02-11 -Matthew 5:11,12 - Rejoice in Persecution

{Matthew 5:11} "Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all [forms of] evil against you falsely, for my sake. 

{Matthew 5:12} Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. -- RLIV.

There is much persecution in the world today, but Jesus is not speaking of the world, but rather he is speaking to his disciples. Becoming an active Christian brings a special kind of persecution for the sake of Christ and the cause of Christ. Those who truly belong to Christ are indeed considered by the world to be a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9), as being fanatical, extremists, too conscientious and not conforming to things generally accepted socially. People will think the truly dedicated follower of Christ to be odd. (1 Peter 4:4) Indeed, if one takes consecration seriously so as to not be a Christian in name only, that one will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12) Such may result in shunning, gossip, and often attempts to misrepresent the Christian's character. In some cases, persecution can bring physical torture and even death. Many Christians fall short in this area and succumb to the influence of the world, thus compromising their consecration to God and Jesus. In this regard, it takes fortitude based on strong faith and love to continue without allowing any kind of persecution to lower Bible standards. -- Romans 5:3,4; 2 Corinthians 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Peter 1:5-7.

On the other hand, the Christian is called to be gentle and kind to all, including those of the world, and not seek to pay any evil treatment received with a similar evil. (Matthew 5:39,44; Luke 6:27-29; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 3:9) The child of God needs to be careful not to spread rumors and misrepresentations of those of the world who are promoting various forms of sin, and definitely not to turn to carnal anger or physical violence towards them. Additionally, while we should defend the truth from the scriptures, we who belong to Christ should not get involved in persecuting others because of their beliefs, even if their beliefs and actions are in some way designed to promote sin. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Related (We do not necessarily agree with all details presented by others)

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 11 * BSM * Video

Opposition to Christ

Rejoicing in Tribulation

Quietness in the Midst of Storms

Living Victoriously in Society

Why Do Saints Suffer?

Roman Persecution of Christians

02-10 - 1 Timothy 4:12 - Be An Example

1 Timothy 4:12 - Be an example to those who believe, in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. -- RLIV

Paul's advice to Timothy is good for all who belong to Christ. In a broad sense, all Christians should be setting an example for not only fellow believers, but for the world, many of whom may believe at a future time or in that coming day when all nations are to blessed. (Isaiah 2:2-4; 2 Thessalonians 1:10) We all have the perfect example set by our Lord Jesus, as well as the imperfect examples of many other faithful ones, as recorded in the Bible.

The admonition above covers many aspects of life. It indicates that the Christian, although one may fall short in some aspects, should strive to utilize a careful choice of words and actions, all based on a faithful spirit of devotion and love for God as well as others. Love would certainly not wish to bring any harm to neighbor, whether they are or are not believers in Christ. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.  

Related (We do not necessarily agree all presented by other authors)

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 10 * BSM * Video

Pressing Toward the Mark

The Importance of Example

Let Your Light So Shine

God and Prayer

God's Holy Standards

Be An Example

In the Days of Thy Youth

What Makes a Christian Leader?

Contend for the Faith (MP3 download)

Follow the Pattern (Poem)

02-09 - Psalm 116:7 - Return to Your Rest

{Psalm 116:7} Return to your superb rest, my soul, for Jehovah has dealt bountifully with you. -- RLIV.

The Hebrew word for "rest" in this verse in plural, evidently being used as plural intensive, possibly signifying a superb rest of faith in Jehovah, a high degree of quality of faith. The Psalmist apparently once had this faith but his faith had become shaken and thus he seeks to regain that degree of faith he once had. 

Likewise, the regenerated child of God may at times be shaken in faith, and feel the need to recapture the faith once had. Thus, if for a while a consecrated child of God may fall short in his faith, there may arise a "cloud" that separates that child from the Heavenly Father. As the child of God is reminded of the wonderful things that Jehovah has done, this cloud may be removed through repentance and forgiveness. through our Advocate, our Lord Jesus. -- 1 John 2:1. -- Ronald R. Day.

Related (We do not necessarily agree with every conclusion presented by other authors):

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 9 * BSM * Video

What Constitutes Purity of Heart

Faith the Basis of True Rest

Pressing Toward the Mark

Let No Doubts Ov'rwhelm (Poem)

Rest in the Lord

Rest in the Lord

02-08 - Matthew 14:31 - You of Little Faith

{Matthew 14:31} Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" -- RLIV

Had Peter not become afraid, his faith would have sustained him to complete walk to the Master. Jesus, however, gave help to Peter the needed help to make up for his doubt. All who belong to Christ surely must have a longing to do something that would express his faith. Yet, like Peter,  all of us at times have had to depend on the helping hand of our Lord to carrying us through when our faith dwindles, lest our doubts cause us to sink in utter failure.

Nevertheless, God's rule concerning faith appears to be: "According to your faith be it done to you." (Matthew 9:29) Very few who belong to Christ have developed the perfection of faith that Paul spoke of. (1 Thessalonians 3:10) Thus, we need to have constant vigilance to cultivate such a faith, regardless of our circumstances in life.

Related (We do not necessarily agree with all conclusions presented by other authors):

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 8 * BSM * Video

O Thou of Little Faith (Poem)

St. Peter Cried, "Lord, Save Me."

Cast Not Away Your Confidence

Jesus Walking on the Sea

The Rewards of Faith

Walking on Water

02-07 - Romans 13:10 -- Love Does No Harm

{Romans 13:10} Love does no harm to a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. -- RLIV.

