2007 08 Aug

With the Holy Spirit as my guide, I entered the wonderful Temple of Christianity.

I entered the portico of Genesis, walked down through the Old Testament galleries, where pictures of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Daniel were hung on the walls.

I passed into the music room of the Psalms, where the Spirit swept the keyboard of nature until it seemed that every reed and pipe of God's great organ responded to the tuneful harp of David, the sweet singer of Israel.

I entered the chamber of Ecclesiastes, where the voice of the preacher was heard; and into the conservatory of Sharon, where the Lily of the Valley's sweet scented spices filled and perfumed my life.

I entered the business office of Proverbs, and then into the observatory room of the Prophets, where I saw the telescopes of various sizes, pointed to far-off events, but all concentrated on the Bright and Morning Star.

I entered into the audience room of the King of Kings, and caught a vision of His glory from the standpoint of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; passed into the Acts of the Apostles where the Holy Spirit was doing His work in the formation of the infant Church.

Then into the correspondence room where sat Paul, Peter, James and John penning their Epistles.

I stepped into the Throne Room of the Revelation, where towered the glittering peaks, and got a vision of the King sitting upon the throne in all His glory and I cried;

"All hail the power of Jesus' name Let angels prostrate fall, Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all."

The Word of God, the Bible, is often spoken of in scripture as a sword. Hebrews 4:12...The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and intents of the heart. In other words, we need the Bible in order to challenge the strongholds of darkness. The work "quick" here means living. There is spiritual life in God's word that flows from God's spirit. God chose to reveal Himself to us through His word. Words are born of human experience and are limited by human experience and understanding.

Sadly, there are those who are quick to find contradictions in the Bible and therefore reject the message.Why should they not find contradiction? God is infinite It is impossible to communicate with God according to our needs within the limits of human language without contradiction. This is why things like the trinity and the union between God and man in Christ are so full of contradiction.

We need to appreciate the great complexity of spiritual things. I fear that when seeking to bring the light of truth to others, we rely too much on our own words and ideas. Wha we need to do is memorize God's word. Then our words will carry the convicting power of God's spirit with them. We must realize that we cannot engage the battle for truth in our own power. Thus we need to read, study and memorize God's word. then we will be able to engage the battle as God intends. in Our text, the sword is the only tool we have to attack the enemy. Everything else is for defense primarily.

Most of us know that there are sixty-six books contained in our Bible. But how do we know that those books are from God Himself? 2Timothy 3:16 tells us All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Some may ask, "What is the Inspired Word of God or Inspiration of God?" When we say that the Word is inspired by God, it literally means "God -breathed", The Holy Spirit moved in such a way that he guided men to write the very words of God. Consider 2Peter 1:21 for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. This reassures us that the Bible is not a result of man's efforts but of God's.

It is interesting that God used some forty different men over a period of 1600 years to give us the complete Word that we have today. Each man went through different situations and circumstances. Each man also had a unique writing style. And even though each book is distinct from the others, they all fit together to tell the same story. It could only be the work of the Holy Spirit, that so many men over so many years could write a book which has not one contradiction. And as time continues to pass by, people are doing more to prove the Bible than to disprove it.

Though there are sixty-six books, there is really only one book, the Bible. And though there are forty different authors, there is truly only one, God.

Soul winning is a very important part of the Christian's responsibility. Psalm 19:7, The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Daniel under the direction of the Holy Spirit informs us that the soul winner shall have a special blessing in heaven. Daniel 12:3 and they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Paul writing to the Philippians in 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. They were his joy and crown. He had been the instrument of their salvation, used by the Holy Spirit. The soul winners crown is found in 1Thess. 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even we in the presecnce of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? Paul was looking forward to all five crowns found in the New Testament for those who do His will. The other four are: 2Timothy 4:8, the crown of righteousness; James 1:12, the crown of life; 1Peter 5:4, the crown of glory; and Revelation 2:10, the incorruptible crown. The above crowns are all service awards for faithfulness and those who receive them will cast them a Jesus feet in adoration and worship

I had the joy of leading a young mother and father to the Lord. She called me several days later and asked if I would come and witness to her daughters. Instead, I gave her the Scriptures and told her how to lead the girls to salvation. That mother did as she was instructed and led all three to the Lord. About ten years laterr, I received a letter from one of the daughters. She and her husband were living for the Lord. That mother will receive the soul winners' crown.

