<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="mal+3:13-18">Malachi 3:13-18</span></span></p><p>Although in  <span class="scriptRef" ref="ps+73">Psalm 73</span> the psalmist is beset by doubt, he begins, nevertheless, on a triumphant note: "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart." Preachers usually leave their conclusion until the end of their sermon - but here the psalmist begins with it! It might seem strange to some that the psalmist should begin with a conclusion, but this is often seen in the book of Psalms. And the reason is this: the psalmist is so convinced of the fact that God is good that he decides to start right there. It is as if he is saying: "I want to tell you how I moved from doubt to faith, but the thing I want you to get right away is this: God is good." Some commentators believe that in the Temple services there was a time of open testimony and worship, similar to that which featured in the old Methodist class meetings, when individuals gave testimonies to their fellow believers of God's dealings with them. This is one of the most powerful ways of building the spiritual life of the Church, but regrettably it does not seem to be widely practised today. If this psalm was part of the psalmist's testimony during an open time of worship, one can imagine the impact it would have made upon the hearers as he related how he emerged from crippling doubt to renewed confidence in the goodness of God. I know of nothing more motivating in the Christian life than for believers to identify and share the spiritual principles which have enabled them to overcome attacks on their faith. When we ignore this principle we do so at our peril.</p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">O Father, show us clearly how sharing with each other what You are doing in our lives not only inspires and motivates us, but greatly strengthens the Body. Help us restore this lost emphasis wherever it is missing. In Jesus' Name. Amen.</p><div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="joh+3:25-36">John 3:25-36</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="joh+5:39">John 5:39</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="joh+15:26">John 15:26</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="ac+20:24">Acts 20:24</span></li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>When was the last time you publicly testified to the goodness of God?</li><li>When will be the next time?</li></ul></div></div>

Let a little light into your soul every day with this wonderful devotional from English pastor Selwyn Hughes.

Every Day Light with Selwyn Hughes

"Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other " (v. 16) 

<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="mr+1:1-13">Mark 1:1-13</span></span></p><p>Those who accept Scripture's teaching concerning God must be prepared to say that He is not only personal, but that He is a plurality of Persons also - a Trinity. The next aspect of God's character we must examine is His triune nature. The doctrine of the Trinity, that God is One yet three separate Persons, is not easy to understand, but it is clear in Scripture. The term "Trinity" nowhere appears in the Bible (it was first used by Tertullian around AD 210), but its roots are deeply embedded in the Word of God. It is mainly a revelation of the New Testament, but there are glimpses of the truth to be seen in the Old Testament also. "Let us make man in our image"  (<span class="scriptRef" ref="ge+1:26">Genesis 1:26</span>). To whom was God speaking at this stage? Some say the angels, but nowhere in Scripture are angels seen as being involved in the act of creation or as being on the same level as God. Read  <span class="scriptRef" ref="col+1:16">Colossians 1:16</span> and it will become clear to whom God was speaking. "Man has now become like one of us"  (<span class="scriptRef" ref="ge+3:22">Genesis 3:22</span>). In  <span class="scriptRef" ref="isa+6:8">Isaiah 6:8</span> God says: "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" "Go to the Jordan," wrote Augustine, "and you find the Trinity. There at the baptism of Jesus the three Persons in the Godhead are simultaneously in evidence. The Father is heard speaking directly from heaven, the Son is seen being immersed in the river, and John the Baptist beholds the Spirit descending upon the Christ." Three in One and One in Three. On this truth we must stand, even though we may not fully understand.</p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">Blessed Trinity, Three in One and One in Three, I worship You this day in spirit and in truth. My spirit joins with Your Spirit, and Your truth, though sometimes darkness to my intellect, is nevertheless sunshine to my heart. Amen.</p><div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="mt+28:16-20">Matthew 28:16-20</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="joh+14:26-27">John 14:26-27</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="joh+15:26-27">John 15:26-27</span></li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>How were the disciples to baptize new converts?</li><li>How did Jesus confirm the truth of the Trinity?</li></ul></div></div>

" Jesus  saw  the Spirit descending  And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son ' " (vv. 10-11)

<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="joh+15:12-27">John 15:12-27</span></span></p><p>We continue meditating on the eighth and final Beatitude. One of the questions that has often puzzled people concerning this matter of suffering and persecution is this: Why is it that Christians, when they do good, are often persecuted, while non-Christians who do the same kind of good are adored? One commentator suggests the reason for this is that when non- Christians do good, other non-Christians find it easy to identify with them and say to themselves: "These people are just like me when I am at my best." The thinking that goes on below the threshold of a non-Christian's mind when he sees other non-Christians doing good is along the line of: "I am probably capable of the same thing myself if the opportunity came my way." The admiration that is then given is a way of paying a compliment to oneself. The Christian who does good has about him or her the atmosphere of another world, and because of this, the non-Christian observes, not just their act of good, but the different motivation that underlies the act. They sense that there is something different about this person, and because they cannot understand or explain the difference, they react with fear and the fear then turns to hostility. Psychologists have a name for this fear - xenophobia. It means fear of someone we do not know or understand. This is why the scribes and Pharisees hated our Lord so much. It wasn't because He was good; it was because He was different. This is the effect Jesus Christ always has upon the world. And to the extent that you reflect His spirit, to that extent you will experience the same reaction. "A Christian's reason for doing good is different"</p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">O Father, I see that if I just try to do good, the world will applaud me, but if I try to become Christlike, it will hate me. Nevertheless I long to be Christlike. Help me, dear Father, for apart from Your grace, I know it is not possible. Amen.</p><div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="php+1:1-14">Philippians 1:1-14</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="col+4:3">Colossians 4:3</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="2ti+1:7-8">2 Timothy 1:7-8</span></li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>How did Paul view persecution?</li><li>What was his charge to Timothy?</li></ul></div></div>

