For Reading and Meditation:      Isaiah 40:21-31T he man-centered focus that is creeping into today's Church must be resisted at all costs. Such matters as disciplining children, marital problems and establishing proper priorities should be addressed also, but we must be careful that "market forces" do not mold our theology. People may want to know about these issues, but what they need, primarily, is to know God. It could be argued that our problems are so acute because we are deficient in our knowledge of God. The context in which we think and feel is so limited that it is no wonder our souls feel stifled and claustrophobic. One preacher describes our condition in this way: "We are like Peter trying to walk on the water but becoming so engrossed in the winds and the waves that we lose sight of the all-sufficient Christ who is right there beside us. The immediate environment has blotted out the sense of the eternal." This is why I have chosen today's reading from the magnificent book of Isaiah. The prophet does what a doctor would do upon visiting a patient with a minor sickness and finding the windows shut fast and the room lacking in oxygen. He would throw open the windows and invite the patient to inhale the purer air. "Take a deep breath of the oxygen of the Spirit," Isaiah is saying in effect. "See how great and powerful God is. Set your problems in the context of His might and omnipotence." We become like the thing we focus on. If we center on man rather than God then we ought not be surprised if we finish up off center - eccentric.O God, save me from being an off-center Christian and thus an eccentric Christian - the true meaning of that term. May my primary focus be always on You. Grant it, dear Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.<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>2 Corinthians 4:13-18</li><li>Hebrews 3:1</li><li>Hebrews 12:2</li><li>Psalm 141:8</li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What was Paul's focus?</li><li>What is the exhortation of the writer of Hebrews?</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

"He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers." (v. 22)

For Reading and Meditation:      Genesis 1:1-12We focus on what without doubt is the most noble and loftiest of themes - the nature and character of God. I have noticed that Christians, generally speaking, seem to be preoccupied with knowing more about themselves rather than knowing more about God. Ask any Christian bookshop manager: "What are the best-selling books?" Not those that unfold for us the nature of God, but those that direct us toward such things as how to get a better self-image, how to manage money, how to find inner healing, how to get more excitement out of life, and so on. Not that these subjects are unimportant, but they are explored in a self-absorbed way that gives the idea that the most important thing in life is knowing ourselves better. It isn't. The most important thing in life is knowing God better. John Lancaster, a minister in Cardiff, South Wales, in an article entitled "Where on earth is God?" asks the question: "Given a choice between attending a seminar, say, on the 'Glory of God in Isaiah' and one on 'The Christian and Sex,' to which would you go?" He makes the point also that though the Church often answers the questions that people are asking, the real problem may be that people are not asking the right questions. In today's Church we are far too man-centered, and not God-centered. It is not by accident, I believe, that the Bible opens with the thunderous acclaim: "In the beginning God " I tell you with all the conviction of which I am capable - if God is not our primary focus, then everything else will soon get out of focus.O Father, from this day help me determine to make You my primary focus. And give me the grace and strength to maintain it, through all the vicissitudes and uncertainties of the days ahead. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.<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>John 1:1-5</li><li>Colossians 1:15-20</li><li>Hebrews 12:2</li><li>Revelation 1:8</li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What did the Lord declare to John the revelator?</li><li>What did the apostle John declare?</li></ul></div></div>

"In the beginning God " (v. 1)

