03-10 - Hebrews 3:13 - Exhort One Another

Hebrews 3:13 -  Exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called "today;" lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. - World English. 

The Greek word rendered as "exhort" above means to call to one's side, speak to, comfort, console, encourage. It indicates the giving by word, prayer, entreaty or otherwise whatever is needed to help each other to remain faithful. As we each seek to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ, we also should be willing to receive encouragement from others. We live in a world that is deceived (2 Corinthians 4:3,4; Revelation 12:9; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 5:19), and it is easy to be ensnared by the deceptions so as to begin thinking that what is right in God's eyes is wrong, etc. -- 2 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 4:14

By "Today" possibly the apostle is referring to each day of the Christian's life in the present evil age. As long as we live in the present age which is under Satan's deceptions, each and every day brings its temptations and a need to aid each other so as to not be taken away by the deceptive philosophies of this age.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for March 10 * BSM Aids * Video

If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?

A Good Work Done and Completed

Hebrews 6:10 - Labor of Love Rewarded

Hebrews 6:10 - For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  -- New King James Version.

NO child of Jehovah should be content to let the days of the present harvest time go by with their golden opportunities for service and co-operation without seeking each day to lift the royal banner himself, and to publicly show forth the praises of Him who hath called him out of darkness into light, or without assisting and co-operating with others whom Jehovah in His providence has placed in more advantageous positions for public service. -- Adapted excerpt from: "Baptism Unto Repentance Not Baptism Into Christ." Z.'03-59 R3152:3

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God is Not Unrighteous

God is not unjust; unlike man who has been made crooked, Jehovah remains loyal to His Word. Due to the fallen condition of man, we may easily forget the labors of love our brothers in Christ perform for us. This is not so with our Heavenly Father. He does not forget, and will not fail to reward those who do perform labors of love towards fellow believers in Christ. God's "name" is closely tied with his justice, love, wisdom and power. God is just, and what he promises will come true. 

It is God who rewards His children for their service to Him through Christ. While we should aid our brothers in Christ, the full judgment is not left up to any of us who belong to Christ during this age. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

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Labor of love

The motivation behind our labor should be: love for God, His Son, our brothers, and for our neighbors in the world. We should want to bring honor to the name of our Heavenly Father, not just in preaching truths to others, but also in every manner of labor that we do, especially that which we do for the "saints", those consecrated to Jehovah and His Son. We are assured that God does not forget our work for Him, so whatever we may do to honor his name to the best of our ability and circumstances, we know that it will be rewarded in the Kingdom.

There is a danger in performing works on behalf of the saints in that we may develop an inclination to seek our reward from them. This could lead to disappointment and discouragement, since our brothers in Christ may not give us the praise and/or "reward" as we may have expected. Or their praise could lead to pride of self, so we begin to think more of self than we should. Thus, we should guard our motives in whatever work we may do on behalf of our brothers in Christ, for if we labor with the wrong motive, we will be judged by God through Christ accordingly. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Related Scriptures:

Proverbs 14:31

Proverbs 22:9

Proverbs 28:27

Proverbs 31:20;

Matthew 10:40-42

Matthew 18:5, 6

Acts 11:29\

Acts 24:17

Romans 12:13

Romans 15:25,26

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

2 Corinthians 8,9

Galatians 5:13

1 Thessalonians 1:3
1 Thessalonians 1:6,7

2 Timothy 1: 18

1 John 3:17

1 John 3:18

Related Online:

The Labor of Love to be Rewarded

Preparing for Graduation

Labor's Love Rewarded

She Hath Done What She Could (Poem)

1 Corinthians 12:18 - God Has Set the Members of the Body

1 Corinthians 12:18 -  But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired. -- World English.

We should always remember that everyone who belongs to Christ is being used by God as it pleases him. If we use carnal reasoning, we might, in effect, think that we can do a better job than God, and bring forth a unified organization along carnal lines rather than the unity of spirit (Ephesians 4:3) that should prevail among those who belong to Christ. Nevertheless, many have taken to forms of sectarianism and give devotion to this or that man, or group of men, to accept whatever such men may say as being true. -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9.

Along this same line of reasoning, we may tend to reject a brother as being a Christian,  based on some disagreement regarding a non-fundamental application of a scripture. Again, it is not up to us to judge whether this or that brother is of the body of Christ based on such disagreements of some application of scripture. At the same time, we should understand that God has given us various ones to help us eventually attain the unity of faith based on a knowledge of God's Son, so that the body of Christ becomes a full-grown man. -- Ephesians 4:11-13. 

