2 MINUTES DAILY

Two Minutes Daily for September 2026

1/9/2026

Short Devotions/Scripture/Poetry/Quotes
All materials in this page are from uncopyrighted writings from my own online bible,
or, free public domain online.
The majority of the photos and graphic images on this page, and the rest of this site are my own,
with few exceptions. AI is never used.
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Page is paused til November
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Come Ye Apart
To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks,
so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Psa 42:1-2
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And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. Mar 6:31-32

“Ease he did not seek, honor he did not covet, but the enjoyment of communion with God was an urgent need of his soul; he viewed it not merely as the sweetest of all luxuries, but as an absolute necessity, like water to a stag.”
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God: The psalmist wasn’t thirsty for water, but for God. Drinking and thirst are common pictures of man’s spiritual need and God’s supply. Here, the emphasis is on the desperation of the need.
One may go many days without food, but thirsts shows an even more urgent need. “Which is more than hungering; hunger you can palliate, but thirst is awful, insatiable, clamorous, deadly.”
"The soul of man has no resource independent of God"-
A camel does not pant after water brooks, because it carries its own water within it; but the hart does, because it has no inward resources. After being hunted on a hot day, it has no inward supplies; it is drained of its moisture. So are we. We do not carry a store of grace within of our own upon which we can rely; we need to come again, and again, and again, to the Divine fountain, and drink again from the eternal spring. Hence it is because we have a new life, and that life is dependent upon God, and has all its fresh springs in Him, that therefore we pant and thirst after Him. O Christian, if you had a sacred life which could be maintained by its own energies within, you might do without your God, but since you are naked, and poor, and miserable, apart from Him, you must come and drink day by day of the living springs, or else you faint and die." (excerpts from C. H. Spurgeon)

In Fellowship With Christ

"This is the last and best way of finding rest in retirement. This covers all other ways with worth. This brings them together and binds them into one full blessing. Our Lord did not send the disciples into retirement; He went with them. He did not say “Go ye apart.” He said “Come ye apart.”
A person who had long practised many austerities, without finding any comfort or change of heart, was once complaining of his state to a certain bishop. “Alas!” said he, “self-will and self-righteousness follow me everywhere. Only tell me where you think I shall learn to leave myself. Will it be by study, or prayer, or good works?” “I think,” replied the bishop, “that the place where you lose self will be that where you find your Savior.” (Note: Evan H. Hopkins)
(Photo taken by me in 2016-while kayaking on Lewis Pond, in northern Vt.)

"Knowledge of the Work we are Doing—By going apart for rest we shall gain a bird’s-eye view of the field of life and duty. In the midst of life’s moving affairs we see life fragmentarily and not entire. We note a text, but not a context. We see items, but we are blind to their relationships. We see facts, but we do not mark their far-reaching issue and destiny. We are often ill-informed as to the true size of a thing which looms large in the immediate moment. Things seen within narrow walls assume an appalling bulk. A lion in your back yard is one thing; with a continent to move in, it is quite another. There are many feverish and threatening crises which would dwindle into harmless proportions if only we saw them in calm detachment. There are some things which we can never see with true interpretation until we get away from them. There is nothing more hideous and confusing than an oil painting when viewed at the distance of an inch. To see it we must get away from it." (Note: H. Lucas-Great Texts)

Sins to be Eschewed
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Rom 12:18
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For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil,
and his lips that they speak no guile:
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers:
but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 1Pe 3:10-12

"We are to do our utmost endeavors to preserve peace, and to appease the anger and malice of others.
We are not to “begin” or to “originate” a quarrel.
So far as “we” are concerned, we are to seek peace. But then it does not always depend on us. Others may oppose and persecute us; they will hate religion, and may slander, revile, and otherwise injure us; or they may commence an assault on our persons or property. For “their” assaults we are not answerable; but we are answerable for our conduct toward them; and on no occasion are we to commence a warfare with them. It may not be “possible” to prevent their injuring and opposing us; but it is possible not to begin a contention with them; and “when they” have commenced a strife, to seek peace, and to evince a Christian spirit. This command doubtless extends to everything connected with strife; and means that we are not to “provoke” them to controversy, or to prolong it when it is commenced; see Psa_34:14; Mat_5:9, Mat_5:39-41; Heb_12:14. If all Christians would follow this command, if they would never “provoke” to controversy, if they would injure no man by slander or by unfair dealing, if they would compel none to prosecute them in law by lack of punctuality in payment of debts or honesty in business, if they would do nothing to irritate, or to prolong a controversy when it is commenced, it would put an end to no small part of the strife that exists in the world."
(Excerpt from Albert Barnes)

All Sins to be Eschewed

1. We are to eschew all evil, even the least.
2. All persons are to eschew the same, not the greatest excepted; God’s law binds them, be they princes, magistrates, ministers. They should eschew it most, for by their example they do most hurt.
3. At all times. Some things be in season at one time, some at another, but sin is never in season.
4. In all places. God is the God of all places, neither can any place change the nature of sin. Thou must eschew sin as well abroad as at home; in thy house, chamber, shop, as well as at church.
5. All kinds of sin are also to be avoided. Error in judgment and wickedness in conversation, evil against God, our neighbors, or ourselves.
6. We must also avoid evil under what color or pretence soever it comes. (John Rogers)

Let him seek - To live peaceably with all men. And pursue it - Even when it seems to flee from him.
(John Wesley)
Psa 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
3Jn 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Jas 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Note: There is not one, who can read this, and not find themselves here, and memories of things we've allowed in our lives, that shouldn't have been done, or said. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. The remedy-sincere repentance in prayer, and asking the Lord for His forgiveness, and mercy. This is what Jesus came for, and as the Savior and Redeemer, He still stands as our High Priest, and intercedes for us. If your honest with God, and come to Him truly wanting to be forgiven-He stands waiting for you. Don't let self-deception or pride, keep you away.
1Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1Jn 1:7 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.
1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Mind of Christ-The Redeemer
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Php 2:5-11

"In all Scripture-indeed, in all literature-there is no passage which combines such extraordinary extremes as this. The Apostle opens the golden compasses of his faith, placing one jeweled point on the throne of divine glory and the other at the edge of the pit, where the Cross stood; and then he asks us to measure the vast descent of the Son of God as He came down to help us.

Mark the seven steps: He was in the form of God, that is, as much God as He was afterward a servant; being in the form of God… took the form of a servant. He was certainly the latter and equally so the former. He did not grasp at equality with God, for it was already His. He emptied Himself, that is, refused to avail Himself of the use of His divine attributes, that He might teach the meaning of absolute dependence on the Father. He obeyed as a servant the laws which had their source in Himself. He became man-a humble man, a dying man, a crucified man. He lay in the grave. But the meaning of His descent was that of His ascent, and to all His illustrious names is now added that of Jesus-Savior. This must be our model. This mind must be in us. In proportion as we become humbled and crucified, we, in our small measure, shall attain the power of blessing and saving men." (F.B. Meyer)

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The humiliation of Christ was a voluntary incarnation in human form—“But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Php_2:7). He emptied Himself, not of His divinity—that was impossible—but of the outward and self-manifesting glories of the Godhead.

He took the form of a servant by being made in the likeness of man. He remained full of divinity, yet He bore Himself as if He were empty.
(Preacher's Homiletical)

The Mind of Christ-Our Example:
A fearless mind. He braved--
1. Public opinion.
2. Persecution.
3. Death.

A self-denying mind: and such in us will enable us, like Him, to forego--
1. Present advantage for the good of others.
2. Popularity for the sake of principle.
3. Personal claims, profit and pleasure for usefulness.

A laborious mind. Christ was ever thinking, planning, devising for others.
A broadly sympathetic mind. Helpfulness should be united with tenderness.
A patient mind. How He waited those thirty years; how He bore with the ignorance of His disciples, and the malignity of His murderers.
A hopeful mind. He saw beyond the cross. “He saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied.”
(H. B. Rawnsley.)

Leaves in the Wind
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isa 64:6

“Filthy rags is ‘a garment of menstruation’; bodily discharges were considered a defilement because they were the ‘outflow’ of a sinful, fallen human nature. So, even what we might consider to be in our favor, righteous acts, partake of the defilement of fallenness.” (Motyer)
"However extreme the phrasing, the point is important. Even the works that seem holiest from the outside can be corrupt and unrighteous. “Sirs, there is sin in our prayers; they need to be prayed over again. There is filth in the very tears that we shed in penitence; there is sin in our very holiness; there is unbelief in our faith; there is hatred in our very love; there is the slime of the serpent upon the fairest flower of our garden.” (Spurgeon)
“Those that seek to be saved by their works, Luther fitly calleth the devil’s martyr's; they suffer much, and take great pains to go to hell... We must do all righteousnesses, rest in none by Christ’s, disclaiming our own best as spotted and imperfect.” (Trapp)

Man’s condition through sin is the primary idea. “Our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

The fading leaves are separated from the source of their life and growth and beauty. They are no longer in vital union with the root of the tree. They may hang for a while, but are sure speedily to fall. Any passing gust may carry them away. The soul of man through sin has, lost spiritual with God, the source of its true life, and has become faded and shrivelled through the separation.

The fading leaves yield no response to, receive no benefit from, the natural influences that act upon them for their life and growth. The prophet says of Israel, “There is none that calleth upon Thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee.”

"The leaf fades, and man fades" It falls and to dust it returns. So it is with man. These bodies will in a few years be trodden on by the beast or borne away by the winds. What a great variety there is in the foliage of nature. Some leaves are larger and decked in more lovely hues than others. Some grow in a richer soil, and are breathed on by more salubrious winds than others. But let a few weeks pass away and all these distinctions will be lost, all will be dust. It is ever so in society. We see there great variety. Some are in wealth, some in poverty; some in velvet, some in fustian; some in beauty, some in deformity; some in the pomp of power, and some in the misery of oppression. But let a few years pass round, and our princes and peasants, sovereigns and subjects, despots and serfs, masters and menials will be dust.
"As a Christian, we see the lessons to be learned:
The New Testament describes my body as a robe. Here are outer garments of cotton and wool. Then there is another garment of flesh. And then there is the soul, the man, the woman. That is the Christian conception—the flesh is the garment, it is not the man. Tell your children that growing old and infirm just means that the flesh garment is getting worse for wear, and that the soul is preparing for itself another garment that will never wear out, a spiritual garment, a garment of immortality and light. Tell them that death just means that the spirit has dropped its old clothes, its robe of flesh, and has clothed itself with the garment that is from heaven." (Biblical Illustrator)
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

The Devil’s Bargain
And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the
kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them:
for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written,
Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Luk 4:5-8

"All these things will I give thee. All disguise is laid aside. Satan claims to be the Prince of the world and the disposer of human kingdoms. Jesus came to be a King, but the pathway to the crown is weary, painful, beset with thorns and blood. Satan proposes an easier way. He will rally the Jewish nation around him, set him on the throne of David, make him the Messiah King of the world, if he will only consent to give up his idea of a spiritual kingdom, "not of this world," and worship the god of this world by conforming his kingdom to the worldly ideas of Israel. The temptation is to turn away from the path of self-denial, the cross and the tomb, and to establish an outward, worldly domain.

Get thee hence, Satan. As the tempter was revealed Jesus rebukes him. The word, "Get thee hence," "begone," expresses abhorrence. The adversary is called by name and bidden to depart. Then his reason is added, in the words of Scripture, found in Deu_6:13.
Deu 6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. This passage forbids every kind of religious adoration to any other object than Jehovah, whether it be idols, false gods, popes, Virgin Mary, saints, or angels. The three temptations had been met, three times the tempter had been baffled, three times the victory had been won. The first assault had been made through the door of appetite, "the lust of the flesh;" the second through vain glory, "the lust of the eyes;" the third through ambition, "the pride of life." All had appealed to Jesus to turn away from the pathway of self-denial and suffering marked out for him. All had been met by the shield of faith, and the tempter beaten back by the word of the Spirit. (B.W. Johnson)
For this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish: Satan claimed that authority over the earth’s kingdoms was delivered to him, and Jesus never challenged the statement. Adam and all of his collective descendants delivered to Satan when God gave man dominion over the earth, and Adam and his descendants forfeited it to Satan, by his disobedience in the garden (Genesis 1).

Satan is the ruler of this world (Joh_12:31) and the prince of the power of the air (Eph_2:2) since the days of Adam.

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan-It is Written: Throughout this warfare, Jesus uses one weapon, the word of God, in it's proper use, to cast down the temptations of the devil. In this account in the gospels we are shown by the Lord how to use the word of God to gain the victory in our battles, when they come. Sadly, the vast majority of people today, are biblically illiterate, and many have no faith in the word of God, and Satan knows it, this is why this world is in the condition it's in. But there is a remnant, who do stand with Christ, and do know how to use His word. We know the battles today are fierce, because we are in the last days, which Jesus describes in Mat. ch 24, the devil knows his time is short.

Complete Surrender
And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children,
and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luk 14:25-27
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He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Mat 10:37

"Complete surrender of earthly things are the indispensable condition of discipleship, is the teaching of this passage. Crowds followed Christ, but He will have no recruits enlisted on false pretences, and rather discourages than stimulates inconsiderate adhesion. The clear presentation of difficulties stifles no genuine earnestness, but rather fans the flame. Christ would have the light-minded crowds, following Him with curiosity, understand that it is no holiday stroll nor triumphal march in which they are joining, but a procession to a cross. So, if they are not ready for that, they had better not come after Him, and, at any rate, must come with their eyes open, if at all.

Our Lord lays down the law of discipleship.—There is a twofold requirement, the solemnity of the statement of which is increased by that repeated “He cannot be My disciple.” The first requirement refers to the heart. Jesus claims the subordination, and, if necessary, the sacrifice of all other love to the supreme love to Himself, as the prime, indispensable condition of all discipleship. We need not wonder at that strong word “hate.” The “hate” which embraces all whom nature and God bid us love, and our own lives also, cannot be the earthly passionate loathing, attended by desire to harm, which goes by that name, but detachment of heart consequent upon supreme attachment of heart to Jesus—the purifying of earthly love by loving only in Him, rigid subordination of the closest ties, and the readiness to sacrifice the tenderest of these when they come in the way of our higher love to Christ. Mark the tremendous claim which Christ here makes, in assuming His right to the throne in all our hearts.

What gives Him the right, and how can He satisfy the love which He demands? Surely He who thus speaks must be conscious of Divinity, or His claim is blasphemous. Surely He not only is, but does, what deserves and draws, and will bless with full fruition the fullest love of every heart. The second requirement applies to conduct. The first calls for the surrender of the dearest; the second, for the acceptance of the most painful. There is here a veiled allusion to Christ’s own cross, as if He had said, “I, on this journey in which you are following Me so blindly and eagerly, am going to My cross. If you could see, it is already lying on My shoulder. If you follow Me, you, too, will have to carry a cross.” Note the two halves of conduct which together make up real discipleship—taking up each the cross which is his own, and imitating Christ. Every true Christian has his own special burden of humiliation, difficulty, self-denial, to carry. The cross is heavy, and hard to carry; but unless we do carry it, we are not His. And all the procession of cross-bearers go after the Lord. If we follow after Him, our crosses grow light, remembering His, and with Him for leader and companion." (Preacher's Homiletical)

The Enduring Word
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God
shall stand for ever. Isa 40:8

"In A.D. 303, the Roman Emperor Diocletian demanded that every copy of the Scriptures in the Roman Empire be burned. He failed, and 25 years later, the Roman Emperor Constantine commissioned a scholar named Eusebius to prepare 50 copies of the Bible at government expense.
Voltaire, the French skeptic and infidel who died in 1778, said that 100 years from his time, Christianity would be swept from existence and passed into history, and that the Bible would be a forgotten book. Many years after Voltaire’s death, the Geneva Bible Society used his press and his house to produce stacks of Bibles.

“Infidels for eighteen hundred years have been refuting and overthrowing this book, and yet it stands today solid as a rock. Its circulation increases, and it is more loved and cherished and read today than ever before. Infidels, with all their assaults, make about as much impression on this book as a man with a tack hammer would on the Pyramids of Egypt. When the French monarch proposed a persecution of the Christians in his dominion, an old statesman and warrior said to him, ‘Sire, the Church of God is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.’ So the hammers of the infidels have been pecking away at this book for ages, but the hammers are worn out, and the anvil still endures. If this book had not been the book of God, men would have destroyed it long ago. Emperors and popes, kings and priests, princes and rulers have all tried their hand at it; they die and book still lives.”
(Hastings, cited in McDowell)

"And this is the word, which by the Gospel is preached unto you; who seems to distinguish the word from the Gospel, by which it is preached, and to intend Christ the essential Word; who stands or abides for ever as a divine Person; in his office as Mediator, being Prophet, Priest, and King for ever; in the efficacy of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; and in the fulness of his grace: it is true of the written word or Gospel, which remains, is everlasting, and will stand and continue, notwithstanding the persecutions of tyrants, the craft of false teachers, the reproach of ungodly men, and the death of the best of men, even of ministers; though all flesh is grass, fading and withering, the word of God is fresh and lively, firm and durable; and so it is as transcribed into the hearts of men, where it becomes the ingrafted word, and issues in everlasting life. It may be applied to God's word of promise, which is forever settled in heaven, and is always fulfilled." (John Gill)

Come and Drink
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst,
let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said,
out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Joh 7:37:38

THE TIME. The last and great day of the feast when Israel’s joy, in appearance, was at the fullest, and when there seemed least need of any other joy.
THE PLACE. Jerusalem—the Temple. What need of anything else than what the Temple afforded: particularly through the teachings of this feast.
THE GIVER. The Son of God, and not merely a prophet, who knew what they needed, and what He had to give; Himself- God’s own gift. To Himself He, as ever, turns their eye. “Come unto Me.” Feasts, altars, sacrifices, doctrines, ceremonies, were all vain.

THE GIFT. Living water; the Holy Spirit; a gift sufficient to fill the soul of the emptiest, and to quench the thirst of the thirstiest, and then to overflow upon others. There are two gifts of God which stand alone in their priceless greatness—the gift of His Son and the gift of His Spirit.
THE PERSONS. Not heathen and irreligious, but religious Jews, engaged in Divine worship. Before it was to the Samaritan that He presented the living water. In Rev_22:1-21. it is to Jew and Gentile alike. So also in Isa_55:1-13. But here the thirsty one is the Jew. His rites and feasts cannot quench his thirst, which calls for something more spiritual and Divine. So to those who frequent the sanctuary—who pray and praise outwardly—the Lord now speaks. External religiousness may help to pacify conscience, but it does not confer happiness. Only Christ can do that.
THE LOVE. It is all love from first to last. In love Christ presents the full vessel of living water, and presses to their parched lips. (H. Bonar, D. D.)

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The Meddler-The Liar-The Talebearer
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him,
is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds,
and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Pro 26:18-22
Defining the Man of Mischief

The meddler (Pro_26:17).
1. His conduct defined.
2. His mischief indicated. Renders himself liable to the anger of one, if not both, of the contending parties.
The liar (Pro_26:18-19).
1. By his false representations he involves his neighbor in some embarrassment, contention, or pain, and then excuses himself by saying, “It is in sport.” A lie is no less a lie because spoken in the spirit of frolic and jest.
2. Many a practical jester does the maniac’s mischief without the maniac’s excuse.
The querulous (Pro_26:21). He is a social incendiary.
The talebearer (Pro_26:22).
1. He maintains strife. As the microscopic sting of a little insect sometimes poisons the blood and influences the body of a strong man, the mere whisper of a talebearer will kindle the fire of discord in a whole community.
2. He infects with poison. His words destroy the mental peace of him to whom they are uttered, the reputation of him of whom they are uttered, and the social happiness of both." (D. Thomas, D. D.)

"The bite of a viper is not so deadly as the wound of these “talebearers’ ” stories and insinuations. The truth is they contrive to infuse their poison without a bite. If they would but appear in their true character;—would they but show their fangs, and make us feel them, we should be put upon our guard. We know the viper. We shun it. And when it has unhappily succeeded in wounding us, we instantly have recourse to means for preventing the poison from getting into the mass of the blood, and pervading the system. But these human vipers infuse their poison in the language of kindness and love. “Their words are smoother than oil; yet are they drawn swords;”—envenomed fangs, of which the virus gets into our system ere we are aware, works its mischievous and morally deadly effects, and becomes incapable of extraction. Every attempt at its removal still leaves some portion of it behind. There is, in the original word, an implication of softness, simplicity, undesignedness, which only gives the secret weapon with which the wound is inflicted the greater keenness." (Wardlaw)

"The wise man may here be regarded as passing from one extreme of character to the other—from the man who is too indolent to mind his own affairs, to one whose activity is so great that it leads him to unnecessary interference with his neighbor’s business. Or he may intend to suggest that indolence and meddling are very closely allied—that he who is not usefully occupied in doing his own work will be very apt to interfere impertinently with the concerns of others.
Such a meddler brings trouble upon himself. It is a dangerous thing to take a strange dog by the ears, and he who does it will be very likely to suffer for it in his own person, for the creature will probably wound him. But he who meddles impertinently with those who are at strife has to deal, not with one angry brute, but with two angry men or women, and will very likely bring down the wrath of both upon his own head. For it is to be noted that the strife with which it is mischievous to intermeddle is that “which belongeth not to” a man—a quarrel in which an outsider has no right to take a part.
He may do harm to others. To take a dog by the ears is at least, a foolish and useless act, and will certainly not increase the comfort or peace of anybody. But it may so enrage the beast as to make him a general disturber of the public peace and safety. And the same holds good in relation to meddlers; the mischief that they do may extend far beyond themselves, and their action may form a center of a wide circle of mental disquietude and moral mischief." (Preacher's Homiletical)

Seek Things Above
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Col 3:1-4

"The Christian life has a twofold aspect. Outwardly it is shorn of all splendors, and to the eye of the world appears a life of weakness, ignominy, and suffering; but inwardly it is radiant with divine light and pervaded with a heavenly peace. The believer is often as a monarch in the disguise of a beggar. The world knows nothing of the new life of which he has become possessed, and the new life must know nothing of the world. Its aspirations are directed towards higher things. The relish for earthly things is gone." (Preacher's Homiletical)

When Christ - The abruptness of the sentence surrounds us with sudden light. Our life - The fountain of holiness and glory. Shall appear - In the clouds of heaven. (John Wesley)

Set your affection - Margin, “or mind.” Greek” think of” - φρονεῖτε phroneite. The thoughts should be occupied about the things where Christ now dwells, where our final home is to be, where our great interests are. Since we are raised from the death of sin, and are made to live anew, the great object of our contemplation should be the heavenly world.
Not on things on the earth - Wealth, honor, pleasure. Our affections should not be fixed on houses and lands; on scenes of fashion and gaiety; on low and debasing enjoyments.
For ye are dead - To all hopes of happiness from the present world; and, according to your profession, should feel no more appetite for the things of this life, than he does whose soul is departed into the invisible state. (Albert Barnes)
Your life is hid with Christ in God - Christ is your treasure; and where your treasure is, there is your heart. Christ lives in the bosom of the Father; as your heart is in him, ye also sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. Christ is the life of your souls; and as he is hidden in the bosom of the Father, so are ye, who live through and in him. (Adam Clarke)

2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Sowing and Reaping
And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
Jesus wept. Joh 11:34-35
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him,
Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe,
thou shouldest see the glory of God? Joh 11:39-40

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Joh 11:43-44
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They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Ps126:5

"Mary and Martha could not understand what their Lord was doing. Both of them said to Him, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." Back of it all, we seem to read their thought: "Lord, we do not understand why you have stayed away so long. We do not understand how you could let death come to the man whom you loved. We do not understand how you could let sorrow and suffering ravage our lives when your presence might have stayed it all. Why did you not come? It is too late now, for already he has been dead four days!"
And to it all Jesus had but one great truth: "You may not understand; but I tell you if you believe, you will see."
Abraham could not understand why God should ask the sacrifice of the boy; but he trusted. And he saw the glory of God in his restoration to his love. Moses could not understand why God should keep him forty years in the wilderness, but he trusted; and he saw when God called him to lead forth Israel from bondage.
Joseph could not understand the cruelty of his brethren, the false witness of a perfidious woman, and the long years of an unjust imprisonment; but he trusted, and he saw at last the glory of God in it all.
Jacob could not understand the strange providence which permitted the same Joseph to be torn from his father’s love, but he saw the glory of God when he looked into the face of that same Joseph as the viceroy of a great king, and the preserver of his own life and the lives of a great nation.
And so, perhaps in your life. You say, "I do not understand why God let my dear one be taken. I do not understand why affliction has been permitted to smite me. I do not understand the devious paths by which the Lord is leading me. I do not understand why plans and purposes that seemed good to my eyes should be baffled. I do not understand why blessings I so much need are so long delayed.
Friend, you do not have to understand all God’s ways with you. God does not expect you to understand them. You do not expect your child to understand, only believe. Some day you will see the glory of God in the things which you do not understand.-- (J. H. McC -- Our Daily Walk)

"If we could push ajar the gates of life,
And stand within, and all God’s working see,
We might interpret all this doubt and strife,
And for each mystery could find a key.

"But not today. Then be content, poor heart;
God’s plans, like lilies pure and white, unfold.
We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart--
Time will reveal the calyxes of gold.

"And if, through patient toil, we reach the land
Where tired feet, with sandals loosed, may rest,
When we shall clearly know and understand,
I think that we shall say, ’’God knew best."’’
(Author Unknown)

Here, in the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead we gain knowledge, and guidance in our own lives. We see the analogies, that what we sow in tears, we will reap in joy-if we stand in faith, and speak the truth, regardless of our circumstances, in spite of what we see with our eyes. Jesus wept, the shortest, but most profound statement in the bible. Consider this, when you think of what he feels for every individual, as he stood and shed tears for the dead Lazarus, and for those standing around, who did not believe him, or believe his ability to raise him from the dead-until they saw it with their eyes. He was full of grief for Lazarus, and all who do not believe him, even to this day.
Jesus wept-and sowed in tears for the life of Lazarus. The sisters, and those standing around reaped the joy of seeing his resurrected life, when they saw him come forth, still wearing the grave clothes.
Lorna Couillard

An inspired proverb. A proverb is often helpful; an inspired proverb ought to be to us an inspiration. Write it down at the head of all your difficulties and in the midst of all your struggles; it is one of God’s own pithy sayings, a maxim He Himself has made—“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

The Treatment of a Fool
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. Pro 26:4-5

"There are many cases in which a fool is to be heard, and not answered at all. When a scorner reviles us, it is needless to reprove him for it. Our Lord often kept silence when impertinent questions were asked Him. But silence cannot be the rule in every situation.

In many cases it is proper that a fool’s words should be answered, only you must take care in answering not to imitate him. If he speaks unreasonable, profane, peevish, or passionate words, you must not answer him in his own style. You are angry at him for his folly, and reprove him for the extravagance of his behavior, and therefore you cannot but confess that yourselves are worthy of a very sharp reproof, if you behave like him at the very time that you are testifying your displeasure at his conduct. It becomes not the followers of Jesus to return railing for railing, or one angry reflection for another, but in whatever manner others talk, our tongues ought still to be governed by the law of meekness and charity." (George Lawson, D. D.)

Pro 26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Ecc 3:7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

"A certain preacher had wrought his best to benefit his audience; but one of them came to him, and somewhat rudely remarked, “Your preaching is of no use to me. I do not believe that I have a soul; I don’t want to be talked to about an imaginary hereafter. I shall die like a dog.” The minister calmly replied, “Sir, I have evidently failed through misapprehension. I did my best for the good of all my hearers; but I prepared the entertainment under the notion that I was catering for men with souls. Had I known there were creatures present who had no souls, and would die like dogs, I would have provided a good supply of bones for them.” (C. H. Spurgeon.)

The Hem of His Garment
And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him,
and touched the hem of his garment:
For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort;
thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Mat 9:19-22

"Jesus Christ was never in a hurry. He had no occasion to be so, because He was conscious of supreme power, and of a capacity to do whatever He in His perfect wisdom deemed right. So that you perceive nowhere throughout the whole of these Gospels the least sign of eager anxiety, the slightest indication of personal uncertainty. He moves on His way, quiet, comparatively undisturbed, with the calmness of conscious strength. This thought is suggested, because the incident before us shows our Lord allowing Himself to be interrupted in a great work which He had undertaken to do, and yet being undisturbed by the interruption. Why should the Son of God be in haste? Can He not do as He wills? Does He not come forth from the bosom of Him of whom it is said, "A thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night"?
Notice:
That the touch of the diseased woman was an expression of conscious need. Necessity, trouble, incurable sorrow brings us to the Great Healer in some way or other.

The touch was an expression of superstition and faith. There was surely something of a vague belief that any kind of contact with Christ would bring her blessing. The incident suggests an inquiry as to what kind of faith and how much Faith is necessary to bring us into contact with Christ. That some faith is essential is clear; for had she not asked, the probability is the woman would not have received healing. But the fact of her healing shows how the least faith, the smallest effort of belief, may bring a response from Christ. We may learn that the first and chief thing for our soul’s need is contact with Christ, and that attained, we shall find that from the touch of the Savior we gain forgiveness and newness of life. From Him virtue passes into our souls, and faith deepens and strengthens into perfect confidence and rest."
(W. Braden, Sermons, p. 183)

"There may be much earthly rubbish in the soul that comes to Christ; but if there be in it one gleaming grain of the gold of faith, Christ will receive that soul with all its rubbish; for He knows well that in due time all that is worthless will drop away, that the eye of faith will sweep over a vaster horizon of truth from day to day, until we shall be light in the Lord, and shall not walk in darkness." (E. Mellor, D. D.)

O Faithless Generation
He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you?
how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. Mark 9:19

"The first thing that seems to be in this lament is not anger, but a very distinct and very pathetic expression of Christ’s infinite pain, because of man’s faithlessness. The element of personal sorrow is most obvious here. All that men have ever felt—of how hard it is to keep on working when not a soul understands them, when not a single creature believes in them, when there is nobody that will accept their message, nor that will give them credit for pure motives,—Jesus Christ had to feel, and that in an altogether singular degree. There never was such a lonely soul on this earth as His, just because there never was another so pure and loving.
In this short sharp cry of anguish, there may be detected by the listening ear not only the tone of personal hurt, but the tone of disappointed and thwarted love. Because of their unbelief He knew that they could not receive what He desired to give them. We find Him more than once in His life hemmed in, hindered, balked of His purpose,—thwarted in His design—simply because there was nobody with a heart open to receive the rich treasure that He was ready to pour out.
Another thought which seems to me to be expressed in this wonderful exclamation of our Lord is, that their faithlessness bound Christ to earth, and kept Him there. As there is not anger, but only pain, so there is also, I think, not exactly impatience, but a desire to depart, coupled with the feeling that He cannot leave them till they have grown stronger in faith, and that feeling is increased by the experience of their utter helplessness and shameful discomfiture during His brief absence.

They had shown that they were not fit to be trusted alone. He had been away for a day up in the mountain there, and though they did not build an altar to any golden calf, like their ancestors, when their leader was absent, still when He comes back He finds all things gone wrong because of the few hours of His absence. What would they do if He were to go away from them altogether? "How long must I be with you?" said the loving Teacher, who is prepared ungrudgingly to give His slow scholar as much time as he needs to learn his lesson.
Again, we here get a glimpse into the depth of Christ’s patience and forbearance. This plaintive question sounds like a pledge that as long as they need forbearance they will get it, but at the same time a question of how long that is to be. It implies the inexhaustible riches and resources of His patient mercy." (A. Maclaren, Week Day Evening Addresses, p. 54)

Sinful men may be looked upon as possessed of the devil--
'In a hundred ways he tears them, and throws them down; he stops their intelligent speech, and sends them wallowing and foaming in sin. None but Jesus can do helpless sinners good. Even disciples fail. No priest can offer sufficient sacrifice; no man can redeem his brother. “Bring him unto Me!” Faith is in every case of instrumental usefulness positively indispensable. There are times when Christ Himself will do no mighty works because of unbelief. “O faithless generation!” How quickly this explains the coldness and backwardness of the churches. When faith is feeble, what faith there is may well be employed in securing more faith. “Help mine unbelief.” Pray to the “Lord,” even if the word be not in this verse; and pray “with tears” too." (C. S. Robinson, D. D.)

Confidence in God
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me:
I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be
fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom:
to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2Ti 4:16-18

"John Wesley once stood out very nobly in disregarding the eyes of men so long as he stood acquitted in the sight of God. Among his many persecutions are to be numbered the falling back of former friends, including his wife. These turned against him, and published many spiteful things, even defaming his character in a shocking manner. Brother Charles hastened off in alarm and indignation to inquire what defense Brother John would set up.

There was no time to lose! The eyes of the world were upon him, and God’s enemies and his own would be glad to make capital out of so contemptible a business. What was Charles’s surprise to find that John was resolved on doing simply nothing! The great preacher was calm and comfortable in mind, being entirely free from any concern for the future. Why should he be perplexed when he had entrusted God with his all—even with his reputation? None are so safe as those whose characters are in God’s keeping. Such often consider that they dishonor God by setting up puny defenses of their own against the cavils of the wicked. They think more of that one eye of God which is ever looking on them than of the eyes of men." (C. H. Spurgeon.)
"And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work - Which is far more than delivering me from death. Yea, and, over and above, preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom - Far better than that of Nero." (John Wesley)

"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work - None of the evil designs formed against me to make me unfaithful or unsteady, to cause me to save my life at the expense of faith and a good conscience, shall succeed; my life may go, but he will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. A continuance on earth the apostle expects not; but he has glory full in view, and therefore he gives God glory for what he had done, and for what he had promised to do." (Adam Clarke)

The Beauty and Aroma of God
Two Minutes Daily posted-9/15/2026
Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof
may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. Son 4:16
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Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Psa 50:2

"Some of the spices mentioned in this chapter are quite suggestive. The aloe was a bitter spice, and it tells of the sweetness of bitter things, the bitter-sweet, which has its own fine application that only those can understand who have felt it. The myrrh was used to embalm the dead, and it tells of death to something. It is the sweetness which comes to the heart after it has died to its self-will and pride and sin.
Oh, the inexpressible charm that hovers about some Christians simply because they bear upon the chastened countenance and mellow spirit the impress of the cross, the holy evidence of having died to something that was once proud and strong, but is now forever at the feet of Jesus. It is the heavenly charm of a broken spirit and a contrite heart, the music that springs from the minor key, the sweetness that comes from the touch of the frost upon the ripened fruit.
And then the frankincense was a fragrance that came from the touch of the fire. It was the burning powder that rose in clouds of sweetness from the bosom of the flames. It tells of the heart whose sweetness has been called forth, perhaps by the flames of affliction, until the holy place of the soul is filled with clouds of praise and prayer. Beloved, are we giving out the spices, the perfumes, the sweet odors of the heart? -- The Love-Life of Our Lord." (Streams in the Desert)

Sharon's Rose

"A Persian fable says: One day
A wanderer found a lump of clay
So redolent of sweet perfume
Its odors scented all the room.
’’What are thou? was his quick demand,
’’Art thou some gem from Samarcand,
Or spikenard in this rude disguise,
Or other costly merchandise?’’
’’Nay: I am but a lump of clay.’’

"’then whence this wondrous perfume-- say!’’
’’Friend, if the secret I disclose,
I have been dwelling with the rose.’’
Sweet parable! and will not those
’’Who love to dwell with Sharon’s rose,
Distil sweet odors all around,
Though low and mean themselves are found?
Dear Lord, abide with us that we
May draw our perfume fresh from Thee."

“Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.” The Lord is represented not only as speaking to the earth, but as coming forth to reveal the glory of his presence to an assembled universe. God of old dwelt in Zion among his chosen people, but here the beams of his splendour are described as shining forth upon all nations. The sun was spoken of in the first verse, but here is a far brighter sun. The majesty of God is most conspicuous among his own elect, but it is not confined to them; the church is not a dark lantern, but a candlestick. God shines not only in Zion, but out of her. She is made perfect in beauty by his indwelling and that beauty is seen by all observers when the Lord shines forth from her.
Observe how with trumpet voice and flaming ensign the infinite Jehovah summons the heavens and the earth to hearken to his word." (Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

In the Midst of the Storm
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them,
Let us pass over unto the other side.
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship.
And there were also with him other little ships.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him,
and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased,
and there was a great calm. Mar 4:35-39

"Look at the illustrious sleeper. The greatest of all slept. Thus was He in all points like unto His brethren; the substance of His body was wasted and was repaired, renewed and restored by food; the brain and nerves were exhausted, and their power was renewed by sleep. A morbid piety and a false morality find virtue in wakefulness, when nature preaches forgetfulness and demands repose. Religion is rather in going to sleep when Nature has need of slumber, than in a forced watchfulness for its sake. Doubtless, Christ was often weary, and now we see Him at rest. He sleeps after the hard work of a very busy day. To cease from labour is as much a duty as to work; rest is pure and holy and good, when in season. To everything there is a season and a time, for every purpose under heaven there is a time to rest.

He who, in his working, works the work of God, and does God’s will instead of his own, will see the season for rest, and will have the hour for rest.
This sleep of Jesus, the Man and the Christ of God, in the storm, was natural, and not in any sense forced or artificial; but it presents two things—first, the complete exhaustion of the body of Jesus, and secondly, the sweet and perfect peace of His spirit. Safe from evil and from every fear, He must live until of His work it could be said, "It is done." He will die, but not now; He will be killed, but not by the storm; He will go to the grave, but will not find His tomb in the depths of the sea. In the fulness of time He will die, and by means fixed in the foreknowledge, and predetermined in the counsel of God. Until that day He will deliver Him from all evil—God will guard His soul. He was in the hinder part of the ship asleep.

In the case before us, the disciples were awake, the Master was sleeping. Now, the Master sleeps not, slumbers not, and the disciples may, in season, safely, quietly, peacefully sleep. Let Christ be with you always, with you everywhere—with you at all times, with you in all circumstances. Seek to be conscious of His presence, and you will not only be safe, but you will feel blessed."
(S. Martin, Penny Pulpit (New series), No. 389)

Rest in the Lord
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD,
they shall inherit the earth. Psa 37:7-9

"Restfulness should be the spirit in which action is concluded. The fretful anxiety which looks back upon faithful work is a denial of God and a weakening of the soul. This is a call to service with the fret taken away. There is no true rest for man save in the thought of God. Aubrey de Vere relates a conversation he had with Wordsworth in Lakeland. The poet remarked that travelers boasted much of Swiss mountains because they wore two or three times as high as the English, but he added, “I reply that the clouds gather so low on them that half of them remain commonly out of sight.” His visitor did not wish to contradict him, and so the poet went on declaiming. “You cannot see those boasted Swiss mountains when the clouds hang low.” “Certainly not,” replied the prudent visitor. Then, after a pause, his veracity prevailed, and he added,”:But I must admit you know that they are there.”

“I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my strength.” Sometimes the clouds gather, but it makes all the difference to life to know that “the hills” are there. “We rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”
This spirit of patient waiting is in itself a high achievement of the Christian character. In religion all means are ends, and all ends only means to some larger end. Repentance is not only a condition of salvation, but also a part of the work; it is an indication of a deep change which God works within the heart. To wait patiently upon the Lord is a means of grace, but it is also a feature of a lofty spirit. Our God is the “God of patience.” How patiently He waits as Creator—not at once, but slowly have order and beauty emerged from chaos; how patiently He stands as the World Redeemer, while men scourge and revile and spit at Him, and crown Him with thorns, and smite Him with their hands! He waits patiently “to see of the travail of His soul,” and is able to breathe the spirit of calm, fearless, hopeful endurance into all His people." (Biblical Illustrator)

“Rest in the Lord.” This fifth is a most divine precept, and requires much grace to carry it out. To hush the spirit, to be silent before the Lord, to wait in holy patience the time for clearing up the difficulties of Providence - this is what every gracious heart should aim at. “Aaron held his peace:” “I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it.” A silent tongue in many eases not only shows a wise head, but a holy heart. “And wait patiently for him.” Time is nothing to him; let it be nothing to thee. God is worth waiting for. “He never is before his time, he never is too late.” In a story we wait for the end to clear up the plot; we ought not to prejudge the great drama of life, but stay till the closing scene, and see to what a finish the whole arrives. “Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his wall, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” There is no good, but much evil, in worrying your heart about the present success of graceless plotters be not enticed into premature judgments - they dishonour God, they weary yourself. Determine, let the wicked succeed as they may, that you will treat the matter with indifference, and never allow a question to be raised as to the righteousness and goodness of the Lord. What if wicked devices succeed and your own plans are defeated! there is more of the love of God in your defeats than in the successes of the wicked." (Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

The Unchanging Christ
Two Minutes Daily posted-9/12/2026
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever. Heb 13:8

"The writer of this epistle has been speaking of change. The old covenant was no more. The “many priests” had not continued by reason of death. The eleventh chapter is the record of the multitudes who had gone without seeing that for which they waited. This perpetual change was continuing itself in the Church. The Jewish Christians had seen their leaders taken away It is as with a sigh of weariness that the writer closes his admonition to remember these, to call to mind their fidelity in death. Then the ejaculation is uttered by him, broken and fragmentary, but the breathing of a name: “Jesus Christ yesterday and to-day the same, and forever.” All is not changeful; He abides. The teachers go; Jesus Christ remains. You have other leaders, we have other fellow-laborers; but not another Lord. So He rests, so they may rest; Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.

A change in our own lives makes all things seem unstable. Change, ceaseless, wearisome change, seems to be written on everything. When this is specially brought home to us, we feel the comfort of this text.
There comes on men sometimes a terrible fear of change. Those who know how terrible the changes of life can be, are startled by little things, -the unknown handwriting on a letter. There is no cure for such a terror of changes, there is no security, no hope, for man, save in Him who is unchanging. The longing for rest, the desire for what is stable and unchanging—this is our deepest want; it grows and strengthens in us as we grow older, wiser, better men. Is life to be all weary and changing? Till we enter on our final rest, is there no continuance? The text speaks of One who is even now unchanging.
All is not fleeting; Christ is the same. Before we go to Him, He has come to us, and with us He remains, the longed-for changeless One.

The words of the text are intended to give us just this assurance. The secret of our confidence in a changing world is the unchangeable Christ. Let time bring with it what it may, we are assured of His fidelity. “Yesterday” we found Him precious; He is the same “to-day,” solacing our newest grief. “Yesterday” we heard His voice; His name was on the lips of those who spoke to us the word of God. The teachers are gone, or we have outgrown them. But He is still the same; the Truth is with us. The deep reality of life abides the same. The words “for ever” fall strangely on our ears; the solemn future is unknown and unimaginable. We often fall back baffled in our endeavours to grasp the mystery of the world to come. But again the thought of the immutable One bears us up, out of the confusion of changing things. There will be more familiarity than strangeness there, for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever.” He will not be unknown; He will be recognized who quickened, guided, sustained us, who was the steadfastness and identity of our passing earthly life. To those Christians who would read the words translated “for ever” in their original form, “unto the ages,” they would have a further suggestion. They were accustomed to look on God’s purpose in the universe as unfolding itself in a series of eons or dispensations. In the world to come there may be further dispensations, each fulfilling a thought, and all illustrating the mighty being of God. Here are changes, grand, stupendous, unimaginable. But in the midst of all, is seen one unchanging Christ. Let dispensation follow dispensation, and the eons of the eons still open up, and broaden out, and deepen on, and lengthen themselves, immeasurable, inconceivable; Jesus Christ is “the same unto the ages.” The text does not speak of a thing that is the same, or even of a truth conceived to be the same, but of a Person who is the same. It is in our personal relations that we feel the identity or the changes of life. It is a Person, abiding ever, unchanging ever. He who is most of all to us, the life of our soul, whose love awoke us to life’s true value, whose care gave us first to know how deep and real friendship may be. Amidst the flux of things, the flow of events, the heart rests on one unchanging Friend." (A. Mackennal, B.A., D.D)

The Wicked-As a Troubled Sea
There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. Isa 57:21

"A true picture of that continued state of restlessness, uncertainty, and apprehension in which the wicked are held daily by the terrors of an alarmed conscience; or even by the distrust and anxiety they are doomed to experience in the very midst of their fancied freedom and enjoyments! Whoever has looked upon the ocean when tossed by storm and tempest, must acknowledge that the prophet could have selected no better comparison to depict to the life the state of a sinner’s spirit.
The sea cannot, if it would, sink to repose, but is doomed to heave wave after wave uselessly to the shore, till the mind of the spectator is oppressed with a sense of weariness, and almost sorrow for such incessant and fruitless tossings. Such, exactly, is the state of the sinner’s mind; it cannot rest. With the stain of unrepented sin on the conscience, the mind can enjoy no peace, can taste no rational pleasure.

Why is there no peace to the wicked? Several reasons.
The unsuitableness of any earthly things to satisfy the soul. God created man in His own image; and although that image has been defaced, it is not absolutely destroyed; the temple which God created has not been ploughed up from the foundation; although a ruin, it is still a splendid ruin. The soul no longer possesses those elevated and lofty views and desires which distinguished it before the fall; but there is still in us a desire for something which this world cannot supply. Give to a man all that his heart can wish for of things visible: it will be found that the spirit is not satisfied. If we would give peace to the soul, we must have recourse to something better than the world with all its promises, and more suited to afford solid gratification than wickedness in all its branches." (H. E. I. 4969–4974, 5006–5025) (Preacher's Homiletical)

“Their minds are restless, being perpetually hurried and tormented with their own lusts and passions, and with the horror of their guilt, and the dread of Divine vengeance due unto them, and ready to come upon them.” (Poole)
"There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. They have no share in the peace made by the blood of Christ; they have no true, solid, inward peace of conscience; nor will they have any part in the happiness and prosperity of the church and people of God in the latter day, which will but add to their uneasiness; and will have no lot and portion in the eternal peace which saints enjoy in the world to come; and of this there is the strongest assurance, since God, the covenant God of his people, has said it." (John Gill)

Commit All to God
Two Minutes Daily posted 10/10/2026
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psa 37:3-5

"God is building up a kingdom that is invisible—a kingdom of holy thoughts, of pure feelings, of faith, of hope, of righteousness. God’s kingdom is advancing surely, though it advances slowly, and though it is invisible to us. Here then is the foundation of our faith, our hope, our patient waiting. We are to rest on the fact that God is carrying on a work in this world; that He never forgets that work; that He never lets it lag or linger; that it is ever going forward, though we may not see it advance, and though it may seem to be receding.

Consider the folly of the discouragement which many feel because men are so imperfect, particularly those who go from a higher to a lower state of society. To such men the word is, Wait on the Lord, wait patiently, and by-and-bye He shall give you the desire of your heart.

Consider the folly of envying wicked men when they are in power, and thinking that perhaps it is worth while to be as wicked as they are. Their prosperity, says the Psalm in effect, is at the beginning, and not at the end. Wicked men do prosper for a little while; but in the end they shall have their just reward.

There is an application of the subject to those that are in trouble. We have no need to hurry. Wait patiently. Trust in God. Do not give up your faith." (H. W. Beecher, Sermons, 1870, p. 334)

Psa 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Pro 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Luk 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Luk 12:23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
Luk 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

Preach Christ-Fear Not
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed;
and hid, that shall not be known.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear,
that preach ye upon the housetops. Mat 10:26-27

"What I tell you in darkness,.... Hence Christ proceeds to encourage his disciples to an open, plain, and faithful ministration of the Gospel, not fearing the faces and frowns of men. For with respect to the Gospel, his meaning is, that what was hid and covered should not remain so, but should be revealed, and made known, and they were the persons who were to do it; and it was with that view that he had communicated it to them: and whereas he had told them it "in darkness"; not in a dark and obscure manner; for though he spoke in parables to others, yet to them he made known the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven: and if at any time he delivered parables, or dark sayings, to them, he would afterwards, or when alone, explain them to them.

But his meaning chiefly is, that what he communicated to them in private houses, when they were by themselves, and no one saw, or heard them, and so were in darkness with respect to others,

that speak ye in light; openly and publicly in the synagogues and temple, in the high places of the city, streets, or fields, wherever there is a concourse of people; hide and conceal nothing, but speak out all clearly, distinctly, fully, without the least reserve, or throwing any obscurity on it, which may cover the true sense of it from the view of the people." (John Gill)

Though Jesus spoke this to them, they did not fully understand, until after his death on the cross and his resurrection. What they proclaimed then, was a clear message-that the devil has tried to stop from then, to this very day.
The message was clearly proclaimed by the mouth of Peter, in Acts ch. 4-

Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Satisfaction of the Future
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake,
with thy likeness. Psa 17:15

"The opening phrase of this verse is expressive of a noble singularity. “As for me.” The man who says that isolates himself in an attitude of moral grandeur from all that is base, carnal, and worldly. It is the utterance of moral manhood, of a soul that has the heroism to separate itself from the majority, and stand majestically aloof and alone in its superior choice. “As for me.” This is the motto of a spiritual aristocracy. Noblesse oblige. The man who utters it ranks himself with the world’s moral minorities. “As for me.” That is the language of true soul-nobility. And there are times when we too must dare to utter it, if we would be true to our higher nature and count for anything in the world.

This man has a consciousness of a religious, Divine life in him. He describes the wicked, the worldly, the men that have their portion in this life, who believe in nothing but appetite, what they can grasp and handle, the men who never call on God, who do not serve Him. But, he says, “I believe in God; I pray to God; I have communion with God. As for me, I stand separate from these men. I am not living simply for the senses, the appetites, the passions, gaining all I can get, and keeping all I gain, or spending it upon my lusts. I am not doing that; I am conscious that I am not. And I am conscious that I have within me a Divine faith; I have a communion with God; I can bare my heart to God, and say, Thou hast tried me, and hast found nothing—no insincerity.” This is not the language of the Pharisee, “God, I thank thee that I am not as other men; I pay tithes; I fast twice in the week.” It is not that. It is not a persuasion founded upon mere ritualism and externalism.

It is a humble, thankful, moral, spiritual consciousness that this man, believing in God, loves Him, has communion with Him, and, under the influence of that Divine faith, keeps himself from the path of the destroyer, from the works and the society of the wicked."
(Excerpt from - Ruskin, Modern Painters (Works, v. 259)

"I will - I do not place my portion in earthly treasures, but in beholding God's face, in the enjoyment of God's presence and favour; which is enjoyed in part in this life, but not fully. Satisfied - The time is coming, wherein I shall be abundantly satisfied with beholding thy face. Awake - When I arise from the dead. Likeness - With the image of God stamped upon my glorified soul." (John Wesley)

Faith-Through the Roof
Two Minutes Daily posted-9/7/2026
And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was:
and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy,
Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. Mar 2:3-5

"Faith is full of inventions. The house was full, a crowd blocked up the door, but faith found a way of getting at the Lord and placing the palsied man before him. If we cannot get sinners where Jesus is by ordinary methods we must use extraordinary ones. It seems, according to Luk_5:19, that a tiling had to be removed, which would make dust and cause a measure of danger to those below, but where the case is very urgent we must not mind running some risks and shocking some proprieties. Jesus was there to heal, and therefore fall what might, faith ventured all so that her poor paralysed charge might have his sins forgiven. O that we had more daring faith among us! Cannot we, dear reader, seek it this morning for ourselves and for our fellow-workers, and will we not try to-day to perform some gallant act for the love of souls and the glory of the Lord.

The world is constantly inventing; genius serves all the purposes of human desire: cannot faith invent too, and reach by some new means the outcasts who lie perishing around us? It was the presence of Jesus which excited victorious courage in the four bearers of the palsied man: is not the Lord among us now? Have we seen his face for ourselves this morning? Have we felt his healing power in our own souls? If so, then through door, through window, or through roof, let us, breaking through all impediments, labor to bring poor souls to Jesus. All means are good and decorous when faith and love are truly set on winning souls. If hunger for bread can break through stone walls, surely hunger for souls is not to be hindered in its efforts. O Lord, make us quick to suggest methods of reaching thy poor sin-sick ones, and bold to carry them out at all hazards."
(Charles Spurgeon-Morning and Evening)

This devotion though unsaid, touches on what God sees as faith, and faithfulness, and how it's completely different than what man thinks of being faithful. Real faith and faithfulness, has nothing to do with doing the same thing, the same way, like punching a time clock for work at the daily job at the warehouse, or day at the business office. In the bible the people God chose to do a work for Him, moved "as they were led by the Spirit". This devotion opens up the meaning of faithfulness, and that we are given brains for a reason, if something doesn't work one way-do it another way.
If you can't travel long distances, or have hindrances in the work God's given you, ask God for His guidance on how to go about it. Don't allow the world to try to put you into a box, like the apostate churches today-who's goal is community action groups, and pot luck suppers. I use this computer, and the years I worked as a legal proofreader, and a bible teacher in churches over the years past-and have created these websites, to put in them what I believe God's moved me to post-and it can go around the world, without me leaving my home. I use everything I can, to spread the gospel, and what I believe God has put in my heart and spirit-and have plenty of obstacles come at me to do it-but, I battle on, and get it done.
When God wants you to do something, you may well find yourself put out of the churches-and be preaching in the fields, or corners of the streets, like John Wesley and George Whitfield did. If those in the dead church buildings won't let you speak what God's given to you-do it whatever way you have an open door. Just make sure-it is the word of God your preaching, and not your own opinion. Let God's word be true, and every man a liar.
Jesus Christ is the center, we are only the servants, working in His field. Lorna Couillard

The River of Mercy
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place
of the tabernacles of the most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her,
and that right early. Psa 46:4-5

"The river. This I take to be the mercy of God; His kindness to the miserable. Just, He must needs be, for He would not be merciful if He were not just. But there are manifestations of His justice in which He takes no joy. “He taketh no pleasure in the death of the sinner;” but “He delighteth in mercy.” And sometimes its exhibitions are very tender—“it droppeth as the gentle dew from heaven upon the place beneath.” And how copious its store! it is a river, not a rill that can be turned aside by any pebble in its bed; but a river that sweeps triumphantly over and through every obstacle.

Some rivers are fed by streams; not so this one. it gives out streams but receives none, like the river of Damascus, whose branches surround the city. These streams are--
1. Pardoning mercy.
2. Purifying mercy: for it would be of little use if purity were not given as well as pardon.
3. Pacifying mercy - to keep me quiet in the midst of this unquiet world.
The fruit. The river is to make glad the city of God. That is, God’s Church and people; and the great purpose of the river and all its streams is—to make them glad: to bring up a smiling landscape around them, to fill their lips and hearts with praise.
Its source. It is far above out of your sight. So is it, even, with earthly rivers: they do not at once reveal their source. You must travel up and up the stream, and leave plain for hillside, and still press on ere you come to the fountain head. And for this river you must ascend to the boundless lake of Divine love.

The channel - the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him it flows down to man.
The power that brings the streams close home to us, so that we may have the blessing, is the power of the Holy Spirit. See what He has already done in the Scriptures and in the Church." (F. Tucker, B. A)
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John describes this river in Revelation-that we will see with our eyes-when we are in that abode of glory with Christ:

Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Rev 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
Rev 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

The Sheep of His Pasture
Two Minutes Daily posted for 9/5/2026
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever:
we will shew forth thy praise to all generations. (79:13)

So we thy people, and sheep of thy pasture,.... Who were the people of God, not by creation and providence only, as all men are, being his creatures, and provided for by him; but by special choice, and by covenant grace: and "the sheep of his pasture"; whom he feeds as a shepherd does his flock, provides good pasture for them, and leads them into it:

will give thee thanks for ever, we will show forth thy praise to all generations: the above petitions being answered and fulfilled; the work of praise is acceptable unto God, what he is well pleased with, being glorified thereby; and is what becomes his people to do, and which they are formed for, and that for evermore, as long as they live in this world, and to all eternity in another; and who will and do take care that the wonders of divine grace and providence be transmitted and told to their posterity in succeeding ages, that so thanks may be given him, and his praise shown forth in one generation after another." (John Gill)
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"We thy people - Whom thou hast chosen from among all the people of the earth.
And sheep of thy pasture - Of whom thou thyself art the Shepherd. Let us not be destroyed by those who are thy enemies; and we, in all our generations, will give thanks unto thee for ever.
(Adam Clarke)

Psa 95:7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
Psa 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Sowing Tares Among the Wheat
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto
a man which sowed good seed in his field:
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat,
and went his way. Mat 13:24-25

"He proposed another parable - in which he farther explains the case of unfruitful hearers. The kingdom of heaven (as has been observed before) sometimes signifies eternal glory: sometimes the way to it, inward religion; sometimes, as here, the Gospel dispensation: the phrase is likewise used for a person or thing relating to any one of those: so in this place it means, Christ preaching the Gospel, who is like a man sowing good seed - The expression, is like, both here and in several other places, only means, that the thing spoken of may be illustrated by the following similitude. Who sowed good seed in his field - God sowed nothing but good in his whole creation. Christ sowed only the good seed of truth in his Church. " (John Wesley)

"While Men Slept"- His enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat: This parable describes the work of an enemy who tried to destroy the work of the man who sowed good seed in his field. The enemy’s purpose in sowing tares among the wheat was to destroy the wheat. But the wise farmer would not allow the enemy to succeed. Instead, the farmer decided to sort it out at harvest time.
We note that this parable clearly describes corruption among the people of God. Just as in the previous parable, the wheat represents the people of God. Some corrupting influence is brought, and an influence that may look genuine even as tares may resemble real wheat.
“The weeds are probably darnel, a poisonous plant related to wheat and virtually indistinguishable from it until the ears form.” (France)

"The wise farmer recognized that the ultimate answer to tares among the wheat would only come at the final harvest.
Knowing the explanation of this parable as explained in Mat_13:36-43, we understand why Jesus said it right after explaining the parable of the sower, especially with the seed that grew up among the thorns. “But one might ask whether the Messiah’s people should immediately separate the crop from the weeds; and this next parable answers the question negatively: there will be a delay in separation until the harvest.” (Carson)

The Unprepared
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready
went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Mat 25:10

"Note three sad features of the foolish virgins’ case which the text presents...
I. Their Neglect. Having equipped themselves duly for taking part in the wedding march, by kindling their lamps, they omitted to ensure that the equipment should be maintained, carrying with them no oil for their lamps. There they were, at the moment, all right, in a condition of beautiful fitness; had the bridegroom burst upon them at once, over the hill upon the slope of which they gathered expectantly, there would have been no lack in them; they would have swept on brilliantly; but the trial to which his late arrival subjected them they had thoughtlessly failed to arm themselves for. They had not recognized the wisdom of making provision to keep alive the light they bore.
II. Their Unreadiness. Through not having made provision for keeping their lamps alight, they were unprepared to attend the bridegroom; they missed the opportunity of joining the marriage procession, and accompanying it to the feast. "Watch," says Christ, "for ye know not the hour." The grand thing is to stand equipped—equipped for entering into and taking possession of whatever shall come. Life is a perpetual advent. The marriage supper is always laid in some guise or other. See to it, that you miss none of the things that are provided; but by preserving and fostering the divine in you—"Be ye also ready."

III. Their Irretrievable Loss. In consequence of their unreadiness for that wedding festival, in which otherwise they might have participated, they were shut out for ever. There were the music and the joy, they were not for them, and never could be for them. It is not hinted, by any means, that their lamps never flamed again—that in going to buy they found the shops all closed, and were unable to supply themselves with fresh oil. On the contrary, it would seem to be implied in the fact of their subsequent reappearance and then confident application for admittance to the banquet chamber, that they were no longer the bearers of extinguished lamps, but had succeeded in getting them revived and relighted; only they were too late for the feast. It is never too late to repent, to improve, to make a fresh beginning and enter upon a new life—few as may be the years that are left for growth and progress—little as may be the strength which is left with which to climb."
(S. A. Tipple, Echoes of Spoken Words, p. 225)

Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

As a Watch in the Night
Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past,
and as a watch in the night. Psa 90:3-4

“For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past.” A thousand years! This is a long stretch of time. How much may be crowded into it, - the rise and full of empires, the glory and obliteration of dynasties, the beginning and the end of elaborate systems of human philosophy, and countless events, all important to household and individual, which elude the pens of historians. Yet this period, which might even be called the limit of modern history, and is in human language almost identical with an indefinite length of time, is to the Lord as nothing, even as time already gone.

A moment yet to come is longer than “yesterday when it is past,” for that no longer exists at all, yet such is a chiliad to the Eternal. In comparison with eternity, the most lengthened reaches of time are mere points, there is, in fact, no possible comparison between them.
“And as a watch in the night,” a time which is no sooner come than gone. There is scarce time enough in a thousand years for the angels to change watches; when their millennium of service is almost over it seems as though the watch were newly set. We are dreaming through the long night of time, but God is ever keeping watch, and a thousand years are as nothing to him. A host of days and nights must be combined to make up a thousand years to us, but to God, that space of time does not make up a whole night, but only a brief portion of it. If a thousand years be to God as a single nightwatch, what must be the life-time of the Eternal.
(Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

The Gate to God’s Acre:
It is the oldest of stories, sung in this oldest of psalms; of human weakness, turning in dismay from the change and decay about it, to find refuge in the eternity of God. We are not suffered to waste time in the attempt to comprehend the abstract truth of God’s eternity. We are lifted for the moment, in order that we may descend; suffered to grasp a few of the treasures of the Divine glory, that we may carry them back to glorify our earthly life.
1. This splendid thought of the Divine eternity is made to touch the shifting and inconstant character of our earthly state, by the single word “dwelling-place.” I am a wanderer on earth, there is an eternal home for me; I am sick of confusion and change, there is eternal abiding in Him who is “the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever,” and only a change “into the same image from glory to glory.”
2. But a correct view of the eternity of God conveys warning as well as comfort. The more it is studied, the stronger is the contrast into which it throws the brevity and uncertainty of human life.
(1) The eternal power of God convicts us of helplessness. Notice the sharp contrast. “From everlasting to everlasting, O God,” Thy life is self-sustained—in Thine own power: man’s life, that gift in which he so exults and on which he presumes to play “such fantastic tricks before high heaven,”—that which flowers out in his pride and high endeavor, in his ambitions, plans, and grand enterprises, is a thing so little in his power, that Thou turnest him even unto the finest dust with a word; and, with another word,—“Return, ye children of men”—callest others into being to fill his place.
(2) The eternal being of God is used to convict us of delusion. We measure life by false standards. The psalm brings us back to the true rule of measurement (Psa_90:4; Psa_90:12).
(Excerpt of M. R. Vincent, D.D)

The Everlasting God
A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psa 90:1-2

"Scripture certainly emphasizes in many places the frail and fleeting aspect of life; the thought of man’s mortality runs as a wail through many a psalm, and touches with pathos the heart of the prophet in his brightest visions. But then there is always in Scripture another side of the picture; and this is the higher, and in the sense of Scripture the truer, side. The good is the original, the substantive of which evil is the inversion. The good is being; the evil is but negation of being.
This Psalm, so venerable in its materials that it has been attributed to Moses, is in the main a psalm of mortality; and yet its primary thought is not mortality, but eternity. It opens with the note of eternal being. The idea of the eternal stands as a great light in front of the darkness. Man is mortal, but God is; and God is the Eternal, the home, the dwelling-place, of all generations. This is the grand peculiarity of Hebrew and of Christian thought, that God is first, man only second; that the eternal Being is the true Being, the present visible or transitory being only the derivative being, appearing and then vanishing away, according to the direction of the other.