For Reading and Meditation:      Hebrews 12:1-13We ended yesterday by saying that some things in life, such as the desire to have money, can be legitimate concerns but they must be looked upon as desires and never become goals. Permit me to differentiate between the two. A goal is a purpose to which a person is unalterably committed and something for which he or she assumes unconditional responsibility. A desire is something wanted and which cannot be obtained without the co-operation of another human being. A desire must never become the motivating purpose behind our behaviour, for if it does, then it becomes a goal - and a goal that is likely to be blocked, causing negative emotions to arise. Remember the man we talked about yesterday? His goal, we said, was to make money. Once he changed his goal to pleasing the Lord and then saw his concern to make money as merely a desire, he found instant release. Keep in mind that what causes emotional problems to arise is invariably a blocked goal. Take another illustration that might help to mark the difference between goals and desires more clearly. Have you ever found yourself talking to another Christian who seems to have difficulty in applying what seems to you a simple biblical principle? You point out the need to do as God says, but your friend fails to see the truth that to you is as clear as daylight. If you get frustrated, the chances are that you are allowing a desire to become a goal. To want your friend to listen is a legitimate desire, but to get frustrated over it means you are determined to make him listen - and that becomes a goal.Gracious Father, I come to You again to help me sort out this important issue of desires versus goals. I see that if I can resolve this problem, then a new chapter in my life is about to be written. Help me, dear Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.<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>Psalm 37:1-11</li><li>Psalm 21:2</li><li>Psalm 73:25</li><li>Proverbs 10:24</li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What was the psalmist's desire?</li><li>What happens when we delight ourselves in the Lord?</li></ul></div></div>

"' who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame '" (v. 2) 

For Reading and Meditation:      Romans 13:7-14We continue considering on the fact that the Beatitudes are the finest prescription for mental and spiritual health that has ever been given. It is helpful to keep in mind at this stage in our meditations that the Beatitudes are be-attitudes, not do-attitudes; the doing comes out of the being. Some ministers and commentators refer to them as "the beautiful attitudes" - a description I find greatly appealing. Our attitudes have a tremendous and powerful influence upon every part of our being - physical as well as emotional. A missionary from the Philippines tells how, during the war, he and his wife were ordered into prison camps by the Japanese, and were instructed that they could take with them all they could carry in their suitcases and no more. His wife, weighing just over 100 pounds, and not at all strong, carried a load of 200 pounds, mostly tinned food, a distance of five miles - a load neither of them could even lift after they arrived. Mannheim, a famous scientist, says that we normally use about one-eighth of our physical reserves, and that these reserves are only called upon when we employ the right attitudes. If our attitudes can help tap hidden physical reserves, then think of what our experience can be if we adopt the "beautiful attitudes" which our Lord expounds for us in His Sermon on the Mount. We can maximise our potential and multiply our effectiveness, not only in the physical area of our being, but in our mental and emotional areas also. Many doctors and scientists agree that it is not our arteries but our attitudes which have the biggest say in our personal well-being. Loving heavenly Father, help me to do as Your Word commands and "clothe myself with the Lord Jesus Christ". Show me how to have His attitudes - the "beautiful attitudes" - so that I might live fully and abundantly. Amen.<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>1 Peter 2:21</li><li>Matthew 11:29</li><li>John 13:15</li><li>Hebrews 12:2</li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What did Jesus do besides expounding these attitudes?</li><li>How should our lives be?</li></ul></div></div>

"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ '" (v. 14)

For Reading and Meditation:      Galatians 6:1-18Whenever I hear a person saying that all religions are the same, my mind runs immediately to the cross. If what is found here is true (and I believe it is), and represents the meaning of life, then clearly all religions are not the same. No authentic note of divine self-sacrifice comes from other faiths. The cross stands out in absolute uniqueness. As Toplady put it in his beautiful hymn: In the Cross of Christ I glory, Towering o'er the wrecks of time, All the light of sacred story Gathered round its head sublime. For weeks and months after I became a Christian I wondered why anyone should preach anything except the cross. The redemptive glowing mystery of it took hold of me in the early days of my conversion, and I think I can honestly say it has never ceased to magnetize my heart. Among the ancient inscriptions and paintings on the tombs of Egyptian kings, so I am told, one finds everywhere the symbol of the key of life. Strangely enough, it is in the form of a cross. Christ's cross is the only true key to life. This and this alone unlocks the doors to some of life's greatest mysteries. Other religions try, sometimes with great sincerity, to unlock the doors to these profound mysteries, but they are unsuccessful because they do not have the right key. They do not have a cross. Father, how can I cease thanking You for the cross? For in it I find the key that unlocks the door of many a mystery, not least the mystery of Your nature - a nature shot through with eternal love. Help me see it even more clearly. In Christ's Name. Amen.<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>Philippians 3:1-18</li><li>Colossians 2:14</li><li>Hebrews 12:2</li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What brought Paul to tears?</li><li>What has the cross abolished?</li></ul></div></div>

