June (part 1 of 2)
JUNE 1
"... All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient" (Exodus 24:7).
David, having been freed from chaff at the threshing floor of Araunah, was given the plan for God's Temple to be built on the very same site. At that very place too, Abraham proved God and passed his last test of faith. In Genesis 22:1-2 God appeared to him and told him to offer up his only son Isaac on Mount Moriah. Without questioning God, Abraham took Isaac and prepared to offer him, laying him on the altar, believing that though he should slay his son, the Lord was able to raise him up.
With such a faith and without doubting or questioning God's Word or His ways, we too may take our share in the House of God. Whatever God says, believe and obey Him. He cannot make a mistake. Sometimes we begin to argue like Peter as if we know better than God. In Acts 10:9-16 God spoke three times to Peter, and Peter said, "Not so, LORD." The LORD never asks anybody to do anything wrong. But Peter refused to obey Him, and argued with all sincerity. We do not realize how much we grieve the Lord by questioning His dealings with us. We ask why the Lord permits such suffering, such difficulties, and sorrows and painful experiences in our lives even though we are so good and obedient and active in His service.
We see in Acts 9:11-15 that the Lord said to Ananias, "Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus." Then Ananias also hesitated. "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me...". So we too must obey Him without knowing, and must not doubt, question or argue. Our wisdom is foolishness with God. So we must receive the revelation of God's purpose for His House. We may build good buildings and have campaigns, and yet not come into God's plan and purpose. In Psalm 132:7 David seems to have had the revelation of God's purpose in His House. As we come to His feet in humility and brokenness we will receive revelation. God wants humble and contrite hearts which will worship Him in spirit and in truth. Those who have learned to worship Him thus, will be true to Him day by day. They will be willing to take share in the building of God's House. In Worship we learn to give to God. But many want only to receive. Many worship in words but not from their hearts. In verse 8 of Psalm 132 David says, he wants to give God rest, satisfaction and pleasure. We need to seek God even in the smallest matters of life and in these also to know and to do His will. Such a life is only possible as we enthrone our Lord Jesus Christ as King. Then we will learn by experience. Our obedience will give God His rest.
JUNE 2
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Psa. 126:5).
In Psalm 126:5,6 we read of the step we should take when we return to the Lord after our backsliding, as did the people of Israel. When we had been away from God through our disobedience, defeat and failure, we lost our first love, our burden for prayer and our interest in God's Word. In this miserable state we caused other people also to go astray. God's people were carried away as captives unto Babylon because of their disobedience, but when after 70 years they repented, the Lord brought them back to the promised land. When they returned their joy was great but it was mixed with sadness and tears. Our joy in being restored to fellowship with the Lord is always accompanied by tears. In Revelation chapters 2 and 3 we find our Lord calling believers, in five out of seven churches to repentance.
The charge against the church at Ephesus is the loss of their first love (Rev. 2:4). Believers at Ephesus were well taught not only by Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, and by Timothy his helper but also by John, one of the twelve disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet after a while they lost their first love and our Lord strongly rebuked them. Sometimes we also have such an experience. Through some subtle temptation we become cold and indifferent, our prayer burden becomes less and we have no concern for perishing souls. What is worse, we are content to remain in this state. But our gracious God, because of His everlasting love draws us to Himself and we humble ourselves and return to Him. Then He restores to us the lost joy and peace, and tears are mixed with our joy; tears for having grieved our Lord, tears over our lost opportunities and tears for having led others astray. After such experiences we are in a better position to help other believers who fall. We can go to them with tears as in Psalm 126:5,6.
JUNE 3
"Cast out the bondwoman and her son” (Gal. 4:30).
“Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the Mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. …Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free” (Gal. 4:24-31).
