j

I COMPILED AND UPDATED BY TONI SORTOR

i , i !

BARBOUR

 2004 by Barbour Publishing, Inc. I S B N 1-59310-374-3 A l l rights reserved. N o part o f this p u b l i c a t i o n m a y be reproduced or t r a n s m i t t e d f o r c o m m e r c i a l purposes, except f or b r i e f q u o t a t i o n s i n p r i n t e d reviews, w i t h o u t w r i t t e n p e r m i s s i o n o f the publisher. Churches and other n o n c o m m e r c i a l interests m a y reproduce portions o f this b o o k w i t h o u t the express w r i t t e n permission o f Barbour Publishing, provided that the text does n o t exceed 5 0 0 words o r 5 percent o f the entire book, whichever is less, and that the text is n o t material quoted from another publisher. W h e n reproducing text from this book, include the f o l l o w i n g credit line: " F r o m Grant Me Wisdom, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission." A l l Scripture q u o t a t i o n s are taken f r o m the N e w K i n g James V e r sion. C o p y r i g h t 1 9 7 9 , 1 9 8 0 , 1 9 8 2 b y T h o m a s N e l s o n , I n c . Used b y permission. A l l rights reserved. C o v e r image P h o t o D i s c Published by B a r b o u r P u b l i s h i n g , Inc., P . O . B o x 7 1 9 , U h r i c h s v i l l e , O h i o 44683, www.barbourbooks.com Our mission is to publish and distribute inspirational products offering exceptional value and biblical encouragement to the masses. PPflfl
E w S g e S ^ Christian

Introduction January: F a i t h F e b r u a r y : Prayer March: Bible Study April: Devotion and C o m m i t m e n t May: Intimacy w i t h G o d June: W o r s h i p July: R e l a t i o n s h i p s August: Fruits o f the Spirit September: C h r i s t i a n D u t y October: Spiritual Warfare November: T h e Great C o m m i s s i o n D e c e m b e r : A n t i c i p a t i n g Christ's R e t u r n

P r i n t e d i n the U n i t e d States o f A m e r i c a . 54 3 2 1

jnttoduetion

M a n y m o d e r n C h r i s t i a n s have heard M a t t h e w H e n r y ' s n a m e . S o m e k n o w he w r o t e a c o m m e n t a r y o n t h e Bible. B u t c o n siderably fewer have actually read his w o r k . M a t t h e w H e n r y ' s w r i t i n g s are certainly w o r t h reading, t h o u g h , a n d this b o o k , Grant Me WisdomDaily Devotional Insights from Matthew Henry, makes t h e m readily accessible t o the m o d e r n C h r i s t i a n . C a r e f u l l y d r a w n from H e n r y ' s massive Commentary on the Whole Bible, this d e v o t i o n a l b o o k takes his m o s t practical t h o u g h t s a n d puts t h e m i n t o a one-a-day form a t for a year's w o r t h o f i n s p i r i n g reading. T h o u g h he lived three centuries ago, M a t t h e w Henry's w r i t i n g s still speak t o t h e C h r i s t i a n reader seeking i n s i g h t i n t o the Scriptures. F o r t h e m o d e r n reader's benefit, Grant Me WisdomDaily Devotional Insights from Matthew Henry features a l i g h t e d i t i n g o f Henry's o r i g i n a l w o r d s a n d the use o f the N e w K i n g James V e r s i o n o f the Bible. Selections are categorized by m o n t h l y topics, i n c l u d i n g f a i t h , prayer, Bible study, d e v o t i o n and c o m m i t m e n t , i n t i m a c y w i t h G o d , w o r s h i p , relationships, fruits o f the Spirit, C h r i s t i a n duty, spiritual warfare, the Great C o m m i s s i o n , a n d anticipating Christ's r e t u r n . W h e t h e r you're already familiar w i t h the w o r k o f M a t t h e w H e n r y o r this is y o u r first exposure t o this great C h r i s t i a n leader, w e h o p e y o u ' l l f i n d challenge a n d e n c o u r a g e m e n t f r o m his w r i t i n g s .
T H E EDITORS

JANUARY 1

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed you are disqualified.
2 CORINTHIANS 13:5

W h a t the apostle P a u l says here o f t h e d u t y o f t h e C o r i n t h i ans t o e x a m i n e themselves is applicable t o the great d u t y o f all w h o call themselves Christians: t o examine themselves c o n cerning t h e i r spiritual state. W e s h o u l d examine w h e t h e r w e are i n the faith, because i t is a matter i n w h i c h w e m a y be easily deceived a n d where a deceit is h i g h l y dangerous. A s w i t h the goats i n Jesus' parable i n M a t t h e w 2 5 , H e shall say t o t h e m , " ' D e part f r o m M e , y o u cursed' " (v. 4 1 ) . E v e r y w o r d has terror i n i t , like that o f the t r u m p e t at M o u n t S i n a i , w a x i n g louder a n d louder, every accent m o r e a n d m o r e doleful, a n d exclusive o f c o m f o r t . I n this w o r l d they were often called t o come t o C h r i s t , t o come for life a n d rest, b u t they t u r n e d a deaf ear t o H i s calls; jusdy, therefore, those w h o w o u l d n o t come t o H i m are b i d t o depart f r o m C h r i s t . I t is the hell o f h e l l t o depart from C h r i s t . W e are therefore concerned t o prove o u r o w n selves, t o p u t t h e q u e s t i o n t o o u r o w n souls, w h e t h e r C h r i s t is i n us o r n o t ; a n d C h r i s t is i n us, unless w e are reprobates: so t h a t e i ther w e are t r u e C h r i s t i a n s o r w e are great cheats, a n d w h a t a reproachful t h i n g i t is f o r a m a n n o t t o k n o w himself, n o t t o k n o w his o w n m i n d !

JANUARY 2

JANUARY 3

CT(v Cfface of O^tM^

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony
HEBREWS 11:1-2

jddiwrt

to

tlitCfnttC

T h e grace o f faith is the substance o f things hoped for. F a i t h a n d hope go together, a n d the same things that are the object o f o u r hope are the object o f o u r faith. W e are o f a firm persuasion a n d expectation that G o d w i l l p e r f o r m all that H e has promised t o us i n C h r i s t . Believers i n the exercise o f faith are filled w i t h unspeakable j o y a n d full o f glory. F a i t h is the evidence o f things n o t seen. F a i t h demonstrates t o the eye o f the m i n d the reality o f those things that cannot be discerned by the eye o f the body. I t is designed t o serve the believer instead o f sight a n d t o be t o the soul all that the senses are t o the body. T r u e faith is a n o l d grace a n d has the best plea t o a n t i q u i t y : I t is n o t a n e w i n v e n t i o n , a m o d e r n fancy. T h e eldest a n d best m e n w h o ever were i n the w o r l d were believers. T h e y were a n h o n o r t o their faith, a n d their faith was a n h o n o r t o t h e m . I t started t h e m d o i n g the things that were o f g o o d report.