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (v. 14) 

All Christians have faith, but some of us have but little faith. He who gave us what we have can increase it; and He will if we apply to Him, plead with Him, and wait upon Him.We need more faith, to enable us to escape the many dangers that are in our path; to do and suffer the Lord's will with patience; to hold fast the faithful word which we have been taught; to grow in grace and holiness; to exercise forgiving love towards those who have grieved, offended, or injured us; and to honour God, by believing His promises, trusting His providence, expecting His interference, being active in His service, and leaving our concerns in His hands, to be arranged, directed, and brought to pass.We are encouraged to pray for more faith, by the nature of the request, and the design with which we ask it : by the precepts of His holy gospel : by the examples of faith set before us in the word : by the promises which God has given : by the well-known character of our God : and by the blessed results which must follow from having such a prayer answered.Author of faith, I seek Thy face, The work of faith in me fulfil : Confirm and strengthen me in grace, To do and suffer all Thy will : From hell, the world, and sin secure, And make me in my goings sure.

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

The author and finisher of our faith. - Hebrews 12:2

It is ever the Holy Spirit's work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan's work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, "Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of his children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus." All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: he tells us that we are nothing, but that "Christ is all in all." Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee-it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee-it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument-it is Christ's blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith. We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by "looking unto Jesus. " Keep thine eye simply on him; let his death, his sufferings, his merits, his glories, his intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to him; when thou liest down at night look to him. Oh! let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after him, and he will never fail thee. "My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness: I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name."

This timeless classic from Charles Spurgeon will help to both start and end your day with wonderful insight into God's Word.

Charles Spurgeon's Morning & Evening

"Looking unto Jesus." - Hebrews 12:2

Morning Devotional

The words chastening, chasteneth, chastisement and chastened occur seven times in the first 11 verses of Hebrews 12:1-29. As a result it is easy for the casual reader to get a wrong impression. He might easily picture God as an angry Father who is forever whipping His children. This misconception arises from thinking of chastening as nothing but punishment.It is a great relief to learn that chastening in the New Testament has a much broader meaning than that. It really means child-training, and includes all parental activity that is involved in raising a child. Kittel defines it as "the upbringing and handling of the child which is growing up to maturity and which needs direction, teaching, instruction and a certain measure of compulsion in the form of discipline or even chastisement."The Christians to whom the book of Hebrews was written were suffering persecution. The writer speaks of this persecution as part of the chastening of the Lord. Does this mean that God had sent the persecution? Certainly not! It was inspired by enemies of the gospel. Was God punishing the Christians because of their sins? No, the persecution was probably brought on because of their faithful witness for Him. In what sense then could persecution be said to be the chastening of the Lord? In the sense that God allowed it to take place, and then used it as part of His educative program in the lives of His people. In other words, He used the persecution to refine, mature and conform His children to the image of His Son.It goes without saying that this type of chastening is not pleasant at the time. The chisel deals roughly with the marble. The furnace subjects the gold to intense heat. But it is all worthwhile when the face of the man appears in the marble and when the gold is purified from dross.It is self-defeating to despise the chastening of the Lord or to faint under it. The only proper attitude is to remember that God is using it as a training device, then to try to get the maximum benefit from it. That is what the writer means when he says that "it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11 b).

With reverence, humor and skill, William MacDonald wove a daily devotional tapestry that challenges the reader to think deeply and Biblically, and apply God's Word to their lives.

