December

December 1st

“Fear not: I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore Amen and have the keys of the hell and of death” (Rev 1:17, 18).

The first chapter of book of Revelation shows the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ as our everlasting High priest. This book is a message for spiritual recovery. Every loss can be recovered if we obey the divine laws. We read that John heard behind him a great voice, and he turned to see the voice that spoke to him. John was looking in the wrong direction, (Rev 1:10-12). We too get discouraged because we look in the wrong direction.

In Rev 1:20 we see what kind of Church the Lord Jesus Christ is building. Rev 1:13 shows Christ as the everlasting High priest. This chapter shows seven features of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. His head and hair were white like wool: Rev 1:14-18.

2. His eyes were like a flame of fire.

3. His feet were like fine brass: Brass stands for judgment. In Gen 3:15 the

prophecy is given that the serpent’s head would be crushed.

4. His voice was like the sound of many waters: Rev 1:15; 19:6.

5. His hands held seven stars: The Lord holds the churches in His hands.

6. Out of His mouth a sharp two-edged sword: In Hebrews 4:12 the word of

God is compared to a sharp two edged sword.

7. Lastly, His countenance was as the sun shineth in its strength. The Lord gave John the apostle a new vision of himself. Present Christ, not only His teaching, but also His heavenly glory and beauty. Rev 19:16 reveals Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Fear God, and give glory to Him, for the hour of his judgment is come”. Rev 14:7.

December 2nd

“These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.” (Rev 2:1).

The book of Revelation is a special message for the end days and a special blessing is promised to those who hear and keep “the words of the prophecy.” (Rev 22:7). Rev 21:7, “he that over-cometh shall inherit all things” and this book teaches us how to overcome. In this chapter the Lord Jesus is seen in the midst of the churches (Matt 16:18).

The message of this book can be divided into seven parts, and each part represents a period of history. There are in all seven messages and each message again has seven parts. Seven titles are given to the Lord Christ. By this He makes Himself known to the seven churches, and in each church or age it was the knowledge of Him in the role by which He introduced Himself, that enabled the overcomer to overcome.

The first period is pictured by the Church at Ephesus. In Rev 2:1, speaking to the angel of the church at Ephesus, Christ introduces Himself as the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand. The Lord also introduced Himself to this church as the One who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.

He makes a serious charge against the church: “Thou hast left thy first love. I cannot use you. You have lost your love for the Lord.” Without love for the Lord He cannot use us. The reward promised to this church is that to him that over-cometh will Christ give to eat of the tree of life. (Rev 2:7) The reward of faithfulness is to eat of the tree of life.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of his judgment is come”. Rev 14:7.

December 3rd

“Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of His knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ”. (@ Cor 2:14-15).

The second period is that of the church at Smyrna (Rev 2:8). The name indicates suffering. We are called to suffer that we should give forth a sweet fragrance. “Ye shall have tribulation ten days”, the Lord told them, ---“be thou faithful unto death.” The number 10 stands for testing. Those who stood the test were to receive a crown of life.” (James 1:2).

The promise to the second church (Rev 2:11) is that the over-comer shall not be hurt of the second death. The Lord comes to this church as “the first and the Last”, the One who “was dead and is alive”.

The third period is that of the church of Pergamos, Rev 2:12 to end. Christ presents Himself as “He who hath the sharp sword with two edges.” The church also had among of the Nicolaitanes. (Rev 2:15). It is the doctrine of man-appointed headship in the church of God. Here the promised reward is hidden manna, the spiritual food that we require for new life. There is also a white stone promised to the over-comer. With the help of the white stone we too will be able to find God’s will.

The fourth period of church history is that of the church at Thyatra (Rev 2:18). Christ introduces Himself as the Son of God. He says ‘Look at my eyes!” Dare I do so? Unless the sin the Devil causes is judged we cannot conquer the Devil himself.

The promised reward is the Morning Star in Rev 2:28.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Fear God, and give glory to Him, for the hour of his judgment is come”. Rev 14:7.

December 4th

“Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me”. (Rev 3:20).

The fifth period (Rev 3:6) is the period of Sardis. The Lord Jesus Christ introduces Himself as the One who has the Seven Spirits of God (Rev 3:1). The white raiment promised to the over-comer in V.5 speaks of heavenly beauty. He has promised also that He will not blot the over comer’s name out f the book of life.

