02-19 - Titus 1:15,16 - To the Pure All Is Pure

{Titus 1:15} To the pure, all is pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 

{Titus 1:16} They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work. -- RLIV

Those whose thoughts are given to that which is defiled will display such defilement in their words and actions. Such may become lacking in the ability to think of love and benevolence as motives for conduct. With their impure thought, they attribute impure motives to others. Such will often fail to see anything good or right in others. This can even lead to the extreme of impugning evil motives to Jehovah and our Lord Jesus.

It is important then, for the child of God to strive to keep his mind pure, seeking the things above, that which right in God's eyes. Instead of seeking faults in others we should fill our mind with thoughts of caring, seeking ways to use our time, hands, feet, tongues, in blessing and upbuilding others. If we have our minds set on what is pure, we will see things differently than if our minds are set on things of the world. If our heart is given to purity in thought, we can see in our fellow believers purity of heart in spite of the weaknesses of the fallen flesh, and we can see those of the world with the realization of their plight as being due to the condemnation in Adam. 

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 19  * BSM Aids * Video

Unto the Pure All Things Are Pure

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

Consecration and Separation

Sincerity Before God

Love From a Pure Heart

How May I Be Pure In Heart?

02-18 - Deuteronomy 13:3 - Jehovah Proves You

Jehovah your God proves you, to know whether you love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul. -- Deuteronomy 13:3, RLIV.

The word prove in this verse carries a meaning of testing. The words are addressed to Israel, who were in covenant with Jehovah to obey all his requirements. Thus, it was proper that Jehovah should prove, which He did by allowing false prophets to come among them. God did not conduct such a proving among the nations except only his covenant people, Israel.

If we belong to Christ, we also are in a covenant relationship with the Heavenly Father. God has allowed Satan to oppose the Church as a trial of faith and of patient endurance. The Christian's test, however, is not only along the line of love and loyalty to God, but of love for truth and love for our brothers. The result is that there is a constant sifting work being performed although such work may not be openly seen by our physical eyes. God, through Jesus, is the final judge of who has and who has not been faithful in their love and devotion and what to do with those who are not fully faithful.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 18  * BSM Aids * Video

"To Whom Shall We Go?"

The Adversary's Tactics

Parable of the Four Servants

02-17 - Matthew 11:29,30 - Take My Yoke

{Matthew 11:29} Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 

{Matthew 11:30} For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." -- RLIV.

A yoke is usually used between two animals who share pulling a cart, plow or something similar. Jesus invites those who are willing to share his yoke with each who come to him. While, from the standpoint of the sinful flesh, this yoke appears to be an enormously heavy burden, Jesus, in effect, lightens the burden. Indeed, for sinful man to seek to overcome sin in his flesh, and withstand all the suffering caused by the world in doing so, would be impossible, due to the curse upon man though Adam. Our burden is greatly lightened, however, by sharing the yoke with Jesus. Such a yoke with Jesus would signify that we become co-laborers with Jesus, and thus we would have our incapable powers supplemented by his grace, his strength.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 17  * BSM Aids * Video

Knowledge Increases Responsibilities

Humanity's Yoke and Christ's Yoke

Yoke Fellows With Christ

The Easy Yoke

Take My Yoke

2 Corinthians 6:3,8 -- No Occasion For Stumbling

We give no occasion of stumbling in anything.... by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true. -- 1 Corinthians 6:3,8, RLIV.

While performing our duties to the best of our abilities and when it appears that Jehovah is blessing and favoring us and our affairs to a very noticeable degree, trouble can suddenly arise, adversity can strike, the powers of evil can appear to triumph, and those around us may even condemn us. At such times, it may appear that our Heavenly Father has abandoned us. Through it all, we need to remember that no matter how dark circumstances may appear to us, that we should submit to the Heavenly Father's guidance through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We need to realize that we should walk by faith, not by sight, and thus figuratively take hold of our Master's hand and let him guide us through the dark. Indeed, if our Heavenly Father did not allow such experiences to come to us, the thought of walking by faith could become a form of ritualism or even a form of self-exaltation.

Regardless of what is happening, for Christ's sake, the child of God should seek to avoid stumbling others. Paul's expressions regarding this denotes several extremes, by which one could stumble others. Have we been honored in some special way? If so, our attitude should not be that of pride, exaltation of self. When honored, we should seek to accept such honor with humility while giving such honor to Christ. If we are dishonored, we should rejoice in such dishonor for the cause of Christ. If we are spoken of in an evil manner, we should not seek to retaliate in kind; if we are spoken of in a good manner, again, we should accept such in humility, not with a spirit of self-exaltation. 

The child of God may be considered by those of the world, and sometimes by fellow-believers, to be a deceiver. Such an experience should not make the Christian timid or fearful. While the world is being deceived related to the truth about the Heavenly Father and Jesus, even amidst their unbelief, the Christian should be truthful, all to the glory of our Heavenly Father. What we do and say may influence, not only our brother is Christ, but the hearts of all who might receive Christ at some time in the future.

Related

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 16 

In the School of Adversity

As Deceivers Yet True

02-15 - 1 John 2:5 -- Whoever Keeps His Word

{1 John 2:5} But whoever keeps his word, God's love has most certainly been perfected in him. -- RLIV.