Love is at the center of service to God and Jesus. This love, however, springs from the heart, and is not just being nice to people for social acceptance or some other gain. People of the world may have at time expressed love for their neighbor, and possibly even die for their neighbor. How much more so should those who belong to the God of love have such love cultivated so as have love engrained their hearts. What love God displayed in sending his Son to earth to suffer and die for us! And we see this love displayed in the life of Jesus, and it is such love that is the identifying mark of a child of God. How much love Jesus displayed as all around him were imperfect people doing things that he knew his Father would not approve. If we have a knowledge of God's plan for man, how much we should imitate his love and not be passing judgment upon those who commit acts of unrighteousness, knowing that we too have committed acts of unrighteousness, and have needed forgiveness through Christ.

Related (We do not necessarily agree with all conclusions presented by others)

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 7 * BSM * Video

Mercy Rejoices Against Judgment

The Royal Law

The Good Samaritan

02-06 - Psalm 75:6,7 - Exaltation is From God

02-05 - 1 Thessalonians 4:3 - Your Sanctification

{1 Thessalonians 4:3} For this is the will of God: your sanctification. -- RLIV.

God's will, God's purpose, for the new creature is that of sanctification. The Greek for for sanctification signifies a setting apart, or it can mean being purified. In the context, Paul is speaking of fornication, of the possessing the present vessel so as not be given into desires, and of defrauding a brother. If we belong to Christ as new creatures, our goal toward perfection of love for God will be reflected in the actions of a our flesh as that love becomes closer to being perfected. We should remember that our setting ourselves apart to serve the Heavenly Father and His Son is not the end of the matter, for God's work in sanctifying us continues until we reach the perfection of both faith and love.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 5 *  Video

If You Live After the Flesh

{Romans 8:13} For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. -- RLIV.

 

These solemn words were not spoken to the unbelieving world, but to those whom God has already regenerated as His sons. The world still walks according to the flesh, still bears the condemnation inherited from Adam, and still awaits the day when it will be awakened for judgment and instruction. (John 12:47–48) But to the one who has been made a new creature in Christ—who has received the light of truth—there remains a danger: if he willfully turns from life in the spirit to embrace life in the flesh, he steps into a condemnation for which no further sacrifice remains. (Hebrews 6:4–6; 10:26–29)

Paul’s message to the consecrated believers in Rome echoes down through every generation of the Gospel Age. The terms of discipleship have not changed. When we consecrated ourselves to God, we agreed to surrender our earthly rights, our personal claims, and even our natural hopes as members of Adam’s race. We laid these at the feet of the Father in exchange for a higher hope—the hope granted to the Church.

This hope is not the restoration of human perfection, but the privilege of being counted worthy to share with Christ in glory, honor, and joint heirship in His Kingdom. (Romans 8:17) Our journey aims at the perfection of faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13; Philippians 3:13–15; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 5:8), with special emphasis on faith itself (1 Thessalonians 3:10), for faith is the very thing God is testing in this Gospel Age. (1 Peter 1:7) Their hope remains real, though unseen. The hope of this reward is based solely on the promises of the Heavenly Father and his Son, as found in the Bible.

Yet we recognize that many consecrated ones fall short of the fullness of this high calling. Such are not necessarily cast into the second death, but neither do they receive the honor of being joint heirs with Christ. Instead, they will receive lesser blessings under the reign of Christ and His glorified Church. 

If we have been begotten by the Holy Spirit, we have become new creatures. And new creatures must live—not according to the impulses of the flesh—but according to the leading of the Spirit. The flesh will always remain weak; Paul never taught that we must be sinless in our fallen bodies. We overcome the world and our own flesh by faith. (1 John 5:4) This requires vigilance, trust, and continual dependence on God, for our flesh will always fall short of His glory.

Paul warns not of occasional failures, but of abandoning the walk of faith altogether—of yielding ourselves to the flesh so fully that we cease to walk in the Spirit. The new creature, standing sinless before God through faith, must guard this standing carefully. Willful sin—sin that springs from a heart that has turned away from the Spirit—leads to a death for which no sacrifice remains. (Hebrews 10:26; 1 John 5:15–17)

To walk after the flesh is to set our heart’s desire on anything outside the will of God. True faith cannot do this. When we follow our own will, we reveal that our trust is in ourselves; when we follow God’s will, we reveal that our trust is in Him. For this reason, no Christian should pray for anything without first seeking the Father’s will. And when His will is not yet clear, the humble heart prays as our Lord prayed: “If it be Your will.” (Matthew 26:42)

May the Spirit continually teach us to put to death the deeds of the body, that we may truly live. May our consecration remain fresh, our faith steadfast, and our hearts anchored in the hope set before us.

Walking in the Way of Jehovah: Hearing His Guiding Voice

{Isaiah 30:21} and your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it" -- when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left. -- RLIV.

A sheep may wander astray from the flock and not know whether to turn to the right or to the left. Then he hears the voice of the shepherd in calling to him, and he has learned to trust the shepherd to lead him in the right way. In Isaiah's day, the voice was that knowledge within the minds and hearts of God's people pertaining to the Law as given through Moses; today, the knowledge includes that of the one whom Jehovah has made the “one shepherd” over the sheep, our Lord Jesus. The voice, however, include that which we have engraved in our minds and hearts through study of what Jehovah has revealed through the Bible. If one has not taken the time to genuinely study that Word, another voice within may lead him in a wrong direction.

Thus, in order to depend upon the voice, one needs to have an accurate knowledge of what the Bible says figuratively engraved in the heart. Such knowledge will lead him to recognize our Shepherd's voice rather than the many voices of the those who read their own understanding and the teachings of man into the Bible, as well as the philosophies of the world. Such voices may indeed lead one away from the voice spoken of by the prophet. If the heart is engraved with wrong knowledge, the voice heard will lead one in a wrong direction.

