Two Minutes Daily for January 2025

Short Devotions-Quotes-Inspiration

1/31/2025
 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within:
and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,
which was, and is, and is to come. Rev 4:8
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Rev 22:5
​​​“A THRONE SET IN HEAVEN”

​"And they shall reign for ever and ever - What encouragement is this to the patience and faithfulness of the saints, that, whatever their sufferings are, they will work out for them "an eternal weight of glory!" Thus ends the doctrine of this Revelation, in the everlasting happiness of all the faithful. The mysterious ways of Providence are cleared up, and all things issue in an eternal Sabbath, an everlasting state of perfect peace and happiness, reserved for all who endure to the end."   (John Wesley)

To Christians, to those, that is, who mourn for sin, and renounce and forsake it, and trust in Christ only, and pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit to make them and keep them His, it ought to be and will be a real comfort to remember that just inside that door there is a heaven, and a throne set, and a God seated thereon, and a holy and loving council gathered, and plans under preparation for purposes of good to the poor struggling and suffering people below; and that round the throne is the covenant bow, promising evermore a clear shining after rain, and pledging the very faithfulness of God to their final rescue and deliverance. (Biblical Illustrator)

Angels singing caught on tape (Updated) Improved sound quality and lyrics to the mystery solo
​​https://youtu.be/wxgfnEkxkMI?si=gSVsjYugnxwWHwCH

​"Each of them hath six wings - As had each of the seraphim in Isaiah's vision. "Two covered his face," in token of humility and reverence: "two his feet," perhaps in token of readiness and diligence for executing divine commissions. Round about and within they are full of eyes. Round about - To see everything which is farther off from the throne than they are themselves. And within - On the inner part of the circle which they make with one another. First, they look from the centre to the circumference, then from the circumference to the centre. And they rest not - O happy unrest! Day and night - As we speak on earth. But there is no night in heaven. And say, Holy, holy, holy - Is the Three - One God.
There are two words in the original, very different from each other; both which we translate holy. The one means properly merciful; but the other, which occurs here, implies much more. This holiness is the sum of all praise, which is given to the almighty Creator, for all that he does and reveals concerning himself, till the new song brings with it new matter of glory.
This word properly signifies separated, both in Hebrew and other languages. And when God is termed holy, it denotes that excellence which is altogether peculiar to himself; and the glory flowing from all his attributes conjoined, shining forth from all his works, and darkening all things besides itself, whereby he is, and eternally remains, in an incomprehensible manner separate and at a distance, not only from all that is impure, but likewise from all that is created. God is separate from all things. He is, and works from himself, out of himself, in himself, through himself, for himself. Therefore, he is the first and the last, the only one and the Eternal, living and happy, endless and unchangeable, almighty, omniscient, wise and true, just and faithful, gracious and merciful.
Hence it is, that holy and holiness mean the same as God and Godhead: and as we say of a king, "His Majesty;" so the scripture says of God, "His Holiness," Heb 12:10. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. When God is spoken of, he is often named "the Holy One:" and as God swears by his name, so he does also by his holiness; that is, by himself.
This holiness is often styled glory: often his holiness and glory are celebrated together, Lev 10:3; Isa 6:3. For holiness is covered glory, and glory is uncovered holiness. The scripture speaks abundantly of the holiness and glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. And hereby is the mystery of the Holy Trinity eminently confirmed.
That is also termed holy which is consecrated to him, and for that end separated from other things: and so is that wherein we may be like God, or united to him." (John Wesley)

1/30/2025​
​The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?  Jer 17:9
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
​FALSE FRIENDS EXPOSED​

​It even hides itself from itself; so that its owner does not know it. A corrupt heart is the worst enemy the fallen creature can have; it is full of evil devices, - of deceit, of folly, and abomination, and its owner knows not what is in him till it boils over, and is often past remedy before the evil is perceived. Therefore trust not in man whose purposes are continually changing, and who is actuated only by motives of self-interest.  (Adam Clarke)

Judas, who had been called along with the other disciples to share in the work of spreading the gospel, and watched Jesus do nothing but good for 3 years-never learned or allowed the truth of Jesus life to change him, he never really repented of his sins, and when an opportunity came, he was quick to betray Jesus. This is a lesson every servent of the Lord learns. Our enemies, can be our closest friends.
God had called me for several years, before I finally obeyed and did what God called me to do. He finally got my attention after 3 different people I'd never met before-were put before me in 3 separate occasions, came up to me and publicly said that I was called by God to serve Him. Each time, it was in a church full of people. I finally had to either obey, or know I was rejecting God's call on my life. Over the years, I've learned the lessons that came to Jesus and Corrie ten Boom. What God has called me to do may never be popular, or draw great crowds of people- God never promised me it would. But, His purposes are what matters.