But there is more in this brief word than the general assertion of eternal being, and of a great primary power directing, controlling, all nature and all life. The character of this Being is further so far defined. It is represented not only that God is, but that He is personal. The idea of God is everywhere noted by the personal pronouns "I;" "Thou;" "I am that I am;" "I am the Lord, and there is none else." The word "personality" simply means that God is moral; that He is a character as well as an energy; that He is a Being full of affection, and care, and thoughtful and deliberate love. He is not only Creator: He is Father. The assurance is that we have a supreme Heart above us, responsive to our hearts; that there is a spiritual home encompassing us, a life that changes not with the varying pulses of our thought and feeling."
(J. Tulloch, Contemporary Pulpit, vol. i., p. 297)

"Thou art God - Or, “Thou, O God.” The idea is, that he was always, and ever will be, God: the God; the true God; the only God; the unchangeable God. At any period in the past, during the existence of the earth, or the heavens, or before either was formed, he existed, with all the attributes essential to Deity; at any period in the future - during the existence of the earth and the heavens, or beyond - far as the mind can reach into the future, and even beyond that - he will still exist unchanged, with all the attributes of Deity. The creation of the universe made no change in him; its destruction would not vary the mode of his existence, or make him in any respect a different being. There could not be a more absolute and unambiguous declaration, as there could not be one more sublime, of the eternity of God. The mind cannot take in a grander thought than that there is one eternal and immutable Being.
(Albert Barnes)
Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Two Minutes Daily for March 2026

1/3/2026

Short Devotions/Scripture/Poetry/Quotes
All materials in this page are from uncopyrighted writings from my own online bible,
or, free public domain online.
The majority of the graphic images on this page, and the rest of this site are my own,
with few exceptions, AI is never used.
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3/31/2026
The Believer’s Refuge
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble;
thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go:
I will guide thee with mine eye. Psa 32:7-8

"There is no statement more true, and no truth more important, than that maxim of Martin Luther—“Nolo Deum absolutum.” Who, indeed, can meet an absolute God? God absolute is a consuming fire. His holiness is irreconcilably hostile to sin; His justice sternly demands the sinner’s punishment; and His truth obliges Him to execute the penalty of His violated law. In an absolute God there is no hope for a sinful creature. But now, through the incarnate Word, my atoning Sacrifice and interceding High-Priest, the devouring Fire becomes my protection, the almighty Adversary assumes the character of a friend, and with full assurance of faith I take up the song of the royal saint—“Thou art my hiding place, thou wilt preserve me from trouble; thou wilt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” Concerning the ungodly it is said—“The hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” But “their rock is not as our rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.” I have seen the name of Benvenuto Cellini scratched with a nail upon the rugged stone wall of his cell in the Castello Sant’ Angelo; and have handled the sad mementos of Torquato Tasso in the convent of Sant’ Onofrio—his last refuge, the gate by which he entered paradise—midway between his cradle at Sorrento and his dungeon at Ferrara. But my sacred asylum can show many a worthier record and many a holier relic, for it has been the dwelling-place of the saints in all generations. Here Paul and Silas sang their midnight hymn, and the heroic exile of Patmos heard the chanting of immortal tongues. Here Ignatius challenged the lions with his “Gloria in Exelsis,” and brave old Sanctus as long as he had power to speak confessed—“I am a Christian.” And cheering it is to know that these, and such as these—a fire-crowned host of priests and kings—have been here before me. The cities of refuge were six, and were so distributed that one of them was always within half-a-day’s flight of the man-slayer: and the gates were ever open to admit him. And yet, from one cause or another, he might not reach it.

But our defense is ever accessible. My refuge is constantly with me: and not as the Arab carries his tent, or the soldier his shield, or the turtle its shell; for Christ is not only immanent in His word and movements, but dwells—a living Spirit—in every living heart. And the provision is as vast as human want and as various as human woe. And there is perfect safety there. The psalmist is certain of it. “Thou wilt preserve me from trouble.” Not, indeed, from earthly ills—the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to; but with Thee always present I can endure these. But from sin, the source of all trouble, and itself the only real trouble, I know Thy grace is sufficient to save me. My faith, like the eagle’s wings, bears me above the hurtling thunder into the eternal sunshine. Like the skylark, I sing as I soar, and pour music out of the cloud. Like the nightingale, I lift a cheerful lay in the twilight, and charm the night with melodies of love and hope. Thus will the Lord, my hiding place, compass me about with songs of deliverance. (J. Cross, D. D.)

Mat 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

3/30/2026
The Risen Christ at the Sea of Tiberias
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples
knew not that it was Jesus.
Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.
They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord.
Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him,
(for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were
two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. Joh 21:3-8

"What did they get together for? “Simon Peter saith, I go a fishing. They say, We also go with thee.” So they are back again at their old trade, which they had not left for ever, as they once thought they had.
What sent them back? Not doubt or despair; because they had seen Jesus Christ up in Jerusalem, and had come down to Galilee at His command on purpose to meet Him. It is very like Peter that he should have been the one to suggest filling an hour of the waiting time with manual labor. John could have “sat still in the house,” like Mary, the heart all the busier because the hands lay quietly. But that was not Peter’s way, and John was ready to keep him company. Peter thought that the best thing they could do till Jesus chose to come, was to get back to their work, and he was sensible and right. The best attitude to be found in by Christ is doing our daily work, however secular and small it may be. A dirty, wet fishing-boat, all slimy with scales, was a strange place, but it was the right place, righter than if they had been wandering about amongst the fancied sanctities of the synagogues.

They went out to do their work; and to them was fulfilled the old saying, “I being in the way, the Lord met me.” Jesus Christ will come to you and me in the street if we carry the waiting heart there, and in the shop, and the kitchen. For all things are sacred when done with a hallowed heart, and He chooses to make Himself known to us amidst the dusty commonplaces of daily life. He said to them just before the Crucifixion, “When I sent you forth without purse or scrip, lacked ye anything?” And they said, “Nothing.” And then He said as changing the conditions, “But now he that hath a purse or scrip, let him take it.” As long as He was with them they were absolved from these common tasks. Now that He had left them the obligation recurred. Keep at your work, and if it last all night, stick to it; and if there are no fish in the net, never mind; out with it again. And be sure that sooner or later you will see Him standing on the beach and hear His voice, and be blessed by His smile."
(A. Maclaren, D. D.)

"It would almost seem as if the Apostles thought that the radiant vision of Christ was withdrawn forever; or did they think that they would glorify Him best, and be most likely to encounter Him, if they returned to the paths of ordinary toil? This miracle closely corresponds to that recorded in Luk_5:1-39, and proves that the methods of the risen Lord are not unlike those of His earthly ministry. Still He stands on the shore in the morning haze, to comfort the hearts of discouraged workers, telling them where to cast their net and revealing the certainty of His help. The eyes that love as John loved are the quickest to descry his presence. He thinks not only of our spoils, but of us, and provides for our sustenance and comfort-not bread only, but fish and a fire. Is not this a picture of the believer’s death?-the plunge into the cold stream of dividing water; the welcome on the other shore; the discovery that Christ had expected and prepared; and the feast with the Lord Himself, as He girds Himself to minister."
(F.B. Meyer)

3/29/2026
Jesus First Appears to Mary Magdalene
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first
to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her,
believed not. Mar 16:11

"The Savior’s first appearance after resurrection was to a woman. For all He had died. But not to an assembled world does He manifest Himself now that He has risen victorious o’er the grave; not to angels, or apostles; not to the faithful Joseph, or the true-hearted Nicodemus; but to a woman.
A woman, and an inhabitant of a distant and unimportant town bordering towards the Gentile frontier, who had been possessed of demons, until Christ reached forth to her the hand of pity. He called her by her name. It was not a mere chance encounter. Christ having already left the tomb, must have purposely concealed Himself from all His disciples save this one whom He wanted to see and comfort.
Jesus revealed Himself to her, unaccompanied by any. No angel hosts: Christ was “all in all.”
The manifestation was a long awaited victory and redemption from the first fall of Eden, by Eve.

The free grace of the gospel, and the holiness it produces, distinguish it from every other system. It both justifies and sanctifies. In its method of justifying, it gives glory to God, and brings peace to man. In its method of sanctifying, it displays the fulness of grace, and delivers from the power of Satan.
Those who are most under Satanic influence, are yet within the reach of the Gospel.
Jesus Christ has all power over demonic forces, it is the devil that puts people in bondage. Satan blinds the mind, and works powerfully in the hearts of the children of disobedience; puts it into men’s hearts to betray the best of Masters, and to lie against the best Friend. However, all has been put under the feet of Jesus.'
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

No power can counteract this evil influence, but that which is Divine. In heathen countries Satan reigns uncontrolled; in Christian countries his devices are revealed, all his malice is baffled, his kingdom is overthrown. The gospel not merely delivers men from Satanic influence, but exalts men into the most holy characters. The Gospel can effect the reformation of the most abandoned. No sooner was Mary Magdalene dispossessed, than she devotes herself to the service of her Lord. This is so with all who heartily embrace Christ, and trust Him as Lord and Savior." (Biblical Illustrator)

However, when she went to the brethren, and told them she had seen the Savior risen from the dead-they did not believe her. Though her account was one of being an eyewitness, they would not believe her. In cruel unbelief, they made Mary Magdalene a liar. Many through history, to this day, can relate to this woman's experience. But, praise be to the Lord Jesus, unbelief never conquers over truth.
Jesus Christ is risen-and coming again. Lorna Couillard

3/28/2026
Jesus' Regard for His Mother

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister,
Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved,
he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple
took her unto his own home. Joh 19:25-27

"Love made Mary brave to encounter the tragedy of that scene. The sword, as Simeon had foretold, was piercing her soul, Luk_2:34-35.
Luk 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Luk 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Jesus knew how lonely she would be. He had neither silver nor gold, but could at least secure her a home and tender care. As the cross was elevated but slightly from the ground, His words could easily reach the little group.

It is to this paragraph that the soul turns when oppressed with the consciousness of guilt. The light-hearted, gay world, which has never known the terror of a sinful conscience, turns from it as from a tragedy of woe and blood, but the repentant sinner presses from this vintage the wine of life. We stand beside thy Cross, O Son of God, and worship in adoring love, as we behold thy tenderness to thy mother, thy devotion to Holy Scripture, and the majesty of thy last cry of victory. It is finished-the Savior’s work of redemption and the ground of our salvation. What is there left for us, but to hide in the cleft of His pierced side, and to seek the cleansing of the water and the blood"?
"Woman, behold thy son! In his mortal agony, Jesus does not forget his bereaved mother, but commits her to the care of John, her nephew, it is supposed. His love shines forth in the sufferings on the cross." (B.W. Johnson)

"Why did Jesus say to John, “Behold thy mother”? It seems strange that He passed over her own sons. Yes, but only seems so. First, Mary’s sons rejected Jesus. “Neither did His brethren believe on Him.” They were out of sympathy, spiritually, both with Christ and Mary, whereas John was, heart and mind, devoted to Him. Secondly, John was in a better social position than the other apostles, and than the Lord’s mother. We see, then, that what looks strange was really very wise and kind. All God’s dealings are the same. If He was good at the cross, He must be good here and now. We sorely need this faith. There is much in our experience which is painfully mysterious. Why is might so often allowed to conquer right? Why do the innocent suffer for the guilty? We fully sympathize with the ancient writer who said: “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me.” Is there rest anywhere? There is. “At the feet of Jesus.” Sit there. He will not remove all our perplexities. Nevertheless, be assured of this: Christ tells enough to console us, to take off the edge of our difficulties, and to render us trustful. He reveals a God so good that, if we take Christ at His word, we may be perfectly satisfied that somehow all shall yet be well. “Have faith in God,” and thus “return unto thy rest, O, my soul. (T. R. Stevenson- Biblical Illustrator)
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Note: It was not intentionally planned, but, this is posted on the same day my mother passed away, in 2008, at app. 2:00 a.m., in the nursing home she was a resident-I was with her the last three days she lived, and was there when she was taken. I know she is with the Lord, and have her bible, with many of her comments, and remarks-which I cherish. This is a fitting honor to her, and she is sorely missed. I look forward to a reunion, and seeing her again-whole, young again, and free of pain. I hope to have a grand family backyard reunion with many family members, loved ones, and friends, when God takes me home. Jesus gave a perfect example of enduring love, that reveals the commitment to those in our immediate family, and his last act of making sure Mary was cared for, before He breathed his last.

3/27/2026
Barabbas or Jesus
Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Luk 23:21

"They all say, Let him be crucified - The punishment which Barabbas had deserved: and this probably made them think of it. But in their malice they forgot with how dangerous a precedent they furnished the Roman governor. And indeed within the compass of a few years it turned dreadfully upon themselves."
(John Wesley) Note: In his reference, he meant the event 40 yrs. later-the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, which Jesus had already foretold. Luk_21:23-24; Mat_24:19; Mar_13:17-19 Luk 23:29

"The Roman proconsul looks with a strange mixture of awe and surprise at the poor weary prisoner, and asks, "Art Thou a king?" His wife’s dream had warned him that there was something uncommon about this man, and he was more than willing to set Him free, for he could find no fault in Him. Pilate’s relations with Rome, however, made him afraid to risk a tumult, and so, yielding to the popular clamor which demanded His death, and which threatened to swell into a riot, Pilate delivered Jesus unto them. That was his answer to the awful question of the text.

The question which Pilate asked, and which he answered so fatally, is a question which we have, every one of us, still to answer. It is far more awful for us than it was for Pilate. We have to answer it with a full knowledge of what Jesus was and is. We have to answer it aided by the light of centuries streaming upon that Divine Face. So long as Christ is popular, so long as being with Him means going on safely with a rejoicing, happy multitude, there is no doubt or difficulty as to what we will do with Christ; we will gladly follow Him. But there come awful moments in every experience—the Passion Week of every life—when the Christ stands pleading before your soul. A wild, frenzied mob of passions, prejudices, indulgences, sins, raise their murderous clamor, and demand that we shall give Him up—that we shall take into our favor some other popular idol—and each of us has then to answer the question, "What shall I do then with Jesus?"

We try to escape it; we endeavor to postpone it as Pilate did, by general discussions about abstract truth. Then we soothe ourselves with the thought that the words which once moved us were exaggerated; this cannot be the Christ; until some great moment of trial comes, and the earth and all that we thought solid and durable in life quakes beneath us, and a darkness, perhaps the darkness of death falls upon us; and then old sins, old decisions for evil, come forth from the graves of memory, and appear unto us, and in the agony of our souls we cry, as the terrible conviction then comes upon us: "Truly, this was the Son of God!" (T. T. Shore, The Life of the World to Come, p. 127)

3/26/2026
The Comfort of Christ
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself;
hat where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Joh 14:1-4

Jesus had just dismissed Judas, knew what was transpiring outside, and what would follow. And yet He sat amongst His disciples perfectly composed, and was able to counsel deliberate composure in the prospect of affliction. This was not from any insensibility to pain, nor superiority to it (Joh 11:33; Joh 12:27; Joh 13:21). It was a wonderful manifestation of spiritual strength, and as an example was more forcible than even His counsel for the production of a like spirit.

They were in a grievous plight. They had been drawn into fellowship with Christ. He had led them step by step, and they had learned to lean upon Him utterly. And now He was about to be taken from them by a cruel death, and leave them exposed to persecution for His sake. An hour ago there had been a strife among them which of them should be greatest. How vain all these ambitions seemed now. And yet our Lord counsels calmness.

Jesus sensed and knew their souls were somber, from what they had just witnessed with Judas. He knew this would be the last time he would have this opportunity to leave them something of worth, and value, that would give them strength to endure and overcome, after they were scattered, after his death on the cross. It would help them endure, even when they saw him go through this, and they would carry these words, long after they saw him raised from the dead. His words can be seen as an extension of the comfort and guidance he gave when he sat on the mountainside, at the Sermon on the Mount-and counseled those who sat and heard him to "lay not up your treasures here".
Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

As he sat and relayed these words, this was the heart of what he left them:
Christ’s going away would naturally seem to them pure loss. Death, as a natural event, always seems so. But Christ says death is not a closing so much as an opening—not a going away so much as a coming home. It is the passing of a pilgrim from one mansion to another, from the winter to the summer residence, from one of the outlying provinces up nearer the central home. This is not a chance expression, far less a mere figure of speech. There are many others. “The third heavens”; Christ has “passed through all heavens”; “heaven, even the heaven of heavens,” a place evidently of inconceivable grandeur, for even that cannot contain the infinite presence of God. This idea of immense capacity is a real relief from some of the more popular conceptions of the future life, as that of a temple. The population of this world is something tremendous. It has been yielding immense numbers to heaven in every age. Thus “a great multitude which no man can number,” has been passing, and will pass, in ceaseless procession. The mind can hardly conceive of it, it will take eternity, for God to reveal this to us. (See Joh 11:33; Joh 12:27; Joh 13:21) (Biblical Illustrator)

F.B. Meyer gives a good summation on this:
"As He neared the end, our Lord could speak of little else than the Father. Heaven was His Father’s house, where a prepared mansion awaits each of us, perfectly adapted to the peculiarities of our temperament. The yearning of the heart of man was truly set forth by Philip in his request to see the Father; but never before had it dawned upon human intelligence that the divine can find its supreme revelation in the simplicities and commonplaces of human existence. While Philip was waiting for the Father to be shown in lightning and thunder and the splendor of Sinai, he missed the daily unfolding of the life with which he dwelt in daily contact. To see Jesus was to see the Father. Nothing could more certainly prove the need of the Holy Spirit, by whom alone we can know the Lord."

Jesus left them with these comforts and truths-that would hold them steady and make their faith solid, and unshakable, no matter what their eyes saw, or what they endured. He made it clear to them-He came from the Father in heaven, He was the Son of the living God, and was returning from where He came from. He was going to prepare a place, a home, for them, and for all who believed in Him-that where He was, we would be also, when we leave this world.

Nothing is more evident from the narrative of the Gospels than that Jesus made this claim; nothing is more certain than the fact itself, if His words are in any wise true. Listen to Him: “I came out from the Father, and am come into the world; again I leave the world, and go to the Father.” Language cannot be plainer or more positive than this. The gates of birth and of death alike are transparent to Jesus Christ; through both He sees His Father’s heaven.

His final words of comfort were opening the door of heaven, and giving them and us a glimpse of our eternal destination. Christ's heaven, will be our heaven, and our home, and, we will be as He is, and will see Him face to face. Praise to the risen Lord Jesus Christ-forever.

3/25/2025
The Betrayal
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said,
Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Joh 13:21
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He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it.
And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him,
That thou doest, do quickly. Joh 13:25-27

"The reason of his trouble here was that Judas, a professed friend, was about to betray him. He doubtless foresaw the deep and dreadful sorrows of his approaching death, and was also deeply affected with the ingratitude and wickedness of a friend. Jesus was man as well as God, and he felt like other men. His human nature shrank from suffering, and his tender sensibilities were affected not less deeply than would be those of other men by baseness and treason.

"What thou doest, do quickly - This showed to Judas that Jesus was acquainted with his design. He did not command him to betray him, but he left him to his own purpose. He had used means enough to reclaim him and lead him to a holy life, and now he brought him to a decision. He gave him to understand that he was acquainted with his plan, and submitted it to the conscience of Judas to do quickly what he would do. If he relented, he called on him to do it at once. If he could still pursue his wicked plan, could go forward when he was conscious that the Savior knew his design, he was to do it at once. God adopts all means to bring men to a decision. He calls upon them to act decisively, firmly, immediately. He does not allow them the privilege to deliberate about wicked deeds, but calls on them to act at once, and to show whether they will obey or disobey him; whether they will serve him, or whether they will betray fits cause. He knows all their plans, as Jesus did that of Judas, and he calls on men to act under the full conviction that he knows all their soul. Sin thus is a vast evil. When men can sin knowing that God sees it all, it shows that the heart is fully set in them to do evil, and that there is nothing that will restrain them." (Albert Barnes)
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Note: I'll take this example for my own case, and address those who've chosen to be my betrayer, and enemy here in cyberspace, and in my own area where I live. I relate to Jesus here, discerning and knowing who his betrayer is, and up to this point remaining silent. I've seen and heard the slander, condemnation, and mocking by those who come here and then proceed to use their own platforms to attack, and use every means, to degrade and insult, and it's done here to me, where I live. I learned since the first year of my salvation 53 yrs. ago, that what Jesus said we would face is a fact. I've learned over and over again, the only one I can trust is Jesus Himself. I've never pretended to be a theologian, or have a long list of titles to my name, but, the Lord called me to do this, and after 10 yrs. of disobedience like Jonah, I finally obeyed. The bible warns us to not trust any man, only trust God, and that's a warning I keep. I do love people, or I wouldn't do this at all, but just as Jesus confronted His enemies in the gospels-I will stand my ground, and walk alone. I've done it since the first year of my salvation. I've learned that when everyone else leaves-Jesus remains. He hasn't left me, and I go to Him every day, and ask for His guidance, and if there's anything I've done that I need to repent of, because as an intercessor, I need to have my channel to the Lord open. For those who choose to be my enemy, do whatever your going to do, I'll let Jesus defend me. If he allows you to continue your attacks, I leave you to Him. I do not need, or ask for your approval, or your trust. Trust God, and go on with your life, and leave me in peace, I will do the same, unless you continue to pursue attacking me. If you do, I'll defend myself, if you play the bully with me. I will use the word of God as my defense and will answer any attacks with that as my weapon. I've done it before here, and will do it again, if I need to.

Psa_56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Psa_118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
Psa_146:3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
Pro_29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

3/24/2026
The Meeting at Jacob's Well
And he must needs go through Samaria.
Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me,
which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee,
Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep:
from whence then hast thou that living water?
Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself,
and his children, and his cattle?
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst;
but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her,
Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband:
in that saidst thou truly.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place
where men ought to worship.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain,
nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit
and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come,
he will tell us all things.
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. Joh 5:4-26

Historical Overview: "In the heat of the day (for even in winter, the best time for travelling in Syria, the midday sun is often very hot, and walking fatiguing), Jesus came, wearied, to Jacob’s well (Gen_33:18-20; Gen_49:21-22; Deu_33:28-29), near a village or suburb of Shechem called Sychar, now called El Askar, about a mile from Nablous (Shechem). Jesus had journeyed on foot. The common fund evidently did not admit of hiring animals for all His company, and He therefore went with them afoot. He shared with His disciples the common fatigues and hardships of the way. He sat thus, wearied and footsore, by the well, whilst the disciples went for provisions to the neighboring village or town. He was truly human—the Son of man as well as the Son of God. He knows our toils, trials, weariness, and can sympathize with us in our troubles (Heb_4:15). While He thus sat “a woman of Samaria” came to draw water. It was not the usual hour when women came to draw water, and this particular woman must have come there at that time for some special need, perhaps also to avoid publicity, which she had reason to do. Our Lord entered into conversation with her, showing that He was free from rabbinic prejudice and Jewish exclusiveness. He asked from her a draught of water, as the disciples had probably taken with them the vessel for drawing water (Joh_4:11). The Savior’s request was a real request. The sinless needs of His human nature were as ours (Joh_19:28; Mat_8:24). (Preacher's Homiletical)

"The woman at the well, feeling about for light, was led to her own Scriptures, and in those Scriptures to a prophecy—a prophecy of a great Teacher who was to come—the Messiah. The coming Teacher, she knew, would solve all her difficulties, and make her way quite clear. It is very beautiful, very comforting, very teaching, to watch this poor, earnest, baffled woman’s soul, gathering itself at last till it centers upon Christ. She was in a great strait; where was the escape? Messiah comes; He makes all things right. As the key fits into the lock, as the light matches to the eye, or as sweet music to the ear, so Christ is made for the soul, and the soul is made for Christ. Till nature has that filling it must be incomplete, and life must be restless till it settles on that one resting-place; and this that thirsting, confessing, enquiring mind was finding out, when God took her by the hand and led her, and put it into her heart to feel, "I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when He is come, He will teach us all things."

It is a safe thing to affirm that, wherever there is a desire for Christ in the heart, Christ Himself is not far from that desire. For of this you may be assured—Christ is always nearer to you than you think. Though you do not know it, the voices of your soul are all echoes. They are the responses to other voices, which are speaking to you. Had not Jesus first talked with you, there would never have been any of those things in your mind. All along, He who is to make the answer woke the question. He is there. You have been conversing with the very object that you are seeking; and that Presence it is which has aroused the feeling which now affects you. "I that speak unto thee am He." Patiently, very patiently, God is always conversing with us; but rare is the heart to hear it. And happy is the man who, in the poetry of nature, in the arguments of fact, in the eloquence of truth, always catches the same accent, "I that speak unto thee am He." (J. Vaughan, Sermons, 3rd series, p. 197)

3/23/2026
Jesus and Zacchaeus
And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans,
and he was rich.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him,
Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Luk 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be
guest with a man that is a sinner.
And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods
I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man
by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house,
forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luk 1-10

"A whole paragraph is devoted to the delineation of one man’s life, while so many great subjects are hardly touched upon in the Christian Scriptures. Yet let us not complain of what looks to us like capriciousness and incompleteness of Divine revelation, for in these portrayals of individuals we have not only the most practical aspects of the Christian faith, but we get nearer to God than would otherwise have been possible.
Zacchæus sought to see Jesus through natural curiosity, yet such curiosity may be turned to the highest uses; Zacchæus only sought to see the Man, but in the end he saw the Savior; he desired to see a wonder, in the end he was made into a wonder himself.
Zacchæus would never have been chief among the publicans, and been rich, if he had succumbed to difficulties. His character was brought out by opposition. I contend that, what ever a man’s disadvantages may be, he can see Jesus Christ if he so determine in his heart.

Jesus Christ looked, saw, and said. When Christians look and see and say, there will go forth into the world such an evangelizing commission as never yet sought the recovery of men.
"He made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully." This is a striking harmony with all that we have seen of Zacchæus. The man who could run and climb was just the man to make haste in coming down, and to give a joyful answer to such an appeal. Zacchæus would never have known himself if he had not first known Jesus Christ. It is ever noteworthy that by contact with the Savior men become greater, and to their fuller strength is added all the charm of generosity. In this case there is a noticeable combination of liberality and justice; the poor and the wronged alike feel the blessed influence of this man’s renewal. All with whom he had to do were the better for his having received Jesus Christ into his heart.
(Parker, City Temple, 1870, p. 74)

Mat 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
Mat 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

3/22/2026
A Glimpse of Christs Glory
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother,
and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun,
and his raiment was white as the light.
And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Mat 17:1-3

"Not for the Apostles’ sake only was the glory of the Lord thus revealed. In them the whole Church since saw it, and to us, as to them, it is given as a support of faith, a kindling of our hope. To us, too, it is a witness of our Lord’s Divinity; nay, more, of His Divinity and humanity together; it is to us a faint gleam of that ineffable mystery, how man can be taken into God, how God can dwell in man, and fill him with the glory of the Father. Great is the comfort to us that He, our High Priest, our Intercessor, is thus glorified, is thus present with God, and is God. Yet does this mystery, in a still more definite way, open to us the greatness of our future hopes; it gives a glimpse of that which we have no thought to conceive, "the good things" which God has, in His boundless mercy, in store for those who love Him.

We have been made partakers of Christ’s death, passion, resurrection, life; we also, if we be faithful, are being made partakers of His glory, for this the Apostle expressly says, that "we with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord," contemplating Him and seeking, by prayer and daily diligence, to have His image, line by line, retraced in us, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, through the Lord the Spirit. Through that indwelling glory did the face of Stephen shine like the face of an angel. Even now do we sometimes see the faces of God’s saints gleam with unearthly purity and love; even now, as the parting spirit sometimes sees heaven open, and hears and almost feels the brushing by of the angels’ wings who shall carry it, or knows the room to be full of angels, or sees the Redeemer Himself, so does the body catch the light it is approaching; even now.

The solemn peace and holy calm spread over them seem to tell us by whom they were inhabited; they seem yet, like the parted spirit, to live to Him; the evening, so closed in, seems the dawning of the resurrection.
Our Lord stretcheth forth His hands to bless us, but it is in the form of His cross. The transfiguration is our glory; it sets forth that glory to us, but also how it was to be won for us, by bearing the cross for us; by us, by bearing ours, after Him, in His strength and following Him."
(Plain Sermons by Contributors to "Tracts for the Times," vol. iii., p. 223)
"There appeared Moses and Elijah - Here for the full confirmation of their faith in Jesus, Moses, the giver of the law, Elijah, the most zealous of all the prophets, and God speaking from heaven, all bore witness to him." (John Wesley)

3/21/2026
Jesus is the Bread of Life
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
I am that bread of life.
Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof,
and not die. Joh 6:47-50

"In all Christ said He realized that the body is not the man. He was always seeking to win the soul’s faith which would be the man’s life. We have bodies; we are souls. Since we are spirits there is fitting food for us, and Christ warns us of fleshly ideas by saying, “It is the Spirit that quickens.” Christ is the soul’s food in His humanity, character, example, sacrifice, spiritual communions.
Nothing else can satisfy like this. Every receptive faculty of our soul can live on that incarnate life and renew strength. “I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”
Christ is the food of the soul in that He provides and adapts God for man. “In” God “we live, and move, and have our being.” But man has failed to live in God. “God is not in all his thoughts.” Our souls have lost their home food, preferring to it “the husks which the swine do eat.”
But God graciously offers Himself to us in Christ Jesus, for all who would choose Him."
(Biblilcal Illustrator)

"Why should we be hungering and thirsting, when Christ has given us His flesh to be meat indeed, and His blood to be drink indeed? Why should we be hanging down our heads like bulrushes to-day, when the Lord loves us, and would have His joy to be in us, that our joy may be full? Why are we so dispirited by our infirmities, when we know that Jehovah is our strength and our song, He also has become our salvation? I tell you, brethren, we do not possess our possessions. We are like an Israelite who should say, “Yes, those terraces of land are mine. Those vineyards and olives and figs and pomegranates are mine. Those fields of wheat and barley are mine; yet I am starving.” Why do you not drink the blood of the grapes? He answers, “I can scarcely tell you why, but so it is—I walk through the vineyards, and I admire the clusters, but I never taste them.

I gather the harvest, and I thrash it on the barn-floor; but I never grind it into corn, nor comfort my heart with a morsel of bread.” Surely this is wretched work, is it not folly carried to an extreme? I trust the children of God will not copy this madness. Let our prayer be that we may use and enjoy to the utmost all that the Lord has given us in His grace." (C.H. Spurgeon)
Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Joh 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

3/20/2026
Peter Walking on the Water
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled,
saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship,
he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink,
he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him,
O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Mat 14:25-31

"There are three conditions of soul: some think they are sinking and are not; some are sinking and do not know; some are sinking and do know it—know it truly and miserably.
Let me gather up the steps towards the sinking. An emotional state, with abrupt and strong reactions; a self-exaltation; a breaking out under a good and religious aspect of an old infirmity and sin; a disproportion between the act and the frame of mind in which the act was done; neglect of ordinary means with not sufficient calculation of difficulties; a devious eye; a want of concentration; a regard to circumstances more than to the Power which wields them; a certain inward separation from God; a human measurement; a descent to a fear—unnecessary, dishonoring fear; depression; a sense of perishing; beginning to sink.

Let us see the escape. In his humiliation and fear and emptiness, the eye of Peter, which had wandered in the pride of his first confident marching, went back to Christ. It was the mark that he was a child of God still. It was the mark in the judgment-hall; it was the mark now; it is the mark everywhere. You who feel that you have sunk and are sinking, go back again, and let Jesus be to you, and you be to Jesus, as it once was. Those declining steps and sinking affections want the Savior more than ever, and He is the Savior still. The same eye is towards you, as loving, as gentle, as affectionate and kind. Return—away from every wind that blows and every wave that beats—away from the gulfs that yawn, and the depths that will swallow you up—away from your own guilty self—look to Jesus."
(J. Vaughan, Fifty Sermons, 9th series, p. 154)
Mat 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Jas 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
Jas 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

3/19/2026
Jesus Teaches on Lust of the Heart
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her
hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee
that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee:
for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish,
and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Mat 5:27-30

"Our Savior in these verses explains the seventh commandment. It is probable that the Pharisees had explained this commandment, as they had the sixth, as extending only to the external act; and that they regarded evil thoughts and a wanton imagination as of little consequence, or as not forbidden by the law. Our Savior assures them that the commandment did not regard the external act merely, but the secrets of the heart, and the movements of the eye. He declares that they who indulge a wanton desire, that they who look on a woman to increase their lust, have already, in the sight of God, violated the commandment, and committed adultery in the heart. Such was the guilt of David, whose deep and awful crime fully shows the danger of indulging in evil desires, and in the roving of a wanton eye." See 2 Sam. 11; Ps. 51. See also 2Pe_2:14.
2Pe 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
So exceeding strict and broad is the law of God-And so heinous in his sight axe thoughts and feelings which may be forever concealed from the world. (Albert Barnes)

In these verses, we find what Jesus says about the sin of lust, and where it is rooted, in the heart. He also gives stark warnings, that you won't find preached in the woke churches who ordain lesbian and homosexual men and women to stand in the pulpits and tell you God is love, and anything you do, is fine with God.
When I turned to Jesus Christ in 1978, He immediately convicted me of my past sins, and spoke clearly to me, that what I must do to receive eternal life, was to confess my sins, repent of them, and ask Jesus for His forgiveness, and mercy-and receive Him into my heart and life. Then, to begin to read His word, and heed it-All of it. Again, you will not hear this is the majority of churches today, that's why we are in the mess we are in today, in this nation, and the world. Don't agree? I do not care.
Those who preach anything other than this, will be judged more severely, because they have no excuse-Jesus words are as clear as can be.

You may not have committed the act of fornication, or adultery, but, if you've looked on someone with lust in your heart, you've committed the act. This goes for sitting at the computer watching porn, X-rated movies, etc., and influencing others to do it also. The sin sits deep in your heart, and only admitting it to God, and repentance, will cleanse your soul. If your offended in hearing this, the point has been proven. Your argument is with God. You will have to make up your own mind, how valuable your eternal soul is, and where you want to spend eternity. Jesus gives you a vivid picture, I'd listen to him, if I were you.
Lorna Couillard

3/18/2026
Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him;
and he sat down, and taught them.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery;
and when they had set her in the midst,
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned:
but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down,
and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them,
He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one,
beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone,
and the woman standing in the midst.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her,
Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her,
Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Joh 8:1-11

Important points to this story:
The religious leaders brought this woman to Jesus in shame-filled, humiliating circumstances. She was held against her will, a prisoner under the custody of the religious police who caught her involved with a man not her husband, in the very act of adultery. They set a trap for Jesus. If Jesus said, “Let her go,” then He would seem to break the Law of Moses. If He said, “Execute her for the crime of adultery,” then Jesus would seem harsh and perhaps cruel. Also, He would break Roman law, because the Romans had taken the right of official execution for religious offenses away from the Jews.
To mention the obvious, there was also a man involved in this very act of adultery - yet the guilty man was not brought before Jesus for judgment. It also meant that there were pre-arranged spies sent to witness this affair, and they carefully noted the sordid details. Some preachers and commentators have pointed out that the reaction from those standing when Jesus made the statemen-"He without sin among you, cast the first stone", were convicted because they knew they were not without sin-and very likely some of the Pharisees standing there had been with her themselves.
Morris points out that legally speaking, the standard of evidence was very high for this crime. There had to be two witnesses and they had to agree perfectly. They had to see the sexual act take place; it wasn’t enough to see the pair leaving the same room together or even lying on the same bed together. “The actual physical movements of the couple must have been capable of no other explanation…. conditions were so stringent that they could have been met only on rare occasions.” (Morris)
“Under these conditions the obtaining of evidence in adultery would be almost impossible were the situation not a setup.” (Boice)
Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned: It is true that adultery was a capital offense under Jewish law, but the rules for evidence in capital cases were extremely strict. The actual act had to be observed by multiple witnesses who agreed exactly in their testimony. As a practical matter, virtually no one was executed for adultery, since this was a relatively private sin.

The religious leaders - wretched men as they were - used this woman as a weapon against Jesus. They presented her as a sinner before Jesus, but ignored their own sin in the matter.
They cared nothing for true righteousness, for it was evident that they carefully arranged both the adulterous act and her arrest. They claimed that this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act - yet they did not bring the guilty man before Jesus. It’s possible that the man was one of them, and they simply used the woman as a weapon or pawn in their conflict against Jesus.
“Adultery is not the kind of offence that can be committed by one person in solitude; if she was caught red-handed, how was her guilty partner allowed to escape?” (Bruce)
“They were not looking on this woman as a person at all; they were looking on her only as a thing, an instrument whereby they could formulate a charge against Jesus.” (Barclay)

When they continued asking Him: Jesus stooped down, wrote on the ground, and acted as if He did not hear the accusers of the woman taken in adultery. The men who brought the woman didn’t stop asking Jesus what should be done with her - they continued asking Him. This reveals the level of cold, calculating cruelty and brutality that was working in them, they were unrelenting in their attacks.
Jesus raised Himself up to make eye contact with the woman's accuser's and said to them: "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." Being convicted by their conscience: They were convicted by what they heard from Jesus. Seemingly it wasn’t what Jesus wrote. It was what Jesus said that convicted their conscience.
As an example, we learn: If we must look at the sins of others, we must be aware that we have also sinned. There is still a place for exposing and rebuking and directly dealing with the sins of others in God’s family, but it must always be done with a heart that recognizes itself as a forgiven sinner. When done right, confronting sin is done more often with tears and a broken heart than with anger and condemnation. An example of an exception to this, we find in Acts, when Paul boldly confronts Simon the sorcerer, for his wickedness and deception.
When all had left, leaving Jesus and the woman alone-He asks her, "where are your accusers, has no man condemned you"? Her answer was simple but profound-"No man, Lord". This is the love, and mercy and deliverance for all who come to Him, and receive His forgiveness, and salvation.
Jesus leaves her with a warning, that is meant for all- "Neither do I condemn thee, go, and sin no more.
Here is admonition; the condition of her final pardon. He is very merciful, but does not excuse sin.
(B.W. Johnson)

3/17/2026
A Healing and a Warning at the Pool of Bethesda
Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called
in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered,
waiting for the moving of the water.
For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water:
whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in
was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case,
he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled,
to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked:
and on the same day was the sabbath.
The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day:
it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away,
a multitude being in that place.
Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole:
sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him,
because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Joh 5:2-17

"We may feel interested in hearing that the impotent man was restored to health, and yet, what was the benefit he received? He lived a few years, and then he died. What is life? Holy Scripture saith, "It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away." Therefore, observes St. Augustine, in his comment on this miracle, "In that health was restored to this man’s body for a time, some duration was added to a vapor; so then, this is not to be valued much, for vain is the health of man." The health of the soul is the thing to be thought of, for the soul endureth for ever; and the miracles effected by our blessed Lord on the bodies of men were only types of those greater miracles which, throughout the last dispensation, He works by His Spirit on the souls of men, in their regeneration, renovation, and sanctification.

What is the exhortation to those who have come to the Lord and are cleansed through the living stream—the spiritual Bethesda? It is the same as Jesus warned the man he healed-"sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee". We do not tell them to take their ease and be at rest. Our Sabbath is not here; it is an eternal one in the heavens. The threescore and ten short years, which is our appointed time on earth, are our working days. And we would send every one away from our Bethesda with the injunction, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." We would say, Go and serve God by doing the duties of your calling, whatever they may be. Dare bravely to be singular in the cause of Him who died to save you. To be singular, in order to attract notice to yourself, is indeed folly, and it may be a sin; but to be singular in rendering obedience to the word of the Lord, as speaking to you through the precepts of Scripture—this is the part of godliness.

Let your answers to all gainsayers be the same in principle as his was who replied to the cavilling Jews, "He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed and walk; such a Benefactor I cannot distrust; and such a Benefactor I will, by God’s help, in all things strive to obey."
(W. F. Hook, Sermons on the Miracles, vol. i., p. 121)
Joh 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
Joh 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Mat 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

3/16/2026
Jesus is the Light of the World
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world,
but to save the world.
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him:
the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

The fear of being cast out of the synagogue was a very real one, Joh_9:22; and the yoke laid on Israel by the Pharisees was a very crushing one.
Joh 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
Only a very few, like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea, could withstand it. Let us see to it that we set the promotion of God’s glory above any thought of ourselves. We must confess Christ, if we would experience His saving grace. See Rom_10:9-10.
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
To reject Jesus was nothing less to Israel than to reject God Himself and His word. Such a supreme act of rebellion could not fail to draw down unexampled judgment.

In Joh_12:48-50 our Lord unfolds to us the significance of His words. They will be the sole criterion at the day of judgment. He will apply to each of us the rule laid down in His teachings, which were purely and simply the reflection of His Father’s mind. In every sentence He acted on the Father’s mandate; hence His words were capable of quickening and regenerating His hearers. What a marvelous effect would be produced on the world if all ministers of Christ would utter what they had received. (F.B. Meyer)
Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Joh 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
Joh 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

"The word that Christ has spoken, the doctrines of his gospel, and the messages of mercy, will be that by which the sinner will be judged in the last day. Every person will be judged by that message, and the sinner will be punished according to the frequency and clearness with which the rejected message has been presented to his mind", Mat_12:41. (Albert Barnes)
Mat 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

3/15/2026
Watch and Pray
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting,
and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape
all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

But take heed to yourselves: We must take heed because there are certain things that will make one unprepared - carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life. Each of these things can make us unprepared for the day of Jesus’ return. They make the heart weighed down. Carousing literally refers to the hangover that comes after a time of intoxication. It will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth: Jesus here spoke of His coming from a different angle. In Luk_21:25-26, He spoke of unmistakable calamity to shake the earth before the coming of Jesus. In Luk_21:34-36 Jesus said that He would come as a surprise, a snare - and emphasized the importance of readiness. This is because the second coming of Jesus has two distinct aspects, separated by an appreciable time. The first aspect comes suddenly, unexpectedly, as a snare, in a time of peace and safety. The second comes with great anticipation to a world almost destroyed by the judgment of God, with Jesus coming to the earth with His saints from heaven.

What Jesus spoke of at this part of Luke''s record of the Olivet Discourse applied to those of the whole earth, not only those who lived in Jerusalem or Judea. This speaks of much more than what happened to Jerusalem of A.D. 70. Watch therefore: Because this is relevant to the whole earth, we must watch. Anyone who watches will never be caught in a snare; a failure to watch prevents us from being ready.
Pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape those things that will come to pass: Jesus told His followers to pray always, that they may be found worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass.

Watch ... pray,— the two great duties which in prospect of trial are constantly enjoined. These warnings, suggested by the need of preparedness for the tremendous calamities approaching, and the total wreck of the existing state of things, are the general improvement of the whole discourse, carrying the mind forward to Judgment and Vengeance of another kind and on a grander and more awful scale - not ecclesiastical or political but personal, not temporal but eternal - when all safety and blessedness will be found to lie in being able to “STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN” in the glory of His personal appearing. (JFB comm.)

3/14/2026
Seeking the Lost
Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle,
and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? Luk 15:8

"The piece of silver—whatever it was—was great to the owner. And here lies the point in the analogy. A soul, an individual creature, an atom in God’s universe, may be in itself a very insignificant thing, but it is great to God. This is its dignity. How great, how dear to God, no man can adequately judge, because no man is a creator, and no man is a redeemer. It needs absolutely to have created a thing, and absolutely to have redeemed a thing, before you can calculate what its worth would be to one who stood to it in those relations. Let us go with this woman in her quest. It is deliberate, painstaking, protracted, effectual.

First she lights a candle—the well-known emblem in the Bible, of three things: first, the Spirit of God in a man’s soul; second, the word of God; third, the consistent lives of ministers and other servants of God. And these three together make the great detective force, and so ultimately the great restorative power, which God uses in this world.
With the lighted candle, the woman went to sweep the house. In the parable of the shepherd, the sheep was gone out into the wilderness. Here, the lost one was still in the house. It seems to me more affecting to be a lost soul in the house, than to be a lost soul out in the wilderness. It is a great commotion and disturbance to sweep, but then it leads to cleanliness and order. So God’s sweepings are severe things. But then it is only to brush away what had no right to be there. You will not presently complain, you will not regret the turmoil—when the costly thing, that was almost hidden—sparkles again in the. hand of its great Proprietor.

Luk 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

All the parables agree in the one blessed, crowning thought—"till she find it." It is not a light achievement. Even with the lighted candle, and with the close sweeping, she had to seek diligently—to go up and down, and do her work over and over again. But love—the love she had for her lost treasure, carried her on, and she did not stop, she could not stop, till she found it."
(J. Vaughan, Sermon preached Oct. 29th, 1865)

3/13/2026
Deny the Exchange
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them,
Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life
for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this
adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed,
when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mar 8:34-38

"Confession of Christ.—A Roman emperor said to a Greek architect, “Build me a Colosseum, a grand colosseum, and if it suits me I will crown you in the presence of all the people, and I will make a great day of festival on your account.” The architect did his work—did it magnificently, planned the building, and looked after its construction. The building was finished, the opening day arrived, the emperor and the architect were in the Colosseum. Amid loud cheers the emperor arose and announced that the day was set apart in honor of the Greek architect, and everything must be done to his honor. “Let us make merry and enjoy ourselves; bring out those Christians, and let us see the lions destroy them.” A group of imprisoned Christians were led forth, and a number of half-starved lions turned loose among them. They were soon devoured, and the architect slowly arose, and in a firm though gentle voice said, “I too am a Christian.” The howling mob seized him and flung him to the fierce beasts, who soon tore his limbs from his body. This is confession, true and undefiled. It is easy enough to confess Christ before our own Church and friends, but do we confess Him among those that revile Him? Do we go among men that despise His precepts, and by our very life tell of Him? If we do not, we do not do our duty as His followers." (Preacher's Homiletical)

"The world unsatisfying".—Alexander the Great overran the whole earth, and subdued every nation; and at the conclusion of universal victory he sat down and wept like a child because he had not another world to conquer. We read also of a Roman emperor who had run the round of all the pleasures in the world offering a rich reward to any one who should discover a new pleasure. Cyrus the conqueror thought that for a little time he was making a fine thing out of this world; yet before he came to his grave he wrote out this pitiful epitaph for his monument: “I am Cyrus. I occupied the Persian Empire. I was King over Asia. Begrudge me not this monument.” But the world in after-years ploughed up his sepulchre. Pope Adrian VI. had this inscription on his monument: “Here lies Adrian VI., who was never so unhappy in any period of his life as at that in which he was a prince.”

“I, sinful wretch, by the grace of God, King of England and of France, and Lord of Ireland, bequeath to Almighty God my sinful soul and the life I have misspent, whereof I put myself wholly at His grace and mercy”—so wrote Henry IV. in his last will, when the frightful reality of leprosy had disenchanted the rapturous dream of usurpation.
Man’s soul thirsts and longs for something nobler, brighter, greater, and better than the world itself. As Macduff says: “As well try to fill the yawning chasm with a few grains of sand as satisfy the gulf of the soul’s desires with the pleasures of an empty world.” Nothing can satisfy the soul but God."
(Preacher's Homiletical)

3/12/2026
Cause of Offence to the Young
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him,
through whom they come!
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea,
than that he should offend one of these little ones. Luk 17:1-2

"The owner of the famous Wedgwood potteries, in the beginning of this century, was not only a man of remarkable mechanical skill, but a most devout and reverent Christian. On one occasion, a nobleman of dissolute habits, and an avowed atheist, was going through the works, accompanied by Mr. Wedgwood, and by a young lad who was employed in them, the son of pious parents. Lord C sought early opportunity to speak contemptuously of religion. The boy at first looked amazed, then listened with interest, and at last burst into a loud, jeering laugh. Mr. Wedgwood made no comment, but soon found occasion to show his guest the process of making a fine vase; how with infinite care the delicate paste was molded into a shape of rare beauty and fragile texture, how it was painted by skillful artists, and finally passed through the furnace, coming out perfect in form and pure in quality. The nobleman declared his delight, and stretched out his hand for it, but the potter threw it on the ground, shattering it into a thousand pieces. “That was unpardonable carelessness!” said Lord C , angrily. “I wished to take that cup home for my collection! Nothing can restore it again.” “No. You forget, my lord,” said Mr. Wedgwood, “that the soul of that lad who has just left us came innocent of impiety into the world; that his parents, friends, all good influences, have been at work during his whole life to make him a vessel fit for the Master’s use; that you, with your touch, have undone the work of years. No human hand can bind together again what you have broken.
” Lord C——, who had never before received a rebuke from an inferior, stared at him in silence; then said, “You are an honest man,” frankly holding out his hand.

“I never thought of the effect of my words.” There is no subject which many young men are more fond of discussing than religion, too often parading the crude, half comprehended atheistic arguments which they have heard or read before those to whom such doubts are new. Like Lord C——, they “do not think.” They do not, probably, believe these arguments themselves, and they forget that they are infusing poison into healthy souls, which no after-efforts of theirs can ever remove, A moment’s carelessness may destroy the work of years." (Christian Age.)

Mat 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
++++++++++++++++++++
The root of mischief—the fundamental cause of the failure of the Church to make the Gospel the power which God intended it to be in the spiritual education of mankind—is to be found in a radical misconception of the function of the Church. It has sought to rule in His name; it was set to witness to His truth. God has been systematically presented to the mind of Christendom, and of course to the youth of Christendom, and its homes, as the Ruler, the Lawgiver, the Judge, rather than as the Father; and the Church has been more prompt to wield authority than to minister and save. It is not too much to say that the chief trust of Christendom has been in law, as a power superior to love, in rebuking and destroying that sin from which man must be saved or perish. Never forget that the first, the fundamental principle of a Christian education is the surrounding the young spirit, in the very cradle of its higher life, with the witness that it is born into the Father’s home, and that it has a right, in all its struggles, its sufferings, and its sins, to claim the Father’s pity, to cry for the Father’s help, and to rest on the Father’s will and power to save.
A second great principle of Christian culture, which the Church has failed to grasp and to wield as a power, is this: Christ bids us remember that men have to be trained here for the universe and eternity, and that the training must begin in the home, if it is to bear any blessed and lasting fruit. "A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth," said the Master. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word which proceedeth out of the mouth of God." How much of our education of our children has respect exclusively to the question, What kind of training will most largely and swiftly pay? And our thought concerns not what it will pay the man as an immortal being, with eternity before him to work out the great plan of his existence.
(J. Baldwin Brown, Christian World Pulpit, vol. xvii., p. 392)

Note: In the 24 hrs. this has been posted, I've seen some reactions to it, that are sad to me, because they show the shallowness, and lack of the ability to reason of many people. This post, with the graphic image of the Lord holding the little girl in a precious embrace-had nothing to do with me. It was an image that can represent anyone, and that was the intent-it could be the Lord embracing a little boy, an old woman, or old man-or anyone. This was a representation of God's love-for you. It also represents the weight of sin that people live under, which is shown by the donkey grinding with the millstone-and the weight of it-with Jesus using this to give a picture of the depraved sinner-being cast into the sea-and dropped to the bottom, a picture of hell-where the wicked will dwell forever. Today in the 21st century, this country, and the world still has child trafficking, ritual satanic sacrifices, cannibalism, sodomy and every kind of sexual sin and wickedness-and societies cover it, condone it, and go on with their lives, and do not want to see it, or deal with it. The Clintons, and the Epstein case, and Trump proves this. We will reap what we've sown, and it's beginning to come to pass now-and few want to face the reality of it-until they have no choice. People can't seem to expand their minds today-to get a real grasp of the depth of what they are really looking at. They are too engulfed in their phones, and video games.
Vernon McGee-a prominent preacher during the 20th century in California, gave a very good example in one of his sermons-on the subject of influence, and the importance of it, and what kind of influence we may give in the world. On a certain Sunday, in the 90's, a young woman in her late teens, who was already a mother, but unwed, came in the front door of his church, and walked up to Mr. McGee, and proudly displayed her baby-still carrying him on her hip, and asked him for a blessing on the baby. She wore very scanty clothing, her arms and leg tattooed, and a ring in her nose. Her language was crude, but thought nothing of it, showing it was her common way of living. Mr. McGee, looked at her in the eye and said- "You can have children, but, what are you raising it to be?" He did not offer anything further, or give any further blessing, and she knew what he clearly meant, and went on into the church, saying nothing more.
I'd advise people to go back to the top of this devotion, and pray about it, and read it again.
Lorna Couillard

3/11/2026
Jesus Is Equal with God
And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case,
he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled,
to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked:
and on the same day was the sabbath.
++++++++++++++
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath,
but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Joj 5:5-9,18

"The pool was called the house of mercy, but Christ was mercy itself. All mere human instrumentalities are to Jesus what the house is to the Master. We have an indication of Christ’s plan of saving men. The poor man did not ask Jesus to heal him. It was mercy who took the initiative. Christ gave a command as well as asked a question. “Take up thy bed and walk.” This was something that was a physical impossibility; yet the man made the effort, and was helped of God, and so was made whole. Jesus says to you, who are willing to be saved, “Believe on Me.” Why say you cannot believe? God’s commandments are promises. He never commands what He will not help us to do.
The man was met as he was going down the street by Pharisees- those who objected to his carrying his bed. Do not be surprised if some one tries to rob you of your new-found joy. Let not any one stop you from joy in the Lord, it is your strength." (T. Champness)

Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one.

Making himself equal with God - "This the Jews understood from the preceding verse: nor did they take a wrong meaning out of our Lord’s words; for he plainly stated that, whatever was the Father’s work, his was the same; thus showing that He and the Father were One. They had now found out two pretenses to take away his life: one was that he had broken the Sabbath - ελυε, dissolved, as they pretended, the obligation of keeping it holy. The other was that he was guilty of blasphemy, in making himself equal to God: for both which crimes, a man, according to the law, must suffer death." See Num_15:32; Lev_24:11, Lev_24:14, Lev_24:16.
(Adam Clarke)

His own Father - The Greek word means his own Father in such a sense as no creature can speak. Making himself equal with God - It is evident all the hearers so understood him, and that our Lord never contradicted, but confirmed it. (John Wesley)

3/10/26
Jesus Begins His Ministry
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was,
he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives,
and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes
of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

"The Gospel to the Poor.—The evangelization of the poor was really the divinest thing in Christ’s ministry, the most original phase thereof, and the phenomenon which most convincingly showed that a new thing, destined to make all things new, had appeared in the world—the religion of humanity, the universal religion. Such a religion is surely Divine; but when first it made its appearance, it could not but seem a very strange and startling phenomenon." (Bruce)

"The Text of His First Sermon.—There was nothing fortuitous in Christ’s choice of His first text in Nazareth. The occasion was a marked one. None could forget it. He turned in calm self-possession to the first three verses of Isaiah’s sixty-first chapter, describing what should be the work and office of the destined Redeemer and Savior of man. It scarcely needed that He should say what the application was. The audience felt, as He read, that the text said so." (Vaughan)

“Closed the book.”—When He had read the text from the Old Testament, He closed the book and gave it back to the attendant. As soon as the book had delivered its message, He presented Himself to the congregation as the fulfilment of the prophecy. His sermon consisted in permitting the prophet to pronounce the promise and then exhibiting Himself as its fulfilment. No other preacher, either false or true, ever acted thus. (Arnot)

3/9/26
Will Jesus Find Faith on the Earth?
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh,
shall he find faith on the earth? Luk 18:8

Christ will come again after His Resurrection in three different senses:--
(1) He will come again finally, and in the highest sense, when this world shall end, and we shall all rise to judgment;
(2) He will come to each one of us finally, in the highest sense, when we each of us receive His call to die;
(3) He has come more than once, and I believe He will come more than once again, not finally, nor in the highest sense, either to all mankind or to each individual, but in a lower sense, and affording a sort of type or image of the higher: I mean, when He comes to bring upon the earth, or on some one or more nations, a great season of suffering, in which "the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low." In this sense, He is said to have come when he destroyed Jerusalem; in this sense, also, He came more than three hundred years afterwards, when He destroyed the empire of Rome. (In "coming"-referencing coming in judgment across the land)

Now let us mark His own question. "When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith upon the earth?" And let us see what would be the answer to it, supposing that His coming in each one of the three senses which I have spoken of should be near, even at the doors. May we for a moment be allowed to conceive the unspeakable awfulness of His coming in the highest sense of all? Should we then be filled with fear in our inmost hearts, as if certain death were coming upon us? or should we look up to Him whom we beheld amidst the blessed company of His saints and angels, as to one whom we have long known, long loved, long desired to see? What would be our feelings were God to come in our generation in the lower sense of the term, if He were to visit this nation with a season of great misery, with famine and pestilence and war? Blessed are they who, like the three men in Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, walk in their souls unhurt amidst the furnace of evil times, because the Son of God is with them.

When the Son of man cometh to us at death, shall He find faith in us? If we have no faith in Him now, we shall have none when He cometh; the lamp is not burning in us, but gone out. And when the cry strikes our ears that the Bridegroom is coming it will be too late to kindle it again; for while we are vainly going about to buy the oil, He comes, and they who are ready—not who hope to be ready by-and-by—can alone go in with Him to the marriage. (T. Arnold, Sermons, vol. v., p. 15)

3/8/26
Jesus Tempted as We Are
And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them:
for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan:
for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Luk 6-8

"The temptation, as is evident from the language employed, was in some way connected with the descent of the Holy Spirit upon our Lord; and we are thus taught that God, for their own and others’ good, may lead His people through trial. It behooved Jesus to be made like unto His brethren, therefore He was led up into the wilderness; and while it had a bearing on them, it was no less an advantage to Him, for it furnished Him at the outset of His public ministry with a kind of intensified specimen of the difficulties that lay before Him.
The tempter makes an appeal to appetite. It is here that temptation first and most strongly besets a youth. From the mysterious connection between the body and the soul, there are certain appetites created within us which, in themselves considered, are not sinful—on the contrary, they are implanted there for useful, nay, for God-glorifying purposes; but Satan comes, and will persuade the young to gratify them in a sinful manner. That you may know how to resist such assaults, see here how Jesus bore Himself when Satan besought Him to gratify His hunger in a forbidden way; He said, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." That is to say, life does not consist in eating and drinking and enjoyment; life is not the gratification of the body in any shape, but the obedience of the soul to God.

The second appeal was made to ambition; and the same insidious temptation is, in one form or other, repeated in the case of every man; and for the most part in the commencement of his career he has to fight the battle, or to yield himself a captive. God’s way to honor and power and wealth is still steep and arduous and rugged; and the lesson we must learn is to avoid the devil’s short cuts, and to make the words of our Lord the motto of our lives: "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve."
The last onset on our Lord made an appeal to His faith; and it too was as insidious as the rest. Jesus had already repelled him by expressing His confidence in God and allegiance to His Father, and to that very principle the tempter addresses himself now; as if he had said, "Dost thou trust God? Come and I will place Thee in circumstances such as will make manifest to all His guardian care of Thee." Jesus answered, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."

We are not warranted to place ourselves in circumstances such as shall tempt the Lord. If we are in danger in God’s service, we may rely that He will be with us. But we have no right to imagine that He will suspend the law of gravitation, whenever we choose to leap over a precipice; or that He will suspend the spiritual laws which regulate the actions of our souls, whenever we put ourselves into the way of temptation". (W. M. Taylor, Life Truths, p. 147)
+++++++++++++++
Heb 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

3/7/2026
The Faith of a Centurion
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof:
but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth;
and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you,
I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall
sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness:
there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed,
so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Several features of the character of this centurion are worthy of all imitation.
Notice:
His singular care for his slave. We know something of the hardening effects of slavery in the United States of America. But, as the greatest of Roman historians tells us, African slavery is a mere drop in the ocean in comparison with the horrors of slavery in the old Roman empire. Even so tender-hearted and amiable a man as Cicero once blushed and offered an abject apology because he so far forgot himself as to feel a twinge of regret at the painful death of a slave. It was in this corrupt and horrible atmosphere that this man cared for his slave; and I know nothing that is more noble, more indicative of the Godlike man, than a proper courtesy and thoughtfulness and a disinterested and unselfish care for those who are our social inferiors.

This man, who cared in so divine a way for the health even of his slave, had a regard for religion; and these two things generally go together.
Mark the centurion’s beautiful humility. He felt that he was unworthy that one so good and great as Christ should come under his roof; and so, as Augustine well said, in his characteristic way, accounting himself unworthy that Christ should enter into his doors, he was counted worthy that Christ should enter into his heart.
This Roman soldier teaches us the great practical crowning lesson of being satisfied with the word of Christ. We need nothing but the word of Christ; for the word of Christ is not like the word of an impotent man, that falls helpless to the ground. It is mighty; the omnipotence of God is in it. The only lifeboat in this wide sea is the word of Christ. The only safe anchorage is the word of Christ. The only enduring thing is the word of Christ.
(H. Price Hughes, Christian World Pulpit, vol. xxvii., p. 113)

Note: This true account of Jesus healing the centurions servant, is put here this morning as a prophetic message to the U.S. government. This is the real Jesus Christ, not an imposter. Jesus came to save, heal, and restore-not to destroy people's lives.
The decisions being made by the leadership in the White House even today, are murderous, treacherous, and it will bring this nation to destruction. God will not honor the intentional killing, maiming, and destroying of unarmed, innocent peoples lives and their nations. The centurion is an example of what God wants for the Gentile nations, and how he wants Himself to be represented. What has been being done in this nation for many years now, is bringing judgement and will doom this nation. I have little expectation that anyone will listen to this, but, I've done what God has given me, and have released my soul. Lorna Couillard

3/6/2026
Blind Bartimaeus
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples
and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say,
Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Mar 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace:
but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man,
saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?
The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately
he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. Mar 10:46-52

The state of this poor man is given at a stroke of the pen. It would be difficult to crowd more biography into one verse than we find in here. He was sightless. He had come to be called by that name, “Blind Bartimaeus.” He was a pauper. “Begging” was his business. We do not look upon him as one who had got behind-hand for a little, and so was out on the street for a day or two, until he could get into employment. He “sat by the highway side begging".

He was helpless. There is no evidence that he had any friends who cared for him; they would have made themselves conspicuous after his cure, if there had been many of them. He was hopeless. It was impossible for him to do anything; he could not see to learn a trade. He was unpopular. He was uneasy, and fiercely on the alert to better his condition. The people,
being annoyed and uncomfortable at his loud cries, rebuke him to be silent. The world doesn't want to hear anything that will cause them any disturbance. He was an embarrassment to them.

But the more they tried to silence him, the more he cried out-this was faith that got Jesus' attention.
His cry was personal and direct: “have mercy on me.” He wastes no time in graceful opening or becoming close; what he wanted he tells. His prayer was courageous and bold.
Jesus is always ready to save anyone who cries to Him. Oh, most impressive moment is that when the Lord of Glory pauses in the way, and commands a soul “to be called”. Bartimaeus received what he asked for, Jesus answered his faith. (excerpts from Biblical Illustrator)
Mar 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

3/5/2026
Den of Thieves
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple,
and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer;
but ye have made it a den of thieves. Matt. 21:13

"He cast out all that sold and bought - Doves and oxen for sacrifice. He had cast them out three years before, Joh 2:14; bidding them not make that house a house of merchandise. Upon the repetition of the offence, he used sharper words. In the temple - That is, in the outer court of it, where the Gentiles used to worship. The money changers - The exchangers of foreign money into current coin, which those who came from distant parts might want to offer for the service of the temple." (John Wesley)
Mar 11:11, Mar 11:15; Luk 19:45.

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

A couple of days ago, I saw a video by a couple of men who say they are in ministry in Israel, witnessing for Christ, and I decided to watch it. They had a guest on who spoke of his belief that we are in the Tribulation now, and made the speculation that the Lord may return in 2027. However, as the video came close to the end, while the guest was still in mid-sentence, the video was cut off-and one of the men appeared on the screen with a smiling face and said "You thought you were going to be able to see the end of the video for free, but your not." Then he put up a link to place to donate and then be able to see the end of the video. These men are not in a ministry for Christ, they are merchandizers.
I didn't waste my time going to the donate site, and took note of the channel, and deleted it, and pushed the "do not recommend" button.

