JANUARY 1
"I am that
bread of life."-Joh 6:48
Jesus said
"Man shall not live by bread alone," and yet he said he is "the
bread of life."-This may seem like a contradiction, but the first bread
mentioned is made with hands, baked in an oven, to feed our bodies. The second
bread of life’ is a picture of our Savior, and Christians are said to be
feeding on his Word. Everyone filled with this bread will live forever.
Joh 6:33
JANUARY 2
"The LORD
God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the
breath of life; and man became a living soul."-Ge 2:7
This wonderful
verse tells us exactly how God made the first human being, Adam. He made his
flesh and bones out of the dust of the ground. That body could not move; it was
not alive. Then God caused air to go into Adam’s nostrils, and he was alive.
Adam was not given a soul; he became a living soul.
Eze 18:4
JANUARY 3
"He
stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon
nothing."-Job 26:7
Science proves
the Bible; and here is a good example. Job told us long ago that the earth
hangs upon nothing, which describes the earth in orbit around the sun. The
Bible tells of scientific things, rather than explaining them. It is
descriptive and poetic, and in that sense, incredibly beautiful.
Ps 104:5
JANUARY 4
"Consider
the lilies of the field, how they grow."-Mt 6:28
Take a flower
in your hand. Note its lovely shape, its delicate perfume and color. God gave
us hundreds of beautiful flowers, with a variety of fragrances and hues. He
gives us more than we can think of or ask for. We have nothing to offer in
return for his love but our hearts and reverence, and he lovingly accepts
these.
Lu 12:7
JANUARY 5
"That
which befalleth (happens to) the sons of man befalleth beasts: ... as the one
dieth, so dieth the other .... All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and
all turn to dust again."-Ec 3:19,20
So far as this
present life is concerned, man has no advantage over the animals. "All is
vanity [unsatisfactory, Strongs]," and all die and return to dust. But man
does have a great advantage over the animals because Jesus gave his life a
ransom for all mankind, and so we are assured of an awakening from death.
Ec 9:10
JANUARY 6
"Study to
show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed."-2Ti 2:15
We study the
Bible to learn the many things we need to know in order to serve God. It is a
privilege to look for his will and to do it to the best of our ability. The
word workman suggests the thought of being engaged in service. One way we can
do this is to tell others of God’s loving plan for all the world of mankind, to
be brought about in due time.
2Ti
3:16,17
JANUARY 7
"Study to
show thyself approved unto God, ... rightly dividing the Word of
truth."-2Ti 2:15
In the Bible
there are many things which were true long ago (history), others that are true
now, and still others that will be true at a later date (prophecy). We need to
be able to understand which time period is being mentioned, in order to
understand the messages God gives us in the Scriptures.
Ec 3:1
JANUARY 8
Jesus "was
the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."-Joh
1:9
Jesus himself
said, "I am the light of the world."-He also said to his disciples,
"Ye are the light of the world."-The only true light shines forth
from God through our Savior’s teachings and example. Though only some are
enlightened by a knowledge of God’s plans now, in the kingdom of Christ, the
light of truth will shine on, or reach, everyone.
2Co 4:6
JANUARY 9
"The fear
[reverence] of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."-Ps 111:10
Strong’s
Concordance gives the meaning for fear as ‘reverence, which means ‘to regard
with deep respect’. When we regard our Heavenly Father with awe and esteem, he
will begin to work in our lives, revealing himself and his purposes for the
perfection of all mankind. This is the true wisdom we should seek: the
understanding of God’s character, plan and teachings.
Job 28:28
JANUARY
10
"Without
faun it is impossible to please him (God); for he that cometh to God must
believe that he is."-He 11:6
God asks us to
look around at his marvelous creation. All this: the earth, the universe, all
of what we call nature, was made by our Heavenly Father, Jehovah.
Mr 11:22
JANUARY
11
God "is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him."-He 11:6
Diligently means
‘carefully’. If anyone earnestly looks for God and his troth, God will see that
he or she finds him. People who are satisfied with errors about God’s character
and plans will be left with these errors; they will not find the truth.
La 3:25
JANUARY
12
"Seek ye
out of the Book of the LORD and read."-Isa 34:16
We learn God’s
plan by studying the Bible by topics. Only in this way will God’s Word be
harmonious and logical. God has given us several objects for studying the
Bible: so he will approve of us and we will know what work he wants us to do;
so when asked, we may give a reason for the hope that is in us; and so we may
understand his plans and purposes.
