This special Christmas message was delivered last year for the evening service at Scammon Bay Covenant Church in Alaska. Taken from the texts, John 18:28-37, and John 19:25-30, this message was entitled: "The Purpose of the Incarnation: Why God Became a Man."
The fulfillment of God's eternal Covenant of Redemption was the purpose for the incarnation. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us to ultimately die upon a Tree of wood and rise again the third day. To observe Christ's birth, regardless of what day it was, is nothing were it not for His being made sin for us who knew no sin...
May Christ be exalted and the Cross of Christ be the center of every single day God has blessed us with...
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Brief Break
Because I am flying out to Anniston, Alabama tomorrow, I will be unable to post new daily devotions until my return on December 16th, or possibly until after the holidays. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Be sure to check out our newest newsletter posted HERE.
You can read Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening devotional and keep up on your Daily Bread Bible portions HERE.
Be sure to check out our newest newsletter posted HERE.
You can read Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening devotional and keep up on your Daily Bread Bible portions HERE.
12/8, Resting
R. M. McCeyne’s DAILY BREAD portions:
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 8 (family); Habakkuk 3 (secret)
EVENING:
3 John 1 (family); Luke 22 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q22. What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer?
A22. Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in His state of humiliation and exaltation. Acts 3:22; Hebrews 5:6; Psalm 2:6
Q23. How does Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A23. Christ executes the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by His Word, and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. John 1:18; John 20:31; John 14:26
Q24. How does Christ execute the office of a priest?
A24. Christ executes the office of a priest, in His once offering up Himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and to reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us. Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 7:25
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Resting in Christ is refreshment within the soul. Resting is an assurance of His prophetic plan; it is an assurance of His sovereign work; it is an assurance of His blessed promises. It is a rest that Jesus promises, as Matthew Henry writes, “from the drudgery of sin, not from the service of God, but an obligation to the duty we owe to Him.”
When we “take” His yoke upon us, He frees us from burdens of works in salvation, works in acceptance, and works for appeasement laid on men by foul religion (Luke 11:46).
The yoke of Matthew 11:29-30 suggests labor, discipline and hard work to plow the ground; yet, though we are commanded to “take” His yoke, to lift up and make way with it, the Master must place His yoke upon our necks just as the plowman must place a yoke upon the neck of the ox. Just as the yoked ox is guided by the plowman, the yoked believer must be guided by Christ. And though the ox is yoked, the earth is not turned nor are furrows made without the plowman; likewise, though the believer is yoked and ready to pull, there is no work produced without the Master’s reign and guidance.
The work produced in our lives and through our lives are by the Master’s hand; for without Him we can do nothing. If work is accomplished as we are in Christ, we rest in the joy and assurance, as the work is evidence that we are His, that we have His yoke. We rest in joy and assurance because the work is His and fruit is produced by His power, rejoicing that we may be a part of His work, laboring in His field. We rest in joy and assurance because His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 8 (family); Habakkuk 3 (secret)
EVENING:
3 John 1 (family); Luke 22 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q22. What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer?
A22. Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in His state of humiliation and exaltation. Acts 3:22; Hebrews 5:6; Psalm 2:6
Q23. How does Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A23. Christ executes the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by His Word, and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. John 1:18; John 20:31; John 14:26
Q24. How does Christ execute the office of a priest?
A24. Christ executes the office of a priest, in His once offering up Himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and to reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us. Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 7:25
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Resting in Christ is refreshment within the soul. Resting is an assurance of His prophetic plan; it is an assurance of His sovereign work; it is an assurance of His blessed promises. It is a rest that Jesus promises, as Matthew Henry writes, “from the drudgery of sin, not from the service of God, but an obligation to the duty we owe to Him.”
When we “take” His yoke upon us, He frees us from burdens of works in salvation, works in acceptance, and works for appeasement laid on men by foul religion (Luke 11:46).
The yoke of Matthew 11:29-30 suggests labor, discipline and hard work to plow the ground; yet, though we are commanded to “take” His yoke, to lift up and make way with it, the Master must place His yoke upon our necks just as the plowman must place a yoke upon the neck of the ox. Just as the yoked ox is guided by the plowman, the yoked believer must be guided by Christ. And though the ox is yoked, the earth is not turned nor are furrows made without the plowman; likewise, though the believer is yoked and ready to pull, there is no work produced without the Master’s reign and guidance.
The work produced in our lives and through our lives are by the Master’s hand; for without Him we can do nothing. If work is accomplished as we are in Christ, we rest in the joy and assurance, as the work is evidence that we are His, that we have His yoke. We rest in joy and assurance because the work is His and fruit is produced by His power, rejoicing that we may be a part of His work, laboring in His field. We rest in joy and assurance because His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want.
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green: He leadeth me
the quiet waters by.
My soul He doth restore again;
and me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
ev’n for His own name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
yet will I fear none ill:
For Thou art with me; and Thy rod
and staff me comfort still.
My table Thou hast furnished
in presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint,
and my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life
shall surely follow me:
And in God’s house for evermore
my dwelling-place shall be.
Psalm 23 A Psalm of David
Scottish Psalter
Sunday, December 7, 2008
12/7, Running
R. M. McCeyne’s DAILY BREAD portions:
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 7 (family); Habakkuk 2 (secret)
EVENING:
2 John 1 (family); Luke 21 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q19. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the state of sin and misery?
A19. God, having out of His good pleasure from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the state of sin and misery, and to bring them into a state of salvation by a Redeemer. 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 5:21
Q20. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
A20. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one Person forever. 1 Timothy 2:5; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
Q21. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A21. Christ, the Son of God, became man by taking to Hhimself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin. Hebrews 2:14; Matthew 26:38; Hebrews 4:15; Luke 1:31, 35; Hebrews 7:26
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Today’s devotion comes from an excerpt of Bunyan’s Searching Works (published by the American Baptist Publication Society; Philadelphia, 1851).