The Law given on Mount Sinai brought bondage and slavery, and men became guilty; but now we come under a new covenant. Even though Ishmael was a son of Abraham, yet both he and his mother Hagar were cast out, and neither had a share in the promises which God gave Abraham. In the same manner, all those who come under bondage will be cast out for trying to become just and righteous by circumcision, Sabbath or by man’s effort. Roman Catholics want to become righteous by taking part in their priest-made Masses on Sunday mornings or weekdays, rather than believing in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Seventh Day Adventists like Roman Catholics will be cast out and will have no share whatsoever in God’s inheritance, because they prefer to become under bondage. Our Lord Jesus Christ completed the work of salvation on the cross when He said, “It is finished”. But the Seventh Day Adventists are trying to add something more to salvation saying, “No, Lord, it is not finished, we are Seventh Day Adventists. Lord! we must add Sabbath to salvation”.
Suppose you construct and complete a beautiful building, and someone says it is not complete. He then takes a broken piece of an earthen pot, puts coal tar on it and draws some ugly figures, and then stamps it on the building to complete it: how would you feel? That is how these Seventh Day Adventists are trying to add to the work of salvation. Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who knew no sin, was made sin for us. He paid the complete penalty for our sins; bore our curse and became a curse for us when He died on the Cross. That is why we say, it is all finished, and now we have to believe it and receive by faith.
JUNE 4
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27).
I want to put this simple question to you. Have you found true peace? Many people do not have true peace, even though they have been saved; the enemy has deceived them. They say that they are saved, and they say that they are born again, but judging by their life and experience there is something wrong somewhere. The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to give peace. Isaiah in his prophecy prophesied in minute detail the birth, life, suffering, death, resurrection and the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In Isaiah 9:6, He is called among many names, the Prince of Peace. It is only in Him, by Him and through him, that men can find true peace. The same message was brought upon the earth at His birth at Bethlehem (Luke 2:14) by a multitude of the heavenly host! “Glory to God in the highest, …peace, good will toward men.”
The first message which our Lord gave to His disciples after His resurrection was “Peace be unto you” (John 20:19, 21). Those disciples were full of fear, and were hiding themselves with the doors and windows shut. All of a sudden, the Lord Jesus Christ came inside and the first words He spoke were: “Peace be unto you”. What He had said in John 14, was not being repeated. Now they knew, that was why He had to suffer for their sake, even that peace might be theirs. You may be familiar with the whole Bible and perhaps have seen many miracles being performed here and there in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, perhaps even through you and around you. But, have you found true peace? Can you say truthfully and sincerely that that real peace has come into you? The epistles of Paul the apostle begin with the words “grace and peace”, which means that the grace of God, and the peace of God must go together. The more grace, the more peace. The more peace, the more grace. Many are deceived by worldly peace, but our Lord said, “Not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”
In Rom. 16:20, we read “…the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” We do not defeat the devil by Bible knowledge or long prayers, or by seeing dreams or miracles. The scripture says that the God of peace bruise Satan under our feet. That is why the devil tries to disturb our peace. Please make sure that you have found true peace, otherwise, you are going to be defeated by the devil by trick or device.
Further, in Rom. 14:17, “…the kingdom of God is …righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Your share in God’s kingdom also depends upon your peace, “…the work of righteousness shall be peace” (Isa. 32:17). Just by outward appearance you are not going to be righteous or good. Outwardly you may look good, but inwardly, the throne of the devil may be in your heart.
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Rom. 15:13). God’s power can only work fully in you when you find true peace. If you have not found that true peace, you cannot pray properly. If you have not found true peace, you cannot defeat the devil easily. It is only by inward true peace, that you can hear the voice of God.
JUNE 5
"Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life” (John 6:27).
We as believers must know how to give the Living Bread to those who are hungry. Our Lord does not like wastage (John 6:12). May we also learn this lesson that we should not waste our time. Our money too should not be wasted or misspent. We have to give an account. Once I had the privilege to spend about ten months in travelling to different countries and in all those months, I bought only three things, two tubes of tooth paste and a tooth-brush. That was all! The Lord did not give me liberty to buy anything else; because I knew there was a better use for the money. The Lord kept on supplying all my needs from heaven, and there was no lack. The Lord gave many gifts also in the shape of money and He also gave me the privilege of spending that money for other people. I learnt this lesson at the beginning of my conversion.