When I spend time on something else, or people get the idea I've stopped or given up, the Judas' who follow my work to see if they can get an advantage, or hope I've quit will pop up, and reveal themselves in various ways. My response most of the time is to ignore them. I never attempt to stop them, Jesus didn't attempt to stop Judas-he just told him to go and get his evil deed done quickly. That's my attitude-do whatever your going to do, get it done. It's not going to stop me, or make any difference to me. You see, if I only reach one heart, if just one person wakes up, and gets saved-this is all worth it. And, there's no price tag to it. This ministry is mostly for those such as Lazarus the beggar-that died alone, but was carried to heaven by angels when he died. This ministry is for the nobodies that the world doesn't care about, and wish didn't exist. God knows they do exist, and He does care. As for when to quit this- when Jesus makes it clear to me it's time to stop, or, He takes me home. Lorna Couillard

1/29/2025
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Pro 4:23
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Mat 12:35-36
Mans Most Valuable Possession​

Keep thy heart with all diligence,.... The mind from vanity, the understanding from error, the will from perverseness, the conscience clear of guilt, the affections from being inordinate and set on evil objects, the thoughts from being employed on bad subjects; and the whole from falling into the hands of the enemy, or being the possession of Satan: great diligence had need be used in keeping it, since it is naturally so deceitful and treacherous; a strict eye is to be kept upon it; all the avenues to it to be watched, that nothing hurtful enters, or evil comes out; it is to be kept by all manner of means that can be thought of, by prayer, hearing, reading, meditation; and, above all, by applying to Christ for his grace and Spirit to sanctify, preserve, and keep it. Or, "above all keeping, keep thine heart"; though other things are to be kept, and care taken of them, as kingdoms and cities, and towns and families, and treasures and riches; yet the heart above all:

For out of it are the issues of life; of natural life: it is the seat of it, from whence all actions of life are derived; it is, as philosophers say, the first that lives, and the last that dies; and it is the seat of spiritual life the principle of it is formed in it; from whence all spiritual and vital actions flow, and which lead unto and issue in eternal life: as is a man's heart, such is his state now, and will be hereafter; if the heart is quickened and sanctified by the grace of God, the man will live a life of faith and holiness here, and enjoy everlasting life hereafter: and if the heart is right, so will the actions of men be; they are regulated and denominated by it; they will then spring from right principles, and be directed to right ends, and performed with right views; great care therefore should be taken of the heart, since so much depends upon it, and it is so well known to God the searcher of it.  (John Gill)

1/28/2025
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
​Influence of Bad Company

​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.)

1/27/2025
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth. Mat 28:18
Behold Him

​Our Lord’s words here are full of Divine mystery; they possess heavenly massiveness and grandeur, and yet they are full of peace, consolation, and hope to every Christ-loving heart.
The words are majestic and gracious; they are also comprehensive in their simplicity and brevity. Here is the mystery of the mediatorial kingdom—Christ, the God-Man, Lord of heaven and earth, to the glory of the Father. All power is given unto Him in heaven. He who descended is the same that ascended far above all heavens, that He might fill all things. The Son of man is on the throne of God, He who was born of the Virgin Mary, who took upon Himself the form of a servant, who by Himself purged our sins, who is at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus has all power in heaven, in order that the Church on earth should constantly and steadfastly look away from all that is human and temporal, and know of no other mediation, strength, guidance, and comfort but the power and love, the wisdom and faithfulness of the only Master and Head. He is high, to be visible and accessible to the least of His disciples in the lowliest valley of his weakness and ignorance. Now, He takes His place as High Priest, and ever lives to make intercession for the saints.

Behold Him, the Son of man, seated at the right hand of the Father, and in His majestic rest and peaceful dignity behold the perfect assurance of our acceptance and of our blessedness.
Behold Jesus in heaven, and seek the things which are above. In Him are all spiritual blessings in heavenly places. From Him descend all healthful influences, all spiritual gifts, all quickening and renewing power, all true and everlasting consolation.
Behold Jesus in heaven, and be of good comfort. He presents unto the Father all the petitions and thanksgivings, all the labors and sufferings, all the words and works of His people, and they are accepted and well-pleasing in His sight.
​(A. Saphir, Christ and the Church, p. 1)

1/26/2025
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
Choosing at the Crossroads​

A wicked man hates not the Word so long as it keeps within itself; but if it begin to pluck sin from him and his pleasures from him, then he hates it. I put this union of the Word in opposition to four things.
​A wicked man may hear a thousand sermons and like them all, but let one of them come in particular to him and tell him this is thy sin, and thou must go to hell for it if thou repents not, then he hates it. John the Baptist was heard by Herod gladly so long as he kept off his personal sin.
The wicked can endure the word so long as it does not stand digging in their conscience and galling their hearts day by day. Occasional rebukes they can stand, but to be convicted perpetually by the Holy Spirit, this they hate.

This is the end of our Lord’s discourse to Nicodemus; and though we are not informed here of any good effects produced by it, yet we learn from other scriptures that it had produced that from this time he became a disciple of Christ. He publicly defended our Lord in the Sanhedrin, of which he was probably a member, Joh_7:50, and, with Joseph of Arimathea, gave him an honorable funeral, Joh_19:39, when all his bosom friends had deserted him.   (Adam Clarke)
​Eph 5:9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

​Psa 1:1  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. 
Psa 1:2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 
Psa 1:3  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. 

1/25/2025
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth,
wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2Pe 3:13
​Desire for the Day of God

Christians should live and walk as on the borders of eternity, dying daily. This “looking for” the coming of Christ is similar to that of the watchman who waits with earnest solicitude for the dawn of day. It is the look of desire, not of regret; of hope, not of fear; and hence it is added, “hasting to” the coming of the day of God. This earth is perishing. All the productions of nature, all the works of art, all the arrangements of policy that regard it, perish; man, its lord and master, is short-lived and perishing.

