Word for the Day Ministries, Inc.
Quote for the Day
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Today's Devotion
Reading the Holy Scripture
Scripture
“For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)
Commentary from Imitations of Christ
TRUTH, not eloquence, is to be sought in reading the Holy Scriptures; and every part must be read in the spirit in which it was written. For in the Scriptures we ought to seek profit rather than polished diction.
Likewise we ought to read simple and devout books as willingly as learned and profound ones. We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person, but by the love of simple truth. We ought not to ask who is speaking, but mark what is said. Men pass away, but the truth of the Lord remains forever. God speaks to us in many ways without regard for persons.
Our curiosity often impedes our reading of the Scriptures, when we wish to understand and mull over what we ought simply to read and pass by.
If you would profit from it, therefore, read with humility, simplicity, and faith, and never seek a reputation for being learned. Seek willingly and listen attentively to the words of the saints; do not be displeased with the sayings of the ancients, for they were not made without purpose—author unknown.
Thoughts from Word for the Day
“Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say [rightly] that I am a king. For this cause I was born and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’ Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’ And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, ‘I find no fault in Him at all.’” (John 18:37-38 NKJV)
Jesus said everyone who is of the truth hears His voice. Many are like Pilate, who asked himself. “What is truth?” We should ask ourselves the same question but with a different motive. Pilate excused the truth by denying its legitimacy. We should be seeking to obey the truth because of its authority. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6b NKJV).
Prayer
Father, teach us your truth. Help us to glean wisdom from your word. You were not impressed or swayed by the powerful. You lived your life in perfection because you knew the truth and were impeccable. Lord we are but dust. Help our weak nature as we give ourselves to the study and application of the truth. Open our eyes Lord that we might glorify you today and every day, amen.
Spurgeon's Devotion
June 28-Morning {Daily Reading: #Ps 18:1-22:31} {Quick Study: #Ps 25:1-30:12}
Looking unto Jesus. {#Heb 12:2}
It is ever the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan’s work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, ‘Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of his children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus.’ All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: he tells us that we are nothing, but that ‘Christ is all in all.’ Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument—it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith. We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by ‘looking unto Jesus.’ Keep thine eye simply on him; let his death, his sufferings, his merits, his glories, his intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to him; when thou liest down at night look to him. Oh! let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after him, and he will never fail thee.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness:
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Reading
Something from Heaven an Article about Revival
A
Blow at Self-Righteousness by C. H. Spurgeon
The Rich Young Ruler
by Kevin Caldwell
Preaching that Hinders Revival by Richard Owen Roberts
What You Should Know About Salvation
Salvation is a term used to refer to the change of state. Prior to
salvation men are lost and dead in trespasses and sin. After salvation men
are made alive in Christ . . . .(read
more)
Spiritual Warfare
Warfare Is a Common Theme in Scripture. Many people are told that the
Christian life is all grand and glorious and well it is, but those glorious
moments do not come without many trials and difficulties along the way. . . . (read more)