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowingfromwhom you have learned them, and thatfromchildhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 TIMOTHY 3:14-15

As g o o d m e n , b y t h e grace o f G o d , g r o w better a n d better, so bad m e n , t h r o u g h the subdety o f Satan a n d the p o w e r o f t h e i r o w n c o r r u p t i o n s , g r o w worse a n d worse. I t is n o t e n o u g h t o learn w h a t is good, b u t w e m u s t c o n t i n u e i n i t a n d persevere i n i t u n t i l t h e end. I f T i m o t h y w o u l d adhere t o the t r u t h as he h a d been t a u g h t i t , this w o u l d a r m h i m against t h e snares a n d i n s i n u a t i o n s o f seducers. I t is a great happiness t o k n o w the certainty o f the things w h e r e i n w e have been instructed. Consider w h o taught y o u n o t evil m e n a n d seducers, b u t g o o d m e n w h o h a d themselves experienced the power o f the truths they taught y o u . " K n o w i n g especially the firm f o u n d a t i o n u p o n w h i c h y o u have built. T h a t f r o m a c h i l d y o u have k n o w n the H o l y Scriptures." T h o s e w h o w o u l d acquaint themselves w i t h the things o f G o d m u s t k n o w the H o l y Scriptures. I t is a great happiness t o k n o w the H o l y Scriptures f r o m o u r c h i l d h o o d . T h e age o f c h i l d h o o d is the l e a r n i n g age; a n d those w h o w o u l d get t r u e l e a r n i n g m u s t get i t o u t o f t h e Scriptures. T h e y m u s t n o t lie neglected a n d s e l d o m o r never l o o k e d i n t o .

JANUARY 4

JANUARY 5

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
EPHESIANS 2:8-9

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
JOHN 3:16

T h e r e is n o r o o m for a n y man's boasting o f his o w n abilities and power or as t h o u g h he had d o n e a n y t h i n g that m i g h t deserve such i m m e n s e favors f r o m G o d . G o d H i m s e l f is the aut h o r o f this great a n d h a p p y change. L o v e is H i s i n c l i n a t i o n t o d o us good, considered s i m p l y as creatures: M e r c y respects us as apostate and miserable creatures. T h a t love o f G o d is great love, a n d t h a t mercy o f H i s is r i c h mercy. E v e r y c o n verted sinner is a saved sinner. T h e grace t h a t saves t h e m is the free, undeserved goodness a n d favor o f G o d , a n d H e saves t h e m n o t by the w o r k s o f the law, b u t t h r o u g h f a i t h i n C h r i s t Jesus. B o t h that faith a n d that salvation are the gifts o f G o d . Grace i n the soul is a n e w life i n the soul. Grace unlocks and opens all a n d enlarges the soul. A regenerate sinner becomes a l i v i n g soul, being b o r n o f G o d . I t is i n H i m t h a t w e live. W e w h o were b u r i e d are raised up. W h e n H e raised C h r i s t f r o m the dead, H e i n effect raised u p all believers t o gether w i t h H i m , a n d w h e n H e placed H i m at H i s r i g h t h a n d i n heavenly places, H e advanced a n d glorified t h e m i n a n d with H i m .

I n order t o redeem and save us, i t pleased G o d t o give H i s o n l y begotten S o n . H e gave H i m t h a t is, H e gave H i m u p t o suffer a n d d i e f o r us. H i s enemies c o u l d n o t have taken H i m i f H i s Father had n o t given H i m . B y sacrificing H i s S o n , G o d showed H i s love t o the w o r l d . H e loved the w o r l d so really, so richly. B e h o l d , a n d wonder, t h a t the great G o d s h o u l d love such a worthless w o r l d , t h a t the h o l y G o d s h o u l d love such a w i c k e d w o r l d . T h e Jews t h o u g h t t h a t the Messiah w o u l d be sent i n love o n l y t o t h e i r n a t i o n , b u t C h r i s t tells t h e m t h a t H e came i n love t o the w h o l e w o r l d , Gentiles as w e l l as Jews. T h r o u g h H i m there is a general offer o f life a n d salvation for all. G o d loved the w o r l d so m u c h that H e sent H i s S o n w i t h this fair proposal: W h o s o e v e r believes i n H i m shall n o t perish. Salvation h a d been o f the Jews, b u t n o w C h r i s t is k n o w n as salvation t o the ends o f the earth. H e r e is the great gospel d u t y : t o believe i n Jesus C h r i s t . H e r e is the great gospel benefit: T h a t whoever believes i n C h r i s t shall n o t perish. G o d has taken away their sin, and they shall n o t die. A pardon has been purchased, a n d those w h o believe are e n t i t l e d t o the joys o f heaven: T h e y shall have everlasting life.

JANUARY 6

JANUARY 7

'J$/dlwitPCs (wist
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
COLOSSIANS 2:6-7

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
GALATTANS 3:26

A l l Christians have, i n profession at least, received Jesus C h r i s t the L o r d , consented t o H i m , taken H i m for theirs i n every relation and every capacity. T h e great concern o f those w h o have received C h r i s t is t o w a l k i n H i m . W e m u s t w a l k w i t h H i m i n o u r daily course o f life and keep up o u r c o m m u n i o n w i t h H i m . T h e m o r e closely w e w a l k w i t h Christ, the m o r e w e are rooted and established i n the faith. I f w e w a l k i n H i m , w e shall be rooted i n H i m ; and the m o r e firmly w e are rooted i n H i m , the m o r e closely w e shall w a l k i n H i m : " R o o t e d and b u i l t u p . . .as y o u have been taught." A good education has a good influence u p o n o u r establishment. W e m u s t be established i n the faith, as w e have been taught, abounding therein. A n d this w i t h thanksgiving. "Beware lest a n y o n e cheat y o u t h r o u g h p h i l o s o p h y a n d e m p t y deceit, according t o the t r a d i t i o n o f m e n , according t o t h e basic principles o f the w o r l d , a n d n o t according t o C h r i s t " (v. 8 ) . T h e Jews governed themselves by the ttaditions o f their elders. T h e Gentiles m i x e d their m a x i m s o f p h i l o s o p h y w i t h C h r i s t i a n principles. B o t h alienated their m i n d s f r o m C h r i s t . T h o s e w h o p i n t h e i r f a i t h o n o t h e r men's sleeves have t u r n e d away from f o l l o w i n g C h r i s t . A s the O l d Testament p r i e s t h o o d had its perfection i n C h r i s t , so d i d the k i n g d o m o f D a v i d . Jesus the C h r i s t is the L o r d and head o f all the powers i n heaven a n d o n earth.