The nature of the earth which is to
​succeed the present
Isa 65:17  For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. ​

The earth and all man's creations. That the world shall come to an end seems to be written in its very constitution. A slight change in the constitution of the atmosphere, or the decomposition of its water would wrap it in flame. Science finds the elements of final dissolution in the relations of the earth and sun. According to the ratio of increase in two centuries the world will not have resources to feed its population. In a few hundred years the coal resources of the world will fail. These and many other facts point to a necessary and inevitable change.
What manner of persons ought ye to be. Since we have no abiding home on this earth and seek one beyond, we should live in a state of preparation. Be sober, diligent, found in peace.
Looking for. Looking for, preparing for, and desiring the Lord's coming. Dreadful as that day will be for the impenitent it is a day of relief and of glorious attainment to the saint.
We, according to his promise. See Isa_65:17; also Isa_66:22. The heavens and the earth are not to be blotted out, but changed, purified, and made better for the home of the righteous.
(B.W. Johnson)
​Rev 21:1  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 

Rev 21:27  And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. 
Watchman [Live]--
https://youtu.be/FdTDGjibJz0?si=N6O8fUsjNXGVYL2i

1/24/2025
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 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 34:12-15
​​THE SALVATION OF THE CONTRITE

The gist of this exhortation is quoted by Peter in his first Epistle. See 1Pe_3:10. 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.
Psa_34:15 : Do you feel unable to claim the designation of righteous? Remember that Paul was glad to reject his own, that he might be clad in Another’s righteousness. That still avails for us. See Php_3:9.
Psa_34:17 : We are not kept from trouble, but delivered out of it.
Psa_34:20 : You do not recognize Him, but the Great Gardener passes by the plants that have braved the wind and storm to bend over you who are beaten to the earth. See the literal fulfillment of this in Joh_19:36. How much we owe to God’s continuous care.
Psa_34:22 : Observe the present tenses in which the psalmist records God’s redeeming love. It never grows old.  (F.B. Meyer)
​Psa 34:22  The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. 

1/23/2025
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
Preparing the Ark

​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 favour, 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.)
​Gen 6:13  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. 
Gen 6:14  Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. 

Today, in 2025 God is using his people who believe Him, to call as many as will come, to enter the Ark, who is Jesus Christ, before the great day of the Lord comes. It is near, even at the door.

1/22/2025
​For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Rom 6:23
“SIN SHALL NOT HAVE DOMINION”

​It is true of natural death. Though not the wages of individual sin in all who undergo it, yet even natural death, the death of the body, is the consequence of sin. But for sin, there would not have been death. Every funeral which passes us in our streets, every loss which occurs in our families, should remind us of sin, and the consequences of it, for every life.

​Paul does not say, the wages of great sins, or the wages of some sins, or the wages of certain sins; he simply says: “The wages of sin,” of any sin, of all sins, of the least sin, “is death.” A single sin, however insignificant it may appear, brings guilt of death; as St. James writes: “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” The man who has broken one link in the chain of the commandments is guilty of breaking the chain.
​Death and life are before all men who hear the Gospel: the one, the natural issue and proper reward of sin; the other, the absolutely free “GIFT OF GOD” to sinners, “in Jesus Christ our Lord.”
​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. 

And as the one is the conscious sense of the hopeless loss of all blissful existence, so the other is the conscious possession and enjoyment of all that constitutes a rational creature’s highest “life” for evermore (Rom_6:23). Ye that read or hear these words, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live!”  (JFB comm.)
​Deu 30:19  I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 

1/21/2025
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Exo

​Slandering our neighbor. The scorpion carries his poison in his tail; the slanderer carries his poison in his tongue. Slandering is to report things of others unjustly; “they laid things to my charge which I knew not.” Eminency is commonly blasted by slander. Holiness itself is no shield from slander. The lamb’s innocency will not preserve it from the wolf. We must not only not raise a false report, but not take it up. He that slanders, carries the devil in his tongue: and he that receives it, carries the devil in his ear.
A False Witness

Thou shalt not bear false witness - This forbids, Speaking falsely in any matter, lying, equivocating, and any way devising and designing to deceive our neighbor. Speaking unjustly against our neighbor, to the prejudice of his reputation; And (which is the highest offence of both these kinds put together) Bearing false witness against him, laying to his charge things that he knows not, either upon oath, by which the third commandment, the sixth or eighth, as well as this, are broken, or in common converse, slandering, backbiting, tale - bearing, aggravating what is done amiss, and any way endeavoring to raise our own reputation upon the ruin of our neighbor's.  (John Wesley)

1/20/2025
​Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are
​pleasures for evermore. Psa 16:11
The Path of Life

​“Thou wilt shew me the path of life.” To Jesus first this way was shown, for he is the first-begotten from the dead, the first-born of every creature. He himself opened up the way through his own flesh, and then trod it as the forerunner of his own redeemed. The thought of being made the path of life to his people, gladdened the soul of Jesus. “In thy presence is fullness of joy.” Christ being raised from the dead ascended into glory, to dwell in constant nearness to God, where joy is at its full for ever: the foresight of this urged him onward in his glorious but grievous toil. To bring his chosen to eternal happiness was the high ambition which inspired him, and made him wade through a sea of blood.