The days we are in now, are full of deceit, greed, lust, and selfishness. Most of the online ministries have many commercials within their videos that are distracting, and show that they are a "for profit" business, not a ministry that really cares about whether people's souls go to heaven or hell. The majority of churches who invite guest speakers have long tables of the books they have written, and most of the time, the people who buy them do so only to be able to say they are part of the ministry-like a badge. Many times the books are put on shelves, and never read. If Jesus was here today, He wouldn't be allowed in most churches, just as he was not welcome in His day. Lorna Couillard

3/4/2026
Christ's Everlasting Kingdom
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness
is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Heb 1:8

"Christ is an eternal King, so is no angel, therefore is to be honored above them. Thus having made mention of His kingdom, then He describes it more at large, that though we could imagine easily that angels in honor deserved the name of kings, yet such a kingdom no angel could ever have; an everlasting throne, a righteous sceptre, exalting troth, beating down iniquity: in worthiness whereof God hath anointed this king with gladness above all other, and hath called Him by the name of God Himself. In this Scripture there are four special things spoken. First, He is called God alone, and without additions, even as the prophet Isaiah Isa_9:7) also calleth Him the mighty God. By which warrant of the prophets being a most sure word, the apostles are bold to give to our Savior Christ the name and power of the living God (Joh_1:2; Joh_1:20.; 1Jn_5:20; Rom_9:4; Col_2:6). The second thing here attributed to Christ is, that His kingdom is everlasting, So the prophet Isaiah had said (Isa_9:7). The same testimony the angel gave of His kingdom when he came to the Virgin Mary (Luk_1:33). And how can this be possibly applied unto Solomon so directly against the Scripture, that the sceptre should be taken once away, not only from the house of Solomon, but from all the tribe of Judah? And how could they not see with their eyes the ruin of that kingdom and the throne of Solomon quite forgotten. The third thing attributed here to Christ is, that the sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of His kingdom, according as David saith." (Psa_97:2) (Excerpt from (E. Deering, B. D.)

"We live in a world of change. The earth is not the same to-day as it was ages ago, and shall be ages on. The sun is radiating off its heat. The moon, no longer as of yore, burns and glows, and is but an immense opaque cinder, reflecting the sunlight from its disc. Stars have burnt out, and will. The universe is waxing old, as garments which from perpetual use become threadbare. But the dilapidation of the garment is no proof of the waning strength or slackening energy of the wearer. Nay, when garments wear out quickest, it is generally the time of robustest youth or mankind. You wrap up and lay aside your clothes when they have served their purpose, but you are the same in the new suit as in the old. Creation is the vesture of Christ. He wraps Himself about in its ample folds. Its decay affects Him not. And, when He shall bare laid it all aside, and replaced it by the new heavens and the new earth, He will be the same for evermore. With what new interest may we not now turn to the archaic record, which tells how God created the heavens and the earth.

Those sublime syllables, “Light be,” were spoken by the voice that trembled in dying anguish on the cross. Rolling rivers, swelling seas, waving woods, bursting flowers, caroling birds, innumerable beasts, stars sparkling like diamonds on the pavilion of night, all newly made; all throbbing with God’s own life; and all very good; but, mainly and gloriously all the work of those hands which were nailed helplessly to the cross, which itself, as well as the iron that pierced Him, was the result of His creative will."
(F. B.Meyer, B. A.)

3/3/2026
Between Two Thieves
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ,
save thyself and us.
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God,
seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds:
but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee,
Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luk 23:39-43

“Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.”—There was probably malice in the arrangement by which Jesus was hung between the two thieves. Yet there was a Divine purpose behind the wrath of man. Jesus came to the world to identify Himself with sinners; He had lived among them, and it was meet that He should die among them. It gave Him, too, an opportunity of illustrating, at the very last moment, both the magnanimity of His own character and the nature of His mission. As the parable of the Prodigal Son is an epitome of the whole teaching of Christ, so is the salvation of the thief on the cross the life of Christ in miniature. There is no reason to doubt either that this thief was a great sinner or that he was suddenly changed. And therefore his example will always be an encouragement to the worst of sinners when they repent. It is common for penitents to be afraid to come to God, because their sins have been too great to be forgiven; but those who are encouraging them can point to cases like Manasseh, and Mary Magdalene, and this, and assure them that the mercy which sufficed for these is sufficient for all: “The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from all sin.”

How complete the revolution was in the penitent is shown by his own words. Paul, in one place, sums up Christianity in two things: repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And both of these we see in this penitent’s words. It is worth noting that it was not by words that Jesus converted this man. He did not address the penitent thief at all till the thief spoke to Him. The work of conviction was done before He uttered a word. Yet it was His work. It was by the impression of His patience, His innocence, His peace, and His magnanimity, that Jesus converted the man. Yet His words, when He did speak, added immensely to the impression. He accepted the homage of His petitioner; He spoke of the world unseen as of a place native and familiar. He gave him to understand that He possessed as much influence there as he attributed to Him. This great sinner laid on Christ the weight of his soul, the weight of his sins, the weight of his eternity; and Christ accepted the burden. (Stalker)

"Remember me when thou comest - From heaven, in thy kingdom - He acknowledges him a king, and such a king, as after he is dead, can profit the dead. The apostles themselves had not then so clear conceptions of the kingdom of Christ." (John Wesley)
The Lesson: There is room at the Cross for you sinner, to receive salvation.

3/2/2026
The Wisdom of Fools
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isa 5:20-21

"Woe unto them that call evil good ..." - This is the fourth class of sins denounced. The sin which is reprobated here is that of “perverting and confounding” things, especially the distinctions of morality and religion. They prefer erroneous and fake doctrines to the true; they prefer an evil to an upright course of conduct. The Chaldee renders this, ‘Woe to those who say to the impious, who are prospered in this age, You are good; and who say to the meek, Ye are impious.’ Jarchi thinks that the prophet here refers to those who worship idols, but he evidently has a more general reference to those who confound all the distinctions of right and wrong, and who prefer the wrong." (Albert Barnes)

"Woe to the intellectually proud.
To the self-conceited sceptic, who sits in judgment upon the Word of God, and condemns it.
To the self-conceited enthusiast, who substitutes his own fancies for Divine truth.
To the self-conceited Pharisee, who trusts in his own works.
To the self-conceited sinner, who despises instruction. Woe-for they shall all perish." (J. Lyth, D.D)

"It is no exaggeration to assert that Napoleon I-strangely called the Great-had no moral sense. Carlyle tells the story of a German emperor who, when corrected for a mistake he made in Latin, replied, “I am King of the Romans and above grammar!” Napoleon’s arrogance was infinitely greater. He thought himself above morality and really seems to have believed that he had a perfect right to commit any crime, political or personal, that would advance his interests by an iota: and, in truth, he did commit so many it is almost impossible to recount them."
(H. O. Mackey)

Joh 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
1Co 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
1Co 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
1Co 3:20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

3/1/2026
The Passover Lamb
Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you
a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike
the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall
go out at the door of his house until the morning.
For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he
seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door,
and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. Exo 12:21-23

"The night of the Passover was "a night much to be remembered." Wherever a Jew exists it is to this night he points, as the proudest epoch in his people’s history. The feast of the Passover is full of typical meaning. Notice, first, that this was a little judgment day. The children of Israel were to be delivered by a direct visitation of God. There are three great truths brought out in this narrative.

The universality of condemnation. God was going to save the Israelites, but before He saved them He must condemn them. He sent Moses with a message couched in the language of symbol, which clearly showed that the Israelites were guilty no less than the Egyptians. The lamb was to be the representative of the firstborn son, who must die for the sins of his family. The Israelite and the Egyptian are brought under one common charge of guilt, and there they all stand, "condemned already."
The great truth of substitution. God sends Moses to His people and bids them choose "for every family a lamb." The lamb was instead of the firstborn. Christ is the "Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world."
The third truth taught is appropriation. The Israelite would not have been safe if he had merely killed the lamb; he had to sprinkle its blood on the lintel and on the two sideposts.

When we repose our confidence in the Person of Christ, we have taken the bunch of hyssop and dipped it in the blood, and from that moment we are safe. (W. Hay Aitken, Mission Sermons, 1st series, p. 100)
1Co 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
1Co 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Two Minutes Daily for February 2026

1/2/2026

Short Devotions/Scripture/Poetry/Quotes
All materials in this page are from uncopyrighted writings from my own online bible,
or, free public domain online.
The majority of the graphic images on this page, and the rest of this site are my own,
with few exceptions.
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2/28/2026
God's Habitation
For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. Psa 132:13-16

"This psalm evidently dates from the dedication of Solomon’s temple. In the glory of completion God never forgets the toils and anxieties of the builders. When the topstone flashes in the sunlight, the trench-diggers, and foundation-makers come in for their need of praise. The singer recapitulates two memorable scenes in the history of the Ark: Ephratah is probably Shiloh, in the tribe of Ephraim, where the Tabernacle was situated in Eli’s time; while the field of the wood is Kirjath-jearim, whence David brought the sacred emblem to Jerusalem, 1Ch_13:5.
1Ch 13:5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

The prayer of Psa_132:8-10 is similar to that of Solomon, 2Ch_6:41.

2Ch 6:41 Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

For us the ark of God’s strength is our Lord’s nature, in which God and man meet. We are called to be priests, to lift our hands in intercession and to fill the earth with praise. Then in Psa_132:11-18 God seems to take the clauses of that prayer, one by one and to answer, them. His resting-place is in His people. The staves were drawn out from the Ark when it was deposited in the Temple. In Christ there is finality; He is Omega, the Last." (F.B. Meter)

This is my rest for ever - Here the Christian Church is most indubitably meant. This is God’s place for ever. After this there never will be another dispensation; Christianity closes and completes all communications from heaven to earth. God has nothing greater to give to mankind on this side heaven; nor does man need any thing better; nor is his nature capable of any thing more excellent.
(Adam Clarke)
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

2/27/2026
As Rain Upon Mown Grass
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace
so long as the moon endureth. Psa 72:6-7

"The showers that water the earth tend to produce life, beauty, and fruit. In this they symbolize the gracious influences of the reign of Jesus Christ.
Growth towards God. “In His days shall the righteous flourish.” As the mown grass springs into vigorous and beauteous growth after genial showers, so the righteous in His day shall grow and prosper; they shall bring forth “fruit unto holiness.” If they have been depressed, by His blessing they shall be revived and strengthened. Their faith and love and obedience, their consecration and zeal and sanctity, their truth and tenderness and power, all shall increase. What an inspiring and glorious prospect this is! Evil shall not always lord it over good.
Beneficent government. We have already made some remarks on the righteousness of His administration, but we return to it, because the Psalmist gives special prominence to His treatment of the poor and the oppressed. Three characteristics at least of that treatment he sets before us.

He regards the cry of the needy and helpless. “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Not even the most obscure or despised of men shall cry to Him in vain. He champions their cause. “He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence.” He will befriend the friendless, will be the Helper of the helpless, and the Protector of the defenseless. “His administration will have special respect to those who are commonly overlooked, and who are exposed to oppression and wrong.” He prizes their life. “And precious shall their blood be in His sight.” In His sight men are precious not in proportion to their rank or wealth or power, but according to their character. “The Lord knoweth them that are His,” and holds them dear to Him. He guards His subjects well because He loves them well. “Christ is the poor man’s King.”

Abundant prosperity. “There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains, the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon, and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the field.” Abundance of corn is the sign of abundant prosperity. As the mountains are prominent and picturesque, so the signs of the prosperity would be conspicuous and beautiful. The cities also shall be populous and prosperous. Beauty, plenty, and joy, shall be universally diffused throughout the dominions of the Messiah. An historical basis of the ideas of prosperity presented in this verse is found in the time of Solomon, and recorded in 1Ki_4:20. Such, in brief, are some of the more prominent blessings of the reign of the Christ. (Preacher's Homiletical)

2/26/2026
Declare God's Works in Every Age
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed
thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Psa 71:17-18

"Think of David as a pupil, God was his Teacher. “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth.” This shows that David had a teachable spirit; and if you had asked him where it came from, he would have said that God gave him a teachable spirit. God is not only the Teacher of our spirit, but He gives us a teachable spirit, Have we all received that precious gift? A teachable spirit, although it is despised by many, is a happy spirit; it is a growing spirit; it is a restful spirit; it is a heavenly spirit; and whoever has it, must ascribe the possession of it to the Spirit of God, who leads us into all truth, and makes us willing to be led therein. Oh, that we may have such a spirit, that we shall count it an honor to say, “O God, Thou hast taught me”! In David’s acknowledgment we learn that God took him very early into His school. “Thou hast taught me from my youth.” What a mercy it is to begin to know God before we begin to know anything else. Happy shalt thou be if thy first intelligible thoughts shall be of thy Maker, thy Benefactor, thy Friend. There are many aged men who can say with David, “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth.” They find themselves learners yet, for they are “Unstable, weak, and apt to slide.”

But now I want you to notice David as a pupil-teacher. While he was a pupil, he was also teaching. He says, “Hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works.” Observe, then, that David taught people what he saw. He saw God’s works all around him. Ah! me, that is a great sight. We do not see God as we should, and we shall never teach aright for God, until we have a kind of instinctive feeling of the presence of God, till we are conscious that God is in us, and round about us, and at work for us. God’s work that David saw was very much work in himself, and work for himself, and work in other men’s hearts. Being taken into the school of God, he was made to observe things; he had object lessons put before him, and he learned to read God’s work; and as he saw it, he wondered. “Hitherto,” said he, “have I declared Thy wondrous works.” He who is a stranger to wonder is a stranger to God, for God is wonderful everyway, and everywhere.

We find that David took opportunity to declare God’s wondrous work; sometimes with his pen, writing his psalms; sometimes with his voice, singing those psalms; sometimes talking to a few, sometimes speaking to many. Now, dear friends, what I want you all to do is, if you have seen God’s work, and have been struck with it, you should declare it, tell it to others." (C. H. Spurgeon)

2/25/2026
A Prayer in Adversity
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call. Psa 20:7-9

They are brought down and fallen - They were so confident of victory that they looked upon it as already gained. They who trusted in their horses and chariots are bowed down, and prostrated on the earth: they are all overthrown.
But we are risen - We who have trusted in the name of Jehovah are raised up from all despondency; and we stand upright - we shall conquer, and go on to conquer. (Adam Clarke)

Confidence in Jehovah turns apparent defeat into victory. “They are brought down and fallen; but we are risen and stand upright” (Psa_20:8). The prophetic vision of faith already sees the issue of the conflict. The ranks of those who trust in chariots and horses, who rely on material aid, seem firm, impenetrable, defiant, and the onset irresistible. But the people of God, whose trust is in the unseen, and who seem overwhelmed and put to the worse, rise up triumphant, while their enemies are brought down and crushed—the instruments of war in which they trusted helping to make their ruin more complete. Faith has surer wheels than pride; and prayer will carry us where power must fall. “Faith alone, which commits itself to God, can sing the song of triumph before the victory, and raise the shout of joy before help has been obtained; for to faith all is permitted. It trusts in God, and so really has what it believes, because faith deceives not; as it believes, so is it done.” (Luther)

Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Psa 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Psa 34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
Psa 34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

2/24/2026
Songs of Praise and Thankfulness
Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth,
who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. Psa 147:7-8

“Sing unto Jehovah with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God.” The praise which man offers unto God is here represented as—1. A response for Divine favors. “Sing unto the Lord.” The fundamental signification of the word here translated “sing” is to reply, to answer; and, according to Fürst, as used here it means “always to sing in reply, not to sing merely.” Conant translates: “Answer Jehovah with thanksgiving.” And Moll: “ ‘Answer to Jehovah.’ There is no allusion here to an antiphonal choral song, as in Exo_15:21, but a song of praise is called for as the answer of grateful men, to the honor of the Divine Giver (Exo_32:18; Num_21:17; Isa_27:2).” The idea seems “to be, that we are to make a suitable response or answer to the manifold favors which we have received at the hand of God.” God blesses man by the bestowal of His gifts, and man responds to God by the presentation of praise to Him. 2. An expression of gratitude for Divine favors. “Answer unto Jehovah with thanksgiving”. A grateful recollection of the goodness of God to us should find expression in our songs to Him. In our hymns of praise His blessings to us should be thankfully acknowledged, and the glory of them should be given to Him alone."

Christian humility-It illustrates — The usefulness of humble service. Grass “seems created only for lowest service,—appointed to be trodden on and fed upon.” Yet of what great use and value it is! In like manner the lowly services of humble souls are indispensably necessary and unspeakably precious. 2. The beauty of humble service. To a person of pure and refined taste grass is very beautiful. To gaze upon it is in the highest degree restful and grateful to the tired eye. How beautiful is a life of humble service! Our Lord “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” He said, “I am among you as He that serves.” He “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant”. 3. The divine acceptance of humble service. “Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water”. The Most High has declared His special regard for the humble. (See Pro_16:19; Pro_18:12; Pro_22:4; Pro_29:23; Isa_57:15; 1Pe_5:5.)
(Biblical Illustrator)

Psa 145:9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Psa 145:10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.
Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

2/23/2026
God's Penetrating Light
O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill,
and to thy tabernacles. Psa 43:3

“O send out thy light and thy truth.” The joy of thy presence and the faithfulness of thy heart; let both of these be manifest to me. Reveal my true character by thy light, and reward me according to thy truthful promise. As the sun darts forth his beams, so does the Lord send forth his favour and his faithfulness towards all his people; and as all nature rejoices in the sunshine, even so the saints triumph in the manifestation of the love and fidelity of their God, which, like the golden sunbeam, lights up even the darkest surroundings with delightful splendor. “Let them lead me.” Be these my star to guide me to my rest. Be these my Alpine guides to conduct me over mountains and precipices to the abodes of grace.

“Let them lead me.” Be these my star to guide me to my rest. Be these my Alpine guides to conduct me over mountains and precipices to the abodes of grace. “Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.” First in thy mercy bring me to thine earthly courts, and end my weary exile, and then in due time admit me to thy celestial palace above. We seek not light to sin by, nor truth to be exalted by it, but that they may become our practical guides to the nearest communion with God: only such light and truth as are sent us from God will do this, common light is not strong enough to show the road to heaven, nor will mere moral or physical truths assist to the holy hill; but the light of the Holy Spirit, and the truth as it is in Jesus, these are elevating, sanctifying, perfecting; and hence their virtue in leading us to the glorious presence of God. It is beautiful to observe how David's longing to be away from the oppression of man always leads him to sigh more intensely for communion with God. (Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

Psa 119:105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Joh 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

2/22/2026
The Everlasting God
A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

This Psalm, so venerable in its materials that it has been attributed to Moses, is in the main a psalm of mortality; and yet its primary thought is not mortality, but eternity. It opens with the note of eternal being. The idea of the eternal stands as a great light in front of the darkness. Man is mortal, but God is; and God is the Eternal, the home, the dwelling-place, of all generations. This is the grand peculiarity of Hebrew and of Christian thought, that God is first, man only second; that the eternal Being is the true Being, the present visible or transitory being only the derivative being, appearing and then vanishing away, according to the direction of the other.
But there is more in this brief word than the general assertion of eternal being, and of a great primary power directing, controlling, all nature and all life. The character of this Being is further so far defined. It is represented not only that God is, but that He is personal.

The idea of God is everywhere noted by the personal pronouns "I;" "Thou;" "I am that I am;" "I am the Lord, and there is none else." The word "personality" simply means that God is moral; that He is a character as well as an energy; that He is a Being full of affection, and care, and thoughtful and deliberate love. He is not only Creator: He is Father. The assurance is that we have a supreme Heart above us, responsive to our hearts; that there is a spiritual home encompassing us, a life that changes not with the varying pulses of our thought and feeling."
(J. Tulloch, Contemporary Pulpit, vol. i., p. 297)

2/21/2026
Longing for God
Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night
his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Psa 42:8

"What was longing of David? It was not, observe, his lost crown that he most longed for; nor the broken peace of his kingdom; nor even Absalom his son; he had deeper longings than these; he had a deeper need than they could supply. What he did long for was God Himself; for God, he knew, was the strength of his heart, and the only portion which could satisfy him for ever.

This longing is common to God’s saints. A great part of our nature is made for feeling; a great portion of our life is made up of it; every moment is full of love, and hope, and desire, and fear; and Christ who claims the whole man will not pass over these levers of action, these moving powers of the whole man, as of no importance. Let us give them their proper place; and if David, and Paul, and Peter, and John, mark out a longing after God as the healthy state of the soul, let us not be satisfied if we are strangers to such a longing. (See 2Co_5:4; 2Ti_4:8; Tit_2:13; 2Pe_3:12; Rev_22:20)
How the presence of this longing is an earnest of complete blessedness. God’s Holy Spirit is Himself the water brook for man’s consolation; and He comes, as the Nile when it overflows its banks, and wherever there is a channel, or an aperture, or even a crack in the dry and thirsty soil, there He pours in the life-giving streams of comfort and of love, as one who knows not how to give and to bless enough.

Your longing, mourning heart is opened by its very grief, and He is come to bless it. Doubt Him not. Doubt not but that the same Spirit will restore you to peace and joy; will fill you with the assurance of fresh hope; will strengthen you to bear meekly the yoke which He shall lay upon you; will make you to overflow with love, and give you even upon earth a foretaste of heaven. (Canon Morse)

2/20/2026
Many O Lord My God Are Thy Wondrous Works
Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts
which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare
and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Psa 40:5

“Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done.” Creation, providence, and redemption, teem with wonders as the sea with life. Our special attention is called by this passage to the marvels which cluster around the cross and flash from it. The accomplished redemption achieves many ends, and compasses a variety of designs; the outgoing of the atonement are not to be reckoned up, the influences of the cross reach further than the beams of the sun. Wonders of grace beyond all enumeration take their rise from the cross; adoption, pardon, justification, and a long chain of godlike miracles of love proceed from it. Note that our Lord here speaks of the Lord as “my God.” The man Christ Jesus claimed for himself and us a covenant relationship with Jehovah. Let our interest in our God be ever to us our peculiar treasure.

“And thy thoughts which are to us-ward.” The divine thoughts march with the divine acts, for it is not according to God's wisdom to act without deliberation and counsel. All the divine thoughts are good and gracious towards his elect. God's thoughts of love are very many, very wonderful very practical! Muse on them, dear reader; no sweeter subject ever occupied your mind. God's thoughts of you are many, let not yours be few in return. “They cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee.” Their sum is so great as to forbid alike analysis and numeration. Human minds fail to measure, or to arrange in order, the Lord's ways and thoughts; and it must always be so, for he hath said, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” No maze to lose oneself in like the labyrinth of love. How sweet to be outdone, overcome and overwhelmed by the astonishing grace of the Lord our God!

“If I would declare and speak of them,” and surely this should be the occupation of my tongue at all seasonable opportunities, “they are more than can be numbered;” far beyond all human arithmetic they are multiplied; thoughts from all eternity, thoughts of my fall, my restoration, my redemption, my conversion, my pardon, my upholding, my perfecting, my eternal reward; the list is too long for writing, and the value of the mercies too great for estimation. Yet, if we cannot show forth all the works of the Lord, let us not make this an excuse for silence; for our Lord, who is in this our best example, often spake of the tender thoughts of the great Father." (Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

2/19/2026
The Number of Mans Days
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee:
verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. Psa 39:5

"You have made my days as handbreadths: “He compares it to a ‘handbreadth,’ one of the smallest units of measurement in ancient Israel. It is equivalent to ‘a couple of inches.’” (VanGemeren)

"Certainly every man at his best state is but a vapor: David was a champion, an accomplished Special Forces warrior, a leader, a celebrity, a skilled poet, a musical genius, a survivor, and a king. If anyone might have thought more highly of himself, David had the right to. Yet he understood that he, like every man is – at his best state – merely a vapor, a puff of steam or smoke.
“He learns that, since life is short, the only real meaning of a man or woman’s existence must be in his relationship to God, for God is eternal.” (Boice)

Selah: The idea in the Hebrew for this word (occurring 74 times in the Old Testament) is for a pause. Most people think it speaks of a reflective pause, a pause to meditate on the words just spoken. It may also be a musical instruction, for a musical interlude of some kind.
This Selah is an appropriate call for each one to pause and think of the shortness and frailty of his life. It should drive us to great dependence upon God and great earnestness about life and doing good in the short time we do have.
Surely they busy themselves in vain: Sounding very much like the later Book of Ecclesiastes, David thought about the mass of humanity who lived ignoring the shortness and frailty of life.
• Each of them walks about, but like a shadow, living a life with no substance.
• They are busy, but in vain, being blind to eternal things.

• Each of them works hard and heaps up riches, yet does not think beyond his own short and frail life.
"This is the land of shadows. Heaven is the land of reality, of true high definition.
“Every man that exists, is vanity. All his projects, plans, schemes, etc., soon come to nothing. His body also molders with the dust, and shortly passes both from the sight and remembrance of men.” (Clarke)

2/18/2026
Trust and Commit
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psa 37:3-5

"Trust in the Lord - Confide in him; rest on him. Instead of allowing the mind to be disturbed and sad, because there are wicked men upon the earth; because they are prosperous and apparently happy; because they may injure you in your person or reputation Psa_37:6, calmly confide in God. Leave all this in his hands. Feel that he rules, and that what he permits is wisely permitted; and that whatever may occur, it will all be overruled for his own glory and the good of the universe.
If there are wicked men in the world, if wickedness abounds around us, there is the more reason for our endeavoring to do good. If others are doing evil, we should do good; if they are wicked, we cannot do a better work than to do good to them, for the best way of meeting the wickedness of the world is to do it good.
So shalt thou dwell in the land - This would be more correctly translated as a command: “Dwell in the land.” That is, abide safely or securely in the land - referring, perhaps, to “the land” as the land of promise - the country given to the people of God. The idea is, that they should abide there calmly and securely; that they should not worry themselves because there were wicked men upon the earth, and because they were successful, but that they should be thankful for their inheritance, and partake gratefully of the bounties which they receive from the hand of God." (Albert Barnes)

2/17/2026
Safe Under God's Wings
Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep:
O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men
put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. Psa 36:6-7

"The great mountains, “the mountains of God,” as David calls them, suggest the idea of stability, or strength. Hence they are fit emblems of the righteous character of God, which nothing that may happen can ever prevent from ruling in all His dealings with His creatures; and of the righteous work of Christ through which grace reigns unto eternal life. It is everlasting as the high hills of God (Isa_51:6).
The great mountains speak of security or protection. Yet the security and protection of the hills are only emblems, beautiful and significant, but still faint, of that impregnable defense which is enjoyed by him who is arrayed in Christ’s robe of righteousness, and who puts his trust in the righteous character of God.
The great mountains afford a shade to exhausted travelers as they pass along beneath a burning sky; and the like refreshment does a saint enjoy when in spirit he reposes in the finished righteousness of Christ." (Biblical Illustrator)

1Jn 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

"What a blessed thing it is to turn from man to God! Notice God’s attributes as here enumerated: “thy lovingkindness”, “thy faithfulness,” “thy righteousness,” “thy judgments.” The golden bracelet begins and ends with love. All nature speaks, to the heart that loves, of the love of God. But they who fly to God find Him even better than nature can proclaim. He is better than banquets for hungry men. Let His life arise in thee as a fountain, and ask for the illumination of His light. Serenely sheltered under the wing, or in the house, of God, the soul may look out, unmoved, on “the wrecks of matter, and the crush of worlds.” (F.B. Meyer)
That God invites the confidence of the soul. “Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.”
The mercy and rectitude of God, as seen in the principle of His government and in the preservation of the material universe, awaken men to confidence in Him. And God protects those who put their trust in Him. The figure of this verse is very beautiful and attractive. The soul of man can rest in God by trusting in Him. Faith is moral repose. (Preacher's Homiletical)

Note: In most of the devotions here now, they are for comfort to the saved, and callings to the unsaved, still living in rebellion. We are in the days of Noah Jesus spoke of to the disciples-we are in the very last days. Few believe this, and remain in their rebellion, and scoff and scorn those of us who are preaching and warning to turn from sin, and get saved-because the door is closing. I encourage you to take the time to listen to this teaching by a biblical scholar, who is very reputable-it will open your eyes to where we are now, and show you the parallels of what the ungodly were like in Noah's day, and how they are the same today, and to the seriousness of where we are in God's timeline. Jesus is still calling, and saving, but, not much longer.
Genesis Pre-Flood History pt 12 - Fallen Angels to the Flood-
https://www.youtube.com/live/hopeR8R6hMI?si=-1dWAUpcu6CZPjqS

2/16/2026
Those Who Are Blessed
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. Psa 34:8-9

“O taste and see.” Make a trial, an inward, experimental trial of the goodness of God. You cannot see except by tasting for yourself; but if you taste you shall see, for this, like Jonathan's honey, enlightens the eyes. “That the Lord is good.” You can only know this really and personally by experience. There is the banquet with its oxen and fatlings; its fat things full of marrow, and wines on the lees well refined; but their sweetness will be all unknown to you except you make the blessings of grace your own, by a living, inward, vital participation in them. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Faith is the soul's taste; they who test the Lord by their confidence always find him good, and they become themselves blessed. The second clause of the verse, is the argument in support of the exhortation contained in the first sentence."

“O fear the Lord, lie his saints.” Pay to him humble childlike reverence, walk in his laws, have respect to his will, tremble to offend him, hasten to serve him. Fear not the wrath of men, neither be tempted to sin through the virulence of their threats; fear God and fear nothing else. “For there is no want to them that fear him.” Jehovah will not allow his faithful servants to starve. He may not give luxuries, but the promise binds him to supply necessaries, and he will not run back from his word. Many whims and wishes may remain ungratified, but real wants the Lord will supply. The fear of the Lord or true piety is not only the duty of those who avow themselves to be saints, that is, persons set apart and consecrated for holy duties, but it is also their path of safety and comfort. Godliness hath the promise of the life which now is. If we were to die like dogs, and there were no hereafter, yet were it well for our own happiness' sake to fear the Lord.

Men seek a patron and hope to prosper; he prospers surely who hath the Lord of Hosts to be his friend and defender. (Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)
Jn 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
1Jn 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
1Jn 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

2/15/2026
Praises of the Righteous
Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. Psa 33:1-3

“Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.” It is the vital condition of all spiritual rejoicing that we are right with God. Our life must be adjusted to His will, and the adjustment must be made on every side. If our communion with the Lord is only partial, we shall not reach the condition in which joy becomes inevitable. I remember that some time ago an electric bell apparatus in my home got out of order and the bell ceased to ring. I made a careful examination, and I found that two or three of the strands, which together formed the one wire, had been broken, and along the remaining strands sufficient electrical energy could not travel to ring the bell.

I rectified the severed members, and so adjusted them that they were every one in communion with the battery, and in the completed adjustment there was power enough to ring the bell. It appears to me to symbolize the condition of many a life which is partially in communion with the King. If is not that there is complete alienation; it is that there are severed strands. There are departments in the life which are not connected with the Almighty, and along the imperfect communion sufficient power does not travel to ring the joy-bells. It may be that the strand between the Lord and our pleasures is broken, or between the Lord and our business, or between the Lord and some secret realm in our life which is not known to others. This severance will have to be put right, and every side of the life adjusted to the Divine will before we can become possessed by that fulness of power which will create bell-melody in the soul.

And so I am not surprised that the psalmist is making his confident appeal to the “righteous,” the rectified, those who are right on every side with God." (J. H. Jowett, M. A.)

Isa 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
Psa 147:1 Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
Rev 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Rev 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

2/14/2026
Our Hiding Place
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass
me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. Psa 32:7

This psalm, while it is one of the saddest, is at the same time one of the most joyful of the inspired lyrics. It is no less the record of a bitter, penitential sorrow, than the expression of a heart full of praise. It comes to us to-day to tell us that the worst sinner, forgiven by God, is a happy man.
A man who is pursued as if he were a wild beast can appreciate the value of a safe hiding place.

We need a hiding place for the soul.
For there is an enemy to our souls ever seeking their destruction. Is it true that there is a wicked devil? Some think not, but Jesus tells us that there is. He tells us also that there is a hiding place from Satan’s power, and it is the Lord Himself.
From our own inclinations. Some years ago I was walking with one of my children over a canal on a very narrow bridge. The child was frightened, and begged me to hold her tight, as she felt as if something were pulling her down into the canal. And so, like that child, we all of us have an inclination to fall from purity, and we shall fall unless the Lord hold us fast. And He will, if we ask Him. He will no more let you fall into sin, if you call on Him with all your heart, than I would have let that child fall into the canal. Though we have an inclination to sin, there is at all times a hiding place in which our souls may shelter until the danger be past. (W. Birch.)

"The song of final and eternal deliverance. It is not till the Church has reached her heavenly home, and every member of the great body of Christ is finally redeemed from the power of the world,—and death, the last enemy, destroyed, that the glorified Church shall stand on the shores of the glassy sea, and swell high the anthem of triumph that began in the deliverance of Israel under Moses, and is consummated in the triumph of the Lamb, over the world, and sin, and death, and the grave. Then her joy shall be full, in the sense of her own safety assured for ever against all enemies. Nothing shall remain but joy add song." (J. Riddell)

Rev 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
Rev 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

2/13/2026
God's Hidden Ones
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou
hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt
keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

"God communes with every soul; and though we are the poorest outcast, we are within the circle of the loved ones for whom Jesus died. With God, there is no special favoritism.
Remember the greatness of his forgiveness. See the miracle on the sick of the palsy, and the words Christ spoke to him. If men knew the infinite compassion and love of God, they would starve to death or be burned alive rather than grieve Him by sin.
Comfort yourselves with the goodness of his power. To the most enslaved of Satan’s captives, the fallen, the drunkard, He will give power to resist sin. There was said—not falsely—to be a reserve in the City of Glasgow bank. It only existed on paper. But there is a reserve, inexhaustible, in God’s goodness. When you were born he gave to you the fortune of everlasting love; and that fortune is “laid up” for you. The prodigal thought he had spent all in the “far country,” but he found an ocean of love still flowing in his father’s heart." (W. Birch)

"God’s hidden ones. “Thou shalt hide them in the secret of Thy face.” Whom? Those that flee for refuge to Thee. The act of simple faith is set forth there, by which a poor man, with all his imperfections, may yet venture to put his foot across the boundary line that separates the outer darkness from the beam of light that comes from God’s face. Remember that Jesus Christ is the hiding-place, and that to flee to Him for refuge is the condition of security, and all those who thus, from the snares of life, from its miseries, disappointments, and burdens; from the agitations of their own hearts, from the ebullition of their own passions; from the stings of their own conscience, or from other of the ills that flesh is heir to, make their hiding-place—by the simple act of faith in Jesus Christ—in the light of God’s face, are thereby safe for evermore. But the initial act of fleeing to the refuge must be continued by abiding in the refuge. But not only by communion, but, also by conduct, must we keep in the light.

An eclipse of the sun is not caused by any change in the sun, but by an opaque body, the offspring and satellite of the earth, coming between the earth and sun. And so, when Christian men lose the light of God’s face, it is not because there is any variableness or shadow of turning in Him, but because between Him and them has come the blackness—their own offspring—of their own sin. You are not safe if you are outside the light of the countenance. These are the conditions of security." (Biblical Illustrator)
Rom 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
"The secret - Or, as in the secret of thy presence: either, As if they were in thy presence chamber, where thine own eye and hand girdeth them, from all the assaults of their enemies; called his secret, partly, because the greatest part of the world are strangers to God and his presence: and partly, because it is a safe and secure place, such as secret and unknown places are. Or, As if they were in the secret of God's tabernacle, as it is called, Psa 27:5, the place of God's special presence, where none might enter save the high - priest. With thy secret favor and providence, which saves them by hidden and unknown methods. From - From their vain - glorious boasting and threats, and from their bad and insolent attempts. Pavilion - Or, tabernacle. Strife - From contentious and slandering tongues."
(John Wesley)

2/12/2026
God's Call-Man's Response
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee,
Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Psa 27:8

The divine call. It suggests to us--
The spiritual condition of unsaved men. They are estranged from God. They have built up between themselves and their Creator an icy cold barrier of heartless indifference, or else an almost impregnable wall of dearly loved sins. This separation is the fruitful cause of all possible misery and destitution, for there is no hell of woe that can give greater pain to human spirits than the consciousness of their apostacy from God.
The condescending grace of God in His dealings with unsaved men. He speaks to them, makes gracious overtures, and sends them a message, tender with sympathy, rich in mercy, and pregnant in the promise and potency of a pure and vigorous spiritual life. S. The nature of true religion. It is the heart of man coming back to God.

The human response-
Personal. In some things men move in masses without any realization of individual responsibility. It is not so with this momentous question. There is no rest for the sin-troubled heart until it personally turns to God. Personal submission is needed to put our hearts into a right condition for receiving Divine grace. Personal faith brings to our hearts the saving and sanctifying influence of the Spirit. And personal love to the Divine Father is the only guarantee that our peace is made with Him.
Prompt. Procrastination is full of danger, it is not only the thief of time, but also the rock of peril upon which many good-intentioned souls have struck and perished. The Ancients taught a solemn truth when they represented Time as an old man with wings on his shoulders, a scythe and hour-glass in his hands, and on his wrinkled forehead one lock of hair, all bald behind, and therefore offering no hope to us when it is past. Let us then seize time by the forelock.

Explicit. Men will do anything rather than make an uncompromising surrender. They will turn over a new leaf, sign the pledge, attend the sanctuary, and even take the sacrament. All these are good and right in their place, but they are no substitute for salvation, they cannot set the heart at peace. Any one who tries to make them a compound between God and his own conscience will fail.
Sincere. It came from the heart. It is related of a Greek musician that his touch was so delicate and his ear so quick that he would often play a tune on his harp that only his own ear could catch. Whether fact or fable, this incident illustrates God’s intercourse with men’s hearts. You hear the preacher, but he does not hear your response to his appeal. God always hears it. He is speaking to you now, and His ear is close to your heart, listening to what it will say. (W. Wheeler)
Jer 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Joh 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

2/11/2025
The Secret of the Lord
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him;
and he will shew them his covenant. Psa 25:14

“The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him.” Some read it “the friendship:” it signifies familiar intercourse, confidential intimacy, and select fellowship. This is a great secret. Carnal minds cannot guess what is intended by it, and even believers cannot explain it in words, for it must be felt to be known. The higher spiritual life is necessarily a path which the eagle's eye hath not known, and which the lion's whelp has not travelled; neither natural wisdom nor strength can force a door into this inner chamber. Saints have the key of heaven's hieroglyphics; they can unriddle celestial enigmas. They are initiated into the fellowship of the skies; they have heard words which it is not possible for them to repeat to their fellows.

“And he will shew them his covenant.” Its antiquity, security, righteousness, fulness, graciousness and excellence shall be revealed to their hearts and understandings, and above all, their own part in it shall be sealed to their souls by the witness of the Holy Spirit. The designs of love which the Lord has to his people in the covenant of grace, he has been pleased to show to believers in the Book of Inspiration, and by his Spirit he leads us into the mystery, even the hidden mystery of redemption. He who does not know the meaning of this verse, will never learn it from a commentary; let him look to the cross for the secret lies there." (Charles Spurgeon-
Treasury of David)
"The secret - His love and favor, which is called his secret, Job 29:4; Pro 3:32, because it is known to none but him that enjoys it. Will shew - He will make them clearly to understand it, both its duties and its blessings; neither of which ungodly men rightly understand." (John Wesley)

"The word “friendship” would perhaps express the meaning here. The sense is, that those who fear the Lord are admitted to the intimacy of friendship with Him; are permitted to come into His presence, and to partake of His counsels; are allowed free access to Him; or, as it is more commonly expressed, have “fellowship” with Him. Compare 1Jn_1:3. The language is such as would be applied to the intimacy of friends, or to those who take counsel together. The language belongs to a large class of expressions denoting the close connection between God and His people." (Excerpt from Albert Barnes)

2/10/2026
The King of Glory
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors;
and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. Psa 24:9-10

"Notice the historical and original application of these words to the King who dwelt with Israel. The thought of God in these words is mainly that of a God of strong and victorious energy, a Warrior-God, a conquering King, One whose word is power, who rules amidst the armies of heaven and amidst the inhabitants of earth.

These words speak to us not only of the God that dwelt in Zion in outward and symbolical form, by means of a material presence which was an emblem of the true nearness of Israel’s God, but yet more distinctly, as I take it, of the Christ that dwells with men. Christ is all, and more than all, that this Psalm proclaimed the Jehovah of the old covenant to be.
(1) He is the highest manifestation of the Divine rule and authority.
(2) He is the highest raying out of the Divine light, or, as the Epistle to the Hebrews calls it, "the effluence of His glory."
(3) He is the mightiest exhibition of the Divine power.

Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Look at the application of these words to the Christ Who will dwell in your hearts. The very central idea of the Gospel is this, that if you will open the gates of your hearts, He will come in, in all the plenitude of His victorious power, and dwell in your hearts, their Conqueror and their King."
(A. Maclaren, Christian Commonwealth, December 18th, 1884)

2/9/2026
All Thy Saints Praise Thee-King of Kings
Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. Psa 21:13

"This is a companion to the psalm preceding. The blessings there asked for are here gladly acknowledged to have been granted; and bright anticipations are entertained for the future. How much of this psalm is true only of the ideal King-our Lord! Let us read it with special reference to Him as He rides forth on His white horse, Rev_19:11-16.

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Rev 19:12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Rev 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

That which the heart desires, the lips at times find difficulty in expressing. God’s help always prevents us, that is, “goes before” us, anticipates our needs. The only life that can satisfy is the eternal, but that is ours already if we only knew it. Our beloved dead are more blessed forever, because they see Him “face to face;” but we also may share their joy. Trust in Christ is the secret of immovability. God has exalted Christ to be a Prince and a Savior, and we shall never be at peace until we have done the same." Act_5:31 (F.B. Meyer)

2/8/2026
The Light of Life
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. Psa 18:28

“The lamps lighted in the house is the image at once of prosperity and continuance of life and happiness.”—Perowne.
"Amid the darkness which everywhere presses upon us, God is the lamp of His people, the source of their comfort and gladness.” A lamp or candle in the house is a common Hebrew figure for prosperity, and its extinction for distress." (Bishop Mant)

David himself was called the lamp of Israel (1Ki_11:36) He was its light and its glory. And God was David’s light and glory. “David’s life and dominion, as the covenant king, is the lamp which God’s favor has lighted for the well-being of Israel, and His power will not allow this lamp (2Sa_21:17) to be quenched.”—Delitzsch. Blessed are all those who find in God their life and glory. They want nothing more. He fills them with joy; He crowns them with beauty and glory. God is a full Light. All other lights are partial and dim. He is a Sun; He giveth grace and glory, Fulness of light, felicity, honor, in fellowship with Him. He is everything. “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” (Isa_60:19)

God is a true Light. Nothing but the pure white light. “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” The light He imparts never leads astray; the joy He gives has no sorrow added to it; the honor and glory He gives to His children has no abatement or stain, they are altogether kings. God is a safe Light. Nothing can extinguish the central orb. And if we put our trust in God, if we draw the supplies of life from Him, nothing can extinguish our joy and hope. We see how David’s life and joy and glory were often threatened with total extinction, but the hand of God preserved him, the very darkness of death was lit again into day.
God is an everlasting light. “Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.” (Isa_60:20) (Preacher's Homiletical)

2/7/2026
What is Man
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars,
which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man,
that thou visitest him? Psa 8:3-4

The glory of God as seen in nature is: 1. Unspeakable. “How excellent!” No poet, no saint, can adequately speak of it. It fills us with a wonder and joy too deep for words. 2. Gracious. “How excellent!” The earth, so far as its primitive and essential arrangements are concerned, declares the loving God. The glory of God is His goodness. 3. Universal. “In all the earth.” Everywhere, under the whole heavens, we see the glory of God.
“Known through the earth by thousand signs,
By thousands through the skies.”
“He whose eyes are open cannot want an instructor, unless he wants a heart.”--
(Charnock, quoted by Spurgeon)

“What is man?” “It describes man from the side of his impotence, frailty, and mortality.”—Delitzsch. “Man. The Hebrew word denotes man in his weakness and frailty, as in the next member, Son of man (son of Adam), refers also to his earthly nature as formed out of the ground”—Perowne. “What is man? The first feeling is an overpowering sense of man’s insignificance in presence of the vastness and splendor, the mysterious depth, and the exceeding glory of the heavens, as seen at night.”--
Perowne. Compare the vastness of creation with the littleness of man; the power of creation with the feebleness of man; the duration of creation with the fugitiveness of man. “One generation goeth, and another cometh, but the earth abideth for ever.”
Isa 40:17 All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.
Isa 40:18 To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

"Only in Christ can man’s magnificent destiny be realised. “Man’s destiny as depicted in this psalm is not, and cannot be, accomplished out of Christ. He is the true Lord of all. In Him man reigns, in Him man shall yet be restored to his rightful lordship, and shall really and completely be in the new world of redemption what now he is but very imperfectly, God’s vicegerent, ruling a subject creation in peace, and harmony, and love.” (Perowne)

2/6/2026
Sing Praises to Yahweh
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the
name of the LORD most high. Psa 7:17

I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness - That is, particularly as manifested in the treatment of the righteous and the wicked, protecting the one, and bringing deserved punishment upon the other. The purpose of the psalm is to show this. In the course of the psalm the author had declared his full conviction that this was the character of God, and now, in view of this, he says that he will render to him the praise and glory which such a character deserves. He will acknowledge him by public acts of praise as such a God; and will at all times ascribe these attributes to him.

And will sing praise to the name of the Lord - To the name of Jehovah; that is, to Yahweh himself, the “name” being often used to designate a person, or that by which he is known; and also, in many cases, as in this, being significant, or designating the essential nature of him to whom it is applied.
Most high - Exalted above all other beings; exalted above all worlds. The purpose here declared of praising God may refer either to the act which he was then performing in the composition of the psalm, or it may be a purpose in respect to the future, declaring his intention to be to retain in future life the memory of those characteristics of the divine nature now disclosed to him, and to celebrate them in all time to come. The great truth taught is, that God is to be adored for what he is, and that his holy character, manifested alike in the treatment of the righteous and the wicked, lays the foundation for exalted praise. (Albert Barnes)

"We conclude with the joyful contrast. In this all these Psalms are agreed; they all exhibit the blessedness of the righteous, and make its colors the more glowing by contrast with the miseries of the wicked. The bright jewel Sparkles in a black foil. Praise is the occupation of the godly, their eternal work, and their present pleasure. Singing is the fitting embodiment for praise, and therefore do the saints make melody before the Lord Most High. The slandered one is now a singer: his harp was unstrung for a very little season, and now we leave him sweeping its harmonious chords, and flying on their music to the third heaven of adoring praise." (Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)
I Sing Praises to Your Name Terry MacAlmon
https://youtu.be/zH3-UNBGBH0?si=qxL_TFhUqBy01Pvw

2/5/2026
David's Cry to God From the Heart
Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning
will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. Psa 5:2-4

"Taking this Psalm as an example of personal waiting upon God, what may we learn of personal worship? Mark the directness, the earnestness, the intelligence, of the speech. The Psalmist shows intelligence by his conception of the character of God, and by his view of the character and deserts of the wicked."

"If this is the kind of prayer which the Lord will hear, then let us gladly learn that one man will be heard; that every man will be heard in his own way; that no man who loves wickedness will be heard; that those who are heard and answered should be enthusiastic in their joy.
Regarding this as an acceptable prayer, we may correct some modern notions of worship; for example, that we may not tell God what He already knows; that we may not make a speech to God; that in prayer we should be continually asking for something. Our worship should distinctly express our personality of sin, trouble, and necessity; then it will be always new, vigorous, and profitable."
(Parker, The Ark of God, p. 130)

Isa 33:22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

In verse four we see here the condemnation of whatever speaks lightly or tolerantly of sin. Of the philosophy which does—the philosophy which pleads for evil as necessary to effect God’s purposes; as one of our poets speaks of the devil--
“Existing for some good,
By us not understood.”
Of the morality which does—the morality which regards sin as an inconvenience or impolicy, rather than as damnable in its essence. Of the Christianity which does—Antinomianism; Roman Catholicism, with its division of sin into venial and mortal; and that general Christian experience which has no burning hatred to evil.
In our personal life, in the Church, in all departments of worldly action, we must look upon foulness with horror, or with horror God will look upon us “Ye that love the Lord hate evil.” (Preacher's Homiletical)

2/4/2026
David's Appeal to the God of His Righteousness
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call,
O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me,
and hear my prayer. Psa 4:1

"He first appeals to God. He does not go to God when all human inventions have been tried and failed, but his first cry is to Heaven. It is a good thing to take life’s questions to Him “straightway.” Before you go to the doctor, go to God; before you go to the lawyer, go to God; before you go to your friend, to your minister, go to God. Go directly from your trouble, with your trouble, to God. We often suffer loss by keeping back our burdens. Consult Heaven at first, and you will feel after that that you have little to ask from human counsellors and comforters.

“O God of my righteousness.” He recognizes the fact of God’s righteousness. Man is unjust, the world often seems to be full of injustice; but David recognizes the justice of the Divine character and government. And not only so, but he recognizes his personal relation to the righteous God. “O God of my righteousness.” “O God! who art righteous Thyself, and art the patron of my righteousness, of my righteous cause, and of my righteous life.”—Leighton. The Psalmist claims to be righteous, but acknowledges God as the author of his righteousness. “A celebrated heathen said, ‘I wrap myself up in my own virtue.’ A true believer has something infinitely better to wrap himself in.
When Satan says, Thou hast yielded to my suggestions; when Conscience says, Thou hast turned a deaf ear to my admonitions; when the Law of God says, Thou has broken me; when the Gospel says, Thou hast neglected me; when Justice says, Thou hast insulted me; when Mercy says, Thou hast slighted me; Faith can say, All this is too true! but I wrap myself up in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.” (Toplady)

1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

“Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress.” The Psalmist had truly a good memory. He did not forget God’s help and mercies in days past; his memory was full of sun-pictures; and with faultless logic he inferred that still God would deliver him.
Our memory is often bad, and we forget God’s mercies; our reasoning is often bad, and we argue from past deliverances to future desertions and disasters. May God mend our memories and our logic. In the day of trouble and persecution, remember how God has ever stood by His people, and remember that His faithfulness faileth not." (Preacher's Homiletical)

2/3/2026
Thou O Lord Art a Shield For Me
Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

"A shield - My defense. My glory - Thou hast formerly given, and wilt farther give occasion of glorying in thy power and favor. Lifter up - Thou wilt restore me to my former power and dignity." (John Wesley)

"With returning day there comes back on the monarch’s heart the recollection of the enemies who threaten him, a nation up in arms against him; his own son heading the rebellion, his wisest and most trusted counsellor in the ranks of his foes (2Sa_15:1-37; 2Sa_16:1-23; 2Sa_17:1-29). Never, not even when hunted by Saul, had he found his position one of greater danger.

The odds are overwhelmingly against him. This is a fact which he does not attempt to hide from himself: “How many are mine enemies.” Meanwhile, where are his friends, his army, his counsellors? Not a word of allusion to any of them in the Psalm. Yet he is not crushed, he is not desponding. Enemies may be as thick as leaves of the forest, and earthly friends may be few, or uncertain, or far off. But there is one Friend who cannot fail him, and to Him David turns with a confidence and an affection which lilt him above all his fears. Never had he been more sensible of the reality and preciousness of the Divine protection. If he was surrounded by enemies, Jehovah was his shield. If Shimei and his crew turned his glory into shame, Jehovah was his glory; if they sought to revile and degrade him, Jehovah was the lifter up of his head. Nor did the mere fact of distance from Jerusalem separate between him and his God.

He had sent back the ark and the priests, for he knew that God could still hear him from “His holy mountain” (Psa_3:4), could still lilt up the light of His countenance upon him, and put gladness in his heart (Psa_4:6-7). Sustained by Jehovah, he had lain him down and slept in safety; trusting in the same mighty protection, he would lie down again to rest. Enemies might taunt, and friends might fail him, but the victory was Jehovah’s, and He could break the teeth of the ungodly (3:7, 8). (J. J. S. Perowne)

2/2/2026
The Revolt of the Nations
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD,
and against his anointed, saying,
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Psa 1:1-2

The rulers take counsel together: Since the time of Babel, men have continued to band themselves together against God. Their mistaken belief is that two or more men united against God have a better chance than one man set against God.
Today we see them coming together in their meetings, plotting and scheming what they are going to do in their alliances to rule the nations, and conspire to plan the ways they are going to do it. Their hubris is at a fever pitch, and they believe they are the gods who rule the lives of people, and how many will live, and how many will die. James details the godless men of the world, and what he thinks of them:
Jas 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

God laughs because He sits in the heavens. It isn’t an earthly throne He occupies; it is the throne of heaven with authority over all creation. What does heaven have to fear from earth?

“God does not tremble. He does not hide behind a vast celestial rampart, counting the enemy and calculating whether or not he has sufficient force to counter this new challenge to his kingdom. He does not even rise from where he is sitting. He simply ‘laughs’ at these great imbeciles.” (Boice)

“This derisive laughter of God is the comfort of all those who love righteousness. It is the laughter of the might of holiness; it is the laughter of the strength of love. God does not exult over the sufferings of sinning men. He does hold in derision all the proud boastings and violence of such as seek to prevent His accomplishment of His will.” (Morgan)

"We have, in these first three verses, a description of the hatred of human nature against the Christ of God. No better comment is needed upon it than the apostolic song in Act_4:27, Act_4:28 : “For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.” The Psalm begins abruptly with an angry interrogation; and well it may: it is surely but little to be wondered at, that the sight of creatures in arms against their God should amaze the psalmist's mind. We see the heathen raging, roaring like the sea, tossed to and fro with restless waves, as the ocean in a storm; and then we mark the people in their hearts imagining a vain thing against God. Where there is much rage there is generally some folly, and in this case there is an excess of it. Note, that the commotion is not caused by the people only, but their leaders foment the rebellion. “The kings of the earth set themselves.” In determined malice they arrayed themselves in opposition against God. It was not temporary rage, but deep-seated hate, for they set themselves resolutely to withstand the Prince of Peace. “And the rulers take counsel together.” They go about their warfare craftily, not with foolish haste, but deliberately. They use all the skill which art can give. Like Pharaoh, they cry, “Let us deal wisely with them.” O that men were half as careful in God's service to serve him wisely, as his enemies are to attack his kingdom craftily. Sinners have their wits about them, and yet saints are dull. But what say they? what is the meaning of this commotion? “Let us break their bands asunder.” “Let us be free to commit all manner of abominations. Let us be our own gods. Let us rid ourselves of all restraint.” Gathering impudence by the traitorous proposition of rebellion, they add - “let us cast away;” as if it were an easy matter, - “let us fling off 'their cords from us.'” What! O ye kings, do ye think yourselves Samsons? and are the bands of Omnipotence but as green withs before you? Do you dream that you shall snap to pieces and destroy the mandates of God - the decrees of the Most High - as if they were but tow? And do ye say, “Let us cast away their cords from us?” Yes! There are monarchs who have spoken thus, and there are still rebels upon thrones. However mad the resolution to revolt from God, it is one in which man has persevered ever since his creation, and he continues in it to this very day. The glorious reign of Jesus in the latter day will not be consummated, until a terrible struggle has convulsed the nations. His coming will be as a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap, and the day thereof shall burn as an oven. Earth loves not her rightful monarch, but clings to the usurper's sway: the terrible conflicts of the last days will illustrate both the world's love of sin and Jehovah's power to give the kingdom to his only Begotten. To a graceless neck the yoke of Christ is intolerable, but to the saved sinner it is easy and light. We may judge ourselves by this, do we love that yoke, or do we wish to cast it from us"? (Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

2/1/2026
Trees Planted by the Water
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth
his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psa 1:1-3

There are cases in which without a figure "ignorance is bliss." Observe that all the characters mentioned here may have their excellences and their attractions; for example, the ungodly may be rich, the sinners may be convivial, the scornful may be brilliant: yet blessed is the man who has nothing to do with them.
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord". A man who sees the law of the Lord in all nature, in all history, all life, everywhere and always, and delights to trace its beneficent and almighty power.

"And he shall be like a tree". A man’s life should be rooted in God, in God’s law, in God’s service. It should not be as a plucked flower, but as a flower unplucked growing on the eternal stem.
"The ungodly are not so". To know whose they are, you must know where the wind is—the wind of popularity, the wind of success, the wind of Divine visitation.
"Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment". These are the true and final tests of character. At present judgment is partial and uncertain, and at present society is mixed; but the time of judgment and separation is coming.
Mark the three characters: the godly, the ungodly, the Lord. The final award is not with man, but with God. The destiny of the righteous and the ungodly is as distinct as their characters. There is no blending of one into the other—the one lives; the other perishes.
(Parker, The Ark of God, p. 113)

"He is a tree planted by the rivers of water. There is not only a rock to hold on to, but there is the river to refresh it. Rock and river, river and rock, this is what the law of God becomes. They who do not know think of the law of God as the hard stern voice of thunder, with its “Thou shalt.” But they who do know cry, “Great peace have they that keep Thy law.” It is rivers of waters, sweet, refreshing, quickening. So, rooted in obedience and stretching up into communion, the blessed man comes to be like a tree; there is stability, and steadfastness. He knows whom he has believed, and is persuaded that that will hold though winds may blow and rains may beat. He bringeth forth his fruit in his season. He hath the real spirit for the hour; the very occasion seems to bring the grace he needs." (Mark Guy Pearse)

Two Minutes Daily for January 2026

1/1/2026

Short Devotions/Scripture/Poetry/Quotes
All materials in this page are from uncopyrighted writings from my own online bible,
or, free public domain online.
The majority of the graphic images on this page, and the rest of this site are my own,
with few exceptions.
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1/31/2026
Shake Off the Dust
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words,
when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha
in the day of judgment, than for that city. Mat 10:14-15

Shake off the dust of your feet. This was done when there was a positive rejection of the gospel. It was a symbolical act, signifying that all responsibility for the stubborn household or city had ended. Act_13:50-51. Nor can the gospel be forced upon an unwilling people in any age.
Act 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
Act 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
(B.W. Johnson)

Sin of the Sodomites

The sin of the Sodomites was single, but that of those rejecting the apostles would be manifold, including
(1) infidelity;
(2) disobedience;
(3) ingratitude;
(4) inhospitality;
(5) rebellion and contumacy against God, contrary to the law of nature, and in defiance of the grace of God. (Lapide.)
To shake off the dust from the feet, therefore, was a significant act, denoting that they regarded them as impure, profane, and as pagans, and that they declined any further connection with them. It is recorded that this was actually done by some of the apostles. See Act_13:51; Act_18:6.

God's people have to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in every situation. If you, your faith and your message of the gospel is not received, Jesus tells us to have nothing more to do with those who reject them. However, throughout the bible, we see evidence of people of God, who are in circumstances that make it impossible for them to physically move. Daniel lived as a slave in Babylon his entire life, and was persecuted many times, in many ways, but God called him beloved. David was persecuted and chased by Saul for many years, but was a called man of God, destined to be king of Israel. Paul, behind bars in Rome, was unable to flee from his prison cell-but, he did what he was able to do, with his quill-pen, and scrolls. Much of the New Testament was written by Paul, while in prison. We have to look to the Lord, for our peculiar situations, and live our lives to the glory of God, with whatever we have available to us, with the skills we have. God honors us, wherever we find ourselves, if we commit our lives to Him. Lorna Couillard

1/30/2026
A Child’s Accountability
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure,
and whether it be right. Prv 20:11
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Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prv 22:6

The Bible recovers lost truths, as well as lost souls. The recovery of lost truth is one means of restoring lost souls. It is like a guide in a wilderness, as food in famine, as light in darkness: it is the restoration of that which is useful and essential. The truth of this passage is a lost truth. That human beings are early accountable, and early assume a decided character, is evident to reflection and observation. Apart from the teaching of Scripture, it is a lost truth that a “child is known by his doings.” “Child” means a son or daughter under parental control.
The actions of children become, in process of time, their own doings. Children move before they act, and they live as mere animals before they act spiritually and morally. In process of time the child acts. All its movements become conduct, the result of a determination to behave itself in a particular way.
An act which we are justified in describing as right or wrong, and which we can lawfully call the act of an accountable individual, must be performed by a being endowed with the following capacities: He must be able to conceive the act before its performance, mentally to see the thing done before doing it. He must be capable of appreciating motives for and against the action. He must know good and evil. He must have the power of saying, “I will,” and “I will not.” The “doings” of an individual are those acts which he rationally and intentionally performs.
A child, in course of a few years, exhibits the capabilities of which we speak.
Then it is, whether it comes early or late, that the actions of a child are his “doings.” He now performs the functions of a rational creature.
When the actions of children become their doings the children are recognized as accountable.
God recognizes the child as the author of its own actions: He sees the doings of the child spring from a motive and principle within. He now holds the child guilty for its transgressions of His law. The child is now exposed to punishment; and to escape punishment, a dispensation of mercy to that individual child is necessary. God’s treatment of the child recognizes the child’s doings.

A Child's Pattern of Doings Known

We know persons by sight, or by name, or by description. They are best known by their actions.

I. What is meant by “doings” here?
1. The tempers a child indulges in. These tempers are fretful, or patient, or selfish, or generous.
2. The ill habits he forms. Idle, or industrious, or careless, or careful, or dilatory, or prompt.
3. The company he keeps. The choice of companions is a very important thing.

II. What may be known of a child by his doings? You are making your fortunes now every day. The tempers you are indulging, the habits you are forming, and the company you are keeping are all helping to make them. How careful you should be to find out what is wrong in your tempers and habits, and pray to God to help you to correct it at once. (R. Newton, D. D.)

"A successful parent will be one who makes the training of the children a constant and religious study. It is the last subject in the world to be left to haphazard. From the first a clear aim must be kept in view. “Is my great object that this boy shall be a true, a noble, a God-fearing man, serving his day and generation in the way God shall appoint?” That is the question which the parent puts to himself." (Great Texts)

Luk 6:43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Luk 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

God.—It cannot be inculcated with too much force and frequency that the very highest truths are those which should be imparted at the earliest possible period in a child’s history. It is important that as soon as the laws of a child’s mind can admit the thought, it should be taught concerning Him who made it and all things, and who rules in heaven and on earth.
A child takes in nothing more easily than the thought of One who made the flowers of the earth and the stars of the sky; and as it early comes to know what is meant by love to its parents, it may easily be taught to know what is meant by love to God. (Note: E. Mellor, The Hem of Christ’s Garment, 63)

1/29/2026
As In the Days of Noah
And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh
had corrupted his way upon the earth.
And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me;
for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt
pitch it within and without with pitch. Gen 6:12-14
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And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not
of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold,
and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication,
nor of their thefts. Rev 9:20-21

The Christian is sometimes solitary in his companionships. It was so with Noah. Though the world was crowded with aged and renowned men, he was alone in it; there were none around whose characters would fit them to be his daily companions. He could not find companionship in the violent men of the age in which he lived. There were no satellites to join him in his light-giving mission. The darkness was all around him. His was not fancied loneliness. At one time Elijah thought himself the only worshipper of the true God, he was ignorant of the thousands who had not bowed the knee unto Baal. God asserts the moral loneliness of Noah, and he could not be deceived in this matter. His eye would only too gladly have beheld another pure life amidst that mass of corruption. His loneliness was not the result of an exclusive spirit. He did not of set intention stand aloof from the social life of the world; he did not look down upon ordinary life with sublime contempt as a thing for men of lower spirit to engage in. He was not above the world. He was in the crowded world. He was lonely, and alone. (Preacher's Homiletical)
In today's world, which Jesus describes to the disciples what the end of the age would be like-He uses the life and time of Noah-we are living in it now.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Stiff-Necked Rebellion
Rev 9:21

But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent: In general, mankind showed no repentance, despite the presence of some pretty overwhelming signs and wonders.

That they should not worship demons, and idols: Instead, man continued with his idol worship in a business as usual sort of way. They continued in their worship of demons, whether their worship is witting or unwitting.

It is amazing to see how quickly things return to what is thought to be normal after some calamity such as an earthquake. We are quick to forget God’s lessons, even the lessons that come in judgment.

And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts: This list of sins is a striking accusation against our present age. Certainly, our modern world is characterized by murders, sorceries (associated with the taking of drugs), sexual immorality and thefts. (David Guzik)

"Salter used to say: “In regard to our corruptions we may learn something from the difference of glasses. You behold yourselves in your common looking glasses, and see yourselves so fine that you admire your persons and dress. But when you view yourself in a microscope, how much may you behold in that fine skin to be ashamed of; what disfigurement to the eye! and instead of smoothness, irregularity, uncomeliness, and even impurity. So, if you will look upon yourself through the glass of faith, that glass would show you much of the corruption of your sinful nature still cleaving to you, your tempers crooked, your graces misshapen and deformed, and so much corruption cleaving to every action of your lives that would make you sin sick that you have known God so long, and are like Him so little.” (Biblical Illustrator)

1/28/2026
The Strait Gate
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,
and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it.