T h e great privilege that real Christians enjoy under the gospel is that they are n o longer servants, b u t sons. T h e y are a d m i t t e d i n t o the f a m i l y o f G o d and have a right t o all the privileges o f H i s children. T h e y come t o o b t a i n this privilege by faith i n C h r i s t Jesus. T h i s faith i n C h r i s t was w h a t they professed i n baptism. H a v i n g thus become members by C h r i s t , they also became the children o f G o d . Baptism is the solemn rite o f admission i n t o the C h r i s t i a n church. Being baptized i n t o Christ, w e are baptized i n t o H i s death; as H e died and rose again, so w e should die t o sin and w a l k i n newness o f life. I t w o u l d be a great advantage t o us t o remember this m o r e often. T h i s privilege o f being the children o f G o d is n o w enjoyed i n c o m m o n by a l l real Christians. T h e o l d l a w made a difference between Jew and Greek, between slave a n d free, a n d bet w e e n male and female, b u t this is n o t t r u e n o w . W e all stand o n the same level and are all one i n C h r i s t Jesus. A l l w h o sincerely believe i n C h r i s t , o f whatever n a t i o n , o r sex, o r c o n d i tion, whoever they are, are accepted b y H i m and become the children o f G o d t h r o u g h faith i n H i m .

JANUARY 8

JANUARY 9

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
GALATTANS 2:20

Paul saw that justification was n o t t o be expected b y the w o r k s o f the l a w a n d t h a t there was n o f u r t h e r need o f t h e t e m p l e sacrifices, since they w e r e d o n e away w i t h t h r o u g h C h r i s t , b y H i s o f f e r i n g H i m s e l f as a sacrifice for us. B u t t h o u g h h e was t h u s dead t o the law, P a u l d i d n o t l o o k u p o n h i m s e l f as w i t h out law. H e was dead t o t h e l a w so h e m i g h t live f o r G o d . T h e d o c t r i n e o f t h e gospel, instead o f w e a k e n i n g the b o n d o f duty, strengthened a n d c o n f i r m e d i t . T h o u g h P a u l was dead t o the law, i t was o n l y i n order t o live a n e w a n d better life w i t h G o d . As he was dead t o the law, so h e was alive t h r o u g h Jesus C h r i s t (v. 2 0 ) . H e is crucified, a n d yet h e lives; t h e o l d m a n is c r u c i fied, b u t t h e n e w m a n is l i v i n g . S i n is m o r t i f i e d a n d grace quickened. P a u l has t h e c o m f o r t s a n d t h e t r i u m p h s o f grace, yet t h a t grace is n o t from himself, b u t f r o m another. H e is crucified w i t h C h r i s t , a n d yet C h r i s t lives i n h i m . H e is i n t e r ested i n t h e death o f C h r i s t , so as t o die t o s i n , a n d yet i n t e r ested i n t h e life o f C h r i s t , so as t o live f o r G o d . H e lives i n the flesh a n d yet lives b y f a i t h . T o o u t w a r d appearance, h e lives as o t h e r people d o , yet h e has a higher a n d nobler p r i n c i p l e t h a t supports h i m , t h a t o f f a i t h i n C h r i s t . T h o s e w h o have t r u e f a i t h live b y t h a t faith.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author andfinisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
HEBREWS 12:1-2

C h r i s t i a n s have a race t o r u n . T h i s race is set before t h e m ; i t is m a r k e d o u t f o r t h e m b o t h b y t h e W o r d o f G o d a n d the examples o f the faithful servants o f G o d , t h a t c l o u d o f witnesses t h a t encompasses the faithful. T h i s race m u s t be r u n w i t h patience a n d perseverance. F a i t h a n d patience are the conqueri n g graces a n d therefore m u s t always be cultivated. C h r i s t i a n s have a greater example t o encourage t h e m t h a n any w h o have been m e n t i o n e d before. Jesus, the a u t h o r a n d finisher o f their f a i t h , is the great leader a n d precedent o f o u r faith. H e is the finisher o f grace a n d o f the w o r k o f f a i t h i n t h e souls o f H i s people, a n d H e is the judge a n d the rewarder o f t h e i r faith. W e m u s t l o o k t o Jesus; w e m u s t set H i m c o n t i n u a l l y before us as o u r example. W e m u s t consider H i m a n d meditate m u c h u p o n H i m . W e shall find t h a t as H i s sufferings far exceeded ours, so H i s patience far excels ours. T h e r e is a tendency i n the best o f us t o g r o w w e a r y a n d to f a i n t under o u r trials a n d afflictions. T h e best w a y t o prev e n t t h i s is t o l o o k t o Jesus. F a i t h a n d m e d i t a t i o n w i l l b r i n g us fresh supplies o f strength, c o m f o r t , a n d courage.

J A N U A R Y 10

JANUARY 1 1

ton and Jseyen&ratton

"To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission ofsins."
ACTS 10:43

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
JOHN 1:12

T h e C h r i s t i a n faith is b u i l t o n the f o u n d a t i o n o f the aposdes a n d prophets a n d the t e s t i m o n y given b y t h e m . Peter, as forem a n o f the aposdes, speaks for the rest, saying that G o d c o m m a n d e d t h e m t o preach t o the people a n d t o testify concerning Christ. T h e i r t e s t i m o n y is God's testimony, and they are H i s witnesses t o the w o r l d . I n addition, all the prophets give witness o f H i m . O u t o f the m o u t h o f these t w o clouds o f witnesses, the prophets a n d the aposdes, this W o r d is established. W e are a l l accountable t o C h r i s t as o u r Judge. Jesus is o r dained b y G o d t o be the Judge o f the l i v i n g a n d the dead (v. 4 2 ) . H e is e m p o w e r e d t o prescribe the terms o f salvation, t h a t rule b y w h i c h w e m u s t be judged. G o d has assured us o f this, i n t h a t H e has raised Jesus from t h e dead, so t h a t i t is t h e great concern o f every one o f us t o m a k e H i m o u r friend. I f w e believe i n Jesus, w e shall a l l be j u s t i f i e d b y H i m . T h e prophets gave witness t o t h i s , t h a t t h r o u g h H i s n a m e , whosoever believed i n H i m shall receive r e m i s s i o n o f sins. T h i s is the great t h i n g w e need, w i t h o u t w h i c h w e are u n d o n e . T h i s r e m i s s i o n o f sins lays a f o u n d a t i o n f o r a l l the favors a n d blessings t h a t are available f r o m G o d . I f sin is pardoned, a l l is w e l l a n d shall e n d everlastingly w e l l .