In the beginning of my Christian life I used to gather very small copper coins because the Scripture says if anybody asks we should give. One day a beggar came to me and asked me for alms, I wanted to give him a coin, but the Lord spoke to me. “This is My money. You have no right to give away My money”. I wanted to give but I could not. I said, “I never thought that way, Lord, “ but the Lord said, “It is My money, I bought you with a price and everything of yours belongs to Me, whether time or money. All belongs to Me.” I asked the Lord’s forgiveness, and He taught me that even though it might be a small amount I should not waste it unnecessarily. Even though you feel thirsty and hungry, be sure you spend your money in the will of God. Then you will find how you can help others, and also how you can get joy in helping others. Do not waste your money, howsoever small an amount it may be, for it is not your money. Pray before you spend it. Pray every time till the Lord gives the answer, because through you He wants to satisfy the hungry all around. It is the same about your energy also. You cannot say you can sleep as many times as you like. You say, “Lord, I am feeling tired, I want to sleep”. But He says, “It is My body and not your body. I paid the price”. Let the Lord control your sleep. In that way you will learn to help other people with your money and time and energy.
When the Lord blesses, even the fragments have the power to satisfy the hungry. Nothing was wasted. You will find that wherever you go, the Lord will do something through you. That is His purpose for us. We have the words of life to give a message to others, and we have the power of God to help others. Even when we do not say anything, our presence can bring blessing. Some people by their very presence give joy, and that should be our attitude. Pray; “Lord, give me the privilege of satisfying these men who are hungry,” and He will surely help you. “They need not depart; give ye them to eat” (Matt. 14:16). The word “ye” means you.
JUNE 6
"…Jonah rose up to flee … from the presence of the LORD” (Jonah 1:3).
The story of Jonah is a true story recorded in the Bible by the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus Himself made reference to it while He was speaking to the Pharisees. It shows how the God of love reveals His love and patience in His own way in seeking us till we come to Him and learn to understand His ways. But we, in our folly, want to run away from Him. We think that we shall be better off by running away from God than by obeying Him.
God gave Jonah the great task of going to Nineveh to preach repentance (Jonah 1:1,2). It is indeed an honour to be God’s co-workers. But Jonah did not realize what a great honour and privilege God was conferring on him. Rather than being thankful he was running away! Suppose a clerk is suddenly promoted to be the Governor of a state, would he refuse it? No, he would accept it gladly and thankfully. It is quite clear that the Lord had commanded and commissioned Jonah to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. Jonah was a God- fearing man, as he himself testified (Jonah 1:9). But he disobeyed God and ran away from His presence.
Just as Jonah ran away from honourable task given him by God, many young people run away from God’s command for the sake of some worldly gain or pleasure. How many young men have been called by the Lord for His service, but they thought that by taking up some secular job they would be in a position to serve Him better. Only afterwards thy learn how much loss they incurred by their disobedience to God.
Those who do not have a deep experience of God fail to understand what He says to them and so they do not obey Him fully. Jonah imagined certain things about God and was angry with Him. He did not understand God’s ways and purposes, so he disobeyed Him. In the same way, many people fear God, but they do not understand His ways or His will, so they do many things against God’s will.
JUNE 7
"Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders…” (Isaiah 8:18).
Believing parents should accept sons or daughters with equal love. We read in Psalms 144:12, “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace”. For a believer every child, whether it is a boy or girl, is equally precious and should be received with equal joy and thankfulness. In many cases parents give a big feast for a son, but ordinary food for a daughter. Almost every mother wants the first child to be a son. Again, if the child is fair the parents show more love and care, but if the child is dark and ugly they show less love. Believing parents should not be partial towards their children. Every child must be accepted with the same love, attention, joy and thanks. Isaiah’s children became signs to himself and to the whole nation. Each of his children had a name with a special meaning (Isa. 8:3,4). These names reminded Isaiah of the message God wanted him to give to the nation and through them, he could give God’s word with boldness even to the king. In this way his children became a sign. Believing parents can understand their heavenly calling through their children. The Lord Jesus Christ took the example of parents and children and explained how God the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask of Him (Luke 11:13). Thus day to day experience with your children will reveal to you many truths about God, His love, faithfulness, compassion and so on.
