For Reading and Meditation:      1 Corinthians 2:6-16We have been seeing that by going "into the sanctuary" - the place where God had made provision to meet with His people - the psalmist has put himself in a position where his perspectives can be changed. This section of the psalm is probably the most vital part, for it is here that his thinking begins to change from natural thinking to spiritual thinking. He had been thinking like a natural man, considering life from just one perspective, but in the sanctuary he begins to see life from God's point of view. What is the difference between natural thinking and spiritual thinking? Natural thinking is on the level of the earth - the level of man; spiritual thinking is on a higher level altogether - the level of God. It is surprising that so many Christians think naturally about their problems rather than spiritually. The psalmist was a good and godly man but under the pressure of circumstances he had reverted to thinking naturally about his problem. We will never learn to live effectively until we understand that the whole of life is spiritual, not just parts of it. In the chapter before us today the apostle asks, in effect, why it was that none of the rulers of this world recognised the Lord Jesus Christ when He was here. It was because they looked at Him from a natural perspective - they saw only a carpenter. Without the Holy Spirit operating upon their minds, they just could not understand. Ultimately, the problems and difficulties of life are all spiritual; so the sooner we learn to think spiritually, the better we will be. Gracious and loving heavenly Father, I realise that if I am to become a spiritual thinker I must allow You to think in me. I have given You my heart, help me now to give You my mind. Think in me, dear Lord. 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>Isaiah 55:1-13</li><li>Romans 12:2</li><li>Jeremiah 29:11</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 God declare to Israel?</li><li>How can we be transformed?</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

"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God " (v. 14) 

Thus says the Lord: “I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness.” § I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. § I will visit you and perform My good word toward you … For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. § I would seek God, and to God I would commit my cause—who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. § Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

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

 Remember me, my God, for good. 

Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. § I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. § “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. I will allure her, will bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfort to her. § As a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you. § Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. § Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

 Whom the Lord loves He corrects. 

It pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself. § Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed. I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil. § “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” § Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity? § Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace. § Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. § Lord, You will establish peace for us, for You have also done all our works in us.

 God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them. 

I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil. § “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace. It pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself … having made peace through the blood of His cross. § Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness … over the sins that were previously committed … that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. § If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

 Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me. 

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. We have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word … It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. § Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

Evening Daily Light

 It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth. 

I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil. § “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” How precious … are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You. § O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. § Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us. Not many mighty, not many noble, are called. § Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom? § Having nothing, and yet possessing all things. § The unsearchable riches of Christ.

 I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me. 

Enoch walked with God. § Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? § It is good for me to draw near to God. The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you … When in their trouble [Israel] turned to the Lord God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way … and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.

 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. 

<blockquote>
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him" (<a id="verse_1632879355423846" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Chronicles/16/9">2 Chron. 16:9</a>).
</blockquote>All of God's thoughts concerning us are centered in His Son, where He has placed us. Hence they are "thoughts of peace, and not of evil" (<a id="verse_1632879355810455" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Jeremiah/29/11">Jer. 29:11</a>). Others may do evil against us, but our Father turns it into our good, for Jesus' sake."The purpose of God is that through the conditions and sufferings of my life should develop in me the features of His Son. On the one hand, the features of the old creation may be seen to be more and more terrible and horrible, as I recognize them in myself; but over against that God is doing something which is other than my old self. He is bringing into being Another, altogether other, and that is His Son, my new life. Slowly, seemingly all too slowly; nevertheless something is developing. The sonship is not very much in evidence yet, but it is going to be manifested. What God has been doing will come out into the light eventually - conformity to the image of His Son." -T. A-S."Afflictions are in the hands of the Holy Spirit to effect the softening of the heart in order to receive heavenly impression. Job said, 'God maketh my heart soft' (<a id="verse_1632879355640532" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Job/23/16">Job 23:16</a>). As the wax in its natural hard state cannot take the impress of the signet, and needs to be melted to render it susceptible, so the believer is by trials prepared to receive, and made to bear, the divine likeness.""Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving'' (<a id="verse_1632879355763596" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Colossians/2/7">Col. 2:7</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

 Relentless Purpose 

<blockquote>
I, the Lord, search the heart" (<a id="verse_1632880323221785" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Jeremiah/17/10">Jeremiah 17:10</a>).
</blockquote>During the early, carnal years we are afraid to face up to the sinful nature within, not fully realizing that it was dealt with in condemnation to God’s full satisfaction at Calvary. When we come to see that all the old nature was taken down into the death of the Cross, and in Christ Jesus we are completely clear of its penalty and power, it is then that we begin to welcome the work of the Cross upon all that of which the Holy Spirit convicts us."The natural man cannot bear the thought of being searched by God; he cannot stand to think of being found out in his true condition and character. But to the truly hungry believer it is a positive comfort to be assured that God knows everything about us; He knows the very worst that can be discovered. He has searched out all that we are, and in spite of all He has thoughts of blessing concerning us. There is, therefore, no fear of anything coming to light that might cause Him to change or reverse His thought of blessing and acceptance." -C.A.C."Our acceptance with God in Christ is perfect, and therefore unimprovable. It never alters; never varies. And it is very important for us not to mix the acceptance itself with our enjoyment of it. Our acceptance is in Christ,' and therefore eternal; the enjoyment is by the Spirit,' and therefore (because of the working of the flesh) often hindered." -J.B.S."The sense of His goodness removes the guile of heart that seeks to conceal its sin." -J.N.D."For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (<a id="verse_1632880323601622" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Jeremiah/29/11">Jeremiah 29:11</a>).

 "Search Me, O God" 

<blockquote>
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (<a id="verse_1632880485877475" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/39">Rom. 8:39</a>).
</blockquote><a id="verse_1632880485661660" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/John/3/16">John 3:16</a>: The Saviour laid down His life for His enemies. <a id="verse_1632880485488820" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/1-John/3/16">1 John 3:16</a>: We are to "lay down our lives for the brethren." The death of the Cross spells love for both friend and enemy."If we get a wrong idea about the inward working of the Cross we shall lose our own enjoyment of God's love and fail to manifest that love to others. We have no doubt that, for the sinner, the Cross is the outstanding expression of God's love, but when we realize that it brings us, as believers, into a very personal experience of being crucified together with Christ, we are apt to lose sight of the love of God."We set our teeth, as though making up our minds that from now on everything is going to be grim and harsh. It almost seems that the carnal Christian may be cheerful and happy, but the crucified ones must expect to pass into a gloomier experience. Nothing is farther from the truth. The Cross will always bring us back to the love of God in ever-increasing fulness.""The challenge of the Cross, the insistence that we have been crucified with Christ, may sometimes appear to be a dark and forbidding message. The Cross is not the end: It is the way through to His end. God is working for something beyond the immediate; He is working towards the glory." -H.F."I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (<a id="verse_1632880485772782" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Jeremiah/29/11">Jer. 29:11</a>).

 Cross Of Love 

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the <smallCap>Lord</smallCap>, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

For I know the plans<cr>1</cr> I have for you,” declares the <smallCap>Lord</smallCap>, “plans to prosper<cr>2</cr> you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.<cr>3</cr>

Jeremiah 29:11

 11 For I know the plans   I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper   you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  

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

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the <smallCap>Lord</smallCap>, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 For I know the plans   I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper   you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  

Bible Verse of the Day

January 3, 2025

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

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