The sixth period of Philadelphia (Rev 3:7) is the missionary period. Here the Lord introduces Himself as the One who shuts and no man can open, and what He opens no man can shut. His promise to the over comers in v.12 is fourfold. The overcomer is to be a pillar in the temple of my God. A source of strength to other believers. He will bear the name of the ‘city of my God, and my name and above all the names of my God’.

In revelation 3:14, we have the seventh or Laodicean period. The Lord introduces himself as the beginning and the ending. He is the beginning of creation. In v.15 He tells the church how they are in His sight lukewarm, indifferent, no hunger for the Word of God, but only formality, the desire to be decent and respectable; to have longings to share the throne of God, as he promises in Rev 3:21 we wonder how we can do so with so many human limitations.

We shall share that throne now because of what we are, but because of God’s covenant: Psalm 89:34. He promises: ‘My covenant will I not break”. The rainbow is the token of God’s faithfulness. We must believe and claim His promise.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Fear God, and give glory to Him, for the hour of his judgment is come”. Rev 14:7.

December 5th

“My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips” (Psalms 89:34).

There are seven colors in the rainbow which stand for seven covenants:

1. God made covenant with Adam in Gen 3:15.

2. God’s second covenant was made with Noah (Gen 9:9-11).

3. God’s third covenant was with Abraham – an everlasting covenant. (Genesis

17:19).
4. God’s fourth covenant was with Moses (Deut 18:15).
5. God’s fifth covenant was with David (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

6. God’s sixth covenant was with the Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 2:7-8).

7. God’s seventh covenant is with the believer (Heb 10:12-17).

Revelation 21:7 promises that the over-comer will inherit all things. Revelation 4and 5. These chapters reveal the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ in the heavenly church when the church is perfected. There was a rainbow round about the throne. The seven spirits of God speak of the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Revelation 4:5). The four beasts speak of the four great virtues of the Lord Jesus Christ, of which we partake when we come under His headship:

The lion: (Proverbs 30:29-30), is the strongest of beasts. It goes straight across a river even though the current is strong. The calf: (Matt 11:28) is used for plowing. A weak oxen is yoked to a strong oxen who carries most of the burden. The man (Heb 2:17). He became a man like us. He allowed Himself to be tempted like us. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. So we can come boldly to the throne of grace. The eagle: (Duet: 32:11) the eagle builds a nest in a high place. We receive these four characteristics by coming under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 4:9-10, the elders represent the over-comers full of praise. The strongest proof of an over-comer is that he is full of worship. If there is no worship, there is little growth. We may have good teaching, but if there is no worship, there is no growth.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed; for I am thy God” Isaiah 41:10.

December 6th

“Lo, in the midst of the throne, and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into the earth”. (Rev 5:6).

In the midst of the Throne stood a Lamb as it had been slain. No commentary can open the book. Only the slain Lamb (Rev 5:6). The Lamb of God is mentioned in the book of Revelation twenty-eight times. This gives a twenty-eight fold meaning of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The seven horns show that He is a King, for the horns mean kingship (Rev 17:12). The seven eyes speak of the great secret of the fullness of the Holy Spirit by identification with the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lamb opens the seals, and as the first seal is broken John sees a white horse. The anti-Christ comes trying to deceive people that he is Christ. The world authorities will appoint the anti-Christ as their leader, and he will become a world dictator. In the second seal the rider on the red horse in verses 3-4 is given a great sword. This speaks of the many wars. At the third seal, is revealed a black horse in verse 5-6 which fortells a great famine for food in many parts of the world.

In revelation 6:8 the fourth seal revealed the rider on the pale horse which is death, accomplished by Hell. At the fifth seal, in Rev 6:9-11, John saw that many who are faithful will be killed. There will be worldwide persecution which goes on to the end of the tribulation (Rev 10:7). In revelation 6:12-17, at the sixth seal, the sun became black, the moon as blood and the stars of heaven fell to the earth. Compare Matt 24:29.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Follow peace… Holyness, without which no man shall see the Lord”. Heb 12:14.

December 7th

“HE which testifieth these things saith; Surely I come quickly; Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus”. (Rev 22:20).