"' you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (v. 19)

<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="2co+1:1-11">2 Corinthians 1:1-11</span></span></p><p>We continue meditating on our Lord's second Beatitude: "Blessed [or happy] are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." The word "mourn" has reference to more than just sorrowing over the death of a loved one; it includes all those experiences in life where we may feel crushed, broken or sorrowful. I feel the best translation of this verse is the one given by J. B. Phillips which I quoted yesterday. Permit me to quote it once again: "Happy are those who know what sorrow means, for they will be given courage and comfort." Why should people who are caught up in the throes of distressing and sorrowful experiences be congratulated? The conclusion of the verse gives the answer: "for they will be comforted". And what then? Out of the comfort they receive, they are able to give comfort to others. Examine the text at the top of this page again, or listen to it as J. B. Phillips paraphrases it: "For he gives us comfort in all our trials so that we in turn may be able to give the same sort of strong sympathy to others in their troubles." One of the things which often intrigues me in my work of training Christian counsellors is the fact that the best counsellors are those who have known the deepest hurts. Has the Lord allowed you to go through deep waters? Congratulations! You are a candidate for receiving the divine comfort which, in turn, will deepen your sensitivity to others and enrich your ministry in the Body of Christ. Don't, whatever you do, ask God to deliver you from painful or sorrowful experiences - they are worth much, much more than they cost. </p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">Blessed Lord, help me to grasp this fact, not just with my mind, but with the whole of my spirit. I see that if I can learn this truth, my entire approach to problems can be transformed. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.</p><div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="joh+16:1-16">John 16:1-16</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="joh+14:26">John 14:26</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="joh+15:26">John 15:26</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="1co+14:31">1 Corinthians 14:31</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="1th+5:11-14">1 Thessalonians 5:11-14</span></li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>From where do we receive our comfort?</li><li>What does the word 'comfort' mean to you?</li></ul></div></div>

"' the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ' who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us '" (vv. 3-4, TLB)

<p>IT is the office and work of the Holy Spirit to bear testimony of Jesus; He hath done so in the word, there Christ is set forth in His glory and grace. He testifies of Jesus by the preaching of the gospel; for we preach Christ crucified, and are determined (when under Divine teaching) to know nothing else among men. He testifies of Jesus to the heart; and then we see His loveliness, behold His glory, pant for an interest in His salvation, sigh for union to His person; or, trust in His promises, accept His invitations, rejoice in His name, and melt in love and gratitude before Him. We have then no doubt about His divinity, suitability, or love; all we want is to enjoy, possess, and glorify Him. Every idol falls before Him, every grace springs up and is in exercise upon Him; we love Him,believe Him, hope in Him, mourn for Him, are humbled before Him, and are zealous for Him; our language is, "NONE BUT JESUS, NONE BUT CHRIST FOR ME." Oh, for the Spirit, to testify of Jesus to our hearts and consciences, this and every day, especially our last day; and to bear witness with our hearts that we are sons of God!</p><p class="mlr40 italic">Saviour, I Thy word believe,<br> My unbelief remove;<br> Thy testifying Spirit give,<br> The unction from above;<br> Shew me, O Lord, how good Thou art,<br> And fix Thy witness in my heart.</p>

Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.

The Believer's Daily Remembrancer

"He shall testify of Me" John 15:26

<p>Peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come. § The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.<br><br>Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” § Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.<br><br>The Helper … the Spirit of truth. § The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace. § The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.<br><br>“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us?”</p>

Daily Light on the Daily Path or Daily Light is a Christian daily devotional scripture reading published by Bagster & Sons about 1875. It has been reprinted continually since then. It consists of brief groupings of scripture passages which speak to prominent Biblical themes—two themes (morning and evening) for each day of the year. It appends no commentary, but simply allows scripture to speak for itself.

Morning Daily Light

 The Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 

<p><h3>The Work of the Holy Spirit</h3></p><p><span class="bible-text "> <sup class="verse-num ">26 </sup><woj>“When the Advocate   comes, whom I will send to you from the Father  —the Spirit of truth   who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.  </woj> </span></p>

John 15:26

<woj>“When the Advocate<cr>1</cr>  comes, whom I will send to you from the Father<cr>2</cr> —the Spirit of truth<cr>3</cr>  who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.<cr>4</cr> </woj>

 26 “When the Advocate   comes, whom I will send to you from the Father  —the Spirit of truth   who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.  

From Wikipedia: 

The New International Version (NIV) is an English translation of the Bible first published in 1978 by Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society). The NIV was published to meet the need for a modern translation done by Bible scholars using the earliest, highest quality manuscripts available. Of equal importance was that the Bible be expressed in broadly understood modern English.

The NIV is published by Zondervan in the United States and Hodder & Stoughton in the UK. The NIV was updated in 1984 and 2011 and has become one of the most popular and best-selling modern translations.

OT: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia; additional sources;
NT: UBS Greek New Testament; Novum Testamentum Graece; additional sources;

New International Version

 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.

<p><span class="bible-text "><woj>“When the Advocate   comes, whom I will send to you from the Father  —the Spirit of truth   who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.  </woj> </span></p>

 “When the Advocate   comes, whom I will send to you from the Father  —the Spirit of truth   who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.  

Bible Verse of the Day

July 31, 1888

John 15:26 NIV

Verse by Verse Bible Study

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