"See in the middle of the night a house on which fire has caught. Everywhere the flame breaks out with the rapidity of lightning. Cries of alarm are raised, for there is an unfortunate sleeper above this furnace which is going to consume him. He awakes, he turns his scared looks everywhere. Before him a single passage remains open, narrow, but sufficient to save his life.

What does he do? With a grasping and feverish hand he gathers all that he can save of his goods, and laden with his treasures, bending under his burden, he arrives at this door which refuses to give him passage. “For me,” he cries then, “for me! the door is too narrow.” Ah! poor idiot! leave there thy treasures which will cost thee thy life, strip thyself of that which prevents thy progress, consent to sacrifice all; thy salvation is only at that price. You have understood me, brethren. This house which is falling in is our life; this devouring flame is the judgment of the holy God; this open door is pardon; and these treasures which will ruin you, are those qualities, those virtues, those merits, which you wish to preserve at all cost. Yes, the door of heaven is too narrow for the self-righteous, and because of this the Gospel raises so much repugnance and irritation amongst them." (E. Bersier, D. D.)

"You have nothing more to do than lie like a withered leaf upon the stream, and without a thought or an effort you are carried quickly down. Sinners do not find it difficult to sin." (W. Arnot)
Mar 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

1/27/2026
The Hatred of the World
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!
for so did their fathers to the false prophets. Luk 6:26
+++++++
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world,
but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Joh 15:19

When all men shall speak well of you-Those who seek to be universally popular. Whoever does his duty will meet those who oppose him. Christ was reviled and slandered. These four woes are addressed to four classes: (1) Those who worship wealth; (2) those satisfied with their present life; (3) those who live for present enjoyment; (4) those whose aim is human praise and adulation.
(Biblical Illustrator)

"We have been appointed for the one purpose of bearing imperishable fruit, but our holy service to the world will never be appreciated. The world has its own god and religion. It hates without cause. The more Christlike we are, the closer we shall be identified with His sufferings. There is no limit to the hatred and persecution which the world will vent on those who have ceased to belong to it because of their identification with the Crucified. But through the pitiless storm, we must be glad; there must be no slackening of our love, which will as certainly conquer hate as tomorrow’s sun the darkness" Joh_15:26-27.
(F.B. Meyer)

On this very account, because you do not join in fellowship with those who know not God, therefore they hate you. How true is that saying: -
“The laws of Christ condemn a vicious world, And goad it to revenge!” (Gambold)
Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Joh 15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

1/26/2026
The Believer’s Assimilation to Christ
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear
the image of the heavenly. 1C0 15:49

We are summoned to believe in Christ as Savior and Redeemer, but for a purpose; that purpose is that, believing in Him as the revelation of God to us, we may be able to choose Him as our pattern and live His life. It is only what is purely spiritual in ourselves that can put us in possession of a spiritual body. From Christ we can receive what is spiritual; and if our belief in Him prompts us to become like Him, then we may count upon sharing in His destiny.

This is the permanent incentive of the Christian life. This present experience of ours leads to a larger, more satisfying experience. Beyond our horizon there awaits us an endlessly enlarging world. Death, which seems to bound our view, is really but our real birth to a fuller, and eternal, and true life. "Therefore be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." The promptings of conscience do not delude you; your instinctive hopes will not be put to shame; your faith is reasonable; there is a life beyond.

And no effort you now put forth will prove vain; no prayer, no earnest desire, no struggle towards what is spiritual, will fail of its effect. All that is spiritual is destined to live; it belongs to the eternal world: and all that you do in the Spirit, all mastery of self and the world and the flesh, all devoted fellowship with God-all is giving you a surer place and a more abundant entrance into the spiritual world, for "your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (Expositor's Bible)
Mat 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

1/25/2026
A Straight Course
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

The elect, 2Ti_2:10-13 : The Apostle sketches the experiences of the elect soul. It must endure, suffer, and die with Christ, that out of its surrender may come the truest, richest life, Joh_12:25-26.
Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

There is no path to lasting success save that of the cross and grave of Christ. It has been allotted to the redeemed in the divine program; each must tread it separately and with resolute purpose.

But there is no doubt as to the sequel of a true life. The world of men may count it a failure, but God pledges Himself that as the pendulum swings here in the dark, it shall swing equally in yonder world of light. Three things are impossible with God-to die, to lie, and to fail the soul that trusts Him. Even when we cannot muster faith enough, His word of promise cannot be frustrated in the case of those whose faith is weak and trembling as the smoking flax.

The workman, 2Ti_2:14-18 : The one anxiety with us all should be to stand approved before God. We must hold a straight course in the word of truth. Our testimony should resemble an undeviating furrow. Let us construct in our life something which will be a permanent addition to the well-being of the world, so that at the last the Master may say that He is satisfied. (F.B. Meyer)

1/24/2026
Jesus the Door and Good Shepherd
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Joh 10-9-10

"Let the Pagans, the Jews, the heretics say, “We lead a good life.” If they enter not by the door, what availeth it? A good life only profiteth if it lead to life eternal. Indeed, those cannot be said to lead a good life, who are either blindly ignorant of, or wilfully despise the end of good living. No one can hope for eternal life who knows not Christ, who is the Life, and by that door enters the fold." (Augustine)

"He who came in by the door which John the Baptist opened has become the door. It stands open to all comers-if any man. The salvation here mentioned refers to the entire process of soul-health: go in for fellowship; go out for service.
Wherever destruction is uppermost in speech or act, you may detect the presence of the great enemy of souls. Christ is ever constructive, saving, life-giving. Let us not be content until our life has become abundant life. Our life cost the Shepherd’s life. He did not hesitate to interpose Himself between the sheep and the wolf of hell. There is possible between our Lord and ourselves an intimacy of knowledge which can be compared to nothing less than that which subsists between the Father and Himself.
Note how our Lord looked beyond the hurdles of the Jewish fold and thought tenderly of the Gentile sheep that were far away. In the revelation committed to the Apostle Paul He gave vent to His love, and through the succeeding centuries He has ever sought them. There may be many folds, but there can be only one flock. Men die because they cannot help it; Christ was born that He might die; He died because He would." (F.B. Meyer)

"The thief cometh not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy - That is, nothing else can be the consequence of a shepherd's coming, who does not enter in by me." (John Wesley)

1/23/2026
The Fool and His Conduct
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt,
they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. Psa 14:1
+++++++
The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good;
he abhorreth not evil. Psa 36:1-4

"What does he say? “There is no God.” Why, everything he sees, hears, touches, contradicts him. The very worm he treads on, yea, every blade of grass, affirms “There is a God.” We are all ready to admit that he who denies this is a fool. But stop; observe in what way he says it. Not with his lips, but in his heart. How many things are said there but never spoken out, God and ourselves only know. And it is not the mind or the understanding which says it, but the heart, the affections. His understanding may not deny, but his heart does. In his affections, his desires, his thoughts, his life, his conduct are all as if there were no God. If the life be taken as proof, how many of these fools there are. For they never pray, they never regard God as the one who orders their lives." (A. Roberts, M. A.)

“He deviseth mischief upon his bed.” His place of rest becomes the place for plotting. His bed is a hot-bed for poisonous weeds. God-fearing men meditate upon God and his service; but when men turn all their thoughts and inventive faculties towards evil, their godlessness is proved to a demonstration. He hath the devil for his bed-fellow who lies abed and schemes how to sin. God is far from him. “He setteth himself in a way that is not good.” When he gets up he resolutely and persistently pursues the mischief which he planned. The worst of ways he prefers for his walking, for he has taught his heart to love filthiness, having accustomed himself to revel in it in imagination. “He abhorreth not evil.” So far from having a contempt and abhorrence for evil, he even rejoices in it, and patronises it. He never hates a wrong thing because it is wrong, but he meditates on it, defends it, and practises it.
(Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

"Depravity is the sinner’s oracle. Its impulses come to him like those responses from superhuman sources which command the reverence and obedience of mankind. He yields to the seductive influence, and presses forward in the delusion that he will never be found out. And so, the fear of punishment being dispelled, he becomes thoroughly bad in heart, speech, and behavior." (Biblical Illustrator)

1/22/2026
What is Your Life
Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year,
and buy and sell, and get gain:
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor,
that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Jas 4:13-16
Evil Boastings

“It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” “I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me.” “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that.” James puts this truth into one particular: the uncertainty of the length of life to man; the control of the length of life which God has. There is always this reminder of God whenever man tries to plan the future. He cannot be sure that he will live to carry out his plan. “Thou fool, this night thy soul is required of thee.” Let any man sit down to make a plan for to-morrow, for next year, and there must come into his soul this reminder of the Divine control over our “morrows.” “What is your life? For ye are a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (Preacher's Homelitical)

I've had the content of my devotions criticized for not having enough pictures of happy people in various types of activities, and enjoyments. There's a reason for this. I pray about what God would want on these pages, and He's directed me to make any graphic images mostly biblical characters, or without people-why?
The main focus in these devotions/teachings and other content is to provoke the readers to look within themselves, and contemplate what they are saying to them, and their souls. God doesn't want to feed your ego, or your vanities. He wants you to get beyond the surface of your skin.

God wants the content to cause you to ask yourself questions you may have never considered, and to convict you of the really important matters of life, and where you stand with your Creator. Can you be real with yourself? Where do you hope to be 100 yrs. from now-you're not going to be here, and when your body is turned to dust, your spirit will be still alive-but where. Are you saved-do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who came into this world, lived and died on the cross for us, and is coming again? Are you ready to face Him, and will He say "Come, enter into the joy of your Lord", or will He say "Depart from me, I never knew you" and spend eternity in hell? The choice is yours-and this brief span of time we are here on this world, is given to you and I, to make that choice now, while we have the breath and life to do so. If you never make a choice-it is still made. If you deny Christ, you will spend eternity in hell with the devil and his demons.
This is why any pictures of humanity is minimal. This site is aimed to get to the heart of your soul, and cause you to decide, one way or the other. Lorna Couillard

1/21/2026
Reigning With Christ
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they
which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness
shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Rom 5:17

IT WOULD take a lifetime—nay, it will demand eternity—to explore the treasures of this paragraph from which our text is taken. Let us not, however, stand gazing into heaven, but avail ourselves of the privilege offered us during our earthly life of reigning through the One, even Jesus Christ. Do not postpone the fulfilment of this promise. We may have to wait for the future life to unfold depths of meaning which now transcend our thought; but any fair reading of this radiant verse compels us to appropriate it for here and now.

But, "how can these things be?" He, a master in Israel asked that question of Christ. This blessed life of victory is only possible to those who have been born from above. By nature we were born from below into the first Adam, who was "a living soul." We must be born from above, into the second Adam, who becomes to all who trust in Him a Life-giving spirit (1Co_15:45). That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and cannot of itself rise into the Spirit; the Holy Spirit must stoop to lift it into union with Himself. But He will do this for you, if only you will lift your heart to Christ in simple faith and surrender.
The difference it will make. Each life has been planned by God with the intention of training it for high service here and beyond; and whatever happens in life, there is always an abundance of grace awaiting our use. But how often we are as blind to it as Balaam was to the Angel that stood on the wayside. We make our plans.

We go to this friend or that. But we do not claim that abundance of grace which is intended to meet the need of the hour. It is only as we receive it by a childlike faith that we can reign in life. That word "abundance" in its Latin original speaks of ocean-waves. Stand on the shore and look out on that infinite expanse, and do not be content with scooping up enough to fill an oyster-shell.
What will result? A royal life. If a throne means power—we are strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. If it means victory—we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. If it means largeness—we have always all sufficiency in all things, and abound to every good work.
(Our Daily Walk)
Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

1/20/2026
One Thing
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell
in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold
the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle
shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. Psa 27:4-5

The “one thing” of which David here speaks. The abiding sense of the Divine presence. The temple, or “house of the Lord,” was the place of God’s special manifestations. Abiding in this presence will give--
Light—the light of His countenance. It is one thing to abide in our own or in other light—as “the Pharisee” and Zaccheus; a different thing to be in the light of God’s face or presence. This light does two things: it reveals to us God, and shows us what sin is; it reveals God to us, and shows us what salvation is—making the Lord to be our salvation.
Satan may accuse, but, if God acquits, whom shall we fear? If the Law has been satisfied, the debt paid, we need fear neither penalties nor imprisonment.

There is a second sense in which the Lord is light and salvation. No longer afraid of the condemning power of sin, we are warranted in standing in fear of its ruling power in our hearts. Therefore we are exhorted to “work out our salvation.” To do this we need the light to guide us into all truth, the salvation to deliver us from all evil. Under the shadow of God's wings, we have no fear of man, or devil.
"Strength". “If God be for us” strength is on our side. He promises to be our Rock and fortress.
“The beauty of the Lord.” The beauty of His attributes, as they meet and harmonize for our blessing. The beauty, too, reflected in us; for in His light and salvation and strength we are “changed into the same image.”

The condition of attaining this “one thing.” We must “seek after it.” We must “wait on the Lord.” To navigate the sea of life we must keep the eye fixed on this one thing, on the one magnet—Christ. Paul did this, which made his bark “press toward” the haven with such grace and nobility. (Biblical Illustrator)
Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

1/19/2026
God's Magnifying Glass
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways,
and according to the fruit of his doings. Jer 17:9-10

These two verses spoken by Jeremiah are among many that you won't hear preached about in mainstream mega churches today. Many of them wouldn't be able to tell you they are there. But, when I first was saved, these, and other verses like them, were what the Lord drew me to many times, when I had long seasons of being convicted by the Lord of past sins in my life, before I was saved. Things I had said and done to other's, and what it had done to them, how it hurt them, how it harmed them in many ways, how some of the things I said had ruined their reputations or were said out of envy, jealousy, and just wanting to do them harm. There were times when the Lord would let me know, I needed to go them and ask for their forgiveness, and let them know, I knew I had treated them wrongly. It always brought healing, and restoration. This season of repentance that lasted several years after my salvation, was God's way of sweeping out the sin, and the evil that had built up in me, and letting God change me, inside and out. I learned the importance of consequences, of responsibility for my actions, and my tongue, for how my behavior could tear down or help someone else, and the choice was always mine. God also knows when we are provoked into doing or saying something that we would never normally do-and He considers this. There is a difference, and on the day of our Judgment, God will sift the differences. But, we are accountable for our actions, and will reap what we have sown, if we never let God deal with us, and stay in the evil conditions we are in. Jesus came to set the captives free-if they want to be free, and it comes when we will confess our sins, and repent of them, and turn from them.
Lorna Couillard

The Bible reveals what man would have failed to discern, that the heart is the root of character, the seat of the moral quality attaching to the thoughts and actions of men. This truth, plainly taught in Scripture, accords with reason, and finds irrefutable proof in man’s career. There are three aspects of the heart here suggested:
Surpassing deceptiveness. “Deceitful above all things.” Its cruel delusions. It often prompts a man to evil, promising joy and reward, then leaves him befooled by his desires; allures him to follow passion, then leaves him to the tortures of conscience; assures him of courage in difficult hours, then, at the crisis, leaves him trembling in fear, It flatters its dupes; is a false syren.
Its religious frauds. Fosters hypocrisy in the superficial, urges men to assume a religious profession, and walk as if God were being reverently served; and then, in secret, craves and impels towards hidden vice and subtle indulgences.

The man's heart flatters himself into a belief in his own goodness when life is pleasant and easy; and then, in death, mocks and chides him for his sin.
Its supreme falsity. “Above all things.” Above the desert mirage?—Yes. Above gold?—Yes. Above pleasure?—Yes. Above fickle beauty?—Yes. For the heart is the cause of all deceits; it supplies the fantasy in us which makes the illusion possible.
None but God can explore the depths of iniquity in the human heart. As He will judge the world at the last day, He must have access to the inmost recesses of the soul, and be able to bring forth to judgment all its hidden abominations. (Preacher's Homiletical)
Accordingly God is employed noticing and recording everything, that He may then reward “every man according to his ways.”
Luk 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

1/18/2026
Victory in God
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar,
we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace,
and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods,
nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Dan 3:16-18
+++++++
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh
manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2Co 2:14

God gets His greatest victories out of apparent defeats. Very often the enemy seems to triumph for a little, and God lets it be so; but then He comes in and upsets all the work of the enemy, overthrows the apparent victory, and as the Bible says, "turns the way of the wicked upside down." Thus He gives a great deal larger victory than we would have known if He had not allowed the enemy, seemingly, to triumph in the first place.
The story of the three Hebrew children being cast into the fiery furnace is a familiar one. Here was an apparent victory for the enemy. It looked as if the servants of the living God were going to have a terrible defeat. We have all been in places where it seemed as though we were defeated, and the enemy rejoiced. We can imagine what a complete defeat this looked to be. They fell down into the flames, and their enemies watched them to see them burn up in that awful fire, but were greatly astonished to see them walking around in the fire enjoying themselves. Nebuchadnezzar told them to "come forth out of the midst of the fire." Not even a hair was singed, nor was the smell of fire on their garments, "because there is no other god that can deliver after this sort."

This apparent defeat resulted in a marvelous victory.
Suppose that these three men had lost their faith and courage, and had complained, saying, "Why did not God keep us out of the furnace!" They would have been burned, and God would not have been glorified. If there is a great trial in your life today, do not own it as a defeat, but continue, by faith, to claim the victory through Him who is able to make you more than conqueror, and a glorious victory will soon be apparent. Let us learn that in all the hard places God brings us into, He is making opportunities for us to exercise such faith in Him as will bring about blessed results and greatly glorify His name.
(Life of Praise--Our Daily Walk)

"Defeat may serve as well as victory
To shake the soul and let the glory out.
When the great oak is straining in the wind,
The boughs drink in new beauty, and the trunk
Sends down a deeper root on the windward side.
Only the soul that knows the mighty grief
Can know the mighty rapture. Sorrows come
To stretch out spaces in the heart for joy."

Paul accepted all change with thankfulness and rejoicing. "Thanks be to God” who is thus leading him about from place to place in the train of the triumph of Jesus Christ. He only waits to know where God would have him go next. He follows gladly, since they follow Christ. So for every Christian. In every change of station, of circumstances, of abode, he should seek and follow the leading of God. Then even the most perplexing, harassing diversion from his own plans will be no matter of discontent and fretful irritation, but of glorying acquiescence in the plan of God. (Preacher's Homiletical)

1/17/2026
The Sin and Fall of David
And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed,
and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself;
and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 2Sa 11:2
+++++++
And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle,
and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.
And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place
where he knew that valiant men were.
And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also. 2Sam 11:14-17

"This was not an isolated sin. For some time, backsliding had been eating out David’s heart. The cankerworm takes its toll before the noble tree crashes to the ground. See Psa_51:7-9. Joab and his brave soldiers were in the thick of a great conflict. Rabbah was being besieged and had not fallen. It was a time when kings went out to battle, but David tarried at home. It was a fatal lethargy. If the king had been in his place, this sin would never have besmirched his character.

A look, as in Eve’s case, opened the door to the devil. “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity.” However great our attainments and however high our standing, we are all liable to attack and failure; but when we abide in Christ, no weapon that hell can forge can hurt us. When we have sinned, our only safety is in instant confession. This David delayed for a year and till forced to it. He was more eager to evade the consequences than to deal with his transgression. Sober David was far worse, here, than drunken Uriah. The singular self-restraint of the soldier threw the sin of the king into terrible and disgraceful prominence." F.B. Meyer)
Several times David attempts to get Uriah to go to his house, so he'd have a cover for his sin; but he would not go, but stayed in Jerusalem, even after David had him eat and drink until he was drunk. He still remained loyal to his post, and would not go home.

So, his next scheme was to send Uriah into the forefront of fierce battle-knowing he would be killed. He assigns Joab to the task, and in doing so, makes him also an accomplice in his treacherous sin. He sends him into the city where there were valiant men, knowing they would go into battle together. They, and Uriah all died together.
The depth of depravity of David's sins cannot be lightly understood-and those he used to cover his deeds. David commanded Joab to arrange Uriah’s death. Though it was hidden by the raging battle, Uriah was murdered just as surely as if David killed him in his own home.
“David was better while a servant than when a king; for being a servant, he feared to kill Saul his adversary, but becoming a king, he basely slew his most faithful friend and dutiful subject.” (Trapp)
Important point: “Though we mourn over David’s sin, yet we thank God that it was permitted, for if he had not so fallen he had not been able to help us when we are conscious of transgression. He could not have so minutely described our griefs if he had not felt the same. David lived, in this respect, for others as well as for himself.” (Spurgeon)
Psalms 32 shows that David was under intense conviction during this time and that all the joy in his life evaporated away. David knew the stress and agony of living a double, false life. He found no relief until he repented and got right with God again. “The better the man the dearer the price he pays for a short season of sinful pleasure.” (Meyer)
As a result of this series of sins-Though he married Bathsheba, when the child was born, it did not survive. He died shortly after birth. The story is an ongoing example of the effects of sin, and it's consequences. God forgives the sins we commit if we confess and forsake them-but, there are many times life long consequences of them.
Psa 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psa 51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Psa 51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

1/16/2026
Value of faith
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. Heb 11:6

Before the flood and the Abrahamic covenant God had a people on earth who lived by faith. Abel, the first martyr, Enoch, the seventh from Adam, and Noah, the preacher of righteousness, are the three witnesses of the period whose lives are recorded.
Abel, the first man who had to descend into the grave, was carried through it on the arms of redeeming love. Abel, believing the word, approached God through the bitter sacrifice. Every one who believes in Jesus Christ is an accepted worshipper. There is no other true and spiritual worship but the worship of a believer in Jesus, and this worship is always accepted. Of this, the only worship, Abel, though dead, yet speaketh.
The sinner who through faith in the sacrifice is righteous before God, belongs now to God, and is an heir of eternal life. Sin and death have no more dominion over him. Thus Enoch, the seventh from Adam, walks with God. In this simple familiar expression we have the description of the new life; it brings before us communion with God, dependence on His guidance, submission to His authority, confidence in His love and favor, continuous, habitual fellowship, and a mind conformed to God’s mind, and delighting itself in the Lord.

Abel testifies of faith’s sacrifice and worship always accepted. Enoch of faith’s walk and triumph, lifted above sin and death into fellowship with the holy God, the Lord of Life. Noah’s faith has again another testimony. He found grace—the first time the word is used in Scripture—in the eyes of the Lord. His faith, rooted in the contrite heart, and evidenced in his daily work and obedience, was tested by the opposition and mockery of the world to whom he testified of sin, of judgment, and saving grace; declaring what he possessed himself, righteousness by faith. And by his faith he not merely saved himself, but his household.
(A. Saphir, Lectures on Hebrews, vol. ii., p. 289)

Faith in God.—Faith regards God’s word as more real than man’s acts, as not less real than a star in heaven; and believes that the least promise that God has written will outlive the last pyramid that all the Pharaohs have ever built. When you have a bank-note in your hand, you have no money, nor have you literally books, and clothes, and shoes, and bread, and wine, and all that it can purchase; but you have a promise upon that slip of paper, as real as if you had all the goods that bit of paper can purchase.
You do not lay aside God’s word as an obsolete, worthless thing, but you turn it into currency, and treat it as if really fulfilled; for faith is just taking God at His word, and believing the promises just because He says it. (Dr. Cumming)

1/15/2026
The Chosen of Christ
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom,
declaring unto you the testimony of God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ,
and him crucified. 1Cor:1-2

Everything we need for life and godliness is in Him; only let us make all that we can of our wonderful position and possessions.
Paul came to Corinth from Athens, where he had sought to win his hearers by a studied and philosophical discourse as best adapted to their needs. But as he entered Corinth, he appears to have deliberately determined that his theme would be the crucified Lord, and expressed in the simplest phrases. When we speak the truth as it is in Jesus, the Spirit is ever at hand to enforce our testimony by His demonstration and power.
(F.B. Meyer)

1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1Co 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1/14/2026
The Eternal Word of God
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isa 40:8

"Hast thou not known?" This is not a new revelation. It is an appeal to memory, and that is a strong point in all the Divine pleading. Our memory is to be as the prophet of the Lord in our life. Recollection is to be inspiration; the forty years gone are a pledge of the forty years to come. Let a man be faithful to his own recollections, and it is impossible he can long be despondent, weary and slow of heart, to lay hold of the great work and discipline of life.
Is God almighty? Then do not fear for the stability of His works. Have no fear about the realization of His promises. Do not imagine you can escape His judgments. Be assured that the throne of right shall stand upon the ruins of all wrong.

God is not only powerful, but all wise. There is no searching of His understanding. Infinite strength would terrify us, but infinite strength under the dominion of infinite mind recovers us from the tremendous shock which comes of abstract, immeasurable, unwasting strength. Is God all-wise? Then the darkest providences have meaning. His plan of salvation is complete and final, and we shall waste our strength and show how great is our folly by all attempts to improve the method of redemption and recovery of the world. Our individual life is all understood by Him. That life is but dimly known to ourselves. We catch glimpses of it here and there, but its scope and meaning are still unrevealed to us. It is enough that God knows our life, and that His wisdom is pledged as our defense.
We have a guarantee of endless variety in our future studies and services.

God is ever extending our knowledge of His works, in reward of the endeavors we are making to acquaint ourselves with the wonders by which we are enclosed.
The subject forces upon us the solemn enquiry: What is our relation to this dread Being, whose power is infinite, and whose wisdom is past finding out? We must sustain some relation to Him. We are the loyal subjects of His crown, or rebels in His empire. Pause and determine the answer. Everything depends upon our relation to the cross of Jesus Christ. (Parker, City Temple, 1870, p. 349)

Note: This morning 1/15/2026-I came to this page to post this mornings devotion, and found once again, the page corrupted. The heading-date/title of the devotion/and scripture verse was missing, and I knew it had been done intentionally by someone else, this makes twice, in less than a week. I save these devotions in files on my own computer. I had to go to the saved devotion and copy it, and repost it. This makes you look as if you have dementia, or are lax in your work, and not being careful enough in your work, it makes you look like a fool. This is the kind of warfare I deal with all the time on these websites, that I'm supposed to own, and maintain myself. I've had images changed or omitted like this also, and entire devotions. It's things like this that is done to you, to get you to become so discouraged, that you'll quit. I've been tempted many times, because this is only one aspect of the attacks I've gotten over the years. But, I go back to the Lord, and get the strength from Him, to keep going on. If anyone thinks doing this is easy, or an escape-you couldn't be more wrong. Many would quit in less than a year. I've been doing it for 12 now, and could go on much further. But, I'll keep exposing the devil's wares, and putting the word of God here, until I'm told otherwise by God.

1/13/2026
Salvation by No Other Name-Jesus
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth
this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Act 4:10-12

Salvation. To be saved from ignorance, folly, vain imaginations, an evil heart, a rebellious will, an evil conscience, a damaged character, the dominion and presence of sin, the position of the guilty, and from the punishment of evil-doers; to be sustained in this life’s sorrows, and to have them sanctified; to be able to triumph over death and the grave; to be forgiven—restored, regenerated, and sanctified; to escape perdition, and to inherit heaven—is, so far as words can reveal it, the whole of salvation. This God promised at the beginning, this God has provided, and this we offer you in the preaching of the Gospel.
Salvation in a Person. To be saved by a Savior. This shows our weakness, and in our weakness we see our wretchedness. The evil which afflicts us is such that we require a personal Redeemer. This arrangement removes all cause of boasting from the saved. This arrangement places the redeemed under special obligations. It renders the actual work of Salvation a service of sympathy and love.

Look at Salvation in a Person made known. God has given this name of Jesus—given it in writing to be read, given it by preaching to be heard, given it Himself that it may never be forgotten and that it may be above every name, given it among men that men may read, hear it, learn and repeat it, and incorporate it with their prayers and their songs, and that it may become as familiar in their mouths as any household word.
Look at the fact that the dispensation of salvation is limited to that Person. It would be interesting to inquire into the causes of other names and things being put forward. Perhaps the chief cause is pride. We shrink from the practical acknowledgment of entire and absolute dependence upon the grace of God for our redemption; we despise the simplicity of faith, or we are not prepared to follow after holiness. But, however that may be, "neither is there salvation in any other."
(S. Martin, Rain upon the Mown Grass, p. 225)

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1Ti 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
1Jn 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Rev 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Note: Whenever I work on publishing posts on this subject, or other's that the demons who control these machines don't like-I'll face obstacles, and obstructions few would believe. It proves to me, the hatred of Satan for Jesus Christ, and you- He killed the Savior of the world, only to see Him rise from the dead. His hatred now, is pointed at anyone who proclaims Him Lord and coming King. Bring it on Satan, bring it to an end, the quicker you do, the quicker you will face the lake of fire in eternal hell, and all who have followed you, and worked to destroy God's people, and destroy this world. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of strongholds.
Come Lord Jesus, come soon-don't delay any longer.

1/12/2026
Bear Thy Shield
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. Heb 10:35

Cast not away therefore your confidence - Greek “your boldness;” referring to their confident hope in God. They were not to cast this away, and to become timid, disheartened, and discouraged. They were to bear up manfully under all their trials, and to maintain a steadfast adherence to God and to his cause. The command is not to “cast this away.” Nothing could take it from them if they trusted in God, and it could be lost only by their own neglect or imprudence. Rosenmuller supposes (Alte und Neue Morgenland, “in loc.”) that there may be an allusion here to the disgrace which was attached to the act of a warrior if he cast away his shield.

Among the Greeks this was a crime which was punishable with death. Alexander ab Alexand. Gen. Dier. L. ii c. 13. Among the ancient Germans, Tacitus says, that to lose the shield in battle was regarded as the deepest dishonor, and that those who were guilty of it were not allowed to be present at the sacrifices or in the assembly of the people. Many, says he, who had suffered this calamity, closed their own lives with the baiter under the loss of honor. Tac. Germ. c. 6. A similar disgrace would attend the Christian soldier if he should cast away his shield of faith; compare the notes, Eph_6:16.
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Which hath great recompense of reward - It will furnish a reward by the peace of mind which it gives here, and will be connected with the rewards of heaven. (Albert Barnes)

Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Luk 14:14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Heb 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

1/11/2026
The Mirror of Human Nature
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. Pro 27:19

Here is one of the foundations on which that rule is built of doing to others as we would be done by (Exo_23:9.) …
Exo 23:9 Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
One corrupt heart is like another, and so is one sanctified heart, for the former bears the same image of the earthy, the latter the same image of the heavenly. (Henry)

No man knoweth or showeth the spirit of a man, but the spirit of a man that is in him. The water, as a certain glass, somewhat dim indeed, but very true, representeth the countenance therein imprinted unto the countenance that beholdeth the same; even so the heart sheweth man to man; that is to say, the mind and the conscience of every man telleth him justly, though not perfectly, what he is, as whether he be good or evil, in God’s favour or out of the same; for the conscience will not lie, but accuse or excuse a man, being instead of a thousand witnesses.… As water that is troubled representeth the visage amiss, so a troubled or polluted mind may sometimes wrongly shew to a man the estate wherein he standeth. But if the soul be not wholly corrupt and the conscience seared as with a hot iron, it will declare to a man his condition rightly, though not peradventure fully in all respects. (Muffet)

Gen 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Gen 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
Mar 7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
Mar 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Mar 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
Mar 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

1/10/2026
Raised With Christ
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye
also appear with him in glory. Col 3:1-3

Resurrection with Christ is a present experience.—There is a triumph over death for which we do not need to wait until the graves are opened. We may have it at once. There is a victory of life for which we do not need to look to some far-distant morning. We may feel it to-day. Paul felt it as he sat in his Roman prison, writing to his friends at Colossæ. Worn, and feeble, and aged before his time, bound with chains, waiting for his trial before a cruel and bloody Cæsar, Paul knew even then that he was a risen man. By faith in the things that are unseen and eternal he had already won the victory over the world. In prison he was free, in weakness he was strong, in chains he was cheerful, in exile he was exultant, in trouble he triumphed, and in the drear winter of old age his spirit was quickened with an immortal spring. Surely this is a veritable resurrection, and they who have entered into such an experience are risen indeed. (Great Texts)

If then ye were raised together with Christ. The Revision is correct. A definite act, not a state, is referred to. The definite act is named in Col_2:12 above. When they were "buried with him in baptism," they were also raised from this burial with him through faith, quickened. Hence here he says, "If then ye were raised with him," if your obedience was from the heart and in faith, if you rose therefore with him (these are the emphatic words), then seek those things which are above. The risen Christ ascended; let your aspirations ascend also.
Set your affection on things above. This is a condition of seeking the things above. Our hearts must be in heaven with our beloved Lord.
For ye died. This is a reason for not loving earthly things. We died to the world, crucified with Christ, and were buried. See notes on Col_2:12. Also Rom_6:2; Gal_2:20. This death was a definite act, like the burial and the rising, not a state.

Your life is hid. They died, but they are not dead. Yet the world does not see their true life, the eternal principle within. Their life is in Christ, and can never be fully manifested until he shall be manifest; but (Col_3:4) when he shall be manifested, then the glory and the blessedness of the life in us shall be shown forth. Like the tree in the winter, not dead, but the life hidden. When the spring comes, its life shows itself in glory. (B.W. Johnson)
Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

1/9/2026
What You Would Have Men Do to You
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them:
for this is the law and the prophets. Mat 7:12

All things whatsoever ... - This command has been usually called the “Savior’s golden rule,” a name given to it on account of its great value. All that you “expect” or “desire” of others in similar circumstances, do to them. Act not from selfishness or injustice, but put yourself in the place of the other, and ask what you would expect of him. This would make you impartial, candid, and just. It would destroy avarice, envy, treachery, unkindness, slander, theft, adultery, and murder. It has been well said that this law is what the balance-wheel is to machinery. It would prevent all irregularity of movement in the moral world, as that does in a steam-engine. It is easily applied, its justice is seen by all people, and all must acknowledge its force and value.

This is the law and the prophets - That is, this is the sum or substance of the Old Testament. It is nowhere found in so many words, but if is a summary expression of all that the law required. The sentiment was in use among the Jews. Hillel, an ancient Rabbi, said to a man who wished to become a proselyte, and who asked him to teach him the whole law, “Whatever is hateful to you, do not do to another.” Something of the same sentiment was found among the ancient Greeks and Romans, and is found in the writings of Confucius. (Albert Barnes)

This sums it up well:

"Do justice to your brother (you can do that whether you love him or not), and you will come to love him. But do injustice to him, because you don’t love him, and you will come to hate him."
(Great Texts)

Jer 7:5 For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour;
Jer 7:6 If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:
Jer 7:7 Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.

1/8/2026
The Abiding Word
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isa 40:8

"Hast thou not known?" This is not a new revelation. It is an appeal to memory, and that is a strong point in all the Divine pleading. Our memory is to be as the prophet of the Lord in our life. Recollection is to be inspiration; the forty years gone are a pledge of the forty years to come. Let a man be faithful to his own recollections, and it is impossible he can long be despondent, weary and slow of heart, to lay hold of the great work and discipline of life.
Is God almighty? Then do not fear for the stability of His works. Have no fear about the realization of His promises. Do not imagine you can escape His judgments. Be assured that the throne of right shall stand upon the ruins of all wrong.

God is not only powerful, but all wise. There is no searching of His understanding. Infinite strength would terrify us, but infinite strength under the dominion of infinite mind recovers us from the tremendous shock which comes of. abstract, immeasurable, unwasting strength. Is God all-wise? Then the darkest providences have meaning. His plan of salvation is complete and final, and we shall waste our strength and show how great is our folly by all attempts to improve the method of redemption and recovery of the world. Our individual life is all understood by Him. That life is but dimly known to ourselves. We catch glimpses of it here and there, but its scope and meaning are still unrevealed to us. It is enough that God knows our life, and that His wisdom is pledged as our defense. We have a guarantee of endless variety in our future studies and services. God is ever extending our knowledge of His works, in reward of the endeavors we are making to acquaint ourselves with the wonders by which we are enclosed.

The subject forces upon us the solemn enquiry: What is our relation to this dread Being, whose power is infinite, and whose wisdom is past finding out? We must sustain some relation to Him. We are the loyal subjects of His crown, or rebels in His empire. Pause and determine the answer. Everything depends upon our relation to the cross of Jesus Christ. (Parker, City Temple, 1870, p. 349)

1/7/2026
Contentment in All Things
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things
I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Php 4:11-13

Paul, denied of every comfort, wrote the above words in his dungeon. A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning, and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes, like the vine. The vine was going to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac; and so on all through the garden. Coming to a heart’s-ease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. "Well, heart’s-ease, I’m glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened." "No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heart’s-ease, I am determined to be the best little heart’s-ease that I can."

"Others may do a greater work,
But you have your part to do;
And no one in all God’s heritage
Can do it so well as you."

"They who are God’s without reserve, are in every state content; for they will only what He wills, and desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do; they strip themselves of everything, and in this nakedness find all things restored an hundredfold." (Streams in the Desert)

"I know how to be abased - Having scarce what is needful for my body. And to abound - Having wherewith to relieve others also. Presently after, the order of the words is inverted, to intimate his frequent transition from scarcity to plenty, and from plenty to scarcity. I am instructed - Literally, I am initiated in that mystery, unknown to all but Christians. Both to be full and to be hungry - For one day. Both to abound and to want - For a longer season." (John Wesley)

The School of Christ:
To be content amidst the world’s changes. What a changeful life was that of Paul’s from the time he left his father’s house for Gamaliel’s school to his imprisonment at Rome. We are all subject to disturbing changes from increase or loss of wealth, friends, position, and only in the school of Christ is there rest for the soul. The believer has “the unsearchable riches,” so nothing can impoverish him; peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, so nothing can fatally disturb him; is “kept by the power of God,” so nothing can harm him. He may, therefore, well be content.
To be submissive amidst the world’s trials. We all encounter a good deal that humbles us, but that is very different from learning how to be abased. This knowledge takes away half its burden and bitterness. Christ teaches this by encouraging us to cast our burden on Him, and by strengthening that faith which produces conformity to Him.
To be heavenly minded amidst the world’s enjoyments. “I know how to abound.” Count up your mercies and your trials and see which abounds.
What the believer can do when Christ strengthens.
1. He can suffer the will of God.
2. He can vanquish his spiritual foes.
3. He can fulfil all his duties to God and man. (W. Cadman, M. A.)

1/6/2026
The Temporal and Eternal Things
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man
is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:
for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2Cor 4:16-18

For which cause. Moved by faith, hope, the love of souls and desire for the glory of God, we faint not; do not for a moment give way and relax our efforts.

Though our outward man perish. Though our body waste away under the trials, or is threatened with death.

Yet the inward man. His spiritual strength is constantly renewed by Christ. The "inward man" is the immaterial nature in contrast with the material body. See Rom_7:22 and Eph_3:16.

For our light affliction. Great as his afflictions were, he calls them light in view of the glorious reward they will bring; continual as they were, he speaks of them as but for a moment in view of eternity. They were the more easily borne for they work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Bearing the cross weaves an eternal crown. Sorrows endured for Christ's sake prepare for eternal joys.

While we look not at things which are seen, but, Our eyes are fixed on the unseen things beyond, the glory that the flesh cannot behold. Hence, we turn away from present afflictions as momentary, as belonging to the seen and the transient, and only regard them as adding to the weight of our unseen, eternal joys. Our goal is beyond.

For the things which are seen are temporal. All material things, and all that the world values, are perishing.

All things of sense shall pass away; Cæsar's greatness, the might of Roman power, the strength of man, the glory of the magnificence of Corinth; even the visible heavens and the earth.

But the unseen things are eternal. The things which the senses see not, but which faith reveals--God, heaven, the unseen spirit. Let the eye be turned upon the unseen, rather than the things of sense.
(B.W. Johnson)
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God
abideth for ever.

1/5/2026
Christ-Our Light and Refuge
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him:
God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psa 62:7-8
+++++++
I am the Light of the World: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life. Jon 8:12

"IT WAS the Feast of Tabernacles when our Lord uttered the words of our text, and it is supposed they were lighting the two great candelabra, which commemorated the fire-cloud that led the desert march. It was in direct allusion to the fiery pillar that our Lord used this metaphor. What that was to Israel, He is to His Church.
The wilderness was a trackless waste to Israel. The people absolutely depended on the cloud to show their path, and to find a resting-place at night. When it gathered itself up from the Tabernacle on which it brooded, the people must strike their tents and follow. However desirable the site of their camp, they must leave it; however difficult the desert paths, they must traverse them; however uninviting the spot where it stopped, they must halt there, and remain as long as it tarried. To linger was to run the risk of wandering aimlessly in the desert till death supervened. Only where the cloud rested did the manna fall, the water flow, or the Divine protection avail.

There are resting-times in our lives. God graciously arranges green pastures and quiet waters, and makes us to lie down. His voice sounds amid the turmoil of our existence, and bids us come aside and rest awhile. But often we fret against enforced rest, we persist in hurrying to and fro, and give way to bitter repining. When the cloud stays, remain where you are. When you do not know what to do, stop still until some indication points your path.
There are times for action. The trumpet is heard with its summons, to which we must give immediate attention. When the sleeper refuses to arise instantly at the whir of the alarum, he soon becomes so accustomed to it that it does not disturb him. So we shall gain keenness of hearing when we accustom ourselves to instant obedience. The peace and usefulness of our earthly life will be in direct proportion to our appropriation of the Lord Jesus for all the demands of our pilgrim condition.

Nay, more, for as in the train the electric light comes on before the dark tunnel is entered, and lingers after it is passed, so the presence of Christ will precede and follow times of special need. "I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight" (Isa_42:16). (Our Daily Walk)
Isa 42:16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

1/4/2026
The Delusions of The Wicked
He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck;
he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense,
as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways,
and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them;
because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear:
but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Isa 66:3-4

"He that, - Solomon, Pro 15:8, gives a full commentary on the whole verse; The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord. As if - From hence it is plain, that the prophet is not here reflecting upon idolatrous worship, but formal worship: upon those who in a formality worshipped the true God, and by acts which he had appointed. God by the prophet declares, that these men's services were no more acceptable to him than murder, idolatry, or the most horrid profanation of his name. Own ways - They live as they lust. Delight - They take pleasure in their sins." (John Wesley)
Note: When they killed animals for sacrifice, it was as if they killed a man. This added to their sin, it didn't take it away.
"Mice “were eaten as a delicacy by the Romans and other heathen people and were used by others as idolatrous sacrifices.” (Bultema)

In the last days, scripture says God will send a strong delusion, as was in the days of Isaiah. In spite of 2000 years since the birth, death and resurrection of Christ, people continue to reject the Son of God, and the risen Savior. God will choose the strong delusions among them, and we are seeing the results of this around the world today. The rise of pagan god worship, and idolatry, is blatant rejection of the God of creation. People do not want God or His Son to rule over them, they want to worship their own gods, and continue in their sins of lust and perversions.
Examples: The youth reject their gender, and attempt to change their sex, and the schools and governments make laws to protect them to do this, even though it is grotesque self mutilation. The sin of sodomy, that caused the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, is now legal around the world, and protected. What God did to Sodom and Gomorrah-He will do to the world, as it's written in Peter, and Revelation.

Much more could be added to the examples above, but it makes the point, that we are in the days spoken of by Paul in 2 Th ch. 2. The New Year's celebrations around the world depicted pagan celebrations this world desires, and worships. Their gods are demons, and their worship is of Satan.
During the Great Tribulation, God will reap a harvest of the wicked, and the rebellious, they will be food for the birds and predators, and lay in the millions on the ground. Their blindness, and rejection will bring it upon themselves, they will have no excuse.
2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2Pe 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2Pe 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

1/3/2026
God's Judgments-More Precious than Gold
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD
are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than
honey and the honeycomb. Psa 19:9-10

The purity of the law. “The fear of the Lord is clean.” The commandments which teach the fear of the Lord are without any admixture of error or unrighteousness. “The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” The moral law as contained in the Scriptures contains no false principle of conduct or action. The moral law as given in the Scriptures is no lower form of morality for an imperfect civilization, but the absolute law for the highest creatures and the highest worlds. The moral law is not merely correct in the main, but all and every of its special requirements are just and righteous. The stability of the law.
“Enduring for ever.” It is changeless and everlasting. The moral law continues. The ceremonial law was abrogated—it served its purpose, and ceased to be; civil law is susceptible to continual modifications; natural law will be changed, for the sun and sky and planets shall be dissolved in fire; but moral law abides firm as the throne of God. “Not one jot or tittle of it shall perish.” (Biblical Illustrator)

More to be desired are they than gold - That is, his law; or, as in the preceding verse, his judgments. They are more valuable than gold; they are of such a nature that the soul should more desire to be in possession of them than to be in possession of gold, and should value them more. The psalmist here and in the following verses describes his estimate of the worth of revealed truth as he perceived it. In the previous verses he had shown its value in the abstract; he here speaks of his own feelings in regard to it, and shows that he esteems it more than he did the objects most prized and valued among men.
Yea, than much fine gold - The word used here - פז pâz - means properly that which is purified or pure, and thus becomes an epithet of gold, particularly of gold that is purified. It is rendered fine gold here, as in Psa_119:127; Pro_8:19; Son_5:11, Son_5:15; Isa_13:12; Lam_4:2; and pure gold in Psa_21:3.

The word does not occur elsewhere. Gold is an article of principal value among men; and the object here is to show that to a pious mind the revealed truth of God is esteemed to be the most valuable of all things - a treasure above all which men can accumulate, and all which men can prize. Every truly pious heart will respond to the sentiment expressed here.
Sweeter also than honey - Honey, the sweetest of all substances, and regarded as an article of luxury, or as most grateful to the taste. It entered largely into the food of the inhabitants of Palestine, as it does now in Switzerland and in some parts of Africa. The idea is that the truth of God, as revealed, is more grateful to the heart, or affords more pleasure to the soul, than that which is esteemed as the highest luxury to the palate. The meaning is, that it is loved; it is pleasant; it is agreeable; it is not regarded merely as necessary, and admitted to the soul because it is needful, as medicine is, but it is received into the soul because it is delighted in, or is more agreeable and pleasant than the most luscious article of food is to the taste. To this, also, the heart of every one who “has tasted the good word of God” will respond.
And the honeycomb - Margin, dropping of honeycombs. So the Hebrew. The allusion is to honey that drops from the combs, and therefore the most pure honey. That which is pressed from the combs will have almost inevitably a mixture of bee-bread and of the combs themselves. That which naturally flows from the comb will be pure. (Albert Barnes)

1/2/2026
The Praise of Men
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.
These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord,
who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not
see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the
Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Joh 12:36-43

"The human eye of admiration I seek is like the scorching ray that destroys all the delicate colors in the most costly material. Every action that is done only to be seen of others, loses its freshness in the sight of God, like the flower that, passing through many hands, is at last hardly presentable to anyone, much less to a dear friend." (T. H.Leary, D. C. L.)

"It is a question for many how much of your Christian faith is, other than conformity to public custom, and how much is simple conformity to what is respectable.
Is the praise you receive beneficial in its effect upon you? Is it preparing you for higher association in the kingdom above? The day hastens. Soon we shall stand before Him who has declared that if in this evil generation we are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of us."
(H. W. Beecher.)

Because of pride, vanity and self-love-even if many may concede that Christ is who He claims-the Christ of God, when in the presence of those they desire acceptance and adulation, they will not stand and speak up, and proclaim Jesus as their Savior. They will capitulate, and remain silent, proving they are an empty shell, with no substance. The word of God is twisted, and toyed with, to get it to say anything they want it to say, in order that they can justify their sin, use it to profit themselves and remain in good standing with the people they want to impress. Jesus openly condemned them, and proclaimed their doom. The question is-where do you and I stand, and what will we do, when faced with this test.

Joh 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

Mat 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Mat 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Luk 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Mar 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

1/1/2026
Stephen's Testimony
But Solomon built him an house.
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord:
or what is the place of my rest?
Hath not my hand made all these things?
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost:
as your fathers did, so do ye.
Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which
shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye
have been now the betrayers and murderers:
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. Act 7:47-53

Stephen's defense to his opposer's was a timeless one. The points made to them, they could not dispute, or endure, because it was touching every aspect of their life, especially financially, and exposing their long history of killing any prophets sent by God, who would stand up to their corruption, which was covered by their religious traditions. Jesus had called them hypocrites and "white washed tombs". Nothing has changed, the same thing is done today.

The risen Christ had brought the truth to light for those who's eyes had been opened, and received His words of truth, and eternal life through the Son of God. Stephen's words proclaimed a dangerous truth-that God had no desire to inhabit temples made by man, but the man himself. He came to dwell within the man by the Holy Spirit-and that the man himself would be the temple God would dwell in.

1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
See also: Rom 8:11 1Cor 9:13, 2Cor 6:16, Heb 3:6, 1Pe 2:5, Eze 36:27, Joh 14:17, 2Ti 1:14

As he made this clear, and pointed out their hardness of heart and stiff-necked rebellion, they ran on him, gnashed on him with their teeth, then threw him out of the city and stoned him to death. Stephen's death was a significant sign to every believer, that we can expect the same treatment. It's proven to be so, down through the ages.

But, God was with Him, and honored him. Stephen looked up, and saw his Savior at the right hand of the Father, waiting for him, Jesus reveals and honors those who stand for Him, He does not leave us comfortless. Many are suffering and dying today, and facing the same persecutions around the world, and as the globalist's agendas, and the wars around the world increase, we will see an increase of persecutions. Believer's need to be in vigilant prayer, asking the Lord for His strength, peace, and for the words to speak, if we are called to give an account for our faith-as Stephen did.
Lorna Couillard
Mat 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
Mat 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

"Words like these could not be forgiven. The growing irritation of the audience seems to have extorted those burning remonstrances, and to have hastened the final scene. But the storm that burst around Christ’s faithful confessor and first martyr could not disturb his serenity. His heart was fixed, trusting in God.

Psa 108:1 A Song or Psalm of David. O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

The peace of God garrisoned his heart and mind. At the moment when his foes were fiercest, the presence of Jesus, who had risen from sitting to standing, in order to encourage and welcome him, was most vital. It will always be even so. You will never know the completeness of Christ’s comradeship till you have weathered a storm in His company." (F.B. Meyer)

Ye stiff necked - Not bowing the neck to God's yoke; and uncircumcised in heart - So they showed themselves, Act 7:54; and ears - As they showed, Act 7:57. So far were they from receiving the word of God into their hearts, that they would not hear it even with their ears. Ye - And your fathers, always - As often as ever ye are called, resist the Holy Ghost - Testifying by the prophets of Jesus, and the whole truth. This is the sum of what he had shown at large. (John Wesley)

Two Minutes Daily for December 2025

1/12/2025

Short Scripture/Quotes/Inspiration

Note: From my research, and many other's - Jesus' birth was not in December, but in the fall, around September/October. Though we are not to celebrate pagan holidays, this month will emphasize the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ-to lift up His Holy Name, and bring Him glory, in this wicked world. It will be to counter the pagan blasphemies coming from media, commercial markets, and all Satan can contrive.
Jesus Christ is King-and Coming Again

12/23/2025
Emmanuel-God With Us
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall
save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,
saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,
and they shall call his name Emmanuel,
which being interpreted is, God with us. Mat1:21-23

“God with us.”—The great secret of our Christian joy lies in this fact, that we believe in a present, not in an absent Jesus; One who is Emmanuel—God with us. Try to get hold of that great fact of our Lord’s presence, and then you will see what results flow from it.

The fact of our Lord’s abiding presence ought to make us brave.—If God be for us, and with us, who can be against us? No temptation need be too strong to be conquered, no difficulty need be too hard to be surmounted, by those who know that God is with them—Emmanuel.

The fact of our Lord’s abiding presence ought to make us good to each other.—Look on your fellow-men, and learn from the incarnation to respect man, every man, as wearing the flesh which Jesus wears. (H. J. Wilmot-Buxton)

The virgin birth foretold by Isaiah 700 years before his birth:
Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Immanuel: https://youtu.be/mrmMQdkBPwY?si=Di_2tZ2Bd4beAZsu

12/22/2025
Sold to the World
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous
and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed,
when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mar 8:36-38

"The men who live for self are dead, as Christ has been saying. Suppose their self-living had been ‘successful’ to the highest point, what would be the good of all the world to a dead man? ‘Shrouds have no pockets.’ He makes a poor bargain who sells his soul for the world. A man gets rich, and in the process drops generous impulses, affections, interest in noble things, perhaps principle and religion. He has shriveled and hardened into a mere fragment of himself; and so, when success comes, he cannot much enjoy it, and was happier, poor and sympathetic and enthusiastic and generous, than he is now, rich and dwindled. He who loses himself in gaining the world does not win it, but is mastered by it. This motive, too, like the preceding, has a double application-to the facts of life here, when they are seen in their deepest reality, and to the solemn future.

To that future our Lord passes, as His last reason for the command and motive for obeying it, in Mar_8:38. One great hindrance to out-and-out discipleship is fear of what the world will say. Hence come compromises and weak compliance on the part of disciples too timid to stand alone, or too sensitive to face a sarcasm and a smile. A wholesome contempt for the world’s cackle is needed for following Christ. The geese on the common hiss at the passer-by who goes steadily through the flock. How grave and awful is that irony, if we may call it so, which casts the retribution in the mold of the sin! The judge shall be ‘ashamed’ of such unworthy disciples-shall blush to own such as His. May we venture to put stress on the fact that He does not say that He will reject them? They who were ashamed of Him were secret and imperfect disciples. Perhaps, though He be ashamed of them, though they have brought Him no credit, He will not wholly turn from them.

How marvelous the transition from the prediction of the Cross to this of the Throne! The Son of Man must suffer many things, and the same Son of Man shall come, attended by hosts of spirits who own Him for their King, and surrounded by the uncreated blaze of the glory of God in which He sits throned as His native abode. We do not know Jesus unless we know Him as the crucified Sacrifice for the world’s sins, and as the exalted Judge of the world’s deeds." (Alexander Maclaren)
Note: This will be added as a bonus:
DR. PETER S. RUCKMAN | THE FOUR THINGS WE NEED MOST | 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30
https://youtu.be/3nWqNks0gXg?si=ZHoN_A4SYzjQz2Av

12/21/2025
God is the Rock
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those
that trust in him.
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? Psa 18:30-31

“As for God, his way is perfect.” Far past all fault and error are God's dealings with his people; all his actions are resplendent with justice, truth, tenderness, mercy, and holiness. Every way of God is complete in itself, and all his ways put together are matchless in harmony and goodness. Is it not very consolatory to believe that he who has begun to bless us will perfect his work, for all his ways are “perfect?” Nor must the divine “word” be without its song of praise. “The word of the Lord is tried,” like silver refined in the furnace. The doctrines are glorious, the precepts are pure, the promises are faithful, and the whole revelation is superlatively full of grace and truth. David had tried it, thousands have tried it, we have tried it, and it has never failed. It was meet that when way and word had been extolled, the Lord himself should be magnified; hence it is added, “He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”

Having mentioned his God, the Psalmist's heart burns, and his words sparkle; he challenges heaven and earth to find another being worthy of adoration or trust in comparison with Jehovah. His God, as Matthew Henry says, is a None-such. The idols of the heathen he scorns to mention, snuffing them all out as mere nothings when Deity is spoken of. “Who is God save the Lord?” Who else creates, sustains, foresees, and overrules? Who but he is perfect in every attribute, and glorious in every act? To whom but Jehovah should creatures bow? Who else can claim their service and their love? “Who is a rock save our God?” Where can lasting hopes be fixed? Where can the soul find rest? Where is stability to be found? Where is strength to be discovered? Surely in the Lord Jehovah alone can we find rest and refuge.
(Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

Deu 3:24 O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?
Psa 86:8 Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

12/20/2025
The King of Glory
A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world,
and they that dwell therein. Psa 24:1

"The world belongs to God"— As to its matter. “The earth is the Lord’s.” With all its forms of beauty and magnificence, with all its ponderous forces and mystic laws, with all its wealth of mineral and hidden treasures of earth, air, and ocean. Man has conquered the earth by the power of the sword, and claimed the right to dispose of it in petty states and kingdoms; but the earth does not belong to man.

“He is but a tenant at will",—a leaseholder upon most precarious tenure, liable to instantaneous ejectment. The great Landowner and true Proprietor holds His court above the clouds, and laughs at the title-deeds of worms of the dust. The fee-simple is not with the lord of the manor, nor the freeholder, but with the Creator.”--
“The ‘fulness’ of the earth may mean its harvests, its wealth, its life, or its worship; in all these senses the Most High God is Possessor of all. The earth is full of God; he made it full and he keeps it full.” (Spurgeon)

The world and those who dwell therein: God’s ownership of the earth extends to the people who live upon it. Through the rights of creation and continuing provision, God has a claim upon every person who has ever lived. God has a right and claim to the earth and all who are in it-because He created it. The moment we die, the truth of this is a fact we must face, from the least, to the pompous and proud.

Psa 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
Psa 89:11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.
1Co 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
1Co 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
1Co 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

12/19/2025
Testimony of Life
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you
up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not
be able to gainsay nor resist. Luk 21:12-15

"But it shall turn to them for a testimony." The light of their lives shall shine through their forms, and reveal the inner glory in eternity. This is the eternal recompense, revelation—the revelation of the Christlike spirit in a world where to be Christlike is to be glorious and blessed; where the scars of battle are marks of honor, and the martyr’s brow is anointed like Christ’s with the oil of joy and gladness through eternity. (Excerpt from- J. Baldwin Brown, The Sunday Afternoon, p. 124)

Lessons in these passages- Evils to Be Anticipated—The disciples are to be prepared (1) for persecution, both on the part of the ecclesiastical and civil authorities; (2) for treachery on the part of kinsfolk and friends; (3) for violent death; (4) for the hatred of the world.

"Life is a steep climb, and it does the heart good to have somebody "call back" and cheerily beckon us on up the high hill. We are all climbers together, and we must help one another. This mountain climbing is serious business, but glorious. It takes strength and steady step to find the summits. The outlook widens with the altitude. If anyone among us has found anything worth while, we ought to "call back."
(Streams in the Desert)

In your patience possess ye your souls.
Luk 21:19

Call Back
If you have gone a little way ahead of me,
call back--
’twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track;
And if, perchance, Faith’s light is dim, because the oil is low,
Your call will guide my lagging course as
wearily I go.

Call back, and tell me that He went with you
into the storm;
Call back, and say He kept you when the forest’s roots were torn;
That, when the heavens thunder and the earthquake shook the hill,
He bore you up and held you where the very
air was still.

Oh, friend, call back, and tell me for I cannot
\see your your face,
They say it glows with triumph, and your feet bound in the race;
But there are mists between us and my spirit eyes are dim,
And I cannot see the glory, though I long
for word of Him.

But if you’ll say He heard you when your
prayer was but a cry,
And if you’ll say He saw you through the night’s sin-darkened sky
If you have gone a little way ahead, oh, friend, call back--
’twill cheer my heart and help my feet along
the stony track.
Anonymous

Where there is no outward suffering there may be the inner cross and the death to all that the soul had once prized. Jesus has always stood beside His own wherever they have been called to witness for the truth; and the testimony given by His witnesses has reached the great ones of the earth and reverberated through courts and palaces. In suffering our souls become searched as by fire. We learn to know ourselves and to come into possession of an experience and a self-knowledge with which only suffering could have endowed us. (F.B. Meyer)

12/18/2025
Love Not the World
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth
the will of God abideth for ever. 1Joh 2:15-17

"Let's examine the warning. Are we not required diligently to attend to the things of the world? And is not a promise of its enjoyment made to those who do so? True. The command is “Look well to thy flocks and herds.” “Not slothful in business.” And this is among the promises, “Godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is and that which is to come.” We may value the world, we may seek to possess it, we may enjoy it. This is not what the apostle forbids. The true meaning of the injunction lies in the term, “Love not the world.” This affection is supreme in whatever heart it dwells. It is jealous, and admits no rival. If a man loves the world, he gives it the first place in his heart, and everything is subordinated to it. The world then becomes his God, and he worships it. What ever comes in competition with it is discarded. It becomes the object of a passion of which it is wholly unworthy.

Yet the love of the world is a principle fearfully prevalent. It is to be found in many who do not suspect it. Here is a man placed in a position where he may add to his worldly substance. But there is a difficulty. The law stares him in the face, “provide things honest in the sight of all men.” He would like to keep it, but the prospect is tempting. By degrees his principle of integrity is overcome, and he takes the golden bait, overcome by the love of the world. One other illustration may be added. Here is a man who does respect the laws of integrity, and honor, and devotion. But he is associated with another, who does not respect them. A case arises where both must act together. The former expresses his desire to act righteously. The other uses his influence to overcome what he denominates his scruples. He is afraid to offend him; his interests are too deeply involved to run so great a risk; he yields, and presents another example of a victim overcome by the love of the world.

The reasons of the warning.
1. The love of God and the love of the world are incompatible with one another, and cannot exist together in the same mind. This is precisely the sentiment of our Lord (Mat_6:24).
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
2. The world is sinful, and therefore its service is incompatible with that of God.
3. We are ourselves perishing, and so is all that is earthly.
4. But to all this there is a glorious contrast in the last reason. “He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” Such a man is the subject of principles that will endure through all the trials, seasons and changes of life." (James Morgan, D. D.)

12/17/2025
Jesus is the Door
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep
All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out,
and find pasture. Joh 10:7-9

"Jesus, the great I AM, is the entrance into the true church, and the way of access to God himself. He gives to the man who comes to God by him four choice privileges.

He shall be saved. The fugitive manslayer passed the gate of the city of refuge, and was safe. Noah entered the door of the ark, and was secure. None can be lost who take Jesus as the door of faith to their souls. Entrance through Jesus into peace is the guarantee of entrance by the same door into heaven. Jesus is the only door, an open door, a wide door, a safe door; and blessed is he who rests all his hope of admission to glory upon the crucified Redeemer."

He shall go in. He shall be privileged to go in among the divine family, sharing the children's bread, and participating in all their honors and enjoyments. He shall go in to the chambers of communion, to the banquets of love, to the treasures of the covenant, to the storehouses of the promises. He shall go in unto the King of kings in the power of the Holy Spirit, and the secret of the Lord shall be with him.

He shall go out. This blessing is much forgotten. We go out into the world to labor and suffer, but what a mercy to go in the name and power of Jesus! We are called to bear witness to the truth, to cheer the disconsolate, to warn the careless, to win souls, and to glorify God; and as the angel said to Gideon, "Go in this thy might," even thus the Lord would have us proceed as his messengers in his name and strength.

He shall find pasture. He who knows Jesus shall never want. Going in and out shall be alike helpful to him: in fellowship with God he shall grow, and in watering others he shall be watered. Having made Jesus his all, he shall find all in Jesus. His soul shall be as a watered garden, and as a well of water whose waters fail not." (Charles Spurgeon-Every Evening devotion)

12/16/2025
Signs of the End of the Age
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not
the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth,
but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2Th 2:10-12
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Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isa 5:20

The last few days devotions has brought the expected results, of some who have no pleasure in all of the word of God, but only those verses which send flowery flattering praises to their ears, and tickle them. These people would do well, to go to another site. This one is here to do what a watchman is called to do, expose the darkness, expose the truth-and people's hearts, whether people want to hear it, or not, and give the warnings of events unfolding and coming, and of the return of Christ. Jesus is setting events up now, that clearly show the nearness of His coming. This site is for those who can face the truth, desire the truth, and are expectantly waiting for the return of Jesus.
We are living in the final moments of this age. We are now in the age of deceit, and lies. The proof of this is everywhere. 2Thessislonians describes the days we are in, and tells us that the strong delusion is poured out, that they who would be deceived would be sifted, and follow the Anti-Christ. His revealing is being set up now. The AI systems being put up around the country will bring in the lying "signs and wonders", along with the disclosure of alien beings, that many believe are from outer-space, but are actually demons from other dimensions-they've always been here. Paul describes them as being principalities and powers of darkness. Sightings of groups of flying orbs, and saucers are seen every day, and people have been conditioned for years through movies, TV, and news media for this event to take place. Be ready, and be warned. Don't be sucked into the delusions coming at us-look up, our redemption draws nigh. Some thoughts below, add to this, and helps us understand what's coming.