T h e t r u e C h r i s t i a n receives C h r i s t a n d believes i n H i s n a m e . Believing i n Christ's n a m e is receiving H i m as a gift from G o d . W e m u s t receive H i s d o c t r i n e as t r u e a n d good, a n d w e m u s t receive the image o f H i s grace a n d impressions o f H i s love as t h e g o v e r n i n g p r i n c i p l e o f o u r affections a n d actions. T h e t r u e Christian's d i g n i t y a n d privilege are t w o f o l d . First, the privilege o f adoption. Before, the a d o p t i o n pertained t o the Jews only, b u t n o w , b y faith i n Christ, Gentiles are the children o f G o d . T o t h e m H e gave a right, the unspeakable privilege o f all good Christians: T h e y are the children o f G o d . I f they are the children o f G o d , they become so, are made so. G o d calls t h e m H i s children, a n d they call H i m Father. T h e privilege o f a d o p t i o n is entirely o w i n g t o Jesus C h r i s t , w h o gave this power t o t h e m w h o believe o n H i s name. T h e S o n o f G o d became the S o n o f m a n , that the sons a n d daughters o f m e n m i g h t become the sons a n d daughters o f G o d A l m i g h t y . Secondly, the privilege o f regeneration. A l l the children o f G o d are b o r n again; all w h o are adopted are regenerated. W e d o n o t become the children o f G o d the w a y w e become the children o f o u r natural parents. Grace does n o t r u n i n the b l o o d . T h i s regeneration is n o t produced b y the natural power o f o u r o w n w i l l . I t is the grace o f G o d that makes us w i l l i n g t o be H i s . T h i s n e w b i r t h is due t o the W o r d o f G o d as the means a n d t o the S p i r i t o f G o d as the great a n d sole author. T r u e believers are born o f God.

J A N U A R Y 12

J A N U A R Y 13

CTti* @n(tj T^ijj to <5daion

Then he [the jailer] calledfor a light. . . and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. . . and said "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."
ACTS 16:29-31

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
JOHN 6:35

T h e y gave the jailer the same directions they d i d t o others, the s u m o f the w h o l e gospel, the covenant o f grace i n a f e w w o r d s : "Believe o n the L o r d . " N o t o n l y w o u l d the jailer be rescued from eternal r u i n , b u t b r o u g h t t o eternal life a n d blessedness. T h o u g h a persecutor, his heinous transgressions w o u l d a l l be forgiven a n d his hard, embittered heart softened a n d sweetened by the grace o f C h r i s t . W e m u s t approve the m e t h o d G o d has taken o f reconciling the w o r l d t o H i m s e l f by a M e d i a t o r a n d accept C h r i s t as H e is offered t o us. T h i s is t h e o n l y sure w a y t o salvation: n o o t h e r w a y o f salvation t h a n b y C h r i s t a n d n o danger o f c o m i n g s h o r t i f w e take this way. I t is the gospel t h a t is t o be preached t o every creature. T h e aposdes proceeded t o instruct h i m a n d his f a m i l y i n the doctrine o f C h r i s t , speaking the W o r d t o all w h o were i n his house. Masters o f families s h o u l d take care that a l l under their charge partake o f t h e means o f k n o w l e d g e a n d grace a n d t h a t t h e W o r d o f t h e L o r d is s p o k e n t o t h e m , f o r t h e souls o f t h e poorest servants are as precious as those o f t h e i r masters a n d are b o u g h t w i t h the same price. T h e jailer a n d his f a m i l y were i m m e d i a t e l y baptized. T h e S p i r i t o f grace w o r k e d such a strong f a i t h i n t h e m that P a u l a n d Silas k n e w b y t h e S p i r i t t h a t a w o r k o f G o d h a d been done i n t h e m .

C h r i s t o f t e n spoke o f H i m s e l f as the bread o f life that came d o w n f r o m heaven. W h a t d i d H i s hearers m a k e o f this claim? W h e n t h e y heard o f t h e bread o f G o d t h a t gives life, t h e y h e a r t i l y prayed f o r i t (v. 3 4 ) . I take this request t o be made, t h o u g h ignorandy, yet honesdy, a n d t o be w e l l m e a n t . G e n eral a n d confused n o t i o n s o f d i v i n e things produce some k i n d o f desires t o w a r d t h e m . T h o s e w h o have a n i n d i s t i n c t k n o w l edge o f the things o f G o d m a k e inarticulate prayers f o r s p i r i t u a l blessings. B u t w h e n they u n d e r s t o o d t h a t b y this bread o f life Jesus m e a n t Himself, t h e y despised i t . T h i s comes i m m e d i a t e l y after t h a t s o l e m n declaration t h a t C h r i s t h a d made o f God's w i l l a n d H i s o w n u n d e r t a k i n g c o n c e r n i n g man's salvation ( w . 3 9 - 4 0 ) . O n e w o u l d t h i n k t h a t w h e n they heard G o d h a d thus visited t h e m , t h e y w o u l d have b o w e d t h e i r heads a n d w o r shiped, b u t o n the contrary, t h e y quarreled w i t h w h a t C h r i s t said. W h a t offended t h e m was Christ's asserting H i s o r i g i n was from heaven ( w . 4 1 - 4 2 ) . T h e y k n e w H i s e x t r a c t i o n o n earth. " 'Is n o t this Jesus, t h e s o n o f Joseph, w h o s e father a n d m o t h e r w e k n o w ' " (v. 42)? T h e y t o o k i t amiss t h a t H e s h o u l d say H e came d o w n f r o m heaven w h e n H e was one o f t h e m .

J A N U A R Y 14

J A N U A R Y 15

filtering mitfwut
Jesus said to him, "Ifyou can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. "
MARK 9:23

<Smny

Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
JOHN 20:29

" ' I f Y o u can do anything, have compassion o n us a n d help us' " (v. 2 2 ) , begged t h e father o f the possessed c h i l d . T h e answer C h r i s t gave t o this plea checked t h e weakness o f t h e father's faith. T h e sufferer p u t i t u p o n Christ's power, b u t C h r i s t t u r n s i t u p o n h i m a n d makes t h e m a n q u e s t i o n his o w n f a i t h a n d w i l l have h i m i m p u t e a n y d i s a p p o i n t m e n t t o a lack o f faith o n his o w n part. H e graciously encourages t h e strength o f his desire: " A l l things are possible t o h i m w h o believes the a l m i g h t y power o f God, t o w h i c h a l l things are possible." I n dealing w i t h Christ, m u c h is p u t o n o u r believing a n d v e r y m u c h promised to i t . C a n y o u believe? D o y o u dare t o believe? I f y o u can, i t is possible that y o u r h a r d heart m a y be softened, y o u r spiritual diseases m a y be cured, a n d that, w e a k as y o u are, y o u m a y be able t o h o l d o u t t o the end. T h e p o o r m a n cried o u t , " L o r d , I believe; m y cure shall n o t be prevented b y t h e w a n t o f f a i t h . L o r d , I believe." H e adds a prayer f o r grace t o enable h i m m o r e f i r m l y t o rely o n C h r i s t t o save: " ' H e l p m y u n b e l i e f " (v. 2 4 ) . T h o s e w h o c o m plain o f u n b e l i e f m u s t l o o k u p t o C h r i s t f o r grace t o help t h e m against i t , a n d H i s grace shall be sufficient f o r t h e m . " H e l p o u t w h a t is w a n t i n g i n m y f a i t h w i t h Y o u r grace, the strength o f w h i c h is perfected i n o u r weakness."