“Heaven and happiness is that which every one desireth, insomuch that wicked Balaam could say, ‘Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.’ Yet for all this, there are but very few that do obtain that ever-to-be-desired glory, insomuch that many eminent professors drop short of a welcome from God into this pleasant place. The Apostle, therefore, because he did desire the salvation of the souls of the Corinthians, to whom he writes this epistle, layeth them down in these words, such counsel, which if taken, would be for their help and advantage.
“First, Not to be wicked, and sit still, and wish for heaven; but to run for it. Secondly, Not to content themselves with every kind of running; but, saith he, ‘So run, that ye may obtain.’
“As if he should say, ‘Some,’ because they would not lose their souls, begin to run betimes; they run apace, they run with patience, they run the right way: do you so run? Some run from both father and mother, friends and companions, and this, that they may have the crown: do you so run? Some run through temptations, afflictions, good report, evil report, that they may win the pearl: do you so run? ‘So run that ye may obtain.’
“These words, they are taken from men’s running for a wager. A very apt similitude to set before the eyes of the saints of the Lord. ‘Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.’ That is, do not only run, but be sure you win as well as run. ‘So run, that ye may obtain.’”
“The Heavenly Footman”
by John Bunyan
My soul to dust cleaves: quicken me,
according to Thy word.
My ways I shew’d, and me Thou heard’st:
teach me Thy statutes, Lord.
The way of Thy commandements
make me aright to know;
So all Thy works that wondrous are
I shall to others show.
My soul doth melt, and drop away,
for heaviness and grief:
To me, according to Thy word,
give strength, and send relief.
From me the wicked way of lies
let far removed be;
And graciously Thy holy law
do Thou grant unto me.
I chosen have the perfect way
of truth and verity:
Thy judgments that most righteous are
before me laid have I.
I to Thy testimonies cleave;
shame do not on me cast.
I’ll run thy precepts’ way, when Thou
my heart enlarged hast.
Psalm 119:25-32
Scottish Psalter
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 7 (family); Habakkuk 2 (secret)
EVENING:
2 John 1 (family); Luke 21 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q19. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the state of sin and misery?
A19. God, having out of His good pleasure from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the state of sin and misery, and to bring them into a state of salvation by a Redeemer. 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 5:21
Q20. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
A20. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one Person forever. 1 Timothy 2:5; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
Q21. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A21. Christ, the Son of God, became man by taking to Hhimself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin. Hebrews 2:14; Matthew 26:38; Hebrews 4:15; Luke 1:31, 35; Hebrews 7:26
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Today’s devotion comes from an excerpt of Bunyan’s Searching Works (published by the American Baptist Publication Society; Philadelphia, 1851).
“Heaven and happiness is that which every one desireth, insomuch that wicked Balaam could say, ‘Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.’ Yet for all this, there are but very few that do obtain that ever-to-be-desired glory, insomuch that many eminent professors drop short of a welcome from God into this pleasant place. The Apostle, therefore, because he did desire the salvation of the souls of the Corinthians, to whom he writes this epistle, layeth them down in these words, such counsel, which if taken, would be for their help and advantage.
“First, Not to be wicked, and sit still, and wish for heaven; but to run for it. Secondly, Not to content themselves with every kind of running; but, saith he, ‘So run, that ye may obtain.’
“As if he should say, ‘Some,’ because they would not lose their souls, begin to run betimes; they run apace, they run with patience, they run the right way: do you so run? Some run from both father and mother, friends and companions, and this, that they may have the crown: do you so run? Some run through temptations, afflictions, good report, evil report, that they may win the pearl: do you so run? ‘So run that ye may obtain.’
“These words, they are taken from men’s running for a wager. A very apt similitude to set before the eyes of the saints of the Lord. ‘Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.’ That is, do not only run, but be sure you win as well as run. ‘So run, that ye may obtain.’”
“The Heavenly Footman”
by John Bunyan
My soul to dust cleaves: quicken me,
according to Thy word.
My ways I shew’d, and me Thou heard’st:
teach me Thy statutes, Lord.
The way of Thy commandements
make me aright to know;
So all Thy works that wondrous are
I shall to others show.
My soul doth melt, and drop away,
for heaviness and grief:
To me, according to Thy word,
give strength, and send relief.
From me the wicked way of lies
let far removed be;
And graciously Thy holy law
do Thou grant unto me.
I chosen have the perfect way
of truth and verity:
Thy judgments that most righteous are
before me laid have I.
I to Thy testimonies cleave;
shame do not on me cast.
I’ll run thy precepts’ way, when Thou
my heart enlarged hast.
Psalm 119:25-32
Scottish Psalter
Saturday, December 6, 2008
12/6, Asking
R. M. McCeyne’s DAILY BREAD portions:
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 6:12-42 (family); Habakkuk 1 (secret)
EVENING:
1 John 5 (family); Luke 20 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q16. In what estate did the fall bring to mankind?
A16. The fall brought mankind into a state of sin and misery. Romans 5:18
Q17. Wherein consists the sinfulness of man’s fallen state?
A17. The sinfulness of that state whereunto man fell consists of the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin, together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it. Romans 5:19; Romans 3:10; Ephesians 2:1; Psalm 51:5; Matthew 15:19
Q18. What is the misery of that state whereunto man fell?
A18. All mankind, by their fall, lost communion with God, are under His wrath and curse; and so made liable all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever. Genesis 3:8, 24; Ephesians 2:3; Galatians 3:10; Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:41
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him” (Matthew 6:8).
Have you ever thought, “If our heavenly Father knoweth before we ask Him, then why ask?” It is a question, either for the simple, or the unsaved. The unsaved would ask that question in a vindictive demand, desiring to justify themselves as prayerless, unbelieving sinners. For the believer, however, it is a simple question as we are simple children. The Father desires His children to ask that question, to know the answer, to grow in grace because of the reasons, and to grow in grace because we ask Him for the things He already knows we have need of. There may be several reasons, as well as an infinite number of underlying reasons beyond the main ones; nevertheless, let us look and meditate upon only four today.
Obedience. We ask of our Father in heaven because the Lord commands us to ask: “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7). Because God has commanded it in His Word, it provides us an opportunity to obey His commands by supernatural submission to His Word.
