He knoweth the way that I take: Job 23:10

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

He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

He knoweth our frame. Psa. 103:14

He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. Lam. 3:33

The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. II Tim. 2:19-21

He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Mal. 3:3

I...will refine them as silver is refined...they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. Zech. 13:9

the love of God... I John 3:16

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

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us. I John 3:16

The love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. Eph. 3:19

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

Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. II Cor. 8:9

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. I John 4:11

Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Eph. 4:32

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Col. 3:13

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

Christ...suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. I Pet. 2:21

Ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:14, 15

We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. I John 3:16

...my name...Num. 6:27

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

They shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. Num. 6:27

O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name. Isa. 26:13

We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name. Isa. 63:19

All people of the earth shall see that thou are called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. Deut. 28:10

The LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people. I Sam. 12:22

O Lord hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name. Dan. 9:19

Help us O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? Psa. 79:9, 10

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Prov. 18:10

Humble yourselves...Pet. 5:6

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

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

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. Prov. 16:5

O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people. Isa. 64:8, 9

Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Jer. 31:18, 19

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Lam. 3:27

Affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Job 5:6, 7

A God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He. Deut. 32:4

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

A God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He. Deut. 32:4

Him that judgeth righteously. I Pet. 2:23

We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. II Cor. 5:10

Every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Rom. 14:12

The soul that sinneth it shall die. Ezek. 18:4

Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd. Zech. 13:7

The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isa. 53:6

Mercy and truth are met together: righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Psa. 85:10

Mercy rejoiceth against judgment. James 2:13

The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6:23

A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Isa. 45:21

Just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Rom. 3:26

Justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Rom. 3:24

Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4

Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4

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

Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Pet. 1:6, 7

We glory in tribulations: ... knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope. Rom. 5:3, 4

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lam. 3:26

Ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Heb. 10:34-36

Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts. II Thess. 2:16, 17

It is good for me to draw near to God. Psa. 73:28

It is good for me to draw near to God. Psa. 73:28

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

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Psa. 26:8

A day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psa. 84:10

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. Psa. 64:5

The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Lam. 3:25

Therefore will the LORD wait that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. Isa. 30:18

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us; ... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience. Heb. 10:19, 20, 22

My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Psa. 104:34

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

My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Psa. 104:34

With such a subject as the One we adore, our Beloved, how can we help but be sweet and glad???

As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. Song 2:3

Ah! Sweet fellowship with our beloved!

For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? Psa. 89:6

Neither cherubim, seraphim nor angel can be compared to the LORD our Lord! Neither can any mighty man, whether rich or strong, on this earth, past nor present.

My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. Song 5:10

The fairest of ten thousand to my soul!

One pearl of great price. Matt. 13:46

He is the object of our affection, desire, worship and adoration! He, Jesus Christ, is the coveted pearl!

The prince of the kings of the earth. Rev. 1:5

So vibrant among kings of the earth, that he is 'princely'!

His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. Song 5:11

Fair skin, nicely tanned, dark bushy locks; he is wonderful to look at.

The head over all things. Eph. 1:22

Thank God He is the head over ALL things, government, education, home and the church, and not mortal men!

He is the head of the body, the church. Col. 1:18

His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers. Song 5:13

Would these not be prominent except that He smiles often?

He could not be hid. Mark 7:24

His lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. Song 5:13

Never man spake like this man. John 7:46

His countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. Song 5:15

Make thy face to shine upon thy servant. Psa. 31:16

LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Psa. 4:6

We know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Rom. 8:28

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

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

We know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Rom. 8:28

We know in our spirit that God will cause thing to work together--for good--not necessarily our good, but at least His good and perfect will

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. Psa. 76:10

even the wrath of man shall end up to the praise of Him

Ye thought evil against me: but God meant it unto good, Gen. 50:20

His perfect will accomplished through us though man is evil toward us

All things are your's; whether ... the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. I Cor. 3:21-23

In Christ, we 'own it all'!

All things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. II Cor. 4:15-17

It's all about our sakes...because ultimately what He will accomplish for our sakes will redound to his glory! For this reason, saith Paul, we do not faint in aging and affliction

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4

Count it JOY today, that patience in our life, ENDURANCE, is his goal for our Christ-like character!

The God of all grace. I Pet. 5:10

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

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

The God of all grace. I Pet. 5:10

Lord, I need thy grace that I may be gracious to all around me

I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious. Exo. 33:19

O God of all grace! may I be the blessed beneficiary of the necessary grace!