Listening for God’s Direction in Times of Uncertainty

Every believer eventually reaches moments where the path divides and the way forward is unclear. When we stand at these crossroads—unsure whether to turn right or left—the wisest response is to pause and listen for the gentle voice of Jehovah. His guidance comes to us through His Word. As we meditate on Scripture, reflect on its principles, and consider its examples, the will of God becomes clearer. With prayerful hearts, we ask for the leading of His Spirit and seek to cultivate a posture of love, humility, and trust.

Relying on God’s Strength When We Feel Weak

On our own, we lack the strength to fully do the will of God. Yet He has not left us without help. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:17–20 that the same mighty power which raised Jesus from the dead is at work in the lives of His people. This divine strength supports us, sustains us, and carries us toward victory.

The Lord also spoke to Paul, saying, “My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). The same truth applies to us. God’s grace, His wisdom, and His power are available to every consecrated follower of Christ. When we offer Him our sincere faith, He supplies what we lack. He accepts us through Christ, guides us through His Word, and strengthens us in every moment of need. And if we remain faithful even unto death, He will honor His promise—granting glory, honor, and immortality, making us joint‑heirs with our Lord Jesus.

Receiving God’s Loving Discipline

Every time we experience correction, our Heavenly Father is shaping our character. His discipline is not punishment but preparation—removing what is unworthy so that we may be fit for His Kingdom and ready to reign with His Son. Scripture teaches, “He who listens to life‑giving reproof will dwell among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31).

This divine reproof is more valuable than any earthly possession. When God chastises us, it is evidence that He is dealing with us as His children. He is guiding, directing, and teaching us. We entered a covenant to serve the One who purchased us with the precious blood of Christ. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, “You are not your own… therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Hearing the True Voice of Wisdom

The child of God must know where to seek counsel. The Prophet describes God’s guidance as a voice “behind you”—a reminder that true wisdom comes from the ancient and unchanging Word of Jehovah. Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, delivered to us the teachings of God so that we might walk securely.

This guiding voice is not found in new philosophies or shifting human theories—whether Evolutionism, Spiritism, Christian Science, or any other modern system. Instead, it is the enduring message of Scripture centered on Jesus as the Savior sent by God, and the hope of glorification with Christ our Lord, our Teacher, our Example, and our Leader.

Through the inspired words of the Apostles and Prophets, spoken long ago yet living still, God calls to His people. In His Word we hear Him say, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

01-30 - Luke 18:1 - Always Pray

He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not become weary — Luke 18:1, RLIV.

In praying to our Heavenly Father, we should endeavor to pray only for we know is in harmony with the righteous principles as found in the Bible. Our requests in prayer should always include the thought: Father, if it is your will. Only if our prayer is in harmony with the will of our Heavenly Father can we be assured of results. 

Nevertheless, more specifically, Jesus appears to be praying as means to maintain faithfulness to the Heavenly Father. For such, whatever we are doing each day, our thoughts should in prayer to the Heavenly Father for guidance and strength to glorify him no matter what our circumstances may be in life, that we might do whatever would be in accordance with His will,. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Related Scriptures:

Isaiah 62:6,7; Psalm 118:5; Matthew 15:27,28; 21:22; Luke 2:37; 11:5-13; 21:36; John 15:7; 16:23; Romans 12:12; 2 Corinthians 12:8,9; Colossians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:14; 3:22; James 1:5,6; Jeremiah 29:13.

Father, to You We Look

Father, to you we look in all our sorrow,

Thou art the fountain whence our healing flows;

Dark though the night, joy cometh with the morrow,

Safely they rest who in thy love repose.

When fond hopes fail and skies are dark before us,

When the vain cares that vex our life increase—

Comes with its calm the thought that you are o’er us,

And we grow quiet folded in your peace.

In name of our Lord Jesus. Amen

Adapted from poem by Frederick Hosmer

Related Online (We do not necessarily agree with all statements presented by others)

The Province of Prayer

The Prayers of the New Creation

The Privilege and Power of Prayer

Praying Effectively

Importuning in Prayer

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Psalm 111:10 - The Beginning of Wisdom

{Psalm 111:10} The reverence of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. -- RLIV.

* Revelation 3:5 - He Who Overcomes

{Revelation 3:5} He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. --  RLIV.

 THE faithful overcomers watch and keep their garments unspotted from the world...."They have not defiled their garments," they have "kept their garments unspotted from the world." They have not been willing to permit sin to contaminate them and to separate them from the Lord, but have quickly applied for and obtained the precious blood to remove every stain. They are so heartily opposed to sin and so earnest about the keeping of this garment unspotted that the Adversary gets no hold upon them--"the wicked one catcheth them not." All this indicates a full submission of their wills to the will of Christ -- they are "dead with Him," and hence could not willingly practice sin. -- Excerpt from "Raiment White and Clean", ZWT, 07/01/1897

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While all who are to live forever must overcome similarly as spoken of by Jesus in Revelation 3:5, this verse is directly speaking of a special group who do so in this present evil age, and who receive higher rewards in the Kingdom than all others. These are not just sons of God, but they also jointly sacrifice with Jesus so that they may become joint-heirs with Christ, figuratively sitting on the throne with Jesus and the Father. (Romans 8:17) These are those who attain the goal or mark that Paul wrote about in Philippians 3:13,14 in the present evil age, but very few obtain this prize of joint-heirship. Nevertheless, many consecrated Christians have in the past fallen short of obtaining this goal, and we expect that there will be very few in our day who actually obtain the prize of joint-heirship. Although the New Creature is created without sin due the ransom sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, the new creature still has to perfect a steadfast love and devotion to God and Jesus, without which he cannot obtain the prize of joint-heirship. And even if the new creature falls short of jointly sacrificing with Jesus so as to obtain this high prize, he still has to be perfected for everlasting life. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

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Links to our own views related to the joint-heirs and the great company.