Many different terms are used in speaking of the Scriptures of the Bible, such as commandments, statutes, ordinances, laws, the sword of the Spirit, etc. In our devotional today we want to look at some other terms used to describe the Bible, or the Scriptures.

God's Word is like a hammer. Is not my word...like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29. "The unhumbled heart of a man is like a rock: if it will not be melted by the word of God as the fire, it will be broken to pieces by it as the hammer. Whatever opposition is given to the word, it will be borne down and broken to pieces" (Matthew Henry)

God's Word is like a fire. Is not my word like as a fire, saith the Lord Jer. 23:29. The law was a fiery law. Deut. 33:2. Of the gospel Jesus said: I have come to send fire on the earth. Luke 12:19. "Fire has different effects, according as the matter is on which it works; it hardens clay, but softens wax; it comsumes the dross,but purifies the gold. So the work of God is to some a savour of life unto life, of others of death unto death. 2 Cor 2:16." (Matthew Henry) In Jeremiah 5:14 we read: Wherefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in the mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. David wrote: My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned; then spake I with my tongue. Ps 39:3. We need to remember it is the Word of God that is quick and powerful and not our words. Hebrews 4:12. The Psalmist wrote: Thy word is a lamp unto m feet, and a light unto my path. Ps 119:105. Here the Psalmist is thinking of himself as a pilgrim passing through the world of darkness in which it would be easy for him to miss his way. On such a pilgrimmage the revealed will of God is a lamp and a light" (G. Campbell Morgan)

Thought: " A Bible that is falling apart probably belongs to somebody who isn't". --The Lifeline

You don't have to be with people very long to get some idea of some of the things that they like and the things that they don't like. The apostle Peter speaks of new believers as newborn babes who desire the sincere milk of the word, 1Peter 2:2... and as they drink milk they grow. All of us know that babies get hungry, and they need love, nourishment and their basic needs cared for by others.

In other words, just as babies desire nourishment for their bodies, God's children desire the nourishment of God's word for their souls. Sadly, there are some who profess faith in Christ that feel no desire to spend time in God's word. On the contrary, to them the word is either something they don't understand or something to be endured.

They can go day after day, week after week and month after month perfectly content to ignore the Bible and spiritual things. It is critical to realize that there has never been a normal healthy baby born into this world content without nourishmnent. If this is our spiritual experience, there is something deeply wrong at the very core of our spiritual life. It is the character of those who have come to know God to delight in God's word. Make no mistake, if we find it a burden to spend time in God's word, if we find it a burden to read devotional booklets like this one, and if we find it a burden to sit under the ministry of God's word in church, there is something terribly wrong with our spiritual life. As surely as we have come to faith we will find great delight and blessing the the Word of God.

God tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that All scripture is profitable in four areas: for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: an easy way to remember these four areas is to remember that:

God is concerned about each individual and that they live a life that is pleasing to Him. As we continue to study God's word and apply it to our hearts and lives we will also continue to grow closer to Him. The desire of our Lord is found in the following verse: 2 Timothey 3: 17 says That the man of God my be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. One of the reasons God has given us the Scriptures is so that we can be equipped for serving Him and accomplishing the works that He wants us to accomplish.

In 2 Timothy 2:15 God tells us to Study to shew thyself approved unto God , a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Here God wants us to be an approved workman. Not someone that is ashamed, but someone that is taking the word of God and presenting it in a manner that pleases Him As we study the Word of God we will notice that it is profitable or beneficial to us. As we take heed to its teaching God will be pleased with us.

I Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: Peter tells that when we become new Christians we should read and study the Word of God. However, that's just the beginning, to groom to maturity in the Christian life we need to be reading the Bible on a daily basis.

2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministerith seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown , and increase the fruits of your righteousness. It is the Pastor's responsibility to minister to our needs in the spiritual realm. "he will increase the fruits of your righteousness." (literal from the Greek).

Jude 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Jude informs us that in the midst of apostasy and the most vile wickedness that is all around us, we are to grow in the faith and not neglect the reading of the Word of God and Prayer.

