God First, Then Extras

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33. See how the Bible opens: “In the beginning God.” Let your life open in the same way. Seek with your whole soul, first and foremost, the kingdom of God, as the place of your…

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Harvest of Light, Gladness

Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Psalm 97:11. Righteousness is often costly to the man who keeps to it at all hazards, but in the end it will bear its own expenses and return an infinite profit. A holy life is like sowing seed: much is going out,…

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Plead His Own Promise

“Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.” 2 Samuel 7:29. This is a promise pleaded, and so it yields double instruction to us. Anything which…

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God’s Multiplication Table

“The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.” Isaiah 60:22. Works for the Lord often begin on a small scale, and they are none the worse for this. Feebleness educates faith, brings God near, and wins glory for…

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From Every Sin

“He shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21. Lord, save me from my sins. By the name of Jesus I am encouraged thus to pray. Save me from my past sins, that the habit of them may not hold me captive. Save me from my constitutional sins, that I may not be the…

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Regulated Chastisement

‘I am with you and will save you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’ Jeremiah 30:11. To be left uncorrected would be a…

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