O God, when the worldling's mirth has all expired, for ever with Jesus may we dwell “at thy right hand,” where “there are pleasures for evermore;” and meanwhile, may we have an earnest by tasting thy love below. Trapp's note on the heavenly verse which closes the Psalm is a sweet morsel, which may serve for a contemplation, and yield a foretaste of our inheritance. He writes, “Here is as much said as can be, but words are too weak to utter it. For quality there is in heaven joy and pleasures; for quantity, a fulness, a torrent whereat they drink without let or loathing; for constancy, it is at God's right hand, who is stronger than all, neither can any take us out of his hand; it is a constant happiness without intermission: and for perpetuity it is for evermore. Heaven's joys are without measure, mixture, or end.”
(Charles Spurgeon-Treasury of David)

1/19/2025
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36
Jesus-​The Liberator

"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)
​What such need is to have “the Spirit of the Son in their hearts” (Gal_4:6); then they too will cry, “Abba, Father.” Here is our hope that we may cease to be slaves and be freed by Him who is free, and gave not silver and gold, but His own blood for us; and who is our Head; and if He makes us free, 
​ (Augustine in Wordsworth).

Christ is “the Truth,” and His teaching, accepted by the will and expressed in the life, is the Truth that makes us free.
​Christ taught that this life is not all; that it is only a miserable state of human infancy. He taught that in words, by His life, and by His Resurrection. This, again, was freedom. If there is a faith that cramps and enslaves the soul, it is the idea that this life is all. If there is one that expands, and elevates, it is the thought of immortality; and this is something quite distinct from the selfish desire of happiness. It is not to enjoy, but to be that we long for; to enter into more and higher life—a craving which we can part with only when we sink below Humanity, and forfeit it. This was the martyrs’ strength. They were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might attain a better resurrection. In that hope, and the knowledge of that truth, they were free from the fear of pain and death.  (Great Texts)
cross references: Mat 12:20  A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
​Psa 119:133  Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
​Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 

Luk 4:18 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, 
Luk 4:19  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 

In my own personal life and testimony, the Lord has proven this verse, and the corresponding ones to be complete truth. Jesus came into my life of sin, turmoil and strife, and manifested Himself to me alone on a cold Monday in March of 1978, and I asked for, and received full forgiveness, and salvation that day, and deliverance from many sins. Over the years, He's never left me, nor forsaken me. Yes, He's chastised me, and corrected me-I love him more for it, it proves to me I'm His. No matter what you may have done in your life, if your grieving and feel there's no hope for you, don't believe the lie. Jesus can, and will forgive you, heal you, and make you whole. Don't let people's unforgiveness destroy you, no one who comes to Jesus will be rejected. If you truly are sorry for your sins, he will come into your heart, and forgive you, and set you free. His abiding Presence, and peace will live within you, and He will guide you in all matters of your life-if you open your heart and let Him in.  There is victory in Jesus. 
The link to this blogsite is one I encourage you to open, and read the testimony page of this minister's past life-and the miraculous testimony of his salvation. You will come away seeing the power of God to change and save anyone-no matter what your circumstances. He was a murderer in prison in solitary confinement for years-and was marvelously saved there alone in that prison cell. He's been a minister for many years now, and I agree with his doctrinal statement, and the Lord confirms to me-He's for real.
KENNY McCLINTON was one of the most feared men in Northern Ireland (Ulster). His years of terrorist activity culminated in two life sentences for murder and other acts of terrorist violence. He had become a thorn in the side of the authorities. Even in prison he could not be tamed and found himself in solitary confinement punishment cells fifteen times within one nine month period. Powerful testimony, and miraculous testimony of salvation.   http://www.ulsterchristians.org/

Another testimony I'd recommend is the life and testimony of Chuck Colson, who was sent to prison when he was caught in a corruption during the Watergate scandal, when president Nixon was in office. His testimony is also one of the power of God to change a hardened, corrupt politician, and transform him into a powerful servant of God. This is a link to information on his prison ministry:
https://www.prisonfellowship.org/about/chuck-colson/

1/18/2025
And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake. And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place. Gen 18:32-33
Abraham’s Intercessory Prayer

God granted Abraham’s prayer so far as he ventured to extend it. “All the way from fifty to ten?” He answered, “Yes; I will spare for the number that you name.” We know not what would have been the answer had he gone further. He may have had some intimation that he should proceed no further (Jer_7:16; Jer_11:14), or by the Covenant Angel going his way. But we have here the highest encouragement for intercessory prayer—to plead with God for wicked men, for communities and nations that are far gone in sin. Guilty cities and nations have been spared on account of God’s people (Mat_5:13; Mat_24:22). Abraham received no denial. ​So far as we can see, it was he who left off, and not God. Yet we are to rest humbly and trustfully upon God’s good pleasure after all our prayer. 