The following illustration will help us understand our dilemma and how to be overcomers in the present age.

Some men were sitting around the campfire in the evening and in the course of conversation, the subject turned to spiritual things. One man said, "he could worship while fishing," and another said "he and his family could worship on Sunday while out camping in the woods." After listening to the different ways a person could worship, one of the men took a brand from the fire and laid it by itself. Soon it was only smoldering and slowly going out. He then took the dying ember and said "This dying ember represents a Christian who says he can worship away from church. Note, how the other wood is producing heat, but this one is nearly dead."

We need to be in church, we need the fellowship of the saints. Read Hebrews 10:25 and you'll get the message.

"Someone has said there are three phases of Bible study.
First is the 'cod-liver oil' stage, where you take it like medicine because it is good for you.

And the third is the 'peaches and cream' stage - really enjoyable. Which level have you reached? Your answer will reveal much about your spiritual lite. - (Daily Bread, 1979)

F. B. Meyer- admonishes: "Read the Bible not as a newspaper, but as a letter from home. If a promise lies upon the page as a blank check, cash it. If a prayer is recorded, appropriate it and launch it as a feathered arrow from the bow of your desire. If an example of holiness gleams before you, ask God to do as much for you." (Daily Bread)

The Bible itself teaches us how we can understand it. To the disciples Jesus said: These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which. were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me. Then opened He their understamling, that they might umlerstand the scriptures. Luke 24:44,45. Christ enables us to understand. Also the Holy Spirit enables us to understand the Bible. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. John 16:13. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. I Corinthians 2:9,10.
Everything should be tested and tried by the scriptures. It says of those in the synagogue of the Jews in Berea that they were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17: 11. It is said of the Thessalonian believers When ye received the word of God .... ye received it as the word of truth. I Thess. 2: 13

Thought: "It is a good thing to mark your Bible, but a better thing to let your Bible mark you'" ! (First Baptist, Silt, CO.)

Psalm 119 has much to say: about God's Word and what our response should be to it. Today we will have several verses on one side and what should be our response to God's Word on the other. You will have the opportunity look these verses up and match them with what should be our response to the Word God.

verses
v. 11
v.12
v.16
v. 4l
v. 42
v. 67
v.74
v.82
v.97
v.103
v.I05
v.133
v.148
v.158
v. 162
v. 172

a. O how I love thy law
b. A prayer to be taught his statutes
c. The Word of God is as sweet as honey
d. I have hope in thy word
e. Mine eyes fail (long)
f. I will not forget thy law
g. Claiming the mercies of God's Word
h. Grieve when men disobey
i. Thy word have I hid in my heart
j. That I might meditate in thy word
k. I rejoice at thy word
l. I trust in thy word
m. Now I have kept thy word
n. My lips utter thy praise and statutes
o. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
p. Order my steps in thy word

There is much. more that is mentioned here in Psalm 119 regarding our response to His Word. As we close for today let us ask ourselves, "What kind of response do you have to God's Word?"

Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart

The Word of God is Designed for Illumination
Optional Scripture Reading - Psalm 97:1-12

Light is a source of life. This is both a scientific and a Scriptural fact. Without light nothing could exist on the face of the earth. Likewise, without Scriptural light our souls would perish of spiritual starvation.

When the Israelites left Egypt, there was a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. That pillar of fire led them on a dry land bridge as they crossed the Red Sea. Then the pillar of cloud moved between the Israelites and the Egyptian and formed a funeral shroud of impenetrable darkness. When the last Hebrew set foot on the Eastern shore, Moses raised his rod and the sea closed on the Egyptian Army.

The Psalmist said, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 and again, The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalm 119:130

Jesus said, I am the light of the world. John 8:12. as a matter of record, John uses "light" 23 times in the first 12 chapters of his Gospel, and five more times in 1 John. Let's look at three found in 1 John. 1 John 1:5-7 This then is the message which we have heard of him (Jesus) and declare unto you, that God is light. and in him is no darkness,~ at it/I. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 Bill if. we walk in the light. as He is in the light. we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Walking in the light is following the footsteps of Jesus. We close with this illustration: "There was a blizzard in Minnesota and this lawyer-father had to walk to his office. After a half block he heard a plaintive cry and turning around saw his four year old son floundering in the deep snow. The father ran back and picking up the boy asked, 'what are you doing out here?' The little fellow answered, 'walking in your footsteps.' Are you walking in the footsteps of Jesus?

