follow devotions on FB and/or Twitter

Try my Facebook/Twitter account: facebook.com/troy.self or twitter.com search 'troyself'; devotional posts being made there regularly!

Friday, August 31, 2007

UNTO JUSTIFICATION

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875] ...with application and prayer responses by me...

The free gift is of many offences unto justification. Rom. 5:16
AH! The sufficiency of JUSTIFICATION...those who do not merit it receive it...those who believe they merit it on their own goodness never receive it

Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isa. 1:18

formula: Rs [sin] = scarlet, red like crimson; Rb [agent of justification (blood of Christ, red/crimson)] = W [white as snow, as wool]
Rs + Rb = W white as snow! Glory alleluia!

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. Isa. 43:25, 26

Blotteth out transgressions, for his own sake; his own will, his own glory; it is a glory to him to blot out, to not remember; plead together, reason, plea agreement as in court setting; terms: I admit guilt and responsibility, he, the Righteous Judge, acquits; result of the plea deal: JUSTIFIED! EXONERATED! ACQUITTED! GLORY!

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. Isa. 44:22

transgressions: 1. (transitive) To act in violation of some law. 2. (intransitive) (followed by "against") To commit an offense; to sin.

sins: 1 a: an offense against religious or moral law b: an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible sin to waste food> c: an often serious shortcoming 2 a: transgression of the law of God b: a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God
redeemed: 1. (transitive) To recover ownership of something by paying a sum. 2. (transitive) To set free, rescue or ransom. 3. (transitive) To save from a state of sin (and from its consequences). 4. (transitive) To restore the reputation or honour of oneself or something.

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

God! loved the world! Gave! his ONLY BEGOTTEN Son! O what mercy!

Not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Rom. 5:15

Ah! Grace! the gift of God by one man, Jesus Christ, hath ABOUNDED unto many!

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. I Cor. 6:11

Washed! Sanctified! Justified! Oh, the glory and blessedness! Justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

What Wondrous Love Is This?

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

I am gracious. Exo. 22:27

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

The king held out ... the golden sceptre. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Esth. 5:2

Esther was the recipient of the king's mercy and grace at that moment...had he NOT held out the sceptre, it would have spelled her doom and distress...likewise, the LORD God is gracious and merciful unto them that come to Him! Alleluia!

It shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious. Exo. 22:27

How little do we 'cry out' to God...for what do our brethren cry out? for mercy from their distresses, for relief from their suffering, for answer to confounding matters in their lives...

We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. I John 4:16-19

Boldness...characteristic of trusting God's grace and mercy...no fear...love...ultimately, I am confident and bold because I am assured of His UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND MERCY TO ME THROUGH CHRIST JESUS MY LORD

Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Heb. 10:22

Draw near...what invitation...true heart...what a provokation...in full assurance...what a dedication...having hearts/conscience/bodies sprinkled and washed...what a qualification!

For through him we ... have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Eph. 2:18

Through him...and that, not of ourselves...one Spirit unto the Father...not many spirits...we come to complete unity with the will of God the Father through the access of Christ and the Holy Spirit

We have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Eph. 3:12

boldness...confidence = evidence of a love relationship

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:16

Come...come...come! to the throne of grace...obtain mercy...find grace...in time of need


Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Happy is he!

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is He. Prov. 16:20

[Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Rom. 4:20, 21

I pray I do not 'stagger' at the promises of God to me and my posterity...God, cultivate a life-message of faith and obedience for Thine own glory to my heritage

The children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers. II Chron. 13:18

Lord, may the children of Troy prevail in their daily life because they rely upon the LORD God of their father!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Psa. 46:1, 2

Refuge: Something or someone turned to for safety or assistance; a recourse or resort

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. Psa. 118:8, 9

Lord, may it be obvious that I trust in You more than man or 'princes'...

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fail, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psa. 37:23, 24

...steps are ordered by the LORD...he shall not be utterly cast down...thank the LORD for his upholding hand to us

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. Psa. 34:8, 9

taste and see = as a potential 'customer', try Him and see! He is GOOD! Blessed [happy/content] is the man/customer that trusts in this LORD! and fear him, ye his saints!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The accuser of our brethren

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

The accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Rev. 12:10

His character: accuser, his activity: accuses them [faithful believers], his future: he will be cast down!

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. Rev. 12:11

His forecast: overcome by saints who claim the blood of the Lamb and utilize the word of their testimony...are we walking around 'ignorant' of the wiles of the devil? do we scorn the blood of the Lamb as a simplistic Charismatic formula?