He is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. Job 33:24

Grace...grace that delivers...has pity, has mercy; thot: this grace goes unappreciated to those who do not recognize their woeful condition

Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Rom. 3:24, 25

freely by his grace...no strings attached! not a list of 'works' we must accomplish, just pure undriven grace

Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17

Ah! by this Special Person Who loved us from the foundation of the world!

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

Gifts are free...grace is free...it is a gift from God

Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. I Tim. 1:2

Obtain grace and get not one but TWO, that's right, TWO bonuses! mercy and peace!

Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Eph. 4:7

Given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ...and what measure He sustains! hence we can say, 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me'

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. I Pet. 4:10

Minister the same to another in grateful unexpected portions!

He giveth more grace. James 4:6

God: 'My grace: try to use it up! I dare you! I'll give you more!'

Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. II Pet. 3:18

grow in it...let it shape you and stretch you and use you like 'silly putty'. then you will be led to give him great glory both now and for ever

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psa. 119:18

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

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

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psa. 119:18

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. Luke 24:45

It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Matt. 13:11

I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. Matt. 11:25, 26

We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. I Cor. 2:12

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand. Psa. 139:17, 18

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? For of him, and through him, and to him are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Rom. 11:33, 34, 36

A bruised reed shall he not break. Matt. 12:20

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

A bruised reed shall he not break. Matt. 12:20

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psa. 51:17

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psa. 147:3

Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. Isa. 57:15, 16

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick. Ezek. 34:16

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Heb. 12:12, 13

Behold, your God ... will come and save you. Isa. 35:4

I, even I, am he that comforteth you. Isa. 51:12

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

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

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. II Cor. 1:3, 4

Oh wonderful love of my God! That He should comfort us in our tribulations, undeserving as we are
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French cunforter, comforter, from Late Latin confortare to strengthen greatly, from Latin com- + fortis strong
1 : to give strength and hope to: CHEER
2 : to ease the grief or trouble of: CONSOLE

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. Psa. 103:13, 14

pity: sympathetic sorrow for one suffering, distressed, or unhappy

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you. Isa. 66:13

not, 'I might', nor 'I may', but, 'will I' comfort you! We replicate those empathies toward one another...Christ wept over Jerusalem, as a mother hen would he have gathered the people to himself, but they would not

Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. I Pet. 5:7

Casting = rolling; not some of your care, but ALL of your care upon him; why? because he cares for you...he does want us to tell him and let him care for us

Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psa. 86:15

What is my God like? FULL of compassion! Gracious! Longsuffering! PLENTEOUS in mercy and truth

Another Comforter ... even the Spirit of truth. John 14:16, 17

What title does the Spirit bear? Comforter! Shall we not pass on that comfort to another?

The Spirit ... helpeth our infirmities. Rom. 8:26

Infirmities: the general weakness of the spiritual life in its present state

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Rev. 21:4

God will wipe away the tears, not as a taunting drill-sergeant, but as the God of all comfort, pity and above all, love

If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 7:37

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

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

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Psa. 84:2

Jesus answers the OT longing in Himself those days He walked this earth and even now! This longing exists today, we who have the Answer must be watching for those who are seeking Him

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Psa. 63:1, 2

Yearning, longing, thirsting...evidences of God's drawing one to Himself

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isa. 55:1

Ah! how He quenches every human thirst!

The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22:17

Not only does He quench and feed and satisfy, but He bids us come.

Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14

Never thirst! to everlasting life! Alleluia

My blood is drink indeed. John 6:55

Quenched at such cost...

Eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. Song 5:1

Abundant grace! no shortage ever! drink deep and drink often!

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

I have seen his ways, and will heal him. Isa. 57:18

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

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

I have seen his ways, and will heal him. Isa. 57:18

It is odd that the Lord would determine to heal Israel before stating there was repentance on his/Israel's part...the times of their ignorance God 'winked' at

I am the LORD that healeth thee. Exo. 15:26
O thank the LORD that he heals, that He is 'Jehovah Jireh'

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Psa. 139:1-3

LORD God Jehovah, the Eternal Omniscient One, I cannot hide iniquity nor harbor it in my heart as you know all that I am, think and do...acquainted with all my ways, yet you love me with an everlasting LOVE! Alleluia!

Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. Psa. 90:8

Secret sins...may they not mount up in my mind, heart and life

All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Heb. 4:13

That nakedness is present tense, not future tense...we stand before Him thusly right now

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: 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

We have no bargaining chip with the Omnipotent Righteous Holy One...yet He desires relationship and thus asks us to reason together with Him...'OK, I'll give you a clean start, forgive all your trespasses, provide eternal salvation, make you white as snow and wool...just repent and give me your heart for life' --SUCH A 'DEAL'!

He is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. Job 33:24

Ah! He is gracious! He delivers! He pays ransoms! at what awful cost!

He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isa. 53:5

This that awful cost!

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee, Thou noble countenance,
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee and flee before Thy glance.
How art thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How doth Thy visage languish that once was bright as morn!

Now from Thy cheeks has vanished their color once so fair;
From Thy red lips is banished the splendor that was there.
Grim death, with cruel rigor, hath robbed Thee of Thy life;
Thus Thou hast lost Thy vigor, Thy strength in this sad strife.

My burden in Thy Passion, Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression which brought this woe on Thee.
I cast me down before Thee, wrath were my rightful lot;
Have mercy, I implore Thee; Redeemer, spurn me not!

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.

Here I will stand beside Thee, from Thee I will not part;
O Savior, do not chide me! When breaks Thy loving heart,
When soul and body languish in death’s cold, cruel grasp,
Then, in Thy deepest anguish, Thee in mine arms I’ll clasp.

The joy can never be spoken, above all joys beside,
When in Thy body broken I thus with safety hide.
O Lord of Life, desiring Thy glory now to see,
Beside Thy cross expiring, I’d breathe my soul to Thee.

He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted. Isa. 61:1

What broken hearts have I now bound? My own family? My extended family? The soccer families? Am I engaged in brokenhearted ministry???

Thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. Mark 5:34

Faith! O for FAITH to love Thee more!

Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom. 12:2

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

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

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. Exo. 23:2

Others may, I cannot!

Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4

Is the world ever any real and lasting friend? No, it is fickle and offensive, and it would crucify thy dearest friend again and again and again.

What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? II Cor. 6:14-16

No business partner evangelism, no date partner evangelism, no best-friend evangelism no worship-style evangelism ever works...

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The world passeth away, and the lust thereof. but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. I John 2:15, 17

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world...there are many pretty things...if a love for this world abides in us, the love of the Father cannot. This world will pass away and the lust of it...the yearning, the coveting, the selfishness...but, he purposes to do the will of God will exist for ever! THY kingdom come, THY will be done...

In time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Eph. 2:2

We did have the love for this world in us, but that is 'time past'

Ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him.... as the truth is in Jesus. Eph. 4:20, 21

Learn Christ...hear him...He is all truth...it is in Jesus...not Buddha, not Confucius, not Mohammed

Spurgeon writes:

Then rise my soul! and soar away,
Above the thoughtless crowd;
Above the pleasures of the gay,
And splendours of the proud;

Up where eternal beauties bloom,
And pleasures all divine;
Where wealth, that never can consume,
And endless glories shine.

I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them. Jer. 32:9

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

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

I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them. Jer. 32:9

O Thou great and merciful God! That our hearts may be one, that our way may be one, that I should be enabled to fear thee and my posterity after me.

A new heart ... will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. Ezek. 36:26

Thank you for the new heart...a new spirit...place it deep within me!

Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psa. 25:8-10

The meek--1 : enduring injury with patience and without resentment : MILD
2 : deficient in spirit and courage : SUBMISSIVE
3 : not violent or strong : MODERATE

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 17:21

Why for should I be of one spirit and one heart? That I may be one with the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ...that the world may believe that thou hast sent me...

I ... beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness.... endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Eph. 4:1-6

Oneness in spirit precedes oneness in doctrine...endeavouring...walking...keeping by intentional effort the unity of the Spirit in the BOND of peace...be at peace among yourselves...

Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. Dan 5:27

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

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

The LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. I Sam 2:3

God weighs our actions

That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15

The contrary opinions of mankind that obscure the commands of God, those are things that are abomination in the sight of God

The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. I Sam 16:7

Like Miss America, Mr. Universe, World Champion thus-and-thus, etc.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Gal. 6:7, 8

O may I be sowing to the Spirit today, that I may reap life everlasting!