Believing parents should not hesitate to chastise their children. God’s Word says in Heb. 12:7, “…for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” It is good to bring up children in the fear of God by chastising them from time to time. All children need punishment when they do wrong, because all are born with sinful nature. If you discipline them in their childhood, they will be grateful to you when they grow up.
God has a definite plan for each child. About Jeremiah God said, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jer. 1:5). By prayer, believing parents can find out God’s definite plan for their children and then with prayer can guide them in that plan.
JUNE 8
"… I have chosen you, … that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16).
The Lord will put us through many tests in order to prepare us to be His servants. In 2 Kings 2:1, we see that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal, which means, “rolled away” (See Joshua 5:9). At Gilgal, Elijah showed Elisha that if he wanted his ministry to be effective and fruitful, he himself should be free from reproach. All of us who are God’s servants are exposed to temptations and have some weaknesses whereby we can become defiled. Then through some sin or failure we may bring reproach to the Name of the Lord. But as soon as we humble ourselves and confess our defilement, shortcoming and weakness, and by faith take the precious blood for cleansing, the reproach will be taken away. There is now no need for us to condemn ourselves, but we do need to humble ourselves constantly before the Lord, and ask His forgiveness, and at the same time ask Him to search our hearts, and show us any unrecognized inward weakness or defilement or failure, in thought, word or deed.
Next, Elijah said, “Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” (2 Kings 2:2). Bethel means, “Heavenly Home”, the House of God. Be sure that you do not call a building a House of God. If we want to be useful to God and fruitful in His service, we must know what God’s House is and what our share is in building it. We must know what the Church is. The Lord is not calling us to build denominations, sects, fellowships or groups of people, but the House of God. He wants a Spiritual House, according to 1 Peter 2:5. Every one of us redeemed by the precious blood of Christ and born from above becomes a living stone in the House of God and this is the spiritual building God wants us to build. The Lord shows us in Eph. 2:20-22, and in Heb. 3:6 that this House is a habitation for Himself. His House must be built according to God’s plan and on the Rock foundation which is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We may build as His coworkers under the Headship of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Before we can begin to serve the Lord faithfully we must be sure that we have received a true revelation and understanding of His Spiritual House. We must make sure that those who are saved through our preaching the Gospel or through our testimony also learn how to take their share in the building of God’s House. It may take several months and years for us to understand what the Church really is, and what are God’s thoughts and purposes concerning it. He wants it to be in a place where His peace reigns. If the Church is not built up through our ministry then our services are only like wood, hay and stubble in the eyes of the Lord, and they are utter waste. We should learn how we may take our share in the building of the House of God.
We see in 2 Kings 2:3 that the sons of the prophets were Elisha’s companions but they discouraged Elisha. When we want to obey God, we often find that our relatives, friends and companions try to hinder us, by suggesting how much we would suffer by obeying Him. We will have to separate ourselves from these relationships in the flesh, if we really want to obey His call and whole-heartedly serve God and the interests of His House.
JUNE 9
"After that, he was seen of James” (1 Cor. 15:7).