The two key aspects of the above appear to be obedience and love. If we love the Lord Jesus, we will obey his words. In context, the special obedience that appears to be spoken of is that related to love itself. All who belong to Christ are at various degrees in developing the pure quality of love; very few have attained the perfection of love that is being spoken of, and need constantly to go before the throne of grace. (Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 1:1) We know from the Bible that God is love (1 John 4:8,16), and as we study about Jesus we see that Jesus is the witness that his Father is indeed "love." Jesus, however, is more than simply a witness of that love; Jesus is the channel by which God's love is received by those whom receive Jesus as an abiding power in their hearts. (Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 2:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:5) But we fall short of obedience if we view God's love to be only related to forgiveness of our sins. We should realize that in obedience to Jesus, we are to develop God's love -- through Christ -- to perfection. 

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 15 * BSM * Video

Confession and Forgiveness

The Mark of Christian Maturity

A Symposium on Love

The Abiding Love of God

Self Discipline for God's Glory

02-14 - Matthew 12:37 - By Your Words

{Matthew 12:37} For by your words you will be made right, and by your words you will be condemned. -- RLIV

Jesus was here speaking to the Pharisees, not to his disciples. Nevertheless, the principles holds true also for any who belong to Christ. What we say can have influence on others, and what we say reflects what is our hearts (Proverbs 15:28; Jeremiah 23:16; Matthew 12:34; 15:18; Luke 6:45), and our words will judge whether our heart is in a right condition before God or in a wrong condition before God. A heart that conscientiously and diligently seeks to do what is right will endeavor to speak words in obedience to God and Jesus. (Proverbs 8:17; Matthew 6:33; James 1:5) A heart that does not humbly seek that which is right will disregard the words of God and Jesus, and will seek to speak that which is not approved by God and Jesus. Thus, those who belong to Christ, as new creatures, have to constantly endeavor to figuratively bridle their tongues with the word of truth so as to speak in harmony with God's Spirit. -- 1 Corinthians 6:7; James 1:18,26; 3:2.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 14 * BSM Daily Heavenly Manna * Video

By Thy Words Acquitted; By Thy Words Condemned

Every Idle Word

Justified or Condemned By Words

02-13 - 1 Corinthians 13:4,5 - Love Does Not Impute Evil

Love ... does not impute evil. -- 1 Corinthians 13:4,5, RLIV.

The Greek word rendered as "impute" above is the same word used related to our reckoned justification. It has a variety of applications, however, and one of them as related to evil is that surmising or reckoning evil motives of others. Thus, the Christian should endeavor to control his thoughts concerning various actions people may take so as to avoid surmising evil and attributing evil motives to the person. All us, in our flesh, do things that are evil in God's sight, although we may do such not with evil intent of the heart. (Romans 2:1; 5:12-19; 7:21) Every child of God needs to daily come before the throne of grace seeking mercy and help to overcome the sinful tendencies of our flesh. -- Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 2:1,12; 5:16,17.

However, the Greek word can also denote keeping an account of evils done, and many translations render it to reflect this meaning. This would signify that one is holding grudges and seeking to repay evil for evil, something that the Christian is not to do. (Romans 12:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9) A Christian may seek to justify the idea of 'getting even' for many different reasons. The Christian may think it proper to seek to do harm for harm, for instance, to a neighbor who is not a Christian. Such would reason that the restriction applies only when a brother in Christ has committed some evil towards the Christian. However, there is no such limitation in the scriptures. Regardless of whom does some wrong against the Christian, the Christian should trust in the strength of God through Christ so as to not "strike back" in kind. 

Related

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 13 * BSM Daily Heavenly Manna * Video

Because the Days Are Evil

Evil Speaking and Evil Surmising

The Greatest Thing in the Universe

Evil Speaking and Evil Surmising

Our Personal Responsibility to God

The Sanctified Life

02-12 - James 1:4 - Let Endurance Have Its Perfect Work

James 1:4} Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. -- RLIV.

The sinful nature of our flesh has little patience. Thus, it is not prone to take time to carefully analyze situations, and thus acts in haste, bringing injury to self and others. The child of God should, however, take time to consider the full circumstances of himself and of those with whom he interacts. Developing such endurance goes back to the degree with which he has developed love and faith. As one develops these to qualities of spirit, one can grow in the patience and not react hastily.

The child of God should therefore give considerable attention to developing patient endurance, dealing patiently with all manner of people. We should certainly have patience with the poor blinded world, with our enemies because they don't know what they do. Most believers are but "babes in Christ," still thinking along carnal lines; we should certainly have patience toward these. Many with who we have to do, whether fellow-believers or of the world, are slow, ignorant, excitable, blundering, overly self-confident, skeptical, doubting, etc. No matter what the circumstance, all such provides opportunity to grow in endurance and patience, leading to the perfection James wrote about.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 12 * BSM Daily Heavenly Manna * Video

The Kindness, Humility and Patience of Love

Though Ye Be Established

Patient Endurance - The Final Test

Run With Patience

Let's Run With Patience

What's Your Hurry?

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)

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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.”

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 1

MAY HIS CARE SURROUND

God bless you daily in the way

That leads to realms of life and light--

That you may follow in His steps

Who went before us; in the night.

Of His eternal strength and grace,

Whose will, no obstacle can thwart

May you in confidence and hope

Go forward; ever in your heart

May peace and joy and hope abound

And may His care your path surround.

Poems of the Way, page 7

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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.

* Romans 12:11 - Fervent in Service

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.