Truths to Live By - One Day at a Time

"If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" (Hebrews 12:7)

Matthew 20:17-34Jesus was setting out for Jerusalem on His last journey. Did He not know that He was going straight into danger? He was safe in Perea; why did He not stay there? Why did He leave this shelter - and go straight into the den of lions at Jerusalem? He knew all that awaited Him - but He did not shrink from it; He resolutely set His face to go, because it was the way marked out for Him. The picture shows Him hastening on, as Mark tells us, "They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way." (10:32). It were as if He were eager to reach the city and endure what lay before Him there, and could scarcely wait for the slow steps of the disciples.<div class="center-it mtb10">Why was Jesus so eager to suffer ? It was because His time had come, and He was eager to do the Father's will. Besides, it was the receiving up to heaven which He saw, and the cross and darkness were forgotten, in the triumph and glory beyond. "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2). There ought to be wondrous inspiration in Christ's example here, for all who are called to suffer and endure affliction for His sake. We should be eager to do God's will, however hard it may be; and we should train ourselves to look beyond the suffering and the trial - to the blessing and joy that will come after.</div>He took the disciples apart and told them what lay before Him. "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified!" Jesus knew, when no others saw it, that the blackness of the cross was approaching Him and would overwhelm Him, and knew the very moment He would enter it.One of Holman Hunt's pictures represents Jesus as a boy in the carpenter shop. It is evening, and He is weary. Stretching out His arms, the light of the setting sun, shining in from the west, casts its shadow on the floor of the shop, and lo - it is in the form of a cross fell upon Jesus, that from the beginning He was conscious of the fact that He must die by crucifixion. What a pathos it adds to the life of Christ to remember this: that all the time, in the midst of His human joys, while He was scattering blessings among others, while He was working miracles of mercy ; in all the holy peace and calm of His soul - that dark shadow hung over Him continually! He was going at last to be crucified! Yet the consciousness never kept Him from speaking one gentle word, nor from doing one kindly deed, nor from being cheerful and loving. Knowing from the beginning all that lay before Him - He went on with His daily duty quietly and joyfully. This reveals something of His love for us - and His joy in doing the Father's will.There is a strange contrast between the words of Christ as He spoke to the disciples of His approaching death - and the coming of this mother with her ambitious request: "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." Mothers should be ambitious for their boys, and want them to have high places. They should make sure, however, that the places they desire for them - are really high places. Earth's pinnacles are not always such. Taking out of her request its mistaken worldly thought, no parental ambition for a child can be fitter than hers - that her sons should have places near to Christ. It is to be feared, however, that very many parents think more of getting for their children high positions in this world - than places near to Christ, and high in holiness.Jesus spoke to the sons in reply, not to the mother: "You do not know what you are asking for." It was an ignorant prayer which they had offered. They did not know what they were asking for. We know that one dark day, two malefactors had the places on the Lord's right and left hand. We all many a time ask for things which we would not dare request - if we knew what they would cost us.There is a heathen legend which tells that once a man asked for this gift - not to die; and it was granted him by the Fates. He was to live on forever. But he had forgotten to ask that his youth and health and strength might last forever also; and so he lived on until age and its infirmities and weakness were weighing him down and his life grew to be a weariness and a burden to him. Existence (for it could not be called life) was one long torment for him; and then he wished to die and could not. He had asked for a thing which he was totally unfit to enjoy - but he had to take the consequences of it when it was once given. The better way to pray is to let God choose for us - and to give what He sees best for us - and in the way He knows is the best.<div class="center-it mtb10">"To sit at my right or left is not for Me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by My Father." We see here, that there are places in heaven higher and nearer Christ than others. Surely, too, the high places are worth striving for. We see how men scramble after earth's high positions; but heaven's positions are infinitely better. But how can we gain the seats nearest to Christ in glory? We have many hints. A little farther on this passage, we are taught that the path of humble self - forgetful service leads upward in spiritual life. In the book of Revelation, our Lord says that those who overcome in their struggles with sin and trial - shall sit with Him on His throne. In Daniel (12:3) we are told that those who turn many unto righteousness; that is, they who are active and successful in saving souls - shall shine as the stars, forever and ever. We know also that the "pure in heart" (Matthew 5:8) shall see God. These and many other hints show that the more like Christ we are in character and work here on earth - the nearer we shall get to Him both in this world and hereafter.</div>Jesus was always having difficulty in getting His disciples to understand the spiritual meaning of things. They thought here that rank and official position were the symbols of greatness. "No!" said Jesus; "whoever wants to become great among you - must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first - must be your slave ." This seems a strange way of getting on and getting up in the world. According to this, all men's scrambling for place and power - is really scrambling downward rather than upward! The real heights in human life are the heights of self-forgetfulness and service.Of course, this does not mean that a Christian is never to accept nor hold a position of honor and trust. A king, ruling millions of people, can be the very highest of servants - by ruling only for the glory of God and the good of his subjects. A rich man has an opportunity to get very near to Christ - if he uses his wealth to bless the world. It is not the worldly position which settles this question - but the spirit of the life. A servant in a family may be a great deal farther from it - than the mistress whom she serves. The kind of serving that our Lord means - is that which forgets self, and thinks only and always of the need and interests of others.The art of photography is now so advanced, that a whole page of a newspaper can be taken in miniature so small - as to be carried on a little button, and yet every letter and point be perfect.Just so, the whole life of Christ is photographed in this one little phrase, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28.He did not come to be served - if this had been His aim, He would never have left heaven's glory, where He lacked nothing, where angels praised Him and ministered unto Him. He came to serve. He went about doing good. He altogether forgot Himself. He served all He met, who would receive His service. At last He gave His life in serving - He gave it to save others, to redeem lost souls.You say that you want to be like Christ? You ask Him to print His own image on your heart. Here then, is the image: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."It is not a vague dream of human greatness which we are to think of, when we ask to be like our Master. The old monks thought that they were becoming like Christ - when they went into the wilderness, away from men, to live in cold cells. But surely, such a dream of uselessness is not the thought which this picture suggests. "To serve - to give our life" that is the Christ-like thing! Instead of fleeing away from people - we are to live with others, to serve them, to live for them, to seek to bless them, to do them good, to give our lives for them - that is the meaning of the prayer for Christ-likeness.

