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.

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

Proverbs 4:32 -- Keep Your Heart

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

Our physical heart provides the sources of the blood that is pumped throughout our body, sustaining life in our body. The figurative heart pertains to our thoughts, desires, and affections. In proportion as our heart is primarily set on love for our Heavenly Father, our heart will produce righteous thoughts, desires, and affections. Although our body of sinful flesh may offer hindrance, the heart stayed on Jehovah will produce activities that are in harmony with the love of and service of Jehovah. If we do not seek to diligently keep our hearts in harmony with our God through Jesus, some evil ambition will undoubtedly creep in. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

More Comments:

The Hebrew word rendered "keep" is a verb that carries the meaning of "watch, guard, keep". The Hebrew word rendered as "diligence" is a noun that carries several meanings. It can refer to prison or a place of confinement. It can also mean to guard, to watch. These two words together appear to be referring to the thought that we need to protect our heart above all else we might need to guard or give our attention to. Our heart, of course, is referring to our inner thoughts, desires, motives, and ambitions. To the extent that we control our heart, such will be reflected in our actions. 

Jesus stated, "The things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies." (Matthew 15:18,19, World English)  He also stated: "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45, World English) Our text harmonizes well with what Jesus said, showing how our heart influences who we are.

From the heart are the issues of life. The Hebrew word rendered as "issues" in the translation above also has a variety of meanings. Brown-Driver-Briggs gives it the following meanings: "outgoing, extremity, source(?), escape". Some translations render this word as "source" in Proverbs 4:32, but this definition may be questionable. Evidently, the only place in the Bible where some give it this meaning is in this verse. Nevertheless, as the physical heart pumps blood throughout our body, providing life, so our inner being, what we think, etc., can lead us on a path of righteousness, resulting in life, or on a path of what is bad, leading to death. Thus, it is indeed essential for us to guard our hearts, that we dwell on what is good in God's eyes, rather than on the foolish and bad thoughts that can lead one away from life.  -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

See also: Daily Heavenly Manna for January 27

Related Scriptures:

Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 5:29; Deuteronomy 6:5,6; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 2 Chronicles 12:14; Psalm 22:26; Psalm 31:10; Psalm 57:7; Psalm 139:23,24; Proverbs 14:30; Proverbs 16:1; Isaiah 26:3; Jeremiah 17:9,10; Matthew 5:8; Matthew 9:4; Matthew 12:35; Matthew 15:18,19; Mark 7:21-23; Mark 14:38; Romans 2:5; Romans 10:8; Hebrews 3:8; Hebrews 4:12; Hebrews 12:15; James 1:14,15.

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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 - Whatever Things Are True, Venerable.

{Philippians 4:8} Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are venerable, ... think about these things. -- RLIV.

Philippians 4:6 - In Nothing Be Anxious

{Philippians 4:6} In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. - RLIV.

THE question may arise, Why will not God give us the things which He sees us to need without our making petition to Him and claiming His promises? Undoubtedly because we need previously to come into the proper attitude of heart to receive His favors and to be advantaged by them. Even as it is, we may be sure that we do not sufficiently appreciate the divine care bestowed upon us hitherto and now. Even in the attitude of prayer and thanksgiving we probably do not discern one-half of our causes for gratitude, as we shall see them by and by, when we shall know even as we are known. -- Charles Taze Russell, Excerpt from "Rejoice in the Lord Alway", The Watch Tower, January 1, 1903, page 5 (quote is from page 8, Reprints page 3128).

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If our hearts are overly-anxious about life's affairs we are surely being robbed of rest and peace, which, in turn, would indicate a lack of faith. In everything, in affairs in the home, in business cares, in guidance of wayward children, in poverty, in all trials, cares, temptations, wants, woes, disappointments, calamities, failures, etc., we should always cast our burden on Jehovah through prayer, and we are assured that He will sustain us. (Psalm 55:22) At the same time, we should constantly be thankful for whatever His providences may allow. The thankful heart of the child of God recognizes that He who favored us and redeemed us through His Son will even more so favor us and do for us now that we are His. 

