August (part 1 of 2)
August 1
"... Surely blessing I will bless thee" (Hebrews 6:14).
As Jacob journeyed towards Bethel, God appeared to him and spoke to him, "...Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee" (Gen. 32:9). What a great privilege it is to hear God's voice! It was as if God was saying, because Jacob had put away all the strange gods in his household He was pleased with him and was able to love him and speak to him freely. Now God was able to bless him fully and fulfil all that He had promised some years ago. "And, behold, I am with thee, ...and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of" (Gen. 28:15).
Most of us have received promises from God's Word at different times: on a New Year's Day or on a birthday, or on some other special occasion. But perhaps you feel that in your case God has not fulfilled His promises. It is quite possible that your case is just like Jacob's: firstly, there might be some strange god in your life, and secondly, you might be still far away from Bethel. Do not be satisfied with the fact that you have received many blessings in the past. It was so with Jacob; he had received many blessings already, but God wanted to give him much more.
God had called Jacob Israel, a prince, but after twenty years, judging by his behaviour he had been only a beggar. So God was speaking to him once again asking him to live like a prince and not as beggar any longer. By this time he was ready to learn to walk like a prince. This is evident by the way he put away the strange gods in his household and journeyed towards Bethel; therefore, God was saying to him, you are a prince and kings will come out of your loins (Gen.35:11,12). From that time Jacob entered into the experience of being God's prince, prophet and friend. That is why before he died he called all his sons and blessed them with the blessings of God. That Lord said to Jacob, "I am God Almighty, be fruitful and multiply". When you also become a prince you will know God's power in your life. You will not be a coward any more.
August 2
"... ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:24).
If God's Word is followed as it is, then all those who are joined by Him as life-partners can enjoy God's favour and fulness. Many people want to marry only for the sake of happiness and honour. They have no real interest in the Word of God. They are more concerned about their own ideas than God's Word. In many cases marriages are a failure, because they depend upon their cleverness, wisdom, family or property. Howsoever clever one may be, one can be blessed only by obeying the Word of God. God knows the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10). That is why we are given God's Word for instruction, inspiration and guidance. Knowing beforehand all the problems which we have to face upon the earth, God has given His Word to us. He knows us from the very beginning of our lives. He knows us before we are conceived (Jer. 1:5). He knows all about us. He knows our past and He knows our future. He knows our name and He knows exactly what we are. Our safety is in being governed by Him by His Spirit and by His Word. We will never know what will happen tomorrow. But He knows exactly what will happen tomorrow. That is why we are given the Word of God to guide us day by day and help us in the every situation.
Marriages are arranged by God from the beginning of the creation. That is why to God marriages are very sacred. God gave to the first man dominion, power and authority over the whole creation and also gave him a very healthy body. At that time, there was no sin, sickness or curse, yet his joy was not full. So God wanted to give him a help meet for companionship, friendship and fellowship. God has planned that whatsoever He had given to Adam he might enjoy it through his companion and through his lifepartner. That is why we find, to God marriage is a very sacred relationship. Those who want a happy married life must be governed by the Word of God, and not by their own wisdom or cleverness or talents or qualification. We are given this wonderful Book to solve all our problems, and meet all our needs. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand the Word of God. We need heavenly wisdom to understand heavenly things, not worldly wisdom. Before we can understand the Word of God we must have the Spirit of God. See 1 Cor. 2:14. By our natural wisdom we cannot understand or enjoy the Word of God. Though we may be very highly qualified in worldly knowledge, yet we can be a failure.
With all their knowledge, wealth and fame, some homes are not happy. They may be clever in earning money and multiplying it, but we find that their homes are unhappy. There is no oneness between husband and wife and no real happiness between them. We see this is in many parts in the world. Our living God wants us to have full joy and happiness. That is the purpose of God and that is why the LORD Jesus came into this world. See John 16:24 and 15:7. "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full". "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you". God's desire it to make our joy full.
August 3
"The elders which are among you I exhort..." (1 Peter 5:1).