The Lord’s seventh appearance after His resurrection was to James. James was among the chief apostles and the others referred to him in case of any doubt as we read in Acts. When Peter was released from prison by the angel, he continued knocking at the door of Mary, the mother of John Mark, and when the door was opened the believers saw him and were astonished. “But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed” (Acts 12:17). We read further about James in Acts 15:13. “And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me.” From these two references in God’s Word it becomes clears that any matter which needed advice and final judgement was referred to James. For this reason the Lord appeared to him in order to prepare him for this future great spiritual responsibility. The Lord gives extra strength and grace to those who have to bear extra responsibility in the House of God. But many believers just go to meetings to receive something and they are much more concerned about the message and singing rather than finding out what part they can take in the building of the House of God. The more willing we are to help others in serving them and accepting heavy burdens for His glory in the spreading of the Gospel and in the building of His Church, the more fully can we enjoy this aspect of the power of the resurrection. That is the reason why Paul says, “I count all things but loss… That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection” (Phil. 3:8, 10). And also, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13).
JUNE 10.
“Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy…” (Psalm 43:4).
The meaning of Asher is “Happy am I” and Leah added “for the daughters will call me blessed’ (Gen. 30:13). God Himself is our happiness: not our talents, nor our gifts, nor our ministry. In the beginning of our spiritual life we long to possess Bible knowledge or to perform many miracles; we covet extraordinary talents like the gift of healing. Later on we realize that none of these by themselves bring us true happiness. The Lord Himself is our happiness. It is our privilege to be in His presence and talk to Him. David says, “…in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16:11). You may have noticed that the moments you have spent upon your knees in worship, devotion and communion with Him, and in the reading of His Word, are the happiest moments of your life. This joy cannot be compared with any other joy in the world.
There is a true story about a king who plundered the temples of India. When he crossed the Indus river, he said to his soldiers, “I want to reward you all for your faithfulness. You suffered with me all these many years.” He opened the bags of treasure that contained diamonds, rubies and many precious stones. Then he asked the soldiers to make their choice and to take whatever they wanted. All came up to take their share except one soldier who kept standing near the King. Then the king asked him also to go and take his treasure, but this soldier said, “I choose you. I do not want these things. You give me the privilege to stay with you.” We are told that he eventually received more than all the others, for all that belonged to the king became his, when the king died. May people think of blessings in terms of what they either want or have. They say, “Lord, give me this and give me that.” They do not want the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He is the giver of all good gifts, and by faith in Him we receive everything. As we love Him and honour Him more, we will receive everything automatically. He is our Asher. He is our true happiness.
June 11
“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven” (Matt 5:12)
In Acts 5:41 we read that when the apostles were persecuted, rather than murmuring, they were rejoicing. They were reproached, beaten, cast out, hated, yet they were rejoicing because they counted themselves worthy to suffer shame for His Name. In the same way when we are put to shame and are reproached for Christ’s sake, we find a peculiar joy within us. “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matt. 5:11, 12). So first of all you should have that joy of the Lord. On a human level if any one rejects or hates or despises you, for many days you will lose your sleep and appetite. But when you have the joy of the Lord, this joy will not decrease, but will multiply when you have to go through suffering, reproach and shame. The enemy tries his best to discourage us. Hence in 1 Pet 4:12-14 it says, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings: that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” This joy does not go away when we are treated badly by others or hated or cursed.
We have a hope that one day we will be presented by our Lord Jesus faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. Upon the earth we are full of shortcomings and failures. But when the Lord Jesus Christ appears in glory at His second coming with all His angels, we will be blameless before Him. At that time, even the angels will not see any blemish in us. We have the hope of seeing Him face to face one day. That is why we should take part in the Lord’s Table worthily, so that on that day, we may see Him face to face with joy.
June 12
“Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely” (Psalm 147:1).
On the first stone in the breastplate in the first row was written the name of the tribe of Judah. Judah means “Praise.” As the children of Israel started marching, Judah had to take the foremost place and lead the others. In our lives also praise and worship must take the first place and we must learn how to worship and praise Him at all times. This is the foremost spiritual experience that we should have.