It would seem that there were not even so many as ten righteous in Sodom. And yet God went even further than His promise, and saved Lot’s family, which contained, doubtless, all the righteous who were there. Thus He granted Abraham’s prayer. He would not destroy the righteous with the wicked. God loves to be pleaded with and importuned in prayer. The righteous are the salt of the earth. The world is preserved in being for the Church’s sake. The history of the world is the history of redemption.  We have still higher encouragement to pray and plead for the ONE RIGHTEOUS’ sake—JESUS. Six times he, Abraham, urged his prayer, with a steady advance, and each time made God’s gracious answer the encouragement to ask yet more. And there he rested in a serene  confidence in God, that He would do all things right and well. “Not my will, but Thine be done.”  What a blessing to have the prayers of a saint for us.—(Jacobus)

1/17/2025
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. 2Tim: 2:19
​The Sealed Foundation

​The testimony or the declaration of the text. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure," or, more literally, "the firm foundation of God standeth." Observe the force of the first word, "nevertheless." It obviously refers to the preceding verses, as if the Apostle had said, Whatever error or corruption may spring up, whatever power and influence enemies of the truth may acquire, and whatever defection or apostacy there may be among professing Christians, there is no good reason why Christ’s servants should lose heart, or should relax in their prayers and efforts. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure." (1) What are we to understand by the foundation of God? The whole scope of the verse obviously is to set forth the absolute safety of Christ’s Church and people. The Lord Jesus Christ, in His glorious Person, offers atoning death, a finished work of redemption, as the one great foundation; but all who are built on Him by faith, are, in God’s judgment, one with Him, one building, one body. (2) What is taught concerning this foundation? "It standeth sure." This is a plain inference from the fact that it is the foundation of God.

The Divine seal or confirmation of this testimony. (1) We have, on the one side, a declaration of glorious privilege—"having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His." The Lord knows all things, but in a peculiar and distinguishing sense He knows and marks His people as His own. But God has known His people, and set His love on them from eternity, for they are all elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. (2) "And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." It is here put in the form of a rule or precept, to teach us that the certainty of God’s purpose never interferes with our moral responsibility, nor supersedes the obligation resting on His people, to strive and pray for entire holiness. (R. Elder, The Redeemer’s Cry, p. 91)

1/16/2025
​Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil;
​my cup runneth over. Psa 23:5
God Prepares My Table

The good man has his enemies. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. If we were without enemies we might fear that we were not the friends of God, for the friendship of the world is enmity to God. Yet see the quietude of the godly man in spite of, and in the sight of, his enemies. How refreshing is his calm bravery! “Thou preparest a table before me.” When a soldier is in the presence of his enemies, if he eats at all he snatches a hasty meal, and away he hastens to the fight. But observe: “Thou preparest a table,” just as a servant does when she unfolds the damask cloth and displays the ornaments of the feast on an ordinary peaceful occasion. Nothing is hurried, there is no confusion, no disturbance, the enemy is at the door and yet God prepares a table, and the Christian sits down and eats as if everything were in perfect peace. Oh! the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances.

“Thou anointest my head with oil.” May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every day's duties. Every Christian is a priest, but he cannot execute the priestly office without unction, and hence we must go day by day to God the Holy Ghost, that we may have our heads anointed with oil. A priest without oil misses the chief qualification for his office, and the Christian priest lacks his chief fitness for service when he is devoid of new grace from on high. “My cup runneth over.” He had not only enough, a cup full, but more than enough, a cup which overflowed. A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances. “What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?” said a poor cottager as she broke a piece of bread and filled a glass with cold water. Whereas a man may be ever so wealthy, but if he be discontented his cup cannot run over; it is cracked and leaks. Content is the philosopher's stone which turns all it touches into gold; happy is he who has found it. Content is more than a kingdom, it is another word for happiness.   (Charles Spurgeon)

1/15/2025
​And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.  And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter. And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands. Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel. 2Ki 9:33-37
“THE WORD OF THE LORD BY ELIJAH”​

Let us read again 1Ki_21:23. The word of the Lord-by Elijah concerning Jezebel.
1Ki 21:23  And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.
​How those words came back to the two men, who had heard them from the lips of God’s servant years before! God’s mills grind slowly, but to powder. In a deep sense Ahab’s blood was licked by dogs, as it flowed from the gaping wounds of his son. As a man sows he reaps, and when his children follow his steps, they too reap. But Ezekiel makes it perfectly clear that a godly son may break the entail of his father’s iniquities. See Eze_18:1-32, which has a most important bearing on the modern doctrine of heredity.​
Jezebel’s heart was proud and unbroken. She thought to make the conqueror the slave of her charms. When these failed, she taunted him with the fate of Zimri, so closely associated with the rise of Ahab’s family to the throne. His reign of seven days was thrown in Jehu’s teeth, 1Ki_16:15.
1Ki 16:15  In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines. 
​But Jezebel could not avert her fate. Her very chamberlains turned against her. How often does God’s representative ask the same question, “Who is on my side?” Let us heed the challenge and dare to “look out” in answer! There is service appointed for us all, and we must not fail to render it.  (F.B. Meyer)
Mic 7:10  Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets. 