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan: The Antichrist will come with power, with signs and with lying wonders. But all of this is according to the working of Satan, as described in Rev_13:13-17.
If someone has spiritual power, signs, or wonders, those are not enough to prove they are from God. Satan can perform his own powerful works, either through deception or through his own resources of power.
“He is Satan’s messiah, an infernal caricature of the true messiah.” (Moffatt)
Among those who perish: However, the deception can only take root in those who do not receive the love of the truth. These people are ready for the deception of the Antichrist, because they want a lie, and God will send them a strong delusion.
God will send them: In the end, the Antichrist is only God’s messenger. God has judgment to bring, and He will send ... a strong delusion through the Antichrist. God will not force this delusion on anyone, but those who do not receive the love of the truth will receive this strong delusion. “They were first deluded, which was their sin; and God sends them strong delusion, and that is their punishment.” (Poole)

In Isaiah 5:20-we see today's generation in detail. Moral laws are corrupted. What was established by God as sin, and evil, the world calls good. Example-from the beginning sodomy was outlawed, and for good reason. The numbers of lives destroyed by the abuse of sodomy, only God can number, but now, it is legal, and celebrated. The nations have legalized killing-abortion has killed million of unborn babies, and it continues to this day. The crux of the problem lies in the failure of the two who engaged in sex-and produced the child, the responsibility lies not just with the woman, but the man also. However, the nations have taken it upon themselves, to open the door for murder, and are equal now in the sin.
The great sign of the end of the age-is all morality has been turned upside down-evil is now called good, and good evil. Madness in government, now rules the nations-and can we not see the results?
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil: Using clever and deceptive words, they blur moral issues and excuse their sin. They look at their own evil and call it good, and they look at the good of others and call it evil. Isaiah is describing a deep state of moral confusion.
“They were the Nietzschians of that day with their Unwertung aller Werten, the devaluation of all values, the overturning of all values and basic concepts.” (Bultema)

12/15/2025
Christ is the Light-Walk in His Light
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Eph 5:11

Today's devotion will go hand in hand with yesterday's. Jesus tells us to walk in the light, as He is in the Light. The people we keep company with, and allow to influence us, will either draw us closer to God, or farther away from him. The word of God is full of warnings about being careful of who we allow to be close to us in our relationships. There's good reason for it, and we should study them, and take them seriously, if we want to stand before the Lord unashamed, when the time comes.

"We must be as distinct from the worldly as light is from darkness. There should be no twilight in our testimony for our Lord, though there may be considerable obscurity in our views of truth. Whatever is unfruitful; whatever we should blush to have transcribed and read to the world; whatever would be inconsistent with the strong, clear light of the throne of God and the Lamb, must be avoided. We must walk in the light of the Lord. Then we ourselves shall become luminous, as some diamonds do after being held in sunshine. People who love darkness will avoid and hate us; but their treatment may be only a cause for our own encouragement, as God becomes increasingly precious to us." (F.B. Meyer)

God’s people, His children, are a reproving light. They are called out of darkness into marvelous light, that they might reflect the, light of Him who hath “called them out of darkness into His marvelous light.” But, beloved, there is another quality in light, there are many others indeed, but this one especially here to be noted, which is, that there is a detective and a reproving quality in light. We know not the beauty of an object but as the light unfolds it; we know not its faultiness, we see not its defects, they are to us unknown without the light; but the light reveals them. The Lord’s people are especially called to stand; not merely as a reflecting light, not merely as a diffusing light, but as a reproving light, reproving the “darkness “ around them.
(Biblical Illustrator)

"What you learn from bad habits and in bad society you will never forget, and it will be a lasting pang to you. I tell you in all sincerity, not as in the excitement of speech, but as I would confess and have confessed before God, I would give my right hand tonight if I could forget that which I have learned in evil society—if I could tear from my remembrance the scenes which I have witnessed, the transactions which have taken place before me. You cannot, I believe, take away the effect of a single impure thought that has lodged and harbored in the heart. You may pray against it, and by God’s grace you may conquer it, but it will, through life, cause you bitterness and anguish." (J. B. Gough)

Important point: If our fellowship is with God, we must quit the ways of darkness. If you have to block people from your company, you will come up against misunderstanding, and dispute with other's, but it is not worth it to keep allowing bad company to influence you into a life of sin and darkness. If you determine in your heart to turn from wickedness, and follow Christ, He will manifest Himself more and more to you, and His presence will more than compensate for anything or anyone who may leave you.
Lorna Couillard

12/14/2025
Love Unfeigned
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Rom 13:10

"Love worketh no ill to his neighbor,.... That is, the man that truly loves his neighbor, will contrive no ill against him, nor do any to him; he will not injure his person, nor defile his bed, nor deprive or defraud him of his substance; or do hurt to his character, bear false testimony against him, or covet with an evil covetousness anything that is his; but, on the contrary, will do him all the good he is capable of."
(John Gill)
"We sometimes meet with men who never commit any punishable injury, but who are to the last degree cold, callous, hard-hearted, and selfish. We are quite sure they would not rob or murder us, but we are equally sure they would not move their little finger to do us any good, would not raise their hand to save us from destruction. These men do incalculable mischief, and that of the worst kind. They injure the moral nature of their neighbors, whose best affections are dwarfed, or it may be destroyed, by their inhumanity, just as fruit is blighted by the frost. They do all that in them lies to make other men into moral pigmies like themselves. Hence, though they are not guilty of any punishable breach of the law, they are guilty of violating it—they do ill to their neighbors." (A. W. Momerie)

Today, in the 21st century we see the blatant lack of unfeigned love, in every aspect of life. Much of it is rooted in pride, arrogance, and selfishness. This is the "ME" culture-whatever feels good-do it, regardless of who it may harm. There's a great deal of merchandising of "love", because it is profitable, and it can be polished up and made to look real-when it is just a cheap imitation.
I'll narrow it down to a few examples: If you are intentionally doing something to harm anyone else-either physically, mentally, morally, or psychologically, it has no root in love. It is rooted in the work of the devil. Jesus said he came to kill, steal, and destroy. If you are doing anything that brings harm in any way to another-you are in league with Satan.
Another tool of the devil: Do you intentionally provoke someone else to do something wrong, just so you can find fault, and accuse them to other's? This is malicious trickery, that many use to get someone to lose their temper or retaliate-so they can then slander them everywhere.

The technologies today are used by many to aide people in their evil intentions, and brings untold misery to other's. Spying on other's private lives, spreading and promoting slander, which brings false accusations, and destroys people. Manipulation, control, and power over other's is a rampant disease today, that is spread by every form of media. Only those who work diligently to avoid getting trapped in this, will endure to the end, before Christ returns. In this age of deceit-
I don't blame anyone if they do not want to be involved in large gatherings, or crowds. Use wisdom, and choose your friends wisely. God never calls us to be foolish, or a doormat.
Lorna Couillard

1Co 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1Co 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1Co 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

12/13/2025
As the Grass of the Field
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. Psa 103:15

"As for the life of man, “the wind passeth over it, and it is gone. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.” The loving-kindness of the Lord is eternal as His own Being. Man, saddened with the transiency of human strength and beauty and life, here is rest for thee in the eternal mercy of God! Here is what we, as sinners, need; and it is here in inexhaustible and unchangeable fulness and freeness." (Biblical Illustrator)

“As for man, his days are as grass.” He lives on the grass and lives like the grass. Corn is but educated grass, and man, who feeds on it, partakes of its nature. The grass lives, grows, flowers, falls beneath the scythe, dries up, and is removed from the field: read this sentence over again, and you will find it the history of man. If he lives out his little day, he is cut down at last, and it is far more likely that he will wither before he comes to maturity, or be plucked away on a sudden, long before he has fulfilled his time. “As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.” He has a beauty and a comeliness even as the meadows have when they are yellow with the king-cups, but, alas, how shortlived. No sooner come than gone, a flash of loveliness and no more. Man is not even like a flower in the conservatory or in the sheltered garden border, he grows best according to nature, as the field-flower does, and like the unprotected beautifier of the pasture, he runs a thousand risks of coming to a speedy end.

A large congregation, in many-colored attire, always reminds us of a meadow bright with many hues; and the comparison becomes sadly true when we reflect, that as the grass and its goodliness soon pass away, even so will those we gaze upon, and all their visible beauty. Thus, too, must it be with all that comes of the flesh, even its greatest excellencies and natural virtues, for “that which is born of the flesh is flesh,” and therefore is but as grass which withers if but a breath of wind assails it. Happy are they who, born from above, have in them an incorruptible seed which liveth and abideth for ever."
(Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)
Psa 90:5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
Psa 90:6 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.

1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1Pe 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

12/12/2025
A Cry for Deliverance in God's Righteousness
In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me,
and save me. Psa 71:1-2

"Old men need have no failure in their buoyancy and gladness, if they will fix their thoughts where the psalmist fixed his. Other subjects will soon wear out, but they who make God’s righteousness and salvation their theme will ever have material for meditation and praise. We have here an inexhaustible subject, and one which will keep us young. Let us ask for help, that we may disappoint the calculations of those who hate us, whether men or demons. It is a piteous spectacle when apparently prosperous careers” are overclouded, and age is overwhelmed in catastrophes which there is no time to surmount. But such is not God’s way with His loyal servants. His rivers do not end in swamps and marshes, but broaden and deepen till they kiss the mighty ocean." (F.B. Meyer)

“Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape.” Be true, O God, to thy word. It is a righteous thing in thee to keep the promises which thou hast made unto thy servants. I have trusted thee, and thou wilt not be unrighteous to forget my faith. I am taken as in a net, but do thou liberate me from the malice of my persecutors. “Incline thine ear unto me, and save me.” Stoop to my feebleness, and hear my faint whispers; be gracious to my infirmities, and smile upon me: I ask salvation; listen thou to my petitions, and save me. Like one wounded and left for dead by mine enemies, I need that thou bend over me and bind up my wounds. These mercies are asked on the plea of faith, and they cannot, therefore, be denied.
(Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

12/11/2025
Taking Sides
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God:
and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 1Cor 10:20-21
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And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD
be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.
And the people answered him not a word. 1Ki 18:21

"To abstain from idol feasts was the clear duty of all Christians. By partaking of heathen sacrifices which were offered to demons, they became one with the demons and their votaries; just as in the Lord’s Supper we show our oneness not only with the Savior but with each other. It was clear, therefore, that the Corinthian Christians could not consistently partake of idol feasts and the Lord’s Supper. This is an incentive is given here to frequent and reverent participation in the Lord’s Supper. It proclaims our union with Him and His people, and it gives us a distaste for all that is alien to its spirit." (F.B. Meyer)

MOSES AND Elijah uttered practically the same call, which is always being spoken to each fresh generation. As soon as we can think for ourselves, we are accosted by the challenge of the Divine Voice- Art thou for Me or against Me? Which side dost thou take? From the lips of our blessed Lord comes the additional challenge, which compels us to face the alternative as one that may not be trifled with or put aside: "He that is not with Me is against Me."
How long halt ye between two opinions? We must take one side or the other. When the division-bell rings in the House of Commons, the Ayes must go to the right and the Noes to the left. A man must choose which he will take! If Jehovah, If Baal, We cannot be neutral without being stultified.
Who, then, is prepared to take sides, and to come out to Christ, without the camp, bearing His reproach?

Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
To be on the Lord's side is to acknowledge Him as our King as well as Savior. It is to render to Him our reverence, obedience, love and devotion. It is to abandon all refuges and resorts to our own works and ways, and to strive for heart, mind, and life to be assimilated to His will and character. This is what our Savior expects and asks of each of us! We are to belong wholly to God, to give Him all that we are capable of giving, to choose His cause, and to find in Him the beginning and ending, the first and last.
Jesus Christ possesses an unimpeachable and absolute right over us—the right of Creator, "it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves"; the right of Benefactor, not only in the realm of temporal but of spiritual existence; the right of Redeemer, and this is the greatest claim of all.
Our decision demands declaration. Christ will not have His followers live in secret. In the days in which we live, when there are so many temptations to compromise between the disciples of Jesus and the votaries of the world, there is overwhelming reason why we should take His side. And in that great day, He will take our side and acknowledge us before His Father and the Holy Angels. (Our Daily Walk)

12/10/2025
Hell-What Jesus Teaches About It
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed,
into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

The actor Kirk Cameron has come out stating that he no longer believes in conscious eternal judgment in hell, and saying he is now leaning to Annihilationism. I've posted two short videos of him stating this below. My stand on this is what the bible teaches, and what Jesus says about it. It is eternal, it is everlasting, it is forever. These are words used by Jesus himself, when describing hell-no matter what region of hell it is-and there are several different regions of hell, and different levels. I will Let Jesus speak for Himself on this subject, and post scripture verses that you can go to in your bible and read them for yourself. Take Jesus seriously, He means what He says about it.
The answer for you, so you don't go there, is to repent of your sins, confess them to the Lord, ask Jesus to forgive you, and to help you stop sinning and live for Him. Turn from your sins, and seek the Lords strength and help to live in a way that pleases Him, and honors Him. Pick up a bible and read it, especially the New Testament gospels, and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior and start living what the bible teaches. No one is perfect, everyone can stumble, but when Jesus comes into your heart and life-you will want to be different, the sins you enjoyed once, will repel you now. The Spirit of God will change your heart, and you will want to read the bible, and you will want to change. Jesus is the door, and when you seek Him, He will come in and help you overcome the temptations we all face. He loves you, and died for you to be with Him in heaven-seek Him today, open your heart, and let Him prove Himself to you. Eternity, is a long time to be wrong. Don't let the devil destroy you, Jesus is the way to life eternal, and joy in heaven with him, and the saints of God. Jesus' victory on the cross, is available for you today-but you must choose, He will not force you. He loved you enough to die for you, but lives again, he rose from the dead. By faith, receive His free gift of salvation, and let him redeem you today.
Does Kirk Cameron Deny Hell? Annihilationism
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YZjBbA52Jy4
Kirk Cameron Change His Views on Hell and He Doesn't Believe in Eternal Suffering Anymore
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6JwYC8HpjLc

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Jesus often told stories to teach on the truths of life-but the stories weren't fiction. Lazarus was a real person, and is still in torment and in hell today. And, if he could he'd be warning you-don't come to this place of torment, don't be like the ones described by Jesus in this parable, don't be blind and stupid. Heed the warnings now, while you are still on this side of death. This parable also destroys the false teaching of purgatory. It is accounted unto man once to die-then the judgment.
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Luk 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Luk 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Luk 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Luk 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luk 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Luk 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Luk 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Luk 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
Luk 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Luk 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Luk 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

Luk 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

"Where their worm - That gnaweth the soul, (pride, self will, desire, malice, envy, shame, sorrow, despair,) dieth not - No more than the soul itself: and the fire (either material, or infinitely worse!) that tormenteth the body, is not quenched for ever. Isa 66:24." (John Wesley)

Everlasting: Mat_25:46, Mat_3:12, Mat_13:40, Mat_13:42, Mat_13:50; Mar_9:43-48; 2Th_1:9; Rev_14:10-11, Rev_20:10-15
Not quenched: Mar_9:46, Mar_9:48; Isa_66:24
the fire: Isa_33:14; Mat_3:12, Mat_25:41, Mat_25:46; 2Th_1:9; Rev_14:10-11, Rev_20:10, Rev_20:15, Rev_21:8

12/9/2025
Rejoice in the Victory of God
Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. Psa 21:3

“Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength.” A sweet concluding verse. Our hearts shall join in it. It is always right to praise the Lord when we call to remembrance his goodness to his Son, and the overthrow of his foes.

The exaltation of the name of God should be the business of every Christian; but since such poor things as we fail to honor him as he deserves, we may invoke his own power to aid us. Be high, O God, but do thou maintain thy loftiness by thine own almightiness, for no other power can worthily do it.
“So will we sing and praise thy power.” For a time the saints may mourn, but the glorious appearance of their divine Helper awakens their joy. Joy should always flow in the channel of praise. All the attributes of God are fitting subjects to be celebrated by the music of our hearts and voices, and when we observe a display of his
power, we must extol it. He wrought our deliverance alone, and he alone shall have the praise. (Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

Be thou exalted - Exalt thyself. O Lord - thy creatures cannot exalt thee. Lift thyself up, and discomfit thy foes by thine own strength! Thou canst give a victory to thy people over the most formidable enemies, though they strike not one blow in their own defense. God’s right hand has often given the victory to his followers, while they stood still to see the salvation of God. How little can the strength of man avail when the Lord raiseth up himself to the battle! His children, therefore, may safely trust in him, for the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous flee into it, and are safe. (Adam Clarke)

12/8/2025
I Am the Light of the World
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me
shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Joh 8:12

"When these words were spoken it was early morning. They had parted last night, after a day of commotion and danger; but at daybreak Jesus was back again in the midst of the people. “And early in the morning He came again into the Temple, and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down and taught them.”

We can picture to ourselves the unfolding splendors of the new morning. The eyes of the people gazed as, without wave or sound, as with increasing vigor and unsullied purity, the light streamed in from the east. It disclosed the green fields and well kept vineyards and pleasant groves of the valleys; it lit up the city and its splendid palaces and gorgeous Temple; and it revealed all around them the majestic forms of the mountains. How it gilded everything, and beautified the pinnacles of the Temple, and touched the hills with gold! How it aroused the wicked, who then as now turned night into day, and worked deeds of violence and wrong under cover of black night! How it cleansed the earth, and lifted the thick veil of mist, and drove away the pestilential vapors.

Even the beasts, savage and dangerous, who through the night had been seeking and securing their prey, owned its power, and retired from the light into the caves and dens of the earth. All this was present to the thoughts of the people, and standing there in the midst of them Jesus said, “This is the emblem of My mission: I am the Light of the world,” (C. Vince)

12/7/2028
The Eternal Christ
Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Before Abraham was, I am. Joh 8:57-58

The text is one of those rare passages in which Jesus Christ appears to stand upon His own dignity, in which the Lowly, the Humble, the Unresisting Son of man asserts His high origin, claiming to be God, for it amounts to no less: God from everlasting. "Before Abraham was, I am."

Abraham rejoiced to see the day of Christ. He had a glimpse of that day of the birth of Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, as He had a glimpse also of the manner in which Jesus Christ should work out our redemption. He took his son Isaac and offered him up on Mount Moriah—that Isaac so exceedingly dear, of whom it was said, that "in Isaac shall thy seed be called." He offered him up, his one hope of becoming the father of many nations. And that act of Abraham—that act of faith, was counted unto him for righteousness; and he is held up for ever as the father of the faithful. To him, as St. Paul writes, "The Scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the Gospel, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed."
Jesus Christ Himself lived before Abraham was born. Whenever God is spoken of as holding communion and as being visible to man, it is in the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, God, the Son, Jesus Christ. It is He who declares to us the Father. It is He who represents God to us, and is Himself God, even Jesus Christ.

This was He who talked with and was called the friend of Abraham. It was He who was the Giver of the Law to Moses, it is He by whose agency the worlds were made, God the Supreme Deity dwelleth in the light which no man can approach: but Jesus Christ who is the image of the Invisible God, hath manifested, made known, declared to us, what God is; how good, how gracious, how ready to forgive, and how rich in mercy to those who call upon Him. It follows, then, that we should honor and worship Him as God, we should draw near with all reverence, with all holiness, with bowed heads and bowed hearts, to present our supplication before Him. (R. D. B. Rawnsley, Village Sermons, 3rd series, p. 62)

12/6/2025
Poverty and Hardship Mark His Nativity
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea,
unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered. Luk 2:4-6

There is nothing to distinguish Him to outward appearing from multitudes of other of His fellow-subjects in the kingdom of Herod, or the empire of Caesar Augustus. His parents are enrolled with their neighbors in the register at Bethlehem; for though they are of royal descent, their claim to exceptional rank has fallen into abeyance. It is now a mere genealogical curiosity, and the fact that the carpenter of Nazareth can trace up his lineage to David is not likely to trouble the peace of the most jealous of tyrants. It is as the son of an artisan that the name of Jesus would be enrolled.
Not even a house to shelter her can His mother find when the time comes for His birth. The inn was full: no friendly roof afforded the comfort and hospitality of which she stood in need, and it was a stable that first covered His head, and a manger that formed His first cradle.

He passed through the stage of helpless and unconscious infancy—being in all things made like His brethren. No preternatural glory shone about Him: it is by His wearing the first childish swaddling clothes, hastily extemporized perhaps by His virgin mother, and by the rude fashion of His resting-place, that the shepherds are to discover Him. Yet even while He lies on His hard bed in poorest guise there are not wanting signs of His great and unapproachable majesty. Heaven opens, and angels descend to proclaim and celebrate His birth; the glorious light that breaks in upon the darkness of earth, the multitude of celestial beings, and the song of praise, bear witness to the greatness and significance of the event that has just taken place in Bethlehem.
In no uncertain terms the angel speaks of Jesus as the possessor of a mightier throne than that of Caesar. He is Lord of angels and of men.

He is the Anointed One, whose power, and authority, and dignity are typified and faintly shadowed forth in kingly, priestly, and prophetic offices. He not only deserves but receives homage and worship from men. The shepherds hasten to find the new-born babe, that they may kneel at His feet; and in them He receives the first-fruits of that loyal service which one day will be fully rendered to Him by all created beings. (Preacher's Homiletical)

12/5/2025
The Source of True Liberty
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Joh 8:36

“Whosoever commits sin is the slave of sin; and the slave abides not”. His master can sell him, or give him his dismissal; the slave has no part or inheritance with the free children. The Son abides ever. He is the Father’s heir, and can dispose of the Father’s possessions as if they were His own. He can set the slaves free, and give them the position of children—make them “heirs together” with Himself.

“If the Son shall make you free”. The faithful are the true freemen, and the full tyranny of sin ends when redemption begins. Not that the faithful are ever entirely free from sinning. Still, they are free from sin: from its blindness—they know it for what it is; from its punishment—they fear that no more; from the love of sin; from the dominion of sin. They have come under a better dominion. They learn to glory through and in Him who is the end of the law for righteousness: “I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart” (Psa_40:8). Let us thank God that we can rejoice and say, There came to us a Savior, a Deliverer, a Son of man, full of love and power, who hath kindled a quickening fire within our hearts. Now we see the heaven open to us as our true Fatherland, and can now believe and hope and rejoice that we are of the household of God. “If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed”. (Joh_8:31-32).
(Abridged from Friedr. Arndt)

If I therefore make you free, ye - shall partake of the same privilege: being made free from all guilt and sin, ye shall abide in the house of God for ever. (John Wesley)
Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

12/4/2025
For Christ's Sake
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil
against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:
for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Mat 5:11-12

Through the years, from the first day of my salvation, I've come to know the Lord's words are true, and faithful. These two verses are addressed to Christ's followers, and if you are a Christian, your life should be a bearer of the message of Christ, whether you are called to give prophetic messages or not-your life, and what you stand for, should be an open book. It takes courage to live in this world, and stand for Christ, we live in the furnace of persecution till death.
I've heard people make the statement "We all belong", and what they meant is, they automatically have a free pass into heaven, without any faith or stand for Jesus Christ. They are in for a sad reality, if they die believing that. He states repeatedly in the gospels that without faith and trust in Him in this life, and if your not willing to speak up for him, and are ashamed of him in this life-you will have no part with Him in heaven. You will find yourself outside the gates, looking up from hell, and you'll have no excuse.
I've never called myself a prophet, but other's have. For reasons I still do not know God has required me to say things, and give prophetic messages that He wanted said, and there were times there were years I waited, before I knew they had to be said. There's prices to pay in this service, few are willing to pay. If I am a prophet, I consider myself at the very bottom of that service, and consider it an honor I do not deserve. But, from the first day of my salvation Christ has manifested Himself to me, and spoken to me and when you know His voice, you don't have to ask anyone what it sounds like-you know, and you are given the option of obeying, or not. I've trembled at the aspects of both-but choose to obey, and take the consequences.
But generally as a Christian, I've learned that you'll lose 90% of the worlds' approval, and will be persecuted in every way Satan can devise. Of the 10% that may agree with you or hold to being a fellow Christian- 1% of those may desire to have any fellowship with you, and of that 1%, you may even lose that-this includes family. Paul said several times that "all forsook him" during his ministry, and he was beheaded alone. When Jesus was on earth and ministered, he took only 3 with him to the mountain, and was transfigured before them-that's 1% of the disciples he chose.
Mat 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
This tells us that if you are called to speak a prophetic word, or are a committed Christian who won't conform to the world, you'll need to learn to follow Christ wherever He leads, and do not look behind you to see if anyone is following you. Take up your cross, and walk with Christ, into whatever happens. The question for you is, is He worth it? My answer is-Yes. Lorna Couillard
All heaven declares (with lyrics) - Martin Ball
https://youtu.be/kPkZAjA610k?si=uLDbo_hVu6I7wTuh

Blessed are ye when men shall revile you - Reproach you; call you by evil and contemptuous names; ridicule you because you are Christians. Thus, they said of Jesus that he was a Samaritan and had a devil Joh_8:48; that he was mad Joh_10:20; and thus they reviled and mocked him on the cross, Mat_27:39-44. But, being reviled, he reviled not again 1Pe_2:23; and thus being reviled, we should bless 1Co_4:12; and thus, though the contempt of the world is not in itself desirable, yet it is blessed to tread in the footsteps of Jesus, to imitate his example, and even to suffer for his sake, Php_1:29.
(Albert Barnes)

Slander.—I am getting rather proud, for I see that my character is more and more defamed.—Luther.
Mat 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mar 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

12/3/2025
The Gospel of Jesus Christ in Isaiah
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid
as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement
of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isa 53:3-5

To all God grants some dim vision of what He intends man to be. The holiest men have had the clearest glimpses of that character. One nation was separated to keep the ideal before the world. The majority corrupted the representation, but some prophets saw it clearly.
GOD’S IDEAL FOR MAN, AND ITS REALIZATION IN CHRIST. The majority thought He would be another Solomon, David’s greater son. The prophet saw that He would be a Sinless Sufferer; what it had been intended that the nation should be, that the Suffering Servant would be. The voice of God, which set forth the ideal by the lips of prophets, now speaks through our own highest desires.
THE WORLD’S RECEPTION OF THE REVEALED IDEAL. Pilate has brought Him forth that His suffering may excite their pity, but His pure and loving life has made them relentless in their hate. There is no beauty that they should desire Him. Barabbas, the bold and reckless, is the people’s choice. While boon companions crowd round him, cold looks and scornful smiles are reserved for Christ. Christ had headed no revolt against the powers that be, and therefore He was not popular. Political emancipation is more popular than spiritual. The path of righteousness ends on Calvary; its crown is one of thorns, its throne a cross.
THE MEANING OF THE REVELATION OF THIS IDEAL. The world says, Blessed are the wealthy, the powerful, the great, and the wise. Christ says, Blessed are the poor in spirit, the pure in heart, the meek, the mourners, the persecuted. At first we pity Christ, and reserve our indignation for His persecutors. But He was the least pitiable of all that group. Pilate was a pitiable victim, the people were pitiable because carried away by passion, and the priests by desire for revenge. The greatness of apparent weakness is here revealed. Yet we despise weakness.

Here is a dramatic representation of weighty decisions made every day in human hearts. When we choose ease and worldly glory in preference to holiness and self-denial, we despise and reject Christ. Here our choice is seen worked out to the bitter end. This is a revelation of the meaning of sin.
THE EFFECT OF THIS REVELATION. The world can never forget that spiracle. In the dark ages, when the Bible was a hidden book, a representation of this scene was to be found in every church. Though obscured by superstition, the ideal was still held up, and was still molding the minds and stimulating the holy endeavors of men. In an open Bible we have the ideal more truthfully set forth. The love there revealed has been the constraining motive which moved apostles to preach, martyrs to suffer, missionaries to forgo the joys of home, and humble men and women to labor in countless ways to advance the interests of Christ. His patience shames our murmuring: His burning love to us kindles our love to Him. (R. C. Ford, M.A.)

"Wounded - Which word comprehends all his pains and punishments. For our iniquities - For the guilt of their sins, which he had voluntarily taken upon himself, and for the expiation of their sins, which was hereby purchased. The chastisement - Those punishments by which our peace, our reconciliation to God, was to be purchased, were laid upon him by God's justice with his own consent. Healed - By his sufferings we are saved from our sins." (John Wesley)

12/2/2025
The Vanity of a Worldly Life
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold,
all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecc 1:14

"Nothing can satisfy the entire man but the Lord's love and the Lord's own self. Saints have tried to anchor in other roadsteads, but they have been driven out of such fatal refuges. Solomon, the wisest of men, was permitted to make experiments for us all, and to do for us what we must not dare to do for ourselves. Here is his testimony in his own words: "So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor.

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun." "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." What! the whole of it vanity? O favored monarch, is there nothing in all thy wealth? Nothing in that wide dominion reaching from the river even to the sea? Nothing in Palmyra's glorious palaces? Nothing in the house of the forest of Lebanon? In all thy music and dancing, and wine and luxury, is there nothing? "Nothing," he says, "but weariness of spirit."

This was his verdict when he had trodden the whole round of pleasure. To embrace our Lord Jesus, to dwell in his love, and be fully assured of union with him-this is all in all. Dear reader, you need not try other forms of life in order to see whether they are better than the Christian's: if you roam the world around, you will see no sights like a sight of the Savior's face; if you could have all the comforts of life, if you lost your Savior, you would be wretched; but if you win Christ, then should you rot in a dungeon, you would find it a paradise; should you live in obscurity, or die with famine, you will yet be satisfied with favor and full of the goodness of the Lord." (Charles Spurgeon-Evening Devotions)

12/1/2025
Birth of the Prince of Peace
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace. Isa 9:6

"We have here the great mystery of the Incarnation. "Unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given." "Unto us a Child is born" relates, we may safely say, to the humanity of Christ. "To us a Son is given" relates to the Divine nature of Christ. He was a Son when born, even the Eternal Son of God.
"The government shall be upon His shoulder." He is a King then; born for kingly office, and with kingly power. For one who shrinks from Christ, through dislike of the cross, there are hundreds who shrink from Him through dislike of the throne. The hard sentence to flesh and blood is not "The world’s iniquity was laid upon His head," but "The world’s government is laid upon His shoulder." Christ is King, and He reigns, whether to reward the loyal, or to punish the rebellious.

"Wonderful." This is the first title which the prophetic herald assigns to the newborn Prince. Wonderful in His actions, for look at His miracles; wonderful in His endurances, for contemplate His sufferings; wonderful in life, for who shall declare His generation? wonderful in death, for He saw no corruption; wonderful in His resurrection, for He raised Himself; wonderful in ascension, for He carried our fallen nature into heavenly places; wonderful in the love which moved Him to do and to suffer for sinful beings like ourselves.

Next He is called "Counsellor." Not our Counsellor, as though the office were one limited to the children of men, but Counsellor in the abstract; denoting, it may be, His intimate union in the Divine essence, as a Person in the Godhead, and as such concerned in all the counsels of eternity.

"The Everlasting Father." The Septuagint Version renders this title, "The Father of the world to come." "The world to come" was an expression, under the old dispensation, for the new dispensation that was promised and expected. We may consider this title as indicating in Christ the Source or Author of those eternal blessings, which are now proffered to and provided for the believing.
"The Prince of Peace." "On earth peace, goodwill toward men" was the chorus with which the hosts of heaven rang in the birthday morn. Christ came to give peace to troubled consciences. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (H. Melvill, Penny Pulpit, No. 2282)

Two Minutes Daily for November 2025

1/11/2025

Scriptures/Devotions/Inspiration

11/30/2025
The Legacy of Peace
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Joh 14:27

"When the world exclaims to us, Peace be unto you - this exclamation is often void of sincerity. How often are proffers of service, and desires for our happiness, uttered by the mouth that has just been employed in stabbing our reputation, and that in a few minutes will load us with slanders, and hold us up to ridicule.
When the world exclaims to us, Peace be unto you, it is not always insincere and deceitful; but even when it most strongly desires our felicity, it is weak, and without power to afford us a complete felicity. Man is feeble, indigent, unhappy.
The peace which the world gives is limited in its duration. Inconstant and variable, men frequently change their sentiments and opinions.
Thus, unable to find full happiness from the world, shall we, my brethren, entirely despair of attaining it? No; for Jesus gives peace not as the world does; His wishes can all be accomplished, for His power is irresistible." (H. Kollock, D. D.)

"Our Lord gives the fourfold basis of His peace: (1) The vision of the Father. Throughout these wonderful chapters He seems able to speak of nothing else. If we lived in the thought and consciousness of God, our peace also would be as a river. Let us wrap that thought around us, as a man his overcoat on a stormy day. (2) Disentanglement from the world. We must stand clear of the ambitions of the world, of its fear and favor, of its craving for wealth and fear of poverty. The world must have no charms for us. (3) A constraining love, as in Joh_14:31. (4) Obedience to God’s supreme authority. When we put the government on His shoulder, He sets up the inward reign as Prince of Peace." (F.B. Meyer)

Joh 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

"When Christ left the world, He made His will. His soul He bequeathed to His Father, and His body to Joseph. His clothes fell to the soldiers, His mother He left to the care of John. But what should He leave to His poor disciples, who had left all for Him? Silver and gold He had none; but He left them what was far better—His peace." (M. Henry)

11/29/2025
Growing to Maturity in God
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when
I became a man, I put away childish things. 1Cor 13:11

True maturity in God means the putting away childish things—rising out of the weakness and frivolity of childhood to the stature of a ripe Christian. Consider what are the chief characteristics of childhood. We see much that is pleasant and winning in them—openness, simplicity, a comparative innocence, and an absolute ignorance of many evil things. But we see, also, much that is not pleasant to see. Now we are not to put away the better things of childhood; but retaining these we are to put away--

Silliness. There are many things that we pardon in a child because it is a child. If a child makes a foolish remark, or does a foolish act, we say, in excuse, “He is but a child—he will be wiser by and by.” But if, when the child grows up, and is still not wiser, we say, by way of reproach, that he is childish and ought, at his age, to know better.
Selfishness. All young children show this more or less. Hence the greediness in children and their egotism, the frequent use in their mouth of the words “I” and “me.” And this is a fault which all parents should try to correct. But a selfish child has the excuse of ignorance; but a selfish young man or woman has not this excuse. They do know better. While this fault remains uncorrected in us, we cannot make any progress in our Christian walk.

Want of self control. They only are to be accounted manly who are masters of themselves, who act from reason not from passion. Remember what Paul says, “Every one that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things”—in meat, drink, speech, pleasure, pursuit of earthly gains. The way to self-mastery is to be on the watch against all excess, all inordinate affection; to bring your bodies into subjection to the law of your mind; to look in all you do, not at what is most pleasant; but at what reason and conscience enjoin. (R.D. B. Rawnsley, M.A.)

11/28/2025
Description of the Wicked
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Psa 9:17

These are all those who willfully violate the plain and positive precepts of God. Drinkers. Profane persons. Those who dishonor God’s holy-day. The dishonest.
All the persecutors of the people of God.
All hypocrites and impostors in Christian faith.
All must be denominated wicked who are unregenerate. Wickedness is not a superficial defect, but a profound radical principle, deeply rooted in the heart of man. The “nations that forget God” refers to heathen nations whose gods were idols. The wicked are described as they who “forget God”—in His character as Benefactor and as Sovereign. He forgets the all-prevailing presence of God, and he forgets the Word of God. (Biblical Illustrator)
All the nations that forget God - They will not live in his fear. There are both nations and individuals who, though they know God, forget him, that is, are unmindful of of him, do not acknowledge him in their designs, ways and works. These are all to be thrust down into hell. Reader, art thou forgetful of thy Maker, and of Him who died for thee? (Adam Clarke)

Note: Yesterday I was traveling the roads and along the way saw many front yards with huge skeletons-that looked 10-12 ft. tall, decorated up as Santa Claus. Some of them had lights on them also, and some in cars, motorcycles, and on rooftops. It was a horror show, a nightmare, but was real. This is what people are doing now, and believe it's just great. Young teenagers and their parents, both do this, and it is a sad exhibition of the condition of people's hearts and minds today. Some had Halloween decorations right next to each other-along with the Christmas horror shows. I could have added much more to the graphic below-of demonic horrific Christmas tree bulbs, and decorations from hell, but this gives a good idea of what they are celebrating now in all the box stores, Walmart, and on-line shopping.
The insane asylums of the nineteenth, and early 20th century, need to be re-opened. There is an epidemic of mental illness in this country, and this behavior is just another sign of it. Christmas has nothing to do with the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, anymore. To the vast majority now-it's just a perverted holiday to enjoy people's greed, lusts, perversions, and anything goes. They see no problem with turning a holiday that used to be to bring honor to Christ, now to insult Him, and turning their honor to the father of lies- Satan. One thing I can say-you will reap the rewards of the gods you serve.
I will be spending the rest of this "holiday season" at home, spending my time focusing on something else, and close the door to this nonsense.
Lorna Couillard

Where is America now, and how did it get here? This sermon by pastor Jennings describes it well.
America Prepare to Meet Thy God-- https://youtu.be/NJIT8vKFfS0?si=KSd2zUQrdCvHWErl

Black Friday- And Hell's Christmas
The Devil's Celebration of Greed-Lust-and Perversions

11/27/2025
Our Only Rock and Refuge
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge,
is in God. Psa 62:7

"In God is my salvation and my glory. Wherein should we glory but in him who saves us? Our honour may well be left with him who secures our souls. To find all in God, and to glory that it is so, is one of the sure, marks of an enlightened soul. “The rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God.” He multiplies titles, for he would render much honor to the Lord, whom he had tried, and proved to be a faithful God under so many aspects; Ignorance needs but few words, but when experience brings a wealth of knowledge, we need varied expressions to serve as coffers for our treasure. God who is our rock when we flee for shelter, is also our strong rock when we stand firm and defy the foe; he is to be praised under both characters.

Observe how the Psalmist brands his own initials upon every name which he rejoicingly gives to his God - my expectation, my rock, my salvation, my glory, my strength, my refuge; he is not content to know that the Lord is all these things; he acts faith towards him, and lays claim to him under every character. What are the mines of Peru or Golconda to me if I have no inheritance in them? It is the word my which puts the honey into the comb. If our experience has not yet enabled us to realize the Lord under any of these consoling titles, we must seek grace that we may yet be partakers of their sweetness. The bees in some way or other penetrate the flowers and collect their juices; it must be hard for them to enter the closed cups and mouthless bags of some of the favorites of the garden, yet the honey-gatherers find or make a passage; and in this they are our instructors, for into each delightful name, character, and office of our covenant God our persevering faith must find an entrance, and from each it must draw delight." (Charles Spurgeon-
Treasury of David)

Jer 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
Jer 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1Co 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

11/26/2025
SEARCHING WORDS
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of
refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Act 3:19

"Peter’s sermon was delivered in the eastern colonnade of the Temple. It derived its name probably from the fact that Solomon’s Porch had originally occupied that site. The Apostle argued that the gospel which was given them to proclaim was only the flower of the revelations which had been given them through the prophets. How vast the change wrought in this man by the strength and illumination imparted to him at Pentecost. Why should we not seek to be similarly infilled.

Isa 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

How humble-not by their power. How daring-God had glorified Him whom they slew! What glorious conceptions of Christ-Prince of Life, holy and righteous. What pity for the ignorance of the Jews. The times of refreshing which are to come on this distracted world depend on the repentance and restoration of Israel. The Jew has the first offer of the gospel, as the child of the covenant; but its wide provisions lie open to us all, who by faith have become heirs of the promises made to Abraham. Christ begins His work of benediction for the soul by turning it away from iniquity. “Turn us, O Lord, and we shall be turned". (F.B. Meyer)

'Be converted - Be turned from sin and Satan unto God. See Act 26:20. But this term, so common in modern writings, very rarely occurs in Scripture: perhaps not once in the sense we now use it, for an entire change from vice to holiness. That the times of refreshing - Wherein God largely bestows his refreshing grace, may come - To you also. To others they will assuredly come, whether ye repent or no." (John Wesley)

Mic 7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
Mic 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

11/25/2025
Praise and Thanksgiving
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him,
and bless his name. Ps 100:3-4

If we could enter into the spirit of this psalm, every day would be a Thanksgiving Day. The psalmist invites all the earth to enter into the courts of God’s house with joyful songs. In many of the Psalms the minor chords overpower the major ones, and weeping prevails over rejoicing. But this psalm is full of unclouded sunlight. The reason for this gladness is suggested in the words: We are His: His by creation, by providence, and by grace; and His also by the glad consecration of our hearts to His service.

We belong to Him by right; it is for us to see to it that we are also His by choice. And His ownership involves His shepherd-care. We are His flock; it is for Him to lead us into green pastures and beside still waters.

To the psalmist’s eye the nations of the world pour into the Temple through the wide-open portals. “Hark!” he cries. “Listen to the burst of thanksgivings which roll forth from the mighty throng!” The great attraction is the goodness of Jehovah, and the everlastingness of His love and troth. This psalm reveals the true genius of religion. We cannot be satisfied till all men share our knowledge of the love of God. There is nothing which will better promote the true happiness and gladness of mankind.
(F.B. Meyer)

Psa 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
Psa 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

11/24/2025
Trust Amid Trials
With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early:
for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world
will learn righteousness. Isa 26:9

In this verse the prophet expresses the confiding trust of God’s people amid times of judgment. It is as though they had said, “When the pathway assigned for Thy people was rough with judgments,—sore inflictions of national calamity,—even then, Lord, did we wait still on Thee in patient, trustful hope, and our desire was toward the remembrance of Thy name.” Note the view this passage affords of the character and experience of God’s people.

Wait upon Him in the most unpromising circumstances. “Yea, in the way of Thy judgments have we waited for Thee.” When all is dark and threatening; when the promised mercy is long delayed and all seems settling into gloom and desolation; when the dungeon has no lamp and the night no star, even then does the longing soul wait for God (chap. Isa_8:17). It is a genuine mark of grace to trust a withdrawing God and never forego confidence in Him, but look for Him as in the darkest night the shivering sentinel looks for the morning star; as the husbandman amid the severest winter believes in the returning spring.

“With my soul have I desired Thee in the night, yea, with my spirit within me will I seek Thee early.” Our Lord gives it as the distinctive mark of God’s elect that they cry night and day to Him. This habit of prayer prompting to duty, tests the sincerity of our desires. (Samuel Thodey)
Hab 3:17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Hab 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Hab 3:19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

11/23/2025
The Final Separation
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Mat 25:34

"They shall be divided into two parts-the sheep and goats. There shall be two positions, on the right and on the left hand. There will be no third class. There is no state between being converted and unconverted.

They will be divided readily. It is not everybody that could divide sheep from goats. They are extremely like each other: the wool of some sheep in a warm climate becomes so like hair, and the hair of a kind of goat so like wool, that a traveler scarcely knows which is which; but a shepherd who has lived amongst them knows the difference well. The eye of fire will soon separate the sheep from the goats."

"Good works do not make a Christian; but one must be a Christian to do good works. The tree bringeth forth the fruit, not the fruit the tree. None is made a Christian by works, but by Christ, and being in Christ, he brings forth fruit for Him." (Martin Luther)

Then shall the King say to them on his right hand. The King is Christ. This is the only time, save in parabolic language, that he applies the title to himself, though he speaks of his kingdom and declares he came into the world to be a king. At judgment his kingly majesty will be acknowledged by all the universe.

Come, ye blessed of my Father. Observe that his invitation on earth to mortals is to come: "Come ye to the waters and drink;" "Let him that is athirst come and partake of the waters of life freely." To all who have heeded his earthly invitation he gives a heavenly invitation.

Inherit the kingdom prepared for you. The blessed are now to enter on an inheritance. On earth they were heirs and joint-heirs with Christ.
(B.W. Johnson)

Kindness to Christ's Servants:
"After telling us of the arrival of himself and his companions at a heathen village on the banks of the Orange River, Dr. Moffat says: “We had travelled far, and were hungry and thirsty and fatigued. We asked water, but they would not supply it. I offered three or four buttons that still remained on my jacket for a little milk. This also was refused. We had the prospect of another hungry and thirsty night. When twilight drew nigh, a woman approached from the height beyond which the village lay. She bore on her head a bundle of wood, and had a vessel of milk in her hand. She laid them down, and returned to the village. A second time she approached with other and larger supplies. We asked her again and again who she was. She remained silent, till affectionately entreated to give us a reason for such unlooked-for kindness to strangers. The solitary tear stole down her sable cheek when she replied, ‘I love Him whose servants ye are, and surely it is my duty to give you a cup of cold water in His name. My heart is full, therefore I cannot speak the joy I feel to see you in this out-of-the-world place!’ I asked her how she kept the life of God in her soul, in the absence of all communion with saints. She drew from her bosom a copy of the Dutch New Testament she had received in a school some years before. ‘This,’ she said, ‘is the fountain whence I drink; this the oil which makes my lamp burn.’” (Biblical Illustrator)

11/22/2025
Losing to Gain
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge
of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung,
that I may win Christ, Php 3:7-8

"Precept must be on precept, line on line. The false teachers who dogged Paul’s steps insisted on rigid conformity to Judaism, with its rabbinical accretions, as the condition of being saved by Christ. Paul’s answer was that he had gone through all the requirements of Judaism, but had found it absolutely unsatisfactory and inefficient to subdue the sin of his soul. But in Christ he had found everything he needed. What had been gain to him now seemed but dross. He had found the pearl of great price, and was only too glad to sacrifice all else to purchase and keep it, as the talisman of complete victory."
(F.B. Meyer)

"Yea, I still account both all these and all things else to be mere loss, compared to the inward, experimental knowledge of Christ, as my Lord, as my prophet, priest, and king, as teaching me wisdom, atoning for my sins, and reigning in my heart. To refer this to justification only, is miserably to pervert the whole scope of the words. They manifestly relate to sanctification also; yea, to that chiefly. For whom I have actually suffered the loss of all things - Which the world loves, esteems, or admires; of which I am so far from repenting, that I still account them but dung - The discourse rises. Loss is sustained with patience, but dung is cast away with abhorrence. The Greek word signifies any, the vilest refuse of things, the dross of metals, the dregs of liquors, the excrements of animals, the most worthless scraps of meat, fit only for dogs. That I may gain Christ - He that loses all things, not excepting himself, gains Christ, and is gained by Christ. And still there is more; which even St. Paul speaks of his having not yet gained." (John Wesley)

Service in Sorrows
I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold,
(I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 2Cor 11:21

It didn't take long to see responses to yesterday's post below, I knew it wouldn't. In the bible, Jesus confronted his enemies frequently, and faced them-some of the things he said to them, would singe the hair on your head. Paul openly confronted his accuser's also, I've posted the scripture references below, for anyone who's interested in what he said to his enemies. I'm going to interject a short response here, and use one of my best pics of myself-just like many of you do, because I don't make videos, I spend my time doing more studying, research, and create graphics, that's as far as I intend to go in maintaining these sites.
From the very beginning of doing this, I knew it would be like this, the never-ending slander, stories, accusations, and outright lies that spread like wildfire-while I spend my time here at my own home, minding my own business, and working on this outreach ministry in my office. It takes up all my free time, and maintaining my home, posted below. You see, I actually read my bible, and do a lot of praying, before I post devotions, I don't just grab one off the internet, and post it. I read it, and examine it with scripture to see if it's biblically sound, before I post it. As I listen and read many other's today-the difference is very clear-how little study and research many do today. Many do not realize we will be held accountable for what we are teaching and preaching. I remind myself of this every time I post.
There's been a wide range of accusations and lies that I don't even pay attention to because they are so absurd. But I'll address some of them here, and let the chips fall where they may. It may take more than two minutes. This is my website, so I'll take the liberty to speak up for myself.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
First, before I married Lynn I was a very worldly woman, and a sinner, Lynn was not an innocent either-he admitted his involvement with women, and during his term in Viet Nam in the military. When we met we talked a long time, and resolved to be faithful to each other, and forgave each other. Neither of us were saved at this time, we were just two people trying to straighten out our lives together, and make a life that mattered. I received Christ 2 years after we were married, and that's when trials and heartaches began for both of us, and my daughter, who was just seven at the time. The change in my life when I received Christ was dramatic, I stopped drinking, didn't want to do the party life anymore, and was hungry for the Word of God, and spent a lot of free time studying and it continued to change me. Lynn came to the place that he gave me the ultimatum-"You'll have to decide, it's either Jesus, or me." I knew he meant it, and he divorced me. This caused me and my daughter to have to move several times, while I sought work, and a life again, alone.

However, God kept speaking to me to not give up, to keep praying for Lynn, and believe Him for a reconciliation. I disputed with the Lord several times about this, but, would give in, and kept praying. On Jan. 2, 1982 we were re-married in an AOG church in Saratoga N.Y., and I moved back to our home in Vermont. From there it was a life of many hardships, but also blessings. Throughout our lives we will experience this ebb and flow of both, because the devil is real and he never stops attacking, and the trials are for our learning.

Six months after our reconciliation, Lynn had a massive heart attack, that almost killed him, but God had warned me weeks before and I had been praying for him, God hears and answers prayer, Lynn recovered, but remained on medications the rest of this life. He went on to live a very active, and productive life until his death in 2004. He did receive Christ 9 months before his death, and the Lord has confirmed several times to me-that I will meet him again, along with my family and friends who are in heaven now. Why am I relaying all this? Because it refutes much of the lies and slander that has continued to generate here in my area-along with slander that's as evil as the devil could create.
Here is a short to the point list:

My Present Home

An Overview of a Life Blessed by God

1. I'm a loose woman, who am involved sexually with other men. I've also been accused of many things regarding sex, that only someone who's got an agenda-would accuse me of. By the way-do you know that there's people who've had material intentionally put into their computers, that they didn't put there, and cops, and the CIA do this-if they want to destroy somebody's reputation? I've had things mailed to me, that I never ordered-that I've destroyed. Think about that. When somebody wants to destroy you, because what your doing is a threat to them, there's nothing they won't do. There's been no relationships or sexual encounters with any man when I was married to Lynn, nor since, and never will be.
2. I'm anti-social, and not a contributing member of the community.
I've given sums of money over the years to certain charities I trust, and here in my area, but do not broadcast it, it's nobody's business who I give to or how much. The bible speaks clearly about this, that we are not to trumpet what we do.
3. I don't have any friends.
Over the years when I was in churches, I worked with several women who I was friends with, and we traveled around the country to conferences, prayer meetings, and events. I don't do this anymore, and most of these friends are no longer here, they are gone, in heaven. I don't have the time or desire to spend on meetings and events that I am not interested in now. Many Churches are social clubs, with very little bible, or no bible teaching-I won't waste what time I have left, on things that do not matter to me.
5. I've been accused of being a poor old woman, who's got little to nothing the contribute, and in the "trailer trash" of society.
When I was abandoned by my first husband many years ago, at the age of 21-that's just what I was, and drinking my way to destruction, while my small daughter was living with me in this situation. I praise God every day, for how He has brought me through, led me in this path of life, and brought me out of that life. How He put opportunities and blessings before me, and dreams He's allowed me to see come to pass, as I worked step by step and He's guided me in the jobs I've worked, and gained in each one. And the people He's put before me, and the victories that have been won, By the power of God. It's in the book I wrote, that can be read at the top of this page "The NightWatchman". The photo of my home here is a modest 3 bedroom ranch, with 3 acres of land-that's all I want to maintain at my age now-72. During our life together, Lynn and I built two very nice homes, and no one can take away the memories, or the victories that we gained in building them. For many years, I owned, trained, and won many awards for the fine Arabian horses God allowed me to have, and I cherish the memories of those years. No one can change that. One day, I'll have them again. As I am now, I owe no one anything, and if I lost everything today, I feel the same as Paul, I have Christ, that is all I need. Whatever may come, I will face it with Jesus, and I know I can trust Him, He will see me through.
Now, I'm looking forward to the home God has prepared for me, when He decides it's time for me to leave this world. I'm prepared for whatever He chooses. These photos gives a good overview of what God can do for anyone, who turns to Him, and allows Him to lead them in life. They speak louder than any words.
I could go on, but, this is where I will stop. This will be enough for now. As for what I post or don't post here on these sites, I seek God for everything that's put here, if a mistake is made, I do what I can to correct it. But, I won't be persuaded, bribed, or blackmailed by anyone. The decisions made here, are between myself, and God alone. In the experiences I've had through this life, I've learned where my source of comfort, and my refuge is- in God.
The purpose of these sites is to lift the Name of Jesus Christ, declare Him as Lord and Savior, and coming again. Are you ready, when He does? If you died today, are you ready to meet Him? That, is the most important question you can ever be asked. The answer, is up to you.
Lorna Couillard

Paul's defense of himself: 2Cor 11:21-27--and then on to:
in labours: 1Co_15:10; Col_1:29
in stripes: 2Co_11:24-25, 2Co_6:4-5; Act_9:16
in prisons: Act_9:16, Act_16:24, Act_20:23, Act_21:11, Act_24:26-27, Act_25:14, Act_27:1, Act_28:16, Act_28:30; Eph_3:1; Eph_4:1, Eph_6:20; Php_1:13; 2Ti_1:8, 2Ti_1:16, 2Ti_2:9; Phm_1:9; Heb_10:34
in deaths: 2Co_1:9-10, 2Co_4:11, 2Co_6:9; Act_14:19; 1Co_15:30-32; Php_2:17; Col_1:24

11/21/2025
The Pretender
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery,
and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying,
This man is the great power of God. Act 8:9-10

This Simon was the first heretic in the Christian Church, the first to claim its fellowship while out of sympathy with its fundamental truths.
His mistakes were many and grievous.
He began with an unscrupulous ambition. No sooner had Peter and John begun to confer the gifts of spiritual power by the laying on of hands than Simon saw that his own juggleries were cast into the shade. All that he perceived were the outward phenomena; the inward grace did not occur to him.
He was guilty, thus, of utter insincerity. His pious airs and phrases, while he worshipped with the Christians, were all make-believe. His heart was wholly unchanged; he was still an unregenerate sinner, in the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity.

He was grievously mistaken as to the purchasing power of money. He thought that money could do anything. His mind was so utterly sordid that he was as honest as he could be in proffering coin for the sovereign gifts of God. There are men in our times who seem to have a like confidence in filthy lucre. Their very souls grow yellow as they bow before their wretched golden god. They subordinate all things to personal gain. Friendship, beneficence, patriotism, and piety are of value only, as they can be made to serve their selfish ends.

He was a blasphemer. He should have been appalled at the mere thought of tampering with the influence of the Divine Spirit; but “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” God was nothing to him, and sacred things were of value only to grind at his mill. It is well that Peter and John had the courage to unmask this miserable impostor. There is no telling what harm he might have done otherwise in the early Church. As it is, he vanishes from our sight cringing under a terrific warning and whining for an intercession which, had it been offered, would have seemed to him only another of the apostles’ masterly conjurations. Farewell to him! And may no disciple of his ever again pollute the pure atmosphere of the Church of God! (D. J. Burrell, D. D.)
Note: The graphic is to make the point that today, this is the spirit of the age- of computers, technology, and sophisticated leaders in every arena of life. We are seeing the antics of Simon the sorcerer played out in our faces every single day. Everything those in power do, even the good they do, is for their own benefit, and their own ambitions. Many churches and ministries are the same-they may choose you and elevate you into ministry if they see you are talented, and anointed, but will use you for their own gains. If you become weary, or burn out, and they see this, you will be replaced. The bottom of the issue is profit, the gold that you can produce for them. If you can't assist them any longer in their goals, or if you won't agree with them, to elevate them, and keep the business going, they will find someone else who will. They are pretenders, all wearing masks to hide their true ambitions, claiming to be benevolent overseers of humanity, when in reality, they are working never-endingly to gain complete power and control over every area of our lives. Only those who pick up their bibles, and read them for themselves, and spend time seeking Jesus Christ and His will for their own lives, will endure what is coming.
This is what this site was originally created for, for the remnant of Christ, who are looking for Him, and want to find His will, His strength, and His wisdom to endure what we are facing, and what's coming on this world, until He takes us home. May the Lord be with all of those, who are in this position.

11/20/2025
Christ's Choice of Disciples
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you
to become fishers of men. Mar 1:17

Whom did he choose? Not the wise and learned; they would have worried the simplicity with endless commentaries, have wrought it into intellectual puzzles, so that the shepherd on the hill could not have understood it. He did not choose the rich; they would have weighted His goodness with the cares of wealth. Did He choose religious leaders? They would dissolve His charity, mercy, in the acid of their theological hatreds. Did He choose the politicians? He would not use political craft.

“Come,” He said, “I will make ye fishers of men. And they left all and followed Him.” He was not wrong then in His choice. These men who gave up all at once for Him, had impulse, heart, impetuosity, love; and these were the main things He wanted for His work. It would be a hard task, and no faint-heartedness or questioning could bear its trials. It was this intensity of spirit that Christ stirred in men. When He spoke men arose from the dead. The source of His influence was partly personal; also it was weighted with infinite, Divine, ideal thoughts; He established living truths in the hearts of men and women.

That was His real power. As life went on His thoughts grew before them. So inspired, they went forth into the world. They saw before them a vast ocean, in whose depths men were lost in ignorance and misery. (S. A. Brooke, M. A.)
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

11/19/2025
Spiritual Blindness
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. Pro 21:2

Every man is conceited of himself and his own way, and is not easily persuaded off of it; his sinful ways are agreeable to him promising him pleasure, profit, or honor; and his self-righteous ways suit with the vain opinion he has of himself, whereby he promises himself eternal life and happiness. The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it to this sense, "every man seems righteous to himself;''

But the Lord pondereth the hearts: weighs them in the balance of righteousness and truth; considers them, having a perfect knowledge of them, and all the springs of action in them; and knows that every way of man is not right, though they may seem so to him. (John Gill)

Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Pro 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

THE Septuagint translation has an interesting addition to the proverb in Pro_12:2.
Pro 12:2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
"After "He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread, but he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding," it adds, "He who is sweet in pastimes of wine-drinking shall have dishonor in his strongholds." Drinking is the natural opposite of hard and honest work. When the love of it takes possession of a man he is sure to become a useless and unproductive member of society. A drunken people are in the end an incapable people; their wealth declines, their industries pass over to soberer rivals, their qualities of brain and muscle gradually disappear. This is partly owing to the deterioration of mind and body which results from the excessive use of stimulants; but it is still more due to a wider cause: drinking in all its branches is indulged in as an excessive pleasure." (Biblical Illustrator)

11/18/2025
The Stilling of the Storm
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased,
and there was a great calm.
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mar 4:39-40

"They that bear Christ’s company must prepare for squalls. Yet, why should we fear, when the Master is on board, who can impress His commands on wind and sea-to the wind, Peace; to the sea, Be still! “The Lord on high is mightier than the waves of the sea.” A moment ago he was so weary as to sleep amid the storm, but at a word of appeal from those He loves, He shows Himself able to save to the uttermost." (F.B. Meyer)

People who follow Christ must not always expect smooth sailing. If there are any people who you would think ought to have a good time in getting out of this world, the apostles of Jesus Christ ought to have been the men. Have you ever noticed how they got out of the world? James lost his head. Philip was hung to death against a pillar. Matthew was struck to death by a halberd. Mark was dragged to death through the streets. James the Less had his brains dashed out with a fuller’s club. Matthias was stoned to death. Thomas was struck through with a spear. John Huss in the fire, the Albigenses, the Waldenses, the Scotch Covenanters-did they always find smooth sailing? Why go so far? There is a young man in a store in New York who has a hard time to maintain his Christian character. All the clerks laugh at him, the employers in that store laugh at him, and when he loses his patience they say: “You are a pretty Christian.” Not so easy is it for that young man to follow Christ. If the Lord did not help him hour by hour he would fail.
(Dr. Talmage-Biblical Illustrator)

Psa 107:29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Nah 1:4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.
Psa 89:9 Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

11/17/2025
The Second Temptation
And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world
in a moment of time.
And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is
delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written,
Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Lu 4:5-8

Such was the splendid scene set before Jesus. "All this is mine," said Satan, speaking a half-truth which is often but a whole lie; for he was indeed the "prince of the power of the air," ruling, however, not in absolute kingship, but as a pretender, a usurper; "and I give it to whom I will. Only worship me (or rather, ‘do homage to me as Your superior’), and all shall be thine." Amplified, the temptation was this: "You are the Son of God, the Messiah-King, but a King without a retinue, without a throne. I know well all the devious, somewhat slippery ways to royalty; and if You will but assent to my plan, and work on my lines, I can assure You of a throne that is higher, and of a realm that is vaster, than that of Caesar. To begin with: You have powers not given to other mortals, miraculous powers. You can command nature as easily as You can obey her. Trade with these at first, freely. Startle men with prodigies, and so create a name and gain a following. Then, when that is sufficiently large, set up the standard of revolt. The priesthood and the people will flock to it; Pharisees and Sadducees, giving up their paper-chases after phantoms, shadows, will forget their strife in the peace of a common war, and before a united people Rome’s legions must retire. Then, pushing out Your borders, and avoiding reverse and disaster by a continual appeal to Your miraculous powers, one after another You will make the neighboring nations dependent and tributary. So, little by little, You will hem in the might of Rome, until by one desperate struggle You will vanquish the Empire. The lines of history will then be all reversed. Jerusalem will become the mistress, the capital of the world; along all these roads swift messengers shall carry Your decrees; Your word shall be law, and Your will over all human wills shall be supreme."

The answer of Jesus was prompt and decisive. Not deigning to use any words of His own, or to hold any parley, even the shortest, He meets the word of the tempter with a Divine word: "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." The tempting thought is something foreign to the mind of Jesus, something unwelcome, repulsive, and it is rejected instantly. Instead of allowing Himself to be diverted from the Divine purpose, His will detached from the Father’s will, He turns to that will and word at once. It is His refuge, His home. The thought of Jesus cannot pass beyond the circle of that will, any more than a dove can pass beyond the over-arching sky. He sees the throne that is above all thrones, and gazing upon that, worshipping only the Great King, who is over all and in all, the thrones and crowns of earthly dominions are but as motes of the air. The victory was complete.

Quickly as it came, the splendid vision conjured up by the tempter disappeared, and Jesus turned away from the path of earthly glory, where power without measure and honors without number awaited Him, to tread the solitary, lowly path of submission and of sacrifice, the path that had a crucifixion, and not a coronation, as its goal. (Expositor's Bible)

11/16/2025
Led by God
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path,
because of mine enemies. Psa 27:11

“Teach me thy way, O Lord.” He does not pray to be indulged with his own way, but to be informed as to the path in which the righteous Jehovah would have him walk. This prayer evinces an humble sense of personal ignorance, great teachableness of spirit, and cheerful obedience of heart.

“Lead me in a plain path.” Help is here sought as well as direction; we not only need a map of the way, but a guide to assist us in the journey. A path is here desired which shall be open, honest, straightforward, in opposition to the way of cunning, which is intricate, tortuous, dangerous. Good men seldom succeed in fine speculations and doubtful courses; plain simplicity is the best spirit for an heir of heaven: let us leave shifty tricks and political expediencies to the citizens of the world - the New Jerusalem owns plain men for its citizens. Esau was a cunning hunter, Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. “Because of mine enemies.” These will catch us if they can, but the way of manifest, simple honesty is safe from their rage. It is wonderful to observe how honest simplicity baffles and outwits the craftiness of wickedness. Truth is wisdom. “Honesty is the best policy.”
(Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

Pro 8:9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
Isa 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Psa 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
Psa 56:6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

11/15/2025
The River of Mercy
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place
of the tabernacles of the most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her,
and that right early. Psa 46:5-6

The river. This I take to be the mercy of God; His kindness to the miserable. Just, He must needs be, for He would not be merciful if He were not just. But there are manifestations of His justice in which He takes no joy. “He taketh no pleasure in the death of the sinner;” but “He delighteth in mercy.” And sometimes its exhibitions are very tender—“it drops as the gentle dew from heaven upon the place beneath.” And how copious its store! it is a river, not a rill that can be turned aside by any pebble in its bed; but a river that sweeps triumphantly over and through every obstacle.
The streams Some rivers are fed by streams; not so this one” it gives out streams but receives none, like the river of Damascus, whose branches surround the city. These streams are--

1. Pardoning mercy.
2. Purifying mercy: for it would be of little use if purity were not given as well as pardon.
3. Pacifying mercy—to keep me quiet in the midst of this unquiet world.