C h r i s t acknowledges that T h o m a s is a believer. N o sooner d i d T h o m a s consent t o C h r i s t t h a n C h r i s t let h i m k n o w that he believes. H e upbraids h i m f o r his f o r m e r incredulity. H e h a d been so backward t o believe a n d came so slowly t o his o w n comforts. T h o s e w h o i n sincerity have c o m e t o C h r i s t see a great deal o f reason t o l a m e n t t h a t t h e y d i d n o t d o i t sooner. I f n o evidence m u s t be a d m i t t e d b u t that o f our o w n senses, a n d w e m u s t believe n o t h i n g b u t w h a t w e ourselves are eyewitnesses of, h o w can the w o r l d be converted t o the faith o f Christ? Jesus c o m m e n d s the faith o f those w h o believe o n easier terms. T h o m a s , as a believer, was t r u l y blessed, b u t even m o r e blessed are those w h o have n o t seen Christ's miracles a n d especially H i s resurrection. Blessed are those w h o do n o t see these a n d yet believe i n C h r i s t . T h i s faith is m o r e praiseworthy t h a n theirs w h o saw a n d believed. I t shows a better quality o f m i n d i n those w h o d o believe. H e w h o believes u p o n sight has his resistance conquered b y a sort o f violence, b u t he w h o believes w i t h o u t i t is m o r e noble. I t is a greater instance o f the power o f d i v i n e grace. Flesh a n d b l o o d c o n t r i b u t e m o r e t o their faith w h o see a n d believe t h a n t o those w h o see n o t a n d yet believe.

JANUARY 1 6

JANUARY 1 7

Our

J^jjurnctwn

euwe in

t/v^f&rw

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
JOHN 11:25-26

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
1 JOHN 5:13

M a r t h a believed that at Jesus' prayer G o d w o u l d give anyt h i n g , b u t Jesus w a n t e d her t o k n o w t h a t b y H i s w o r d H e c o u l d work a n y t h i n g . I t is a n unspeakable c o m f o r t t o a l l C h r i s t i a n s t h a t Jesus C h r i s t is t h e resurrection a n d life a n d w i l l be t h a t t o t h e m . R e s u r r e c t i o n is a r e t u r n t o life; C h r i s t is t h e a u t h o r o f t h a t r e t u r n a n d t h a t life t o w h i c h i t is a r e t u r n . Promises are m a d e t o those w h o believe i n Jesus C h r i s t . T h e c o n d i t i o n o f t h e latter p r o m i s e is, " W h o e v e r lives a n d believes i n M e , " b y w h i c h m a y be u n d e r s t o o d n a t u r a l life. W h o ever lives i n this w o r l d , i f h e believes i n C h r i s t , shall live b y H i m . O r this m a y be applied t o t h e s p i r i t u a l life. H e w h o lives a n d believes is b y t h a t f a i t h b o r n again t o a heavenly a n d d i v i n e life. H e r e is t h e p r o m i s e o f a blessed resurrection. T h o u g h t h e b o d y is dead because o f sin, yet i t shall live again. T h e b o d y shall be raised as a glorious body. H e r e also is t h e p r o m i s e o f a blessed i m m o r t a l i t y . H e w h o lives a n d believes shall never die. T h a t s p i r i t u a l life shall never be extinguished, b u t perfected i n eternal life. T h e m o r t a l i t y o f t h e b o d y shall at l e n g t h be s w a l l o w e d up, b u t t h e life o f t h e s o u l shall i m m e d i a t e l y at death be s w a l l o w e d u p b y i m m o r t a l i t y . M a r t h a was h o p i n g t h a t her b r o t h e r w o u l d be raised t o life i n this w o r l d . Before C h r i s t gave her h o p e f o r this, H e directed her t h o u g h t s t o another life, another w o r l d .

S o u n d C h r i s t i a n believers are secured against sin that leads t o death. T h e n e w nature a n d the i n h a b i t a t i o n o f the divine Spirit thereby prevent t h e admission o f such unpardonable sin. T h e y are fortified against the devil's destructive attempts. T h e y are o n God's side i n o p p o s i t i o n t o the w o r l d . M a n k i n d is d i v i d e d i n t o t w o great parties, o n e that belongs t o G o d a n d one t h a t belongs t o wickedness. C h r i s t i a n believers belong t o G o d . O n t h e contrary, t h e rest, being b y far t h e m o s t n u m e r o u s , are w i c k e d . M a y the G o d o f the C h r i s t i a n w o r l d c o n t i n u a l l y dem o l i s h the devil's d o m i n i o n a n d b r i n g souls i n t o t h e k i n g d o m o f H i s dear Son! T h e S o n o f G o d has c o m e i n t o o u r w o r l d , a n d w e have seen H i m a n d k n o w H i m . H e has revealed t o us t h e t r u e G o d . H e has opened o u r m i n d s t o understand t h a t revelation, a n d w e are assured t h a t i t is t h e t r u e G o d t h a t Jesus revealed t o us. T h e S o n leads us t o the Father, a n d w e are i n b o t h , i n t h e love a n d favor o f b o t h . I n u n i o n w i t h either, m u c h m o r e w i t h b o t h , w e are u n i t e d t o t h e t r u e G o d a n d eternal life. T h e aposde w a r n s t h a t since y o u k n o w t h e t r u e G o d a n d are i n H i m , let y o u r l i g h t a n d love guard y o u . Flee from false gods. G o d redeemed y o u b y H i s S o n , w h o has pardoned y o u r sins a n d given y o u eternal life. C l i n g t o H i m i n f a i t h , love, a n d constant obedience.

J A N U A R Y 18

J A N U A R Y 19

fT^^Poiu^rofJdittT
"I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Movefromhere to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."
MATTHEW 17:20

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 CORINTHIANS 13:13

O u r L o r d Jesus takes this occasion t o s h o w us t h e p o w e r o f f a i t h . S o m e m a k e the c o m p a r i s o n t o refer t o the q u a l i t y o f the m u s t a r d seed, w h i c h is, w h e n bruised, sharp a n d penetrating. " I f y o u have a n active, g r o w i n g faith, n o t dead, flat, o r i n s i p i d , y o u w i l l n o t be baffled." B u t i t rather refers t o the q u a n t i t y : " I f y o u h a d b u t a g r a i n o f t r u e f a i t h , t h o u g h so l i t t l e t h a t i t were l i k e that w h i c h is t h e least o f a l l seeds, y o u w o u l d d o w o n d e r s . " T h e f a i t h required here is t h a t w h i c h h a d f o r its o b ject t h a t particular revelation b y w h i c h C h r i s t gave H i s disciples p o w e r t o w o r k miracles i n H i s n a m e . I t was a f a i t h i n this revelation t h a t t h e y were defective i n . Perhaps t h e i i M a s t e r s absence m i g h t occasion some doubts c o n c e r n i n g t h e i r p o w e r to d o this. I t is g o o d f o r us t o be diffident o f ourselves a n d o u r o w n strength, b u t i t is displeasing t o C h r i s t w h e n w e distrust a n y p o w e r derived f r o m o r granted b y H i m . I f y o u have ever so l i t t l e o f this f a i t h , i n sincerity y o u shall say t o t h e m o u n t a i n : M o v e . N o t h i n g shall be impossible f o r y o u . T h e y distrusted the p o w e r t h e y h a d received, a n d so t h e y failed. A n active f a i t h can m o v e m o u n t a i n s n o t o f itself, b u t by v i r t u e o f a d i v i n e p o w e r engaged b y a d i v i n e promise.