We doubt that any of God's people will claim that their lives are 100% without anxiety. Nevertheless, when we get any kind of anxious feeling, we should immediately take the matter to the Heavenly Father in prayer, and leave it with him. Doing so will alleviate the anxiety that might otherwise cripple our faith and servitude of our Father through Jesus. Additionally, we should always keep in mind what Paul stated: "Rejoice in Jehovah always! Again I will say, Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, RLIV) While it may be difficult to have rejoicing in our hearts while undergoing unpleasant circumstances, such rejoicing will help alleviate anxiety and make all distressing experiences more bearable.

Sadly, many in the world make requests to stars, cakes, Santa Claus, and many other things. Paul tells us that we should make our requests, our petitions, known to God, our Heavenly Father. In whatever we ask of the Father, however, it should not be for the satisfaction of the desires of our sinful flesh. James tells us, "You ask, and don't receive, because you ask amiss, so that you may spend it for your pleasures." (James 4:3, World English) Prayers for fleshly desires may actually increase anxiety rather than alleviate anxiety. Our prayers should always be in harmony with what Jesus said to his Father: "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."  (Luke 22:42, World English) Again, this should be from the heart, not just an outward expression, otherwise, our hearts may become subject to anxiety. 

Paul also mentions thanksgiving. Heartfelt thanksgiving shows appreciation for the Heavenly Father's provisions, not just for any fleshy sustenance, but more importantly, for all help along spiritual lines. Such thankfulness, however, should be not simply a matter of words recited by the mouth, but it should come from the inner being of the child of God. 

-- Ronald R. Day, Sr. (ResLight)

Related:

BSM Aids * Video

Cast Your Care Upon Him

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* Philippians 4:5 - Let Your Gentleness Be Known

Romans 8:3,4 -- Sin in the Flesh Condemned

{Romans 8:3} For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh; 

{Romans 8:4} that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. -- RLIV.

Jesus, while in the days of his flesh (Hebrews 5:7), through his absolute obedience to God, thereby condemned sin the flesh. None of Adam's offspring could do this, for they were all of sinful flesh, having been made so through the sin of Adam. (Romans 5:12-19) Jesus' flesh, however, was prepared by God separate from the condemnation in Adam. (Hebrews 10:5) Thus, Jesus is the only human being that was born into this corrupted world without sin, and he was the only human being that could offset the condemnation of mankind through Adam, if he -- unlike Adam -- remained without sin. Jesus did remain without sin, and thus could offer up his sinless humanity on behalf of Adam and all who are dying in Adam. (1 Corinthians 15:21,26; 1 Timothy 2:5,6; 1 Peter 2:22-24; 3:18) Jesus, by his obedience, proved that a sinless human being could obey God's law, and thus, by means Jesus' sacrifice of his humanity, God remained just while providing a means of justification to the sinner through Jesus. -- Romans 3:26.

Further comments:

As Adam was sinless before he sinned and brought sin into the world of mankind (Romans 5:12), the God and Father of Jesus (Micah 5:4; Ephesians 1:3) especially prepared a sinless body for Jesus (Hebrews 10:5) so that Jesus, while in the days of his flesh (Hebrews 5:7), did not inherit the sin of Adam and its condemnation. (Romans 5:12-19) Unlike Adam, however, Jesus, while in the days of his flesh, never fell short of the glory of his God (Romans 3:23), and thus could offer his body of flesh with its blood to his God for our sins. 

It is only because Jesus was indeed a human being, having the full crown of glory a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:9), sinless -- never having fallen short of the glory of God  (Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5) -- that Jesus' obedience condemned sin in the flesh (Romans 8:30, and by his sacrifice of his humanity, made the way for God to remain just, while yet justifying the sinner. -- Romans 3:26.