A unique type of devotional from the writings of James Russell Miller, published between 1908 and 1913.

Devotional Hours Within the Bible

Matthew 20:17-34

Jesus Nearing Jerusalem

Looking to Jesus.... (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)
There is a real touch of Paul in this Letter to 
the Hebrews – "Looking off unto Jesus." Whoever actually wrote this Letter, the 
shadow of Paul is over it. His influence is everywhere. And certainly he was 
called upon to look off unto Jesus. Now that is a very vital lesson for us to 
learn. We have to do that again and again in our Christian life. If we get our 
eyes upon anything but the Lord Jesus we just go to pieces. Have all respect for 
God's saints. I am not saying that you have to eye every servant of God with 
suspicion and be saying all the time: "Well, of course, he is not perfect, you 
know." Give honor to whom honor is due, but never build your faith upon any 
man, however good he may be.
And as for ourselves – well, I think perhaps we 
are more tempted to look at ourselves than anything else! This is one of our 
real Christian exercises. We have continually to remove our eyes from ourselves 
and everything to do with ourselves. There is nothing more discouraging than 
this self of ours, and nothing more misleading. Our own judgments are all wrong, 
and so are our thoughts and ideas. They are not God's thoughts. We must take our 
eyes off ourselves, but not look out into space and be vacant. "Look 
off unto Jesus," and you know how that sentence is finished – "Jesus,
the author and finisher of our faith." Did you start this thing? Are you 
a Christian because you decided to be a Christian? Well, the Lord help you if 
that is so! No, He started this thing. Are you not glad that you can say: "It 
was the Lord who found me. It was the Lord who put His hand on me." What He 
said is very true: "Ye did not choose Me, but I chose you" (John 15:16). 
He was the author of our faith, and it says that He is the finisher – He will 
finish it.