Submission. We ask our heavenly Father because asking recognizes His authority as God. By simply asking, we are acknowledging that He has the authority and capacity to give, and therefore submit to His authority. Matthew 7:11 records the Master’s word to us, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?”
Faith. When we ask of the Father, and then receive what we have asked from Him, we grow in faith and mature in the assurance of our salvation. “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22).
Pleasing God. Because, as believing children supernaturally empowered by His Holy Spirit, we obey and submit in prayer by faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. That faith is pleasing to our heavenly Father, as it is written, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Yet, if these four graces are not working in our prayer lives, we will be prone to pray in carnality. Beloved, beware; for it is written, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:3).
Such pity as a Father hath
unto His children dear;
Like pity shews the Lord to such
as worship Him in fear.
For He remembers we are dust,
and He our frame well knows.
Frail man, his days are like the grass,
as flow’r in field he grows:
For over it the wind doth pass,
and it away is gone;
And of the place where once it was
it shall no more be known.
But unto them that do Him fear
God’s mercy never ends;
And to their children’s children still
His righteousness extends:
To such as keep His covenant,
and mindful are alway
Of His most just commandements,
that they may them obey.
The Lord prepared hath His throne
in heavens firm to stand;
And ev’ry thing that being hath
His kingdom doth command.
O ye His angels, that excel
in strength, bless ye the Lord;
Ye who obey what He commands,
and hearken to His word.
O bless and magnify the Lord,
ye glorious hosts of His;
Ye ministers, that do fulfil
whate’er His pleasure is.
O bless the Lord, all ye His works,
wherewith the world is stor’d
In His dominions ev’ry where.
My soul, bless thou the Lord.
Psalm 103:13-22
Scottish Psalter
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 6:12-42 (family); Habakkuk 1 (secret)
EVENING:
1 John 5 (family); Luke 20 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q16. In what estate did the fall bring to mankind?
A16. The fall brought mankind into a state of sin and misery. Romans 5:18
Q17. Wherein consists the sinfulness of man’s fallen state?
A17. The sinfulness of that state whereunto man fell consists of the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin, together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it. Romans 5:19; Romans 3:10; Ephesians 2:1; Psalm 51:5; Matthew 15:19
Q18. What is the misery of that state whereunto man fell?
A18. All mankind, by their fall, lost communion with God, are under His wrath and curse; and so made liable all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever. Genesis 3:8, 24; Ephesians 2:3; Galatians 3:10; Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:41
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him” (Matthew 6:8).
Have you ever thought, “If our heavenly Father knoweth before we ask Him, then why ask?” It is a question, either for the simple, or the unsaved. The unsaved would ask that question in a vindictive demand, desiring to justify themselves as prayerless, unbelieving sinners. For the believer, however, it is a simple question as we are simple children. The Father desires His children to ask that question, to know the answer, to grow in grace because of the reasons, and to grow in grace because we ask Him for the things He already knows we have need of. There may be several reasons, as well as an infinite number of underlying reasons beyond the main ones; nevertheless, let us look and meditate upon only four today.
Obedience. We ask of our Father in heaven because the Lord commands us to ask: “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7). Because God has commanded it in His Word, it provides us an opportunity to obey His commands by supernatural submission to His Word.
Submission. We ask our heavenly Father because asking recognizes His authority as God. By simply asking, we are acknowledging that He has the authority and capacity to give, and therefore submit to His authority. Matthew 7:11 records the Master’s word to us, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?”
Faith. When we ask of the Father, and then receive what we have asked from Him, we grow in faith and mature in the assurance of our salvation. “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22).
Pleasing God. Because, as believing children supernaturally empowered by His Holy Spirit, we obey and submit in prayer by faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. That faith is pleasing to our heavenly Father, as it is written, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Yet, if these four graces are not working in our prayer lives, we will be prone to pray in carnality. Beloved, beware; for it is written, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:3).
Such pity as a Father hath
unto His children dear;
Like pity shews the Lord to such
as worship Him in fear.
For He remembers we are dust,
and He our frame well knows.
Frail man, his days are like the grass,
as flow’r in field he grows:
For over it the wind doth pass,
and it away is gone;
And of the place where once it was
it shall no more be known.
But unto them that do Him fear
God’s mercy never ends;
And to their children’s children still
His righteousness extends:
To such as keep His covenant,
and mindful are alway
Of His most just commandements,
that they may them obey.
The Lord prepared hath His throne
in heavens firm to stand;
And ev’ry thing that being hath
His kingdom doth command.
O ye His angels, that excel
in strength, bless ye the Lord;
Ye who obey what He commands,
and hearken to His word.
O bless and magnify the Lord,
ye glorious hosts of His;
Ye ministers, that do fulfil
whate’er His pleasure is.
O bless the Lord, all ye His works,
wherewith the world is stor’d
In His dominions ev’ry where.
My soul, bless thou the Lord.
Psalm 103:13-22
Scottish Psalter
Friday, December 5, 2008
12/5, Cleansing
R. M. McCeyne’s DAILY BREAD portions:
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11 (family); Nahum 3 (secret)
EVENING:
1 John 4 (family); Luke 19 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q13. Did our first parents continue in the initial state that God had created them?
A13. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from that initial state wherein they were created, by sinning against God, by eating the forbidden fruit. Ecclesiastes 7:29; Genesis 3:6-8
Q14. What is sin?
A14. Sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of the law of God. 1 John 3:4
Q15. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?
A15. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself but also for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5:12
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2).