1/14/2025
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand. Eph 6:13
Fully Equipped

Paul lay in prison at Rome, bound with a chain to the Roman trooper who watched him day and night. He employed his prison hours in writing. It was very natural that his language, like his thoughts, should be colored here and there by the objects around him; and we find that whilst writing this circular epistle to the Ephesians his eye had actually been resting on the soldier to whom he was chained. In the outfit of the Roman legionary he saw the symbol of the supernatural dress which befits the Christian.
​The ornamented girdle or balteus, bound around the loins, to which the sword was commonly attached, seemed to the apostle to recall the inward practical acknowledgment of truth, which is the first necessity in the Christian character.
​The metal breastplate suggests the moral rectitude or righteousness which enables a man to confront the world. 

The strong military sandals spoke of the readiness to march in the cause of that gospel whose sum and substance was not war, but spiritual even more than social peace.
​And then the large oblong, oval, wooden shield, clothed with hides, covering well-nigh the whole body of the bearer, reminded him of Christian faith, upon which the temptations of the evil one, like the ancient arrows, tipped as they often were with inflammable substances, would light harmlessly and lose their deadly point; and then the soldier’s helmet, pointing upwards to the skies, was a natural figure of Christian hope directed towards a higher and better world; and then the sword at his side, by which he won safety and victory in the day of battle, and which you will observe is the one aggressive weapon mentioned in this whole catalogue—what was it but the emblem of that word of God which wins such victories on the battle-fields of conscience, because it pierces, even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, and is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth. Thus girded, thus clad, thus shod, thus guarded, thus covered, thus armed, the Christian might well meet his foes. He was indeed more than a match for them, and might calmly await their onset. (H. P. Liddon)

1/13/2025
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: 
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Col 1:16-17
Christ-Author of Creation

This is one of the reasons why he is called “the image of God,” and the “first-born.” He makes God known to us by his creative power, and by the same power in creation shows that he is exalted over all things as the Son of God. The phrase which is used here by the apostle is universal. He does not declare that he created all things in the spiritual kingdom of God, or that he arranged the events of the gospel dispensation, as Socinians suppose (see Crellius); but that every thing was created by him. A similar form of expression occurs in Joh_1:3; see the notes at that verse. There could not possibly be a more explicit declaration that the universe was created by Christ, than this. As if the simple declaration in the most comprehensive terms were not enough, the apostle goes into a specification of things existing in heaven and earth, and so varies the statement as if to prevent the possibility of mistake.

​That are in heaven - The division of the universe into “heaven and earth” is natural and obvious, for it is the one that is apparent; see Gen_1:1. Heaven, then, according to this division, will embrace all the universe, except the earth; and will include the heavenly bodies and their inhabitants, the distant worlds, as well as heaven, more strictly so called, where God resides. The declaration, then, is, that all things that were in the worlds above us were the work of his creative power. (Albert Barnes)

1/12/2025
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 4:39
​When Authority Speaks

The Battle Belongs To The Lord - Maranatha! Music [with lyrics]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhJkmzPCeXk

​It was a difficult matter to follow Christ’s ship because of the boisterous waves.—The vessels that followed Christ’s ship must have encountered the same storm. No one ever yet found it an easy matter to follow Christ because of the forces against us. There is the flesh to contend with, the World and the Evil One to encounter. In your own strength you will not be able to follow Christ, to obey His commandments; so frail is human nature, what are you to do? Christ has promised to give you such help that you can always be victorious. This help is called grace. But if you do not ask Him for what He has promised to give, and as a result are unable to resist the storm of the flesh or the powers of darkness—if you lose paradise, it will be your own fault; you can blame no one but yourself. (Preacher's Homiletical)
Be silent! Be still! There is uncommon majesty and authority in these words. Who but God could act thus? Perhaps this salvation of his disciples in the boat might be designed to show forth that protection and deliverance which Christ will give to his followers, however violently they may be persecuted by earth or hell. (Adam Clarke)

1/11/2025
​I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. Joh 8:18
THE TWOFOLD WITNESS

​In human courts a man is not allowed to bear witness of himself, because he has a personal interest in the case, and the court could have no proof of the impartiality of the evidence; but in the case of Jesus it was otherwise. When one has no party ends to serve; when he is willing to deny himself; when he makes great sacrifices; and when, by his life, he gives every evidence of sincerity, his own testimony may be admitted in evidence of his motives and designs. This was the case with Jesus and his apostles. And though in a legal or criminal case such testimony would not be admitted, yet, in an argument on moral subjects, about the will and purpose of him who sent him, it would not be right to reject the testimony of one who gave so many proofs that he came from God.
The Father ...beareth witness of me - By the voice from heaven at his baptism Mat_3:17, and by the miracles which Jesus performed, as well as by the prophecies of the Old Testament.
​(Albert Barnes)

​Mat 3:16  And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 
Mat 3:17  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 

1/10/2025
​Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: 
​Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: 
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. Psa 64:2-4
Prayer for Preservation

Insult, sarcasm, and slander still fall to the lot of those who will live godly in this world. Very few of us are safe from poisoned arrows. Because the world is so full of evil men, who are disposed to put the worst construction on every act, we should be constantly on our guard to give no needless cause to the enemy to blaspheme, 2Sa_12:14. Daniel gives us an admirable illustration of this, since his enemies had no cause against him, save as it concerned the law of his God, Dan_6:5.
David felt that God had undertaken to be his champion. His arrows were flying through the air thick and fast. David knew the pain of family strife, and conflict. Curses come home to roost, and the overthrow of wickedness by the floating mines set to wreck the righteous, is evidence of God’s government of the world. Let the righteous look forward with quiet confidence to the time when the world shall be righted, and when the water-pots that are now filled to the brim with tears shall yield the wine of the wedding-feast.
​(F.B. Meyer)