Related Scriptures:

Psalm 45:14; Ezekiel 9:4; Matthew 7:21; Matthew 10:32; Matthew 25:21; Romans 8:17; 1 Corinthians 15:53,54; Philippians 3:13,14; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; James 1:18; James 2:22; 1 John 4:17,18; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 14:1-5; Revelation 19:8; Revelation 21:27.

TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH

"To him that overcometh

Will I grant to sit with me."

This prize above all others

Doth the Master offer thee.

How can I e'er attain it?

Have faith and hope and love,

Show forth my willing service

In labor for my Lord?

The foes of life surround me,

Discouragement comes in,

And Satan says in triumph

"Don't think that YOU can win."

Then comes that blest assurance,

"Thou dost not walk alone,

Be but an overcomer

And thou shalt share my throne."

Related (We do not necessarily agree with all conclusions given by other authors):

Keeping Our Garments White

The Manner of the Resurrection

The Great Privilege of True Service

* Matthew 6:16 - Do Not Fast as Hypocrites

^ 1 Cornthians 7:24 - Staying As Called

* Psalm 31:24 - Be of Good Courage

{Psalm 31:24} Be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart, all you who hope in Jehovah. -- RLIV.

Matthew 16:24 - Denying Self and Bearing One's Cross

(Matthew 16:24} Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. -- RLIV.

CROSS-BEARING is closely related to self-denial, and yet a distinction between them may be noted. Self-denial relates more particularly to passive obedience and endurance for the Lord's sake; cross-bearing has to do more especially with activities in the Lord's service, which we find to be contrary to our natural inclinations. Faithfulness in self-denial means courage and zeal; cross-bearing means victory, overcoming. Our self-denials may be victories in our own hearts, of which others may know nothing, and of which they should know nothing, if we desire to have the fullness of the Lord's blessing. Our cross-bearing, however, may be seen to some extent at least, by those who are in close contact with us, and especially by those who are walking in the same "narrow way." -- Excerpt from ZWT April, 1900 article "Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing Conditions".

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Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after me." Many try to force others to follow Christ, but that is not what Jesus said. Jesus is looking for those who are willing to follow him, imitate him, and do what he says. Not all who claim to believe, however, will be found to be actually willing to come after Jesus; very few of those who profess belief in this age actually fulfill the requirements that Jesus spoke of in this verse.

"Let him deny himself." The term "self-denial" is often used by people to mean denying oneself of certain pleasures, honor or gain, etc. The Greek phrase as Jesus stated it, however, is about denying the whole self, bringing all ambitions, thoughts, and desires into subjection to God's will through Jesus, bringing all into harmony with his Lord. This denial of self results in the full sacrifice of self.

"Take up his cross." Jesus did not say, as some misquote this verse, that the follower of Christ is to take up the cross of Christ. Jesus was saying that one must take up his own individual cross, and yet to take up one's cross does include following Jesus' example of suffering. The child of God may not literally be nailed to a cross as was Jesus, but he should be willing to suffer for righteousness even as Christ suffered.

"Follow me." To follow Jesus means to serve Jehovah, the God of Jesus, just as Jesus did. It also means to obey Jesus' instructions, the words that Jehovah gave to him to speak.

In the final analysis, the child of God will never be able to be fully perfect in our sinful flesh; it is as new creatures in Christ that one gains victory over the world, Satan, and one's own flesh. The child of God should strive to bring the flesh under the control of the new man, not to serve the flesh, but to make the flesh his servant through the Spirit that is him. The son of God will make his flesh fully perfect; nevertheless, the flesh is counted -- reckoned -- as perfect and counted as dead to sin but alive through the Spirit that leads the son of God. -- Romans 8:11,14. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Related Scriptures: Genesis 22:1-12; 2 Samuel 24:24; Matthew 8:19-22; Matthew 10:37-39; Matthew 13:44-46; Matthew 19:12; Matthew 19:21; Matthew 27:32; Mark 8:34; Mark 10:21; Mark 15:21; Luke 5:11; Luke 5:27; Luke 5:28; Luke 9:23-27; Luke 14:27; Luke 14:33; Luke 18:27-30; Luke 21:2-4; Luke 23:26; John 10:4; John 10:27; John 12:26; John 19:17; Acts 14:22; Acts 20:22-24; Romans 6:1-11; Romans 8:17; Romans 14:1-22; Romans 15:1-5; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 1 Corinthians 9:12; 1 Corinthians 9:15; 1 Corinthians 9:18,19; 1 Corinthians 9:23-27; Philippians 3:7-9; Colossians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:12; Titus 2:12; Hebrews 11:24-26; 1 Peter 4:1,2; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Peter 4:1,2; Revelation 14:4.

* Hebrews 12:7 - It is For Discipline That You Endure

{Hebrews 12:7} It is for discipline that you endure.  God deals with you as with children, for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? -- RLIV.

* Psalm 119:97 - Love and Meditate on God's Law

How I love your law! It is my meditation all day. -- Psalm 119:97, RLIV.