The prayerful meditations of the saint in Christ are bittersweet. When we read God’s Word and perceive the holiness of His truth, that would seem enough for the Holy Spirit to convince us of sin in even the smallest and most obscure of Scripture portions; yet, that’s not all. When we perceive in God’s Word the superlative excellencies of Christ Jesus to keep God’s law completely, to fulfill God’s prophecies perfectly, and sacrifice Himself lovingly, willingly, and obediently, that would seem enough for the Spirit of Christ to convince us of the righteousness found in the smallest jot and the least tittle within the holy Writ; yet, that’s not all. For what’s more is that when we have access to the throne of grace by the precious Son of God, who is risen, alive forevermore, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and full of the glory, the splendor, the majesty and magnificence He once knew with the Triune God before the very first utterance of creation, the Spirit of Truth so convinces us of the judgment we rightfully deserve, that we must fall upon our faces as dead men; that we cry out with the prophet, “Woe is me! for I am undone;” that we cry out with the apostle, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”
The Christian believer that is being sanctified by God by His blessed providence, being conformed to the image of His Son by His predestined decree, that believer be awakened and renewed knows that the best of his prayers are sinful before such a holy and heavenly Redeemer; that the best of his works are altogether unclean and filthy rags before the glory and majesty of Christ.
Yet, the blood of Christ, which has given us access to the throne of grace to witness such marvelous glory and majesty in God the Son, a glory so immense and brightness so intense that we tremble in godly fear, is the very same precious blood that cleanses us from our sin, frees us from guilt, and restores us to joy unspeakable in the riches of the infinite sacrifice of the Lamb of God upon Calvary’s Tree!
Though, not all sins are equally heinous; though there are earthly consequences in committing sin in the sight of a holy and heavenly God; there is comfort and conciliation in Christ through His cleansing blood.
“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Verse 1:
Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Refrain:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless? are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Verse 2:
Are you walking daily by the Saviour’s side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Verse 3:
When the Bridegroom cometh, will your robes be white,
Pure and white in the blood of the Lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Verse 4:
Lay aside the garments that are stained by sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!
“Are You Washed in the Blood?”
by Elisha Hoffman
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11 (family); Nahum 3 (secret)
EVENING:
1 John 4 (family); Luke 19 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q13. Did our first parents continue in the initial state that God had created them?
A13. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from that initial state wherein they were created, by sinning against God, by eating the forbidden fruit. Ecclesiastes 7:29; Genesis 3:6-8
Q14. What is sin?
A14. Sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of the law of God. 1 John 3:4
Q15. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?
A15. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself but also for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5:12
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2).
The prayerful meditations of the saint in Christ are bittersweet. When we read God’s Word and perceive the holiness of His truth, that would seem enough for the Holy Spirit to convince us of sin in even the smallest and most obscure of Scripture portions; yet, that’s not all. When we perceive in God’s Word the superlative excellencies of Christ Jesus to keep God’s law completely, to fulfill God’s prophecies perfectly, and sacrifice Himself lovingly, willingly, and obediently, that would seem enough for the Spirit of Christ to convince us of the righteousness found in the smallest jot and the least tittle within the holy Writ; yet, that’s not all. For what’s more is that when we have access to the throne of grace by the precious Son of God, who is risen, alive forevermore, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and full of the glory, the splendor, the majesty and magnificence He once knew with the Triune God before the very first utterance of creation, the Spirit of Truth so convinces us of the judgment we rightfully deserve, that we must fall upon our faces as dead men; that we cry out with the prophet, “Woe is me! for I am undone;” that we cry out with the apostle, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”
The Christian believer that is being sanctified by God by His blessed providence, being conformed to the image of His Son by His predestined decree, that believer be awakened and renewed knows that the best of his prayers are sinful before such a holy and heavenly Redeemer; that the best of his works are altogether unclean and filthy rags before the glory and majesty of Christ.
Yet, the blood of Christ, which has given us access to the throne of grace to witness such marvelous glory and majesty in God the Son, a glory so immense and brightness so intense that we tremble in godly fear, is the very same precious blood that cleanses us from our sin, frees us from guilt, and restores us to joy unspeakable in the riches of the infinite sacrifice of the Lamb of God upon Calvary’s Tree!
Though, not all sins are equally heinous; though there are earthly consequences in committing sin in the sight of a holy and heavenly God; there is comfort and conciliation in Christ through His cleansing blood.
“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Verse 1:
Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Refrain:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless? are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Verse 2:
Are you walking daily by the Saviour’s side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Verse 3:
When the Bridegroom cometh, will your robes be white,
Pure and white in the blood of the Lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Verse 4:
Lay aside the garments that are stained by sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!
“Are You Washed in the Blood?”
by Elisha Hoffman
Thursday, December 4, 2008
12/4, Loving
R. M. McCeyne’s DAILY BREAD portions:
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 3-4 (family); Nahum 2 (secret)
EVENING:
1 John 3 (family); Luke 18 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q10. How did God create man?
A10. God created man, male and female, after His own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness with dominion over the creatures. Genesis 1:27; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; Genesis 1:27
Q11. What are God's works of providence?
A11. God's works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful, preserving and governing all His creatures, and all their actions. Psalm 145:17; Isaiah 28:29; Hebrews 1:3; Psalm 103:19; Matthew 10:29
Q12. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man when He created him in his initial state?
A12. When God had created man, He entered into a covenant of life with him, that upon condition of perfect obedience, man was forbidden to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death. Galatians 3:12; Genesis 2:17
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3).
Whenever we do not bring ourselves to the Cross of Christ in the practical outworking of our salvation, we may take a portion of Scripture, like this one in 1 John 5, and be carried away with legalism; that is, keeping the commandments of God as if by doing those things commanded we have merited something worthy of God’s attention or affection.
Yet, the Holy Spirit checks our hearts and we realize that that can’t be right, so we may swing the other way, into antinomianism; that is, removing the law completely from our realm and reality, misinterpreting the apostle’s teaching, “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law” (Galatians 5:18).
The law led us to Christ, like a servant whose task was to lead his master’s children to the schoolhouse, the place where Christ would teach us through faith (see Galatians 3:24-25). The schoolhouse is the Cross of Christ, the teaching is the Word of God, and the teacher is the Spirit of Christ. Therefore, if not all are in Christ, the law has not been done away with. There must still be a schoolmaster to lead children to Christ. Yet, for those of us who are in Christ, we are not bound by the law, because there is no way that our keeping the law in these tabernacles of flesh, by our merits, could ever come close to the righteousness and holiness of Christ’s walk upon the earth and His redeeming work upon the Cross.