When we are born again our first desire is to have Bible knowledge. We think that by having more Bible knowledge, we grow more spiritual. It does not matter how many books we read or how many degrees we have, nobody grows spiritually by Bible knowledge alone. It is by learning how to thank him, praise Him, adore him and magnify Him always for everything, we grow spiritually. Before you begin the day, spend a few minutes in pure worship without any request or supplication. Say to Him, “Lord, I come unto Thee and into Thy presence just to be with Thee, to feel Thy presence, to hear Thy voice and to see Thy glory and beauty.” When you feel His presence, worship Him because He is the King of kings; praise Him for His mercy, kindness, love and grace; thank Him for every trouble. Thank Him for your hard life and do not feel sorry for it because God cannot make a mistake, for whatever He permits in your life is for a purpose. So for everything we must thank God (Phil. 4:6). Even though our Lord may keep us in any difficult situation, in sickness, or in poverty or in trouble of any kind, we can still praise Him, adore Him and magnify Him, because all things are allowed by Him for a purpose. The more we worship Him, the more we grow.
Praise and worship are the secret of victory. Without any fighting on their part Judah’s enemies were destroyed because they went to the battle singing praises to God. In the same way, if we know how to worship, magnify and exalt the Lord in all circumstances of life, we will be able to put to nought very easily all the attacks of the enemy against us. Many people try to defeat the enemy by their Bible knowledge, or by fasting, or by long prayers. They will soon find out that such means do not avail against the enemy, and they themselves will be defeated. Thus the first spiritual lesson is to defeat the enemy through praising and worshipping the Lord in spirit and in truth (John 4:24, Ps.34:1-3; 104:33; 105:5).
June 13
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zech. 4:6).
God commanded Joshua to circumcise the children of Israel. God made a covenant with Abraham and his seed after him and said, “This is the my covenant, which ye shall keep,… Every man child among you shall be circumcised” (Gen. 17:10). At the same time God had renewed His promise to Abraham that He would surely give him a son and multiply him exceedingly and give him the land of Canaan for an inheritance. Abraham was at that time ninety-nine years old. And Sarah his wife was eighty-nine years old. Humanly speaking they had no hope of their bodies being capable enough to produce a son. God had asked Abraham to circumcise every male child, to impress upon them that they did not get a son through their own strength or energy, but through God’s own life, and power of resurrection alone. In the same way Joshua and the children of Israel had to keep in mind that they could enjoy their inheritance, not by their own might or cleverness, but through God’s Spirit, might and power.
We find the same message being conveyed to Zerubbabel in Zech. 4:6. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts”. Zerubbabel was full of doubts and questions as to how the temple at Jerusalem would be rebuilt. He knew that according to the prophecy of Jeremiah the children of Israel would be in captivity in Babylon for 70 years. He saw the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and the gates that had been burnt with fire. People of Israel who were with Zerubbabel were few in number with little money and little help. Under these circumstances that Word of the Lord come unto Zerubbabel, that God’s work would be done not by human might or by human power but by His Spirit. We cannot do any service for the Lord in our own strength and cannot possess and enjoy our inheritance by our own efforts. We must learn to depend upon the Spirit of God and must bring ourselves under His full subjection.
June 14
“That he would grant you,… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16).
A small girl asked her mother, “When we go to heaven will we be black or white?” The mother replied, “We will be neither black nor white. We shall be like the Lord Jesus Christ.” That is quite true. For this purpose we must have a clear vision of the glory of our living Saviour. John the apostle had such a vision when he turned round and saw the Lord. (Rev. 1:14-16). The Lord revealed Himself to John in His glory so that we may understand what kind of people He wants us to be.
John the apostle was very discouraged when he saw the persecution and suffering of the believers in those days; many were scattered, many were in prison, many lost their possessions, and many through fear lost their joy and peace. The devil thought, “I have got the victory,” but he did not know how the Lord was working inwardly in the hearts of the believers through these experiences to transform them into His own likeness.