Those who are responsible have to find out elders in every assembly. They have a very heavy responsibility. It is after much prayer, patience, instruction, teaching and discipline that the elders are brought forward. If you bring wrong men as elders they will be a source of trouble. Many assemblies are suffering because these men have never been called by God as elders. Some have pushed themselves forward, and some are pushed by friends who are dead spiritually. So we have to pray much as believers that the Lord may give His people the fivefold gifts, mentioned in Eph. 4:11.
In 1 Peter 5:2 we read, "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind." The flock speaks of sheep and those who are shepherds have to be with sheep all the time. The shepherds take the sheep to different pastures. At night time they have to be protected from wild beasts. A good shepherd stays with his sheep day and night. It is only such people who can become good, loving and kind elders. But in many cases we find that they want authority and position. They do not make any sacrifice for the sheep. They only want to be seen in the front as preacher and not as a servant.
Also in the same verse Peter says that elders should serve, not by constraint not for filthy lucre. How many elders have love for money! If you have love for money, and worldly things, you do not know what God's service is. These things have brought barrenness in God's service in many cases.
Further an elder should be an example to the flock. "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (1 Pet. 5:3). Much love and much sacrifice are required to be faithful elders. We have to pray much and with greater burden that the Lord may give His people in every country true shepherds. They are not produced by knowledge but by prayer.
Every true shepherd looks for reward from the Lord Jesus Christ and not from man, because he is called not by man but by God Himself. "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1 Peter 5:4).
August 4
"...Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God... to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen " (Rev. 1:5,6).
John saw the Lamb come and take the sealed book from the hand of God. "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers for saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Rev. 5:8,9).
In these two verses the Holy Ghost has brought in so many truths. What a great Saviour, what a great salvation and what a great, high and lofty purpose God has for us in everything! All these are summed up in these two verses. Every word has a deep meaning. That is why the four beasts and twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb and worshipped Him. That goes to prove that these four beasts are living creatures and the twenty-four elders speak of the true Church. They are saying. "Thou art worthy", because He has redeemed us by His blood. They represent the whole Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, or those who have been redeemed by our Lord by His blood, and have been purchased by Him and who have become His purchased possession. They are singing a song of praise. They had the experience of salvation upon the earth but not full knowledge, as to Who the Lord is, what great love He showed in seeing and saving them, and what mighty power He has to raise them up, and how much power they are going to receive from Him. So they are full of thanksgiving. They are so grateful to Him that they fall down before Him and worship Him.
Till the Lamb came to take the Book, the elders were sitting quietly. But when the Lamb came near and opened the Book, they knew why He sought and saved them, and forgave them. He wanted to make them kings and priests to reign upon this earth for ever. The elders were so grateful when they knew this, that they fell before Him and cried, "O Lord, Thou art worthy to receive all honour, glory and blessing" and so on. When we go to heaven we will be able to see people of every kindred, tongue and nation. Even Cannibals and uncivilised people will be there. The Lord has chosen people from every tongue and nation and sought and saved them by His grace.
August 5
"Every branch... that beareth fruit, he purgeth it" (John 15:2).
"Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine ... thy children like olive plants" (Psalm 128:3). This is a beautiful picture of how we as members of the Body of the Lord Jesus Christ come under His discipline. The Lord wants each believer to enjoy a fruitful life. The vine needs to be pruned every year. Only then will it bear much fruit. Even so if our lives are to bear any fruit for the Lord we will have to go through trials and sufferings. By pruning the entire vine it is brought under control. The branches are not allowed to grow haphazardly.
All these lessons are to be learnt in the House of God. Psalm 128:5 says, "The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem." Zion speaks of the heavenly Church and Jerusalem speaks of the Church on this earth. The vine needs rich manure and a strong scaffolding. In the same way when we gather as fellow-believers for prayer, worship and Bible study we are strengthened in our inner man. It is in His House that our burdens are lifted, questions are answered, and lives become more subject to His will. When we are together we feel His presence more strongly and are protected against the seen and unseen devices of the enemy. We can conquer our trials through love, co-operation and prayer-fellowship of other believers. Our godly friends can share our joys and sorrows. Worldly friends often have a wrong motive in their friendship. If they give you a gift they always expect to get a better one in return. But God's children do everything as unto the Lord. This kind of love and fellowship bring much blessing in our lives.