The incarnation of the Son of Man, in Jesus Christ’s walk upon the earth, and especially in His work upon the Cross, raised the minimum of righteousness required on earth, from the law engraved in tablets of stone and written on skins and parchments, to the new heavenly standard presented in the life of the Lord of Glory, Himself. The law, no longer written in stone, was written upon new hearts of flesh of sinners regenerated by God’s grace.
When the law previously said, “Do not murder,” now in Christ, the heavenly standard is that not only should we not murder, but we should also seek to benefit another’s life to the detriment of our own welfare: “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification” (Romans 15:2). As the law previously stated, “Do not covet,” now in Christ, the heavenly standard is that not only should we not covet, but we should also seek to prosper another to the forsaking of our own prosperity: “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Corinthians 10:24). When the law previously said, “Bring all your tithes to the garner,” the heavenly standard in Christ is that not only should we set aside a tithe for the Lord, but it is all His and we should give bountifully and hilariously because of that truth: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The problem is that apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5); AND, though we attempt to bring forth works appropriate for repentance, we cry out with the apostle, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Romans 7:18); the shortest journey to the Cross of Christ in our hearts will remind us that the best of our deeds are but filthy rags compared to the superlative excellencies of the Righteous Son of God.
Yet, it is at the Cross where sweet peace prevails, grace upon grace overflows, and God’s infinite and glorious love abounds. Keeping at the Cross brings us the reminder of the majestic splendor of God’s love, grace, mercy and peace upon us; the depth of that love to the extent that He pours out the full force of His wrath upon His one and only Son; to the extent that the Son received willingly, obediently, and lovingly the fullness of that cup and drinking it down to the dregs… He bled, so we might abound because of Him; He died, so we might have delight in Him; He was crushed, so we can be complete through Him; He loved, so that we might live by Him and with Him. Therefore, by His Spirit, through God’s Word, and at the Cross: “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Verse 1:
I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me,
Now safe am I.
Refrain:
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me; Love lifted me.
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Verse 2:
All my heart to Him I give,
Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs.
Verse 3:
Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Saviour wants to be—
Be saved today.
“Love Lifted Me”
by James Rowe
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 3-4 (family); Nahum 2 (secret)
EVENING:
1 John 3 (family); Luke 18 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q10. How did God create man?
A10. God created man, male and female, after His own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness with dominion over the creatures. Genesis 1:27; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; Genesis 1:27
Q11. What are God's works of providence?
A11. God's works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful, preserving and governing all His creatures, and all their actions. Psalm 145:17; Isaiah 28:29; Hebrews 1:3; Psalm 103:19; Matthew 10:29
Q12. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man when He created him in his initial state?
A12. When God had created man, He entered into a covenant of life with him, that upon condition of perfect obedience, man was forbidden to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death. Galatians 3:12; Genesis 2:17
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3).
Whenever we do not bring ourselves to the Cross of Christ in the practical outworking of our salvation, we may take a portion of Scripture, like this one in 1 John 5, and be carried away with legalism; that is, keeping the commandments of God as if by doing those things commanded we have merited something worthy of God’s attention or affection.
Yet, the Holy Spirit checks our hearts and we realize that that can’t be right, so we may swing the other way, into antinomianism; that is, removing the law completely from our realm and reality, misinterpreting the apostle’s teaching, “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law” (Galatians 5:18).
The law led us to Christ, like a servant whose task was to lead his master’s children to the schoolhouse, the place where Christ would teach us through faith (see Galatians 3:24-25). The schoolhouse is the Cross of Christ, the teaching is the Word of God, and the teacher is the Spirit of Christ. Therefore, if not all are in Christ, the law has not been done away with. There must still be a schoolmaster to lead children to Christ. Yet, for those of us who are in Christ, we are not bound by the law, because there is no way that our keeping the law in these tabernacles of flesh, by our merits, could ever come close to the righteousness and holiness of Christ’s walk upon the earth and His redeeming work upon the Cross.
The incarnation of the Son of Man, in Jesus Christ’s walk upon the earth, and especially in His work upon the Cross, raised the minimum of righteousness required on earth, from the law engraved in tablets of stone and written on skins and parchments, to the new heavenly standard presented in the life of the Lord of Glory, Himself. The law, no longer written in stone, was written upon new hearts of flesh of sinners regenerated by God’s grace.
When the law previously said, “Do not murder,” now in Christ, the heavenly standard is that not only should we not murder, but we should also seek to benefit another’s life to the detriment of our own welfare: “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification” (Romans 15:2). As the law previously stated, “Do not covet,” now in Christ, the heavenly standard is that not only should we not covet, but we should also seek to prosper another to the forsaking of our own prosperity: “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Corinthians 10:24). When the law previously said, “Bring all your tithes to the garner,” the heavenly standard in Christ is that not only should we set aside a tithe for the Lord, but it is all His and we should give bountifully and hilariously because of that truth: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The problem is that apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5); AND, though we attempt to bring forth works appropriate for repentance, we cry out with the apostle, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Romans 7:18); the shortest journey to the Cross of Christ in our hearts will remind us that the best of our deeds are but filthy rags compared to the superlative excellencies of the Righteous Son of God.
Yet, it is at the Cross where sweet peace prevails, grace upon grace overflows, and God’s infinite and glorious love abounds. Keeping at the Cross brings us the reminder of the majestic splendor of God’s love, grace, mercy and peace upon us; the depth of that love to the extent that He pours out the full force of His wrath upon His one and only Son; to the extent that the Son received willingly, obediently, and lovingly the fullness of that cup and drinking it down to the dregs… He bled, so we might abound because of Him; He died, so we might have delight in Him; He was crushed, so we can be complete through Him; He loved, so that we might live by Him and with Him. Therefore, by His Spirit, through God’s Word, and at the Cross: “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Verse 1:
I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me,
Now safe am I.
Refrain:
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me; Love lifted me.