The phrase "as He desired" (or "as He willed") indicates that placements and gifts are not accidental or based on human merit, but are arranged by God’s deliberate wisdom and pleasure. This surely indicates a Divine supervision in the Church. And yet, we are also warned that there would arise false teachers who would lead believers into a gospel that is different from that taught by the apostles. All of this, however, still falls under God's divine supervision, for God allows such so that the faith of brothers may be tried, and that those of true faith may become manifest.

Holiness of life and completeness of dedication are two aspects of God's desire that are evidently the same for every member of Christ's body (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 12:14,15). On the other hand, God's desire for each member of Christ's body to serve in the household of faith may differ greatly. Nevertheless, it is God, not ourselves or even other people, who must decide our place in the body of Christ. -- 1 Corinthians 12:18.

We may hold elections to choose elders and deacons, etc., but even this is overseen by God. He may allow us to choose a brother who is not qualified, or who turns out to be one who would lord it over the flock, demanding everything has to be as he says. This can usually be rectified, but sometimes it is not. Regardless, the fact that God may use a church to appoint such does not mean that the one appointed will be faithful in his assignment.

At times, a brother may be doing a work of preaching without having received any appointment from a church. This does not mean that God himself has not chosen him for the work he is doing. If his work is from God, it should be manifest in what he preaches as being in harmony with God's Word. 

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for March 8 * BSM Aids * Video

The Present Ministry of the Saints

I Have Chosen Him

The Oneness of the Body of Christ

03-07 - 1 John 4:12 - Love One Another

1 John 4:12 -  If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us. -- World English.

While this verse is often read to mean to love fellow believers in Christ, it may have a broader application, that is, that we should love all others, whether in Christ or of the world. (Luke 6:27-36) And yet it is a love that is first of all a love for God, in harmony with appreciation of His love for us and the whole world dying in Adam. (John 3:16,17; 1 John 2:2,5; 3:17: 4:7-11) It is this love that should distinguish the regenerated child of God from all others. It is a love that can be seen in action on all occasions. It is a love that is willing to overlook the frailties and imperfections of others. The goal of those who belong to Christ is to perfect this love in their hearts. Indeed, eventually, all who are to live forever must have this love perfected in their hearts.

And yet, there is a special love that we should have for our brothers in Christ. Such love should be willing to lay down life for each other. Indeed, this, we believe, is possibly the greatest test on all the regenerated children of God, and it possibly along the line of love that many will fail to attain the prize that Paul wrote about in Philippians 3:14. Most of those consecrated who do not attain that prize will, we believe, have to go through further disciplining before they will be proven fit for eternal life, although they will have lost the greatest prize for which they were called. -- Luke 12:47,48.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for March 7 * BSM Aids * Video

Keep Yourselves in the Love of God

A Symposium on Love

Abiding in the Love of God

 

03-06 - Philippians 4:11,12 - Content In Whatever State

03-05 - Philippians 4:8 - Moral Excellence, Praise

{Philippians 4:8} Finally, brothers, ... if there is any moral excellence, and if there is any praise, think about these things. -- RLIV.

The Greek word rendered above as "moral excellence" can refer to valor. Many translations render as "virtue." As applied to the Christian's thoughts, it should not be understood as simply abstaining from evil thoughts, but also of thinking on all the principles of right conduct in God's sight. 

Of course, one who belongs to Christ should not be thinking of seeking praise for himself, but at the same time, should be seeking to ponder any elements of character that are praiseworthy in harmony with the righteous principles given in the Bible.

Nevertheless, it is our mind, our thoughts within ourselves that determines who we really are. One may have an outward appearance of love and caring, but the outward appearance may not be what is in the heart. (Proverbs 23:7) We should be always be striving to control our thoughts to harmonize with love for God and Christ, for fellow believers, and for neighbor, which basically means to bring our thoughts in harmony with the admonition given by the apostle Paul. It is by our thoughts that these characteristics truly become our own, and our thoughts then produce the righteous qualities in action.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for March 5 * BSM Aids * Video

Morality in the Church

Consecrated Thinking

Finally, Brethren, Think!

03-04 - Philippians 4:8 - Whatever Things Are Pure, Lovely, Good Report

{Philippians 4:8} Finally, brothers, ... whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report..., think about these things. -- RLIV.

The worldly mind may reason that any thought that is not considered sexually immoral is pure, but the child of God has higher standards. If one belongs to Christ, he should recognize that any thought that advocates selfishness, pride, envy, jealousy, or malice is impure, and thus should not be entertained. Purity of thought is about repelling any thought that is not pure is God's eyes, but it is also about thinking on the pure things that God has revealed, both in the Bible and in creation around us.