Serving God and Christ

 Zeal, Diligence, and Spiritual Focus: Paul’s Call in Romans 12:11

Romans 12:11 - [Do] not [be] lagging in diligence; [but be] fervent in spirit; serving Jehovah [or, possibly, the Lord]. -- RLIV

Romans 12:12 - Steadfast in Prayer

 

Continuing steadfastly in prayer. -- Romans 12:12, RLIV

The King James Version says "instant in prayer," which simply means to be steadfast 'in prayer.' Do not give up in prayer. How can we, however, be constantly in prayer? If one views prayer as only meaning presenting words of supplication and petition to God, we realize that we cannot do this. We who have consecrated our lives to God should live with thoughts that are in constant communication with God, no matter what we are doing. Nevertheless, at the same time we should regularly set aside time to pray formally to God in the name of our Lord Jesus. We should never give up in our prayers to our Heavenly Father, no matter what circumstances should arise in our lives. The communication with God, rightly exercised in our hearts, brings to us rejoicing. 

Related scriptures: Psalm 32:6; Psalm 55:17; Matthew 5:44; Matthew 6:5-7; Matthew 9:6-15; Matthew 14:23; Matthew 24:20; Matthew 26:36; Matthew 26:41; Mark 13:33; Mark 14:38; Luke 6:12; Luke 6:28; Luke 11:2-4; Luke 18:1; Luke 21:36; Luke 22:46; John 16:26; Acts 1:14; Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Colossians 1:9; 4:2; Colossians 4:12; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 1 Timothy 2:8.

Related:

Always Pray and Never Lose Hope -- Paul Lagno

Instant in Prayer -- The Dawn

Prayer in the Christian's Life -- The Dawn

Prayer -- The Dawn

The Mind of Prayer -- The Dawn

The Privilege and Power of Prayer -- Irwin Doran

Micah 6:8 - What Jehovah Requires

* Titus 3:2 - Speak Evil of No Man

Speak evil of no one. -- Titus 3:2.

01-31 - Psalm 25:9 - The Meek Will He Guide

DAILY HEAVENLY MANNA for JANUARY 31
Holy Name Edition

The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way — Psalm 25:9.

Such a disposition is essential to those who would receive the wisdom which comes from above. They must have a humble appreciation of their own deficiencies and lack of wisdom, else they cannot receive freely, heartily, the wisdom which God is pleased to grant in the present time only to those who are in the attitude of heart to receive it. And it will be seen also that this humility of mind is essential as a basis for the spirit of a sound mind, for who is in a proper condition to think justly, reasonably, impartially, except first of all he has a humble disposition? Hence we must agree that humility is a primary element in the disposition or mind of Christ. — Based on an excerpt from "Mark the Perfect Man! Behold the Upright!" Z '00, 68 (R 2585)

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Meekness of mind is often confused with submitting to men who claim to have some special authority to represent God. While we should recognize God's use of any human agency he may use, true meekness and humility before God should actually lead us towards Jesus as our only way to God (John 14:6), and not into submission to men. If we, as a child of God, submit to the guidance of Jehovah, he will lead us. This does not mean that we will never make a mistake in our judgment, but if we do make a mistake, it is by God's permission that we make such a mistake so that we should learn a lesson from whatever experience we may have as a result from our mistake. -- Ronald R. Day, Senior.

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Sadly, many are being led astray by spirits who claim to be God, Jesus or God's Holy Spirit, or an angel from God. One should realize that these spirits are very adept in using the Bible and can easily convince one that some false doctrine is what the Bible actually teaches. Thus, the Christian should not allow any such spirit to be his guide. Nor should one depend on one's own intellect as being the proper guide, but our guidance from Jehovah comes especially through His Written Word, the Bible. If God's spirit is working in you, that Spirit will bring to you an understanding of His Written Word, or that Spirit will guide to those who can help you to understand what God wants you to understand of His Word. Many, however, whom God has not called have outwardly taken up the Bible, and thus, while they may think they understand God's Word, are actually blinded to its truths. The time is yet to come when Satan is to be thrown into the abyss (Revelation 20:3) so that the earth shall be full of the knowledge of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea. -- Isaiah 11:9.

Related Scriptures

Psalm 22:26; Psalm 37:11; Psalm 76:8,9; Psalm 147:6; Psalm 149:4; Ecclesiastes 10:4; Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 29:19; Zephaniah 2:3; Matthew 5:5, 38-42; 11:29; 1 Corinthians 6:7; 2 Corinthians 10:1; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:1,2; Colossians 3:12,13; 2 Timothy 2:24,25; 1 Peter 3:4.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for January 31

Meekness, Gentleness, Patience, Character

Guidance

How Strong and Sweet My Father's Care! (Poem)

Guidance

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Isaiah 26:3- Stayed on Jehovah

Isaiah 26:3,4 - You will keep him in peaceful peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.  Trust in Jehovah forever. -- RLIV.

We are resting in Jehovah's promises -- we are resting in His strength and in His ability to make good His promises; for we know that He who has called us is able to fulfil all His good Word. This peace, or rest, is the special blessing of the Holy Spirit. Only in proportion as we receive the Holy Spirit, the holy mind of God, the holy disposition, can we have this peace fulfilled in us. It is a matter of simple ratio. As we grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jehovah, in the knowledge of the Truth, we shall have this to comfort and strengthen us; and we shall thus have more of the peace of God every day, and be able to abide in His love. -- Excerpt adapted from "Peace With God and the Peace of God" ZWT, April 1, 1914; edited to present God's Holy Name as "Jehovah".

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Today, Satan's influence is tugging at the heart of the Christian almost without letup each day. Only if one keeps his mind stayed on the Heavenly Father can one not be harmed mentally by the constant bombardment that one confronts throughout each day. It is not just something one does during a religious service; it has to be maintained throughout every minute of every day, otherwise, our thoughts will be influenced with the world's presentation of what is evil as being good, and what is good as being evil. (Isaiah 5:20) Being focused on the Father, our minds will dwell in peace upon the fruit of the spirit, and not get caught up in the world's propaganda that would promote this or that form of the fruit of the flesh as being proper and acceptable.-- Galatians 5:19-25. - Ronald R. Day, Sr..