This devotional contains short daily portions from a selection of Mr. Austin-Sparks' messages. In his own words, “Perhaps this is just like a window opened into heaven. If you get the right window you can see quite a lot. You can see great things and you can see far things. But the best that I can hope is that this has just opened a window, and that as you look through it you are seeing one thing - how superior is Jesus Christ to all else, and how superior is the dispensation into which we have come, and how superior are all the resources at our disposal to all that ever was before!” Open Windows messages have been selected and compiled by Austin-Sparks.Net from the works of T. Austin-Sparks. In some cases they appear in abridged form. The introductory verse and its associated Bible version have been selected by the editor and did not always appear within the original message.

Open Windows

The On-High Calling Volume 1 - Chapter 9

 The High Calling 

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, 
who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. (Hebrews 12:2)

The passion of the Cross is the way of our 
release, and if you consider your own spiritual experience, those of you who 
have any experience of a walk with God, you know quite well that it has been 
through times of deep and acute suffering that you have found fresh releases; 
fresh releases in your spiritual life. Is it not true? Yes, we pass into a time 
of excruciating spiritual and soul suffering. We do not know what the Lord is 
doing, what He means by this, what He is after, but we know the features of our 
experience and know what it is that we are suffering, and it goes on. We, of 
course, ask the Lord to stop it, to bring it to a quick end, to deliver us from 
it. He takes no notice of us, and it is only those people who get out the other 
end who say, ‘Thank God, He did not take any notice.’ In the meantime, we think 
He is anything but kind and good and doing the right thing, but as we get on 
under His hand, we begin to see and to sense that He is dealing with something. 
Maybe He is dealing with our pride, our independence, or our irresponsibility, 
for example. That is the issue that comes up, and we are faced all the time with 
something about ourselves that is almost devastating. We would not have believed 
that that was so strong in us. 
Oh, of course we were always ready to believe 
that that is in mankind and in us as a part of mankind in a general way. Yes, we 
would never have resented being told that there was pride or something like that 
about us, but we would never have believed how deeply rooted and terribly strong 
that thing is until it was put to a fiery test and everything was held up, and 
we saw that everything in our life and work for God was held up on that point.... 
And we know quite well that what the Lord was after was not the pulverising of us, as we 
thought, the winding up of us, but to bring about enlargement, to bring about 
release, and release always lies along the line of the Cross, the passion. 
Enlargement always lies in that direction.

The Cross and the Way of Life - Chapter 1

 The Business of the Cross 

Father, I desire that they … whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me. § I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. § He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. § Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus.

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

 But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind … I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. § Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. § Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness. Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. § Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. § Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord.

 Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 

Joy in the Holy Spirit. § Inexpressible and full of glory. Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing… Exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. § We also glory in tribulations. Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. § These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. § As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! § The joy of the Lord is your strength. In Your presence is fullness of joy; … at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. § For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

 The fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy. 

 Fear not, I am the first and the last 

It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. § In the world you will have tribulation. § Because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none. § At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. § Here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 The fellowship of His sufferings. 

Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. § Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. Jesus of Nazareth … went about doing good. § Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The meekness and gentleness of Christ. § In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. § Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. § [Look] unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. 

You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. § If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. § I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. § Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind.

 A disciple is not above his teacher. 

Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. § I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. § We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. § Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. § Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

 “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. 

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth;” who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return … but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. § Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 Always pursue what is good. 

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” § Who has performed and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? “I, the Lord, am the first; and with the last I am He.” Sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ. The God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. § He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. § Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?§ The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Evening Daily Light

 Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 

The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside!” § Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. I press toward the goal. § I run thus: not with uncertainty… I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. The form of this world is passing away. Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent. § Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 Run in such a way that you may obtain [the prize]. 