THE BOOK THAT WORKS: A famous American met a free-thinker who twitted him for putting any stock in the Bible. The authorship of some of the books, he said, was so uncertain, and so many things were the subject of debate. 'You say you reject the Bible because of the uncertain authorship?' asked the minister. 'Well who wrote the multriplication table?' '1 don't know,' replied the skeptic, 'But I believe it because it works.' 'Yes, it does,' replied the preacher. 'But do you know of any book that has done more for the world than the Bible? Show me one place where this book is not found, and I will show you a place you cannot live safely. (Inter-Mountain Baptist Bulletin, Jan. 1978)

We read in II Peter 1:21 Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 'The phrase, 'knowing this first,' refers back to the words 'whereunto ye do well that ye take heed.' That is, as Peter's readers give their attention to the Old Testament prophecies, they are to keep in mind what follows in the rest of the verse and the succeeding one.

Interpretation is epilusis, a loosening, unloosing, metaphorically, interpretation,

The verb is epiluo, to unloose, untie, to explain what is obscure and hard to understand.

The interpretation is here not that of the student of scripture, but of the inspired writer of the scriptures himself, since verse 20 speaks of the method by which these prophecies came with relation to these writers." (Wuest) "It is the prophet's grasp of the prophecy, not that of the readers, that is here presented, as the next verse shows." (Robertson) "In verse 20, the apostle explains what. he means by the expression, private interpretation. The meaning or interpretation of the prophet does not come from the writer himself but from the Holy Spirit." (Wuest)
It is important to remember that the Bible is the Word of God and not the word of man. Peter has been discussing the origin and trustworthiness of the message he and other apostles had proclaimed.

Thought:
"Stop wrestling with God's Word and start resting on it." (The Lifeline)

There are those who would add to or take away from God's word. This is foolish. It is foolish because the Bible is a perfect book. It is a perfect book because; it is a direct communication from God through his servants to each of us. God is infinite and perfect. There is no evil in God whatsoever. Our text tells us that, (Psalm 19:7) The law of the LORD is perfect, .... Fallen humanity would ever add to or take away from the truth of God's word. We are warned in Revelation 22:18,19 .... If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, …

In other words, to add to the word is to add to our troubles and to take away from the word is to miss the truth. There are those who would reject certain things in God's word that they cannot understand. When we take away from truth, we cease to have truth. It is critical that we embrace everything that Bible teaches whether our minds can accept it or not. We must have all of the truth. And yet when we add to the truth, we add error, and sin will always bring it's curse with it.

Jesus Christ is called the word in John's gospel. He was the living word as God revealed Himself to us in the form of flesh and blood. We call the Bible God's word because the living God had revealed himself to us in the form of human language and ideas.

James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

In this passage God illustrates His Word to that of a mirror. Often times one of the first things we as people do in the morning is look into a mirror. We notice what kind of damage has been done over night, and then proceed to improve our appearance. The mirror does not lie to us. It shows us exactly what it sees and what we truly look like. As we place our trust in that mirror we are able to make the corrections that are needed. There are two choices that we must make when we come to the mirror, and that is to make the corrections or not to make the corrections. The same is true of God's Word. As we look into the Bible the Holy Spirit shows us exactly what He sees. The same concept applies; the mirror reflects our true appearance and the Word reflects what we truly are. Now as we place our trust in God's word, we again have a choice to make. Will we make the corrections that need to be made, or will we simply say it's not that
bad and continue on?

Have you taken the time to look into God's Word and to see yourself as God sees you?

15th

August 15

The Word of God is Designed for Making Wise the Simple
Optional Scripture Reading -1 Corinthians 1;19-21

Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. In the first phrase of the above verse, The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: In Perfect we find the absolute perfection. The Lord cannot sin, nor does He desire to. The second phrase, The testimony of the LORD is sure, His way is impeccable, no one can find fault in Him. He alone can enlarge our faith; bring salvation or the new birth. The Lord's words never fail, what He says He will do. Looking at the last phrase, making wise the simple the word "simple' refers to a person who is easily persuaded. To believers, God gives wisdom so that they will not be easily persuaded to follow a cult of false religion. Self saving is Nimrod's religion.
The simplicity of the Gospel and the plan of salvation is a block of stumbling for all who think themselves as wise or wiser than God. The nature of man wants to save himself by good works, but that is to fail and opens the door of hell to all who refuse the Gospel.