2Ti 2:15
JANUARY
13
"God is
faithful."-1Co 1:9
God’s promises
always come true; he never fails. Sometimes we have to wait a long time before
we can see clearly what his will for us may be, but he never forgets us. The
delay may only mean it is best for us to wait, learning lessons of patience and
trust.
Lu 1:37
JANUARY
14
"In the
morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not throe hand: for thou
knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both
shall be alike good."-Ec 11:6
Telling others
about God’s loving plan for blessing all the families of the earth is pictured
as sowing our seed. We have no way of knowing whether or not those to whom we
witness will want to learn more, so we should be prompt to use every
opportunity to share the good news and leave the results to the LORD.
Mt 24:14
JANUARY
15
"To
everything there is a season."-Ec 3:1
Just as we see
there are times for the different seasons of nature, and a time for work as
well as a time for play, we also realize God has put this principle into practice
on an even greater scale. Now is the time for his human family to learn about
the results of evil and of living without God’s laws of righteousness.
Ec 8:6
JANUARY
16
"There is
... a time to every purpose under the heaven."-Ec 3:1
The time for
all people to learn of God’s true character of wisdom, justice, love and power,
and about his loving plan for blessing all mankind, will be when Christ’s
kingdom is reigning on earth.
Zep 3:9
JANUARY
17
"See, with
he [God], that thou make all things according to the pattern shown to
thee."-He 8:5
God commanded
the people to build a Tabernacle in the wilderness, and he directed all the
details. Everything had to be performed exactly as he instructed, down to the
very smallest item. This was because the Tabernacle and its services pictured
greater and more important things-the Divine plan of the ages!
Ps 33:6-9
JANUARY
18
"The eyes
of the LORD are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their
prayers."-1Pe 3:12
Believing in Jesus
as our Redeem, and giving our hearts to God brings us the privilege of going to
our Heavenly Father in prayer, knowing he will always hear us. Jesus’ followers
are called righteous because Jesus covens their imperfections with his
righteousness. Although God does not promise to remove every unpleasant
situation in our lives, he will be with us and give us the necessary strength
to endure.
Da 10:2
JANUARY
19
"I will
both lay me down in peace and sleep; for thou, LORD, only makest me to dwell in
safety."-Ps 4:8
When we trust
in God and do his will as best we can, we can go to sleep each night, knowing
he will not let anything happen to us which is not for our good. This is a
wonderful blessing to have, and how loving God is to care for us in the way he
tees.
Joh 14:27
JANUARY
20
"The peace
of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus."-Php 4:7
By our belief
in his Son we become precious to God, and his watch-care and keeping are
greater than that of any other power or person. Knowing the Almighty Creator is
with us, protecting us when we have need, is a comfort. This peace is in our
hearts, and comes from leaning not on ourselves, but on God. It keeps us free
from worry and fear.
Isa 26:3
JANUARY
21
"Redeeming
the time, because the days are evil."-Eph 5:16
To redeem means
‘to rescue from loss’. We are to use our time wisely, and not waste it. There
are so many ways we can spend our time, and after we have spent it, it is gone.
One question we can ask ourselves is: "Will I be better off if I apply my
time in this way, or is there a better way I could put it to use?"
Ps 90:12
JANUARY
22
"For this
cause came I [Jesus] into the world."-Joh 18:37
The first
judgment day was in Eden when Adam was tested and failed to be obedient. His
punishment was death. Ever since, the human family has all been dying, as part
of that penalty. Jesus came to earth and gave his life to release all from that
punishment.
1Co 15:22
JANUARY
23
"The grass
withereth, the flower fadeth; but the Word of our God shall stand
forever."-Isa 40:8
We see the
beautiful grass and flowers come up in the spring and die in the winter. This
happens every year as the seasons change. But the words God has given us in his
Book, the Bible, will never die or vary. God has always been the same: wise,
loving, just, and strong -and he will be that way forever.
1Pe 1:25
JANUARY
24
"Moses. ..
said Who is on the LORD’S side? ... And all the sons of Levi gathered
themselves together unto him."-Ex 32:26
God must have
been pleased to have the tribe of Levi step forward and say they were on his
side. He is pleased in this age when a person steps forward and dedicates his
or her life to serving him. This is called consecration.