When the seventh seal was opened the seven angels were given seven trumpets in Rev 8:7. John was told that when the seventh angel would sound, the mystery of God would be finished (Rev 10:7). We now come to Revelation chapters 11 to 19. These chapters contain a description of the last 3 ½ years of the tribulation period. The seventh angel sounds, and now all can have three weapons with which to overcome the devil (Rev 12:11).

1. The first is the blood of the Lamb.

2. The second is the Word of our testimony.

3. The third is that we should love not our lives unto death. By a bold stand

we are able to defeat the enemy.

Certainly it would be better to suffer and die than to worship the beast. Then comes the marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:9) and He that is called “Faithful and true” comes from an opened heaven on a white horse (V.11). The devil is seized and bound for a thousand years. At the end of the thousand years Satan is loosed (vs. 7 and 8) and goes out to deceive the nations again, and to gather them together to battle. But fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them. Then the devil is judged and cast into the lake of fire, (v.10). The dead are raised to stand before the great white throne. Those whose names are not written in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire (V.11-15).

The book closes with the marvelous promise; surely I come quickly. Amen; and the writer replies: Even so, come, Lord Jesus, and adds: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Rev 22:20 and 21).

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7.

December 8th

“Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be”. (Rev 22:12).

There is a special blessing promised for reading this book of Revelation. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand”. (Rev 1:3); also Rev 22:7: “Behold I come quickly; blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of this book.” The message of this book is intended to prepare us for the second appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. For this reason you will find much help by reading slowly and prayerfully the book of Revelation.

Blessing is given to us as we begin this study of the seven names of the Holy Spirit from Rev 1:1-6; 3:1; 4:1-5; 5:5-6. The number seven in the Bible speaks of perfection. When Christ speaks of His seven Spirits He means the complete and perfect work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God says in effect: ‘You know the meaning of the seven Spirits? Then let them work in you freely and you will be raised to my throne.’ The seven spirits speaks of the complete Spirit.

We find that phrase, the ‘seven Spirits’, coming four times in chapters 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; and 5:6. We can divide the work of the Holy Spirit into four parts. Firstly, there are seven names given in the Bible to the Holy Spirit. Secondly, there is the seven-fold work of the Holy Spirit, which goes on very quietly in the believer. Thirdly, there is the seven-fold work of the Holy Spirit that can be seen outwardly by other people. Fourthly, there is the seven-fold work of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, He shall lift you up”. James 4:10.

December 9th

“Hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us”. (Rom 5:5).

The first name given in the Bible to the Holy Spirit is in Romans 1:4, “and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead.” He is given that name that we may understand the meaning of God’s holiness and we also can become holy, as God is holy. That is God’s standard for you and me.

In Hebrews 9:14: we read: “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge you r conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” That is the second name we see in the Bible: the Eternal Spirit. He has given the Spirit to us to teach us about eternal things.

In john 14:16 we read; “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” The third name that is given to the Holy Spirit is the Comforter. He is called the Comforter, that the love of God may be fully enjoyed by us.

The fourth name of the Holy Spirit is given in John 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will shew you things to come”. The spirit of truth will teach me day by day things to come, and at the same time give me a clear understanding of the whole plan of salvation, for by the Holy Spirit we know clearly how we become just and righteous before God; how all our sins are forgiven; and how the Lord Himself is our sanctification and righteousness. Similarly He says: ‘He will show you things to come”.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “If any will come after me, let him deny himself”. Matt 16:24.

December 10th

“The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11)”

The fifth name given to the Holy Spirit is found in Galatians 4:6: “Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father.” Verse 7 also “Wherefore thou art no more a servant but a son; and if a son then an heir of God through Christ.” The Spirit of God’s Son gives us liberty and boldness to call upon God at any time.

The sixth name of the Holy Spirit is found in 2 Timothy 1:7; “For hath not given us the Spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” That is the sixth name; the Spirit of power and love and a sound mind. These three go together, so do not separate them: power, love and a sound mind. Some want power but not love. They do not want both but both must go together. The Spirit of power, love and a sound mind will first of all take away all my fear. The same Spirit will give you power over sin and temptation and a sound mind to understand the mind of God, to know God’s wisdom and plan, and God’s perfect will.