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Verse 2:
All my heart to Him I give,
Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs.
Verse 3:
Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Saviour wants to be—
Be saved today.
“Love Lifted Me”
by James Rowe
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
12/3, Blessings
R. M. McCeyne’s DAILY BREAD portions:
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 2 (family); Nahum 1 (secret)
EVENING:
1 John 2 (family); Luke 17 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q7. What are the decrees of God?
A7. The decrees of God are His eternal purpose according to the counsel of His own will, whereby for His own glory He has foreordained whatever comes to pass. Ephesians 1:11-12
Q8. How does God execute His decrees?
A8. God executes His decrees in the works of creation and providence. Revelation 4:11; Daniel 4:35
Q9. What is the work of creation?
A9. The work of creation is God’s making all things from nothing, by the Word of His power, in six normal consecutive days, and all very good. Genesis 1:1; Hebrew 11:3; Exodus 20:11; Genesis 1:31
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich will not be innocent” (Proverbs 28:20).
Yes, God is the blessing; and it is the blessing of God Himself that we should, and must, desire above all things. Yet, God pours out blessings upon His children, that in those blessings we draw nearer to Him, and through those blessings we grow in maturity and character, desiring to please God and dwell with God, now and forever more.
When we view the blessings from God as something that merely satisfies our condition and situation while we are on the planet, to hold us over, so to speak, until He either returns or takes us home, we’ve misinterpreted the truth. We have turned the blessings from God into curses, as it is written, “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto My name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart” (Malachi 2:2).
The blessings from God are only blessings when they are used, not only for our benefit, but also and more importantly, for the glory of God. Moreover, the benefit we receive by the blessings from God is when we use those blessings, by the grace of God, to pursue our own personal discipline in the graces of prayer, meditation upon the Word, fellowship with believers, the Lord’s Supper, &etc. Further, the blessings from God are very true blessings when they give rise to and present opportunity for the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit and a demonstration of the gifts of the Spirit.
It is a matter of stewardship. The blessings we receive from God are to be put to use in our lives to edify the inner man through responsibility for those things we have received from God; and in doing so, we bring God glory and grow closer to Christ.
When, however, the blessings from God are merely things that satisfy our needs, desires, and comforts, they are a curse, like hastily sought wealth, because what should have been a blessing for the glory of God, is keeping us from God.
Let us examine ourselves carefully in this matter (and carefully be aware not to examine others in this for that is a judgment reserved for God). Are we giving lip service to the Lord by way of thanksgiving for what He has given us because we merely acknowledge that He has blessed us with something? Or are we receiving those blessings with thanksgiving and putting them to good use as obedient disciples so that through the blessings we may be renewed in our thinking, made more submissive in our wills, and quickened in our affections toward Jesus Christ, our all in all?
“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; a blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: and a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 2 (family); Nahum 1 (secret)
EVENING:
1 John 2 (family); Luke 17 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q7. What are the decrees of God?
A7. The decrees of God are His eternal purpose according to the counsel of His own will, whereby for His own glory He has foreordained whatever comes to pass. Ephesians 1:11-12
Q8. How does God execute His decrees?
A8. God executes His decrees in the works of creation and providence. Revelation 4:11; Daniel 4:35
Q9. What is the work of creation?
A9. The work of creation is God’s making all things from nothing, by the Word of His power, in six normal consecutive days, and all very good. Genesis 1:1; Hebrew 11:3; Exodus 20:11; Genesis 1:31
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich will not be innocent” (Proverbs 28:20).
Yes, God is the blessing; and it is the blessing of God Himself that we should, and must, desire above all things. Yet, God pours out blessings upon His children, that in those blessings we draw nearer to Him, and through those blessings we grow in maturity and character, desiring to please God and dwell with God, now and forever more.
When we view the blessings from God as something that merely satisfies our condition and situation while we are on the planet, to hold us over, so to speak, until He either returns or takes us home, we’ve misinterpreted the truth. We have turned the blessings from God into curses, as it is written, “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto My name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart” (Malachi 2:2).
The blessings from God are only blessings when they are used, not only for our benefit, but also and more importantly, for the glory of God. Moreover, the benefit we receive by the blessings from God is when we use those blessings, by the grace of God, to pursue our own personal discipline in the graces of prayer, meditation upon the Word, fellowship with believers, the Lord’s Supper, &etc. Further, the blessings from God are very true blessings when they give rise to and present opportunity for the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit and a demonstration of the gifts of the Spirit.
It is a matter of stewardship. The blessings we receive from God are to be put to use in our lives to edify the inner man through responsibility for those things we have received from God; and in doing so, we bring God glory and grow closer to Christ.
When, however, the blessings from God are merely things that satisfy our needs, desires, and comforts, they are a curse, like hastily sought wealth, because what should have been a blessing for the glory of God, is keeping us from God.
Let us examine ourselves carefully in this matter (and carefully be aware not to examine others in this for that is a judgment reserved for God). Are we giving lip service to the Lord by way of thanksgiving for what He has given us because we merely acknowledge that He has blessed us with something? Or are we receiving those blessings with thanksgiving and putting them to good use as obedient disciples so that through the blessings we may be renewed in our thinking, made more submissive in our wills, and quickened in our affections toward Jesus Christ, our all in all?
“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; a blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: and a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).
Verse 1:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Verse 2:
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
Verse 3:
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Verse 4:
So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
“Count Your Blessings”
by Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
12/2, Working
R. M. McCeyne’s DAILY BREAD portions:
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 1 (family); Micah 7 (secret)
EVENING:
1 John 1 (family); Luke 16 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q4. What is God?
A4. God is Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth. John 4:24; Job 11:7; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17; James 1:17; Ezekiel 3:14; Psalm 147:5; Revelation 4:8; Exodus 34:6-7
Q5. Are there more Gods than one?
A5. There is but one only, the living and true God. Deuteronomy 6:4; Jeremiah 10:10
Q6. How many Persons are there in the Godhead?