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One cannot have a mind stayed on God when that mind is walking in sin. The world cannot have peace with God due to sin. (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 5:19) It is only through faith in Jesus and his offering for sin that one can obtain peace with God. (Romans 5:1) Before one can experience peace with God, one has to be reconciled to God. (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18) Such reconciliation calls for one to repent in his attitude toward sin (Acts 2:38; 3:19), and endeavor to walk in the path of righteousness. (Proverbs 12:28; Romans 6:4) However, we should soon realize that whatever righteousness we can muster in our present sinful flesh will still fall short of being totally without sin. (Romans 6:15-18; 7:5; 8:3) We thus need to have faith in the sacrificial blood of the Lamb of God to cover sins of our flesh by which we fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Through faith we are counted as justified (made straight, righteous), and it is by faith that we walk in the spirit without condemnation before God. -- Romans 4:6,24; 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

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The phrase "trust in Jehovah forever" signifies putting trust in Jehovah always, at all times, regardless of circumstances. Many translations render the phrase as "trust in the Lord", but his is incorrect. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew text never says "trust in the Lord", although many translations change God's Holy Name to "the Lord". The King James Version has the phrase "trust in the Lord" in two places in the New Testament, both of which are referring to Paul's conviction concerning Jesus. (Philippians 2:19,24) Paul's usages in these verses do not correspond with "trust in Jehovah" as used in the Old Testament. It would be well, however, that when speaking of scriptures such Isaiah 26:3,4, that God's people not join with those who wish to change the Holy Name to "the Lord". God's Holy Name is not "the Lord", and to change his name to "the Lord" is actually supporting that which is false. God has not authorized anyone to change his eternal Holy Name to other words that do not even mean the same thing. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

From pole to pole let others roam,

And search in vain for bliss;

My soul is satisfied at home,

Lord Jah my portion is.

Adapted from Daily Food, January 22

See also:
Stayed on Jehovah, Hearts are Truly Blessed
Daily Heavenly Manna for July 3  (Link will need to be changed)

Perfect Peace

You Keep Him in Perfect Peace -- Tom Gilbert

The Holy Name of God

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1 Peter 1:16 - You Shall Be Holy

It is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy."  - 1 Peter 1:16, World English; see Leviticus 11:44.

The Church must be holy; else God would never deal with them. This principle also applies to the angels; they must be holy in order to have the favor of Jehovah. And so mankind must become holy before they can be pleasing to the Father or have any fellowship with Him. God has a will for the sanctification of the whole world of mankind. But He is not exercising that will at present; He is now seeking only the class which is to compose the glorified Church of the future.  -- Excerpt from "Church Called to Sanctification", Sermon by C. T. Russell. 

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The Greek word for "holy" signifies "set apart", meaning something that is set apart for some special purpose. The same word is also often translated as "saint", which refers to one who is consecrated / dedicated to the service of God. While many may consecrate or dedicate themselves for this or that purpose, or even to God, in the end, it is God Himself, through Christ, that makes one truly holy (consecrated). 

Our own holiness or consecration to Jehovah, our God, can only be through our heart, as we always seek to bring every thought into subjection to Jehovah's will. (2 Corinthians 10:4,5) Such consecration involves constant attention in all our waking hours. It is not something that can be put on for a few hours of this or that service a week. While our minds can have such complete submission to the will of God, we will still, however, fall short in our flesh, because our flesh still has the frailties of the sinful flesh, made sinful due to the disobedience of Adam. Nevertheless, at the same time, what we think, what is found in our heart, will affect our conduct in the flesh, so that the closer we come to perfection in holy thinking, the more our flesh will respond in that direction. (Luke 6:45) Thus, the goal of our mind should be absolute holiness, a mind that is constantly set on and trusting Jehovah and His son. -- Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 1:9. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Other comments:

Jesus, through his life, and through the things he taught carried a message of mercy, a message of peace, and even to the Jews who failed to keep the law, he said they were to be holy. The Jews, however, had been for centuries trying to be holy through obedience to law, but they had failed since sinful flesh will always fall short of the glory of God. Now, however, their Messiah had come, and things were different. Jesus' sacrifice of himself provided a way that those Jews could become dead to law, but regenerated as a child of God.  -- RRD.

As new creatures in Christ, we can be fully holy. Nevertheless, this does not mean that we in our bodies of sinful flesh are able to keep God's law in the absolute sense, any more than the Jews. The child of God does not keep God's Law in the sense that we totally and fully no longer have any imperfection of word, thought or actions. Through faith in Christ's sacrifice for us, however, all our imperfections, all our sins, are counted as being canceled due to faith in Christ. Thus, in God's sight, they do not exist. God looks upon us as sinless new creatures apart from the sinful flesh, and thus the new creature keeps the spirit of the Law in the heart, although the fallen flesh will fall short in doing so -- RRD.. 

