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 9
"After the way which they call heresy, so worship I (Paul) the God of my fathers."- Acts 24:14
Heresy is any opinion opposed to official or established and accepted views or doctrines. For those who had been brought up in the traditional Jewish manner, to convert to Christianity meant becoming a heretic - opposed to established religious views. Paul was not ashamed of this. It is no different now; when one differs with established religious groups he may be called a heretic. Romans 1:16
December 9
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. (James 1:12)
IF we could but keep in memory the fact that every trial, every persecution, every difficulty of life, permitted to come upon those who have made the covenant of sacrifice with the Lord, is intended to prove them, to test their love, to see whether or not their characters are fixed, rooted and grounded in righteousness, and being built up in love, it would put all these trials, difficulties and temptations in a new light before us, and greatly assist us in fighting a good fight and overcoming. We would say, if by these little trials the Lord is proving my love and devotion to Him, then, however trifling they may be or however important, I will diligently use them as favorable opportunities to demonstrate to my Lord the fullness of my love and devotion to Him and His cause.
December 9
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, even as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10
THIS prayer has been offered for more than nineteen hundred years, and God's children have not yet seen his kingdom established. Shall we cease to pray? Ah, no! We are assured that it will indeed come. Even now it is at the very doors! God's kingdom shall be fully set up; and the time will come when there will be no disloyalty in all the earth, as now there is none in heaven. Our prayers will not bring God's kingdom one minute sooner than he has planned, but we pray by way of assuring the Lord that we are waiting for the kingdom and expecting it in harmony with his sure promise. By so praying and not fainting, the children of the Lord are strengthening themselves. God's glorious kingdom will be manifested--and soon! Then all who have attained the character likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ shall be exalted to reign with him in this kingdom.
Devotional Books
Exceeding Great and Precious Promises
