Daily Devotions
"I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2-3 NLT
DECEMBER 18
"Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven."- He 12:26
In the earth, God is picturing mankind. In the heaven, he is picturing religious institutions of our day. God indicates that one last time he will shake society, including the religious institutions, so things not true, not strong enough to stand up under testing, will collapse. In this way he will destroy false religions and harmful systems, making way for a kingdom which cannot be shaken. Exodus 3:13,14
December 18
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:16)
TO have the proper course in life, to be able to meet the trials and difficulties of life as they come to us, and to meet them in the proper spirit which the Lord directs--in the spirit of rejoicing in tribulation, and counting such experiences all joy,--it is necessary that all fear of man, which brings a snare, shall be removed. And it is our Lord's direction that we shall fear Jehovah, and not fear our mortal fellows. The righteous are bold as a lion, as well as gentle as a dove, and meek as a lamb. This peculiar combination should be found in every Christian, and we doubt if it will be found elsewhere.
December 18
The Lord preserveth all them that love him. Psalm 145:20
WHEN we note the divine providential care over God's typical people it increases our faith and trust as his spiritual children, for with the apostle we reason that if God so loved us while we were yet sinners as to give his Son for us, much more does he love us now that we are no more sinners, aliens, strangers, foreigners, but consecrated to him and seeking to walk in the footsteps of our Redeemer. Likewise we reason that if God exercised his providential care in the interests of the typical people he is both able and willing to do as much and more for his spiritual Israel--Israelites indeed in whom there is no guile--those who have entered into covenant relationship with him and are seeking to walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. Our text is in accord with this thought. "The Lord preserveth all them that love him." True, he has a sympathetic love for the world which has led him to provide a redemption for all in due time--all the redeemed ones will have a manifestation of divine love and care over their interests --but now, during the Gospel age, divine blessings are conferred upon those who will constitute the church, the body of Christ, who love him more than they love houses or lands, parents or children, or self. All who can thus affirm to their own hearts their loyalty to the Lord, their faith and trust in him, may be assured that all things are supervised for their good and working out for their welfare, in matters temporal and eternal.
Devotional Books
Exceeding Great and Precious Promises