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Rom. 8:33, 34

the accuser cannot 'lay anything to the charge of God's elect'! the accuser cannot 'condemn'; we have a most Excellent Intercessor, Jesus Christ

Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly. Col. 2:15

O what a moment! when he made a shew of them openly! to see the look of shock and disappointment on the Accuser and his minions!

That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Heb. 2:14, 15

we are around unsaved people, many of whom are constantly afraid of death...not because they fear God or the Devil, but because their atheism dictates that death = annihilation, cease of existence

In all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us. Rom. 8:37

Ah! through him that LOVED US!

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph. 6:11, 17

O Lord God! May I intentionally put on that armor today

Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Cor. 15:57

Victory...not speculative, but confident and certain, through our Lord Jesus Christ...is He Lord today? is He Savior? is He Special, the Anointed One, Chosen by God, but, is He chosen by me today? do I 'choose' Christ moment by moment?

Thursday, August 16, 2007

The house that is to be builded for the Lord

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

The house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical. I Chron. 22:5

magnifical: Grand in appearance; splendid; pompous. Exhibiting grandeur.

Ye ... as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house. I Pet. 2:5

O that we would be stones for the master's use! Lord, build Thy house and let nothing stand in Thy way

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. I Cor. 3:16, 17

Lord, may we recognize that we are 'not our own for ye are bought with a price'...

Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. I Cor. 6:19, 20

This magnificent house for God is the individual, physical body of the believer, and the corporate collection of the saints when they are ever in the company of one another

What agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. II Cor. 6:16

Idolatry should be so foreign to the believer...and we, corporately, are the temple of the living God, the body of Christ

Ye ... are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph. 2:19-22

What an awesome foundation on which we are built! Apostles, prophets and Jesus Christ himself! fitly framed...a holy temple and habitation of God! Magnifical!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Lord, perfect that in thy servant which is lacking!

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

The God of peace make you perfect in every good work to do his will. Heb. 13:20, 21

Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. II Cor. 13:11

By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph. 2:8, 9

This grace is not of ourselves. "O to grace how great a debtor, daily I'm constrained to be. Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wand'ring heart to thee! Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, O, take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above!"

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Phil. 2:12, 13

Lord, it is good to know, and assuring, that You are at work and accomplishing your will in my life.

Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom. 12:2

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Phil. 1:11

Lord, may we concentrate on the fruits of righteousness, not our own, but thine: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance--those righteous evidences brought out by thy Holy Spirit

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. II Cor. 3:5

Lord, enable me to be sufficient for thy use and glory!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh. 8:10

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh. 8:10

what is the servant's strength? what is one's 'strength' in the business world? is it not JOY? optimism when all around is crumbling? Is it not the Christian's strength of character which merely shadows the character of his Lord? that Lord Who, for the JOY that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God!

Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. Isa. 49:13

“Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work.”- Psalm 92:4

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Isa. 12:2

Trust is antithetical to fear...salvation is viewed by others by observing the strength in our inner man and the character and quality of our song

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psa. 28:7

There it is again...trust the antithesis of fear...and notice the progressions: 'my heart trusted'--> 'I am helped'-->'my heart greatly rejoiced'-->'and with my song'-->'I will praise him'

My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isa. 61:10

My mind, will and emotions shall be joyful in MY God...a choice of my will...to exult in the God I possess as my own...

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. Rom. 15:17

Glory through Jesus Christ...those things which pertain to God...what are 'those things'?

From Dr. Gill: the things of God; in things relating to the Gospel of God, to the pure preaching of it, to the furtherance and spread of it, and the recommending of it to others; to the worship and ordinances of God, and a spiritual attendance on them; to the grace of God, and the magnifying of that in the business of salvation; and to the glory of God, which ought to be the chief end of all actions, natural, moral, and religious, and whether private or public. The apostle has chiefly reference to his ministerial function, and the things of God relating to that, in which he was employed

We ... joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Rom. 5:11

Joy--through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement

what is atonement? agreement; concord; reconciliation, after enmity or controversy

Being our Advocate to an angry God, Jesus Christ accomplished our atonement, making us glad!

I will joy in the God of my salvation. Hab. 3:18

An act of will, volition; ah, salvation! How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?

Monday, August 13, 2007

He hath prepared for them a city. Heb. 11:16

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...


If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3

'Where I am...there ye may be also' ye: second person plural--we, His followers may ever more be with Him...ah, what bliss and comfort!

An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. I Pet. 1:4

an inheritance: reserved! it cannot be taken away, it fadeth not away and it is incorruptible, undefiled...will that not be Christ Himself?

Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Heb. 13:14

'Seeker-sensitive movement': We have been catering, in the modern church, to the wrong seekers!

This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:11

Today, 8/13/07, it was reported on the public radio station that a 'priest' in the Utah community of miners asked all to make God the focal point of their lives 'until He comes back'...when 'priests' begin to grow aware of His coming, shall we remove our gaze from the heaven and fix it on the temporal?

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:7, 8

Be patient...be patient...be patient! wait...wait...wait...

Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Heb. 10:37

...just a little while...a little while...

We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. I Thess. 4:17, 18

Comfort one another with these words [v.18]: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness. Micah 7:9

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

The Lord will not cast off for ever: but though he cause griefs yet will he have compassion. Lam. 3:31, 32

Ah! the wonderful mercies of God...he will have compassion on those who grieve...he will not cast off for ever those who have been set away from Him

Fear thou not.... saith the LORD: for I am with thee; ... I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure. Jer. 46:28

Lord God! correct me according to Thy righteous judgments...deliver me from the wrath of man, from the anger of the king that oppresseth justice; that discourageth thy servants with unjust weights; that perverteth judgment with favors...Oh God! Shew Thyself strong!

For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. Isa. 54:7, 8, 10, 11

...may I be rich in mercy to those that would repent...and be full with a reservoir of kindness for all my enemies

I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness. Micah 7:9

Lord, forgive thy servant his manifold transgressions, haughty spirit and stubborn pride...may I be debtor to all them that seek to know Thee and Thy kingdom

Saturday, August 11, 2007

through the gospel...

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

That through death He might destroy him that had the power of death. Heb. 2:14

Our Saviour Jesus Christ ... hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. II Tim. 1:10

Lord, help us get over our senseless selfishness and give the gospel, convinced it is life and immortality to those who need it!

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD shall wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. Isa. 25:8

no death...no tears...no rebuke...cf. to Rev 21

When this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Cor. 15:54-57

Death is SWALLOWED UP! ha! Glory to God! the 'sting of death' is sin...which of is will not feel a sting?

God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Tim. 1:7

Samuel Baxter in his day saw much death, and many lived each day as though life were short; may I live it with God's power/confidence; love of God and living for Him; and with sound/clear thinking of mind

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psa. 23:4

I shall not fear death nor it's shadow! for THOU ART WITH ME! WITH ME! WITH ME! thy rod and thy staff, indicators of a shepherd's presence, they do comfort me...

Friday, August 10, 2007

Keep them from the evil. John 17:15

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. John 17:15

Yea, Lord! Keep thy servant from the evil

Blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Phil. 2:15

Shall we not enter into blame? but for an advocate, Jesus Christ the Righteous!

Ye are the salt of the earth.... the light of the world. Matt. 5:13, 14

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:16

The light is from the Light-giver...John 1

I also withheld thee from sinning against me. Gen. 20:6

Oh! that thou wouldest perform that for thy servant every moment

The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. II Thess. 3:3

stablish me...keep me from evil...guard me, O my God

So did not I, because of the fear of God. Neh. 5:15

Do I not fear thee as I ought?

Hymn: O my God, I fear Thee!
Holy, just, and true;
But, my heavenly Father,
I will love Thee, too;
Guide me till this life be past,
Take me to Thyself at last.

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father. Gal. 1:4

oh, that thy will would be manifoldly acknowledged by all this world...that it would be fulfilled, and fulfilled openly

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever Amen. Jude 21, 25

Oh keep thy servant from falling...may I rest in Thee, my Advocate with the Father, Who maketh ashamed the accuser of the brethren...may I be slow to accuse but the serpent and deceiver

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Excelling all mortal loves

Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee. Song 4:7

from 'Fairest Lord Jesus':

Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

A most beautiful arrangement of this beloved hymn may be heard here: 18Fairest Lord Jesus

The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Isa. 1:5, 6

We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Isa. 64:6

I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing. Rom. 7:18

Ye are washed.... ye are sanctified.... ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. I Cor. 6:11

The King's daughter is all glorious within. Psa. 45:13

Perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD. Ezek. 16:14

Let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us. Psa. 90:17

These are they which ... have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev. 7:14

A glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but ... holy and without blemish. Eph. 5:27

Ye are complete in him. Col. 2:10

I am worthy and made acceptable to the Groom by the Groom's perfecting! All glory, laud and honor to the Lamb, Who is worthy!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

We shine...grow...more and more...