A6. There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory. 1 John 5:7; Matthew 28:19
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
As we walk with love, joy, and peace in the life abiding in Christ, and as we endeavor to endure sufferings and discipline ourselves through buffetings in the reality of a life that is crucified with Christ, is the reality of that spiritual truth spilling over into every area of our lives? Is justification and sanctification manifested in our day-to-day externals, in things like our work ethic? And are we pouring these truths into our children; not merely by telling them, but also by demonstration in what they see daily?
We may tell our children to work hard, even teaching them from the Word of God and showing them by our examples, yet, we may, because of the sinfulness of our flesh, though well intended, spoil them away from our word and deed by lavishing upon them without insisting that they work hard as well. Our good intentions come from a sin-skewed perspective of the truth: yes, the truth.
We know the truth that God is gracious and compassionate, and by His grace, we have received life everlasting and “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Therefore, as children of our King and heavenly Father, we want to do likewise with our children. Nevertheless, our heavenly Father, though He is perfectly generous in all gifts and goodness, He does not dote, nor does He spoil.
We discipline ourselves to work hard and to receive a wage for what we have worked for: “The labourer is worthy of his reward” (1 Timothy 5:18). We must pass that discipline on to our children as well, not overbearing as cruel taskmasters, but with love and patience, knowing what end a good beginning will produce.
In our sin-skewed perception, we may even shy away from a diligent and disciplined work ethic because we may view the wage or reward for the hard work as a legalistic form, offensive to God’s grace. Yet, when the Spirit has a hold on us, we see clearly that this is a matter of stewardship: “and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). And we also know, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). As the Spirit does His work in us, and moves us to apply His work with disciplined lives, crucified with Christ, we go forth in the power of the Spirit, our wills being conformed to will of the Father, and growing in the maturity of the Son, as sons and daughters, for His glory. Then we rejoice in the graces of a disciplined, crucified life, living, loving, and knowing…
…that I have been blessed with the capacity to work by the grace of God.
…that I have been blessed with employment by the grace of God.
…that I have received a wage by the grace of God.
…that I can exchange that wage for necessities and pleasantries by the grace of God.
…that were it not for the grace of God, I wouldn’t have what I do have.
…were it not for the grace of God, I would be sent to the most severe compartment of hell, and deservedly so; yet, even then, that judgment would still contain all of God’s mercy.
Therefore, “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).
MORNING:
2 Chronicles 1 (family); Micah 7 (secret)
EVENING:
1 John 1 (family); Luke 16 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q4. What is God?
A4. God is Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth. John 4:24; Job 11:7; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17; James 1:17; Ezekiel 3:14; Psalm 147:5; Revelation 4:8; Exodus 34:6-7
Q5. Are there more Gods than one?
A5. There is but one only, the living and true God. Deuteronomy 6:4; Jeremiah 10:10
Q6. How many Persons are there in the Godhead?
A6. There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory. 1 John 5:7; Matthew 28:19
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
As we walk with love, joy, and peace in the life abiding in Christ, and as we endeavor to endure sufferings and discipline ourselves through buffetings in the reality of a life that is crucified with Christ, is the reality of that spiritual truth spilling over into every area of our lives? Is justification and sanctification manifested in our day-to-day externals, in things like our work ethic? And are we pouring these truths into our children; not merely by telling them, but also by demonstration in what they see daily?
We may tell our children to work hard, even teaching them from the Word of God and showing them by our examples, yet, we may, because of the sinfulness of our flesh, though well intended, spoil them away from our word and deed by lavishing upon them without insisting that they work hard as well. Our good intentions come from a sin-skewed perspective of the truth: yes, the truth.
We know the truth that God is gracious and compassionate, and by His grace, we have received life everlasting and “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Therefore, as children of our King and heavenly Father, we want to do likewise with our children. Nevertheless, our heavenly Father, though He is perfectly generous in all gifts and goodness, He does not dote, nor does He spoil.
We discipline ourselves to work hard and to receive a wage for what we have worked for: “The labourer is worthy of his reward” (1 Timothy 5:18). We must pass that discipline on to our children as well, not overbearing as cruel taskmasters, but with love and patience, knowing what end a good beginning will produce.
In our sin-skewed perception, we may even shy away from a diligent and disciplined work ethic because we may view the wage or reward for the hard work as a legalistic form, offensive to God’s grace. Yet, when the Spirit has a hold on us, we see clearly that this is a matter of stewardship: “and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). And we also know, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). As the Spirit does His work in us, and moves us to apply His work with disciplined lives, crucified with Christ, we go forth in the power of the Spirit, our wills being conformed to will of the Father, and growing in the maturity of the Son, as sons and daughters, for His glory. Then we rejoice in the graces of a disciplined, crucified life, living, loving, and knowing…
…that I have been blessed with the capacity to work by the grace of God.
…that I have been blessed with employment by the grace of God.
…that I have received a wage by the grace of God.
…that I can exchange that wage for necessities and pleasantries by the grace of God.
…that were it not for the grace of God, I wouldn’t have what I do have.
…were it not for the grace of God, I would be sent to the most severe compartment of hell, and deservedly so; yet, even then, that judgment would still contain all of God’s mercy.
Therefore, “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).
Monday, December 1, 2008
12/1, Abiding
R. M. McCeyne’s DAILY BREAD portions:
MORNING:
1 Chronicles 29 (family); Micah 6 (secret)
EVENING:
2 Peter 3 (family); Luke 15 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q1. What is the chief end of man?
A1. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 73:25, 26
Q2. What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify Him?
A2. The Word of God, which is contained in the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify God and enjoy Him. Ephesians 2:20; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:3
Q3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?
A3. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. 2 Timothy 1:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me” (John 15:4).
Whereas cleaving, fleeing, rejoicing, thanksgiving, buffeting, &etc., are responses to the reality of the Redemption truth in us and the free grace of God upon us, abiding is not a response to that truth; it is truth.
Branches of the fruit tree do not have to grunt, sweat, or strain in order to produce fruit. As long as the branch is attached to the trunk of the tree, and as long as the tree’s roots are sunk into the soil, then vital sap sent to the branch from the tree will cause the branch to produce fruit. As in nature, so it is in the spiritual reality.