The seventh name is in 2 John 2:27 the “anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all tings, and is truth, and no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.” That is the seventh name, the Anointing. He is called the Spirit of Anointing to save us from the wrong teachings of false prophets.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help”. Psalm 146:5.

December 11th

“To him that over-cometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcome and am set down with my Father in His throne” (Rev 3:21).

The whole message of the book of Revelation can be summed up in one verse from Rev 21:7 where God says: “He that over-cometh shall inherit all things, and I shall be his God and he shall be my son”. It is very hard to understand on this earth what our inheritance really is, but we accept it as God’s Word and believe it without any question or doubt.

At the beginning of this book of Revelation our attention is being drawn to the throne. The Lord Jesus answered all the questions that were in the mind of the apostle at that time, how He was to defeat the enemy, and how He would one day bring all of us to a very high position upon His throne, as He has promised. Note particularly Rev 3:21. Thus is the clear purpose of God revealed that our Lord wants us to be there upon His throne. The message us so simple “to him that overcometh”, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne, but by faith we can accept it easily for God is so merciful, and so gracious that He wants to forgive our sins, and that is why He has made a way of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It becomes simple to us when we know that the honor us “to him that over-cometh”, and further that those who overcome will inherit all things”. (Rev 21:7).

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “I have loved thee with an everlasting love”. Jer 31:3.

December 12th

“It is God, which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil 2:13).

When we say in our minds: ‘How can me like us rise so high as to sit upon God’s throne? The answer is the ‘seven Spirit’. The number seven speaks of perfection and completion. If we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us deeply, fully and freely, we are qualified automatically to sit on the throne of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not by human faculties, not by our cleverness, but by the Holy Spirit working in us daily, deeply, freely and fully. Firstly, as we have seen already, there are seven names of the Holy Spirit is going on inside us very quietly, like the roots of a tree under ground, spreading over a large area, going down deeply, but playing a very big and important part. These roots are often tiny, like threads, but they go on spreading and gathering the food necessary for the whole tree. And that quite hidden work cannot be seen by men outside. Similarly, the sevenfold work of the Holy Spirit is going on inside us very quietly. We know it though others do not always see it.

Thirdly, there is a work of the Holy Spirit that can be seen by our neighbors, friends, enemies and relations. So you can divide the work of the Holy Ghost into a seven-fold unseen work inside, and a seven-fold work of the Holy Spirit that can be seen by others. Fourthly, the seven-fold work of the Holy Spirit which is accomplished in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you divide this work into these four groups you have the secret of the fullness of the Holy Spirit for all human beings whatever they may be.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him… that publisheth salvation”. Isaiah 52:7.

December 13th

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost”. (Titus 3:5).

Let us study in detail the seven-fold work of the Holy Spirit which goes on in us very quietly, by which work we are being prepared by our loving savior for our position with our Lord upon His throne. That work is inside, and you cannot see it. When the Lord Jesus comes back the second time, and we see Him face to face, we shall know fully how that work has been going on.

The work of regeneration is the first inward work of the Holy Spirit. By this we are made new in our Spirit. In other words we are born again. (John 3:6, Titus 3:5) “God is a Spirit” John 4:24. If we want to know and hear God, if we want to touch Him and feel Him, it is only in our spirit that we can know Him. God gives me a spirit for spiritual things. God tells us so clearly in matt 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”. God can be seen, but not by natural sight. We can hear God’s voice, though not often with our natural earls.

In Psalm 16:11 we read, “In thy presence is fullness of joy”. Yes, we can feel God’s presence, not in the body, but inwardly and spiritually. Unless we are inwardly renewed by the Holy Spirit in our spirit we can not see God, know God, or feel God. When God comes into me and into you He can only come in through the spirit. I am conscious of His life coming into me, and He answers my call. How is this? It is by His Spirit. Why is it that we cannot see Him clearly even in the spirit? Because of sin.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you”. Isaiah 66:13.

December 14th

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus”. (Gal 3:28).

There are three components in the spirit. Firstly, the conscience, that inward faculty which tells me this is wrong. Secondly, worship longing to know the unseen who is my creator. Where is He? How can I find Him? Where can I find Him? That desire comes to all of us at different times. Some want to find God in nature. Some want to find Him in buildings, temples, some want to find Him by ritual ceremony. God cannot be found that way, but only by the Spirit.