Psalm 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler (shield) to all those that trust in him. Hebrews 13:5 says I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck (take) them out of my hand. Finally. .... for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

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16th

August16
Inspiration of the Scriptures

(Optional Scripture Reading--2Peter 1:12-21)

Inspiratation "As applied in the Bible, is the inbreathing of God into men, thus qualifying them to receive and communicate divine truth. It is God speaking through the Holy Spirit through men to men. It is the work of God through the Spirit in men, enabling them to receive and give forth divine truth without error." (General Biblical Introduction, by H.S. Miller) "The doctrine of the Inspiration of the Scriptures affirms that the Bible, composed of all the books of the Old and New Testament, is the Word of God which, written by the hands of human instruments under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is the exact expression of God, and is totally without error in the original manuscripts." (E. S. English) It is our contention that the Biblical doctrine of inspiration avers that all Scripture, every writing, is inspired of God. If this be not so then the Bible cannot be the Word of God. Being God's Word, it is without error." (English)

Verses of Scripture that bring out this truth:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works 2Timothy 3:16

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.2Peter 1:21

The Bible meets the crises of life with unquestioned success. The Bible, never to be outgrown, is never out-of -date. The most up-to-date book in any library, the Bible is forever inexhaustible in adequacy. there are no problems it cannot solve, no burdens it does not lighten, no trouble it does not lessen, no doubt assailing Christian faith it does not vanquish." (Dr. R. G. Lee)

Thought: "Bible mathematics: We do not add to the Bible, nor subtract from it, but rightly divide it." (The Lifeline)

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a·ver (?-vûr') Pronunciation Key tr.v. a·verred, a·ver·ring, a·vers

1. To affirm positively; declare.
2. Law

17th

August17
The Word, the Letter, and the Spirit

(Optional Scripture Reading--2Corinthians 6: 3-11)

We must realize that the word of God without the work of the Spirit of God on the heart is not only worthless, it is destructive. Apart from the Spirit of God apostates twist the word to their own damnation. In our text, the apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, tells the church at Corinth that God hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life. Common sense would tell us that if we are to have the form of godliness without the power, we must have the word without the Spirit.

It is important to realize that when we speak of the work of the Holy Spirit we are not talking about some kind of a mystical experience. The sole object of mystical experience is enlightenment from within. the one who seeks important direction from God never ignores the principles and teaching of the word of God. For the work of God is a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. And the spirit of God will never contradict Himself from what He has authored in the word.

Mystical enlightenment is sought through a passivity that abandons all other activity within and without. Direction from God through the Holy Spirit, on the other hand, which is to be sought through the word of God, prayer and even fasting. (Hodge Systematic Theology volume 1 page 68). The flesh profits nothing. And even the word of God when used apart from the working of the Spirit of God profits nothing. On the contrary, it is destructive to the heart and soul of the one who trusts in self rather than God.

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18th

August18
Meditating on Scripture

(Optional Scripture Reading--Joshua 1: 1-9)

After the death of Moses, God then placed Joshua in charge of the Children of Israel. As Joshua began his new role in leadership, God encouraged him verse 6 to be strong and of a good courage and He also reassured him in verse 5 that as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Later in Joshua 1:8 God says to Joshua, This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Notice, in order for Joshua to be prosperous and have good success, God gave him three criteria. The first criteria was that God's laws should not depart from his mouth He was to talk about God continually. Secondly, Joshua was to meditate day and night on God's commands. and third, Joshua was to obey all that was written in the Book of the Law. Only then would Joshua see prosperity and success.

Many of us are familiar with this passage, but could it abe that many also minimize this verse. In the second criteria Joshua was to meditate day and night. Not just in the morning and not just in the evening, but both day and night. How many of us are satisfied with meditating on God's word only once throughout the day? Could it be that there is no spiritual success because there is no meditating on God day and night? Psalm 1 tells us blessed is the man whose delight is in the laws of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalm 119: 97 O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.