When we come under the Church discipline the enemy opposes us with all his fury. The first two verses of Psalm 129 describe how God's people have to go through all types of suffering. God wants to defeat the enemy and reveal His glory and love through the Church. The Lord Himself promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against her (Matt. 16:18,19), hence by being together as a church, His Body, we can be saved from the attacks of the enemy.
August 6
"For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary" (Psalm. 96:4-6).
The new song is given to us in God's House or sanctuary, because the Scripture says, strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. God's fulness is in the Church. Only through the Church can God's manifold wisdom be made known (Eph. 1:23 and 3:10). That is why when the work of the sanctuary was completed God's glory came down and filled it (Exo. 40:34-38).
The children of Israel had seen many miracles in Egypt. They had see the cloud going before them. They had witnessed the Red Sea parting to make a way for them. But they had not yet seen God's glory dwelling with them. Only when the work of the sanctuary was completed did God's glory come down and fill it and dwell there. From that day, from between the cherubim, God spoke to the children of Israel (Number 7:89).
God's true beauty and strength can be seen only in His sanctuary, which to us is the Church, because the Lord has promised, "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." That is why Satan causes blindness to so many people and keeps them away for one reason or another from the fellowship of believers and they fail to enjoy God's power and His glory.
"Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts" (Psal. 96:7,8). If you want to sing the new song you have to come into the courts of God's House and there offer your thanksgiving and praise unto God. This song has to be sung together by all God's people. When we unite our hearts to sing songs of praise together, it is more melodious and inspiring. For this purpose you have to come into God's House. Those who have been really blessed by God will love to come to the Lord's House and praise Him in the midst of His people, "O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness". The words "in the beauty of holiness" can also be translated as "in the glorious sanctuary". The meaning is this, that it is only in God's House, the glorious sanctuary, you will really know how to worship.
There are some people who find fault wherever they go Even when they go to a place of worship, they keep passing remarks, "The building here is no good, the organ is not nice, the curtains are too old", and so on. This is the song they sing even in the place of worship. We should never be like that. When you come into the sanctuary your thoughts should be about God and what He has done for you, and what He is speaking and revealing to you there. Then you will be able to see His glory. So do not be thinking about the faults of men. If you do, blindness will remain in your heart. Try to see God's glory. Keep your heart open to receive the Word of God.
August 7
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD" (Psalm 122:1).
The Psalmist came to the House of God gladly, with a willing heart, and not by compulsion. Many believers have no desire to attend meetings, they have to be compelled to go to the House of God. Some are dragged by their mothers, some by friends, and some others by their children. They lose much of the blessing because they do not come with an expectant heart. On the contrary if they come joyfully to the House of God, they will receive the best blessings. Also we must go right inside the House of God. Some people attend meetings just for the sake of attending or because they were compelled to attend. They are quite satisfied to occupy the last seat because it is convenient for them to leave whenever they want. But, when you go right inside and take your full share in every part of service you will find much joy and strength, and then you will grow spiritually.
By thus coming into the House of God we are brought into the experience of the authority of God's throne (Psalm 122:5). As we pray together we can claim God's authority to bind Satan and his power. We cannot exercise this authority alone. It is given to the Church as a whole.
Again, by coming to God's House our peace increases and we prosper in our ways (Psalm 122:7). By taking our share joyfully, faithfully and regularly in God's House our peace and prosperity will multiply.
May the Lord grant us the burden and longing to be in His House along with His people to see His beauty forever and ever.
August 8
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart" (Jeremiah 15:16).