The third component of the spirit is the instinct or intuition. Suddenly a thought comes. The work of the Holy Spirit is to renew me completely that I may receive into me the Holy Spirit. Before the Holy Spirit can come into my spirit all the guilty stains caused by sinful thoughts, and words and deeds must be washed and taken away. God has put a tape-recorder in our hearts and every word we speak, every single thought we think, and what we do is being recorded quietly in the conscience. That is God’s tape-recorder.

When I am inwardly cleansed and purged by God in the blood of Christ, then the Holy Spirit comes into me to make me a new person. That is called regeneration and is the first great work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). The second inward work of the Holy Spirit is to baptize me, or unite me, or to put me into the body of Christ, to make me a member of the heavenly family, to bring me under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Inwardly we are joined in oneness with all believers of any country you go to. (Ephesians 1:11-13).

The third inward work of the Holy Spirit is the sealing for safety. When we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, we have the assurance that my Lord knows and will protect us from every possible danger around us.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “The Lord that chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it”. @ 1 Corin 28:10.

December 15th

“God, who also hath sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts”. 2 Corin 1:22.

The fourth inward work of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:14 and 2 Corin 1:22) is that He is the earnest of our inheritance. The Lord Jesus Christ has called us for a great heavenly inheritance (I Peter 1:4). The Lord Jesus Christ wants you and me to be ready for our share of the heavenly inheritance. The proof is the earnest of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of revelation is the fifth inward work of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:16- 20). The Holy Ghost is given to me that I may know how to use that wonderful power of resurrection for all my needs.

The sixth inward work of the Holy Spirit is seen in Eph 3:16-19 “that we might be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man”. That work is going on inside the believer. The more we are strengthened in the inner man, the more we are qualified to be filled with God’s fullness. Try it whenever you feel spiritually empty and barren, or helpless and weak. Get upon your knees and say: ‘Lord, please strengthen me in the inner man and pour thy Spirit into me’. Then wait for a while by faith. Finally the seventh inward work of the Holy Spirit within us is sanctification (1 Peter 1:2), ‘Unto obedience’ and ‘sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ’. Sanctification helps me to obey God’s Word. The Holy Spirit by sanctifying me gives me extra courage, till I say: I do not care what people say, I will obey my Lord. That is true sanctification because I know all that I have is only for him.

Sanctification is also ‘the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ”. The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring into me the sprinkling of the precious blood to keep me perfectly clean every second, every moment, every hour, not only once in a while. The seventh work is sanctification for obedience and for constant cleansing. Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you”. @ 1 Peter 4:14.

December 16th

“I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me”. Gal 2:20.

There is also a seven-fold work of the Holy Ghost which can be seen outwardly, that is, the seven-fold outward expression of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives which can be seen by our friends and our enemies. It cannot be hid, and that work is made clear to us in Rom 8:9. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his”.

The first is the work of the indwelling Spirit. In other words the Holy Spirit will bring into us the virtues of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you allow the Holy Ghost to possess you, others can see the good He has done for you. The Holy Spirit will surely bring upon our faces a peculiar glory and beauty, but to obtain this we have to obey Him. He will make us like Himself. The first great work of the Holy Spirit outwardly is to bring into me those virtues that can be seen by people around.

Col. 3:12-16 lists the virtues of a believer; “Put on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfect-ness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye, thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”.

“The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; he shall preserve thy soul. Psalms 121:7.

December 17th

“If the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you”. (Rom 8:11).

The work of the quickening Spirit is the second work seen outwardly. The quickening Spirit will one day make our bodies immortal. We shall be given immortal, glorified, heavenly, spiritual bodies, and with that body we shall see him and be like Him, by the power of the quickening Spirit. Even now upon the earth we can have a foretaste of that quickening Spirit. When we feel weak physically, God gives extra strength to serve Him.