Pr 23:26
JANUARY
25
"There is
a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of
death."-Pr 16:25
We cannot know
by ourselves what is right and what is wrong. We must look to God for guidance.
As we know how long an inch is by holding it up to a ruler to measure, so we
know which are God’s ways and which are Satan’s by measuring them with Jesus’
examples and the teachings from the Bible.
Jer 21:8
JANUARY
26
"Many of
them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life,
and some to shame arid everlasting contempt."-Da 12:2
Over and over
in the Bible there ate refer to a resurrection from death. Jesus pictured this
when he brought a few individuals back to life during his first presence. In
the kingdom, all who have died will come to life again. For the first time,
without Satan’s influence, they will have a chance to learn God’s ways.
Isa 35:10
JANUARY
27
"What is
man? ... Thou modest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
"-Ps 8:4,6
At his creation
man was made king over the earth. He had dominion over the lower animals. All
this was lost when he was disobedient in Eden. But in Christ’s kingdom, all the
good things God planned will come about: there will be no dangerous animals
then, and, even more importantly, all people will learn to trust and love one
another.
Isa 35:9
JANUARY
28
"The fool
bath said in his heart, There is no God."-Ps 14:1
From the
standpoint of reason alone, when we see the immensity of creation, its beauty,
order, harmony, balance, proportion, and diversity, can we doubt there is a
Creator? Effects are produced by causes. How shortsighted are those who boast
of human skill and intelligence while attributing to mere chance the uniformity
and harmony of nature. The proof of God’s workmanship is all around us.
Ps 139:14
JANUARY
29
"As the
heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my
thoughts higher than your thoughts."-Isa 55:9
God’s thoughts
are better than ours-they are always clear, reasonable, just, loving, and wise.
Because of this, we can trust him at all times. We know that although God is
much greater than we are, he loves us, and is always ready to listen to our
prayers, through which he gives us the strength we need to endure our
experiences.
Ro 8:28
JANUARY
30
"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."-Mt 6:34
We should take
no anxious, worried thought about tomorrow. If we do what we can for ourselves
and any who are dependent upon us, trusting in the LORD to provide the things
needful, we will have no cause to worry. Anxiety about tomorrow will only add
to today’s burden.
Mt 10:31
JANUARY
31
"Remember
now thy Creator in the days of thy youth."-Ec 12:1
No matter how
young we may be, we can start developing our relationship with God. We can
praise and thank him for our blessings-for the beauty we see around us
everywhere. In our prays we can tell him we love him. We can study his Word at
home and in meetings with others who also love God. If we do these things, our
lives will be blessed.
Eph 6:7
FEBRUARY
1
"Be ye
holy."-1Pe 1:16
To be holy is
to be godlike, to have a disposition or character like God’s. Holiness is not
something we achieve; it is only the presence of God in our lives which can
make us holy. Thus, the more we allow our minds and affections to be filled
with God’s goodness, the more his presence in our lives makes us holy.
1Th 4:7
FEBRUARY
2
"To him
that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of
the paradise of God."-Re 2:7
In the first
book of the Bible we learn that Adam and Eve were put out of the Garden of Eon
because of their disobedience to God’s will. In the last book of the Bible, we
learn these will come a time when those who are obedient will be able to eat
from the tree of life, and the earth will then be a paradise.
Re 22:2
FEBRUARY
3
"We shall
not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him
concerning the law of his God.-Da 6:5
What an example
Daniel was! The only fault his fellowman could find in him was the way in which
he served God How wonderful it would be if our friends and neighbors could say
this about us, that our greatest fault would be that we tried to please God at
all times.
2Pe 2:20
FEBRUARY
4
"Moses
said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the
LORD, which he will show to you today."-Ex 14:13
When we have
tiled our best to solve the problems that come up, or to make decisions which
are required, sometimes we must learn to stop-stand still and look to the
Heavenly Father for his answers. His wisdom is so much greater than ours.
La 3:26
FEBRUARY
5
"I
[Jesus], if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."-Joh
12:32
As a result of
our Lord’s having been lifted up to his death on the cross, and later
resurrected, he will eventually draw all mankind to himself. This drawing means
that all will be given a knowledge of the LORD and his purposes. Jesus does not
exercise this drawing power now, for those who come to him in this age are
drawn by the Father.