Those believers who are united in marriage in God's will must be able to have true fellowship between themselves. After the Lord raised Lazarus from the dead, they had food together. "There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him" (John 12:2). Food on the table speaks of spiritual food. Just as physical food is necessary for good health, we require spiritual food for our souls. That food can be received by having fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. For that purpose, husband and wife should begin their day upon their knees with the Word of God before having breakfast, and pray, "Lord, we long for spiritual and heavenly food. We want to hear your voice. Please speak to both of us". With such a desire they should read their Bible systematically and regularly from Genesis to Revelation. Then God's Word becomes their daily spiritual food. When we have food with our friends, we enjoy it more because it becomes more tasty in fellowship. Thus by reading the Word of God regularly both morning and evening and asking the Lord for His guidance, they will receive spiritual food.
These days we find very few Christian homes having regular family prayers. As a result there are quarrels in many homes. In the beginning they quarrel once a week and that too secretly, but afterwards they quarrel everyday and even before other people. Their children also become stubborn, rebellious and wayward because they do not have family prayers in their homes. So, they should not neglect family prayers. They should share their spiritual experiences whenever possible and try to help each other to overcome any human weakness and shortcoming with love and longsuffering.
August 9
"The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way" (Psalm 25:9).
Our God is a living God, He will work on our behalf. The knowledge of God's will gives us strong living faith.
While I was in Tokyo I was planning to go the Philippine Islands. I had to get a visa for that purpose. But I had scarcely any time to do this., as I was preparing to leave for a place in the North of Japan. I was wondering whether I should cancel my visit to the North or give up my efforts to get the visa for the Philippine Island. As I prayed the Lord told me clearly that He wanted me to go to North Japan and get the visa also. Then I heard a voice, "Go downstairs". There was no apparent reason for me to go down; but I obeyed the voice. I went downstairs and walked towards the corner. I saw a man packing up things to go home. I asked him if he had any form to apply for a visa. He gave one to me. Then I asked him if he would take me to the office where I could get a visa. He replied he would gladly do this for me. If I had not gone downstairs that moment I would not have been able to get it. I went in a taxi to the office for a visa. But I did not have any Japanese money with me to pay for the taxi. I had only American money. But I knew that the Lord wanted me to go to that office that day; so my faith gave me boldness. As I went a man asked me if I could take him also in the taxi that way, as he was going in the same direction. I readily agreed. On the way, I spoke to him about the Lord and gave him my testimony. When we got down he insisted on paying the bill. In this way the Lord undertook for all my needs. If you only wait for God until you are conscious of His presence, He will lead you Himself in His perfect way.
August 10
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).
It has been the desire of God from the very beginning of the creation that man should inherit all things. When He made the first man Adam, He gave him dominion, authority and power. Because of disobedience, Adam lost that privilege. That loss was recovered fully by the Lord Jesus Christ, and to put the devil to shame, we are going to receive much more than what Adam lost. That is the mystery you will know when the eternal life begins to flow into you freely and abundantly.
Then we are reminded in 1 Cor. 2:9, "...Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him". We can never understand these things by our human wisdom or thinking or Bible knowledge; but when you know the love of the Lord Jesus Christ increasing in a greater measure, then these things will also be understood. The devil tries to rob God's people of their spiritual inheritance. That is why you have to be very careful and take firm hold of all that the Lord has given you. Mark 13:37, "...what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." Watch, and do not allow the enemy to rob you of your spiritual, heavenly inheritance. The enemy cannot take away the gift of eternal life from you. But he has the power to prevent you from enjoying your spiritual inheritance. The weapon which he uses most often is spiritual blindness, which seems to be the strongest weapon the devil uses during the end days-even spiritual darkness. He uses all kinds of rituals, ceremonies and traditions to bring that blindness into men's lives, from which we have to be free. The apostle Paul says in Romans 8:14, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God". We have to have a very clear understanding of our salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have to be kept constantly under the Headship, Lordship and Kingship of Lord Jesus Christ, governed and controlled by Him at every moment. The Lord says in John 15:5 (last fragment). "He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit".