The fruit. The river is to make glad the city of God. That is, God’s Church and people; and the great purpose of the river and all its streams is—to make them glad: to bring up a smiling landscape around them, to fill their lips and hearts with praise.
Its source. It is far above out of your sight. So is it, even, with earthly rivers: they do not at once reveal their source. You must travel up and up the stream, and leave plain for hillside, and still press on ere you come to the fountain head. And for this river you must ascend to the boundless lake of Divine love.
The channel—the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him it flows down to man.

The power that brings the streams close home to us, so that we may have the blessing, is the power of the Holy Spirit. See what He has already done in the Scriptures and in the Church-which is the body of Christ. (F. Tucker, B. A.)

11/14/2025
Perfect Peace
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee. Isa 26:3

The Scriptures are full of priceless secrets, and here is one of them—the secret of trust in God as revealed to us in Jesus Christ, as the sole method and means of that peace which we all desire.
“Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace”; or, as the original expresses it still more forcibly in its Semitic simplicity, “Thou shalt keep him in peace, peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee.” It is not the promise of freedom from sorrow; it is not, by any means, a promise of success or prosperity on earth: but it is a promise of that inward peace—of that heart’s ease in the breast—with which sorrow itself is a tolerable burden, and without which prosperity itself is a questionable boon. The existence or the absence of peace in our hearts is no slight indication of our true condition, for, as peace must exist with the righteous even in the midst of adversity, it cannot exist in the hearts of the wicked, however smiling, however prosperous their lot. “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.”

There is, I know, a false, as well as a true peace. There is the simulated contentment of a hard indifference. There is the cynical self-complacency of a moral blindness. There is the deep infatuation of a false security. There is the dull stupefaction of an obstinate despair. But who will call this peace? The carelessness of a traveller by night, who knows not that he is walking all the time along the edge of a frightful precipice—is that peace? For, just as we must not be deceived by the false semblance, or by voices which cry Peace, peace, when there is no peace, so let us neither be robbed of the deep reality by external appearances, or by passing troubles.
The lives of how many of us are troubled by the strife of tongues! And yet even amid these flights of barbed arrows; amid these clouds of poisonous insects; amid these insolences of anonymous slander, what peace—what perfect peace—may we find if our minds be stayed on God. (Dean Farrar, D. D.)

Note: The key to this verse is "whose mind is stayed on thee". I'm still learning that in every situation I find myself in, and whatever the adversity, if I direct my mind to the presence of God, I find Him there, and the strength to deal with what is before me. Brother Lawrence and Jean Guyon learned this in their lives and wrote of how God proved Himself to them in this way, and I've learned it is more priceless than gold. Nothing can replace the solid knowing in my soul, that at the very moment I need Him-I have found Him there, and He has given the direction, and wisdom to know what to do and how to come through it. Many problems I've had have come when I've tried to resolve issues, and find answers in my own strength, and in my own reasoning. God honors those who honor Him, and He proves Himself to them.

Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

11/13/2025
God is My Rock
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge,
is in God. Psa 62:7

In God is my salvation - See Psa_62:1. That is, his salvation, his safety, his anticipated deliverance, was to come only from God.
Psa 62:1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
And my glory - That in which I glory or boast; the source of all in me that is glorious or honorable. he gloried that there was such a God; he gloried that He was his God.

The rock of my strength - The strong rock; the refuge that cannot be successfully assailed; where I shall feel strong and secure. See the notes at Psa_18:2.
Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
My refuge - That to which I may flee for safety.
Psa 46:1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
(Albert Barnes)

Spurgeon: “We cannot too often hear the toll of that great bell only; let it ring the death-knell of all carnal reliance's, and lead us to cast ourselves on the bare arm of God.” In himself alone God is more than sufficient to meet all the needs of His people.
Psa 94:22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

11/12/2025
Dealing With Offences
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee
and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of
two or three witnesses every word may be established. Mat 18:15-16

In these verses Jesus gives clear instruction that's easy to understand-If someone has personally sinned against you or wronged you, go to him/her privately and try to speak with them, and talk to them on the issue between you and them. The intention is to bring honest understanding, and resolve the problem between you, and not attempt to bring reproach on each other, but to restore good relationship, if possible. If this is between two believer's in Christ, if the problem isn't resolved-the next step is to bring in the Church, go to a pastor and ask for assistance in talking out the problem with a minister.
If this problem comes from unbeliever's of the world, if the first steps of private conversations don't work, we are not to fellowship or have any company with them again. We are to leave them alone, to themselves, and forgive them. The forgiveness doesn't mean condoning their actions, it means keeping your own soul clean, and at peace with God, yourself, and other's. What the offender does, is his own responsibility. We are not responsible for other's actions, only our own.

With that said-there are other factors that I'll bring out, that rarely is spoken of, and in today's world we see an epidemic of people with no moral compass, and do not care in the least, whether their tongues destroy someone else, they enjoy their wickedness, and use their serpents tongues, just like Satan did, in the garden, long ago.
If someone comes to me and speaks about someone else, accusing them of some offence, I ask these questions to myself privately, and then may ask the person who's accusing, if I get the chance:
1. Was there more than just one who saw or heard this?
2. Was the person provoked, or compelled to say or do this?
3. Was this person mistreated, offended, or abused in some way that brought him/her to this point to do this?
Many times, when I've asked these questions, the looks on the faces, and the uneasy responses, tells me more than any of their words do.
Lorna Couillard

Deu 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
2Co 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Note: If these commandments were upheld, and societies lived by them, the courts of law would have very little cases to deal with, and justice would be the rule of life, and peace would be established. However, we see the fruits of slander and malicious gossip everywhere, and we reap the consequences of it. Jesus knows very well what it does to people, the slander and gossip hurled at him, eventually got him nailed to the cross, and his death. However, as Jesus said, it had to be done, to fulfill scripture-now, His is risen from the dead, and lives forever more, and coming again.

11/11/2025
Jesus the Good Shepherd
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly. Joh 10:9-10

He who came in by the door which John the Baptist opened has become the door. It stands open to all comers-if any man. The salvation here mentioned refers to the entire process of soul-health: go in for fellowship; go out for service.

Wherever destruction is uppermost in speech or act, you may detect the presence of the great enemy of souls. Christ is ever constructive, saving, life-giving. Let us not be content until our life has become abundant life. Our life cost the Shepherd’s life. He did not hesitate to interpose Himself between the sheep and the wolf of hell. There is possible between our Lord and ourselves an intimacy of knowledge which can be compared to nothing less than that which subsists between the Father and Himself.
Note how our Lord looked beyond the hurdles of the Jewish fold and thought tenderly of the Gentile sheep that were far away. In the revelation committed to the Apostle Paul He gave vent to His love, and through the succeeding centuries He has ever sought them. There may be many folds, but there can be only one flock. Men die because they cannot help it; Christ was born that He might die; He died because He would. (F.B. Meyer)

Isa 56:11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

11/10/2025
Good News From a Far Country
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Pro 25:25

It is a far country, possibly, as measured by distance, this heaven that we talk about. I prefer to believe that the dwelling-place of Deity is near at hand, that the sainted dead are separated from us only by the thick, dense, fleshly veil which envelops our free soul, so that we can neither feel, nor hear, nor see. Heaven lies near to the habitations of the just.
But heaven is a “far country,” as being far away beyond our comprehension. It is so utterly far beyond our experience, so surpasses our comprehension, so outstrips our thought and conception, that even the aid of revelation does give us dim glimpses of the distant splendors.

Heaven is a “far country,” because we are by nature so disqualified from inhabiting it. We speak of the fall of man, and this is the measure of it—a fall from paradise to perdition—a fall that only power Divine can span. From this” far country” good news has come. News from a far country is interesting to us, if it is from a strange land, unlike our own. If we have those who are near and dear to us dwelling in it. If we hope, or intend, to live in it by and by. Good news has come from this far country, the best and most glorious news that can fall on mortal ear. Angels have brought it. Jesus has brought it. The Holy Spirit has brought it. Holy men, moved by Him, have written and spoken it. Subtle, gracious, secret good news is brought from the far country still. (J. Jackson Wray)

Isa 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

11/9/2025
Under His Shadow
They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine:
the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. Hos 14:7

The day closed with heavy showers. The plants in my garden were beaten down before the pelting storm, and I saw one flower that I had admired for its beauty and loved for its fragrance exposed to the pitiless storm. The flower fell, shut up its petals, dropped its head; and I saw that all its glory was gone. "I must wait till next year," I said, "before I see that beautiful thing again."
That night passed, and morning came; the sun shone again, and the morning brought strength to the flower. The light looked at it, and the flower looked at the light. There was contact and communion, and power passed into the flower. It held up its head, opened its petals, regained its glory, and seemed fairer than before. I wonder how it took place-- this feeble thing coming into contact with the strong thing, and gaining strength!
I cannot tell how it is that I should be able to receive into my being a power to do and to bear by communion with God, but I know It is a fact.
Are you in peril through some crushing, heavy trial? Seek this communion with Christ, and you will receive strength and be able to conquer. "I will strengthen thee." -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

YESTERDAY’s GRIEF
The rain that fell a-yesterday is ruby on the roses,
Silver on the poplar leaf, and gold on willow stem;
The grief that chanced a-yesterday is silence
that incloses
Holy loves when time and change shall never trouble them.

The rain that fell a-yesterday makes all the hillsides glisten,
Coral on the laurel and beryl on the grass;
The grief that chanced a-yesterday has taught the soul to listen
For whispers of eternity in all the winds that pass.

O faint-of-heart, storm-beaten, this rain
will gleam tomorrow,
Flame within the columbine and jewels
on the thorn,
Heaven in the forget-me-not; though sorrow now be sorrow,
Yet sorrow shall be, beauty in the magic
of the morn.
Katherine Lee Bates

Isa 61:11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Zec 8:12 For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.

11/8/2025
The Longing Soul
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Psa 42:1

The “soul” is feminine in Hebrew, and is here compared to the female deer, for “pants” is the feminine form of the verb, though its noun is masculine. It is better, therefore, to translate “hind” than “hart.” The “soul” is the seat of emotions and desires. It “pants” and “thirsts,” is “cast down” and disquieted; it is “poured out”; it can be bidden to “hope.”

Thus tremulous, timid, mobile, it is beautifully compared to a hind. The true object of its longings is always God, however little it knows for what it is thirsting. But they are happy in their very yearnings who are conscious of the true direction of these, and can say that it is God for whom they are athirst. The correspondence between man’s needs and their true object is involved in that name “the living God”; for a heart can rest only in one all-sufficient Person, and must have a heart to throb against. But no finite being can still them; and after all sweetnesses of human loves and helps of human strengths, the soul’s thirst remains unslaked, and the Person who is enough must be the living God. The difference between the devout and the worldly man is just that the one can only say, “My soul pants and thirsts,” and the other can add “after Thee, O God.” (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
You Are My Hiding Place/As The Deer--
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWYtujZjoUA

Note: This photo was taken on a special summer day in 2016, far back in a refuge, while I was kayaking. I saw this doe off in the distance, and wondered to myself-"Would she allow me to come closer, and get a good picture of her?" I slowly paddled up, only going about 10 ft. at a time, and would stop and watch her quietly. She turned several times and looked in my direction, but kept drinking, and bringing up some vegetation she was also eating. I kept this up until I got about 50 ft. from her, and just sat and watched her-we fellowshipped about 20-30 minutes together in silence, enjoying the morning sunshine. I was able to get several very good pictures of her, before she decided to leave. It was a very special, memorable moment, that I've caught on camera to enjoy again, and share with you.

11/7/2025
Loss for Gain
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Php 3:7

When they buried the blind preacher, George Matheson, they lined his grave with red roses in memory of his love-life of sacrifice. And it was this man, so beautifully and significantly honored, who wrote,

"O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee,
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

"O Light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to Thee,
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

"O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee,
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shalt tearless be.

"O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from Thee,
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red,
Life that shall endless be."

There is a legend of an artist who had found the secret of a wonderful red which no other artist could imitate. The secret of his color died with him. But after his death an old wound was discovered over his heart. This revealed the source of the matchless hue in his pictures. The legend teaches that no great achievement can be made, no lofty attainment reached, nothing of much value to the world done, save at the cost of heart’s blood. (Streams in the Desert)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Comment: When the Lord called me to begin these websites, I began with the Two Sparrows Ministry first, over 15 years ago, as an outreach ministry to the elderly, disabled, shut-ins, and wheelchair bound. My focus also extends to this website, and the devotions are targeted for these people a great deal, because I know what they deal with, and the challenges and sorrows they endure, and many times alone. You can't truly minister to someone, unless you've tasted what they deal with, and I have. Please visit the Two Sparrows Ministry website-for health information, resources, and devotions:
www.twosparrowsministry.org

At times on this page and others, I post some of the photos I've taken myself, and have made graphics from some of them. Some people have gotten the idea, it's all to promote myself.
They are put here for the people I've spoken of above. When you are bed-ridden in a hospital, or nursing home, wheelchair bound, have lost a husband or wife, or a shut-in, seeing a photo of the untouched beauty of God, can lift your spirit, and bring hope, and a touch of His love into their lives. This, is the intention of putting them here.
Please, try to get beyond yourself, and put yourself in their situations.

Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecc 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Ecc 3:3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
Ecc 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Ecc 3:5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Ecc 3:6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
Ecc 3:7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Ecc 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

11/6/2025
God's Love in Discipline
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev 3:19-20

Note Christ’s love at the present time: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock." Our first impression of this adorable figure is of wonder that He should be there at all. He, the Son of God, who has suffered such unspeakable wrongs for us, comes again in a form most Divinely fair, and offers Himself as our Guest. He who contains within Himself infinite treasures of love, who comprehends all creatures within His arms, comes down to us and stands at our door, as if we alone out of His whole Church required Him with us.

Look on this image of patience. There He stands in the cool evening hour, having waited till the heat and business of the day be past. He chooses the time when the mind is most likely to be at leisure, and to be quick to hear. The cares of the day are over; it is the hour of relaxation. The very solitude of the chamber disposes the mind to serious thought. Silence has its quiet influence. The spirit of the evening scene is peace. His footprints are on the threshold, marking His last visit, and no one has heeded them. No welcome, it is feared, for Him again to-night, waiting patiently till all within be hushed and His voice be heard.

"If any man hear My voice, and open the door." This is the condition of His entering, the welcome which He asks of us. Two possible states of life are indicated: a man may be so deaf that he cannot hear, or he may hear and not heed.

"I will come in to him,". In the whole Bible there is not a touch of Divine love more tender and penetrating than this. The intimacy of Christ’s love is here so great that the believer may shrink from it in fear. But this is not God’s intention. Wherever Jesus enters He takes men as they are. All He asks is a welcome; that is, their faith. When He sits at meat with you see the perfect interchange and equal communion of your spirit with His: "I will sup with him, and he with Me." Whatever He gives He gives Himself; He is all in all to the faithful soul, and the soul is all in all to Him.
(C. W. Furse, Sermons at Richmond, p. 164)

11/5/2025
Unfit for the Kingdom
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell,
which are at home at my house.
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back,
is fit for the kingdom of God. Lu 9:61-62

To put one’s hand to a plow is a proverbial expression to signify undertaking any business. In order that a plowman may accomplish his work, it is necessary to look onward - to be intent on his employment - not to be looking back with regret that he undertook it. So in religion. He that enters on it must do it with his whole heart, He that comes still loving the world - still looking with regret on its pleasures, its wealth, and its honors - that has not “wholly” forsaken them as his portion, cannot be a Christian, and is not fit for the kingdom of God. How searching is this test to those who profess to be Christians! And how solemn the duty of all people to renounce all earthly objects, and to be not only “almost,” but “altogether,” followers of the Son of God!

It is perilous to tamper with the world - to look at its pleasures or to seek its society. He that would enter heaven must come with a heart full of love to God; giving “all” into his hands, and prepared always to give up all his property, his health, his friends, his body, his soul to God, when he demands them, or he cannot be a Christian. Religion is everything or nothing. He that is not willing to sacrifice “everything” for the cause of God, is really willing to sacrifice nothing.
(Albert Barnes)

Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have
no pleasure in him.

11/4/2025
Seeking God Early Each Day
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know
the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good;
lead me into the land of uprightness. Psa 143:8-10

Cause me to hear thy Loving-kindness in the morning - This petition was probably offered in the night-season. David had despatched his messengers in all directions; and prays to God that he might by the morning get some good news.
Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk - Absalom and his partisans are in possession of all the country. I know not in what direction to go, that I may not fall in with them: point out by thy especial providence the path I should take. (Adam Clarke)

In the morning - Early; speedily; with the first rays of the morning. Let it be, as it were, the first thing in the day; the first thing that is done. The idea is not that he would wait for another day, but that he would interpose as the very first act - as when one enters on a day. See the notes at Psa_46:5, where the margin is, when the morning appeareth; Hebrew, In the faces of the morning.
For in thee do I trust - I have no other confidence or ground of reliance; but I have confidence in thee.

Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk ... - The safe way; the way in which I may find safety. See Psa_5:8. (Albert Barnes)
Psa 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
Concluding point: The text may be said to comprise every other prayer. If God gives His servant to "know the way wherein he should walk," and strength to walk in it, peace, and order, and liberty, and joy will soon come. Life is a daily difficulty. Think of the number of things that are to be believed, that are to be renounced, that are to be examined, that are to be distinguished in themselves and from other things, that are to be tentatively dealt with, that are to be done, that are to be left undone, that are to be waited for, that are to be suffered. All these are included in the "way wherein we should walk."

11/3/2025
Fresh Words from Deep Waters
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom
as a flowing brook. (Pro 18:4)

The words of a man’s mouth - That is, the wise sayings of a wise man are like deep waters; howsoever much you pump or draw off, you do not appear to lessen them. (Adam Clarke)
The waters in a shallow and stagnant pond give little or no refreshment to the thirsty traveller; they may even be the means of imparting disease to those who drink of them, or who live near them. But the water from a well, or from a deep and flowing stream, is generally pure and wholesome to the taste, and refreshing to the land through which it flows. And so it is with the speech of a godly man. Very mighty are the influence of words for good or for ill. Our first parents lost Eden by listening to the words of the tempter, and the speech of the wicked always diffuses an unwholesome moral atmosphere around it, if it does not eject a deadly poison into the soul.

But the conversation and teaching of the godly are always a means of moral health to others; by their words they witness for the truth of God, and are the means of “opening men’s eyes, and turning them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God” (Act_26:13)
And, like their Divine Master, they “know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary” (Isa_50:4), and thus that which flows from their lips is as refreshing and healthful to weary and struggling men and women on the highway of life as the living, cooling watercourse is to the dusty and thirsty traveler. (Preacher's Homiletical)

A man's - A wise man's. As a brook - That wisdom which is in his heart is continually pouring forth wise and good counsels. (John Wesley)

11/2/2025
No Entry
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may
enter in through the gates into the city.
For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters,
and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Rev 22:14-15

Halloween has just passed-many houses will have demonic junk, and carved pumpkins left rotting in their yards, and on their porches, and Christmas trinkets and baubles will be put up right next to them, till spring. The typical scene for those who participate in the pagan holidays.
Some churches also participate in the devil's holiday, and show that there's no difference between the unbelievers-and them-their buildings are empty tombs.
As the rebellious and unbeliever's carry on with their cycle of one party after another, their activities keeps the reality of eternity from entering their minds, they fulfill one lust and pleasure after another, until the day of their death-then they find out, the wages of sin, is death.
At the end of the age, when Christ judges all both living and dead in the White Throne Judgment-all will face the rewards of their deeds, and whether they turned to Christ for salvation, or not.

For without are dogs - The wicked, the depraved, the vile: for of such characters the dogs, an unclean animal among the Jews, was regarded as a symbol, Deu_23:18. On the meaning of the expression, see the notes on Php_3:2. The word “without” means that they would not be admitted into the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, Rev_21:8, Rev_21:27.
And sorcerers, ... - All these characters are specified in Rev_21:8, as excluded from heaven. See the notes on that verse. The only change is, that those who “love and make a lie” are added to the list; that is, who delight in lies, or what is false. (Albert Barnes)

"In an oriental city the dogs, an unclean animal, are seen in great numbers in the streets, and are a disagreeable feature. These are taken to represent one type of sinners. Others with different characteristics are also given. All are without. None of them ever pass through the portals of the New Jerusalem." (B.W. Jonson)

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

11/1/2025
God Our Refuge
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psa 90:2
The Soul of Man Needs a Home

God is the home of all who find any real home amidst the fluctuating nothings of this shadowy world. The contrast of His eternity and our transiency is not bitter, though it may hush us into wisdom, if we begin with the trust that He is the abiding abode of short-lived man.

The majestic music of this great psalm separates it from all the rest. It is like the deep bass stop of a mighty organ. Moses’ authorship is stamped upon it. It is worthy of the man who had seen God face to face. The transitoriness of human life is contrasted with the stability of God. He is the asylum and home of all the generations of mankind, Deu_33:27.

Deu 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

The earth and its mountains, the universe and its worlds, were born of Him; but He Himself had no origin, no beginning. Time is but a sigh, a breath, the swift rush of the mountain-torrent, a tale told by the camp-fire at night, the grass of a morning’s growth. (F.B. Meyer)

The dwelling-place of man is the place where he can unbend himself, and feel himself at home, and speak familiarly. With God you can be always at home; you need be under no restraint. The Christian at once gives God the key of his heart, and lets Him turn everything over. The more God lives in the Christian, the better the Christian loves Him; the oftener God comes to see him, the better he loves his God. And God loves His people all the more when they are familiar with Him.
Man’s home is the place where his affections are centered. Christian man, is God your habitation in that sense? Have you given your whole soul to God? (Excerpt from Biblical Illustrator)

Two Minutes Daily for June 2025

1/6/2025

Scriptures/Devotions/Inspiration

6/30/2025
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 1Co 15:33
Leave Them Behind

There is no difficulty in this saying; he who frequents the company of bad or corrupt men will soon be as they are. He may be sound in the faith, and have the life and power of godliness, and at first frequent their company only for the sake of their pleasing conversation, or their literary accomplishments: and he may think his faith proof against their infidelity; but he will soon find, by means of their deceitful speeches, his faith weakened; and when once he gets under the empire of doubt, unbelief will soon prevail; his bad company will corrupt his morals; and the two dry logs will soon burn up the green one.
(Adam Clarke)

Bad communications is dangerous to our characters. To have the same attachments and dislikes, the same pursuits and aversions, has always been esteemed the foundation of friendship; similarity of disposition, of sentiments, of manners, is the usual bond which unites companions together. The world forms its judgments by general rules; when it sees a man a frequent spectator of the excesses of the vicious, it takes for granted that he is a partaker also, and an approver of them. (Biblical Illustrator)

The Practices of evil communications: Lying, foolish profane talk, swearing, fornication, adultery, corrupt in business, provoking and intimidation in the community, harassment of the innocent, drunkenness and drug abuse. These are the trouble makers of a community, who will gather likeminded spirits to join in their mischief. However, if they are caught in serious crimes, they will not stand for one another, they, like all evil communications-will scatter, and leave each to their own plight. There is only solidarity, when they are getting away with their rioting and chaos. (Biblical Illustrator)

6/29/2025
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2Ti 2:11-13
Approved Unto God

Three things are impossible with God-to die, to lie, and to fail the soul that trusts Him. Even when we cannot muster faith enough, His word of promise cannot be frustrated in the case of those whose faith is weak and trembling as the smoking flax.

The workman, 2Ti_2:14-18 : The one anxiety with us all should be to stand approved before God. We must hold a straight course in the word of truth. Our testimony should resemble an undeviating furrow. Let us construct in our life something which will be a permanent addition to the well-being of the world, so that at the last the Master may say that He is satisfied.
(F.B. Meyer)

6/28/2025
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part;
but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1Co 13:12
Five Minutes After Death

At our entrance on another state of existence we shall know what it is to exist under entirely new conditions. What will it be to find ourselves with the old self—divested of that body which has clothed it since its first moment of existence—able to achieve, it may be, so much,—it may be, so little; living on, but under conditions which are so entirely new. This experience alone will add no little to our existing knowledge, and the addition will have been made during the first five minutes after death.

And the entrance on the next world must bring with it a knowledge of God such as is quite impossible in this life. His vast, His illimitable life, will present itself to the apprehension of our spirits as a clearly consistent whole—not as a complex problem to be painfully mastered by the efforts of our understandings, but as a present, living, encompassing Being who is inflecting Himself upon the very sight, whether they will it or not, of His adoring creatures. "Thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty"—they were words of warning as well as words of promise.
At our entrance on another world we shall know ourselves as never before. The past will be spread out before it, and we shall take a comprehensive survey of it. One Being there is who knows us now, who knows each of us perfectly, who has always known us. Then, for the first time, we shall know ourselves even as also we are known. We shall not have to await the Judge’s sentence; we shall read it at a glance, whatever it be, in this new apprehension of what we are. (H. P. Liddon, Penny Pulpit, No. 1098)

Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Php 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

6/27/2024
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough
and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven,
and before thee,
And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him,
and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and
am no more worthy to be called thy son.
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring
on his hand, and shoes on his feet: Luk 15:7-22
Going Home

His underlying aim is to look out for himself. He wanted his father’s goods, but not his presence. This is the germ of sin—an independent, proud, unloving spirit toward God.
He chose the company that fitted his spirit. He sought others for what he could get out of them; they sought him for what they could get out of him. He had plenty of company as long as he had substance to waste on them. What he spent on them was wasted. What they gave him was wasted. The whole traffic was utter loss on both sides. They had not only outward possessions, but a wealth of intellect, affection, beauty, genius. They wasted it all. This the seeker for self and not God always does. He uses his talents to cover up his real aims and passions.
The world is a desert to a sinner who has run through the gifts of God, and he is absolutely certain to run them through in a little while. The friends he had chosen; and they have cast him off as soon as his goods are gone. He became the servant of a foreigner, whom the Jew despised. He tended swine, which were hateful to the Jew. He was hungry for the food which the swine fed on, and couldn’t get it. Yet even this degradation was his own choice.
Then, he comes to himself. He sees now where he is, that he has brought himself into this poverty. Many call God cruel after they have wasted the abundance of gifts from him. They have received all they ask for, have made no acknowledgment, have wasted all, and then, finding themselves wretched, they say that God has done it. But not so this prodigal. He said, “ Father, I have sinned.”
Ragged and worn, with the stench of the swine pits on him, he rises and trudges home, not knowing if his father would receive him, or would reject him. (Biblical Illustrator)

But, still from a far distance, the father ran. No hesitation, no slowing of pace-he ran.
When the sinner starts for God, God starts for the sinner. God does not come out with a slow and hesitating pace; the infinite spaces slip beneath His feet, and He takes worlds at a bound.
The father is silent, and that silence is Godlike. He receives the confession, for it is true, it is necessary; nothing can excuse the deeds, nothing can change the character of that awful past; but he does not dwell upon the painful subject, he does not open up the wound afresh.

As he cannot say a word in excuse, he will not speak at all. His silence is condemnation. Thus God deals with man, maintaining a silence which is merciful. He casts the sins behind His back. “He giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not.”
Then, he is given the best robe- representing the “garment of salvation,” or the “robe of righteousness,” which God puts upon every one who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. And a ring a beautiful emblem of the new heart and tender conscience which God’s grace brings to the penitent and believing soul. These tokens depict the gifts and graces bestowed to all who receive Christ and salvation.
(Lorna Couillard)

6/26/2025
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. Rom 7:18
+++++++
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God;
but with the flesh the law of sin. Rom 7:24-25
Examining Ourselves

A disheartening discovery—Some of us, when we find others failing just at the point where we should think them particularly strong, can hardly be surprised if we find that we too are failing. Paul, is a pattern of Christian living; yet he laments the discovery of his shortcomings. And as for ourselves, we constantly regret the discovery of our weakness in face of temptation. We are not all tempted alike, but temptation of some sort is inevitable. Think of the various resolutions for good living by different men, and how they fail—the thief, drunkard. The text lets in light on one of the saddest chapters in the world’s experiences. Somewhere or somehow we see the fruits of our weakness; we get daily evidence that there is “none righteous.” The whole thing is a matter of experience, and by no means a theological principle merely.

Why are we so powerless? Because our temptations assail us at our weakest points. The man who has no love of money would never be tempted to miserliness. “Every man is tempted by his own lust”— by his own particular evil bent or propensity. Many examples in Bible: Solomon, drawn away by love of women; Lot, by love of strong drink; Balaam, by love of money.
(Preacher's Homiletical)

Who Shall Deliver Us From the Body of this Death? Souls groaning under the body of sin and death can find no relief but through Jesus Christ. None but an almighty Savior is suited to the case of a poor sinner. This doctrine reproves the Church of Rome, and others, for directing men, not to Christ, but to themselves; to their vows, alms, penances, and pilgrimages; or, to their greater watchfulness and strictness in life. But as Luther observes, “How many have tried this way for many years, and yet could get no peace.” Now, what is there in Christ that can relieve a soul?
1.The blood of Christ, which was shed as an atoning sacrifice for sin.
2.A perfect and everlasting righteousness. This our apostle, doubtless, had in view: for he immediately adds (Rom_8:1). “Christ is made unto us of God, wisdom and righteousness.”
The Spirit of Christ which is given to all true believers, as an abiding principle, teaching them to fight and war with sin.
3.That souls thus exercised, finding relief only in Christ, will actually receive and embrace Him. None will receive Christ, but they only who are taught to see their need of Him.
They, who see this relief in Christ, who receive and embrace it, must and will give thanks to God for it. The angels, heavens spirits, bringing the joyful news to our apostate world, sang, “Glory to God in the highest, for peace on earth, and good will towards men.” And surely, if we who are redeemed to God by His blood, should hold our peace on so joyful an occasion, “the stones would immediately cry out.”
All those who have received Christ, and have given thanks to God for Him, will look upon Him as their Lord and their God. (J. Stafford)

6/25/2025
And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come,
he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh
at an hour when ye think not. Luk 12:39-40
Remaining Prepared

A Serious Crisis for Some.—The Parousia, that event so glorious and so welcome to the faithful servants of Jesus, is for the world a serious and dread crisis. He who returns is not only a Master well-beloved, who gives to each that which he has sacrificed for Him, but also a thief, who will then take away all that they have not been able to guard.
The Prepared and the Unprepared.—Those ready find Him a friend: only those not ready find His coming as uncomfortable as that of a thief. (Godet)

God has wisely hidden from us the day of death, that we may be always ready and watching for His coming.
There is never but a step, a breath, a heart-throb, between any man and death - While the citadel is guarded, and the walls and gates are watched day and night with sleepless vigilance, an unseen foe lurks within, and with noiseless tread, at the midnight hour, enters the chamber of the sleeper, and life is extinct. Be ready, O man - The Son of Man may come at any hour, in any place, by any agency, along any one of a thousand unseen avenues. (Homiletic Review)

6/24/2025
For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me,
saith the LORD.
They have belied the LORD, and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us;
neither shall we see sword nor famine:
And the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them:
thus shall it be done unto them. Jer 5:11-13
The Consequences of the Fool

Though Judah and Israel were at variance with each other, they agreed in wronging the Lord, who had given them all the national blessings, victories and honors they ever knew. Israel had reaped the bitter fruits: O that Judah would be forewarned! Otherwise, they would be united in misery. Alike faithless, a like fate.
“They have belied the Lord,” denied Him, Either: 1. Denied that God was such as Jeremiah described,—a punisher of evildoers; or, 2. Denied that the coming disasters were in any sense God’s doing,—He has nothing to do with it, they come apart from Him; or, 3. Denied the existence of Jehovah as God, as their God,—repudiated Him, wanted to hear nothing of or from Him.
Sin deadens the sensibility, excludes God from thought, until practical indifference and defiance of Him rule the life. Easy and natural, when we dislike God, to ignore Him and revolt from His claims.
Their conscience seared, past feeling, desiring not the knowledge of God’s ways, till “the fool says in his heart, There is no God.” And “the god of this world blinds the minds of them that believe not.”

The state of Judah and Israel was one of obstinate unbelief. Today, it has remained the same-to this day they do not as a nation, recognize their Messiah-Jesus Christ.
Christ has been preached by those who know the truth, and they've consistently rejected Him, as most of the world has. They remain as they were in Jeremiah's day, and have stubbornly continued to look to the traditions of the former laws and traditions of their fathers; and have not believed they would ever suffer the consequences of their sin. They've had 2000 years to turn and repent-and receive their risen Messiah-but still to this day refuse. God's doing what He said He would do, and the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse are riding, and God's word will unfold, as the prophet John saw on the Isle of Patmos.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

6/23/2025
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Joh 8:12
I Am the Light of the World

How did He accomplish this? By the manifestation of His person even more than by His doctrine, since He said, not “I bring the light and the truth,” but “I am the light, and I am the truth.” He is the light of the world, because in Him is the glory of God. His words are madness, and something very like blasphemy, unless they are vindicated by the visible indwelling in Him of the present God. The cloud of the humanity, “the veil, that is to say, his flesh,” enfolds and tempers; and through its transparent folds it reveals, even while it swathes, the Godhead.

Like some fleecy vapor flitting across the sun, and irradiated by its light, it enables our weak eyes to see light, and not darkness, in the else intolerable blaze. Yes! Thou art the light of the world, because in Thee dwelleth “the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Thy servant hath taught us the meaning of Thy words, when he said: “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us; and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
(Note: J. G. Greenhough, The Cross in Modern Life, 90)

"He that followeth me shall in nowise walk in darkness - In ignorance, wickedness, misery: but shall have the light of life - He that closely, humbly, steadily follows me, shall have the Divine light continually shining upon him, diffusing over his soul knowledge, holiness, joy, till he is guided by it to life everlasting." (John Wesley)

6/22/2025
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap. Gal 6:7
Reaping What is Sown

Long before we gather into our arms the final harvest, we are receiving according to what we have done, whether it be good or evil. In the end we shall still be as we have been, only in more perfect measure. “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Let us not imagine that the principles of moral order will be different in the end from what they were at the beginning—God is always judging us as He will judge us at the last. The end is not yet. The harvest still tarries. The cornstalk is not matured, nor the full grain shown in the ear. But we are making our future every hour, and with many of us the crop is fast ripening into the eternal day.
Every evil thought or deed has sentence against it speedily executed in the character. One cannot do a mean thing or think a base thought without becoming like the thing he thinks or does. The worm takes on the color of the leaf upon which it feeds.

Every vile thought leaves its trail of slime behind, leaves the mind filthier for even its momentary presence. Every bad act of a man’s life makes it easier for him evermore to do the bad. A miser not only scrapes his fingers to the bone in raking together his money, he hardens his heart to the core. “What is put into the strong box,” it is truly said, “is taken out of the man.” He who cheats, is cheating himself worse than all others. The thief steals from himself; the liar turns himself into a living lie; the profligate is his own victim. The man who attempts to injure his neighbor, only succeeds in injuring himself. The wrong that he does his own soul is ten times more severe and lasting than any evil he can inflict on others. “No man,” says Burke, “ever had a point of pride that was not injurious to him”; and St. Bernard wrote: “Nothing can work me damage except myself; the harm that I sustain I carry about with me, and never am a real sufferer but by my own fault.”
(Note: Carlyle, Past and Present, bk. i. ch. ii.)

1Co 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
1Co 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1Co 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

6/21/2025
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might
by his Spirit in the inner man;
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length,
and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the
fulness of God.
Prayer for Spiritual Strength

For this cause I bow my knees - That you may not faint, but persevere, I frequently pray to God, who is our God and the Father of our Lord Jesus. Some very ancient and excellent MSS. and versions omit the words του Κυριου ἡμων Ιησου Χριστου, of our Lord Jesus Christ. And in them the passage reads: I bow my knees unto the Father.
The apostle prays to God the Father, that they may not faint; and he bows his knees in this praying. What can any man think of himself, who, in his addresses to God, can either sit on his seat or stand in the presence of the Maker and Judge of all men? Would they sit while addressing any person of ordinary respectability? If they did so they would be reckoned very rude indeed. Would they sit in the presence of the king of their own land? They would not be permitted so to do. Is God then to be treated with less respect than a fellow mortal? Paul kneeled in praying, Act_20:36; Act_21:5. Stephen kneeled when he was stoned, Act_7:60. And Peter kneeled when he raised Tabitha, Act_9:40.

Many parts of this prayer bear a strict resemblance to that offered up by Solomon, 2Ch_6:1, when dedicating the temple:
2Ch 6:1 Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

He kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands towards heaven; 2Ch_6:13.
2Ch 6:13 For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

The apostle was now dedicating the Christian Church, that then was and that ever should be, to God; and praying for those blessings which should ever rest on and distinguish it; and he kneels down after the example of Solomon, and invokes him to whom the first temple was dedicated, and who had made it a type of the Gospel Church. (Adam Clarke)

1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
2Co_6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

6/20/2025
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain:
and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
Jas 5:18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain,
and the earth brought forth her fruit. Jas 5:17-18
EFFECTUAL PRAYER

In view of the judgment-seat, at which we shall have to give an account of our words, we shall do well to employ the simplest, plainest speech, Mat_5:34; Mat_12:36-37.
How shall we act in any given situation? The Apostle says in effect, be perfectly natural. The suffering should pray, the glad sing, the sick confess his sins and call for believing prayer. The oil is the symbol of the Holy Spirit.

The body is the Holy Spirit’s temple, and He is asked to bring it to the level of that spiritual wholeness which is His ideal. Where He gives the prayer that can affirm and claim, there is no doubt that perfect health will result. But there is all the difference between human telepathy and divine healing, which is God’s gift to faith.
Elijah became what he was by faith and prayer. Naturally he was subject to the same fears and failings as ourselves. There are two reasons why we should endeavor to convert men: (1) for their salvation, (2) for the arrest of their baleful influence. (F.B. Meyer)

6/19/2025
And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word of God. Luk 4:3-4
Tempted by the Devil

As the waters of Jordan bisect the Holy Land, so does our Lord’s baptism bisect His holy life. In that act He had identified Himself with the world’s sin; and now, as the High Priest who was to deal with sin and sinners, He must be “in all points” tempted and tested “like as we are.”

He took into the wilderness a perfect humanity of flesh and blood, made in all points like His brethren, though without sin. He elected to fight His great fight, not by the use of the divine attributes, but as Son of man. Where the first Adam fell, the second must stand.
First, He could not use His native power for His own gratification. Second, He would abide strictly within the limitations of the world He had entered, Heb_2:16-17. Third, He would win His kingdom by the Cross. (F.B. Meyer)

Heb 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

6/18/2025
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God,
nor regard man;
Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he
bear long with them?
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luk 1-8
THE LESSON FOR DARK DAYS

“Shall He find faith?”—Our Lord spoke these words to show that when faith fails, prayer dies. In order to pray, then, we must have faith; and that our faith fail not, we must pray. Faith pours forth prayer; and the pouring forth of the heart in prayer gives steadfastness to faith.—Augustine.
“Find faith.”—Cf. Mat_24:12 : “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

There are three phases in our Lord’s teaching about prayer-that of Mat_6:1-34, Luk_18:1-43, and the words of Joh_14:1-31; Joh_15:1-27. In Luk_18:1-8 He exhorts to uniformity and urgency. There is an aspect of prayer that we are in danger of overlooking when the skies are blue and the sun is shining, and that is, the need of holy violence.
This lesson is taught, in the parable of this paragraph, by a striking contrast which may be stated thus: If an unjust and ungodly judge will finally grant a just petition, out of base and selfish motives and merely to save himself from being worried by a defenseless and oppressed woman, how much more shall the just and merciful God hear the cry and avenge the cause of those whom He loves. If answers to certain prayers, which we have offered in an agony of tears, are slow in coming, we may be sure, either that the time is not ripe, or that He is going to do something better. (F.B. Meyer)

In the parables Jesus spoke there are always layers of meaning, that we have to be willing to search out, and find them. In the literal sense, in the last verse Jesus asks a question-and I believe a very prophetic one. He knows the beginning and the end, has the ability to see down the corridors of time to the days we are living in now. What would He have seen. Cold selfishness, constant ambition and competition for money, fame, and power. Corruption in every institution, but cleverly covered with a veneer of integrity. In Noah's day, every thought and intent was evil continually-that is the way it is today. Jesus saw our day, and we who are His, see it, just as He did.
Today, those who truly desire a walk with God, and voice their faith, and practice it are mocked, ridiculed and persecuted. If you preach the true gospel of Christ without compromise, you will not be popular, you will be a target; just as the first disciples were. You will have to be willing to stand alone, or fall into the cotton candy gospel preached by many false preacher's out there today.
Prayerlessness, and biblical illiteracy is rampant among Christians in America-even though you can get a bible today free for the asking in many ministries. Many Christians have more than one bible, but when asked what the 10 commandments are, or basic doctrines of the New Testament, they can't tell you. Most church goers do not take a bible with them to church-they rely solely on what is fed to them from the pulpit-and today, homosexuals, and transgenders are preaching from pulpits in many churches, that are totally apostate. This, is what Jesus meant by that question-long ago, as he stood and gave this parable. He also saw the soon coming escalation of wars we are seeing on the news, and the catastrophic conditions that are coming to the world-and many are still in their stupor, and remain in rebellion and unbelief-they are not ready to meet the Christ, that they reject. I shudder thinking of this.
Even so, come soon Lord Jesus
Lorna Couillard

6/17/2025
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. Gen1:1-4
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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. Jas 1:17
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Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Heb 13:8
The Father of Lights

God, is the Creator of every light of the material world, and the source of all moral light. God is unchangeable, always the same, nor does he cast a shadow of turning like the sun.

God is the fountain of all goodness, the giver of all good gifts, the author of all good things in men, He works whatsoever is good in the whole world. Here, Peter calls Him the God of all grace (1Pe_5:10), because all grace and all good gifts come only from Him, as from a well-head and fountain. All the effects of God’s will are only good, and whatsoever virtue, grace, Food gifts, it is from God.

No evil, but every good gift - Whatever tends to holiness. And every perfect gift - Whatever tends to glory. Descendeth from the Father of lights - The appellation of Father is here used with peculiar propriety. It follows, "he begat us." He is the Father of all light, material or spiritual, in the kingdom of grace and of glory. With whom is no variableness - No change in his understanding. Or shadow of turning - in his will. He infallibly discerns all good and evil; and invariably loves one, and hates the other. There is, in both the Greek words, a metaphor taken from the stars, particularly proper where the Father of lights is mentioned. Both are applicable to any celestial body, which has a daily vicissitude of day and night, and sometimes longer days, sometimes longer nights. In God is nothing of this kind. He is mere light. If there Is any such vicissitude, it is in ourselves, not in him. (John Wesley)

Cross references: from the: Gen_1:2-5, Gen_1:14-15; Deu_4:19; Psa_19:1-8, Psa_84:11; Isa_45:7, Isa_60:19; Joh_1:9; Joh_8:12; 2Co_4:6; Eph_1:18; 1Jn_1:5; Rev_21:23, Rev_22:5
no variableness: Num_23:19; 1Sa_15:29; Psa_122:6; Isa_46:10; Mal_3:6; Rom_11:29; Heb_1:11-12, Heb_13:8

6/16/2025
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Mat 13:14-15
Sown Among Rocks

Heart is waxed gross - Επαχυνθη, is become fat - inattentive stupid, insensible. They hear heavily with their ears - are half asleep while the salvation of God is preached unto them.

Their eyes they have closed - Totally and obstinately resisted the truth of God, and shut their eyes against the light.

Lest - they should see- Lest they should see their lost estate, and be obliged to turn unto God, and seek his salvation. His state is truly deplorable who is sick unto death, and yet is afraid of being cured. The fault is here totally in the people, and not at all in that God whose name is Mercy and whose nature is love.
(Adam Clarke)

6/15/2025
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are
wrought in God. Joh 3:20-21
Repelled by the Light

Doers of truth love the light. They are neither ashamed nor fearful. Let the light shine, and it will justify them, and reveal the glory of God in their truth doing. The sentiment of a man towards the truth is an index to his character.

A wicked man’s conscience tells him that he must have some religion, and therefore so long as the minister calls only for some hearing, he responds. The vilest drunkard will be content to hear of calling on the Lord Jesus at his death; otherwise their consciences would not be quiet.

That which scares the wicked from, draws the godly unto the Word. The owl flies from the morning light, which other birds welcome.
(J. Dyke.)

6/14/2025
And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Dan 11:32
Strength in God

They that know their God, know his will, and are disposed to do it. And this is one article of the revealed will of God, that we should be ready, when we are called by providence, to defend our king and country, our liberties, and our religion. “Honor the king.” “Be subject to every ordinance of man, for the Lord’s sake.” The difference between those who know their God and other men, is, that most other men will do some things that God requires, but they are not ready for every good work. Where their life, their interest, their credit, may suffer by obeying the will of God, they must be excused; but the lovers of God delight to show their obedience, where self-denial must be practiced.
They that know their God are strengthened to do exploits, by their confidence in God as their God. “They that know his name will put their trust in him”; and “through him they will do valiantly.” Our confidence in God is founded on the mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ. “He is the way: no man cometh to the Father but by him.” Now, when we believe in Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and life everlasting, what have we to fear? God. We may die, but we cannot be hurt. It is a consciousness of guilt that disqualifies us for dangerous duties.

The people that do know God, have learned patiently to do his will. None can hope to do exploits that is unqualified to bear those things that are unpleasant to the flesh. Hardness must be endured by every good soldier of Jesus Christ. “If we faint in the day of adversity, our strength is but small.”
The people that do know their God, are prepared for extraordinary services, by the ordinary course of their service to God. When men are daily adding sin to sin by obstinate impenitence, they prepare thorns and briars to tear their consciences, when an evil day comes. If you say that you know God, and keep not his commandments, you are liars. Great exploits were done by the heroes of God’s people. All that know their God, have learned to keep up an intercourse with him by prayer; and in the time of distress and danger, they pray more earnestly. Great are the victories which prayer and faith hath obtained. (Biblical Illustrator)

6/13/2925
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Joh 14:27
Peace in God

The Earl of Dundonald fought with his solitary ship a line of formidable forts in South America, whose fire proved so raking that his men could not be got to stand to their guns.
Calling his wife, he asked her to fire one of the guns, and show these men how to do their duty. She did so. Instantly they returned, burning with shame, to their posts, and soon the victory was theirs. The lady, in rehearsing the circumstance, said that the thing that was felt by her to be the most terrible, was not the din of battle, not the raking fire, but the awful calmness that sat fixed on her husband’s countenance, as it seemed to carry in itself the sure presage of victory. This we can all understand. Every moral nature feels that settled calmness in the face of dangers and deaths is the loftiest example of the sublime.

Of this we have one peerless example in the man Christ Jesus, who, on the eve of His agony, utters these words. We have here a word of farewell; "Peace be with you." But what are such legacies compared with that which Jesus here bequeaths to the humblest of His disciples. If we have Christ’s peace, no matter for anyone’s curse, no matter what wrath may surround our head. Peace is here used twice, and occurs first in its general sense. Peace within, in the calm serenity of a pardoned and reconciled soul; peace without, in every needed temporal blessing; peace in storms and afflictions, in the precious gift of a “heart established, trusting in the Lord”; peace in persecution; yea, “perfect peace,” blessing them that curse us, doing good to them that hate us; peace in death; for “mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace”; peace in the grave, for there the body is stretched out in repose, “where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest”; and the consummation of all peace in heaven.
(T. Guthrie, D. D.)

My Peace--Maranatha Music
https://youtu.be/tlA13M33jcU?si=wRUL6za_EY6bkvTc

6/12/2025
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom 6:23
Wages - Or the Gift

The wages of sin is death. “Wages” here means “the rations” supplied as pay to a soldier. If sin is your commander, you will have “death” to eat as your pay. “Sin” is treated as a person, even as “God” is, and the more we treat it as a living enemy, the more we are likely to fight against it manfully. “Death” may be defined as separation. Spiritual death is a present separation from God. Physical death is a separation of body and soul, and the separation of both from this world. Eternal death is final, total separation of body and soul from heaven, and from God forever.
What is sin-read the ten commandments. Do you lie, steal, covet something that belongs to somebody else, do you worship a false god, practice idolatry with vain images and statues, do you swear-and take the Name of God in vain, do you bear false witness against people, and falsely accuse people, are you practicing adultery, fornication-sex outside of marriage?

Every time you do what you know to be wrong, every time you surrender yourselves to a thought which you know to be evil, you are earning the wages of sin which are death—death to all peace of mind, to all noble feeling, to all nobility of character, to all solid success in life.
The wages of sin are seen in shattered lives, destroyed bodies by self-inflicted diseases, destroyed homes, and marriages, and nations.
By the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ unworthy sinners may have eternal life in Christ, and that as a gift from God, and not as something which is to be had in another world, but something which may be had in this. Turning to Christ, and receiving His mercy and grace, brings life and life everlasting. We know we belong to Him, and when this life is over, we will join Him and the saints in heaven. Choose this day-who you will serve. (Biblical Illustrator)

6/11/2025
For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods. Psa 97:9
The Lord Reigns

The keynote here is the reign of God. To the wicked, it spells misery; to the believer, it is the inauguration of harmony and joy. It is as though herald-angels step from isle to isle, from mountain peak to mountain peak, with the glad tidings of great joy. It is not always easy to trace its advent. Clouds and darkness are around him. The eye of sense cannot penetrate the black enclosing pall, but faith is ever certain that righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne.

Sometimes God comes in fire, Psa_97:3, as at Sinai, or on the day of Pentecost, which took place on the anniversary of the giving of the Law. Days come like that on which Jerusalem fell, or when the Turks took Constantinople, or when Napoleon was shattered at Waterloo-then hills melt like wax. But through all dark and terrible dispensations the Kingdom is secretly growing, the Lord is being exalted, and light is being sown for His people, Psa_97:11. So, believer, your tears and fightings, as they pass, are absorbing heaven’s love and power, which they will hold in reserve though buried for long in the dark. Days are at hand of unspeakable gladness. Be of good cheer. (F.B. Meyer)

6/10/2025
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Jesus Christ the Creator

Who is the image of the invisible God. He came in order to reveal the Father in his own person. See Joh_14:10, and Heb_1:3. The love of God is revealed in Christ. He was the visible representative of the invisible God.
The first-born of every creature. The thought is that he existed before creation began; born of God instead of being created by the divine fiat; born before any creature was called into existence. The passage does not say that he was the first created, but the first-born. He was before creation.

By him were all things created. Hence he must have existed before any creation. Compare Joh_1:3, and Heb_1:2. As God manifested himself by means of the Son in the gospel, so in creation he manifested himself through the Son. The visible universe is a manifestation of God through the Son. THE WORD is the power that gives all things existence that exist.
Thrones, dominions, principalities. The angelic hierarchy; different ranks of angels, according to the teachings of some of the Jewish doctors. A heresy had already been proposed that divided these into ranks, assigned them an undue prominence, and held that Christ was only an angel. Paul does not pause to say whether these divisions are correct, but declares that Christ is above them all, created them, and that they were created for him. One of these heresies he wished to counteract was the doctrine of angel worship.
And he is before all things. He was before them all in time, and through him they came into existence. (B.W. Johnson)

6/9/2025
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psa 136:26
God's Eternal Goodness

“O give thanks unto the God of heaven.” The title is full of honour. The Lord is God in the highest realms, and among celestial beings. His throne is set in glory, above all, out of reach of foes, in the place of universal oversight. He who feeds ravens and sparrows is yet the glorious God of the highest realms. Angels count it their glory to proclaim his glory in every heavenly street.

See herein the greatness of his nature, the depth of his condescension, and the range of his love. Mark the one sole cause of his bounty - “For his mercy endureth for ever.” He hath done all things from this motive; and because his mercy never ceases, he will continue to multiply deeds of love world without end. Let us with all our powers of heart and tongue give thanks unto the holy name of Jehovah for ever and ever.
Change and decay in all around I see,
O thou who changest not, abide with me.
(Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

6/8/2025
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. Heb 10:35
Spiritual Confidence

Spiritual confidence is centered on Christ-His inherent goodness, His power to save and in the riches Christ will give to his people. For the better understanding of this, it is well to bear in mind the difference there is between confidence and faith. They are much the same in their exercise; still they are different. Confidence is the outcome of faith. Confidence is stronger than faith, and leads the soul onward to be bold and daring. Faith is as the root; confidence the branch springing out of the root. Confidence grows on faith, and cannot live without it; but faith may exist without confidence, though there can be no doubt that the one is affected by the other, and that as the one strengthens the other strengthens, or that as the one wanes the other also wanes.

We see, therefore, that we may cast away our confidence by unbelief. Once begin to doubt the power and will of Christ to bless us, and our confidence is gone.
The faith may not altogether have departed, but confidence is thrown away. In fact, it seems to be possible for one to have all the evidences of Christ’s character and goodness set before him, so that he cannot doubt, but must believe in Christ’s divinity and salvation; and yet to have no real confidence in Him, no confidence which leads one to trust Him fully, and to go forth in His name in all boldness and with Christian courage. If, then, you are a possessor of this confidence, hold it fast. It is a step in advance of the ordinary Christian plan. It leads to something more, something higher, bolder, and grinder, for Christ and for His cause. Hold it fast, and exercise it. The more it is cultivated and exercised, the more it will grow and the stronger it will become.
(Biblical Illustrator)

6/7/2025
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. Psa 34:14
Pursuing Peace

“Depart from evil.” Go away from it. Not merely take your hands off, but yourself off. Live not near the pest-house. Avoid the lion's lair, leave the viper's nest. Set a distance between yourself and temptation.

“And do good.” Be practical, active, energetic, persevering in good. Positive virtue promotes negative virtue; he who does good is sure to avoid evil. “Seek peace.” Not merely prefer it, but with zeal and care endeavor to promote it. Peace with God, with thine own heart, with thy fellow man, search after this as the merchantman after a precious pearl. Nothing can more effectually promote our own happiness than peace; strife awakens passions which eat into the heart with corroding power. Anger is murder to one's own self, as well as to its objects. “And pursue it.” Hunt after it, chase it with eager desire. It may soon be lost, indeed, nothing is harder to retain, but do your best, and if enmity should arise let it be no fault of yours. Follow after peace when it shuns you; be resolved not to be of a contentious spirit. The peace which you thus promote will be returned into your own bosom, and be a perennial spring of comfort to you.
(Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

6/6/2025
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Pro 20:5
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For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 1Co 2:11
God's Wisdom Spiritually Revealed

Wisdom may lie deep within a man or woman, and not be immediately apparent. It may be a hidden reservoir, ready in the season of need.
“The metaphor is of a well whose waters are far beneath the surface of the ground so that one must use a bucket with a long rope to draw water to the surface. Thus a person’s real motives are ‘deep’ in that they are difficult to extract; one must be wary of the pretenses of others.” (Garrett)

A man of understanding will draw it out: Wisdom not only knows how to get and have wisdom; it also knows how to use it. The wise man – the man of understanding – knows how to draw wisdom out for practical and ready use.
Will draw it out: “By prudent questions and discourses, and a diligent observation of his words and actions.” (Poole)

“Those who are wise can discern the motives of the heart.” (Ross)

For what man knoweth the things of a man - All the inmost recesses of his mind; although men are all of one nature, and so may the more easily know one another. So the things of God knoweth no one but the Spirit - Who, consequently, is God.
(John Wesley)

The spirit of a man knows the things of a man: that is, a man is conscious of all the schemes, plans, and purposes, that pass in his own mind; and no man can know these things but himself. So, the Spirit of God, He whom we call the Third Person of the glorious Trinity, knows all the counsels and determinations of the Supreme Being. As the Spirit is here represented to live in God as the soul lives in the body of a man, and as this Spirit knows all the things of God, and had revealed those to the apostles which concern the salvation of the world, therefore what they spoke and preached was true, and men may implicitly depend upon it. The miracles which they did, in the name of Christ, were the proof that they had that Spirit, and spoke the truth of God. (Adam Clarke)

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Mat 7:16
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Mat 7:20
Testing the Fruit

"This common figure is wonderfully expressive. Not leaves (professions), or appearance, are the proper tests of the life that is in the tree, but the fruit it bears. We are to test men and every institution by this principle.
Two of the most highly valued fruits of Israel grapes and figs. Nothing is more common than thorns and thistles. Geike says that it is the land of thorns and thorny plants. Good fruit cannot be expected on such evil stocks."

"We may be self-deceived for threescore years and ten, but the deception ceases on the other side. There we shall know even as we are known. Know what? Among other things, ourselves. There will be no delusions concerning our possessions when our eyes open on that eternal dawn. I bid you remember there will be no seeming to have, before the great white throne and Him who sits on it. All that is accidental and imaginary will be revealed in the light of that great day. If we have never let action do its work, and never seen ourselves amid life's changes, we have not escaped the judgment of the Christ."
(Selected excerpts-e-Sword devotions)

6/4/2025
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psa 91:2
The Souls Refuge in God

In times of suffering and trial they find safety and comfort in Him. He is also a “fortress.” The idea of this word is different from that of a refuge. The refuge was a quiet and secure hiding-place; the fortress is a place of defense against foes, which is strong to resist the attacks of opposing forces. In life’s warfare God is the stronghold of His people; He is their shield. “O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.” Having His protection we are invulnerable. In life’s storms He is the safe and quiet shelter of His people. “My soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” The Psalmist speaks of the Lord as his “God” the object of His worship; One who is worthy of all obedience and affection, all reverence and confidence, all praise and glory. Jehovah was to the Psalmist all that a man expects in his God.

Our safety is in God alone. Having Him for our God we are beyond the reach of any real harm. We secure His protection by trusting in Him. By faith we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and are ever secure under His shadow. Do not fear or hesitate to trust God fully and for ever. Commit yourself with confidence into His hands, and you shall dwell safely by Him for ever.
(Preacher's Homiletical)

6/3/2025
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Jas 1:2-3
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These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work. 1Ch 4:23
In The Potter's Hands

"Potters were the very highest grade of workers, but "the king" needed potters, and therefore they were in royal service, although the material upon which they worked was nothing but clay. We, too, may be engaged in the most menial part of the Lord's work, but it is a great privilege to do anything for "the king"; and therefore we will abide in our calling, hoping that, "although we have lien among the pots, yet shall we be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold." The text tells us of those who dwelt among plants and hedges, having rough, rustic, hedging and ditching work to do. They may have desired to live in the city, amid its life, society, and refinement, but they kept their appointed places, for they also were doing the king's work. The place of our habitation is fixed, and we are not to remove from it out of whim and caprice, but seek to serve the Lord in it, by being a blessing to those among whom we reside. These potters and gardeners had royal company, for they dwelt "with the king" and although among hedges and plants, they dwelt with the king there. No lawful place, or gracious occupation, however mean, can debar us from communion with our divine Lord. In visiting hovels, swarming lodging-houses, workhouses, or jails, we may go with the king.

In all works of faith we may count upon Jesus' fellowship. It is when we are in his work that we may reckon upon his smile. Ye unknown workers who are occupied for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the low, be of good cheer, for jewels have been found upon dunghills ere now, earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and ill weeds have been transformed into precious flowers. Dwell ye with the King for his work, and when he writes his chronicles your name shall be recorded."
(Charles Spurgeon-Morning Devotion)

Note: There is misunderstanding by some, who believe these devotions are a reflection of my life personally, and are giving this message. No, when I choose a devotion it's after some prayer, and realizing from the years I worked in various jobs, that there are people all around you who are carrying burdens and heartaches they would never tell anyone. Something they may see here, May speak right to their heart. God knows this, and it's God who prompts me to choose each day's devotion, for this reason. They have nothing to do with me-it's a connection between God and the untold numbers of people who God may direct here, and minister to them by the message they read here. This is one of the many ways the Lord works, to reveal Himself, and draw people to Himself.

6/2/2025
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave himself for me. Gal 2:20
Christ-The Center of Our Life

We have first the great central fact, named last, but round which all the Christian life is gathered. “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.” To none of the Apostles did the appeal of the cross come with greater force than to Paul. He not only made Jesus Christ the center of all his preaching, but he placed the cross at the very heart of the gospel. The burden of his message was Christ crucified, as he knew well that the world’s hope centered in Him. The necessary preliminary to the spiritual life is to grasp in some measure the great facts of the Incarnation and the Atonement, which form the foundation of our salvation and sonship. We must see God in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. “He gave himself up for me”! He endued Himself with the robe of flesh, He entered the house of bondage, He took upon Him the form of a bondslave that He might set the bondslave free. He walked the pilgrim path of limitation, the path of sorrow and temptation; face to face He met the devil, face to face He met “the terror feared of man,” becoming “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” “He gave himself up for me”! And in that holy sacrifice of love, the holy law of God received perfect obedience, the violated law of God received a holy satisfaction, the sovereignty of the devil was smitten and overthrown, boastful death lost its sting, and the omnivorous grave its victory.

No doctrine, no conception of the Atonement can explain to us the cross of Christ. We stand before that cross that we may gather its meaning for ourselves, that we may feel its import, that we may see its entire and absolute unlikeness to anything else, and so feel that its significance could be explained only by some conception of what we call the Atonement. This cannot exist to us as a logical statement. It exists as a vital truth. As we gaze upon the cross of Christ, and see the sacrifice that He there made, we see and feel that the perfectness of His suffering, the entire self-control that He possessed, and all the great drama of the Crucifixion, showed a beauty, a completeness of His manhood, which indeed bore our sins. Great was the power of sin, terrible was the exhibition of its power at the foot of the cross; but above all human vileness and corruption, above all human selfishness and self-seeking, above all temporary scheming and plotting there rose the perfect form of Him who was the Eternal Truth.

Who by His death and suffering testified against all the false seeming of the world and its power, who by His perfect patience and love overcame the pangs of death, who showed that there was something which was above and beyond the world, something which raises our hearts to Him, something which lifts us above those powers and forces under the influence of which our ordinary life is lived, something which gives us a sense of redemption. (Note: Mandell Creighton, Counsels for Churchpeople, 119)

6/1/2025
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning
were the first day. Gen 1:5
A New Beginning

All beginnings must begin with God. Always put God first. The first stone in every building, our first thought every morning, the first aim and purpose of all activity. Begin the book of the year with God, and you will end it with the glory of the New Jerusalem. At first, as in the physical creation, your heart and life may seem to be “without form and void.” Do not be discouraged, the Spirit of God is within you, brooding amid the darkness, and presently His Light will shine through. It is the blessed presence of the Lord Jesus that stirs in your heart and will presently rule your life, Joh_1:4. His Presence divides between the good and evil. You must distinguish between Christ and self. Follow the gleam, and you shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. God’s days begin in evenings, and always end in mornings. (F.B. Meyer)

We have here a farther account of the first day's work. In which observe, 1. That the first of all visible beings which God created was light, the great beauty and blessing of the universe: like the first - born, it doth, of all visible beings, most resemble its great parent in purity and power, brightness and beneficence. 2. That the light was made by the word of God's power; He said, Let there be light - He willed it, and it was done; there was light - Such a copy as exactly answered the original idea in the eternal mind. 3. That the light which God willed, he approved of. God saw the light, that it was good - 'Twas exactly as he designed it; and it was fit to answer the end for which he designed it. 4. That God divided the light from the darkness - So put them asunder as they could never be joined together: and yet he divided time between them, the day for light, and the night for darkness, in a constant succession.