We preachers sometimes forget the inward work. We are very happy when we see a large crowd. But when there is only a small number to speak to, we feel sad; we lose our joy. That is how many preachers have been deceived. They thought that by having large crowds and many converts they would please God. Such people are blind. They ruin the work of God. They think only in terms of crowds and numbers. Now imagine a mother having many children: the first child is blind, the second dumb, the third lame, the fourth deaf; and so on with the other also. How much joy would these children bring to the mother? Another may have only two or three children, but they are very strong and healthy with no defect. Which mother do you think would be the happy one? Those who care for number may say, “We have baptized so many,” but how many of them are spiritually deaf, dumb and blind? It is because they have not seen the Lord nor know His power. That is why we find much spiritual barrenness in Christian work in India today.
God was saying to John the apostle, “John, do not be discouraged when you look at the tribulation and the poverty of my people or at their sufferings and trials. But see the inward work I am doing in them through these very things.” Just as gold is refined in the fire, so also the Lord is refining His people through their trials. It is this inward work which is of infinite value to the Lord.
June 15
“… according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour” (Titus 3:5,6).
Before God’s Spirit can come into a filthy and defiled spirit, it must be cleansed, purged and washed. When a person repents of his sins and puts his faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus on the cross, he is forgiven. Then automatically God’s Spirit come into his spirit. This process is called “new birth”. Why is it called so? How do I know it happens? I know it because I undergo a three-fold upward change. As by sin I underwent a threefold downward change – dead spirit, darkened soul and defiled body, so now by the new birth I undergo a threefold upward change. By God’s Spirit coming into my cleansed spirit, the once defiled body becomes the holy Temple of the Holy Spirit. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16). My body which was defiled for so long is now God’s Temple. The wonder of it! I have the same hands, same feet and the same tongue, but now I refuse to defile them anymore. Before the transformation took place my tongue, my lips and my eyes did what they pleased. I was constantly defiled. What I long to do now is to praise God, to worship Him, and magnify Him. With these same hands I want to serve my fellow-men and with this same tongue I want to praise my God. My body is now God’s Temple.
My darkened soul becomes an enlightened soul because God has given me divine wisdom. Before divine wisdom came, love for novels, stories and other filthy books mastered me. My eyes were wide open for such things and I had no interest in God’s Word. But now with my soul enlightened I find a new love for God’s Word, God’s House, love even for my enemies. There is no longer any race or class difference, no more Malayalee, no more Tamilian, no more white or black all are one!
My dead spirit becomes a quickened spirit. How? Now I feel God’s presence. I talk to God. He speaks to me and I enjoy His presence. God is a Spirit. I can love Him. I can follow Him and obey Him. God’s Spirit coming into my spirit and making me a threefold new person is new birth. My defiled body becomes God’s Temple, my darkened soul become an enlightened soul and my dead spirit becomes a quickened spirit. The “new birth” also gives the hope of living for ever. Now I know for certain that I will live for ever; I shall live with my Lord for ever with an immortal, heavenly and eternal body. Not only so but also as a heavenly king and as His co-worker.
JUNE 16
"...redeemed... with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18, 19).
John the Baptist's vision of the Lord Jesus Christ became clearer step by step. On the first day John saw Him while baptizing Him, but he remained silent. The next day he saw Him coming towards him and declared, "Behold the Lamb of God!" And the third day he saw the Lord as He passed by, and shouted, "Behold the Lamb of God!" In the same manner, spiritually you also will not see everything in one day. You will require many divine touches to see Him as He is.
You will notice the advance in his experience. He wanted others also to see Him. Having heard John call Jesus "The Lamb of God", the disciples desired to see Jesus. They pondered in their hearts, "The Lamb of God! Now let us follow Him," and they left John and followed Jesus. The Lord turned, and saw them and said, "What seek ye?" the Lord knew that they wanted to see Him more clearly. When you follow Him, He Himself turns round and looks at you. He will ask you, "Child, what do you want?" You may perhaps ask Him for many things such as a job, or physical healing. But these disciples had no such requests. They said, "Master, where dwellest Thou?" Now those who have seen the Lord Jesus Christ have a strong longing, "Where is my Lord? Where does He live?" Do you have the desire to find out where He lives?