H e r e the aposde discusses charity, o r l o v e t r u e love t o G o d a n d m a n . W i t h o u t this, the m o s t glorious gifts are n o t h i n g . (1) Tongues: I t is the charitable heart, n o t the v o l u b l e tongue, that is acceptable w i t h G o d ; (2) Prophecy: T h e understanding o f mysteries a n d knowledge w i t h o u t charity are as n o t h i n g ; (3) M i r a c u l o u s faith: O n e d r a m o f charity is o f m u c h greater w o r t h t h a n all the f a i t h o f this sort. Saving faith is always f o u n d w i t h charity, b u t t h e faith o f miracles m a y be w i t h o u t it; (4) T h e o u t w a r d acts o f charity: T h e r e m a y be a n o p e n a n d lavish h a n d w i t h o u t a liberal a n d charitable heart; a n d ( 5 ) Suffering: I f we sacrifice o u r lives for the faith, this w i l l do us n o g o o d w i t h o u t charity. F a i t h , hope, a n d love are t h e three p r i n c i p a l graces, o f w h i c h love is the chief. F a i t h fixes o n the d i v i n e revelation a n d assents t o that. H o p e fastens o n f u t u r e happiness a n d w a i t s f o r that. B u t love fastens o n t h e d i v i n e perfections themselves. T h e s e w i l l a l l shine f o r t h i n the m o s t g l o r i o u s splendors i n a n o t h e r w o r l d , a n d there w i l l love be m a d e perfect. T h e r e w e shall perfecdy love G o d , a n d there w e shall perfecdy love o n e another. W h e n f a i t h a n d h o p e are at a n end, t r u e love w i l l b u r n forever w i t h t h e brightest flame. W h e r e G o d is t o be seen as H e is, face-to-face, love is i n its greatest height, a n d o n l y there w i l l i t be perfected.

JANUARY 2 0

JANUARY 2 1

Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
GALATIANS 3:2-3

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
EPHESIANS 4:4-6

T h e apostle is dealing here w i t h those w h o , h a v i n g embraced the f a i t h o f C h r i s t , still c o n t i n u e d t o seek j u s t i f i c a t i o n b y the w o r k s o f the law. T h e y d i d n o t adhere t o t h e gospel w a y o f j u s t i f i c a t i o n , as they h a d been taught. Several things proved t h e f o l l y o f these C h r i s t i a n s . Jesus C h r i s t h a d clearly been set f o r t h a n d crucified a m o n g t h e m . T h e y h a d the doctrine o f the cross preached t o t h e m a n d the sacrament o f the Lord's Supper administered t o t h e m . H e appeals t o the experiences they h a d h a d o f the w o r k i n g o f the Spirit o n their souls. H e asks h o w they came by these gifts a n d graces. W a s i t by the w o r k s o f the l a w o r the hearing o f faith? I f they were t r u t h f u l , they w o u l d say i t was the latter. T h e y had begun w e l l , b u t n o w they expected t o be advanced t o higher degrees o f perfection b y adding their observance o f the l a w t o faith i n C h r i s t . Instead o f being a n i m p r o v e m e n t o n the gospel, this was really a perversion o f it. T h e y were so far f r o m being m o r e perfect Christians that they were i n danger o f b e c o m i n g n o Christians at all. T h e aposde h a d ministered the Spirit t o t h e m a n d w r o u g h t miracles a m o n g t h e m . D i d he d o so b y the w o r k s o f the l a w o r by the hearing o f faith? T h e y very w e l l k n e w that i t was the latter a n d c o u l d n o t be excused for forsaking such a clear doctrine.

T h e seat o f C h r i s t i a n u n i t y is i n the heart o r spirit. I t does n o t lie i n one set o f thoughts o r one f o r m a n d m o d e o f w o r s h i p , b u t i n one heart and one soul. T h i s w e s h o u l d endeavor t o keep. Consider h o w m a n y unities there are. T h e r e s h o u l d be one heart, for there is one body a n d one spirit. T w o hearts i n one b o d y w o u l d be monstrous. I f there is o n l y one body, all that bel o n g t o that body s h o u l d have one heart. I f w e belong t o C h r i s t , w e are a l l actuated b y one a n d the same S p i r i t a n d therefore s h o u l d be one. T h e r e is o n e C h r i s t t h a t t h e y a l l h o p e i n a n d o n e heaven t h a t t h e y are a l l h o p i n g for; therefore, t h e y s h o u l d be o f o n e heart. O n e L o r d , that is, C h r i s t . O n e faith, t h a t is, t h e gospel o r t h e same grace o f f a i t h w h e r e b y all C h r i s t i a n s are saved. O n e baptism, b y w h i c h w e profess o u r f a i t h . O n e G o d , w h o o w n s a l l t h e t r u e m e m b e r s o f the c h u r c h f o r H i s c h i l dren. A n d H e is above all, a n d t h r o u g h all, b y H i s providence u p h o l d i n g t h e m , a n d i n a l l believers b y H i s S p i r i t .

J A N U A R Y 22

J A N U A R Y 23

Taking the shield of faith with which you will he able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
EPHESIANS 6:16

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope ofsalvation.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:8

C h r i s t i a n s m u s t see t h a t they are stout-hearted. T h o s e w h o have so m a n y batdes t o fight a n d w h o , o n their w a y t o heaven, m u s t dispute every pass w i t h the s w o r d have need o f a great deal o f courage. A soldier can be ever so w e l l a r m e d , b u t i f h e does n o t have a g o o d heart, his a r m o r w i l l stand h i m i n l i t t l e stead. S p i r i t u a l strength a n d courage are v e r y necessary f o r our s p i r i t u a l warfare. W e d o n o t have sufficient strength o n our o w n ; a l l o u r sufficiency is f r o m G o d . I n H i s strength w e m u s t go f o r t h a n d go o n . W e m u s t call i n grace a n d help f r o m heaven t o enable us t o d o w h a t w e c a n n o t d o alone. F a i t h is a l l t o us i n a n h o u r o f t e m p t a t i o n . T h e breastplate secures the vitals, b u t w i t h a shield w e m a y t u r n every way. F a i t h is like a shield, a sort o f universal defense. O u r e n e m y the devil endeavors t o m a k e us wicked. H i s temptations are called fiery darts, a n allusion t o poisonous darts. V i o l e n t temptations, by w h i c h the soul is set o n fire, are the darts that Satan shoots at us. F a i t h is the shield w i t h w h i c h w e m u s t quench these darts, that they m a y n o t h i t us o r at least that they m a y n o t h u r t us.