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Prov. 4:18

More and more...reminds me of the hymn,

I'll Wish I Had Given Him More
Words and Music by Grace Reese Adkins
© 1948, renewal 1976 by Lillenas Publishing Co.,
Administed by The Copyright Company

All rights reserved

          By and by when I look on His face,
          Beautiful face, thorn shadowed face;
          By and by when I look on His face,
          I'll wish I had given Him more.
          More, so much more,
          More of my life than I e'er gave before
          By and by when I look on His face,
          I'll wish I had given Him more.

          By and by when He holds out His hands,
          Welcoming hands, nail riven hands;
          By and by when He holds out His hands,
          I'll wish I had given Him more.
          More, so much more,
          More of my love than I e'er gave before,
          By and by when He holds out His hands,
          I'll wish I had given Him more.

          In the light of that heavenly place,
          Light from His face, beautiful face;
          In the light of that heavenly place,
          I'll wish I had given Him more.
          More, so much more,
          Treasures unbounded for Him I adore,
          By and by when I look on His face,
          I'll wish I had given Him more.


Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:12

I weary of Christians who purport as though they have arrived at all maturity, that they have 'already attained'...

Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD. Hos. 6:3

...follow on...continuous action...we must not falter in the following, for then that would then be wallowing!

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Matt. 13:43

Ah, shine like the sun! in the kingdom, safety and dominion of our Father!

We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. II Cor. 3:18

Lord, cause me to come to a new level of Thy glory!

When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. I Cor. 13:10

'that which is perfect'...the completed revelation of Scripture, not likely the 2nd coming of Christ

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. I Cor. 13:12

Face to Face

Words: Car­rie E. Breck, 1898.

Music: Grant C. Tull­ar

Face to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to face—what will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ Who died for me?

Refrain

Face to face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!

Only faintly now I see Him,
With the darkened veil between,
But a blessèd day is coming,
When His glory shall be seen.

Refrain

What rejoicing in His presence,
When are banished grief and pain;
When the crooked ways are straightened,
And the dark things shall be plain.

Refrain

Face to face—oh, blissful moment!
Face to face—to see and know;
Face to face with my Redeemer,
Jesus Christ Who loves me so.

Refrain

Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. I John 3:2, 3

Ah! Someday...someday...we shall be like Him! O to be like Thee!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

The Comforter is come

The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name. John 14:26

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

My thoughts turn toward the song 'The Comforter is Come',

Words: Frank Bot­tome, 1890, in Precious Times of Refreshing and Revival.

Music: Will­iam J. Kirk­pat­rick

O spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found,
Wherever human hearts and human woes abound;
Let ev’ry Christian tongue proclaim the joyful sound:
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come!
The Holy Ghost from Heav’n, the Father’s promise giv’n;
O spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found—
The Comforter has come!

The long, long night is past, the morning breaks at last,
And hushed the dreadful wail and fury of the blast,
As o’er the golden hills the day advances fast!
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

Lo, the great King of kings, with healing in His wings,
To ev’ry captive soul a full deliverance brings;
And through the vacant cells the song of triumph rings;
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

O boundless love divine! How shall this tongue of mine
To wond’ring mortals tell the matchless grace divine—
That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. John 4:10

Thought: He comforts us with Living Water

If ye ... being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13

He comforts us with constant companionship...the companionship of the Holy Spirit

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23, 24

He comforts us with constant access, by prayer

Prayer is 'asking and receiving'...

Ye have not, because ye ask not. James 4:2

Ask! Ask! Ask! He is not a Father too busy

When ... 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 shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:13, 14

He comforts us by fidelity [guide you into all truth], future[shew you things to come], fruition [He shall glorify me] and friendship [...and shall shew it unto you]

They rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Isa. 63:10

He will fight against those that rebel against him and posture themselves as their adversary!

Monday, August 6, 2007

Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth. Prov. 3:12

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. Deut. 32:39

None can deliver from the hand of God!!!

I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jer. 29:11

His thoughts are good and peaceful toward those His obedient children...

My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isa. 55:8

When we would expect His chastening rod, we oft experience His blessing

I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. Hos. 2:14

Notice, He speaks 'comfortably' to her...words of comfort...peace...

As a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. Deut. 8:5

Chastening is certain...

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Heb. 12:11

The chastening LOVE of Almighty God is grievous, makes us full of grief and remorse, but brings forth fruit in our lives...

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. I Pet. 5:6

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, not the fear of man, which brings to us a snare...

I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Psa. 119:75

Thank God for thine afflictions, whether they be many or few

For so doth He bring fruit in us that we should walk anew

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Walk in newness of life. Rom. 6:4

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

To walk in newness of life is to be like Christ!