What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt. 16:26

Gain of world = loss of soul

What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Phil. 3:7

gain of things--lose them for Christ, for His kingdom and His glory

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts. Psa. 51:6

truth where? in the inward parts!

Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing. Psa. 17:3

Prove mine heart...try me...visit me in the night...test my faith and virtue

We are not only searched, evaluated, weighed by God, but also by man:
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. (Proverbs 18:17) The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. (Proverbs 28:11)

May God seal His word to our hearts!

Rejoicing in hope. Rom. 12:12

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

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

The hope which is laid up for you in heaven. Col. 1:5

For what reason do we now hope? Is it not for Christ Himself, who is the prized coveted possession of heaven and the universe?

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. I Cor. 15:19

Indeed, shall our spirit not glow & rejoice with the hope of such?

We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

Shall there be no tribulation? trials? afflictions? So why think it strange if ye or thy brethren be the beneficiary of adversity or hardship

Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27

Is there not a crass each shall bear by Sovereign design?

Must Jesus bear the cross alone,
And all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for everyone,
And there’s a cross for me.

How happy are the saints above,
Who once went sorrowing here!
But now they taste unmingled love,
And joy without a tear.

The consecrated cross I’ll bear
Till death shall set me free;
And then go home my crown to wear,
For there’s a crown for me.

Upon the crystal pavement down
At Jesus’ pierced feet,
Joyful I’ll cast my golden crown
And His dear Name repeat.

O precious cross! O glorious crown!
O resurrection day!
When Christ the Lord from Heav’n comes down
And bears my soul away.

No man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. I Thess. 3:3

shall we resist the appointment whereto God hath willed where we shall meet him?

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Phil. 4:4

Nevertheless Joy!

The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Rom. 15:13

What kind of God do we serve? what are some qualities of Him that Compel us to Him? Is He hot the God of Hope? a God who implants joy and peace? hope & power? all enablement by the Holy Ghost?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I Pet. 1:3

More qualities: abundant in mercy, lively in hope

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. I Pet. 1:8

O God, cause me to so transcend this present world and its evils that I may see Thee, eternal, my glory, joy and crown; implant that love into my fleshy heart that I may love Thee, see Thee, cherish Thee, as I ought; cause me to experience joy unspeakable and full of glory!

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. 5:2

Rejoice in HOPE! Hope of the glory...the glory of God

Neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. Exo. 13:7

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

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

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Prov. 8:13

Do I fear Thee enough to flee evil? Do I embrace Thee or sin with its consequences?

Abhor that which is evil. Rom. 12:9

Do I have a disgust for the evil? is it abhorrent to me?

Abstain from all appearance of evil. I Thess 5:22

Do I abstain from all appearance/impression/perception of evil? movies? music? internet?

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. Heb. 12:15

Looking diligently to the spirit of others, lest they fail of the grace of God...

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Psa. 66:18

Does iniquity abide? does it find solace/place to grow in my heart? then God will not hear my prayers

Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I Cor. 5:6-8

Purge out the leaven in your life! a little of it can spoil it...not malice or wickedness but sincerity and truthfulness. Lord, cultivate in me sincerity and truthfulness...

Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup I Cor. 11:28

Examine...then eat, then drink...

Let every one that nameth the name Christ depart from iniquity. II Tim. 2:19

Call yourself Christian...and depart the life of iniquity

Such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners. Heb. 7:26

Ah! my high priest: he is holy, he is harmless, he is undefiled and he is separate from sinners...

In him is no sin. I John 3:5

in Him...in close proximity and fellowship...withing range of his gaze and smile...no sin

The fruit of the Spirit is meekness. Gal. 5:22

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

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

The meek ... shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Isa. 29:19

Hebrew: depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly): - humble, lowly, meek, poor

meek: Etymology//Middle English meek, meke, borrowed from a Scandinavian source such as Old Norse mjúkr, "soft". 1. Humble, modest, meager, or self-effacing. 2. Submissive, despirited, or of broken will.

Webster's dictionary is very similar: 1 : enduring injury with patience and without resentment : MILD 2 : deficient in spirit and courage : SUBMISSIVE 3 : not violent or strong

Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18:3, 4

The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.... is in the sight of God of great price. I Pet. 3:4

Greek: mild, that is, (by implication) humble

Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. I Cor. 13:4

Follow after meekness. I Tim. 6:11

Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart. Matt. 11:29

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Isa. 53:7

Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again.... but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. I Pet. 2:21-23