The third is the work of the leading Spirit. “As many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God”. (Rom 8:14). This is the third outward expression of the work of the Holy Ghost in our lives. We are so foolish; we cannot find God’s will. “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:17). To be sure of God’s will you have to have a seven-fold evidence. I will give you in brief these seven evidence of God’s will. First of all, 1 Sam 16:12. We can call this the witness of the Holy Spirit.” The second evidence is in Psalm 119:5. This is the witness of the Word of God. The third evidence is found in Daniel 2:17-19, the witness of fellow believers. The fourth evidence is in Isaiah 32:17 the witness of the growing, inward, multiplying peace. The fifth evidence is the witness of a strong, active, growing faith. The sixth evidence is the witness of a sure sign. The seventh evidence is in Heb 12:21; the witness of His name being gloried: These are the seven evidences by which you can find God’s will.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “The Lord.. Will be with thee, he will not fail thee”. Deut 31:8.

December 18th

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father”. (Rom 8:15).

The work of the Spirit of adoption, leading to maturity is the fourth outward work of the Spirit. God gives us the Spirit of maturity. He gave authority to His servants, that means to the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. They have authority to give God’s Word with authority.

The fifth is the work of the witnessing Spirit. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our Spirit, that we are the children of God. If children, then heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” (Rom 8:16-17). The fifth work of the heavenly inheritance that the Lord Jesus has for me in heaven for we are joint-heirs, and I must learn upon the earth, how to look after it. All my suffering upon the earth is for a purpose, to teach me, to educate me, to help me, to train me to enjoy my heavenly inheritance. The work of the Holy Spirit is to tell me how God has prepared for me in heaven a great inheritance. That is why we are triumphant in our trails, and do not murmur or complain, but thank God for suffering; for through this suffering we are qualified to reign with the Lord Jesus in heaven.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches”. Proverbs 22:1.

December 19th

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us”. ( Rom 8:26).

The work of the helping Spirit is the sixth outward work. We do not know what to pray for, but as we begin to obey the Holy Spirit, He will remind us for whom to pray. “And this the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us”. (1 John 5:14). The Holy Spirit will remind you almost every day to pray for somebody. He has helped me to remember many people wherever they are and whatever their needs.

The seventh is the work of the interceding Spirit “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom 8:27). The spirit is given to us that we may be able to intercede for God’s saints. I have been reminded again and again with a burden upon my heart to intercede for so and so, and that means perseverance, and travail in prayer. We protect them by intercession, by travailing in prayer.

This is the seven-fold outward expression of the work of the Holy Spirit which can be seen by friends, enemies, neighbors or relations. Claim the seven-fold fullness, and he will show you how it can become yours.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Thou hast enlarged my steps under me that my feet did not slip”. Psalms 18:36.

December 20th

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matt 16:16).

From the beginning I knew the Bible is the Word of God, but I had to go to it a hundred times before I what God has shown me. Now we shall see the seven-fold work of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Luke 1:34 we read: “Then said Mary unto the angel. ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? Verse 35, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” That is the first great work of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and not by human activity. In the same way we also are born again by the Holy Spirit, and not by human wisdom, or cleverness. Unless the Holy Spirit comes into us, none of us can know the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior.

The real work of God is wrought only by the Holy Spirit. We cannot leave Him out, however clever we may be. The Lord Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit. Our eyes can be opened only by the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 12:3 tells us “I give you to understand that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed, and that no man can say Jesus is the Lord by the Holy spirit”. This is a very important truth for salvation.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found. Call ye upon him while he is near”. Isaiah 55:6.

December 21st

“We are buried with Him in baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4).

The second work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is found in Luke 3:21 onwards. Luke 3:21-22 tells us: “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him; and a voice came from heaven, which said, “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” Before the Lord began His public ministry He was filled with the Holy Spirit. See also Luke 4:1 “and Jesus, being, full of the Holy Spirit returned from Jordan, and was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness.

The Lord’s baptism was a foreshadow of His death, burial and resurrection. The Lord showed in a simple way that if we want His fullness, we have to identify ourselves with His death, burial and resurrection, and then we have fullness. Thirdly in Acts 10:38 we read: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him”. That was the third work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. He went about doing good with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In other words, He never performed any miracles of His own choice.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse:
“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble”.
Nehemiah 1:7.

December 22nd

“And they could not take hold of His words before the people; and they marveled at His answer, and held their peace” (Luke 20:26).

In Isaiah 11:2-5 we read: “And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears; but with righteousness shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his lions, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.” This is the fourth work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, -- perfect wisdom. Every word he uttered had power and authority. See Matthew 7:29: “For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” See again in John 7:46: “The officers answered, never man spake like this man.”