Related:

New Creatures - Perfect in Holiness

Herein is My Father Glorified

Ephesians 5:15,16 -- Watch Carefully How You Walk

Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  - (Ephesians 5:15,16, World English)

The Greek word translated "watch carefully" as used above is not referring only to seeing with the physical eye, but includes the meaning: "to turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, to weigh carefully, examine" and it also includes the meaning of "turning towards any quarter". For the child of God, it denotes being aware of one's surroundings, not with the thought of experiencing all the evil that is around us, but rather that the new creature is to be on the lookout for recognition of various forms of evil, so that we might use our time wisely in harmony with God's will, and not with that which is evil. Such calls for wisdom that comes, not from man of sinful flesh, but rather from above. (James 3:15,17) Such wisdom seeks to know God's will in all things, and promotes loyalty to God and His Word regardless of circumstances and surroundings. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Other Comments:

Our watchfulness often depends on our ability to "see" things from the correct spiritual perspective. All of those who belong to Christ are at many different levels of spiritual development, and some may be able to see spiritual things more clearly than others. Paul speaks of those who, although consecrated, continue to think as babes in Christ. Often, what one thinks up beyond what is written is then thought of as thinking "spiritually". As a result, one may walk according to the carnal wisdom, rather than according to the wisdom of God. 

We are told that we are to be "redeeming" the time. The Greek word "redeeming", as used here, may mean to "take full advantage of". The world offers many distractions from our service to God and Jesus, and such distractions can be time-consuming. We have to be mentally alert so that we do not become carried away with such distractions and we fail to walk wisely before God. In all that we do, we should be constantly mindful of Jesus, his Father, and the righteous principles they have given us in the Bible. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Related:

Because the Days Are Evil

Songs in the Night - December 13.

03-12 - 1 Timothy 1:5 - End of the Charge is Love

Guarding the Heart: Proverbs 4:23

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23, Green's Literal.

The physical heart sends life‑giving blood throughout our body. In Scripture, the “heart” also speaks of our inner life—our thoughts, desires, motives, and affections. When our heart is anchored in love for our Heavenly Father, it naturally produces thoughts and actions that honor Him. Even though our fallen flesh may resist, a heart fixed on Jehovah will bear fruit that reflects His character and His ways.

But Scripture warns us that the heart must be guarded. The Hebrew word for “keep” carries the sense of watching, guarding, and protecting. The word translated as “diligence” can refer to a place of confinement or a guarded enclosure. Together, they paint a vivid picture: our heart must be protected more carefully than anything else in our lives. What fills the heart will eventually shape our choices, our habits, and our destiny.

It is not enough to acknowledge that sin is wrong. We must go deeper—removing every hidden desire for anything that is not approved by Jehovah. Many believers outwardly avoid obvious sins but inwardly entertain quiet sympathies for things God has forbidden. These unguarded desires become seeds of temptation. True heart‑keeping requires cleansing the inner life so thoroughly that no secret longing for what displeases our Father remains.

🌿 How Do We Guard the Heart?

We guard the heart through prayer, through fellowship with faithful brethren, and through daily discipline. We guard it by refusing to nurture thoughts or habits that contradict the spirit of our Heavenly Father. We guard it by feeding the good qualities He has planted within us—encouraging them, nourishing them, and allowing them to grow.

Every intentional choice shapes the heart. When we deliberately choose what is good, we take a step toward life. When we knowingly choose what is wrong, we take a step toward death. Actions done without intent—whether good or bad—do not carry the same weight. But whatever springs from the heart, whether pure or corrupt, counts deeply in the eyes of God.

Jesus taught that the mouth reveals the heart. “Out of the heart come evil thoughts… and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 15:18–19; Luke 6:45)

Our Lord’s words harmonize perfectly with Proverbs 4:23. The condition of the heart determines the condition of life.

🌟 God Looks at the Heart

Jehovah told Samuel, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but Jehovah looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) The Father sees the motives behind our actions. He knows what our lives would be if we possessed perfect bodies through which to express our devotion. His judgment is based on the loyalty, sincerity, and obedience He sees within.

This is why guarding the heart is essential. Jesus promised that the pure in heart shall see God (Matthew 5:8). We live in a world filled with influences that pull us away from holiness. Minds, words, and actions around us often encourage darkness rather than light. To remain faithful, we must arm ourselves with the mind of Christ and allow only those thoughts that reflect Jehovah’s character to dwell within us.

Paul gives us the pattern: Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, of good report—think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

When we store such treasures in our hearts, they will naturally flow out in our words and actions.

🌱 The Issues of Life

The Hebrew word translated “issues” can mean “outgoings,” “boundaries,” or “sources.” Just as the physical heart sends life through the body, the spiritual heart sends direction through the soul. What fills the heart will either lead us toward righteousness and life or toward folly and death.

This is why Scripture urges us to guard the heart with all diligence. A protected heart becomes a fountain of life. An unguarded heart becomes a doorway to destruction.

May we choose daily to fill our hearts with what pleases Jehovah, so that the “issues of life” flowing from within us reflect His purity, His wisdom, and His love.

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* Matthew 6:34 - Don't Be Anxious

Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient. -- Matthew 6:34, World English

Our Lord assures us that if the main thought of our hearts is His service and the promotion of righteousness and an attainment of the Kingdom, which God has promised to them that love Him, then we need carry no anxious cares respecting the future. As His disciples we will have trials and tribulations enough, day by day, and will need daily to lean upon Jehovah's arm as we seek to walk our narrow way. Sufficient for each day will be the evil of itself; and thanks be to God also, we have the promise that daily His grace shall be sufficient for us. -- Based on excerpt from: We Cannot Serve God and Mammon. Watch Tower, February 1, 1898, page 42 (R2259).