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19th

August 19
The Word of God is Designed for Living Power

(Optional Scripture Reading--Ephesians 1: 18-23)

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Most theologians understnd this is the written word, the holy scriptures. Now of this word it is said,

Knowing the power of the Word of God and the indewlling of the Holy Spirit, we Christians should speak, think, and live so others will see Christ in us. Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Thought: "It's not enough to master the Scriptures--you must let them master you." (Daily Bread, 1979)

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21st

August 21
Handling the Word with Deceit

(Optional Scripture Reading-- 2 Corinthians 4: 1-8)

We need to realize that if we look into God's word with impure hearts that we will come up with something other than the truth. Many educators have talked about the need for an open mind. It is impossible to do serious study with an open mind. Both inductive and deductive analysis of information demand that we begin with ideas. The inductive method of scientific inquiry begins with an idea, a hypothesis. Then the hypothesis is tested to see if it holds up to the test of truth in a controlled environment. Therefore, when it comes to the search for truth, competent inquiry cannot be done with an open mind.

What is needed is not an open mind, but an objective mind. An objective mind is one that loves the truth above all else. One who is full of self will use bits and pieces of the truth to support his own ideas. But the one who loves the truth above all else will not hesitate to set aside his own ideas in order to take hold of the truth. Many have noted that it is possible to prove almost anything from the Bible, if we simply take isolated statements out of their context. Cult leaders, charlatans and apostates have been masters of this kind of deceit.

In 2 Peter 1:20 we read, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. Many have taken this text to mean the relativistic notion that my interpretation is just as good as yours. That is not what this text is saying. What this text says is that God said what he intended to say in the word, because it was not primarily the human authors that are speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

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22nd

August 22
Thy Word in my Heart

(Optional Scripture Reading--Psalm 119)

God warns us in Proverbs 4:23 to Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. The ultimate spiritual battle is taking place on the battlefield of the heart. That is why God tells us to be diligently guarding our hearts.

In Proverbs 23:7 God tells us For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. It is very important that we as Christians watch what we allow to influence our hearts. Satan often times works his way into our hearts through the eyes. When our eyes are focused on worldly things and not on heavenly things, we have given Satan a starting point. As our eyes see what the world has to offer, our thoughts begin to be controlled by the world, it will not be long until our hearts are consumed by the world.

God commands us in Philippians 4:8 that whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virture, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Whatever dominates your thoughts and your heart will also dominate your life. It has been said that the Word of God will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Word of God. Which one is winning on the battlefield of your heart?

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in myine hear, that I might not sin against thee.

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23rd

August 23
The Word of God is Designed for Regenerating

(Optional Scripture Reading--John 3: 1-18)

There are two very interesting passages we desire to share with you today: James 1:18 Of His own will beget he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. Another translation expresses the Greek text more complete and most commentators agree with this. James 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.

Both translations help us to understand that the Word of God was instrumental in our salvation. (By this we mean, both the Written Word and the Living Word, the Lord Jesus). We must always remember our salvation was of God and we had nothing to do with it. It's all His work performed in us, by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Living Word of God (Christ) is the means of regeneration, and the grace of God is conveyed by the Gospel. Our second verse is 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,by the work of God, which liveth and abideth forever.

Our new birth is mentioned many times, but the folowing fits well into the context of 1 Peter 1:23. John 1:13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh , nor of the will of man, but of God. Note the underscoring of words in the above verse is to point out three negatives. Then we note the following five words, "who were born of God." Five is the number of Grace, and our salvation is all of grace. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

Lastly we are to love the spiritual brethren as much or more than we love our family siblings, because our relationship with the saints is a higher relationship

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24th

August 24
The Scriptures

(Optional Scripture Reading--James 1:21-27)

Many terms are used to refer to the scriptures in the Bible itself. Such terms as THE WORD, THE WORD OF GOD, THE WORD OF CHRIST, THE WORD OF TRUTH, THE SCRIPTURES. We will take time in this devotional to look at these terms.