Fifthly, in Isaiah 42:1 to 4 we read: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall be not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench; he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail not be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law”. See verse 2 ‘He shall not cry, not lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street,’ but by love and kindness and truth he would win the world.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “My soul shall be joyful in the Lord… rejoice in His salvation”. Psalm 35:9.

December 23rd

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written; The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor”. (Luke 4:17-18).

The sixth work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Lord Jesus we find in Isaiah 61:1-3. “The spirit of the Lord is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our god; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of Joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” The very same passage was quoted by the Lord when He first came to the synagogue in Capernaum, after his baptism.

Read also Luke 7:21-22: “and in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits: and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.”

Finally Romans 1:4 gives the seventh work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Lord Jesus: “Declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the Dead.” He was raised from the dead by the spirit of holiness.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to unto all men”. Gal 6:10.

December 24th

“Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or 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. 3:22-23).

There is a special exhortation by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself to all believers to pay extra attention to this book of Revelation. First, we learn to overcome by faith; (I John 5:4). That is how we begin a life of victory; “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith.” In this book we are told in a sevenfold manner how to over come. The phrase ‘he that over-cometh’ is repeated seven times in Revelation 2 and 3.

Similarly, there are seven rewards for those who overcome, and there are seven great spiritual experiences which we will have to go through in order to overcome. The first great spiritual experience is love. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love”. We become so unkind: we speak unkind hurtful, painful words, and say things that hurt others to give ourselves pleasure. The Lord is also hurt and wounded by these things, and says: ‘I have somewhat against thee’.

When we find our hearts becoming hard, we must pray, ‘Lord, make my heart soft.’ That is my daily prayer, ‘Lord, keep my heart tender.’ We talk so much that we become very hard-hearted. We say so many hurtful things, without any regard for the feelings of others. It is only by prayer that our hearts remain tender, loving and kind. Loving and forgiving others is the first and fundamental experience in becoming an overcomer.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “While he blessed them, he was… carried up into heaven”. Luke 24:51.

December 25th

“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”. I Peter 4:12-14.

The second experience is found in Revelation 2:9-10. “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life”.

It is an honor and privilege to suffer. And we cannot escape it. “The disciple is not above his master, not the servant above his Lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his Lord”.

We as believers must live a life of separation. We cannot imitate the world, we cannot be unequally yoked with unbelievers. 2 Cor 6:14-17. This is the third experience – living a life of complete separation. In habits of dress, manner, custom and conversation we are God’s people, and have to be governed by God’s Word, and show it by our conversation, dress, taste, music or interest of any kind, that His name may be glorified.

Now for the fourth experience (rev 2:18-20). They started to worship the cross, and gradually one by one they brought many images into the church and began to worship them. But all these heathen customs must be out away. All these things take away the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. God is a spirit and we have to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Keep your worship simple and free from meaningless rituals, rites and practices.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel”. Isaiah 7:14.

December 26th

“Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God”. Rev 3:1-2.

Be watchful. That is our fifth spiritual experience. “Watch ye therefore: for ye know now when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you, sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto you all. Watch” (Mark 13:35-37). Let us watch for His coming. By watchfulness we enjoy our share of the heavenly inheritance.

For the sixth experience we see Rev 3:2. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” Rev 3:8 “behold I have set before thee an open door a door that is opened by the Lord Jesus Christ.

We have to go out. We have found by experience that as we pray together the Lord tells us where and when to go, and we have found souls ready for the Gospel. And he will give us souls. The souls we win under God’s guidance are for God and He knows them. We have found that through one person, many more have been saved.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “A good name is better than precious ointment”. Eccl 7:1.

December 27th

“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 honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”. (I Peter 1:7).

This is the last or seventh spiritual experience. Rev 3:18: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” It is a picture of strong and living faith. Gold has to be purified seven times. God says if we want such clear faith we have to go through many refining fires. In these last days we require strong faith.

Then He says further to buy of Him eyesalve. “Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve; that thou mayest see”. (Rev 3:18). There are many things in God’s Word which we do not understand. So we go to him to understand these things. As the Psalmist says “open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law”. (Psalm 119:18).