Jesus spoke and taught that we would find, that those that are our enemies, may come from our own families.
​Mat 10:35  For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 
Mat 10:36  And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 
Mat 10:37  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 10:38  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 

1/9/2025
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 
​And also that every man should eat and drink,
and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. Ecc 3:12-13
Joyful Pursuits in God's Gifts

The power to enjoy the good of this life is the gift of God. There may be even a refined enjoyment of life, which is not godly. But the sober and joyful use of the blessings of God, while keeping in mind the higher aims of existence, is a special gift of heaven. Yes drink, but not with wine to excess, in moderation. Be in pursuits that bring lasting memories, and binds the family together. There is a joy of the world which glitters, but it is not lasting. 

It is like the sparkle of shallow streams as the water flows over the pebbles, or like the dispersion of it in foam. But the joy that God gives is powerful and deep.
​​The reason is, that the only lasting joy is that which arises from a good conscience. Righteousness gives peace, and peace is the true home of joy.
They whose hearts are cheered by the proofs of the Lord’s bounty in His dealing with them, and express that cheerfulness by their activity in duties that may honor Him; they have found that true good which is attainable in this life [Nisbet].

1/8/2025
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision,
but a new creature. Gal 6:15
​A New Creature

“A new creature” does not mean that one clothes himself differently, and puts on a different air from before; but it means the renewal of the mind which is brought about by the Holy Ghost. From that there follows an alteration of the outer life. For where the heart through the gospel obtains a new light, there it never fails that the outward senses also are altered. The ears have there no longer pleasure in hearing human dreams and fools’ tidings, but God’s Word alone. The mouth no longer boasts of a man’s own works and righteousness, but of God’s compassion in Christ Jesus. This, then, is an alteration, which consists not in words, but in work and in power. (Luther.)

​2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

1/7/2025
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,
​but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given,
and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away
even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 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.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Mat 13:10-16
TEACHING FOR THE TEACHABLE

“The parable conceals truth from those who are either too lazy to think or too blinded by prejudice to see. It puts the responsibility fairly and squarely on the individual. It reveals truth to him who desires truth; it conceals truth from him who does not wish to see the truth.” (Barclay)
“Thus the parables spoke to the crowds do not simply convey information, nor mask it, but challenge the hearers. ” (Carson)
​“They did not really see what they saw, nor hear what they heard. The plainer the teaching, the more they were puzzled by it.” (Spurgeon)

For whoever has, to him more will be given…but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him: The idea is that those who are open and sensitive to spiritual truth more will be given through the parables. Yet to those who are not open – who do not have, these ones will end up in an even worse condition.
“Life is always a process of gaining more or losing more…For weakness, like strength, is an increasing thing.” (Barclay)

1/6/2025
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 DIVINE LAW OF MARRIAGE​

"From the beginning of the creation - Therefore Moses in the first of Genesis gives us an account of things from the beginning of the creation. Does it not clearly follow, that there was no creation previous to that which Moses describes? God made them male and female - Therefore Adam did not at first contain both sexes in himself: but God made Adam, when first created, male only; and Eve female only. And this man and woman he joined together, in a state of innocence, as husband and wife."  (John Wesley)

"Husband and wife complete and strengthen each other. A husband’s love will not deaden but develop what is strong and individual in a wife’s character; and a wife’s love will give edge to her husband’s individuality and heighten the worth of his work. This is not bondage, unless it be bondage for a child to be moulded by a mother’s love, or for a friend to be influenced by the nobler character of his friend. That is the true freedom when what is best in me is free to grow because it is surrounded by the conditions of growth. And that is the freedom of marriage where two souls are joined in a life-union by love and reverence, and help each other to be their true selves, enhance each other’s moral influence, and heighten each other’s joys."—D. M. Ross.

​"A gentlemen who did not live very happily with his wife decided to procure a divorce, and took advice on the subject from an intimate friend-a man of high social standing. “Go home and court your wife for a year,” said this wise adviser, “and then tell me the result.” They bowed in prayer, and separated. When a year passed away, the once-complaining husband called again to see his friend, and said: “I have called to thank you for the good advice you gave me, and to tell you that my wife and I are as happy as when first we were married. I cannot be grateful enough for your good counsel.” “I am glad to hear it, dear sir,” said the other, “and I hope you will continue to court your wife as long as you live.” (Biblical Illustrator)

1/5/2025
​Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 
Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple,
​going through the midst of them, and so passed by. Joh 8:58-59
The Eternal God

​Here the Saviour claims with a double “Amen” the Incommunicable Name (Exo_3:14). It signifies unchangeable essence and everlasting duration. This is the name which the Jews for centuries had not dared to utter. Silently they had read it, used another in its stead, revered and adored it. Now the humble Nazarene openly assumes and claims it. God’s word to Moses implies the impossibility of a full definition of the name, or that finite creatures could not comprehend it if given. He does not say, “I am their Light, Life, Guide, Strength, or Tower.” He sets His hand to a blank, that faith may write her prayer. Are believers weary? I am their strength. Poor? I am their riches. In trouble? I am their comfort. Sick? I am their health. Dying? I am their life. I am justice and mercy, grace and goodness, glory, beauty, holiness, perfection—all-sufficient through eternity. (W. H. Van Doren, D. D.)