After my conversion, I found in my heart a great hunger for the Word of God, and I began to spend many hours a day upon my knees with the Bible. Without any struggle the Lord freed me, from all the pleasures and attractions of the world, but still I was conscious that there was something lacking in my spiritual life. So I began to pray secretly, "Lord, give me that life in fullness". It went on many months, but one night I heard the Voice of God asking me, "Tell me, how were all your sins forgiven"? I said, "Lord, I believed that I was the greatest sinner living, and that your blood was shed for me and that you forgave me". Then the same Voice said to me, "Now believe that you are the weakest person living, and you will have My Power". These words became my experience. The Lord said, "...without me ye can do nothing". I realised then how completely I was depending upon the Lord for everything; for every word to be spoken, every thought, everything to be done and planned. I had to go to Him, even for the smallest thing. That's how the Lord became real and precious true to me. I knew then that He is all powerful, and that that power is for me. We have to keep our eyes constantly upon the Lord, our highly exalted, glorious and loving Saviour. Our overcoming life depends upon that and not upon Bible knowledge, long prayers, fasting, or other qualifications. When our Lord becomes real to us. He takes charge of everything.
August 11
"He brought me forth also into a large place" (Psalm 18:19).
From his childhood Joseph had learnt to depend entirely upon the Lord. He was forsaken by his relations and forgotten by his friends. At times, he had no one to help him or show sympathy to him. He received no encouraging or comforting letter from any one. I believe during those days the Lord became very precious to Joseph and he must have spent much time in prayer and communion with God. In this way the Lord trained Joseph for the high position he was to hold one day.
When God blessed Joseph with a son he called him "Ephraim" because he now understood clearly that God had not forgotten him or forsaken him, but had always loved him and knew what He was doing. In the same way, God wants us also to be very near to His heart. Through many afflictions, He is preparing us to hold a very high position, not only in this life but in the next one also. However painful these afflictions may be, we must always thank God for them. If you do not pass through all these afflictions, you will live only an ordinary life. But if you want to hold a high position with the Lord in His Kingdom, you must be prepared to go through the refining fire of every trial the Lord thinks fit for you.
Every believer without exception must go through afflictions. All the saints of God of whom we read in the Scriptures had to go through many severe afflictions. Having go through many trials, David says, "He brought me forth also into a large place" (Psa. 18:19). The apostle Paul gives a long list of the forty or more difficult experiences had to go through (2 Cor. 11:23-30). So we have to thank God for the honour He has given to us also to be prepared and trained for the great responsibilities He wants to give us later on.
August 12
"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name" (Psalm 103:1).
We should keep these three thoughts together, The Lord's death, burial and resurrection. Do not try to separate them, because they all go together. Whenever you mention the cross in your prayer, or testimony or preaching, or writing, please try to keep His death, burial and resurrection together. When the apostle Paul defines the Gospel, he mentions the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:3,4). If anybody questions you, "What is the Gospel" the answer is, "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ...was buried, and that he rose again ...according to the scriptures." The Lord Jesus died to do the same work of death, burial and resurrection in us. He died to bring into us His power of resurrection. He died to make us conquerors; to make us immortal. For the same purpose, He was buried and rose again.
First of all, He died for our sins (Gal. 1:4). Secondly, Christ liveth in us (Gal. 2:20). He died to take away the judgement of our sins and to give us His righteousness. He took upon Himself the punishment for all our sins, of the past, present and future. He paid the full price of redemption. We commit sins in a three fold manner: by our thoughts, words and deeds. For all these sins the Lord Jesus bore three kinds of punishments (Mark 10:34). First, for our sinful thoughts He was spat upon. When a man wants to show extreme hatred towards anybody, he often spits on that person. Then for our sinful words. He was reviled and mocked. But He bore it all patiently. He never said a word. Thirdly, for our sinful deeds His hands, feet and side were pierced; His back was scourged; and His head was crowned with thorns. So remember that the Lord has borne all your sins, and paid the full price for them all, even to the smallest thought.
If you want to grow spiritually, thank Him with all your heart every day for taking all your punishment on Himself. That is the simple way of growing spiritually. Say to Him, "Lord Jesus, I thank you with all my heart for dying for my sins and bearing my entire punishment." Imagine a person in court. There is ample evidence that he had committed a crime. He has stolen many things. All the articles stolen by him are brought to the court as evidence.