1Ti 2:4
FEBRUARY
6
"Saith the
LORD, I will put my Law in their inward parts, and write it in their
hearts."-Jer 31:33
The Law given
to the Israelites by God through Moses at Mount Sinai was written down for the
people to learn. But they were not able to keep it perfectly because they were
imperfect. In the kingdom, God will make a New Covenant with Israel; Christ
will be the king. Then all will be able to carry out God’s perfect law, for
they will have become perfect, and will gain everlasting life.
He 10:16
FEBRUARY
7
"The Law
[is] a shadow of good things to come."-He 10:1
A shadow is a
picture of its owner; it reflects what its possessor is doing. God’s ‘shadows’
are illustrations of what he intends to do at a later date. For instance, the
Law Covenant was a shadow, or picture, of what Christ and the church will
accomplish in the Millennial Age.
Ga 3:24
FEBRUARY
8
"Our
Father, which art in heaven."-Lu 11:2
Jesus’
disciples had asked him to teach them to pray. He gave them this simple prayer
as an example. First we must remember that God is our loving Father in heaven,
whose name is holy, and whom we always think of with respect and reverence.
Ps 11:4
FEBRUARY
9
"Hallowed
be thy name."-Lu 11:2
God’s name is
holy and we should have reverence, respect, love, and awe for him. The Bible
says Jesus showed us the glory of God, and we should do this also. We honor him
as our Creator and Father when we tell others about his glorious charter and
loving plan he has for blessing all who will live according to his laws.
He 11:6
FEBRUARY
10
"Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth."-Lu 11:2
At the present
time, God’s will is not being done on earth. But Jesus said w pray for the
kingdom, when God will be obeyed on earth as he now is in heaven. Many verses
in the Bible tell of this kingdom-the time when God will wipe away everyone’s
tsars, and sighing and crying will pass away, ark all will know God and serve
him together.
Isa 11:4-9
FEBRUARY
11
"Give us
this day our daily bread."-Mt 6:11
When we pray
that our Heavenly Father will provide for us our daily bread, we don’t mean we
just want food for our bodies. We also want food for our hearts and minds. And
we know we can obtain this spiritual food from the Bible, the Word of God.
Jesus said he was the bread that came down from heaven; his words and example
are the spiritual food we seek.
Joh 6:14
FEBRUARY
12
"Forgive
us our sins: for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us."-Lu 11:4
As we want
God’s forgiveness when we have done wrong, we must also be forgiving of others’
wrongdoing toward us. Holding a grudge from the past puts a barrier between us
and God.
Mr 11:26
FEBRUARY
13
"Lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."-Lu 11:4
Our Father will
never test us beyond that which we are able to bear. We have this assurance
that he will be with us in every time of need; we are never alone if we have
given our hearts to him. It is a comfort to know the Creator of the universe
cares for us and has promised to be with us always.
1Co 10:13
FEBRUARY
14
"1 press
toward tile mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus."-Php 3:14
The Bible says
Christians are running a race, and the mark toward which we aim is perfect
love. We are to love God and his righteousness; we are to love our
fellowrunners; and finally, we are to love even our enemies. If we can do this
we will receive the prize of the high calling, sharing in Jesus’ glory and
work.
Ro 2:6,7
FEBRUARY
15
"Delight
thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of throe
heart."-Ps 37:4
It isn’t enough
to do what is right because we have to; we are to be happy doing it, to delight
in doing it! The heart that is constantly looking for Divine direction is
always in the attitude of prayer. If what we ask for is in harmony with God’s
will for us, our desires will be granted.
Ps 40:8
FEBRUARY
16
"He shall
cover thee with his feathers."-Ps 91:4
Have you ever
watched a mother hen with her brood of chicks? She watches over each one with
such wader care, and at the first sign of danger, sends out a call to them.
They quickly run to her and feel safe under the protection of her wings. What a
lovely illustration this is of the protecting care of our LORD. We are safe
from all danger, while wider his wings.
Ps 17:8
FEBRUARY
17
"There
shall be showers of blessing."-Eze 34:26
Often the love
of our family and friends, food to eat, the shelter of home, the rain and
sunshine, and the comfort of God’s Word are blessings we take for granted. In
this age, many have few of such advantages. In the Millennial Age, God will
send these favors abundantly to all, including, eventually, the blessing of
life to all who are willing and obedient.
Mal 3:10
FEBRUARY
18
"Seek ye
first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness."-Mt 6:33
Because God
knows the things of this world give us only temporary pleasure, he instructs us
to spend our time, energy, and effort on things concerned with the kingdom of
God. It is more important to build a Christian character than to have a lot of
worldly possessions.