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The children of God, in seeking God's Kingdom and His righteousness as the primary thing in their lives, have no need to be anxious about their daily needs. This does not mean that we will have what our sinful flesh may deem to be necessary, but rather it is what God deems necessary according to His Will. Nor does it mean that we can neglect our earthly obligations. And yet, having trust and faith in our Heavenly Father, we should not become anxious about the future. Even the world recognizes that having negative thoughts about the future is detrimental to one's well-being, and this should apply even more so to the child of God whose faith and trust in the Heavenly Father. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Related Scriptures: Exodus 16:18-20; 1 Kings 3:13; 17:4-6,14-16; Job 38:41; Psalm 34:9; Psalm 37:5; Psalm 37:25; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 104:10,11; Psalm 127:2; Psalm 147:9; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Lamentations 3:21-25; Jeremiah 17:7,8; Matthew 6:11; Matthew 6:25-33; Matthew 13:22; Luke 11:3; Luke 12: 24-26; Luke 12:31; Luke 21:34; John 14:27; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:32; 1 Corinthians 7:32,33; Philippians 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 13:5,6; 1 Peter 5:7.

STRENGTH SUFFICIENT

OH, ask not thou, "How shall I bear

The burden of tomorrow?"

Sufficient for the day the care,

Its evils and its sorrow,

God imparteth by the way

Strength sufficient for the day.

Related (We do not necessarily agree with all statements given):

"Worrying Needlessly"

"A Day At A Time"





Feel free to add your comments below.

Philippians 4:8 - Honoring True and Venerable Thoughts

Key Verse: Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are venerable... think about these things. — Philippians 4:8, RLIV

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1. Opening Thought: What We Dwell On Shapes Who We Become

"As he thinks in his heart, so is he." — Proverbs 23:7, RLIV

Paul doesn’t start with actions or words. He starts with thoughts. Why? Because thoughts are the root. What we let live in our minds will eventually shape our character, our words, and our walk with Jehovah.

We can’t always control which thoughts come to us. Like Jesus in the wilderness, Satan still tempts with ideas that appeal to our flesh — hunger, pride, doubt. Thoughts of exaggeration, suspicion, or division flood in daily. But we can choose which thoughts we keep. Having a thought is not the same as making it our own.

Reflection: Today, notice the difference between a thought that passes through and a thought you entertain. Which ones are you inviting to stay?

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2. Think on What Is True

The Greek word Paul uses is alēthēs — not just “factually correct,” but truth that aligns with God’s character and Word. This is truth with weight. John said of the apostles’ testimony, “we know that his testimony is true.” — John 21:24

So what does “true” exclude?

• Foolish fiction and time-wasting fantasies
• Evil suspicions and idle gossip about others
• Theologies and ideas of men that deny the Gospel
• Exaggerations we use to justify ourselves

Satan’s oldest tool is planting untrue thoughts: about God, about ourselves, about our brothers. Conflicts often start not with what someone did, but with what we assumed they meant.

Jesus modeled this when Satan said, “Command these stones to become bread.” The thought registered, but Jesus didn’t own it. He answered with Scripture and rejected the lie.

Reflection: Is it true, or is it false? Ask this before you replay a conversation, form a judgment, or share a story. If it’s not true, no matter how appealing, let it go. “Buy the truth, and sell it not.” — Proverbs 23:23

When we love the truth: We gain reverence. We gain wisdom. As David said, “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day… your commandments have made me wiser than my enemies.” — Psalm 119:97-98

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3. Think on What Is Venerable

Paul’s word here is semnos — grave, honorable, worthy of reverence. Ellicott notes it “claims a share of reverence due primarily to God.” It’s the kind of thought that belongs in worship.

This isn’t about being somber all the time. It’s about serious consideration of what honors Jehovah. It means weighing our thoughts with honesty and gravity:

Venerable thinking excludes:

• Deceit and hypocrisy
• Evil scheming or intrigue
• Slander, plunder, or deliberate falsehood

Venerable thinking includes:

• Honesty with ourselves before God
• Thoughts that reflect Christ’s mind in every situation
• Esteeming what Jehovah esteems — righteousness, mercy, purity

Jesus didn’t just avoid sin; His mind was set on the Father. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” — Isaiah 26:3

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4. The Heart Connection

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” — Luke 6:45

We can’t cover ignoble thoughts with noble actions for long. If we sympathize with falsehood or dishonor, we defile ourselves from within. But when we purify our thoughts — choosing what is true and venerable — we purify our whole character.

Jehovah covers our fallen condition with Christ’s merit. Yet we’re not to be at peace with it. We’re to desire nobility. We’re to hunger for honor in our secret thoughts, in how we deal with God and others when no one sees.

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5. Personal Application: Training the Mind

This week, practice Paul’s filter in real time:

1. Test it: When a thought comes, ask: Is this true? Do I know it for a fact, or am I filling in gaps?
2. Weigh it: Is this venerable? Would I think this if Jesus were sitting next to me? Does it merit the seriousness of worship?
3. Replace it: If the thought fails the test, don’t just empty your mind — fill it. Replace it with Scripture, as Jesus did. Meditate on one promise of Jehovah today.

Watch especially during this harvest period. Paul warned the Thessalonians that some would “believe a lie” because they did not love the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12. With imperfect minds, we’re vulnerable. So we cling to what Jehovah has revealed and sell it not.

Holding fast to what is true will:

• Increase reverence for Jehovah
• Deepen devotion to our brothers
• Create more hunger for study
• Anchor the spirit of truth in our hearts

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Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Jehovah, You see every thought before it becomes word or deed. Forgive me for the times I’ve entertained what is false or dishonorable. Train my mind to love what You love. Help me to test each thought by Your Word — to keep what is true and venerable, and to cast out what is not. Keep my mind stayed on You, that I may walk in peace and reflect Your Son today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Further Meditation: Psalm 119:97-103; Matthew 4:1-11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Ronald R. Day, Sr. (ResLight)

See also:

Video

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