It is impossible for the man to escape from condemnation in the face of such overwhelming evidence. Suddenly something happens, all the evidences disappear, and the witnesses run away. Only the judge and the accused are left. What can the judge say now, except, "There is no evidence against you. You are free!". Will not the man walk out triumphantly? That is how we all have been forgiven by our Lord Jesus. For this purpose He bore all our sins in His own body upon the tree (1 Peter 2:24). So if you want to grow spiritually, you must be thankful and grateful to Him indeed. When we learn to thank God with all our heart every day, we will know that this is the secret of spiritual growth.
August 13
"...stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (Col. 4:12).
At Jericho, Elisha is asked, "Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head today? (2 Kings 2:5). The sons of the prophets there too wanted to bring doubts into the heart of Elisha. The enemy uses the words of all kinds of people to make us doubt God's Word. Through listening to Sarah's suggestion, Abraham doubted God's promise, and then see how long he had to wait for the fulfilment of that promise. Today we find many servants of God have lost their faith because they believed in the words of their wives, relations or friends. They do not openly deny the Word of God, but in the secret of their hearts there is unbelief. Their wives make up all kinds of stories with tears in their eyes to every step. So also the devil will try to prevent us from obeying the Lord whole-heartedly. We must be strong and pray with determination, "Lord, I have decided to follow Thee all the way. Please save me from being deceived in any way by relations, or friends or others".
The next test came to Elisha at the river Jordan which speaks of death (2 Kings 2:6). He had to learn to die completely to himself. We too have to go on learning that lesson and pray again and again, "Lord, not my will, but Thine." When we want our own way we say, "Lord hear my prayer and let me do thy will." Only after much conflict and defeat do we learn to yield to Him saying, "From now on Lord, I want only Thy will." When we are willing to die to our thoughts, ideas, plans and desires, God can reveal His own plans and desires and make us His co-workers in the building of His House.
We need to be sure that our steps and our ways are ordered by the Lord, and also to learn how to " walk in the Spirit", be "led of the Spirit" and "live in the Spirit" (see Gal.5:16,18,25). When we walk, we go step by step, we do not jump. To walk in the Spirit means just that: taking one step after another as the Lord leads. If we want to walk in the Spirit, we must allow the power of the cross to bring all our thoughts, ideas and desires into death. We must die to ourselves as Paul also testifies in 1 Cor. 15:31. "I die daily".
In 2 Kings 2:10 we read that If Elisha wanted to receive the double portion of Elijah's spirit, he had to see Elijah at the time of his departure. So also we must keep our eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ if we want the Holy Spirit to control and guide our lives, and we must not let anything else distract our attention. The world offers us many attractions, and because of these we turn from God and miss our way. We must learn how to look to the Lord Jesus Christ for everything. He is the author and finisher of our faith. As we look into Him constantly for everything we can receive the double portion of His Holy Spirit and then our ministry will become effective and fruitful.
August 14
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive" (Matt. 21:22)
We can trust God for everything. Once when I was travelling from Bombay to Hyderabad. I went to the station to enquire at the booking office whether any berth was available in that train. The clerk replied in the negative but I told him that I would take a chance and I bought the ticket. The train arrived and I enquired at two compartments. There was no room, but God had provided. I walked to the front of the train and saw an unoccupied berth in a two-berth compartment. I enquired of one of the passengers in it and he answered me it was vacant. As I entered I asked him how he knew this. Smilingly he said, "I asked for one ticket and one berth and paid for them. I do not know why they gave me two berths. I believe it is for you. " This is one among many similar incidents in my life. It shows how God provides for our every need.
Since I came into God's services. I do not think there has been any occasion when God has not supplied my need. Some years ago, we had a gospel campaign and had to pay a rent of Rs. 335/- for one week for a public hall. So I was praying in my room very quietly, "Lord, for Thy glory we are having meetings. We must pay the rent in time. Will you kindly send the money required within three days?" On the third day I got a letter from a man from Calicut, who wrote, "I am sending you a money order for Rs. 335/- at the request of my daughter. She has been sick for long time and unconscious for more than two weeks. When at last she opened her eyes, she asked me to send you some money. Then I said to her that we had no money in the house. So she requested me to sell her gold chain. I sold the chain and I am sending you the money." This amount was just sufficient to pay the rent for the hall.