Now you have these seven simple experience. The first is love; the second is suffering joyfully without murmuring; the third is separation from the world; the fourth is freedom from man-made customs, traditions, rituals and ceremonies. The fifth is watching to be ready for His coming. The sixth is entering open doors and learning how to win souls for Him by finding who are prepared by Him; and the seventh is strong active faith; a living faith and life, using spiritual eyesalve, so that we can understand his heavenly mysteries. By these simple things we are qualified for our share in the spiritual, heavenly, glorious inheritance in the Lord Jesus Christ. Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. Romans 5:1.

December 28th

“And I will put my Spirit within you… ye shall be my people and I will be your God”. Ezek 36:27-28).

“Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new”. (2 Cor 5:17). The first part of verse 18 is very important, “and all things are of God’s”. It does not say; ‘if any man be a Christian’, but ‘if any man be in Christ he is a new creature.’ ‘If any man be in Christ… old things are passed away, all things are become new.’

What are these new things? “A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart from your flesh and I will give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit in you and cause you to walk in my statutes and you shall keep my judgment and do them.” That is the first thing that happens, ‘a new heart will I put within you’. That is the first great change which takes place in a person who has received a new heart: he has a love for heavenly things.

The second thing God gives us is a good conscience. All the guilty stains caused by sinful thoughts and deeds have been washed away by my Lord by His blood. The proof is boldness and liberty in His presence. Hebrews 4:16 says: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace”. Job 22:21.

December 29th

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”. (Luke 12:32).

We receive a new nature. This is the third new thing. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust”. (2 Peter 1:4). God gives us a divine, holy and pure nature, for our sinful nature can never be refined by human effort.

When we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we enter upon a sevenfold partnership. Firstly, by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior we are made partakers of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, we are made partakers of God’s holiness. Thirdly, we have partnership in a heavenly calling. ‘Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling’ Heb 3:1. What is that calling? To show forth God’s glory and power to the heavenly authorities.

Fourthly, we are partakers of the heavenly inheritance. “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us, meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Col 1:12).

Fifthly, we are made partakers of the heavenly glory. “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed.” (I Peter 5:1). Sixthly, we are partakers of the Lord himself. “For we are made partakers of the Lord Himself”. “For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” (Heb 3:14). Partakers of all that He has. And seventhly, we become partakers of the divine nature. This seven-fold spiritual partnership we enter into by accepting Christ”.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I”. Psalm 61:2.

December 30th

“At that time Jesus answered and said, 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”. (Matt 11:25).

The first three of the eight new things are a new heart, a new conscience, and a new nature. Fourthly, we are given new wisdom. “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30. We are given heavenly wisdom to understand heavenly mysteries. Heavenly things can only be known by heavenly wisdom. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Fifthly we are given a new song in our mouth. “He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth even praise unto our God; many shall see it and fear and shall trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:2, 3). Has God given you a new song in your mouth which is able to praise Him under all circumstances?

Now this is the sixth new thing, a new beauty, a beauty that does not come by wearing worldly garments. The scripture says,” He hath covered me, clothed and surrounded me with a garment of salvation” which becomes brighter and brighter. Try it and your face will be shining with God’s glory. Everything will be new. Behold I make all things new”.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness”. 2 Corinthians 12:9.

December 31st

“Nevertheless we according to His promise look for a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness”. 11 Peter 3:13.

He gives us new relations. This is the seventh new thing. “But He answered and said unto Him that told him, who is my mother? And who are my brethren?” And He stretched forth His hand towards His disciples and said “Behold my mother and my brethren! For who so ever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Matthew 12:48, 49, 50).

Finally, we do not defeat the Devil by worldly weapons. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4).

God gives us new weapons this is the eighth new thing. Now you can defeat the enemy. In Isaiah 54:17, we read, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servant of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, sayeth the Lord." In Romans 12 we read of the weapons of our warfare. "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head." (Rom 12:20). Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. The new weapons of our warfare are love, kindness, sympathy, prayer, tolerance and patience. By finding and doing God's will, and by honoring God's word we defeat the enemy.

Read the word of God, and call upon him, if you want Him to forgive you and transform you and make you a new person.

Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “The path of the just is as the shining light” Proverbs 4:18.