Abiding in Christ presents our privilege, as well as our responsibility, to constantly walk in dependence upon Christ. As one has said, abiding in Christ is practical habitual nearness of heart to Him. If we have learned that fruit is the reproduction of the character of Christ, expressed by “love,...More Sunday, January 1, 2023 A New Year’s Meditation—My Angel Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Exodus 23:20 NKJV A New Year’s Meditation—My Angel The children of Israel had been set free from the bondage of Egypt by the miraculous and mighty events which transpired at the Passover and the crossing of the Red Sea. God had been at work on their behalf and they had seen the salvation of the Lord. God had promised to bring them into a land of “milk and honey,” a promised land. However, they would spend forty years in the wilderness before getting there due to their...More

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