O u r s p i r i t u a l enemies are m a n y a n d m i g h t y a n d m a l i c i o u s . W e need t o a r m ourselves against their attempts, a n d this spiritual a r m o r consists o f t h e three great graces o f Christians: f a i t h , love, a n d hope. W e m u s t live b y faith, a n d this w i l l keep us w a t c h f u l a n d sober. F a i t h w i l l be o u r best defense against the assaults o f o u r enemies. W e m u s t have a heart i n f l a m e d w i t h love. T r u e a n d fervent love o f G o d a n d t h e things o f G o d w i l l keep us w a t c h f u l a n d sober. W e m u s t m a k e salvation o u r hope. T h i s g o o d h o p e o f eternal life w i l l be a h e l m e t t o defend t h e head a n d h i n d e r o u r being i n t o x i c a t e d w i t h t h e pleasures o f sin, w h i c h are b u t for a season. T h e apostle shows w h a t grounds C h r i s t i a n s have t o h o p e f o r this salvation. H e says n o t h i n g o f t h e i r m e r i t i n g i t . N o , the doctrine o f o u r merits is altogether unscriptural a n d antiscriptural. O u r hopes are t o be grounded i n God's appointm e n t , because G o d appointed us t o o b t a i n salvation. I f w e w o u l d trace o u r salvation t o the first cause, that is God's app o i n t m e n t . O n this w e b u i l d unshaken hope, especially w h e n we consider Christ's m e r i t a n d grace, a n d that salvation is by our L o r d Jesus C h r i s t , w h o died for us. O u r salvation therefore is o w n i n g t o a n d o u r hopes o f it are grounded i n Christ's atonem e n t as w e l l as God's a p p o i n t m e n t .

JANUARY 2 4

JANUARY 2 5

And that we may he delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
2 THESSALONIANS 3:2-3

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
1 TIMOTHY 4:10

T h o s e w h o are enemies o f the preaching o f the gospel are u n reasonable a n d w i c k e d m e n . T h e r e is t h e greatest absurdity i n the w o r l d , as w e l l as i m p i e t y . G o d l y a n d faithful m i n i s t e r s are like standard-bearers, w h o are m o s t attacked. M a n y d o n o t believe the gospel; n o w o n d e r t h e y are resdess i n t h e i r e n deavors t o oppose t h e gospel a n d disgrace t h e m i n i s t e r s o f the W o r d ; a n d t o o m a n y have n e i t h e r c o m m o n faith n o r honesty. T h e r e is n o confidence t h a t w e can safely p u t i n t h e m , a n d w e s h o u l d pray t o be delivered f r o m those w h o have n o c o n science o f h o n o r . Paul encourages the Thessalonians t o trust i n G o d . W h a t good m a y w e expect f r o m the grace o f God? Establishment a n d preservation f r o m evil. W e stand n o longer t h a n G o d holds us up. W e have as m u c h need o f the grace o f G o d for o u r perseverance t o the e n d as for the beginning o f the good w o r k . W h a t encouragement have w e t o depend o n the grace o f G o d ? H e is faithful t o H i s promises. O n c e the p r o m i s e is made, performance is sure a n d certain. H e is a f a i t h f u l G o d a n d a faithful f r i e n d . L e t i t be o u r care t o be t r u e a n d f a i t h f u l i n o u r promises a n d t o o u r relations w i t h this faithful G o d .

W h a t encouragement d o w e have t o proceed i n t h e ways o f godliness? W i l l t h e p r o f i t balance the loss? H e r e is a n o t h e r o f Paul's faithful sayings w o r t h y o f acceptancethat all o u r labors a n d losses i n the service o f G o d w i l l be a b u n d a n d y rewarded, so t h a t t h o u g h w e lose f o r C h r i s t , w e shall n o t lose b y H i m . T o i l a n d t r o u b l e are t o be expected b y us i n this w o r l d , n o t o n l y as m e n , b u t as saints. T h o s e w h o labor a n d suffer reproach i n the service o f G o d m a y depend o n the l i v i n g G o d t h a t t h e y shall n o t lose b y i t . H e is t h e Savior o f all m e n . N o w , i f H e is t h e Savior o f all m e n , w e m a y i n f e r t h a t H e w i l l be the rewarder o f those w h o seek a n d serve H i m . T h e salvation H e has i n store f o r those w h o believe is sufficient t o r e w a r d t h e m for a l l t h e i r services a n d sufferings. T h e life o f a C h r i s t i a n is a life o f labor a n d suffering. T h e best w e can expect t o suffer i n t h e present life is reproach f o r o u r w e l l d o i n g , f o r o u r w o r k o f f a i t h a n d labor o f love.

JANUARY 2 6

JANUARY 2 7

Cjotfj

fjfattfifitlnejj
Watch, standfast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
1 CORINTHIANS 16:13

Let us holdfast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful
HEBREWS 10:23

T h e faithful m u s t d r a w near t o G o d a n d i n a r i g h t m a n n e r . T h e y m u s t d r a w near i n c o n f o r m i t y t o G o d a n d c o m m u n i o n w i t h H i m , still endeavoring t o get nearer a n d nearer, u n t i l t h e y c o m e t o d w e l l i n H i s presence. W e need a t r u e heart. G o d is the searcher o f hearts, a n d H e requires t r u t h i n the i n w a r d parts. W e need f u l l assurance o f f a i t h . W e s h o u l d lay aside a l l sinful distrust. W i t h o u t f a i t h i t is impossible t o please G o d . W e w i l l be cleansed f r o m g u i l t a n d w h a t e v e r evils the consciences o f m e n are subject t o by reason o f sin. O u r b o d ies m u s t be washed w i t h pure water, the w a t e r o f b a p t i s m o r the sanctifying v i r t u e o f t h e H o l y S p i r i t , cleansing us f r o m the filthiness o f the flesh as w e l l as o f t h e spirit. O u r spiritual enemies w i l l d o w h a t they can t o wrest o u r faith a n d hope o u t o f our hands, b u t w e m u s t h o l d fast w i t h o u t wavering. T h o s e w h o begin t o waver are i n danger o f falling away. H e w h o promised is faithful. T h e r e is n o fickleness w i t h H i m , a n d there s h o u l d be n o n e w i t h us. W e m u s t depend m o r e o n H i s promises t o us t h a n o n o u r promises t o H i m .