Tho' the darkness was now scattered by the light, yet it has its place, because it has its use; for as the light of the morning befriends the business of the day, so the shadows of the evening befriend the repose of the night. God has thus divided between light and darkness, because he would daily mind us that this is a world of mixtures and changes. In heaven there is perpetual light, and no darkness; in hell utter darkness, and no light: but in this world they are counter - changed, and we pass daily from one to another; that we may learn to expect the like vicissitudes in the providence of God. 5. That God divided them from each other by distinguishing names. He called the light Day, and the darkness he called night - He gave them names as Lord of both. He is the Lord of time, and will be so 'till day and night shall come to an end, and the stream of time be swallowed up in the ocean of eternity. 6. That this was the first day's work, The evening and the morning were the first day - The darkness of the evening was before the light of the morning, that it might set it off, and make it shine the brighter. (John Wesley)

Two Minutes Daily for April 2025

1/4/2025

Devotions/Scriptures/Inspiration

4/30/2025
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the
place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost:
as your fathers did, so do ye.
Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which
shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been
now the betrayers and murderers:
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. Acts 7: 48:53
Stephens Defense

Here Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin giving a historical overview of the Jews rebellion against God even from the beginning, and making the point that the same rebellion remains in them to this day.
We can imagine the angry whispering among the Sanhedrin as Stephen’s history lesson began to make sense. Stephen saw this and knew they were rejecting again the One God sent, just as before.
Charles Spurgeon gives this account: "He takes the sharp knife of the Word and rips up the sins of the people, laying open the inward parts of their hearts, and the secrets of their soul…He could not have delivered that searching address with greater fearlessness had he been assured that they would thank him for the operation; the fact that his death was certain had no other effect upon him than to make him yet more zealous.”
The council was angry, because Stephen’s message had hit the target. They could not dismiss or ignore what he said. The Sanhedrin reacted with rage instead of submission to the Holy Spirit.
Take note that these were prominent, religious, successful men; but rejecting the truth spoken to them, and the God they claimed to be representing, and worshipping. Their actions revealed their hatred, and true condition of their hearts.
They listened to him in agitation, gnashing their teeth. “All they could do in their frenzy was to gnash with their teeth. It was not a sudden outburst but the tense rather shows that it was prolonged.” (Gaebelein)

This defense from Stephen was a lesson for the Church and believer of every age. His forecast swept away at once all the privileges and profits connected with the religious position of Jerusalem, and by doing so, destroyed the political prospects of the Jewish people. Men never listen patiently when their pockets are being touched, and their dearest hopes annihilated.
Standing before his slanderers, Stephen continues to give honor to God, unflinching. He keeps in view the unlimited greatness, authority and sovereignty of God, according to which God is bound to nothing and no one, and can manifest Himself to whom, and how, and when He pleases. Then, his tone changes, and seals his fate with courage, and boldness--
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
As it was with Stephen, it is the same today.

Note: For anyone who may read this, who's been rejected within a church for standing for the word of God without compromise, and told to either be silent, or leave-take comfort in knowing you are following a long line of those who've been through your suffering and persecution, long before you. Untold millions have followed Stephen to their deaths, standing for Christ, and His word, and would not bow to the idolatry, false teaching, and hypocrisy. In these last days, it is only getting worse. I pray for those who've stood alone for Christ, and not waivered, that you will endure, until we stand before Jesus, face to face, and see Him in His glory. Maranatha

4/29/2025
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and
their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isa 54:17
THE CHRISTIAN’S EXPERIENCE
Weapons Are Formed Against Him

No Christian need expect anything else. As Israel’s experience in the wilderness, so the Christian’s in the world. The devil will try to hinder his progress, the world, too, in various ways—by its cares, snares. The law in his members also will war against the law of his mind. He must fight his way, “fight the good fight of faith,” fight under the banner “Jehovah-Nissi,” fight, “putting on the whole armor of God.” Tongues rise against him. From the days of Cain it has been so, and will be so to the end. Christians need not think it strange if they are mocked, maligned, misrepresented, all manner of evil said against them. So they treated the Lord, and so they will treat His disciples (Joh_15:9). But while this shall be, more or less, the experience of every Christian, learn, over against it.

1. No weapon shall prosper. His enemies may be mighty, but more mighty, wise, watchful, indefatigable and loving is his protector. He is perfectly safe. This does not mean, however, that he is not to use expedients—to watch and pray, to resist and strive. 2. Every tongue he shall condemn. (1) He shall do it himself by welldoing (1Pe_2:15). (2) God shall do it for him. (3) It shall be done sufficiently on earth (Psa_37:6). (4) Perfectly in eternity (Job_19:25). 3. Let Christians see to it that they so live that men speaking evil of them shall do it “falsely,” and God shall fully vindicate them. (Preacher's Homiletical)

4/28/2025
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house;
and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Mat 7:24-27
A Sure Foundation

The object of our Lord in this Sermon on the Mount was to convey an accurate idea of the righteousness required in His kingdom. He did so mainly by contrasting it with the spurious forms of righteousness current among men. The mere pretender is placed before us under three figures: (1) the wolf in sheep’s clothing; (2) a thorn bush that has artificial flowers and fruits stuck all over it; (3) a man who builds a very superb mansion, spends no end of pains and money on what can meet the eye, and exposes himself to public criticism. People pass by and admire. On visiting the spot afterwards, they see nothing but a heap of ruins. The house was fine in appearance at first, but lacked the essential thing—the foundation. The semblance of the thing is by no means the thing itself.

We are liable, however opposed to shams in ordinary life, to be shallow in faith. When a man is recognized by society as a Christian, he soon gets to deem himself one. Appearances are all in his favor. The hearing of the Word seems sufficient evidence of a devout mind. We listen so respectfully to instruction in duty that surely more cannot be required from us. Are we not often as much satisfied when we see the reasonableness of a thing, and feel as if we were already become righteous, as when we experience the reality?
The results of trusting in superficial appearances are stated in language intended to set forth their overwhelmingly disastrous nature. The rain-storm mentioned is such as every winter is sure to bring about in every season. It is no extraordinary calamity. The inevitable tests the house, and shows its faultiness or its strength. Time is all that is required to test everything. It forces nature to the front. Make sure that you have such a foundation as will stand all the shocks of time and last eternally.
(M. Dods, Christian World Pulpit, vol. xix., p. 397)

4/27/2025
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
even the sure mercies of David. Isa 55:1-3
+++++++
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find
rest unto your souls. Matt 11:28-29

Peace and Victory Through Surrender

Take my yoke upon you - Believe in me: receive me as your prophet, priest, and king. For I am meek and lowly in heart - Meek toward all men, lowly toward God: and ye shall find rest - Whoever therefore does not find rest of soul, is not meek and lowly. The fault is not in the yoke of Christ: but in thee, who hast not taken it upon thee. Nor is it possible for any one to be discontented, but through want of meekness or lowliness. (John Wesley)

In the verses above it shows Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophetic description of God's promises to be all that is needed for the troubled, burdened soul. Jesus emphasizes it in Matt. ch. 11, and calls all who would-to come to Him and take His yoke of rest on upon them.
From the first days of my salvation, I've searched the scriptures and allowed the Holy Spirit to penetrate my heart and soul, and develop in me a solid faith in Christ's promises to me, and you. There is no problem that He isn't aware of in my life. He's allowed it for a purpose. I may not know what that reason is at the moment, but, if I take it to Him in prayer, if it's His will He may show me why and what I need to do the change the situation, or how to pray against the forces of darkness and overcome it.
He's also developed a sound faith in His love for me, and that if everyone else in the world leaves me-He remains. If I have God, I have all I need.
Lorna Couillard

4/26/2025
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 2Cor 1:20-21
The Sure Promises of Christ

The Apostle Paul laid great emphasis on the witness of his conscience. See Act_23:1; Act_24:16. As we pass out of this life, and stand in the revealing dawn of eternity, it will be a blessed thing if we are able to say this much of ourselves.
Paul had thought of visiting Corinth on his way to Macedonia, and again on his return journey; but this purpose had been defeated. He was eager, however, that his friends should understand that the change was not due to vacillation on his part, for this would be unworthy of one who stood for the great certainties of the gospel.

Christ is God’s attestation to His promises. All these have received their seal in the words, sufferings and resurrection of our Lord. In Jesus God says Yea to the yearnings and prayers of human hearts, and Amen (verily) to all the ten thousand promises of Scripture. He who rests on Christ stands in the focal point of certainty and assurance. Not one good thing shall fail him of all that has been promised.
2Co_1:21 is full of comfort. God alone can give us a settled and established position. He anoints us for service; seals us with His Spirit for safety, likeness, and authentication; and in this way gives us the earnest and foretaste of heaven, as the grapes of Eschol were the pledge and foretaste of Canaan. (F.B. Meyer)

4/25/2025
When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do
after the abominations of those nations.
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations
the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. Deu 18:9-13

Do You Serve Satan or God-You Must Choose

Throughout this nation, in every aspect of life, the Occult, witchcraft, Satanism, and demonic rituals have infested society. Freemasons practice their secret rituals. Those who reach the 33rd degree level, openly worship Lucifer, the devil. College campuses and hospitals have witches practicing in them. Television programs, Harry Potter movies, books, and merchandise is a multi million dollar operation -that teaches kids and people how to cast spells and gain supernatural powers, for their own agendas. Walmart is full of witchcraft and sorcery, and Ouija boards in the toy section for kids. Football games half time shows are Satanic rituals, full of witchcraft and sorcery-and the crowd loves it and participates in it. This country is saturated with the works of the devil, and the evidence is seen every day, by the condition of the country. Lawlessness, lying, corruption and every evil imagination is now commonplace, and those who do not participate in these practices have to live in the environment these evil practices have created. It is a great sign of the days described by John, the end of days.

Abominable Practices

I've been accused of being gloomy, and unsocial. I've lived a life few would want, and I would not blame them. But, I've overcome the obstacles, one by one-asking God for his direction, and help along the way. He is faithful, and has never failed to bring me out, and supplied every need.
As a young girl I became involved in witchcraft, sorcery, and the Occult, by my friends mother, and from there it became worse by getting entangled with other people like her. By the time I received Christ as Savior and was saved in 1978, the evil influences of people like this had brought much heartache and destruction to my life. But, when Jesus Christ manifested Himself to me in my house in 1978, and set me free, He didn't stop there, His word was like a fire in my bones, every passage spoke to me, of how Satan had attempted to destroy me, and that God had the power to change that. When you choose the Lord, you will start a journey in complete opposition to the world, and those who love it-and what Satan has to offer. The battle begins the day you get saved, and continues to the day you join Jesus in heaven. Anyone who tells you different, is lying to you.
Over the past 40+ years, my spirit has been as Jeremiah's- grieving over the sin that's saturated every area of life, and those who are trapped in the sin that Satan offers, and entices people to follow him. I know what it did to me, and I can't pretend I don't see. My past experiences has given me keen discernment, and I see people's hearts and intentions. People show you who they are and who they worship, by the things they do, and participate in.
Every day, I'm thankful for Jesus rescuing me from the pit of hell I was in, and pray for a world and those He puts before me to pray for, or speak to, that they're eyes would be opened, and they'd turn from their sins, and receive Christ as their Savior. I've seen some of my family members get saved, but also seen some of them die, and without the assurance of heaven. They wouldn't humble themselves, and admit their sins, and allow Christ into their hearts. They died in sin and rebellion. Once you die, that's the end of any chance of salvation-there is no purgatory, or reincarnation.
My prayer is that anyone who may be involved in these evil practices, will heed the warnings, and turn from sin and the lies of the devil, and let Jesus into your life, and get saved, and find fellowship with believer's that love the Lord. Let Him heal your spirit, and give you a life of purpose.
Lorna Couillard

4/24/2025
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense;
I shall not be moved. Psa 62:6
Our Only Rock and Refuge

“I shall not be greatly moved.” The compass trembles and wavers and vacillates, but it trembles back to the pole; it is not greatly moved. I may fall, but I shall rise again. If I am perplexed I am not in despair. If I am cast down I am not, and shall not be, distressed. With such a rock—for who is a rock like unto our God?—may we not with confidence say, “I shall not be greatly moved.” (Biblical Illustrator)

The psalmist declares here in the most absolute manner, that he shall not be “moved” at all. In Psa_62:2, he said that he would not be “greatly moved;” his mind would not be much or materially disturbed. The language here indicates more entire confidence - more certain conviction - showing that the slight apprehension or fear which existed in the beginning of the psalm, had been wholly dissipated, and that his mind had become perfectly calm. (Albert Barnes)

4/23/2025
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring
to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1Co 1:26-31
GOD’S GLORY IN MEN’S WEAKNESS

Not many wise men after the flesh- Paul now shows the weakness of the human instrumentality chosen to convert the world; not those the world called wise, not the mighty, not the noble, yet the work was moving on with wonderful power.
But God hath chosen the foolish things- Men whom the world would call foolish, with a gospel that it called foolishness; yet these "confounded the wise" and upturned the world's philosophies.
Base things- Those of lowly birth.
Things which are not- People that the world would call "nobodies," and things that it counts as nothing. These are chosen to bring to nought things that are; the existing state of things; the pagan religions, governments, and civilization; these were to be overthrown through the influence of the gospel.
That no flesh should glory- That it should be shown that the power was of God.
Who of God is made unto us wisdom. "Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1Co_1:24), is wisdom to us.
And righteousness- In him we are made righteous, and obtain sanctification and redemption. Christ is all of these to us.
He that glorieth- (Jer_9:23). As Christ is our all, imparts every grace that we enjoy, and bestows every blessing, there is no ground for glorying in Paul, Apollos or Cephas, but in the Lord alone.
(B.W. Johnson)

Like the sons of Jesse before Samuel, so do the successive regiments on which the world relies pass before Christ. The wise, the mighty, the noble, the great, the things that are! And the King says, I have not chosen these. The warriors with whom He will win the world to Himself are the nobodies, the ciphers, the people who in the world’s estimate do not count. Do not depreciate yourself, but give yourself to Him; He will find a niche for you and make your life worth living. Notice that God has put you into union with Christ Jesus. Everything we need for life and godliness is in Him; only let us make all that we can of our wonderful position and possessions.
Paul came to Corinth from Athens, where he had sought to win his hearers by a studied and philosophical discourse as best adapted to their needs. But as he entered Corinth, he appears to have deliberately determined that his theme would be the crucified Lord, and expressed in the simplest phrases. When we speak the truth as it is in Jesus, the Spirit is ever at hand to enforce our testimony by His demonstration and power.
(F.B. Meyer)
His strength is Perfect – Steven Curtis Chapman
https://youtu.be/QGC9KT918Kk?si=aBEv2rTNuKf0St2N

4/22/2025
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Luk 12:2-5
The Fear of God

Self-Deception.—Hypocrisy is not merely for a man to deceive others, knowing all the while that he is deceiving them, but to deceive himself and others at the same time; to aim at their praise by a religious profession, without perceiving that he loves their praise more than God’s, and that he is professing far more than he practices.—Newman.

The Place and Function of the Lamp.—The disciples are to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, one element of whose hypocrisy it was to withhold from the common people the light of their own better knowledge; neither going into the kingdom of heaven themselves, nor suffering those who would have entered to go in. The disciples, unlike the Pharisees, are not to withhold any light which they possess; for God intends nothing to be concealed from any man. Whatever is covered is to be uncovered. Whatever is hidden from us is hidden, not by God, but by the limitations of our own faculty, and will be disclosed as we train our faculty of perception and outgrow its limitations. So far as we can see, we may see; and what we see not yet we shall see soon. Yes, and, as we are expressly taught here, so far as we can see we may speak, and must speak. For as it is the will of God that nothing should be covered except that it may be uncovered, so also it is the will of Christ that whatever He or His disciples have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; whatever they have spoken in the chamber shall be proclaimed from the house-top. The same rule is to govern their words which governed His words. What He had taught them privately, that they were to teach openly (Mat_10:27); and now He adds that whatever they taught privately, that their successors were to teach openly. They were to have no mysteries, no “economy,” no truths reserved for the initiated. (Cox)

"Even the friends of God are commanded to fear God, as a being who has authority to send both body and soul into hell. Therefore it is proper even for the most holy persons to maintain a fear of God, as the punisher of all unrighteousness. A man has but one life to lose, and one soul to save; and it is madness to sacrifice the salvation of the soul to the preservation of the life."
(Adam Clark)

4/21/2024
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Purchased by His Blood

Another place where this same phrase for power of darkness is used is in Luk_22:53, where Jesus spoke of the darkness surrounding His arrest and passion in the same terms. “These words refer to the sinister forces marshaled against him for decisive combat in the spiritual realm.” (Bruce)
“Beloved, we still are tempted by Satan, but we are not under his power; we have to fight with him, but we are not his slaves. He is not our king; he has no rights over us; we do not obey him; we will not listen to his temptations.” (Spurgeon)

Darkness is here personified, and is represented as having power, authority, and sway; all Jews and Gentiles, which had not embraced the Gospel, being under this authority and power. And the apostle intimates here that nothing less than the power of God can redeem a man from this darkness, or prince of darkness, who, by means of sin and unbelief, keeps men in ignorance, vice, and misery.
Translated us into the kingdom, - He has thoroughly changed our state, brought us out of the dark region of vice and impiety, and placed us in the kingdom under the government of his dear Son, Υἱου της αγαπης αὑτου, the Son of his love; the person whom, in his infinite love, he has given to make an atonement for the sin of the world. (Adam Clarke)
The word translated forgiveness is the ancient Greek word aphesis, most literally rendered “a sending away.” Our sin and guilt is sent away because of what Jesus did on the cross for us.
“It thus speaks of the removal of our sins from us, so that they are no longer barriers that separate us from God.” (Vaughan)

4/20/2025
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him,
as they mourned and wept.
And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her,
believed not. Mar 16:9-11
Jesus Appeared First to Mary Magdalene

"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week, they come to the tomb when the sun was risen. And they were saying among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the tomb? and looking up, they see that the stone is rolled back: for it was exceeding great. And entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, arrayed in a white robe, and they were amazed. And he saith unto them, Be not amazed; ye seek Jesus, the Nazarene, Which hath been crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold, the place where they laid Him! But go, tell His disciples and Peter, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you. And they went out, and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid.

Now when He was risen early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven devils. She went and told them that had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they heard that He was alive, and had been seen of her, disbelieved. And after these things He was manifested in another form unto two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country. And they went away and told it unto the rest: neither believed they them. And afterward He was manifested unto the eleven themselves as they sat at meat; and He upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen. And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieves shall be condemned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: in My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Mar_16:1-18 (R.V.)

The Savior’s first appearance after resurrection was to a woman. For all He had died. But not to an assembled world does He manifest Himself now that He has risen victorious over the grave; not to angels, or apostles; not to the faithful Joseph, or the true-hearted Nicodemus; but to a woman, whom He had cast out seven devils.

4/19/2025
And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Luk 23:50-56
Our Lord’s Burial

Joseph of Arimathea--He was a disciple of Jesus secretly. He was led to boldly and openly acknowledge Christ, A great trial brought out his character more clearly. When most of the those who had followed Jesus during His ministry had forsaken Him and fled, then the weak on was made strong.
He was, all this time, waiting for the Kingdom of God. Quietly preparing himself for full development of Christian character. And he was blessed in doing so. In His own good time God revealed Himself to this timid, yet faithful disciple. (H. G. Hird, B. A.)

Rise Again--Dallas Holm
Holmhttps://youtu.be/APuy2dJrqYk?si=ZOo16xjmCQBeCoWy

His burial was an assurance that His resurrection was a reality: for His Body was taken down by friends in the presence of foes who knew that He was dead, and deposited by them, not in a common tomb, but in a cave, hollowed out of a hillside, with a great stone rolled to block up the entrance, which was guarded by the soldiers of Pilate.
His burial also was the last humiliation offered to Him; for, though Joseph and Nicodemus and the women who assisted performed it as a work of piety and love, yet in it He was not the less associated with us, whose bodies must be committed to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. He was the Incorruptible, and yet was buried, and they prepared to embalm Him as if He had been corruptible. In birth from a womb, and in burial in a tomb, He was one with His sinful brethren.
His burial is in a remarkably mysterious way connected with our baptism. The font represents the grave of the Lord, in which, as having died with Him, we are mystically and sacramentally buried, and from which we rise again, endued with new life from Him, as He rose from His grave endured with new life (Col_2:12; Rom_6:1-4).
(M. F.Sadler.)

God has His agents everywhere. They are not known to us, but are well known to Him, and one word from Him will bring them and their resources to His help. How many are unsuspected lovers of His Kingdom! Who would have thought that Joseph was waiting for the kingdom of God, or that he would have identified its advent with the death on the cross!
The body of our Lord was well cared for. They who commit themselves to God will find that He will make Himself responsible for the body, in life to feed and in death to honor; see Mat_6:33; Deu_34:6. The new tomb was so ordered that there could be no possible mistake in identifying the precious body, and that the Resurrection should be beyond question. Love, which clings to the last offices with tender solicitude hastened to express itself with a devotion that braved the hatred of the rulers. Darkness and silence settled on the scene-but this was not the end. (F.B. Meyer)

4/18/2025
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord,
remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Luk 23:39-42
Christ Between Two Thieves

Here we have a true picture of human nature as it appears amidst difficulties, and dangers, and sufferings, the appropriate fruits of sin. A care to avoid pain is universally prevalent, but a care to avoid sin is comparatively of rare occurrence. Of this conduct one of the malefactors crucified with Christ afforded a lamentable example. But the other, however bad he had previously been, however much hardened or debased, was brought to true repentance. There was an invisible energy touching his soul and melting it into contrition; the power of the cross of Christ was felt, and it proved the Redeemer to be great in sufferings. Yes, this criminal became humble, his heart believed, and his faith penetrated the vail of the incarnation, realizing what was concealed from an eye of sense, even a ground of hope for his guilty soul. (Biblical Illustrator)

Rulers, soldiers, and malefactors all heaped their insults on the dying Lord, little realizing that they were all included in the great love which was pouring itself out as the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. It may be that we shall have to share the same opprobrium, if we drink of His cup and are baptized with His baptism. But God will do for us as He did for Jesus; He will not leave our soul in the grave nor suffer His own to see corruption, Psa_16:10.
The signs of renewal, wrought in the heart of the penitent thief, showed the sure work of the Holy Spirit. These were the fear of God, the sense of justice in His suffering, the confession of evil deeds, the recognition of our Lord’s sinlessness and dignity, and the anticipation of His coming Kingdom. We may begin a day under the dull skies of earth and close it where there is no need of sun or moon. See Php_1:23; 2Co_5:6. For the rent veil, see Heb_10:20. Dying saints have often passed home with our Lord’s last words on their lips, Psa_31:5; Act_7:59. (F.B. Meyer)

Psa 31:5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
Act 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

4/17/2025
And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Luk 23:17-21
+++++++
And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them
and of the chief priests prevailed.
And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will. Luk 23:23-25
BARABBAS OR CHRIST

The release of Barabbas illustrates the evasion of personal responsibility. We always admire courage in the abstract. Look at the position of Pilate. “I must sentence, gentlemen, you choose the culprit.” We may be doing this same thing. How often we allow others to determine our duty. “Will you go if I will?” Alone you must die and give an account to God.

The vacillation of Pilate made him a criminal. Weakness becomes sin. At first he evidently meant to release Jesus, but instead of saying so outright, he strove to bring about His release by indirect means and without committing himself.
First, he sent Him to Herod, Luk_23:17, thinking that a Jew would view favorably the position of a fellow-Jew. Then he sought to touch the springs of pity by the anguish of scourging. Finally, he gave the people the choice between Barabbas and Christ, feeling sure that they must choose the liberation of a lover of men rather than that of an outlaw.
None of these expedients succeeded, and he drifted into the very act which his conscience had condemned from the first. He is a specimen of those weak men who want the right thing to be done, but will not adventure their own interests to get it done. There is no chance of such men coming out right. (F.B. Meyer)

4/16/2025
And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him,
and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
And they laid their hands on him, and took him. Mar 14:43-46
+++++++
And they all forsook him, and fled. Mar 14:50
ALONE IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL

"Our Lord forewarned His disciples that their desertion of Him would originate in their misconception of His character and office: “All ye shall be offended in Me this night.” They had seen their Divine Master controlling the very elements themselves, from whence they had concluded Him to be the true Messiah. But now they behold Him bound and led away by an armed band, they begin to think that all their former notions were false, and that the expectations which they had founded on His numerous miracles were delusive. Jesus seemed to them now to be like Samson after his locks were cut: He was become weak as other men. Hence they could no longer repose any confidence in Him, but fled like sheep without a shepherd. And is it not thus with the ungodly? Wherefore do they despise Jesus, but because they know neither His power nor His grace?" (C. Simeon)

We cannot fathom the secret thoughts of the traitor. Did he hope that his act would compel Christ to take the course of self-vindication, which His mighty acts appeared to make possible? It seems unthinkable that there was not some explanation other than mere greed! Yet, when we look into our own hearts, can we be altogether surprised? How often have we betrayed the Lord by our reticence, when we should have spoken; by the kiss of the lip, when we were selfishly exploiting our association with Him to our own advantage.
Our Lord did not die a martyr’s death. The martyr is led to the scaffold or stake because he is overpowered by superior force. But our Lord knew that the invisible world was full of help if only He had expressed the slightest wish. Others die because they are born; He was born that He might die. “He laid down His life that He might take it again.” He would not receive help from the Father, or the angels, or Peter’s sword, but poured out His soul unto death, because of a love that was stronger than death. (F.B. Meyer)

Mat 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

4/15/2025
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?
And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Mat 26:14-16
Judas

Judas the covetous.—This incident reveals Judas Iscariot. If he had intended to compel Christ to commit Himself, and begin at once His kingdom, the very last thing he could have thought of would be making money for himself out of such a transaction. We should divest our minds altogether of the idea that the case of Judas was an exceptional one. We are warranted in looking at Judas exactly as we look at any other man. He had to be exposed to temptation, but was capable of resistance. He was liable to err, to falter, to fall, but there was provided for him adequate and opportune help.
The motives of the betrayal.—He was disappointed in the thing that had grown to be the ruling power in his nature—his love of money; and the disappointed man only too easily can become the revengeful man. Such a man only awakens to behold himself when the consequences of his ill-doing are fully before him. Then such a man may feel remorse—he will not rise to healthy repentance. Judas let money rule him, and money brought him down to a woe unspeakable. (Weekly Pulpit)

4/14/2025
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you,
not sparing the flock. Act 20:29
Paul's Parting Warning

For I know this,.... By divine revelation:
that after my departing; either out of this world, or after his leaving them now, and proceeding on, his journey:
shall grievous wolves enter in among you; false teachers, comparable to wolves, for their craft and cunning, and for their greedy, covetous, and voracious dispositions; and who would be very grievous, troublesome, and even intolerable to them; these, he knew, would enter privily, at an unawares, into their churches, and set up themselves for preachers, without being called or sent:
not sparing the flock; fleecing it instead of feeding it, making merchandise of it, and like the Pharisees, under religious pretenses, devour widows' houses, and drain the purses of men; and having as little compassion upon their souls, poisoning them with their errors and heresies, subverting their faith, and bringing them into swift ruin and destruction, as much as would in them lie. (John Gill)

Grievous wolves. The figure of the flock is still kept up. The "grievous wolves" were false teachers, and the special reference is to the Judaizing teachers, who taught that the Gentile Christians must keep the Jewish law. Paul's ministry was a long battle with the schismatics. See 1Ti_1:3-4, 1Ti_1:20; 2Ti_1:15; 2Ti_2:17; also John's Third Epistle. By turning to these references the names of some six of these "grievous wolves" will be found. Also in Rev_2:6 we learn that there were false teachers at Ephesus. (B.W. Johnson)

4/13/2025
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst,
let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly
shall flow rivers of living water. Joh 7:37-38
Jesus-The Springs of Living Water

“Let Him come.” Do not mystify yourselves with the metaphysics of the Divine decrees. Take Christ in His plain utterances and remember that secret things belong unto God. He says, “if any man will, let Him come”—believe in His honesty of purpose, and that He means what He says, “It is not the will of my Father that one of these little ones should perish.” “You may perish, but that will be from your own acts, not God’s.”

Christ stands and cries still in the midst of a thirsting world: “Whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely.” Has His voice become so familiar that it has lost all significance? For all who can hear and believe, His truth remains. There is life-abundant life for us. Drink of any other fountain, and you only intensify thirst, and make life more difficult, spending energy without renewing it. Live in Christ and you live in God. You have found the center, the heart, the eternal life. As Christ stood and cried to the people He was conscious of power to impart to them a freshly welling spring of life-a life that would overflow for the strengthening and gladdening of others besides themselves.
In these words Christ proclaims that He is the great Temple-fountain; or rather, that He is the true Temple, and that the Holy Ghost proceeding from Him, and dwelling in men, is the life-giving fountain. All the cravings after a settled and eternal state, all the longings for purity and fellowship with the Highest, which the Temple services rather quickened than satisfied, Christ says He will satisfy. (Expositor's Bible)

4/12/2025
Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey. Psa 76:4
The Champion of Good

"In Psa_76:2, tabernacle may be rendered “covert,” and dwelling-place, “lair.” God is compared to the lion, that dreaded monarch of beasts, who finds his home in a den, into which no inferior animal may intrude. Even the hunter’s bows and arrows are broken in pursuit of him. As the mountains yielded prey to the young lion, so the hills around Jerusalem, where Sennacherib had pitched his camp, would be full of Assyrian spoil for the armies of the Lion of Judah. The stout-hearted captains of Assyria would there sleep their last sleep, Psa_76:5.
Some of the meek of the earth may read these lines, Psa_76:9. They do not avenge themselves. Weak and helpless, they turn their eyes to God, who cannot fail them. When He speaks His sentence of acquittal, no voice will be raised to dispute it. For when He arises in judgment He will save all the meek of the earth. There is a “thus far and no farther” to the wrath of man. God will not allow it to go beyond certain limits, and it is remarkable how He is able to make man’s wrath to subserve His purposes. Bring God the gift of your love. Fear not, ye humble souls, but let your enemies be in fear"! (F.B. Meyer)

“Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.” Far more is Jehovah to be extolled than all the invading powers which sought to oppress his people, though they were for power and greatness comparable to mountains. Assyria had pillaged the nations till it had become rich with mountains of spoil, this was talked of among men as glory, but the Psalmist despises such renown, and declares that the Lord was far more illustrious. What are the honors of war but brags of murder? What the fame of conquerors but the reek of manslaughter? But the Lord is glorious in holiness, and his terrible deeds are done in justice for the defense of the weak and the deliverance of the enslaved. Mere power may be glorious, but it is not excellent: when we behold the mighty acts of the Lord, we see a perfect blending of the two qualities.
(Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

4/11/2025
I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. Psa 71:7
Refuge in God

David had recollections of the gentle and strong hand of God supporting him through all his life. His age was sustained and cheered by memories of the rich and constant goodness of God to him. The stream of the Divine blessing had never ceased to flow for his refreshment and support. Whatever or whosoever had disappointed him, God had never failed him. Blessed are they who in old age have a retrospect like unto this.

Even the old age of the good is not always exempt from trial. We are never beyond the reach of the storm while we are in this world. The old age of David was darkened by trouble by reason of the great sins which stain and mar one period of his life.
Old men need have no failure in their buoyancy and gladness, if they will fix their thoughts where the psalmist fixed his. Other subjects will soon wear out, but they who make God’s righteousness and salvation their theme will ever have material for meditation and praise. We have here an inexhaustible subject, and one which will keep us young. Let us ask for help, that we may disappoint the calculations of those who hate us, whether men or demons. It is a piteous spectacle when apparently prosperous careers” are overclouded, and age is overwhelmed in catastrophes which there is no time to surmount. But such is not God’s way with His loyal servants. His rivers do not end in swamps and marshes, but broaden and deepen till they kiss the mighty ocean. (F.B. Meyer)

4/7/2025
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of
the tabernacles of the most High. Psa 46:4
The River of God

The grace of God, like a river, is perpetual in its movements. The lake may be stagnant, unless some river runs through it; the canal must be kept as free from any current as possible; but the river is always on the move. So it is with the grace of God in the soul of man. However hidden it may be, it is ever living and ever moving. Geographers tell us that the river Guadiana, in Spain, conceals itself in the earth for some fifteen miles of its course. But it is still there. In like manner, however concealed, the grace of God is at work in the heart of every believer.

The river. This I take to be the mercy of God; His kindness to the miserable. Just, He must needs be, for He would not be merciful if He were not just. But there are manifestations of His justice in which He takes no joy. “He taketh no pleasure in the death of the sinner;” but “He delights in mercy.” And sometimes its exhibitions are very tender—“it drops as the gentle dew from heaven upon the place beneath.” And how copious its store! it is a river, not a rill that can be turned aside by any pebble in its bed; but a river that sweeps triumphantly over and through every obstacle.
The streams Some rivers are fed by streams; not so this one” it gives out streams but receives none, like the river of Damascus, whose branches surround the city. These streams are--
1. Pardoning mercy.
2. Purifying mercy: for it would be of little use if purity were not given as well as pardon.
3. Pacifying mercy—to keep me quiet in the midst of this unquiet world.

The fruit. The river is to make glad the city of God. That is, God’s Church and people; and the great purpose of the river and all its streams is—to make them glad: to bring up a smiling landscape around them, to fill their lips and hearts with praise. (Biblical Illustrator)

4/6/2025
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land,
where no water is; Psa 63:1
The Longing Soul

Consider the prayer of the Psalm. For what does David pray? Not for what we might have prayed had we been in his circumstances. Put yourself in his place—a fugitive in the wilderness on the edge of what seems ruin. Most of us would have had only one prayer, to be lifted out of the mire. But no prayer for material advantage rises from David’s lips. What he wants is God. His prayer is for God to come nigh; he longs for God as in a dry and thirsty land where no water is. (R. Glover, Christian World Pulpit)

“My flesh longeth for thee;” by the two words “soul” and “flesh,” he denotes the whole of his being. “The flesh,” in the New Testament sense of it, never longs after the Lord, but rather it lusteth against the spirit; David only refers to that sympathy which is sometimes created in our bodily frame by vehement emotions of the soul. Our corporeal nature usually tugs in the other direction, but the spirit when ardent can compel it to throw in what power it has upon the other side. When the wilderness caused David's weariness, discomfort, and thirst, his flesh cried out in unison with the desire of his soul. “In a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.” A weary place and a weary heart make the presence of God the more desirable; if there be nothing below and nothing within to cheer, it is a thousand mercies that we may look up and find all we need.

How frequently have believers traversed in their experience this “dry and thirsty land,” where spiritual joys are things forgotten! and how truly can they testify that the only true necessity of that country is the near presence of their God! The absence of outward comforts can be borne with serenity when we walk with God; and the most lavish multiplication of them avails not when he withdraws. Only after God, therefore, let us pant. Let all desires be gathered into one. Seeking first the kingdom of God - all else shall be added unto us." (C. H. Spurgeon.)

3/5/2025
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I
became a man, I put away childish things. 1Cor 13:11
Traits of Childhood

In this verse Paul was talking of childhood in relation to a child's state of maturity, using this as a spiritual analogy. It can be used in both cases. When I was raising my daughter some of the traits that I dealt with in her, remained even as she grew to adulthood. When confronted about a lie, or act of rebellion, she would lie again, to cover the first one, and often, if she was caught in an act of rebellion, she would be sorry she got caught, but there was no real remorse from the heart for the wrong she had done. Much of these traits that developed in her, came from the associations from other kids in school, and older adults who she learned to listen to, and allow herself to be influenced by. I sadly learned over the years, that the decisions, and traits she would adhere to, would come from outside sources, that I had no control over, and could not stop them. I also soon learned, that saying no to her wants and whims, quickly made me the enemy, and fueled her rebellion and hatred of me. This is the ongoing war of trying to bring up kids right, in an ungodly world. It's a war that I found was never-ending, and one of the best tools of Satan, to destroy a family. The analogy in this is-Christians act the same way.
Today, many households deal with this, and sadly, many kids learn very early how to manipulate, lie, and get their way, and carry these traits into adulthood, and the rest of society lives with them, and has to deal with them. Another aspect of this is, kids learn their habits, and traits from the adults raising them. Many parents and adults who raise kids today, encourage, and teach their kids to lie, and become rebellious. Drugs, alcohol, and immoral sexual activity is a common occurrence. Cities across the country are dealing with the effects of this, with homelessness, grown adult kids who are abusive, drug addicted and violent, and no regard for anyone but themselves. These are realities that speak of the signs of godlessness in the last days, that Paul describes in 2Timothy 3:1-5.

Jesus loved children, and gave stern warning against harming them. However, scripture gives ample guidance in the proper upbringing of children, and to not corrupt them in spirit or manners.
It doesn't take being a genius to bring up children in a righteous environment, it takes steadfast commitment, and using the word of God and applying it to the situation that we're facing in guiding the child. It can be summed up in asking ourselves a few questions:
Is it honest?
Is it teaching integrity?
Is it teaching consideration for others?
Does it establish my walk with God in it's proper place-and am I walking in peace with God, myself, and others? Lorna Couillard

4/4/2025
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed
to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Heb 11:16
Seeking a Better Country

"Even in this early period of the world, therefore, there was the confident expectation of the future state; compare the notes on Mat. 22:3l-32. We may remark, that the life of the patriarchs was, in all essential respects, such as we should lead. They looked forward to heaven; they sought no permanent possessions here; they regarded themselves as strangers and pilgrims on the earth."

"So should we be. In our more fixed and settled habits of life; in our quiet homes; in our residence in the land in which we were born, and in the society of old and tried friends, we should yet regard ourselves as “strangers and sojourners.” We have here no fixed abode. The houses in which we dwell will soon be occupied by others; the paths in which we go will soon be trod by the feet of others; the fields which we cultivate will soon be plowed and sown and reaped by others. Others will read the books which we read; sit down at the tables where we sit; lie on the beds where we repose; occupy the chambers where we shall die, and from whence we shall be removed to our graves. If we have any permanent home, it is in heaven; and that we have, the faithful lives of the patriarchs teach us, and the unerring word of God everywhere assures us." (Albert Barnes)

"The pilgrim life is possible only for those who have seen the city of God beckoning them from afar. Then they strike their tents and follow the gleam. By faith they so comport themselves that God is not ashamed to own them. They will discover, even in this life, that they have not trusted Him in vain, and that the half has not been told. On the mere rumor that a new gold field is found, men sell off everything in their mad rush. How many are disappointed! But none of those that trust God shall be left desolate."
(F.B. Meyer)

4/3/2025
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh,
to fulfil the lusts thereof. Rom 13:13-14
Be Formed in His Image

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ - Herein is contained the whole of our salvation. It is a strong and beautiful expression for the most intimate union with him, and being clothed with all the graces which were in him. The apostle does not say, Put on purity and sobriety, peacefulness and benevolence; but he says all this and a thousand times more at once, in saying, Put on Christ. And make not provision - To raise foolish desires, or, when they are raised already, to satisfy them. " (John Wesley)

The gratification of the flesh was the main object among the Romans. Living in luxury and licentiousness, they made it their great object of study to multiply and prolong the means of licentious indulgence. In respect to this, Christians were to be a separate people, and to show that they were influenced by a higher and purer desire than this grovelling propensity to minister to sensual gratification. It is right, it is a Christian duty, to labor to make provision for all the real needs of life. But the real wants are few; and with a heart disposed to be pure and temperate, the necessary wants of life are easily satisfied; and the mind may be devoted to higher and purer purposes. (Albert Barnes)

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore
what these things mean.
(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Acts 17:19-21
Nothing New to Offer Here

Let's take a look at the people Paul was dealing with in his days:
The Epicureans pursued pleasure as the chief purpose in life, and valued most of all the pleasure of a peaceful life, free from pain, disturbing passions and superstitious fears (including the fear of death). They did not deny the existence of gods, but believed that they had nothing to do with man.
The Stoics believed that everything was god, and god was in everything. So they believed that all things, good or evil, were from “god,” and so nothing should be resisted, and they believed there was no particular direction or destiny for mankind.
Some mocked Paul because he did not speak with the philosophical niceties popular in Athens (What does this babbler want to say?). Others thought Paul was an exotic proclaimer of foreign gods.
He preached to them Jesus and the resurrection: Though Paul spoke in a different place, to a different kind of audience, his message did not change in Athens. He focused on Jesus and the resurrection.

In the early nineteenth century, Adam Clarke described the situation of his day, and it sounds like it is even truer of our own time. “This is a striking feature of the city of London in the present day. The itch for news, which generally argues a worldly, shallow, or unsettled mind, is wonderfully prevalent: even ministers of the Gospel, negligent of their sacred function, are become in this sense Athenians; so that the book of God is neither read nor studied with half the avidity and spirit as a newspaper…It is no wonder if such become political preachers, and their sermons be no better than husks for swine. To such the hungry sheep look up, and are not fed.”

Today, in the 21st century, this analogy can be multiplied many times over. Every source of media, and there are many, are filled to the brim with sadistic satire, filthy gestures, and language that could not be put here, because it's so profane. Every intention and actions of the great majority is to demean, ridicule, scoff, or find some fault in anyone who openly stands for their faith in Christ. The great motivation of the day is, what kind of entertainment can be created from this person, or their walk in life. And, most who do this are biblically illiterate-there is no use in attempting to have meaningful dialogue with them; it will only give them fuel for more strife.
2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Those who come here with this mindset, are wasting their time, and would do well to go somewhere else. I have no desire to waste time on idle gossip, and endless stories just for the sake of talebearing; and I have nothing here to tickle your ears. All you will see here is; Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. Lorna Couillard

4/1/2025
Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things
ye are too superstitious.
For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription,
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth,
dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life,
and breath, and all things; Acts 17:22-25
THE ONE LIVING AND TRUE GOD

"The gospel preacher must avail himself of any circumstance in his surroundings that will enable him to arrest the attention of his audience. He must meet them where they are and take them with him to realms of thought with which they are not familiar. Paul was wise to begin with that altar
to the unknown god."

Around them stood the most exquisite temples ever reared by human genius, but these were not the home of God. He seeks the lowly and contrite heart, not of the Jew alone, but wherever man is found, and on whatever intellectual plane. Men, the world over, are brothers-“he hath made of one blood all nations.” The arrangements of divine providence have been contrived to lead men to God. If they feel after Him with reverence and true desire, He will be found of them. All men are His offspring, but only those who receive the Son of God into their hearts become really sons. Repentance is the act of the will, and therefore it may be commanded. God can overlook much that is hurtful and evil, because He loves the world and deals with men according to their light; and we may rejoice therefore that He will judge mankind by “the Man”-Christ Jesus.
(F.B. Meyer)

Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill. In the Areopagus. Let the reader keep in mind that this address was spoken in the literary capital of the ancient world, the most cultured city of the earth to which every Roman who sought a finished education resorted to complete his studies, the home of the philosophers, orators, sculptors, painters and poets, and the great university where many thousands of strangers were gathered for study. This ancient city of so glorious history is the modern capital of Greece, and has about 100,000 inhabitants.
The times of this ignorance. The times when there was no revelation in to those in darkness.
God winked at. Overlooked.
Now commands. The gospel is world-embracing. (1) All men, (2) everywhere, are command to repent. This call to repentance is urged because God hath appointed a day; the day of coming judgment, when the world will be judged through Christ. Of this the resurrection of Christ is an assurance.
Raised him from the dead (Act_17:31). If Jesus was raised, all men will be raised; hence, the assurance of a general judgment after death. (B.W. Johnson)

Two Minutes Daily for March 2025

1/3/2025

Short Devotional Quotes/Scripture/Inspiration

3/31/2025
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past,
and as a watch in the night. Psa 90:4
God-Our Eternal Home

It is the oldest of stories, sung in this oldest of psalms; of human weakness, turning in dismay from the change and decay about it, to find refuge in the eternity of God. We are not suffered to waste time in the attempt to comprehend the abstract truth of God’s eternity. We are lifted for the moment, in order that we may descend; suffered to grasp a few of the treasures of the Divine glory, that we may carry them back to glorify our earthly life.
This splendid thought of the Divine eternity is made to touch the shifting and inconstant character of our earthly state, by the single word “dwelling-place.” I am a wanderer on earth, there is an eternal home for me; I am sick of confusion and change, there is eternal abiding in Him who is “the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever,” and only a change “into the same image from glory to glory.”

But a correct view of the eternity of God conveys warning as well as comfort. The more it is studied, the stronger is the contrast into which it throws the brevity and uncertainty of human life.
The eternal power of God convicts us of helplessness. Notice the sharp contrast. “From everlasting to everlasting, O God,” Thy life is self-sustained—in Thine own power: man’s life, that gift in which he so exults and on which he presumes to play “such fantastic tricks before high heaven,”—that which flowers out in his pride and high endeavor, in his ambitions, plans, and grand enterprises, is a thing so little in his power, that Thou turnest him even unto the finest dust with a word; and, with another word,—“Return, ye children of men”—callest others into being to fill his place.
The eternal being of God is used to convict us of delusion. We measure life by false standards. The psalm brings us back to the true rule of measurement. (M. R. Vincent, D.D.)
Psa 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

3/30/2025
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of
our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isa:4-5
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isa 53:12
The Suffering Savior

Jesus is an afflicted Man, the most afflicted of all the human race, a Man of sorrows. If He wishes to sympathize He has only to recall the past. We cannot take a single step in our gloomy path without finding some traces of Him. We cannot light upon an affliction through which He has not passed before us. He knows what sorrow is, and this is why He can comfort. We have not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
Jesus Christ has not only shared our sorrows, He has redeemed our sins. Observe, that He truly represents humanity, not merely because He is its ideal type, but also because He has entered into full communion with its sufferings and made Himself partaker of its destiny. He has thrown Himself into the midst of the battle-field; He has in some sort covered us with His body, and so the chastisement which we deserved has fallen on Him.

It is precisely because He is the only man on earth who, as a representative of our race, endured a punishment which He did not deserve, and did not add a fresh sin to a fresh pain, that His suffering rises to the height of a redeeming sacrifice. This redemption was completed on the Cross. It would not have been enough for the Son of man to have been pierced with all the sorrows of humanity except the last. It would not have been enough for Him to have endured all the consequences of man’s rebellion except the last. Death is the wages of sin, and the striking sign of God’s condemnation resting on a guilty world. These wages have been received for us by Him who did not deserve them, because He freely made Himself a partaker of our misery in order to save us. Our comforter is the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. In all our distresses, therefore, and in all our shipwrecks, there is but one shelter, and that is the Cross.
(E. de Pressensé, The Mystery of Suffering, p. 16 (see also Pulpit Analyst, vol. iii., p. 205)

3/29/2025
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth,
do I hate. Pro 8:13
The Fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: Reverence for God (and the wisdom that comes from it) is not neutral towards evil. Like the God it respects, it hates evil, along with the pride and arrogance and perverse mouth that often express evil.
“God’s people partake of the Divine nature, and so have God-like both sympathies and antipathies. They not only leave sin, but loathe it, and are at deadly feud with it.” (Trapp)

I love those who love me: Those who love and pursue wisdom will find themselves rewarded. They will find wisdom (those who seek me diligently will find me) and the blessings wisdom brings (riches and honor…righteousness). It could even be said that wisdom seeks out her followers to bless them (that I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth).
Those who seek me diligently will find me: “With sincere affection, and great diligence, and above all other persons or things in the world; which he mentions as the effect and evidence of their love; for otherwise all men pretend to love God.” (Poole)
2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

3/28/2025
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth. Psa 9-11
Praise in the Sphere of Victory
All heaven declares - Martin Ball
https://youtu.be/RrE8m_3I9U0?si=9xTlpIkpiUS52qGb

David was not only in a happy state of mind when he wrote this Psalm, but in what is called a state of triumph. His confidence in God was unbounded; though encompassed by the most ferocious enemies, and having all things against him except God and his innocence. David will seldom be found in a more blessed state than he here describes. Similar faith in God will bring the same blessings to every true Christian in similar circumstances. (Adam Clarke)

David was to be so early astir at his devotions that, instead of the dawn awaking him, he would awake it: he would summon it to arise out of the east and help him to praise his Maker. But it is not Nature alone he would inspire with his enthusiasm: so full is he of joy in God that he wishes to communicate his emotions to all his fellow-creatures (Psa_57:9). How marvelously has this wish been fulfilled! The Psalter has been translated into scores of languages, and wherever it has been known it has been loved. Finally he gives the reasons for praise (Psa_57:10), “For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds.” These will always be the reasons for praise that is truly hearty—to know the mercy that is as far above our sins as the dome of heaven is above the earth, and to know the faithfulness which, having begun a good work in us, will complete it unto the day of Christ. (J. Stalker, D. D)

3/27/2025
And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1Cor 15:17-19
Faith to Lay Hold Of

Our faith is not based upon opinions, but upon facts. Whatever your “views” may be, is a small matter; what are the facts of the case?
When those outside the Church deny the gospel facts, we are not at all astonished; they are unbelievers, and they are acting out their own profession. But when men inside the Church deny the resurrection, then is our soul stirred within us. Paul’s argument begins, If there be no resurrection--
Christ is not risen. Now--
1. The apostles bore witness that Christ had risen.
2. If Christ be not raised, the godly dead are yet in their sins, and they can never rise; for, if Christ did not rise they cannot.
3. “But,” says one, “Christ might rise, and yet not His people.” Not so, for Christ is one with His people. When Adam sinned, the whole human race fell in him, for they were one with him. In Adam all died. Now, Christ is the second Adam, and all believers are one with Him; and because He rose again, they must rise again; He lives and they shall live also.

“Ye are still in your sins.” The proof that Jesus is the Savior lies in His resurrection (Rom_1:4); but if Jesus has not been raised, then He is not the Son of God—you have no Savior, your fate is still among the unforgiven.
The apostles are liars (1Co_15:15). Observe how Paul puts his own personal veracity and that of his fellow apostles into direct issue.
The saintly are lost (1Co_15:18). If it is the fact that there can be no resurrection of the dead, then Christian morality is a failure. The Heavenly Father puts no difference between His children and the beasts that perish.
The life in Christ is a misery (1Co_15:19.) To profess Christ means self-denial, persecution, martyrdom. Moreover, Christianity awakens within us loftiest aspirations which can never be satisfied in this world. But if there is no resurrection, then we Christians are of all men the most to be pitied. (G. D. Boardman, D.D.)

1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Robin Mark -- The Wonder of Your Cross
https://youtu.be/K6fv9rkIIZo?si=BcEFLUatRvti4wrm

"This was Jesus’ teaching concerning the resurrection. He answered the Sadducees of His generation not merely by asserting His knowledge that the dead shall be raised; He placed the fact of the resurrection upon the fundamental principle that life, not death, is God’s first law. “But that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed, in the place concerning the Bush, when he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.” (R. H. Hutton)

3/26/2025
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous,
and his ears are open unto their cry. Psa 34:14-15
The Roots of a Blessed Life

We need not fret to defend ourselves or to answer false accusations. Let us refrain our lips, hold our peace, as Jesus did, and go on doing what is right and good. God will see to it that our needs are supplied, that our enemies are silenced, and that our soul is redeemed. (F.B Meyer)

Come Find His Rest--
https://youtu.be/mn_aRpKdEpo?si=cMTkqTIpIR8vV_Wp

"Depart from evil. Turn from it. Don’t play with uncleanness. Don’t touch it with thy finger. Don’t hold conversation concerning it, for there are some things of which it is a “shame even to speak.” “Depart from evil and do good.” The best way to effect a permanent divorce from evil is to exercise oneself in active good. Where there is no positive ministry in goodness, we soon relapse into sin. A positive goodness will make the life invincible.
To teach men how to live and how to die, is the aim of all useful religious instruction. The rewards of virtue are the baits with which the young are to be drawn to morality. While we teach piety to God we should also dwell much upon morality towards man.” (Spurgeon)

3/25/2025
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. Prov 16:27-28
Works of the Talebearer

A forward man soweth strife,.... Or "a man of perverseness's"; in whose heart is forwardness and perverseness; and whose mouth speaks forward and perverse things, contrary to reason, law, and Gospel; and who has a spirit of contradiction, and is contrary to all men in his principles and practices; such a man sows discord and strife wherever he comes, in families, in neighborhoods, in churches, in commonwealths, in civil and religious societies; and he seldom fails of finding a soil fit for his purpose, or ground susceptive of the seed he sows, where it takes root and thrives.

A whisperer separates chief friends; one that goes from place to place, from house to house, carrying tales, whispering into the ears of persons things prejudicial to the characters of others, mere lies and falsehoods; such a man by his conduct separates one friend from another, even chief friends, that have been for a long time in the closest and most intimate friendship; he alienates their minds one from another, so that they will not come near one another, or keep up any correspondence as before. The word for "chief friends" is in the singular number, and signifies a prince or leader; and such men, according to the station they are in, and the influence they have, separate princes, as the Vulgate Latin version renders it, from their subjects, and stir up the latter to rebel against them; at least alienate their affections from them; and pastors of churches from their flocks, and husbands from their wives: and such a man, at last, when found out, separates his best friends from himself, as well as from one another; who drop him as a worthless person, yea, as dangerous to converse with; so sin, that whisperer and agitator, separates between God and men. (John Gill)

A response of Paul-to a comparative situation:
2Ti 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

3/24/2025
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Cor 12:8-9
The Secret of Strength

“My strength is made perfect in weakness.” It works in and through man’s weakness. God works with broken reeds. If a man imagines himself to be an iron pillar, God can do nothing with or by him. All the self-conceit and confidence have to be taken out of him first. He has to be brought low before the Father can use him for His purposes. The lowlands hold the water, and, if only the sluice is open, the gravitation of His grace does all the rest and carries the flood into the depths of the lowly heart.

"I fancy if we each had to single out some one person as exhibiting in his or her life the power of Divine Grace, we should not generally select those who stand highest in the world’s esteem for intellect or power of will, but we should take one whose transparent simplicity and modesty seemed to allow the light of Christ to shine through him in all its purity, so that none could be in his company without feeling that they had been brought nearer to Christ Himself. These are the living witnesses of the unseen realities; one such humble Christian man or woman exercises a power for good of which they are themselves altogether unconscious, and which will be fully understood only in that day when God shall judge the secrets of men."
(J. B. Mayor, The World’s Desire, 74)

"It is one of the instances in which the fervent prayer of a good man, offered undoubtedly in faith, was not answered in the form in which he desired, though substantially answered in the assurance of grace sufficient to support him. It furnishes, therefore, a very instructive lesson in regard to prayer, and shows as that we are not to expect as a matter of course that all our prayers will be literally answered, and that we should not be disappointed or disheartened if they are not. It is a matter of fact that not all the prayers even of the pious, and of those who pray having faith in God as a hearer of prayer, are literally answered. Thus, the prayer of David 2Sa_12:16-20 was not literally answered; the child for whose life he so earnestly prayed died. So the Savior’s request was not literally answered, Mar_14:36. The cup of suffering which he so earnestly desired should be taken away was not removed. So in the case before us; compare also Deu_3:23-27; Job_30:20; Lam_3:8. So in numerous cases now, Christians pray with fervor and with faith for the removal of some calamity which is not removed; or for something which they regard as desirable for their welfare which is withheld. The reasons, many times are left until we reach the other shore, where we will know, as we are known." (Albert Barnes)

3/23/2025
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Rom 3:23
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Jas 2:10
Christ-The Redeemer

If the law is broken by "respect of persons," the whole law is broken. He who willfully breaks one command is a law breaker and is guilty before the law.
He that said, he that gave one command, gave the other commands. If you break any one of them, you sin against the Divine Lawgiver.
There is a major issue and problem with many who look at themselves as not as bad as so and so, or "I've not committed any great sins". They measure themselves by their own standards, not God's. They have the idea that their sins are a different shade of black than someone else's. In God's eyes, we are all sinners, and, if you've committed one sin, your guilty of all of them. The text above defines this. This bursts the bubble of the self-righteous. If it was not for Jesus, and His work of atonement for our sins, none of us would have any chance of entering heaven. He, and He alone, is the door.
In His atoning work on the cross, it paid our ransom, a debt we could not pay. He bought us back, from the penalty of sin and death. But, we must appropriate it by repentance and faith, in Christ alone.
Lorna Couillard

The word redemption or ransom is easily understood; it means the buying back, the paying something for another. When a man had incurred a debt, and, in accordance with ancient law, had been imprisoned or sold as a slave in consequence of that debt, the payment of the debt by another constituted his redemption from slavery, his ransom from bondage. All mankind was in that condition before God, and we are in that condition; burdened with the ten thousand talents of debt which we cannot pay; in bondage to sin and Satan; sold under sin, tied and bound with the chain of our sins; our very lives justly forfeited to the majesty of violated law. And from this condition Christ delivered us. As far as the effects to us are concerned, we might say that He purchased us from this slavery, that He bought us by the price of His life and death; redeemed us with His precious blood. And the figure chiefly used is not that He pays the debt, but that He cancels it; forgives it, freely and unpaid; blots it out, tears it up, nails its no longer valid fragments to His cross. (E. A. Stuart)

3/22/2025
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17
The Gospel-The Love of God
John Newton - (1725-1807), Evangelical divine and hymn writer

John Newton was born in London July 24, 1725, the son of a commander of a merchant ship which sailed the Mediterranean. In 1744 John was impressed into service on a man-of-war, the H. M. S. Harwich. Finding conditions on board intolerable, he deserted but was soon recaptured and publicly flogged and demoted from midshipman to common seaman.
On March 21,1748, during his return voyage to England aboard the ship Greyhound, Newton had a spiritual conversion. He awoke to find the ship caught in a severe storm off the coast of Donegal, Ireland and about to sink. In response, Newton began praying for God's mercy, after which the storm began to die down. After four weeks at sea the Greyhound made it to port in Lough Swilly, Ireland. This experience marked the beginning of his conversion to Christianity
He began to read the Bible and other religious literature. By the time he reached Britain, he had accepted the doctrines of Christianity. From that point on, he avoided profanity, gambling and drinking. Although he continued to work in the slave trade, he had gained sympathy for the slaves during his time in Africa. He later said that his true conversion did not happen until some time later: "I cannot consider myself to have been a believer in the full sense of the word, until a considerable time afterwards."

The Slave Trader – Amazing Grace (John Newton)
https://youtu.be/VMdBuyDAVVg?si=26glMDLOs1GBsDFC
Amazing Grace: The Story Behind the Song
https://youtu.be/8m8AHHduTM0"

As his faith matured, Newton’s remorse over his involvement in the slave trade surfaced and galvanized him. In 1785 he met with William Wilberforce and counseled him to remain in politics rather than pursue a religious life. Newton would remain a spiritual mentor for the prominent abolitionist for the next 20 years. He renounced his former slaving profession by publishing a blazing pamphlet called “Thoughts Upon the Slave Trade.” The tract described the horrific conditions on the ships and Newton apologized for making a public statement so many years after participating in the trade: “It will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me, that I was once an active instrument in a business at which my heart now shudders.”
"I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior." - John Newton

3/21/2025
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. Psa 57:5
God's Glory Above All

The Psalmist was conscious that his song fell far below the merit and glory of his theme; and he, therefore, prays, “Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens, Thy glory above all the earth.” Our most reverent and most enthusiastic praise is inadequate to so sublime and glorious a theme.

“Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought.”
Newton.

3/20/2025
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Heb 13:13-14
Sojourner's

Let us go forth therefore unto him - Let us leave this city and system, devoted to destruction, and take refuge in Jesus alone, bearing his reproach-being willing to be accounted the refuse of all things, and the worst of men, for his sake who bore the contradiction of sinners against himself, and was put to death as a malefactor. (Adam Clarke)

Meditation on our short and uncertain state in this world may wean us from an over-fondness for anything in it.
The consideration of the shortness of life may assist us in supporting us under its afflictions.
If the time of our sojourning in this world be but short, let the great and habitual object of our attention be that state which may soon begin but can never end. If “we have here no continuing city, let us seek one to come.” (G. Cart, B. A.)
The Holy City - Jerome Hines
https://youtu.be/m8RxsfX_JcI?si=0T0B_cRyV69qN2cN

3/19/2025
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2Ti 3:1-5
Signs of the Times

The word translated perilous has the idea of troubles, difficulty, and stressful situations. This sort of atmosphere will mark the last days.
They will be difficult and grievous times, when it will be difficult to know what is to be done, what to believe, who to believe, how to act. There will be indifference to revealed truth, to all truth; making light of error and sin, and not reproving it; holding that all religions are so far right and acceptable, and that there are a thousand ways to heaven, if there be a heaven or a hell at all. Immorality will overflow in every form, and not be condemned. A loose faith, a loose practice, an easy law, an easy gospel, all the worst forms of apostasy will prevail. Threre will be a brutality and indifference to those suffering. cruelty and deceipt will be prevelant. “From such turn away” (2Ti_3:5). Their case is hopeless; all efforts to benefit them are unavailing; they must be left to the just recompense of their evil ways. It is the acme of obstinate wickedness when all hope of recovery has to be abandoned. If the gospel is persistently rejected, there is no possibility of salvation. It is a sad reflection that there are those now in our midst who are as desperately vile as any in the last days can be.
In Mat_16:1-4, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day because they did not or would not understand the meaning of their times: Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times (Mat_16:3). It is possible that Jesus would have the same rebuke for some Christians today who are unaware of the last days and the soon return of Jesus Christ.

The last days of the present age are to be black and sorrowful. Sinful rejection of Christ will come to a head. We must not be misled by the wide-spread profession of the forms of religion; this may co-exist with the rankest apostasy. When women are conscious of sins against God, society, and themselves, they are very liable to the seduction of false teachers, who promise peace and condone impurity.
Tares and wheat grow together unto the harvest. The devil has always set himself to counterfeit God’s handiwork: the Holy City by Babylon; the Son of man by the man of sin; blessedness by the worldling’s giddy merriment. Thus the Egyptian conjurers repeated the miracles of Moses by resorting to sleight of hand. So there is a pure gospel and a specious mimicry of it. Wait for the inevitable unfoldings of God’s purpose. Time will show what is true and what is false. In the meantime, examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. (F.B. Meyer)

Disobedient to parents: Several years ago a judge in Orlando Florida ruled that an 11-year-old boy had the right to seek a “divorce” from his parents so that he could be adopted by a foster family. But though there are few legal divorces from parents by children, it is far more common that young people simply disregard their parents.
In the 1990s, a 13-year-old Los Angeles area graffiti vandal was quoted in the Los Angeles Times: “It’s like a family to belong to a crew. They watch your back, you watch theirs. You kick it everyday with them… You get friendship, love, supplies, everything.” He also says: “I’ll tag anything… Now I don’t care. Well, sort of. I wouldn’t like no one to write on my stuff. I do it to get known, to get up, regardless if people feel that I’m causing damage to property. I’d say the damage I’ve done is quite a bit. During the day I carry a screwdriver or a knife for protection. But at night I carry a gun. I have three guns. I hide them. My mom took a .38 from me. I’m getting it back.” When asked about once when he got caught, he said: “My parents sort of talked to me about it. Of course they told me, ‘Don’t do it again.’ But I’m not gonna listen, and they don’t have to know about it.” (Biblical Illustrator)

3/18/2025
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy:
there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Psa 14:1-3
The Practical Atheist

The character The “fool” in Scripture is the man who makes a wrong choice of good; who, when two objects are placed before him, one a lesser good and one a greater good, chooses the lesser in preference to the greater. Preferring the future life to the present is wisdom, preferring the present life to the future is folly. Why must the poor fool say in his heart—“No God. I wish there were no God”? The reason is, that when a man makes the wrong choice, his heart is miserable within him. The world cannot make him happy. The soul is immortal, and nothing short of immortality can content it. The soul is spiritual, and nothing but a spiritual God can bless it. The soul is sinful, and nothing but a Saviour can give it peace. The fool knows all this, yet will not come to God that he may have peace. So he says in his heart, “Oh, that there were no God to judge me!” (George Townsend, M. A.)

“They are corrupt.” It does not spring from a pure and honest intellect, which finds itself perplexed by a problem too great for it, but from a proud and corrupt heart. “Passion, not reason, generates atheism. Sin suggests a dislike of Providence, and reason is then marshalled to drive Him out of our view.”—Rylands. “Their foolish heart was darkened” (Rom_1:21). The child recognises God, but, giving place for long years to worldliness and sin, the man sinks into practical atheism. He lives so long without God in the world, that at last he ventures to think that there is no God. And so a nation as it increases in wealth, and luxury, and power, becomes self-sufficient; and the outcome of this is a general prevalence of speculative and practical atheism. We wrong God, and then we forget Him; we forget Him, and then we deny Him.
“Sin, if unchecked, would go to the extinction of all being, and of God Himself. There is no doubt that all sin designs deicide. All sin is directed against universal being. It is primarily against God, inferentially against all being. All transgression is ambitious, and, if it could succeed, it would scale the universe and dethrone its Monarch.”—Duncan. Atheism is the essence of ingratitude, injustice, lying, pride, hatred, and selfishness. (Preacher's Homiletical)
Heb 11:6 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.