Mt 22:37
FEBRUARY
19
"The earth
abideth forever."-Ec 1:4
God has assured
us that our planet Earth will always be here. It will never be blown up, burned
up, or completely destroyed in any manner. Since God prepared the earth as a
home for mankind, in due time it will be brought to a condition of perfection,
and perfected mankind will live on it forever.
Isa
45:18,19
FEBRUARY
20
"blow
great are his signs! And how mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an
everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to
generation."-Da 4:3
As the
explanation to King Nebuchadnezzar’s vision, God told Daniel that four
successive universal kingdoms would be set up to rule. Each of them would fall,
until God established the next worldwide kingdom, which would never be
destroyed. This final one will be God’s kingdom.
2Pe 1:ll
FEBRUARY
21
"The eyes
of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.’!-Pr 15:3
God, our
Creator, is a great and powerful spirit being. His angels are called watchers,
and holy ones, and through them God is aware of all people and all things. He
knows not only our words and actions, but even our thoughts. When Ananias and
Saphira thought to deceive him, he was not deceived, and they were punished.
Ac 5:1-5
FEBRUARY
22
"God said,
Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."-Ge l:26
Man was created
in the image of God, which means that man, like God, has a mind, a memory, and
ability to plan and to reason. It also includes the fact that Adam had
rulership or dominion over the earth, as God has oven the universe. He lost
this right as king, but it will be restored in the Millennial Age.
Mt 19:4
FEBRUARY
23
"Grace be
unto you, and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus
Christ."-1Co 1:3
The apostles
often expressed this wish ~ prayer when they wrote to members of the churches.
Grace means ‘favor’, and sometimes ‘graciousness’. When the Apostle Paul prayed
that God’s gracious favor and blessing of peace would be granted to the
Christians at Corinth, his wards showed how much he loved his
fellow-Christians.
2Th 1:2
FEBRUARY
24
"Bring me
an offering of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart."-Ex 25:2
The Israelites
had few worldly goods while they were slaves in Egypt. But when God asked them
to give what they had to build the Tabernacle, including the valuable gold and
jewels the Egyptians had given them when they left Egypt, they willingly gave
more than was needed. Eventually God asked them to bring no more! What a good
example for us to follow!
2Co 9:7
FEBRUARY
25
"Think on
these things."-Php 4:8
The Apostle
Paul tells us to think about what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of
good report. We think of God and our dear Lord, Jesus who are all of these
things. As we consider their love for us, and the wonderful plan of salvation,
our hearts respond with love and praise.
Mal 3:16
FEBRUARY
26
"These six
things doth the LORD hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud
look."-Pr 6:16,17
Everything we
have comes from the LORD; without him we would not exist. Even when we do what
is right, we are only doing what we should be doing out of thankfulness to our
God who gave us life. The opposite of pride is humility. There is no reason for
a proud look when we humbly realize how good Christ was, and how much less we
do than we ought.
Jer 13:15
FEBRUARY
27
God doth hate
"a lying tongue. "-Pr 6:16,17
How carefully
we should guard our mouths, lest words slip out that are not true. When we hear
ourselves saying things that are exaggerations, or wholly false, we should
correct them immediately. We may need to do this many times before we are able
to keep from exaggerating, or saying untrue things.
Ps 119:29
FEBRUARY
28
God doth hate
"hands that shed innocent blood."-Pr 6:16,17
None of us
would be guilty of this action, which is an abomination and hateful to God.
However, there is another way in which we might be guilty of causing great
injury to people. Talking about others’ faults can damage their reputation.
Anything harmful to others is best not talked about.
Isa 1:15
FEBRUARY
29
God doth hate a
"heart that deviseth [plans] wicked imaginations."-Pr 6:16-18
Some people
often seem to be stirring up trouble and are never happier than when others are
upset. Elsewhere in the Bible we are told it is not good to be a busybody,
speaking things which we ought not. But there are a few unhappy individuals who
spend time planning to do things of which they would be ashamed if they were
revealed.
Ro 1:21
MARCH 1
God doth hate
"feet that be swift in running to mischief."-Pr 6:16-18
Even if no one
fords out about our mischief, there is nothing that can be hidden from God.