The Greek word translated as "lovely" appears to refer to that which is worthy of affection, as something to be prized. That which is prized of the new creature should be not what the world might seek, but rather the things of God. Of course, throughout each day, we have many things to do, and we should set our minds upon the tasks we need to do, but in all we do, our thoughts should subjected to our goal of pleasing our Heavenly Father. There are many influences that may surround us that may seek to turn our attention away from our main goal in life, and thus, we need to guard our thoughts from becoming infested with anything that is not in harmony with pleasing our Heavenly Father and His Son.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Mann for March 3 * BSM Aids * Video

Right Habits of Thought

Think on These Things

Consecrated Thinking 

03-03 - Philippians 4:8 - Whatever Things Are Just

Finally, brothers, ... whatever things are just, ... , think about these things. -- Philippians 4:8, RLIV

The Greek word rendered as "just" refers to that which is straight, right. Of course, Paul is referring to what is right in God's eyes. Today, we live in a society that has created its own thoughts about what is right and wrong, so their consciences have been figuratively seared with a branding iron. When one comes to Christ, one has to have their conscience retrained so as to know what is right and wrong in God's eyes. This can only be done by diligent prayer and study of God's Word to determine what is just in God's eyes. By such we would then set our minds on things that are truly just. In doing so, we should at the same time reject thoughts that are not right in God eyes.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for March 3 * BSM Aids * Video

Jesus and Pure Living

Finally, Brethren Think!

Finishing Touches of Christian Character

Right Habits of Thought

03-01 - Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God

{Philippians 4:7} And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. -- RLIV.

The peace Paul speaks of is not a peace of the flesh, but a peace in spirit. This peace is God's peace, but to receive this spirit into our hearts involves a complete submission to God, a total trust in Him, regardless what physical conditions may be encountered. This peace can only be known by those who have a close personal relationship with the Heavenly Father through Jesus. Such peace is able to raise our hearts above the tears and tribulations of the flesh in this present evil age, and, by faith, enable the child of God to see with joyful anticipation the glorious fulfillment of God's promises.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for March 1 * BSM Aids * Video

Peace of God and Peace With God

Quietness in the Midst of Storms

02-26 - Philippians 4:4 - Always Rejoice In Jehovah

Rejoice in Jehovah always! Again I will say, Rejoice! -- Philippians 4:4, RLIV.

Throughout the Bible, we find that even amidst trials, difficulties and persecutions, the exultant songs of the prophets and the apostles sounded forth. We find many examples of their joy in service of Jehovah, and a note of final victory is found in their messages. Likewise, the life of one who belongs to Christ should not be overwhelmed with sadness or morose, but should be most joyful. The child of God can be jubilant in spirit even while being persecuted, chagrined, or otherwise vexed in the present evil age. To the true children of light (Ephesians 5:18), Jehovah's loving-kindness shines through all earth-born clouds and troubles to bring joy and peace and blessing. While the flesh may suffer, the spirit should rejoice -- he who belongs to Christ should rejoice because Jehovah's favor and blessing are with him as a new creature.

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Note: Most Bible versions read "rejoice in the Lord" in this verse. Actually, the Greek word often transliterated as KURIOS is anarthrous this verse, that is, it does not have the definite article. This would actually mean "rejoice in Lord," rather than "the Lord. The lack of the article before KURIOS in many cases appear to be because the Holy Name was changed the a form of KURIOS. Being viewed as a proper name, it is indefinite. Thus, this is considered to be very likely one of the places that copyists changed the Holy Name to a form of KURIOS. This agrees with many scriptures in the Old Testament, where rejoicing is associated with Jehovah. For this reason the RLIV reads, "Rejoice in Jehovah always". -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Related

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 26 * BSM Aids * Video

Rejoice in the Lord Alway

The Song of the Elect

Joy in the Lord

02-25 - Matthew 4:4 = Man Must Live By Every Word of Jehovah

But he answered, "It is written, 'Man must not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Jehovah.'" -- Matthew 4:4, RLIV.

Jesus, being led by God's spirit (Matthew 1:1), after fasting for forty days was, of course, very hungry. He was tempted by Satan to turn stones into bread so as to have something to eat, but he replied to Satan with what his God (Micah 5:4) had Moses to write in Deuteronomy 8:3. Jesus, thus, applied the words given to the children to Israel to himself, that he cannot live by bread alone, but that he also needed the words of Jehovah. Jesus, throughout his ministry, relied on his God, whether by means of the written word or as given to him by spirit. In effect, Jesus was saying to Satan, 'I cannot be complete, even if I have all my material needs, except that I rely on the words of my God.' 