The Amen … the Beginning of the creation of God. § The beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth … When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep … when He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command … I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him. § Indeed before the day was, I am He. The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. § The author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 He is before all things. 

He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” § Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Be imitators of God as dear children. § If children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. The brightness of His glory and the express image of His person. § Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. § These things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. § As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

 You were called into the fellowship of His Son. 

So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest …. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.” In this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven … For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. § Having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 I would not live forever. 

O Lord, we have waited for You; the desire of our soul is for Your name and for the remembrance of You. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. § Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. § I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. § Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. § Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. § Having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. § Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

 We wish to see Jesus. 

<blockquote>
But now in Christ Jesus ye who once were far off are made near by the blood of Christ" (<a id="verse_1632880472803451" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Ephesians/2/13">Eph 2:13</a>).
</blockquote>Until we know our position in the risen Lord Jesus, we can never really face up to the sinfulness of our old nature. But "hidden with Christ in God," we can both face up to and face away from the old, "looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter [marg.] of our faith" (<a id="verse_1632880472342012" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Hebrews/12/2">Heb. 12:2</a>)."God sets me in nearness to Himself in the Lord Jesus; and as I learn my nearness to Him, I am prepared for the exposure of my natural distance from Him, and I am, through grace, morally apart and sheltered from it (<a id="verse_1632880472600499" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/9">Rom. 8:9</a>), at the very moment when I see it. The greater my height, the greater the enormity of the depth appears; but I am safe from it. As a consequence I rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh' (<a id="verse_1632880472154512" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Philippians/3/3">Phil. 3:3</a>).""Two things mark spiritual growth; one is a deeper sense of the sinful old nature, the other is a greater longing after the Lord Jesus Christ. The sinfulness is discovered and felt as the power of the Holy Spirit increases; for many a thought and act passes without pain to the conscience where the Lord Jesus is less before the soul, which will be refused and condemned as the knowledge of the Lord increases in spiritual power within." -J.B.S."When the Lord Jesus Christ is enjoyed, things unlike Him drop off like fading leaves.""For the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (<a id="verse_1632880472615896" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Hebrews/4/12">Heb. 4:12</a>).

A 365 day devotional that will help you in your Christian growth and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.  This devotional is a collection of quotes from some of the best authors in the realm of Christian growth that has been organized by Miles J Stanford.  This devotional study is divided into 12 sections each containing 31 daily portions.

None but the Hungry Heart

 Eternally Nigh 

<blockquote>
Who (Jesus), being the brightness of His (God's) glory, and the express image of His person" (<a id="verse_1632880497738927" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Hebrews/1/3">Heb. 1:3</a>).
</blockquote>Basically, the Bible is the Biography of the Beloved. Its primary object is to provide the Object for our contemplation and conformity."Many a Christian has not got beyond this: Christ is a shelter for me, and takes care of me. Souls look for their barrel of meal not to waste, and their cruse of oil not to fail. But is that all? Is it that Christ comes and dwells with me and cares for me?"I make bold to say it is not. Is it shelter only? No! You are mutilating Christianity if you confine it to that. God says: I have saved you by My own Son, and now another factor must come in; you are to live by the One who has saved you; My purpose is that you are to be conformed to His blessed image.""There comes a moment when the soul knows union with Christ. Has your soul ever got a glimpse, by the Spirit, of Christ risen? Of the mark' of which Paul speaks? It is Christ in heaven; He is my Object!"Practically it is what souls have lost sight of. They do not look for acquaintance with Christ Risen. The first thing is the education of the Word; the second, Christ Himself must be seen (<a id="verse_1632880497381789" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/3/18">2 Cor. 3:18</a>). The Word delights the heart, but till the eye of your spirit has rested on the Person of Christ, you have not the model for the Word to take; there is no formation.""Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (<a id="verse_1632880497775840" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Hebrews/12/2">Heb. 12:2</a>).