Nevertheless, we believe that Jesus, before he became flesh, had a mighty glory when he was with his God from a time even before the world of mankind was made. (John 1:1-3; 17:1,3,5) When he became, or was made flesh (John 1:14), Jesus received from his God (Micah 5:2) a body of flesh (Hebrews 10:5), with a glory of a sinless man, a little lower than the angels. (Hebrews 2:9) Jesus sacrificed that body of flesh with its blood as an offering to God for our sins. -- Hebrews 9:11,12,23,24,25; 10:1,10.

Jesus condemned sin the flesh, and his offering for sin provided for justification, something that the Law could not do because of weakness of the flesh, which all of Adam's descendants have inherited through Adam. 

Paul many times made it clear that one cannot be justified by keeping the Law Covenant, and he made it clear that the only way one can be justified in this age is through faith in Jesus. At the same, we need to remember that the Law Covenant is based on God's eternal righteous standards, thus the Law presents the righteous principles of God's law of love. Thus, Paul wrote, that Jesus condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk after the law covenant given to flesh, but rather after the spirit, the law of love. Thus, the goal of a regenerated child of God is to cultivate the fruit of the spirit. -- Galatians 5:22,23. 

-- Ronald R. Day, Senior.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 24 * BSM Aids * Video

What Law Was Weak?

How God's Son Condemned Sin in the Sinful Flesh

Sinful Flesh

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James 1:26 -- Bridle the Tongue

James 1:26 - If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. -- New American Standard Version.

The word "religious" is translated from a word that carries various shades of meaning. Abbot-Smith gives it the meaning of "careful of the outward forms of divine service." It is common to confuse the service of God with outward ritual or sectarian religious devotion, which, in effect, may be a devotion to ceremony and/or to certain leaders, placing such leaders as being the same as, or having some kind of exclusion in representing God and Christ.

However, James applies this in the context of the use of the tongue, regarding the words that come forth from our mouth. One may profess to honor God with the lips, but words spoken in common usage reveal what is in the heart. -- Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6; Luke 6:45. 

A bridle is used to guide a horse or other animal. James used this as a figure of how we should guide, or control our tongue, that is, the words we speak. James expresses in the context that if one has full control of his tongue so as to not trespass with his words, that one is a perfect man. At the same time, he points out that this is not the case, for we all use our tongue in some way that falls short of the glory of God, due to the fallen flesh. (Romans 3:23; 5:12-19) Although it should not be, we all at times misuse our tongue for gossip, slander, cursing, and/or swearing, often without realizing we have done so. James tells us, however, that we should, to a great extent, gain control over the words we speak, even if that control is not fully perfected in our fallen flesh. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

More comments:

Most of us commit some sin every day; if not every day, at least many times every week, possibly without even being aware that we have fallen short, especially when it come to how we use our tongue. I have not met anyone who does not in some way fall short in using their tongue. Indeed, if one has full control of his tongue that person is perfect. (James 3:2) But none of us will ever reach such perfection while we still have our sinful flesh. -- Romans 8:3. 

Whether in anger or by habit, all of God's people at times swear and may even curse, and many times gossip. (Matthew 5:33-37; James 3:3-8; 5:12) All who belong to Christ are in constant need every day to have heart repentance for such sins, while striving against all sin (Hebrews 12:4-17; James 1:26; 1 Peter 3:10), and come before the throne of grace. -- Hebrews 4:16. 

As long as our sin is due to the weakness of the flesh (Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; Romans 7:18-25;8:3), it is not such a sin that brings the condemnation of the second death. (Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:16,17) Only after the new creature has an accurate knowledge of the truth, and then willfully sins (not a sin due to the weakness of the flesh), there is no more a sacrifice to be offered for such. -- Hebrews 10:26-29. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Related:

Daily Heavenly Manna for February 20 * BSM Aids * Video

Unto the Pure All Things Are Pure

Truthful Words -- Polite Speech

Faith in Control of the Tongue

Control of the Tongue a Necessity

Common Swear and Curse Words

Swearing and Cursing

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* Proverbs 3:3 - Don't Let Kindness and Truth Forsake You

Do not let kindness and truth forsake you; fasten them around your neck. Inscribe them on the tablet of your heart. -- Proverbs 3:3, RLIV