The Greek word is Logos and means "a word, speech, reason." (Concordance) "Expression of thought," "a saying or statement by God," "direct revelation given by Christ." (Vine) "The message from the Lord, delivered by His authority and made effective by His power." "Discourse, speech, instruction." (Vine) It is sometimes used as a "Personal Word, a Title of the Son of God" such as we find in John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1.

We are thinking if it's use in referring to the Bible or the Scriptures. Illustrations of this usage are numerous.

The term THE SCRIPTURES is also used of the Bible. Romans 1:2 and 1 Timothy 3:15,16 referring to both the Old and New Testaments.

Thought: "While some books inform--and others reform--only the Bible can transform." (The Lifeline)

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25th

August 25
The Importance of Meekness

(Optional Scripture Reading--James 1:19-25)

Why is it so critical that we read and study God's word with meekness? The one who comes with meekness is ready to learn. On the other hand the one who comes with arrogance feels no need and only comes to be affirmed.

When we come to the Bible with love for the truth, we can learn and grow spiritually. But when we come full of self, we will only find statements that support our own misguided thinking. It is possible to prove almost anything by taking statements from the Bible out of their context. In James 1:21, God's people are told to receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. What is able to save our souls? The answer is the Word of God.

The word of God is both living and life giving. As the picture of the gospel record it is like seed. And seed has life within it. In 1 Peter 1:23 we are told that we are born again , not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, ...

There has been some discussion today as to whether or not certain translations are the word of God. I don't think that there is any doubt that people have been led to faith in Christ through a number of different translations. Years ago I can remember many working successfully with Catholics and Jehovah's Witbesses through their own translations of God's word. Now that is not to say that we ought to support corrupt and sloppy translations. It is just to say that we ought not limit God and put Him in some kind of a box of our own making. Rather we need to come seeking the truth with humble hearts and minds.

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26th

August 26
Continually Talking About Scripture

(Optional Scripture Reading--Deuteronomy 6:1-9)

In Deuteronomy 6:7 God tells us And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. In this verse God tells us that we are to teach our children diligently to love Him and keep His commands. In the second half of the verse God shows us how. We are to continually talk about God all day long.

Often times people think they meet with God only three times a day--when they pray for their meals and once when they have their devotions. Or maybe they think they meet with Him once or twice a week--when they go to church. But, the truth of the matter is God is continually with us. Isaiah said that God holds our right hand. God promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. In 1Corinthians it says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. So it only makes sense that if God is continually with us we should talk about Him and His Word. In Psalm 34:1 David said I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Our children and the people around us learn what is most important to us by the things that we continually talk about. How often do we talk of God's Word, His love and His goodness. Let us be challenged today to take note of the things that we continually talk about.

Psalm 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

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27th

August 27

The Word of God is Designed for Sanctifying

(Optional Scripture Reading--Matthew 27: 50-54)

We are going to give you a montage of verses where sanctification is found. Remember "Sanctification" means to be set apart., Many times in the Old Testament this word is used, both of inanimate objects, such as the tabernacle, the temple, a city, an altar, a man set apart for a special duty, and there are many other illustrations.

In the New Testament, Jesus prays for the Disciples' sanctification. John 17:17-19 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify mself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. And in verse 19 He sanctifies himself, that they also may be set apart for the work He is leaving for them to do. That work is to go to the ends of the earth and tell the message of salvation.

In the following Paul calls the believers at Corinth "saints." We should never refer to ourselves as sinners. We are saved sinners!!! We should call ourselves saints, just as Paul did. Remember, we are now the children of God. 1Corinthians 1:2 ...to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord...

In the following verse the word holiness is used in the KJV but in the Greek it is sanctified. 1Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness (sanctification).

Lastly, note the following verse, we are sanctified through His blood, a once for all offering-- never to be repeated as the daily sacrifices were in the Old Testament. We have access to the Throne of Grace because the veil was rent from top to bottom. We have access to the Holy of Holies!

Hebrews 10:9-10 ...Lo, I come to do thy will, O God...By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

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28th

August 28

Use the Scriptures

(Optional Scripture Reading--Deuteronomy 6:1-9)

"A Guidebook Plus: A Christian traveler wqas packing his suitcase for a trip, when he remarked to a friend, 'There is still a little corner left open in which I wish to pack a guidebook, a lamp, a mirror, a telescope, a book of poems, a number of biographies, a bundle of old letters, a hymnbook, a sharp sword, a small library containing 66 volumes; and all must occupy a space of about three by two inches.' 'How are you going to manage that?' inquired his friend. The reply was, 'Very easily, for my Bible contains all these things.'" (Religious Digest) The Bible is not a book to be left on a shelf or table, but a book to be used. In our devotional today we want to look at how to use the Bible.