T h e C o r i n t h i a n s were i n manifest danger o n m a n y accounts. T h e i r feuds ran h i g h , the irregularities a m o n g t h e m were very great, a n d there were deceivers a m o n g t h e m . I n such dangerous circumstances i t was their concern t o w a t c h . I f a C h r i s t i a n w o u l d be secure, he m u s t be o n his guard. Paul advises t h e m t o stand fast i n the faith. A C h r i s t i a n s h o u l d be fixed i n the faith o f the gospel. I t is b y this faith alone that he w i l l be able t o keep his g r o u n d i n a n h o u r o f t e m p t a t i o n ; i t is b y this that w e m u s t overcome the w o r l d , b o t h w h e n i t fawns a n d w h e n i t frowns. H e advises t h e m t o act like m e n a n d be strong. Professed C h r i s t i a n s m a y b r i n g u p o n themselves the m o s t dreadful destruction. M a n y w h o have H i s n a m e m u c h i n t h e i r m o u t h s have n o t r u e love f o r H i m i n t h e i r hearts. A n d n o n e love H i m i n t r u t h w h o d o n o t love H i s laws a n d keep H i s c o m m a n d m e n t s . T r u e f a i t h i n C h r i s t w i l l always be p r o ductive o f sincere love f o r H i m . T h o s e w h o d o n o t love H i m c a n n o t be believers i n H i m .

JANUARY 2 8

JANUARY 2 9

Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made wellfromthat hour.
MATTHEW 9:22

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
HEBREWS 11:6

T h i s w o m a n ' s disease was o f such a n a t u r e that her m o d e s t y w o u l d n o t a l l o w her t o speak o p e n l y t o C h r i s t f o r a cure, as others d i d , b u t she believed H i m t o have such a n o v e r f l o w i n g fullness o f healing v i r t u e t h a t the v e r y t o u c h o f H i s g a r m e n t w o u l d cure her. C h r i s t a l l o w e d this bashful patient t o steal a cure u n k n o w n t o anyone else, t h o u g h she c o u l d n o t t h i n k h o w to d o i t u n k n o w n t o H i m . N o w she was w e l l content t o be gone, for she h a d w h a t she came for. B u t C h r i s t was n o t w i l l i n g t o let her go. T h e t r i u m p h s o f her faith m u s t be t o her praise a n d h o n o r . H e t u r n e d a n d discovered her. H e called her "daughter," for H e spoke t o her w i t h the tenderness o f a father, a n d H e b i d her t o be o f good cheer, telling her that her faith h a d made her w h o l e . H e r b o d i l y cure was the f r u i t o f faith, o f her faith, a n d that made i t a happy, comfortable cure indeed.

W e cannot please G o d w i t h o u t a faith that helps us t o w a l k w i t h G o d , a n active f a i t h . G o d has prescribed means a n d ways whereby H e m a y be f o u n d . T h o s e w h o w o u l d f i n d G o d m u s t seek H i m diligendy, and once they have f o u n d H i m , they w i l l never repent the pains they have spent i n seeking H i m . T h r o u g h Noah's faith, he a n d his house were saved w h e n a w h o l e w o r l d o f sinners was perishing about t h e m . H i s h o l y fear condemned their v a i n confidence, his faith condemned their unbelief, a n d his obedience condemned their contempt. G o o d examples w i l l either convert sinners o r c o n d e m n t h e m . T h i s is the best w a y the people o f G o d can take t o c o n d e m n the wicked: not b y harsh a n d censorious language, b u t by a holy, exemplary conversation. A b r a h a m p u t h i m s e l f i n t o the h a n d o f G o d t o send h i m wherever H e pleased. A l l w h o are called resign t h e i r o w n w i l l a n d w i s d o m t o the w i l l a n d w i s d o m o f G o d . T h o u g h they k n o w n o t always t h e i r way, they k n o w t h e i r guide.

JANUARY 3 0

JANUARY 3 1

'tvreorwj
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 JOHN 5:4-5

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:7

Faith is the cause o f victory. I n a n d by faith, w e cling t o C h r i s t i n opposition t o the w o r l d . F a i t h receives a n d derives strength f r o m the object o f it, the S o n o f God, for conquering the w o r l d . It is the real C h r i s t i a n w h o is the true conqueror o f the w o r l d ; he w h o believes that Jesus came from G o d t o be the Savior o f the w o r l d . A n d he w h o so believes m u s t by this faith overcome the w o r l d . H e sees i t m u s t be a great part o f the Saviors w o r k a n d o f his o w n salvation t o be redeemed a n d rescued f r o m this m a l i g n a n t w o r l d . H e perceives that the L o r d Jesus conquered the w o r l d , n o t for H i m s e l f only, b u t for H i s followers. H e is possessed w i t h a spirit a n d disposition that cannot be satisfied w i t h the w o r l d , that looks beyond i t . I t is the C h r i s t i a n revelation that is the great means o f conquering the w o r l d a n d gaining another that is blessed and eternal. T h e Savior designs n o t this w o r l d for the inheritance a n d p o r t i o n o f H i s saved c o m pany. I t is the real C h r i s t i a n w h o is the proper hero, w h o v a n quishes the w o r l d . W h o i n all the w o r l d b u t a believer o f Jesus C h r i s t can thus overcome the w o r l d ?

T h e r e is a g r o a n i n g o f desire for the happiness o f a n o t h e r life, a n d thus believers groan. T h e believer is w i l l i n g t o be absent from the b o d y i n order t o be present w i t h the L o r d , t o p u t o f f these rags o f m o r t a l i t y a n d p u t o n the robes o f glory. Gracious souls are n o t f o u n d naked i n the o t h e r w o r l d ; n o , they are c l o t h e d w i t h garments o f praise. Believers have assurance o f this future blessedness from the experience o f the grace o f G o d . A l l w h o are designed for heaven i n the future are w o r k e d o r prepared for heaven w h i l e they are here. T h e stones o f that spiritual b u i l d i n g above are squared a n d fashioned here below. N o h a n d less t h a n the h a n d o f G o d can w o r k this t h i n g for us. T h e promise o f the S p i r i t gave t h e m this assurance. N o w believers are absent from the L o r d . G o d is w i t h us here; yet w e are n o t w i t h H i m as w e h o p e t o be, f o r w e w a l k b y f a i t h , n o t b y sight. F a i t h is f o r this w o r l d , a n d sight is reserved for the o t h e r w o r l d . H o w c o m f o r t a b l e a n d courageous w e o u g h t t o be i n t h e h o u r o f death. T h e y s h o u l d be w i l l i n g father t o die t h a n live, w h e n i t is the w i l l o f G o d t h a t t h e y s h o u l d p u t o f f this tabernacle, t o close t h e i r eyes t o a l l things i n this w o r l d a n d o p e n t h e m i n a w o r l d o f glory. F a i t h w i l l be t u r n e d i n t o sight.