You and I cannot do anything to produce the fruit of the Spirit; nor can we do anything to abide, or abide more. We either abide or we do not. Gentile branches have been grafted into the Redemption promise. Jewish branches have been broken off because of unbelief. But whether grafted in or broken off, it is done by the free and sovereign grace of God. It is God’s work, first and last.
Abiding in Christ is the supernatural reality of Redemption: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Romans 8:9).
So, if we have nothing to do to attain it, why did the Master say it? He tells us, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11).
This truth brings the believer the steadfast assurance of God’s infinite love; like a woman secure in her trust toward her faithful husband; or the nursing child that is comforted in the arms of his mother. Yet, this abiding truth, being heavenly and supernatural, far exceeds the trust and comfort that comes from any earthly relationships.
Sadly, we are often not comforted by this truth or trusting in its heavenly reality because we are ignorant of it. We are ignorant of His abiding joy because we are not in His Word with watchful prayer; and if we are reading His Word, we have not endeavored to become disciplined to see His Cross in the Word, feeding on the Redemption for nourishment, meditating upon it for hope and endurance.
When we have apprehended the revelation of that abiding truth, however, our response is cleaving, fleeing, rejoicing, thanksgiving, buffeting, and any other response and discipline that matures us to continue in submissive obedience to the One who has lovingly purchased our souls for Himself.
Oh, hallelujah! He abides! and because He abides in me, I must, therefore, be abiding in Him, according to His unfailing Word. Hallelujah, He abides in me!
I’m rejoicing night and day
As I walk the pilgrim way,
For the hand of God in all my life I see;
And the reason of my bliss,
Yes, the secret all is this:
That the Comforter abides with me.
Refrain:
He abides, He abides,
Hallelujah, He abides with me!
I’m rejoicing night and day,
As I walk the narrow way,
For the Comforter abides with me.
Once my heart was full of sin,
Once I had no peace within,
Till I heard how Jesus died upon the tree;
Then I fell down at His feet,
And there came a peace so sweet;
Now the Comforter abides with me.
He is with me ev’rywhere,
And He knows my ev’ry care,
I’m as happy as a bird and just as free;
For the Spirit has control,
Jesus satisfies my soul,
Since the Comforter abides with me.
There’s no thirsting for the things
Of the world— they’ve taken wings;
Long ago I gave them up, and instantly
All my night was turned to day,
All my burdens rolled away,
Now the Comforter abides with me.
“He Abides”
by Hubert Buffum
MORNING:
1 Chronicles 29 (family); Micah 6 (secret)
EVENING:
2 Peter 3 (family); Luke 15 (secret)
C. H. Spurgeon’s A PURITAN CATECHISM:
Q1. What is the chief end of man?
A1. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 73:25, 26
Q2. What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify Him?
A2. The Word of God, which is contained in the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify God and enjoy Him. Ephesians 2:20; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:3
Q3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?
A3. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. 2 Timothy 1:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST DEVOTION:
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me” (John 15:4).
Whereas cleaving, fleeing, rejoicing, thanksgiving, buffeting, &etc., are responses to the reality of the Redemption truth in us and the free grace of God upon us, abiding is not a response to that truth; it is truth.
Branches of the fruit tree do not have to grunt, sweat, or strain in order to produce fruit. As long as the branch is attached to the trunk of the tree, and as long as the tree’s roots are sunk into the soil, then vital sap sent to the branch from the tree will cause the branch to produce fruit. As in nature, so it is in the spiritual reality.
You and I cannot do anything to produce the fruit of the Spirit; nor can we do anything to abide, or abide more. We either abide or we do not. Gentile branches have been grafted into the Redemption promise. Jewish branches have been broken off because of unbelief. But whether grafted in or broken off, it is done by the free and sovereign grace of God. It is God’s work, first and last.
Abiding in Christ is the supernatural reality of Redemption: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Romans 8:9).
So, if we have nothing to do to attain it, why did the Master say it? He tells us, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11).
This truth brings the believer the steadfast assurance of God’s infinite love; like a woman secure in her trust toward her faithful husband; or the nursing child that is comforted in the arms of his mother. Yet, this abiding truth, being heavenly and supernatural, far exceeds the trust and comfort that comes from any earthly relationships.
Sadly, we are often not comforted by this truth or trusting in its heavenly reality because we are ignorant of it. We are ignorant of His abiding joy because we are not in His Word with watchful prayer; and if we are reading His Word, we have not endeavored to become disciplined to see His Cross in the Word, feeding on the Redemption for nourishment, meditating upon it for hope and endurance.
When we have apprehended the revelation of that abiding truth, however, our response is cleaving, fleeing, rejoicing, thanksgiving, buffeting, and any other response and discipline that matures us to continue in submissive obedience to the One who has lovingly purchased our souls for Himself.
Oh, hallelujah! He abides! and because He abides in me, I must, therefore, be abiding in Him, according to His unfailing Word. Hallelujah, He abides in me!
I’m rejoicing night and day
As I walk the pilgrim way,
For the hand of God in all my life I see;
And the reason of my bliss,
Yes, the secret all is this:
That the Comforter abides with me.
Refrain:
He abides, He abides,
Hallelujah, He abides with me!
I’m rejoicing night and day,
As I walk the narrow way,
For the Comforter abides with me.
Once my heart was full of sin,
Once I had no peace within,
Till I heard how Jesus died upon the tree;
Then I fell down at His feet,
And there came a peace so sweet;
Now the Comforter abides with me.
He is with me ev’rywhere,
And He knows my ev’ry care,
I’m as happy as a bird and just as free;
For the Spirit has control,
Jesus satisfies my soul,
Since the Comforter abides with me.
There’s no thirsting for the things
Of the world— they’ve taken wings;
Long ago I gave them up, and instantly
All my night was turned to day,
All my burdens rolled away,
Now the Comforter abides with me.
“He Abides”
by Hubert Buffum
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