The Scriptures are TO BE BELIEVED. When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them: and they believed the Scripture, and the work which Jesus had said. John 2:22.

They should be THE STANDARD OF TEACHING: If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God: if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 1Peter 4:11.

The Scriptures are TO BE SEARCHED: Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. John 5:39.

They are TO BE TAUGHT TO CHILDREN: And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deut. 6:6-7. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures...2 Timothy 3:15

They are TO BE TAUGHT TO ALL: The Levites taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. 2Chronicles 17:8-9. See also 2 Tim. 2:15.

Thought: "Christianity is often judged by what others see of it in you" (The Lifeline)

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29th

August 29
The Cleansing of the Heart

(Optional Scripture Reading--John 15: 1-8)

Most of us have been involved in the process of cleaning. Maybe it was using soap and water to wash the dishes or bathe. Maybe it was using soap and water to wash clothes, but all of us have some idea of this process. But how would you cleanse the heart, mind and soul? It is important that we realize that the word of God is an important cleansing agent for the heart and soul.

In Psalm 119:11 we read where king David says, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Sin does not come from the Devil or our peer group. All sin comes from within our own souls. We read Jesus taught, Mark 7:3-23, 3...the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, 15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. 21-3 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornication, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

If sin is a matter of the heart and soul, what can we do to cleanse the soul? We can spend time reading and studying God's word. God's word will cleanse and convert the soul. It is the only thing that can cleanse the evil that is in the heart and soul. It is one thing to have our sins forgiven and this is wonderful, but it is another to cleanse our heart and soul. It is essential that we as believers spend time in God's word.

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30th

August 30
Hearing the Word of God

(Optional Scripture Reading--Matthew 7: 24-27)

The Bible has much to say about the person who will or will not hear God's Word. In Romans 10:17 we see that faith begins by hearing His Word: So then faith cometh by hearing , and hearing by the word of God.

A person really only has three optional responses to what he will do with God's Word. consider Nehemiah 8:1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. We all should have a response somewhat similar to this. We as believers ought to have an overwhelming desire to hear God's Word. The truth of the matter is that there are too many people that don't want any part of God's book. Jeremiah 7:24 illustrates what we see so often, But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. In Matthew chapter seven Jesus says he is a foolish man who hears His teaching and turns from them. Ultimately our response should not be to turn fromn God's Word nor to simply just hear, but to hear and obey. Psalm 119:2 says Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. We as Christians have a responsibility to search God's Word and obey His will. What kind of response do you have to God's Word?

Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning.

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31st

August 31
The Word of God is Designed for Quickening

(Optional Scripture Reading-Ephesians 1:1-23-)

Without the ministry of the Holy Spirit leading us to accept Christ and Salvation we would be lost in our sins and destined for an eternity in hell. Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, (made alive) who were dead in trespasses and sins; and 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive together) with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).

Paul was desirous to explain the greatness of grace and the only way he could make it plain to us was by using the following Greek word "sunezwopoivhsen",-- English spelling--please don't feel bad, I can't pronounce it either--translated "quickened us with". Colossians 2:13 And you, ...hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;. We who were dead in trespassed and sins, were made alive, even as He is alive and death has no more dominion over Him, so eternal death cannot touch us. Remember, we died with Him at the cross and we were raised with Him as He came forth from the tomb. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

This great work of quickening was not a word that Paul used only, but others also referred to it, including Peter and the Psalmist, Psalms 119:50, 93. 1Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: "The sufferings of Christ wre a true and proper punishment; this punishment was suffered to expiate and to make an atonement for; sin and it extends to all sin. aIn the case of the Lord's suffering, it was the Just that suffered for the unjust; He substituted himself in our stead, and bore our iniquities. He that knew no sin suffered instead of those that knew no righteousness. The merit and perfection of Christ's sacrifice were such that for him to suffer once was enough." (M. Henry)

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