Consider this old hymn, "O to Be Like Thee"

Words: Thom­as O. Chis­holm, in Young Pe­o­ple’s Hymn­al, 1897.

Music: Will­iam J. Kirk­pat­rick

O to be like Thee! blessèd Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Refrain

O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,
Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

O to be like Thee! full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wandering sinner to find.

Refrain

O to be like Thee! lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer others to save.

Refrain

O to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming
Now to receive anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.

Refrain

O to be like Thee! while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love;
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.

Refrain

As ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. Rom. 6:19

I beseech you.... brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom. 12:1, 2

Contrary to my fundamental 'friends', Paul did 'beg' and 'plead' for people to do right! Here, in Rom. 12, he 'beseeched' them...he pleaded, he implored, he begged!

It is a lazy, dysfunctional, unattached pastor who defends his uninvolved ministry style by saying contrary to scripture!

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Cor. 5:17

In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy. Gal. 6:15, 16

NEW! NEW! NEW! We can begin anew because we are new in Christ!

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. Eph. 4:17

So much to say about 'vanity' of mind...

Ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus. Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Eph. 4:20, 21, 24

learn Christ...His meekness, His silence, His confident faith during His humiliation...

Saturday, August 4, 2007

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30

Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Heb. 12:2

Christ gets all the credit, all the glory, for the spiritual growth and maturity we now and shall possess while traversing th

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. John 17:4

We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Heb. 10:10-14

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. Col. 2:14

Glory to God in the Highest! The handwriting of ordinances was blotted out!

"My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought; my sin, not the part but the whole is nailed to the Cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, oh my soul!"--Horatio Spafford

I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. John 10:17, 18

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

To die for one's friends...oh, what love!


Friday, August 3, 2007

His mercy is on them that fear Him. Luke 1:50

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Psa. 31:19, 20

What a blessing and protection! Protection from even angry, antagonistic deacons, lay people, etc.

If ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. I Pet. 1:17

pass the time in fear/reverence/awe of the Father...but don't neglect calling on Him as well

The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him ... in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. Psa. 145:18, 19

JEHOVAH is near to them that do pray to him...in truth...He actually hears and comprehends our cry, our desperate plight, and will save them

Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, ... and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. II Kings 22:19

cultivate the tender heart...humble thyself...repent...and be heard

To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Isa. 66:2

poor and contrite spirit = humble, tender heart; you have God's attention

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psa. 34:18

broken heart, contrite spirit = nearness and deliverance of JEHOVAH

AH LORD God, that I would humble myself in Thy sight; that I would have a tender, child-like heart before Thee, that I would crave Thee to be near, be privileged as poor before the King, and esteem Thy presence as the great satisfaction of my day and life!


Thursday, August 2, 2007

Christ the Victor!

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

I have trodden the winepress alone. Isa. 63:3

How has he trodden the winepress? alone: a powerful word, meaning Of or by itself; by themselves; without any thing more or any one else; without a sharer; only; Etymology:
From all + one, Old English al one, all allone, Anglo-Saxon an one, alone

Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Exo. 15:11

His wonders are glorious! His essence glorious perfection! His salvation to us glorious pity, mercy and grace!

He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. Isa. 59:16

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree. I Pet. 2:24

Being made a curse for us. Gal. 3:13

How humbling, that we, being cursed children, should have our Saviour be a curse for our behalf!

O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. Psa. 98:1

Sing! sing of His marvellous things! Sing of His victory! 'O Victory in Jesus! My Savior forever!'

Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Col. 2:15

Sing of His spoils over principalities and powers! sing of His triumphs! See how he made an open display of his enemies, relishing in it

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Isa. 53:11

Travail of soul precedes victory...knowledge of him justifies...he [Christ] bears our iniquities [willful transgressions!]

O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength. Judg. 5:21

We are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Rom. 8:37

MORE than conquerors...we ARE...through him that LOVED us...

They overcame ... by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. Rev. 12:11

Overcame! Blood of the Lamb! WORD of their testimony!

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

The fruit of the Spirit is ... faith.

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Eph. 2:8

Without faith it is impossible to please him. Heb. 11:6

Right now, I know I'm at a place in my walk with Christ where I must step out by faith...need the courage and faith to do what I need to do

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18

Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:24

Absolutely...my heart-cry: Lord, I believe! help...help...help Thou mine unbelieving segment

Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. I John 2:5

Faith worketh by love. Gal. 5:6

Faith without works is dead. James 2:20

We walk by faith, not by sight. II Cor. 5:7

The confession of one walking by faith: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Gal. 2:20

The end of our faith: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. I Pet. 1:8, 9