​Exo 3:13  And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 
Exo 3:14  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

1/4/2025
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 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. Heb 9:27-28
Christ Our Sacrifice that Puts Away Sin​

“A man dies once, and after that everything is fixed and settled, and he answers for his doings at the judgment. One life, one death - then everything is weighed, and the result declared: ‘after this the judgment.’ So Christ comes, and dies once; and after this, for him also the result of what he has done, namely, the salvation of those who look for him. He dies once, and then reaps the fixed result, according to the analogy of the human race, of which he became a member and representative.” 
Though it was not really the point of the writer to the Hebrews to discuss reincarnation, he certainly and completely denies it here. We do not die and live and die and live, facing an eternal reckoning some number of lives down the road. This life is it, and then we face judgment. This means that there are no second chances beyond the grave. Now is the time to choose for Jesus Christ, because when we die we simply face the judgment. (Spurgeon)

The principle of it is appointed for men to die once is not an absolute principle. There are some unique, remarkable exceptions. Enoch (Gen_5:24) and Elijah (2Ki_2:11) never died once. Several people in the Bible were raised from the dead (1Ki_17:22, 2Ki_13:20-21, Mat_9:25, Joh_11:43-44, Act_20:9-11), and therefore died twice. Those taken in the rapture (1Th_4:17) will never die once. Yet these remarkable, unique exceptions do not deny the principle of it is appointed for men to die once; they are exceptions that prove the rule.
He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation: The focus of Jesus’ first coming was to deal with the sin problem through His atoning sacrifice. But now, having dealt with the sin problem perfectly, He comes again apart from sin - for the salvation and rescue of His people.

1/3/2025
​​This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psa 118:24
A Day of Remembrance

​Christ is risen—risen never to die again, to be for ever that which He was the first moment when He conquered death. He is there above, the Saviour who could not be kept in captivity by the grave; the very same who spoke to Mary Magdalene, and reproved the doubting Thomas, and talked on the way to Emmaus, and broke bread on the sea-shore. And what was true of Him then is true now; what could be said of Him then can be said now; what He did then for those who loved Him and believed Him, He can do now; what they felt towards Him—the rejoicing and the glorying trust, and the conquering comfort and strength—it is ours to choose whether we shall not feel it too. The Light which broke on men on that third day, shines as brightly on all believing hearts now as it did on Peter and John, not a mere remembrance of past glory and gladness, but an unfailing and uninterrupted spring of present hope and strength. (Stopford A. Brooke)

1/2/2025
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, I press toward the mark for
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Php 3:13-14
Pressing On To the Prize

​The nearer the saint comes to the perfect life, the farther he feels from it. It is only when we have climbed the foothills that we realize how lofty the mountain summits are. But there is no need for discouragement. We have eternity before us, the expanding landscape of truth is our inspiration, and the loving Spirit of God bears us upward on eagle’s wings. Our Savior had a distinct purpose in view when He apprehended us. Its full scope was only known to Him; let us strive that we may not fail to realize His ideal. We can do this best by forgetting past failures, past sins, and past successes, and pressing on toward the goal. Will not the prize be the Lord Himself? 

Let us always remember that God’s call is upward. This will help us when there seems collision between two duties.
​Let us walk together along the path of obedience. Those who leave the narrow track and still profess godliness are greater enemies to the Cross than avowed antagonists. We are citizens of the skies, who come forth to spend a few hours each day on earth. This is our inn, yonder is our true home. Thence Jesus will come to complete the work of salvation by giving us a body like His own. (F.B. Meyer)

1/1/2025
​After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 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. Mat 6:9-13
Thy Kingdom Come

"​And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil - Whenever we are tempted, O thou that helpest our infirmities, suffer us not to enter into temptation; to be overcome or suffer loss thereby; but make a way for us to escape, so that we may be more than conquerors, through thy love, over sin and all the consequences of it. Now the principal desire of a Christian's heart being the glory of God, Mat 6:9-10 and all he wants for himself or his brethren being the daily bread of soul and body, (or the support of life, animal and spiritual,) pardon of sin, and deliverance from the power of it and of the devil, Mat 6:11-13 there is nothing beside that a Christian can wish for; therefore this prayer comprehends all his desires. Eternal life is the certain consequence, or rather completion of holiness. For thine is the kingdom - The sovereign right of all things that are or ever were created: 

​The power - the executive power, whereby thou governest all things in thy everlasting kingdom: And the glory - The praise due from every creature, for thy power, and all thy wondrous works, and the mightiness of thy kingdom, which endureth through all ages, even for ever and ever. It is observable, that though the doxology, as well as the petitions of this prayer, is threefold, and is directed to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost distinctly, yet is the whole fully applicable both to every person, and to the ever - blessed and undivided trinity."  (John Wesley)