 Gaze And Grow 

<blockquote>
Looking away (from all that will distract) to Jesus" (<a id="verse_1632878143652680" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Hebrews/12/2">Heb. 12:2</a>, Amp.).
</blockquote>Since we are morally coloured by the human company we keep, whether high or low, think of the importance of continually associating with the Lord Jesus on high, and having Him as the centre of our love and interest (<a id="verse_1632878143518460" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/3/18">2 Cor. 3:18</a>)."As babes in Christ we are left for a season in the old surroundings, because the time is not yet ripe for us to know our high calling, and the discipline needed for the heirs of God. The Father waits for His babes until they are weaned, and able to bear the detaching from things necessary at first."Many chafe over the long years of training, they know not for what cause. The souls who are yet under tutors and governors' need sorely to learn how to wait for the Father and rest in His will. Let us remember that circumstances are planned by Him to fit us for the calling He has in view for each of us, in the economy of His purpose. Let us wait until we know His pattern for our life lest, in our impatience, we seek to throw aside the very things permitted of Him to fit us for some special service in His vineyard.""Multitudes of believers are sick and tired of trying to be good. Paul rests our feet on the right path to goodness. He had learned from experience that goodness is not caught by pursuit but by association; not by struggling to obey laws and rules, but by living in the Lord Jesus' presence. By steadily looking at Him, we are changed into His likeness.""Our Father will not deliver us from bondage unless we want Him to; therefore He must permit pressure to come upon us in one way or another, so as to bring us to the point of asking Him to do for us what He has been ready and able to do all the time.""All things are yours. . . and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's" (<a id="verse_1632878143838897" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/1-Corinthians/3/21">1 Cor. 3:21</a>; <a id="verse_1632878143932776707" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/1-Corinthians/3/23">23</a>).

 Association - Transformation 

<blockquote>An instrument for honorable uses, consecrated, useful for the Master, and ready for any good service" (<a id="verse_1632878246801775" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Timothy/2/21">2 Tim. 2:21</a>, Wms.).</blockquote>To be a leader one must be a dependent one, a led one; one who is "looking away (from all that would distract) to Jesus, who is the Leader and the Source of our faith" (<a id="verse_1632878246837674" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Hebrews/12/2">Heb. 12:2</a>)."One of the greatest needs in the Church today is for authoritative, spiritual, and sacrificial leadership. Authoritative, because people love to be led by one who knows where he is going and who inspires their confidence. Spiritual, because a leadership which is carnal and explainable in terms of the natural, be it ever so competent, can result in sterility and spiritual bankruptcy. Sacrificial, because its source is the life of One who gave Himself a sacrifice, and stated that the path of leadership was by the lonely road of sacrificial service." -O.S."The standard and measure of spiritual leaders has to be ahead of others, and as human nature generally likes not to be disturbed, but would seek the easy way, the pioneer is often a bit too much for people. His is not the easy way, and because the whole nature of man is either downward or to a quiet and happy snugness, the leader is not always popular. The pioneer is therefore not always appreciated, but often very much otherwise. He is quite contrary to this mediocre gravitation. A part of the price of leadership is loneliness." -T. A-S."Paul could say, I am glad to spend and to be spent for your sakes, notwithstanding the more earnestly I love you the less I be loved'; not, I will help you as long as you love me. People hurt you; you are not appreciated? Well, so be it! Spend and be spent the more!"The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient" (<a id="verse_1632878246681112" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Timothy/2/24">2 Tim. 2:24</a>)

 Pioneering 

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

fixing our eyes on Jesus,<cr>1</cr> the pioneer<cr>2</cr> and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,<cr>3</cr> scorning its shame,<cr>4</cr> and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.<cr>5</cr>

Hebrews 12:2

 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus,   the pioneer   and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,   scorning its shame,   and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  

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

 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 fixing our eyes on Jesus,   the pioneer   and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,   scorning its shame,   and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  

Bible Verse of the Day

April 13, 2023

Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Verse by Verse Bible Study

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