Nothing can really be done in secret, for the Bible says we are a spectacle to
the angels. They are watching us, and God and Jesus know what we are doing and
saying. A clear conscience is a lovely thing to have.
Isa 59:7
MARCH 2
God doth hate
"a false witness that speaketh lies."-Pr 6:16-19
We may get
attention, and feel important, by telling something about another person which
is not exactly true. Perhaps it is only a bit of an exaggeration, not an
outright lie. Actually, if it is not wholly the truth, it is a lie! The little
bit of notice we receive by telling some gossip, or reporting something in a slanted
way, is in no way worth the hours of guilty feelings we have, and the knowledge
that what we said was wrong.
Ex 20:16
MARCH 3
God doth hate
him "that soweth discord (disagreement) among brethren."-Pr 6:16-19
This scripture
could apply to our brethren in the church, or in our families. To sow discord,
which causes fighting and unhappiness, is displeasing to God. It is best to
spend our time with those who are looking for good in others, and being an
example of love, rather than pointing out others’ faults.
Php 2:14
MARCH 4
"After
that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of
the kingdom of God, and saying .... The kingdom of God is at hand, repent ye
and believe the Gospel."-Mr 1:14,15
John’s mission
was to prepare the people of Israel to receive their Savior. When John was
imprisoned, Jesus began his ministry, which was to preach the Gospel of the
coming kingdom of God, and open the way to the high calling, or heavenly reward.
Joh 1:29
MARCH 5
"He
ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them
forth to preach."-Mr 3:14
The twelve men
chosen to be Jesus’ apostles were: Simon Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip,
Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite, and Judas
Iscariot. Later Paul was chosen by God to replace unworthy Judas. There were
never any more substitutions, nor did others take their places when these
apostles died.
Lu 6:13-16
MARCH 6
"See that
ye walk circumspectly (carefully) ... understanding what the will of the LORD
is."-Eph 5:15,17
Understanding
God’s will for us takes continual study of his Word, and good mental perception
under the control of a heart in full harmony with truth and righteousness. We
should seek God’s help through prayer when we strive to know the difference
between truth and error, right and wrong.
Lu 12:34
MARCH 7
"Keep thy
heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."-Pr 4:23
Since the heart
is the center of life, both natural and spiritual, if it ceases to work, death
will follow. The heart pictures our will and affections. We should try to be
active in love, and cultivate thoughts and sentiments in agreement with God’s
will. The issues of life, respecting our words and deeds, are guarded and
influenced by the heart.
He 2:7,8
MARCH 8
"I am the
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and ending, saith the LORD."-Re 1:8
Alpha is the
first letter of the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last. The only direct
creation of our Heavenly Father was the Logos-Jesus in his pre-human existence.
After God created him, then the Logos created all things through the power of
the Heavenly Father.
Col
1:16,17
MARCH 9
"All
things were made by him [the Logos]; and without him was not anything made that
was made."-Joh 1:3
Almighty God
had the Word, or the Logos, help in the creation of all things. It is like an
architect and a builder: the architect-God-made the plans and had the power
needed; Jesus, the Logos, was the builder. Using God’s plans and power, he did
the work of creating all things that are in heaven and in earth.
Eph 3:9
MARCH 10
Jesus
"saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. "Mt
4:19
Fishing makes a
very appropriate picture, since it requires energy, the proper bait, an
understanding of fish, and that the fisherman keep himself out of sight. To
interest people in the Bible, we must try to keep ourselves ‘out of sight’
while giving them the encouraging message of the goodness and righteousness of
Jesus, and the harmony and reasonableness of God’s plan.
Mr 1:17
MARCH 11
"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."-1Jo 2:15
This may seem
contradictory to Joh 3:16,17, but the love of God spoken of there is a
benevolent love, which is very proper for us to have for the world also.
"Do good unto all men."-The love we are not to have for this present
world is the desire for its fellowship, its pursuits, and its methods, which
are contrary to God and his Spirit.
Mt 6:24
MARCH 12
"A just
man falleth seven times, and riseth up again."-Pr 24:16
If we are not
successful in achieving a goal we should not be discouraged. Many people fail
at first, but they do not give up. They keep on trying, and with God’s help,
they reach their goals. God will raise us up when we fall if our aims are in
harmony with his will for us.
Mic 7:8
MARCH 13
"In the
morning, rising up a great while before day he (Jesus) went out, and departed
into a solitary place, and there prayed."-Mr 1:35