Do not doubt the Lord. Do not question Him regarding any delay. Do not be perplexed, but believe that the Lord has heard your prayer. The Lord will see your faith and He will reward you accordingly. Some people pray, but afterwards they go about with a sorrowful face. This shows that they have not believed that the Lord has heard them. Do not be weak in faith like such people. If you have really believed that the Lord has heard you, then thank Him for answering you.
We have proved that He is our loving God Who never fails. Oh, how we doubt God and suffer much by looking to man! If we believe that our Lord died for our sins, loved us and gave all that He had to save us and redeem us, surely He will not fail us. He said, "lo, I am with you alway" (Matt. 28:20), and "I will never leave thee ... nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5).
August 15
"... we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness" (1 Pet. 2:24).
If you say, "I believe the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins", then you must believe that the same Lord Who died for you rose again for your sake. That is the meaning of that fragment in Rom. 6:5. "...if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." Don't think that just by confessing and saying, "I am sorry for my sins", you are going to be given salvation, or that just saying, "He died for me", and also "I know He rose again" is going to save you. It is only by His coming into you by faith that you will be saved. We have to welcome Him and receive Him, and believe that He has come in. He died that we may die to our old nature. It is the old nature which is responsible for all your trouble. There are some skin diseases, which have some deep inner root. People try to cure the disease by outward ointment. But they do not know the root cause of the disease. Unless the root of disease is cured, the disease will not go away. The same thing is true about the sinful nature. Every human being is born with a sinful nature. It cannot be changed by fasting, prayer, Bible knowledge, visions or dreams. You have to take into you by faith the power of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other remedy. It is only by that power that you can die to all these things, when the Holy Spirit will come into you by faith.
You cannot call yourself an Englishman simply by putting on a suit or a tie; you must be born in England to be an Englishman. It the same way you must have that divine life, which gives you new longings and new desires, and will lift you up day by day and more and more. Our Lord rose again to live in us, work in us, and work through us, and make us completely new and eventually to make us His priests and kings. He is calling us for that high purpose, and to an everlasting kingdom. The Lord is preparing His people for that Kingdom.
All our sufferings and trials are allowed for that purpose. So, for a true believer every suffering is a blessing; it is not a punishment. For sinners it is a punishment, for the rebellious it is a punishment, but for a believer any suffering of any kind is a blessing to him. By that you are being prepared for your heavenly call or heavenly vocation, that you may have a full appreciation of the things of eternity. There is a flower in North India, which gives the strongest fragrance on the darkest night. On a moonlight night it is not so strong, but only on the darkest night its fragrance is the strongest. In the same way with the life of the Lord Jesus Christ which is stronger, more inspiring and sweeter in your trials and sufferings. At that time you are being taught many hidden mysteries. I can thank God for every suffering, hardship and trial in my past life. I never would have learnt these truths from books or in colleges. The Lord Himself has become unto me more precious and near in these sufferings.
August 16
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him" (Col. 2:12).
By faith we can enjoy fully our spiritual union with the Lord Jesus. He died many years ago and yet even now we can be benefited by it. By the power of His death, we can die to our old nature. We cannot die to it by our own will-power. For all our weaknesses like bad temper, jealousy, pride and hatred and for all our failures we should say by faith, "Lord Jesus, I see these weaknesses in me. Please take away my doubts and fears. I want to die to my weaknesses to be buried by the power of Thy burial. By the same faith, I want to receive into me the power of Thy resurrection." That is how we have to appropriate the power of His death, burial and resurrection. His death has eternal and abiding value. His words are eternal and His deeds are also eternal because He is eternal. His death benefits those who lived before Him and also those who live after Him.