But many Christians are seeking the living Christ in the graveyard. "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" They want to see Him in buildings made by men. You can find Him only when you earnestly seek Him. Do you know where your Master lives? First, He wants to live in your heart. He is not looking for buildings made by man. How many people are begging for money, to construct a building in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ to build a so-called "House of God". "Please give us some money," they say, "We want to build a House for God". Such people do not know the meaning of "the House of God". God lives in only two places. He lives in the High and Holy place; also in the humble, broken and contrite heart (Isaiah 57:15). The Lord Jesus died to forgive your sins and to come and live in your heart. He wants your heart to become His dwelling place. He loved you and died for you. His hands and feet were wounded for you. If you receive Him in your heart He will transform you, take away all your fears and make you radiant.
JUNE 17
"God ... hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6).
The blue colour in the ephod worn by the high priest speaks of the heavenly wisdom we are given, as we bring ourselves in subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ completely. The more we come under subjection, the more the Holy Spirit reveals Himself to us. Such wisdom is given to us through strong faith. That is why the gold thread and the blue material are woven together. The purple speaks of the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have the privilege of binding Satan in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 18:18). The authority of the Lord Jesus Christ comes into us to defeat the devil and with the same power we can claim for others deliverance or healing (John 14:12-14). The scarlet speaks of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. So often we say, "I am not worthy, I dare not go near the holy place." But because of our faith in the precious blood we can go into the holy place very boldly and claim God's promises, God's power and God's grace (Heb. 10:19). The fine twined linen in the ephod speaks of the pure life of the Lord Jesus Christ which flows into us (Gal 2:20). As we obey Him, others can see the humility, kindness, meekness and longsuffering of the Lord Jesus Christ in us.
The golden thread was woven together with blue, purple, scarlet and white linen in a peculiar heavenly design. No artist in the world could have thought of such a design. God revealed it to Moses and through him to the skilled workers. Just as the design was unique, the life of a believer too must be totally different from that of worldly people. This difference will become more and more evident as the believer grows spiritually and God's glory and beauty will be revealed through him increasingly. Thus he is prepared for his share in God's fullness.
JUNE 18
"... Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ... he was buried, and ... he rose again the third day according to the scriptures". (1 Cor 15:3,4).
The Lord Jesus Christ died to take away the condemnation of our sins. Also He died to bring into us a new power which helps unto die to our old sinful nature. By taking into us the power of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ we can conquer sin.
Secondly, through the power of the burial of our Lord Jesus our sins are buried, thus, freeing us from a guilty conscience. It is easy to understand that every sin we commit kills our conscience to a certain extent. Imagine a man about to tell a lie. His conscience tells him, "Don't tell a lie!" But he says to his conscience, "Keep quiet". Finally his conscience becomes silent and dead. Even then one day it may be quickened and say to him, "I told you not to do that and now you are suffering because you went against my protests". Thus his conscience will go on troubling him. In such cases some people try to pacify their conscience by deeds of charity. But such a relief is only temporary. True relief will come only when your sins are forgiven and buried with Christ. Our Lord died and was buried that our sins might be buried with Him.
Thirdly, Christ's resurrection power will come into us. Christ died for our sins and rose again to live in us and help us to lead a new life. If we try to live this new life by will-power or by Bible knowledge we will not succeed; we will still be easily provoked to get angry to tell lies. To get true victory we must receive into us by faith, the power of His resurrection. We have to ask for it as we are exhorted to do in Matthew 7:7 and 6:31-33. Instead of asking for worldly things we should ask for heavenly and spiritual things. Every day we must ask for the power of His resurrection.Then we can conquer every temptation and every sin.
Thus in the letter to the Colossians the apostle Paul says that having understood our spiritual union with the Lord Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection, we find a new life coming into us (Col. 3:1-3). Our affections for earthly things have now decreased, and we have a longing to know more about God's kingdom, to live a pure life, to know God's will, to understand heavenly mysteries and to serve the Lord more fruitfully.