We also, who are sons of God through Jesus (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:5), need to apply this principle to ourselves. The physical food only sustains the physical body until it dies. The spiritual food can sustain for eternity. And yet for the child of God in the present evil age, the lack of attention to the words of Jehovah brings a form of sickness, a spiritual sickness that could only be corrected by the spiritual disciplining of our Heavenly Father through Jesus, lest such become willful sin for which there is no sacrifice. Eventually, any who would live forever must feed on -- not just some -- but all of Jehovah's words, whether spoken through the prophets of old or through His son. (Hebrews 1:1,2) This should be the goal of every Christian in this evil age.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 25 * BSM Aids * Video

Driven Into the Wilderness

The Battle of Temptation

Mental Suggestion a Means of Temptation

Tempted in All Points Like As We Are

02-23 - Psalm 32:8 - I Will Instruct You

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will guide you with my eye. -- Psalm 32:8, RLIV.

God's "eye" in a sense could be understood as referring to His wisdom. God's wisdom can be seen in the creation all around us as well in the way we are made. God originally created man with righteous wisdom in his heart, but this engrained wisdom has been marred by man's disobedience. Thus, the need to, by faith, heal the scars of sin through the blood of Jesus, and come to the words of wisdom revealed to us in the Bible. In this manner we can be instructed in Jehovah's ways that we may be guided by His eye of wisdom.

Nevertheless, God leads His children by means of His Holy Spirit. Also closely associated with being instructed in and guided by God's wisdom is chastisements designed to give correction to us a children of God. While such may not be pleasant to endure, we should not despise his chastisements, for we are assured that his chastening is because of His love for us as His children and will be for our own good. (Hebrews 12:6-11) What comfort we can draw from this assurance. This helps us to meekly submit to the chastening hand of our Heavenly Father.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 23 * BSM Aids * Video

Guided by God's Eye

Journeying to Canaan

A Man After God's Own Heart

Israel's Guiding Light

God's Eyes (Scriptures)

Wisdom (Scriptures)

Chastisement (Scriptures)

02-22 - Hebrews 13:5 - Free of the Love of Money

Let your manner of life be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have within reach, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you." -- Hebrews 13:5, RLIV.

The Greek word rendered as "have within reach" above means more than simply what one possesses. If this it is limited to what one has, the scripture would appear to, in effect, mean that we should not seek to obtain daily food beyond what we already have. Such a thought would not be harmony with scriptures elsewhere. (Romans 12:17; 1 Timothy 5:8) The exhortation of this verse appears to be for us to be content to live within our means to provide for ourselves and our family. However, whatever lot we have in this present evil age may change, sometimes suddenly and drastically. Regardless of circumstances, those who belong to Christ have God's assurance that He will be with them and not forsake them.

Nevertheless, whenever one who professes Christ allows the love of money, possessions or luxuries to become the focus of his life, it becomes a form of idolatry, for such love usurps God's place. Such who thus become mammon-worshipers, essentially abandoning the proper worship of Jehovah. Thus, it should be of great concern that the child of God should not allow his heart to be overly-concerned about such matters, remembering God's promise that He will always be with them.  

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 22 * BSM Aids * Video

Journeying Toward Canaan

Godliness With Contentment

Scriptures thought to be related to "love of money"

02-21 - Psalm 31:1,3 - Thou Art My Rock and Fortress

Psalms 31:1,3 -   In thee, O Jehovah, do I take refuge;.... For thou art my rock and my fortress; Therefore for thy name's sake lead me and guide me. -- ASV.

Here David expresses complete faith in Jehovah his God. As Jehovah has placed all of His word, His promises, upon His Holy Name, David spoke of his confidence that Jehovah will lead and guide him for His name's sake. We today -- who belong to Christ -- can be assured that Jehovah, who knows the beginning from the end, is well aware that the final outcome will greatly outweigh any of the trials and sufferings in this present evil age. Thus, Jehovah still is a rock and fortress through Jesus, for Jesus himself stands in the strength of his God, Jehovah. (Micah 5:4) All who are of faith toward God are as in a world that is constant storm of corruption, and in need of a rock to cling to amidst the turmoil around us. Jesus provided a perfect example as he constantly looked to his God for guidance. We also have examples such in those listed in Hebrew 11, all of whom, in effect, made Jehovah their rock and their fortress. We can receive God's guidance by study and application of the Bible in our lives.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 21 * BSM Aids * Video 

Journeying Toward Canaan

God is My Rock

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. 

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

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Evil Speaking and Evil Surmising

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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.

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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

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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)

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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.  

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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.

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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):

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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.

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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.