Every day we receive into us by faith the power of the death of the Lord Jesus to die to our thoughts; the power of His burial to forget them; and the power of His resurrection to receive new life of victory over sin and temptation. It is for this purpose that we should be baptized, and learn to enjoy our spiritual oneness with the Lord in this threefold manner, Baptism is not a ceremony, but a testimony. Those who do not obey in Baptism live defeated lives. They depend upon will-power or fasting or long prayers for victory, but they are defeated. It is by our oneness with the Lord that we get victory. By water baptism we declare that we are spiritually united with our Lord. That is why baptism is a fundamental principle which helps us to enjoy our share in the fulness of Christ.
August 17
"...I have found David... a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will" (Acts 13:22).
It is only when we enthrone the Lord Jesus Christ as the King and Lord in every small matter of our life we become true overcomers and partners with God. This is a sure test for those who come under His Kingship. In every small matter, they want to be governed by the Lord. Others want to be governed by their own wisdom and judgement. So we see that throughout his life David enquired of God. Abner was depending upon his own experience and strength to make Saul's son king. There is no mention anywhere that Abner sought God's will. He depended on his own discretion. He was seeking some opportunity to defeat David. That is why he provoked Joab to fight. (2 Sam. 2:14, 17). Even though he was beaten in the presence of the servants of David, he would not accept it. Thus we find that people who are strong and ambitious for power and authority in the House of God bring loss for personal gain. There is much spiritual loss in many assemblies because of a few men who are very ambitious for power, money, name, fame and eldership.
By enthroning the Lord Jesus Christ in our hearts as the King of kings and the Lord of lords we come under His full authority. Eventually He will make us kings for ever (Rev. 5:10). It is not by their effort or ambition that they became kings but the Lord Jesus made them kings because they came under His Kingship. In the beginning they acknowledged Him as the One Who is higher than all the kings, then they were made kings and priests (Rev. 1:5,6).
Men who are ambitious for power and authority become weaker and weaker. Those who serve God with humility are eventually exalted and brought to a high position. "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matt. 23:11,22). The more we humble ourselves the more are we exalted; the more we exalt ourselves the more are we abased. All those who are very much ambitious for power, authority and position in the House of God will be brought low, but those who humble themselves will be exalted.
God had put His seal definitely upon David as a man after His own heart. "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will" (Acts 13:22). That was the greatest virtue in David in spite of all his failures. We too have to learn the secret of doing God's perfect will even in small matters. Willingly and joyfully we should come under the Lordship and Kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ and be governed, controlled, possessed and led by Him.
August 18
"... ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
In every detail of the blue robe worn by the high priest having pomegranates of blue, and purple and scarlet colours there is a spiritual meaning. God was teaching in a symbolic way at that time, how the people could enjoy God's fulness and grace in abundance. Num. 15:37-41, indicates the meaning of the blue colour. God was telling His people through Moses, that they should have blue fringes on their garments. This way they were reminded that they were God's people, that He had saved them by His grace and that they had to obey His commandments. In the same way the blue colour reminds us that we are a holy nation and a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9). If you really want to enjoy God's fulness, then learn of His heavenly calling. The call is to build a heavenly sanctuary or a heavenly Church under the Headship of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Purple stands for kingship. You will remember that before the crucifix, the soldiers put a purple robe on the Lord Jesus and mocked Him saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" (John 29:3). Only kings wear garments of this colour. So the purple colour in the pomegranates, convey the message that God wants us to come under the Kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be willing to be governed and lead by Him in everything.
In Heb. 9:19, we read that Moses used scarlet wool which speaks of the sprinkled blood. As co-workers of God, we need to have a clear conscience, free from guilt, and this we can receive only by being cleansed in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We can never be cleansed by shedding tears or by offering long prayers. If you come to the Lord humbly and pray, "Lord Jesus, I am defiled in thought, word and deed; cleanse me with Thy precious blood", immediately He will cleanse you. There is no need for you to wait for any vision or unusual experience. The moment you ask Him, you will be cleansed. It is very essential for those who are servants of God, to be kept cleansed from every defilement.