Below is a link to a website of a missionary work started by Richard Wurmbrand-author of
"Tortured For Christ" who suffered 14 years in Romanian communist prisons for his faith.
This book and other's written by him are offered for free at this website. Michael Wurbrand his son, is now working in this ministry. This is a very reputable missionary field, if you may be looking for a place to donate and help fellow Christians who are suffering in prisons, and their wives/widows and families. They also are helping families of refugees from Ukraine during the war.
https://www.helpforrefugees.com/

3/17/2025
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us
put on the armour of light. Rom 13:12
Preparation for the Day

"Because the night is far spent and the day is at hand, we are bidden to cast off the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light. The exhortation, though in two parts, is one and the same. The Apostle gives both its negative and its positive side. The two acts are simultaneous, the one cannot effectually take place without the other; there is no casting off the works of darkness without putting on the armour of light, or putting on the armour of light without casting off the works of darkness. Satan is effectually cast out, and kept out, only by Christ entering in and occupying the heart. Sanctification is a positive as well as a negative process. It is at once the mortification of sin and the cultivation of holiness. What are the “works of darkness”? Works men commonly choose to do in darkness, wicked works. For as our Lord says in another place, “Every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

“Put on the armour of light.” What a fine battle-cry this is! It comes, too, from the lips of the finest fighter the world has ever seen, the man who could stand up and say to God and all ages, “I have fought the good fight.” Life was a battle to him, a fight for his very soul, a stern unceasing conflict. And so it is with most of us. But let us remember how all the grand heroes of war have borne the brunt without murmuring. Do not complain of the conditions. They are not always fair; we fight an unseen foe who will not come out into the open. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood”; it would be a comparatively simple thing if that were all. But we wrestle against “the wiles of the devil, against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” To such a battle are we called.
What we all want, and what we want most, is that the Master should come over and again lay His hands upon us and tell us to be as men that wait for their Lord, whom when He cometh He shall find watching. What a splendid figure that is! The sentinel at his post, watching in the dim morning, peering through the haze for the rising of the sun." (W. A. L. Taylor)

We Choose the Fear of the Lord -
https://youtu.be/vNYvKtEziuI?si=d9Eu5pQs-uLzCxQG

3/16/2025
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs,
when she is shaken of a mighty wind. Rev 12-13
Signs of Messiah's Coming

In the Bible, celestial disturbances are often connected with the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Joel, Zephaniah and Jesus Himself all described such things.
A passage from Zephaniah is an example: The great day of the LORD is near; it is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the LORD is bitter; there the mighty men shall cry out. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet and alarm against the fortified cities and against the high towers. (Zep_1:14-16)
Joe_2:10-11 : The sun and moon grow dark, and stars diminish their brightness... for the day of the LORD is great and terrible; who can endure it?
It is best to regard these pictures as real, but poetic. John did not use technically precise scientific language, but he simply described what he saw.

The sun, moon, and stars are symbols of earthly dignitaries, great lights in the political or religious heavens. In the dream of Joseph, which so maddened his brethren, these terms are used in this meaning, as well as by the ancient prophets. In the East it was common to liken the king or emperor to the sun, and the stars as the symbols of princes or rulers. For the use of the term we refer the reader to Dan_8:10. The blackness of the sun and the bloody hue of the moon point out scenes of mourning and bloodshed among rulers and princes. The falling of the stars would indicate the downfall of those who had high places on the earth, or rather within the Roman Empire. (B.W. Johnson)

3/15/2025
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world,
the love of the Father is not in him. 1Joh 2:15
Worldliness

To you all, whether fathers, young men, or little children, I say, Love not the world - Pursue your victory by overcoming the world. If any man love the world - Seek happiness in visible things, he does not love God. (John Wesley)

Love not the world. An exhortation to all three classes just named. The love of the world and of God are not reconcilable. See notes on Jas_4:4. By "the world" is meant the ways of the world, its passions, pleasures and pursuits.
For all that is in the world. This sinful world is comprehended under three heads.
The lust of the flesh. The desires which spring from the appetites and passions.
The lust of the eyes. The desires that are aroused by appeals made to our eyes.
The pride of life. The vain glory of the world; its foolish display. Sensuality, avarice and pride, nearly, but not quite, illustrate what is meant.
And the world passeth away. All things are transient, but he who does the will of God builds on eternal foundations. (B.W. Johnson)

3/14/2025
A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psa 90:1-2
God Our Dwelling Place
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Treasury of David

“Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.” We must consider the whole Psalm as written for the tribes in the desert, and then we shall see the primary meaning of each verse. Moses, in effect, says - wanderers though we be in the howling wilderness, yet we find a home in thee, even as our forefathers did when they came out of Ur of the Chaldees and dwelt in tents among the Canaanites. To the saints the Lord Jehovah, the self-existent God, stands instead of mansion and rooftree; he shelters, comforts, protects, preserves, and cherishes all his own. Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the saints dwell in their God, and have always done so in all ages. Not in the tabernacle or the temple do we dwell, but in God himself; and this we have always done since there was a church in the world. We have not shifted our abode. King's palaces have vanished beneath the crumbling hand of time - they have been burned with fire and buried beneath mountains of ruins, but the imperial race of heaven has never lost its regal habitation. Go to the Palatine and see how the Caesars are forgotten of the halls which echoed to their despotic mandates, and resounded with the plaudits of the nations over which they ruled, and then look upward and see in the ever-living Jehovah the divine home of the faithful, untouched by so much as the finger of decay. Where dwelt our fathers, a hundred generations since, there dwell we still. It is of New Testament saints that the Holy Ghost has said, “He that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in God and God in him!” It was a divine mouth which said, “Abide in me,” and then added, “he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit.” It is most sweet to speak with the Lord as Moses did, saying, “Lord, thou art our dwelling place,” and it is wise to draw from the Lord's eternal condescensions reasons for expecting present and future mercies, as the Psalmist did in the next Psalm wherein he describes the safety of those who dwell in God."

Thou art God - Or, “Thou, O God.” The idea is, that he was always, and ever will be, God: the God; the true God; the only God; the unchangeable God. At any period in the past, during the existence of the earth, or the heavens, or before either was formed, he existed, with all the attributes essential to Deity; at any period in the future - during the existence of the earth and the heavens, or beyond - far as the mind can reach into the future, and even beyond that - he will still exist unchanged, with all the attributes of Deity. The creation of the universe made no change in him; its destruction would not vary the mode of his existence, or make him in any respect a different being. There could not be a more absolute and unambiguous declaration, as there could not be one more sublime, of the eternity of God. The mind cannot take in a grander thought than that there is one eternal and immutable Being. (Albert Barnes)

3/13/2025
When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. Deu 18:9-13
Do Not Learn These Abominations

Israel had constantly to be warned against infection from the idolatrous customs of the Canaanites. The nature of such customs is described, and they are reminded of their calling and relation to God.
God calls His people to be like Him. “Be perfect with the Lord thy God” (Deu_18:13). Israel were to be upright in conduct, unpolluted in worship, and devoted entirely to Him. Likeness to God must be the aim of life. A Christian must progress in knowledge and love of God every day; for the less we think of God, the greater the danger of conforming to the world. “Let us go on unto perfection.” This is the high calling and destiny of the believer. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

In responding to this call, they must avoid worldly customs. Called out of the world, though living in it, they must avoid its “abominations,” charmers and “observers of times.” It has its witches, and “women of familiar spirits.” Notions of lucky and unlucky days are not confined to heathen countries. In this country, men observe the stars, charm diseases, and prognosticate success of wars, the happiness or misfortune of marriages, and the length of human life. This dethrones God from the heart and supersedes the promises and threatenings of His word. It rejects the doctrine of Divine Providence and is treason to the Ruler of the Universe. “Should not a people seek unto their God? for (on behalf of) the living (should they consult) to the dead?” (Isa_8:19).
In seeking to avoid worldly customs God alone can help. God alone had preserved Israel in the past. “Thy God hath not suffered thee so to do” (Deu_18:14). In the future, instead of having recourse to heathen superstitions, He would provide them with “a prophet,” with divine teaching time after time. In Christ and the scripture we have help. If weak and sinful, God’s grace can renew and strengthen. If dark and uncertain, the word is a light and guide. Christ completes what Moses begins. He is still performing the prophetic office, calling ministers by His Spirit, enlightening men to understand the scriptures and making the gospel come to them, not in word only, but in power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance.
(Preacher's Homiletical)

Act 19:17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
Act 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
Act 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
Act 19:20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

3/12/2025
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, Psa 17:8
GOD’S TRUE SERVANTS SAFELY KEPT

The world is no friend to righteousness; its spirit cannot endure the restraints that holiness imposes upon its workings. Hence the world’s hostility to all those who live truly godly lives. To understand the full force of keeping one as the apple of the eye it is necessary to consider first, how the whole eye is protected, sheltered by bones and sinews, opening and closing doors, light-softening and dust-excluding curtains, and then, that the pupil of the eye, located farther in, is protected by guardians equally wonderful and peculiarly its own. There is no other part of the human body so wonderfully protected, and no other part that, when endangered, we so instinctively try to shelter from harm. And so God guards His people as tenderly as we guard the pupil of our eye; yea, as tenderly as He guards the pupil of His own eye. (David Caldwell, A. M.)

3/11/2025
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap. Gal 6:7
Reaping What is Sown

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh,” (Gal_6:7-8). Men may wrong each other, but they cannot cheat God. To expect God to sow His bounties upon them, and not to let Him reap their gratitude and service, is mockery. But it is not God they deceive; they deceive themselves.

For at last every one shall reap as he sows. The use made of our seed-time determines exactly, and with a moral certainty greater even than that which rules in the natural field, what kind of fruitage our immortality will render. Eternity for us will be the multiplied, consummate outcome of the good or evil of the present life. Hell is just sin ripe—rotten ripe. Heaven is the fruitage of righteousness. “He that soweth to his own flesh reaps corruption”—the moral decay and dissolution of the man’s being. This is the natural retributive effect of his carnality. The selfish man gravitates downward into the sensual man; the sensual man downward into the bottomless pit. “He that soweth to the Spirit reaps life everlasting.” The sequence is inevitable. Like breeds its like. Life springs of life, and death eternal is the culmination of the soul’s present death to God and goodness. The future glory of the saints is at once a divine reward and a necessary development of their present faithfulness. (Findlay, passim)

3/10/2025
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Lo, I Am With You Alway

"There is an unapproachable majesty in the words which makes one shrink from touching them. They seem to rise before us like a great mountain which it would be presumption to attempt to scale. What a mighty range they take, up to heaven, out to all the earth, down to the end of time!-and all so calm, so simple, so strong, so sure. If, as He finished the Sermon on the Mount, the multitude were astonished, much more must these have been astonished who first listened to this amazing proclamation.
"All authority hath been given unto Me in heaven and on earth" (R.V). What words are these to come from One Who has just been put to death for claiming to be the king of the Jews? King of kings and Lord of lords is the title now He claims. And yet it is as Son of man He speaks. "All authority is Mine": He speaks as the man Christ Jesus, saying, "All authority has been given unto Me"-given as the purchase of His pain: authority in heaven, as Priest with God-authority on earth, as King of men."
(Biblical Illustrator)

Lo, I am with you - That is, by my Spirit, my providence, my attending counsel and guidance. I will strengthen, assist, and direct you. This also proves that Christ is divine. If he is a mere man, or a creature, though of the highest order, how could he promise to be “with” his disciples “always,” or at all? They would be scattered far and wide. His disciples would greatly increase. If he was “with them” always, he was God; for no finite creature could thus be present with many people scattered in different parts of the world.

I Am The Resurrection
https://youtu.be/Nab1fKLlP4I?si=JVGhxhjBrE6StivO

3/9/2025
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psa 84:11
Crying Out for the Living God

For the Lord God is a sun - The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate render this, “For the Lord loveth mercy and truth.” Our translation, however, is the correct one. The sun gives light, warmth, beauty, to the creation; so God is the source of light, joy, happiness, to the soul. Compare Isa_60:19; Rev_21:23; Rev_22:5.
Behold, O God our shield - Our defense, as a shield is a defense in the day of battle. Compare Psa_5:12, note; Psa_18:2, note; Psa_33:20, note. It is an appeal to God as a protector. The psalmist was an exile - a wanderer - and he looked to God as his defense.

The Lord will give grace and glory - Grace, or favor, here; glory, or honor, in the world to come. He will bestow all needful favor on his people in this life; he will admit them to glory in the world to come. Grace and glory are connected. The bestowment of the one will be followed by the other. Rom_8:29-30. He that partakes of the grace of God on earth will partake of glory in heaven. Grace comes before glory; glory always follows where grace is given.
No good thing will he withhold ... - Nothing really good; nothing that man really needs; nothing pertaining to this life, nothing necessary to prepare for the life to come. (Albert Barnes)

3/8/2025
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

"I heard of a man some time ago who was going to get into heaven in his own way. He did not believe in the Bible or the love of God, but was going to get in on account of his good deeds. He was very liberal, gave a great deal of money, and he thought the more he gave the better it would be for him in the other world. I don’t, as a general thing, believe in dreams, but sometimes they teach good lessons. Well, this man dreamed one night that he was building a ladder to heaven, and he dreamed that every good deed he did put him one round higher on this ladder, and when he did an extra good deed it put him up a good many rounds; and in his dream he kept going, going up, until at last he got out of sight, and he went on and on doing his good deeds, and the ladder went up higher and higher, until at last he thought he saw it run up to the very throne of God."

"Then in his dream he thought he died, and that a mighty voice came rolling down from above: “He that climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber,” and down came his ladder, and he woke from his sleep, and thought: “If I go to heaven, I must go some other way.” My friends, it is by the way of the blood of Christ that we are to go to heaven. If a man has got to work his way there, who will ever get there?"
(D. L. Moody)

3/7/2025
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. Joh 6:47
JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE

In Gideon’s camp every soldier had his own pitcher; among Solomon’s men of valour every man wore his own sword; the five wise virgins had every one oil in her own lamp. Whosoever will go to God must have a faith of his own; it must be “Thy faith hath saved thee.” (J. Spencer)

Faith is the eye by which we look to Jesus. A dim-sighted eye is still an eye; a weeping eye is still an eye. Faith is the hand with which we lay hold of Jesus. A trembling hand is still a hand. And he is a believer, whoso heart within him trembles when he touches the hem of the Saviour’s garment that he may be healed. Faith is the tongue by which we taste how good the Lord is. A feverish tongue. And even then we may believe, when we are without the smallest portion of comfort; for our faith is founded, not upon feelings, but upon the promises of God. Faith is the foot by which we go to Jesus. A lame foot is still a foot. He who comes slowly, nevertheless comes. (H. Muller)

Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

3/6/2025
And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house,
forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luk 19:2-10
THE SINNER AND HIS GUEST

The conventional religious of our Lord’s time were very much shocked and scandalised at His manner of life. It was sufficiently surprising that He should be found so frequently in the society of peasants, and of women, and of children, instead of courting the patronage of the wealthy and the great; but it was perfectly outrageous that He should have become the friend of thieves and harlots;—and these respectable persons frequently expressed their astonishment and their indignation at His strange conduct.

And Jesus said to them, "They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." They had never grasped the fact that Christ was a great Physician, and that His business was not to go to those who were in perfect health, but to go to those who were ill; and, first of all, to those whose case was most desperate.
Now in this Christ has left you and me an example that we should walk in His steps; and if we have the mind of Christ we shall follow the wandering sheep into the wilderness, and shall never rest until we find it. Our business is to go to the prodigal sons of God, and to persuade them to come home again; and, however far off they are, we must follow them to the distant country, and we must refuse to come back without them.
(H. P. Hughes, Christian World Pulpit, vol. xxvi., p. 184)
Mat 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Rom 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

3/5/2025
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Php 2:9-11
All Honor to Christ-In Heaven and Earth

"The name Jesus means Jehovah-Saviour, or Jehovah-Salvation, and Jesus is so called because He saves His people from their sins. The name cannot be given to any other being; it belongs solely and absolutely to the one Jesus. “Here we should probably look,” says Lightfoot, “to a common Hebrew sense of name, not meaning a definite appellation, but denoting office, rank, dignity. In this case the use of the name of God in the Old Testament to denote the divine Presence or the divine Majesty, more especially as the object of adoration and praise, will suggest the true meaning; since the context dwells on the honour and worship henceforth offered to Him on whom the name has been conferred. To praise the name, to bless the name, to fear the name of God, are frequent expressions in the Old Testament.” The name of Jesus marks the pre-eminence of Jesus—it is the “name above every name.” That name wields the mightiest power in the world to-day. A modern writer of reputation has said: “There is a wave—I believe it is only a wave—passing over the cultivated thought of Europe at present, which will make short work of all belief in a God that does not grip fast to Jesus Christ. As far as I can read the signs of the times and the tendency of modern thinking, it is this—either an absolute silence, a heaven stretching above us, blue and clear and cold, and far away and dumb; or else a Christ that speaks—He or none. The theism that has shaken itself loose from Him will be crushed, I am sure, in the encounter with the agnosticism and materialism of this day.” The name of the exalted Jesus is the salvation of the world in more senses than one."

The Lord Christ, having abased Himself for our redemption, was exalted by the Father to the highest pitch of glory. The name which is above every name is said to be given to Christ, because His divine majesty, before hid, was now manifested and the human nature so highly honoured that that person who is man is true God, and is to be acknowledged as such. However small a part of the world acknowledge Christ to be the Lord, His glory will grow till all reasonable creatures in heaven, earth, and hell subject themselves to Him, and the giving of divine honour to Him does in no way impair the glory of God the Father. (Fergusson)

3/4/2025
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Fear Not-Thou Art Mine

The magnificent conception of Isa_43:1-28 underlies this. We have still the convocation of mankind, summoned to decide whether Jehovah or some idol god shall be recognized as the supreme deity. In the arena are rows of helpless images rich in paint and tinsel, but mute and helpless, Isa_43:8-9. Jehovah, to vindicate His claims, calls into the witness box His Chosen People, that they may tell what they have known, tasted, and handled, of the Word of life, Isa_43:10.

This special function is not confined to the Hebrew race. By the express words of our Lord it is shared by the Church. See Act_1:8. As our Lord bore witness to truth, His subjects are summoned to do the same. See 1Ti_6:13-14; Rev_1:5.
Let us witness to the love that never tires. “Fear not, thou art mine.” Let us witness to a purpose that never falters, Isa_43:1 and Isa_43:7. Let us witness to a deliverance that never disappoints. We are not saved from fire and water, but are delivered in the midst of them by the never-failing presence of our King. Let us ask for the Spirit of Truth to witness with us, Act_5:31-32.
(F.B. Meyer)

3/3/2025
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me
should not abide in darkness. joh 12:46
The Mission of Christ

Light was what the world was longing for, and life was what it above all needed. And Jesus came to earth to be the light and life of the world. And the manner in which He brought light and life to men was by revealing, in Himself, the Father. It was this He was sent to accomplish—to speak what God had commanded, to do the Father’s will.

And this He could do because He Himself was the revelation of the Father, “the brightness of His glory,” etc. So that those who see Jesus in reality see the Father, and those who believe on Him believe on the Father who sent Him.
And thus He is the light of those who follow Him, who believe on Him. His revelation of the Father was not in vain for all. He became obedient unto death. Had He not turned aside from Satan’s wiles, then the world had remained in darkness and the shadow of death. But now through Him the light of the divine love, mercy, and wisdom hath for those who believe for ever dispelled the darkness. In this revelation of the Father’s will, and in the doing of it, Jesus brought life to men. His commandment is life. He wills not the death of sinners, but their salvation. “The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom_1:16). (Preacher's Homiletical)

3/2/2025
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Pro 30:5-6
God's Word is Pure

I sat at a teaching at one of the conferences I attended years ago, and a lady teacher had on the platform a table with two glasses, a small container that looked like soil, and a teaspoon. Next to that, there was an open bible-I assumed it was her personal bible. She read the scriptures above, and a few others that corresponded with them. She closed the book, took the teaspoon, looked out into crowd and asked, "How much of this soil could I add, and hand it to you to drink it? Half a spoonful? A quarter, a full heaping spoonful? This she did, first a scant tiny amount, that turned the water slightly grey, then about a quarter, now it was murky, then almost a full teaspoon, I heard some people saying "no way", and other comments that made it clear she had made her point. But, she took the spoon, filled it to overflowing with more dirt, and put it in with the rest-and gave it a stir. It was like mud now. She asked again "Would you drink this? She asked again "How about it, would you like to take a drink?
Then she walked to the edge of the platform and looked out to the audience. The room was full of people, and some standing against the walls also, and said "This is what is done to the Word of God by Christians and pastors, and leaders and has been since the beginning of time. It's why we as believer's are in such turmoil and conflict, and the world is in the condition it's in. The only ones who can see this truth, is if they take the Word of God literally, and apply it to their lives, every day." She then turned and walked off the stage. This happened in the late 80's, I've never forgotten her teaching-it's been a profound influence on my life, to this day. Lorna Couillard

Add not thou unto his words - You can no more increase their value by any addition, than you can that of gold by adding any other metal to it. Take care that you do not any thing that this word forbids, nor leave undone any thing that it commands: for this is adding and diminishing in Scripture phrase.
Lest he reprove thee - Lest he try thy word by fire, as his has been tried; and it appear that, far from abiding the test, the fire shows thine to be reprobate silver; and so thou be found a falsifier of God’s word, and a liar. (Adam Clarke)

Psa 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Psa 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

3/1/2025
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Rev 20:11-12
JUDGMENT OF SATAN AND OF THE WICKED

The final judgment is depicted in Rev_20:11-15. God’s people will not appear at that bar. All the human family will be arraigned, save those whose names are in the book of life, Joh_5:24.
Joh 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. See Exo_32:32; Dan_12:1; Php_4:3; and Rev_21:27. Death and Hades will surrender their contents. What a marvelous audience! The throne is great, because of the destinies to be decided; and white, because of the immaculate purity of the Judge, who will be none other than our Lord. See Joh_5:22; Act_17:31. The books will surely include conscience; Rom_2:15-16; God’s Word, Joh_12:48; and the tablets of memory, Luk_16:25. (F.B. Meyer)

With every turn of the turnstile on Waterloo Bridge a record (in the old time) was made against the gatekeeper, and he could not recall or obliterate it. Every movement of the wind over Greenwich Observatory, steady or capricious, fast or slow, is self-registered, with pencil and paper, by an apparatus communicating to a room below, in which blank paper is presented to the pencil by clockwork; and these autobiographical memoirs are carefully preserved. So constant and unerring is the record kept in the book of God’s remembrance concerning all our actions, and even “every idle word that men shall speak” (Mat_12:36).

Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
See commentary below:

Christ closes this address to his malignant and wicked hearers by a solemn declaration that for these things God would bring them into judgment. Therefore. They who had spoken so malignantly against him, could not escape. This literally means a vain, thoughtless, useless word; a word that accomplishes no good. Here it means, evidently, “wicked, injurious, false, malicious, for such” were the words which they had spoken. (Albert Barnes)

Two Minutes Daily for February 2025

1/2/2025

Short Devotions-Quotes-Inspiration

2/28/2025
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the
times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you Acts 3:19-20
Putting On the Robe of Righteousness

Repent signifies, in its literal meaning, to change one’s mind. It has been translated “after-wit,” or “after-wisdom”; it is the man’s finding out that he is wrong, and rectifying his judgment. But although that be the meaning of the root, the word has come in Scriptural use to mean a discovery of the evil of sin, a mourning that we have committed it, a resolution to forsake it, the love of what once we hated, and the hate of what once we loved. Conversion means a turning from, and a turning to, from sin to holiness, from carelessness to thought, from the world to heaven, from self to Jesus. The words in Greek are “Repent and convert,” or, rather, “Repent and turn.” It is an active verb, just as the other was. When the demoniac had the devils cast out of him, that was repentance; but when he was clothed and in his right mind, that was conversion. When the prodigal was feeding his swine, and on a sudden began to consider and to come to himself, that was repentance. When he set out and left the far country and went to his father’s house, that was conversion. (Biblical Illustrator)

Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

The original “a change of mind” or “an after-thought.” Now that is exactly what the Holy Spirit produces in the convicted soul. “There is,” says the wise man, “a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Now it is the work of the Holy Ghost to dispel this false view of our way, and to bring us to see things as they really are; and when we yield to His convicting influences, the light of truth flashes into our soul, and we come to ourselves. Now we see things from an entirely different point of view, and cry out against ourselves—against our folly and our sin. “What a fool I have been!” cries the awakened and repentant soul. “So many years I have lived in this world, and yet have I never really begun to live at all! My whole past has been a wasted existence. I have been simply exercising my faculties in furthering my own destruction!” The first step in a real repentance is taken when we open our eyes to see things as in the light of the Holy Ghost, when we escape from the long delirium of a life lived under the influence of the great deceiver, and thus undergo a change of mind with respect to God and to sin, and the value of things seen and things eternal.
(W. Hay Aitken)

1Jn 1:7 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.
1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1Jn 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2/27/2025
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven,
and God hath remembered her iniquities. Rev 18:4-5
The Degenerate Church

Called to prepare men for the second coming of the Lord, and to teach them to live, not for the present, but the future, she becomes herself the victim of the present. She forgets that, in the absence of the Bridegroom, her days are days of fasting. She fails to realise the fact that until her Lord comes again her state is one of widowhood. And, instead of mourning, she sits as a queen, at ease and satisfied, proud of her pomp and jewellery. (W. Milligan, D D.)

The fall of Corrupt Society

Our scientific friends find yellow bricks still impressed with the name of Nebuchadnezzar, and they go back to the sarcophagus of a monarchy buried more than two thousand years ago. But is it possible that that is all that remains of Babylon? a city once five times larger than London and twelve times larger than New York? Wall three hundred and seventy-three feet high and ninety-three feet thick. Twenty-five burnished gates on each side, with streets running clear through to corresponding gates on the other side. Six hundred and twenty-five squares. More pomp and wealth and splendour and sins than could be found in any five modern cities combined. A city of palaces and temples. Great capital of the ages! But one night, while honest citizens were asleep, but all the saloons of saturnalia were in full blast, and at the king’s castle they had filled the tankards for the tenth time, and reeling and guffawing and hiccoughing around the state table were the rulers of the land. General Cyrus ordered his besieging army to take shovels and spades, and they diverted the river from its usual channel into another direction, so that the forsaken bed of the river became the path on which the besieging party entered. When the morning dawned the conquerors were inside the city walls. Babylon had fallen. But do nations die? Oh, yes, there is great mortality among monarchies and republics. They are like individuals in the fact that they are born, they have a middle life, they have a decease, they have a cradle and a grave. Some of them are assassinated, some destroyed by their own hand.

One evil threatening the destruction of American institutions is the solidifying of the sections against each other. This country cannot exist unless it exists as one body—the national capital, the heart, sending out through all the arteries of communication warmth and life to the very extremities.
Another evil threatening the destruction of our American institutions is the low state of public morals. What killed Babylon of my text? What killed Phoenicia? What killed Rome? Their own depravity; and the fraud and the drunkenness, and the immorality which have destroyed other nations will destroy ours, unless a merciful God prevent. (T. De Witt Talmage)

2/26/2025
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will,
let him take the water of life freely. Rev 22:16-17
Whosoever Will-Come

"The Spirit and the bride - The Spirit of adoption in the bride, in the heart of every true believer. Say - With earnest desire and expectation. Come - And accomplish all the words of this prophecy. And let him that thirsteth, come - Here they also who are farther off are invited. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life - He may partake of my spiritual and unspeakable blessings, as freely as he makes use of the most common refreshments; as freely as he drinks of the running stream." (John Wesley)

And let him that heareth say, Come - Whoever hears the gospel, let him go and invite others to come. Nothing could more strikingly set forth the freeness of the invitation of the gospel than this. The authority to make the invitation is not limited to the ministers of religion; it is not even confined to those who accept it themselves. All persons, even though they should not accept of it, are authorized to tell others that they may be saved. One impenitent sinner may go and tell another impenitent sinner that if he will he may find mercy and enter heaven. How could the offer of salvation be made more freely to mankind?
And let him that is athirst come - Whoever desires salvation, as the weary pilgrim desires a cooling fountain to allay his thirst, let him come as freely to the gospel as that thirsty man would stoop down at the fountain and drink.
Isa 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely - Rev_21:6. Every one that is disposed to come, that has any sincere wish to be saved, is assured that he may live. No matter how unworthy he is; no matter what his past life has been; no matter how old or how young, how rich or how poor; no matter whether sick or well, a freeman or a slave; no matter whether educated or ignorant; no matter whether clothed in purple or in rags - riding in state or laid at the gate of a rich man full of sores, the invitation is freely made to all to come and be saved. With what more appropriate truth could a revelation from heaven be closed? (Albert Barnes)
Rev 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

2/25/2025
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple
of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them,
and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from
among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing;
and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,
saith the Lord Almighty. 2Cor 6:14-18
The Christian Soul is the Temple of God

As righteousness cannot have communion with unrighteousness, and light cannot dwell with darkness; so Christ can have no concord with Belial, nor can he that believeth have any with an infidel. All these points were self-evident; how then could they keep up the profession of Christianity, or pretend to be under its influence, while they associated with the unrighteous, had communion with darkness, concord with Belial, and partook with infidels? (Adam Clarke)

Separate yourselves, for you are God’s temple: separate yourselves and you will be sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty, and He will be your Father. The friendship of the world, as James reminds us, is enmity with God; it is the consoling side of the same truth that separation from the world means friendship with God.
As God's temple has nothing in common with the idol temple, so the saints are to be separated from idolators.
For ye are the temple of the living God. The Christian is himself the sanctuary of the Lord, as is proved by the passage quoted from Lev_26:12. God dwells in his people as the Shekinah dwelt between the cherubim. (B.W. Johnson)

2/24/2025
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 1Co 10:21
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 1Ki 18:21
Worshipping the Dead

To abstain from idol feasts was the clear duty of all Christians. By partaking of heathen sacrifices which were offered to demons, they became one with the demons and their votaries; just as in the Lord’s Supper we show our oneness not only with the Savior but with each other. It was clear, therefore, that the Corinthian Christians could not consistently partake of idol feasts and the Lord’s Supper. What an incentive is given here to frequent and reverent participation in the Lord’s Supper! It proclaims our union with Him and His people, and it gives us a distaste for all that is alien to its spirit. (F.B. Meyer)
Note: Today this relates to so much of the apostasy that is in many churches today. Such as drag queens doing church services, homosexuality being accepted and promoted, homosexual marriages, society and churches have lost their moral compass. They are not worshipping the true living God of the bible, but their own lusts, perversions and deceptions-their forms of idolatry has no limits.

Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Elijah Rebukes the Double-Minded

"Why do you walk so lamely and unevenly, being so unsteady in your opinions and practices, and doubting whether it is better to worship God or Baal? If the Lord - Whom you pretend to worship. Follow - Worship him, and him only, and that in such place and manner as he hath commanded you. If Baal - If Baal can prove himself to be the true God. Answered not - Being convinced of the reasonableness of his proposition."(John Wesley)

"Nothing is needed more absolutely than the answer by fire. There are many who, like the prophets of Baal, endeavor to kindle it. But when prevented from putting their own false fire into the stack of wood, they are paralyzed. The frantic entreaties, the self-inflicted wounds, the monotonous chant, are insufficient. They are carnal and arouse only the worst emotions. Spiritual conditions have to be fulfilled, as Elijah showed; then God bears witness “by signs and wonders” and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will." (F.B. Meyer)

Here is another “God of this world”-- We deck him with all kinds of silks, satins, and load him with jewellery, and we call him Fashion. We put him in our drawing-rooms; our roués are skilful in his worship, and women are specially devoted to him. If he makes us ridiculous it is no matter. Any kind of eccentricity is pardoned, even though our own tastes condemn us for the form our worship assumes, though our own reason may rise up against it, and we may sometimes say, as we look into our glass, “What a ridiculous, empty-headed, wax doll I have made of myself!” Yet in the very same moment we none the less eagerly offer our incense to the worship of the God that we have made. (Great Texts)

2/23/2025
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth
the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. James 3:6
The Lawless Tongue

“And the tongue is a fire.” A few rash words will set a family, a neighbourhood, a nation, by the ears; they have often done so. Half the law-suits and half the wars have been brought about by the tongue. This evil tongue, which gives our brother a wound which may never be healed, is no respecter of persons. It spares neither age nor sex. Genuine goodness, exalted worth, a life devoted to charity, are no protection. The purest, the sweetest, the holiest, the highest, the most revered and the most beloved, are the surest to be assailed. There is no such joy for an envious man as to drag some great name through the dust. We may, then, well believe what James tells us, that the evil tongue is under a diabolic inspiration. The tongue of the liar or the slanderer or the profane swearer is touched by a coal brought from the pit. The man speaks as he is moved by that fallen spirit who wanted to be something more than an archangel, who wanted to be something higher than the Highest. He inspires the talebearer, the gossip, the heedless talker, the obscene jester, and, above all, the malicious libeller.

“The tongue is a little member, but boasteth great things.” Boasting results from an overestimate of ourselves, and an underestimate of others. It is selfishness manifesting itself in words. It is the inflated mind, venting itself in windy words. It betrays weakness, littleness, ignorance, vanity, self-conceit, arrogance, presumption.
It is a sinful boasting when men display their trophies, boast of their own worth and eminency, that others may admire and cry them up; a man’s self is his idol, and he loves to have this idol worshipped: “there arose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody.” (Biblical Illustrator)

2/22/2025
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels,
and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Mat 13:36-43
Likeness of Tares and Wheat

If by tares is meant the bearded darnel of our English fields, then the tares and the wheat bear a strong resemblance to each other. They both belong to the tribe of grasses, and to the special group Trititicinoe, or wheat-like grasses. Their structure, mode, and conditions of growth are almost the same; when in the blade they present an appearance so very similar, that the Jewish farmer, who is careful in weeding his field, cannot distinguish between them, and it is only when the fruit is formed that the impostor is detected by its smaller and darker ear. (Hugh Macmillan)

The end is not a mere running down of the machinery that keeps the world going, it is not a mere exhaustion of the life time keeps us all alive, it is not a hap-hazard cutting of the thread; it is a conclusion coming as truly in its own fit day and order, as much in the fulness of time and because things are ripe for it, as the birth of Christ came. It is the time of the gathering up of all things to completion, when the few last finishing strokes are, given to the works that suddenly show the connection of things which seem widely separate, and reveal at once the purpose and meaning of the whole. Men will then understand, what now scarcely one can constantly believe, that it is God’s purpose that is silently being accomplished, and that it is usefulness to Him that is the final standard of value. (Marcus, Dods)

2/21/2025
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Luk 12:4-5
Death Does Not Destroy the Soul

Even the friends of God are commanded to fear God, as a being who has authority to send both body and soul into hell. Therefore it is proper even for the most holy persons to maintain a fear of God, as the punisher of all unrighteousness. A man has but one life to lose, and one soul to save; and it is madness to sacrifice the salvation of the soul to the preservation of the life. (Adam Clarke)

When Jesus spoke to these disciples of His about martyrdom and persecution, He knew that all of them - except John - would die martyr’s deaths for Him. He also knew of His own coming suffering and death on the cross.
All persecutors can do is kill the body, and God has ultimate power over the life and death of the believer. Therefore, we shouldn’t fear our persecutors, but have a healthy respect of God that makes us more concerned with obeying Him than any man. God holds our eternity in His hands.
Psa 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

2/20/2025
And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1Sam 16:6-7
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit
of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up,
and went to Ramah. 1Sam 16:13
Samuel Anoints David King

When I was first saved, one of the most interesting people I read of in the bible was King David. I've studied his life as much as Jesus, and see many important aspects of his life, that every person can learn from. God did not leave out his sins, failures, and troubles, they are recorded in scripture for the world to see how imperfect he was. But, with all that, God called him a man after his own heart. I believe the greatest reasons for this was, David was real, there was nothing fake about this man. His emotions ran hot, but, he greatly loved God, and was true in his heart toward God. David wrote, and sang most of the songs written in the book of Psalms in the bible. I do not take this lightly, in them, he revealed a man of deep consecration, a longing after the heart of God, and showed a deep relationship with the Lord. I've heard some shallow Christians make remarks that Christian poetry has no spiritual power-I've pointed out to them, that the Psalms are in the bible for our benefit and strength.

His life was full of trials and Saul's hatred and envy. David was chased many years by Saul, who tried to kill him. But, even when he had the chance, David did not destroy Saul, he spared his life, because he would not kill an anointed King of Israel. He left vengence in God's hands.
At his worse, when he sinned with Bathsheba, it took some time and he sank deeply into deception, but when Nathan the prophet confronted him, he was cut to the heart, and truly repented. In Psalm 51, he pours out his heart to God in deep repentance.
David's own children were a source of heartache and trouble the rest of his life. His son Absalom disgraced him, and also tried to kill him.
David's life is a great example of what God can do with anyone who will surrender themselves to God, and allow God to use them. At the end of his life, David was an overcomer. Lorna Couillard

"The anointing of the young shepherd, with his ruddy cheeks and deep, poetic eyes, is a beautiful episode, in very marked contrast to the events preceding. He had already given proof of his indomitable courage, 1Sa_17:34. They had to fetch him from his sheep, which he was pasturing beside the still waters and on the hillside. God had found him beforehand, Psa_89:20. “He chose David also His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds… to feed Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance,” Psa_78:70-71. The procession of David’s brethren before Samuel was very impressive. They probably remembered that Saul had been chosen for his splendid physique, and each held himself high and proud. “Surely,” said Jesse to himself, “one of them will captivate the prophet’s eye.” But no! God chooses by the inward temper and disposition. He knew that David was a man after His own heart. The lad had been faithful in a few things and was now to be made ruler over many. The anointing oil reminds us of the anointing for service which was communicated to our Lord at His baptism. In David’s case it was accompanied by a glorious Pentecost." (F.B. Meyer)

2/19/2025
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1Th 5:24
Without Blame At His Coming

Two things the apostle mentions as the ground of confidence that the above petition, would be heard and answered; that is, that God would wholly sanctify them, and preserve the whole of them blameless to the coming of Christ; and they are the faithfulness of God, and the effectual calling of his saints.

God is faithful to his word, his covenant and promises; he has promised to sanctify and cleanse his people from all their sins, and to preserve them safe to his kingdom and glory; agreeably the Arabic version renders this last clause, "and will execute his promise": and the effectual calling is a sure pledge of glorification; whom God calls he justifies and glorifies; as sure as he gives grace, he will give glory; and whom he calls to his eternal glory, he will make perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle. (John Gill)
2Th 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

2/18/2025
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Psa 96:5-6
“THE LORD REIGNETH”

Psa 5_“For all the gods of the nations are idols.” Mere images of wood and stone, vanities, nothings. “But the Lord made the heavens.” The reality of his Godhead is proved by his works, and foremost among these the Psalmist mentions that matchless piece of architecture which casts its arch over every man's head, whose lamps are the light of all mankind, whose rains and dew fall upon the fields of every people, and whence the Lord in voice of thunder is heard speaking to every creature. The idol gods have no existence, but our God is the author of all existences; they are mere earthly vanities, while he is not only heavenly, but made the heavens. This is mentioned as an argument for Jehovah's universal praise. Who can be worshipped but he? Since none can rival him, let him be adored alone."

Psa_96:6
“Honour and majesty are before him.” Men can but mimic these things; their pompous pageants are but the pretence of greatness. Honour and majesty are with him and with him alone. In the presence of Jehovah real glory and sovereignty abide, as constant attendants. “Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” In him are combined all that is mighty and lovely, powerful and resplendent. We have seen rugged strength devoid of beauty, we have also seen elegance without strength; the union of the two is greatly to be admired. Do we desire to see the “sublime and beautiful” at one glance? Then we must look to the eternal throne. In the Chronicles we read strength and gladness; and the two renderings do not disagree in sense, for in the highest degree in this instance it is true that “a thing of beauty is a joy for ever.” Not in outward show or parade of costly robes does the glory of God consist; such things are tricks of state with which the ignorant are dazzled; holiness, justice, wisdom, grace, these are the splendours of Jehovah's courts, these the jewels and the gold, the regalia, and the pomp of the courts of heaven. (Charles Haddon Spurgeon- Treasury of David)

All heaven declares (with lyrics) - Martin Ball
https://youtu.be/kPkZAjA610k?si=hkkinqn8xDMqeBEQ

2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

2/17/2025
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Mat 6:34
Leave Tomorrow to God

Sufficient for each day is its own calamity. Each day has its peculiar trials: we should meet them with confidence in God. As we should live but a day at a time, so we should take care to suffer no more evils in one day than are necessarily attached to it. He who neglects the present for the future is acting opposite to the order of God, his own interest, and to every dictate of sound wisdom. Let us live for eternity, and we shall secure all that is valuable in time. (Adam Clarke)

The Lord’s tone is gentle and tender when He turns to address the poor. He says three times over, “Don’t be anxious.” He never forgot that He sprang, according to His human nature, from the ranks of poverty. His references to patching garments, using old bottle-skins, the price of sparrows, and the scanty pittance of a laborer’s hire, indicate that He was habituated to the shifts of the poor.
There is all the difference between foresight and foreboding. It is the latter that Jesus chides. The farmer must sow in the autumn that he may reap in the summer, but there is no need for him to lie sleepless through the nights of winter, worrying about the yet distant harvest. Do not be anxious about the supply of your needs, whether of body, mind, or heart. God knows what you need. If He has given life, will He not maintain it? Does He not care for the birds and flowers? Did He not give His Son, and will He withhold any good? Trust Him and be at peace. (F.B. Meyer)

2/16/2025
But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Mar 10:6-9
The Marriage Covenant

The term joined to his wife has the idea of gluing two things together. “Be glued to her... A husband ought to be as firm to his wife as to himself.” (Trapp)
The term Jesus uses for joined together is literally yoked together. Like two animals yoked together, couples must work together and head the same way to really be joined the way God wants them to be joined.
Here there is a new and overriding unity. The bond between a husband and wife should be even stronger than the bond between parent and child. The marriage bond should be stronger than the blood-bond. “And the law of God was not, that a man should forsake his wife whenever he had a mind to it, but that he should rather forsake his father and mother than his wife; loving his wife as his own body.” (Poole)
“Not only meaning that they should be considered as one body, but also as two souls in one body, with a complete union of interests, and an indissoluble partnership of life and fortune, comfort and support, desires and inclinations, joys and sorrows.” (Clarke)
What God has joined together: Next, Jesus reminded the Pharisees that marriage is spiritually binding before God. Marriage is not merely a social contract, and as God has joined He will keep together.

2/15/2025
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Pro 20:11
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Pro 22:6
Known by the Fruit

It's easy enough for most people to have children, but the upbringing of them takes work, diligence and character. It's clear to see what has been cultivated by the fruit it produces. I heard Les Feldick say several times in his bible studies "You don't have to teach a kid to lie, they come by it naturally, but you do have to teach them to tell the truth". How true his statement is. Parents many times cover for the bad behavior of their kids, and idolize them. They become spoiled, and brazen, knowing they can treat other's any way they wish, and nothing will be done to them. That's why a lot of seniors learn to avoid them. Those who won't admit this, cover it because they don't want to touch the subject. I don't care.
Watching the conduct, and behavior of many kids today, questions that come to me are:
1. Are they exhibiting what they're learning by the influences outside the home, or in it; or both.
2. Are they in a home environment of ongoing drinking, cussing, devious behavior, and learning it from their parents, and other family members? Have they learned their ill manners by their family?
3. Do they act the same way around the people they want to impress, or have to work for, or is the community at large condoning the underhanded conduct that other's have to put up with?
Below are some added thoughts on this.

The actions of children become, in process of time, their own doings. Children move before they act, and they live as mere animals before they act spiritually and morally. But in process of time the child acts. All its movements become conduct, the result of a determination to behave itself in a particular way. This is what is meant by "his doings."
When the actions of children become their doings, the children are recognised as accountable. (1) God recognises the child as the author of its own actions; He sees the doings of the child spring from a motive and principle within. (2) The god of evil knows, by the doings of children, with whom and with what he has to do. (3) The angelic inhabitants of heaven recognise children in their ministrations. (4) Children are recognised as accountable by their fellow human beings.
Make no mistake, the world will know you by the way you conduct yourself in public, and private.

Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

From these facts we draw the following inferences:—(1) If a child be known by his doings, the evils of sin are not escaped by the childhood of the sinner. (2) If a child be known by his doings, he is, as a child, exerting influence for good or for evil. (3) If a child be known by his doings, all the differences of human character are not traceable to education. (4) If a child be known by his doings, the character of the future man is often indicated by the character of the present child. (5) If a child be known by his doings, God does not treat a generation of children en masse, but individually. (6) If a child be known by his doings, one test of character is universally applied by the Judge of all.
(S. Martin, Rain Upon the Mown Grass, p. 460)

2/14/2025
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake,
with thy likeness. Psa 17:15
David's Inner Longing

In Psalm 17 David sings a prayer of a longing heart, that desires to have true communion with His God. This verse has much to unpack, let's take a look at it. David begins by comparing those of the world, and their desires to what his heart longs for, the contrast is vast.

As for me - In strong contrast with the aims, the desires, and the condition of worldly individuals. “They” seek their portion in this life, and are satisfied; “I” cherish no such desires, and have no such prosperity. I look to another world as my home, and shall be satisfied only in the everlasting favor and friendship of God.
I will behold thy face - I shall see thee. Compare Mat_5:8; 1Co_13:12; 1Jn_3:2. This refers naturally, as the closing part of the verse more fully shows, to the future world, and is such language as would be employed by those who believe in a future state, and by no others. This is the highest object before the mind of a truly religious man. The bliss of heaven consists mainly, in his apprehension, in the privilege of seeing God his Saviour; and the hope of being permitted to do this is of infinitely more value to him than would be all the wealth of this world.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
In righteousness - Being myself righteous; being delivered from the power, the pollution, the dominion of sin. It is this which makes heaven so desirable; without this, in the apprehension of a truly good man, no place would be heaven.
I shall be satisfied - While they are satisfied with this world, I shall be satisfied only when I awake in the likeness of my God. Nothing can meet the wants of my nature; nothing can satisfy the aspirings of my soul, until that occurs.

With thy likeness - Or, in thy likeness; that is, resembling thee. The resemblance doubtless is in the moral character, for the highest hope of a good man is that he may be, and will be, like God. Compare the notes at 1Jn_3:2. I regard this passage, therefore, as one of the incidental proofs scattered through the Old Testament which show that the sacred writers under that dispensation believed in the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead; that their language was often based on the knowledge and the belief of that doctrine, even when they did not expressly affirm it; and that in times of trouble, and under the consciousness of sin, they sought their highest consolation, as the people of God do now, from the hope and the expectation that the righteous dead will rise again, and that in a world free from trouble, from sin, and from death, they would live forever in the presence of God, and find their supreme happiness in being made wholly like him. (Albert Barnes)

2/13/2025
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph 6:12
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts
of the wicked. Eph 6:16
Standing in Faith

The armour provided for us.—1. In general, this armour is the grace of the gospel believed and trusted in. In common warfare it is usual for the commanders to persuade their enemies to think highly of their strength; but in this it is quite the reverse. We must go as Israel was always taught to do, as having no might of our own, but deriving all our strength from the Lord. 2. It is described as a whole or perfect armour.—Sufficient to defend us in every part.… “Truth” is the girdle to strengthen us; “righteousness” a breastplate; the “gospel” of peace as shoes, by which we shall be able to trample upon the lion and the adder, the young lion and the dragon; “faith” is a shield; “salvation,” or the hope of eternal life, a helmet.… All this armour is to be drawn from the truths of the everlasting gospel. 3. The use to be made of it is, that we may be able to “withstand,” and to face the enemy. There is no armour for the back; he that fleeth is wholly defenceless, and must inevitably fall. (Theological Sketch Book)

The apostle mentions two sorts of enemies. 1. The first he calls flesh and blood.—The motions of our animal nature. The phrase may further intend those sensible objects which are suited to gratify fleshly desires; or it may intend mankind, who are partakers of flesh and blood. 2. The other kind of enemies with whom we are to contend are evil spirits.—These spirits are enemies to mankind. Their number is great, and the terms used denote a subordination among them. They are not divided against themselves, but act in concert under the direction of one leading spirit, who is called the devil and Satan. They have great power over such as submit to their dominion. Their chief influence is over the ignorant and superstitious. They most successfully carry on their designs in the dark. When the gospel began to shine, Satan began to fall. Among those who reject the gospel he recovers his full dominion.—(Lathrop)
Above all, taking the shield of faith. The Roman oblong shield, four and a half feet long, covered the whole body, and was a protection of itself. So faith, the faith that fully trusts in God and never doubts, is the best of all defenses. It will quench, stop, put out all the doubts, whisperings and evil suggestions of the wicked. (B.W. Johnson)

2/12/2024
O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. Son 2:14
The Title of the Called One

"My dove - So the church is called, for her dove - like temper, and for her dove - like condition, because she is weak, and exposed to persecution, and therefore forced to hide herself in rocks. The stairs - In the holes of craggy and broken rocks, which resemble stairs. Let me see - Be not afraid to appear before me. Hear - Thy prayers and praises. For - Thy person and services are amiable in my sight."
(John Wesley)

‘My dove.’ A term of endearment. Love sees in its object only what is beautiful and agreeable. The called one a sinner, with much that is not dove-like. Yet love says: ‘My dove.’ Yet in regard to a believer, the title thee. The believer is—(1) A ‘dove,’ because renewed with a dove-like nature akin to that of Him who renews him and dwells in him—the Holy Spirit, whose emblem is the dove; the dove-like becoming the predominant one in him, and going on increasing until it reaches perfection and is the only one, and that for ever. Believers viewed and addressed by Christ in His love, according to their new, rather than their old nature. (2) Christ’s dove, as—(i.) Given Him by the Father; (ii.) Purchased by His own blood; (iii.) Wooed and won by Him as His Bride, and made a member of His body. The little word ‘my’ as precious to Christ in reference to believers as it is to believers in reference to Christ.
(Preacher's Homelitical)

2/11/2025
In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David;
and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved,
and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called,
The LORD our righteousness. Jer 33:15-16
The Son of Righteousness

In those days, and at that time,.... In those very selfsame days before spoken of; in those days to come, and which were hastening on; in the fulness of time, agreed on between Jehovah and his Son; the appointed, fixed, determined time:
will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; not Zerubbabel, but the Messiah; who is not only a branch of David's family, and therefore said to grow up unto him, being of his seed, his son, and offspring; but a Branch of righteousness, or a righteous Branch; perfectly righteous in himself, and the author of righteousness unto others; which cannot be said of Zerubbabel, or of any other branch springing from David but the Messiah; and of him the Targum interprets it, paraphrasing it thus,
"the Messiah of righteousness;''
and Kimchi's note is,
"this is the King Messiah;''

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land; judgment upon the blind Pharisees given up to judicial blindness and hardness of heart; and upon the world, and the prince of it, who was cast out by him; and though he came not at first to judge the world and all the individuals of it, as he will do at his second coming; yet all judgment, rule, and government of his church, is committed to him by his Father; and he is on the throne to order and establish it with judgment, and to overrule all things for the good of it, and his own and his Father's glory: and he has "wrought" out an everlasting "righteousness", agreeably to law and justice, for the justification of his people; for which reason he and they have the name in Jer 33:16. (John Gill)
cross references:
2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Heb 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. Psa 103:15
Brevity of Man’s Life

“As for man, his days are as grass.” He lives on the grass and lives like the grass. Corn is but educated grass, and man, who feeds on it, partakes of its nature. The grass lives, grows, flowers, falls beneath the scythe, dries up, and is removed from the field: read this sentence over again, and you will find it the history of man. If he lives out his little day, he is cut down at last, and it is far more likely that he will wither before he comes to maturity, or be plucked away on a sudden, long before he has fulfilled his time. “As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.” He has a beauty and a comeliness even as the meadows have when they are yellow with the king-cups, but, alas, how shortlived! No sooner come than gone, a flash of loveliness and no more.

Man is not even like a flower in the conservatory or in the sheltered garden border, he grows best according to nature, as the field-flower does, and like the unprotected beautifier of the pasture, he runs a thousand risks of coming to a speedy end. A large congregation, in many-coloured attire, always reminds us of a meadow bright with many hues; and the comparison becomes sadly true when we reflect, that as the grass and its goodliness soon pass away, even so will those we gaze upon, and all their visible beauty. Thus, too, must it be with all that comes of the flesh, even its greatest excellencies and natural virtues, for “that which is born of the flesh is flesh,” and therefore is but as grass which withers if but a breath of wind assails it. Happy are they who, born from above, have in them an incorruptible seed which liveth and abideth for ever.
(Charles Surgeon-Treasury of David)

2/9/2025
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. Heb 10:35
Spiritual Confidence

For the better understanding of this, it is well to bear in mind the difference there is between confidence and faith. They are much the same in their exercise; still they are different. Confidence is the outcome of faith. Confidence is stronger than faith, and leads the soul onward to be bold and daring. Faith is as the root; confidence the branch springing out of the root. Confidence grows on faith, and cannot live without it; but faith may exist without confidence, though there can be no doubt that the one is affected by the other, and that as the one strengthens the other strengthens, or that as the one wanes the other also wanes.

We see, therefore, that we may cast away our confidence by unbelief. Once begin to doubt the power and will of Christ to bless us, and our confidence is gone. The faith may not altogether have departed, but confidence is thrown away. In fact, it seems to be possible for one to have all the evidences of Christ’s character and goodness set before him, so that he cannot doubt, but must believe in Christ’s divinity and salvation; and yet to have no real confidence in Him, no confidence which leads one to trust Him fully, and to go forth in His name in all boldness and with Christian courage. If, then, you are a possessor of this confidence, hold it fast. It is a step in advance of the ordinary Christian plan. It leads to something more, something higher, bolder, and grander, for Christ and for His cause. Hold it fast, and exercise it. The more it is cultivated and exercised, the more it will grow and the stronger it will become. (Biblical Illustraror)

2/8/2025
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness: 2Tim 3:16
Inspiration of Scripture

All scripture is inspired of God - The Spirit of God not only once inspired those who wrote it, but continually inspires, supernaturally assists, those that read it with earnest prayer. Hence it is so profitable for doctrine, for instruction of the ignorant, for the reproof or conviction of them that are in error or sin, for the correction or amendment of whatever is amiss, and for instructing or training up the children of God in all righteousness. (John Wesley)

“Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable.” Note that the “scripture” of this verse is not the same as the “sacred writings” of 2Ti_3:15. Here it is simply “every writing inspired of God.” The inbreathing of the Holy Ghost is the condition of its being profitable. For correction.—Setting upright again something that was out of the perpendicular. For instruction.—Fatherly discipline or process of education, often by chastisement or severe methods. The word of God does not always speak smooth things to us.
(Preacher's Homiletical)

2/7/2025
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Heb 13:8
A Changing World and an Unchanging Christ

We scarcely need an inspired book to remind us of those laws of change which are written alike upon the earth and upon the firmament that overarches it. No wonder that Oriental mystics have come to look upon the things that address our senses as shows and phantasms, for we are never permitted to forget their transiency. How the face of the world has changed, and will still change! Life is but a thin green strip that unites two unexplored deserts; that which lies behind is silence, and that which lies before is death. The solid stars are but shadows, and could we watch them long enough, they would vanish like the shadows which lie for a few brief hours across our streets. The suns in the vault of heaven are bubbles of gas on those mystic and unmeasured tides of force which flow through space, and were our life less ephemeral we should see them collapse and pass away.

In comparison with the fleeting phenomena which environ us, Christ is the enduring substance, the reality which persists unchanged through all change. “They shall perish, but thou remainest.”
By the very law of contrast, and by the need of finding sufficient reason for the changes, we are driven from the contemplation of the fleeting to the vision of the permanent. Blessed are they who, in a world of passing phenomena, penetrate to the still centre of rest, and looking over all the vacillations of the things that can be shaken, can turn to the Christ and say, “Thou who movest all things art Thyself unmoved; Thou who changest all things, Thyself changest not.” As the moon rises slow and silvery, with its broad shield, out of the fluctuations of the oceans, so the one radiant Figure of the all-sufficient and immutable Lover and Friend of our souls should rise for us out of the billows of life’s tossing ocean, and come to us across the seas.

“The Same.” Among the mediæval mystics that term was in use as a title for the Eternal. They called Him “the Same.” They spoke of knowing “the Same,” of taking refuge in “the Same.” Amidst the restless drift and flux of phenomena they saw in God, and rightly saw, the anchorage they craved. And for us also, in the Son of God, eternal as the Father in His majesty and in His mercy, there is rest and refuge in the thought that He, this Lord Christ Jesus, now and for ever, is “the Same.”
(Note: H. C. G. Moule, in The Record, Jan. 27, 1911, p. 88)

2/6/2025
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
When Self is on the Throne

It is common to give a quick, impulsive answer to questions and problems. We respond without thinking, or without hearing the full story, sometimes more interested in what we hope to say than what the matter before us really is. This is “a special snare of the self-important.” (Kidner)

This is a common trait in society, especially in this fast paced life people live in today. People want to be seen and heard, but will not hear out a matter completely, before spreading a story, or half truth, that ends up slandering the person, and ruining their reputation.
I've been in this situation, and even as I was speaking to the person before me, could see by their demeanor, and expression on their face-they were'nt even listening to me, and weren't hearing me. I knew what I said didn't matter to them, and if asked, they couldn't repeat to me what I'd said. They were just waiting for an opportunity to talk over me. When this happens, it's clear there's no basis for any understanding, or any relationship with this person. It's a waste of time to say anything to them, and I've learned over the years, to avoid such situations, and leave them to themselves. Self is on the throne, you do not matter to these people. Lorna Couillard

To whatever extent we do this, it is foolish and shameful. It is folly because a wrong or misguided answer is likely; it is shame because we do not represent ourselves well in doing so.
“There are many also that give judgment before they hear the whole of the cause, and express an opinion before they hear the state of the case. How absurd, stupid, and foolish!” (Clarke)

2/5/2025
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. Psa 46:4
“OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH”

The historical origin of this psalm cannot be certainly determined. Probably it was composed when Jerusalem was beleaguered by Sennacherib’s hosts, 2Ki_18:1-37.

Mat 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

It befits every era in which the Church is in danger from her foes, and foretells the final destruction of Antichrist. It was Luther’s favorite psalm, and is rendered into verse in his memorable hymn, Ein’ Feste Burg. During the sitting of the Diet of Augsburg he sang it every day to his lute, standing at the window and looking up to heaven. The theme of the psalm is the security of God’s people, and this is elaborated in three stanzas, each of which ends with Selah.
Alone among great cities, Jerusalem lacked a river; but God was willing to become all that a river could be and more. Your deficiencies give more room for God’s all-sufficiency. Mark the beautiful alternative translation of Psa_46:5, R.V., margin, “at the dawn of morning.” Your sorrow is limited to a single night. See also Isa_37:36; Mat_14:25. Be still, O troubled heart! The God of the nations is your Father! Desolations are the snapping off of the dead branches to prepare for the spring. (F.B. Meyer)

2/4/2024
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. Pro 27:19
Mirror of Human Nature

As a man looking into the water (used anciently as a mirror) sees an exact transcript of his own countenance, so every heart has, by nature, precisely the same moral character with every other unsanctified heart. Every child of Adam, till renewed by Divine grace, has, in view of Omnipotence and Omniscience, the same moral aspect. Notice some of the circumstances which have contributed to make men differ in their conduct who have by nature the same moral character. Grace has made a wide difference in men who were by nature alike. Difference in instinctive passions and affections makes men differ in their conduct. Some have not the talents for doing mischief that others have. Others have not the opportunities. One man may achieve less mischief than another because more restrained.
(Biblical Illustrator)
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

The most mysterious thing in God’s work is the heart of man. The Eden of the human heart has been transformed into a wilderness of vile passions. Some restrain themselves more than others, and therefore there are different degrees of depravity in the world; and perhaps, by looking around us, we may find what rank we properly belong to, and what chance we have of escaping the wrath of God.
1. Let us ask ourselves who are our intimate friends and associates?
2. Let us compare ourselves with the dying. (John Collinson.)

2/3/2025
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. Prov 21:2
Weighed in the Balance

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,.... This is repeated, from Pro_16:2; for the confirmation of it; and that it might be observed and taken notice of, and men be brought under a conviction of it; which is not easily done, it being what affects all men: every man is conceited of himself and his own way, and is not easily persuaded off of it; his sinful ways are agreeable to him promising him pleasure, profit, or honour; and his self-righteous ways suit with the vain opinion he has of himself, whereby he promises himself eternal life and happiness.

The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it to this sense,
"every man seems righteous to himself;''
but the Lord pondereth the hearts: weighs them in the balance of righteousness and truth; considers them, having a perfect knowledge of them, and all the springs of action in them; and knows that every way of man is not right, though they may seem so to him. (John Gill)

Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

2/2/2025
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Acts 17:24
THE ONE LIVING AND TRUE GOD

Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill. In the Areopagus. Let the reader keep in mind that this address was spoken in the literary capital of the ancient world, the most cultured city of the earth to which every Roman who sought a finished education resorted to complete his studies, the home of the philosophers, orators, sculptors, painters and poets, and the great university where many thousands of strangers were gathered for study. This ancient city of so glorious history is the modern capital of Greece, and was about 100,000 inhabitants. (B.W. Johnson)

The gospel preacher must avail himself of any circumstance in his surroundings that will enable him to arrest the attention of his audience. He must meet them where they are and take them with him to realms of thought with which they are not familiar. Paul was wise to begin with that altar to the unknown god.
Around them stood the most exquisite temples ever reared by human genius, but these were not the home of God. He seeks the lowly and contrite heart, not of the Jew alone, but wherever man is found, and on whatever intellectual plane. Men, the world over, are brothers-“he hath made of one blood all nations.” The arrangements of divine providence have been contrived to lead men to God. If they feel after Him with reverence and true desire, He will be found of them. All men are His offspring, but only those who receive the Son of God into their hearts become really sons. Repentance is the act of the will, and therefore it may be commanded. God can overlook much that is hurtful and evil, because He loves the world and deals with men according to their light; and we may rejoice therefore that He will judge mankind by “the Man.” (F.B. Meyer)

Act 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

2/1/2025
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Isa 9:7
The Everlasting God

Jesus Christ is EVERLASTING. Of Him we may sing, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.” A theme for great rejoicing on our part.
Jesus always was. So also He is for evermore the same. Jesus is not dead; He ever liveth to make intercession for us.

Jesus, our Lord, ever shall be. The connection of the word “Father” with the word “everlasting” allows us very fairly to remark that our Lord is as everlasting as the Father, since He Himself is called “the everlasting Father”; for whatever antiquity paternity may imply is here ascribed to Christ. It is the manner of the Easterns to call a man the father of a quality for which he is remarkable. To this day, among the Arabs, a wise man is called “the father of wisdom”; a very foolish man “the father of folly.” The predominant quality in the man is ascribed to him as though it were his child, and he the father of it. Now, the Messiah is here called in the Hebrew “the Father of eternity,” by which is meant that He is preeminently the possessor of eternity as an attribute.
He is federally a Father, representing those who are in Him, as the head of a tribe represents his descendants. The grand question for us is this, Are we still under the old covenant of works? If so, we have Adam to our father, and under that Adam we died. But are we under the covenant of grace? If so, we have Christ to our Father, and in Christ shall we be made alive.

We weigh the words, “EVERLASTING FATHER.” Christ is called “the everlasting Father” because He does not Himself, as a Father, die or vacate His once. He is still the federal Head and Father of His people; still the Founder of Gospel truth and of the Christian system; not allowing popes to be His vicars and to take His place. He is still the true Life giver, from whose wounds and by whose death we are quickened; He reigns even now as the patriarchal King; He is still the loving family Head; and so, in every sense, He lives as a Father. But here is a sweet thought. He neither Himself dies, nor becomes childless. He does not lose His children. He is the Author of an eternal system. (C. H. Spurgeon.)

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