Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalm 127:1
Daily Meditation
"Teach me to do thy will;"
O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. Jeremiah 10:24; Psalm 143:10; Psalm 119:117
Hymn
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
Thy Word, O Lord, Thy precious Word alone,
Can lead me on;
By this, until the darksome night be gone,
Lead Thou me on!
Thy Word is light, Thy Word is life and power;
By it, oh, guide me in each trying hour.
Whate’er my path, led by the Word, ’tis good,
Oh, lead me on!
Be my poor heart Thy blessèd Word’s abode,
Lead Thou me on!
Thy Holy Spirit gives the light to see,
And leads me to Thy Word, close following Thee.
Led by aught else, I tread a devious way,
Oh, lead me on!
Speak, Lord, and help me ever to obey,
Lead Thou me on!
My every step shall then be well defined,
And all I do according to Thy mind.
Consolation
The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the LORD hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up. The LORD hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the LORD hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress. For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed. Lamentations 1:14-16
Exhortation
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:9-11
Read The Bible In A Year
Today’s Reading: Est. 5, 6, 7, 8
Proverbs
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. Proverbs 15:31-33
Weekly Verse:
If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead? If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. Job 9:19-21
**************************************************
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Faith's Checkbook
"Be of Good Cheer"
"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" John 16:33
My LORD's words are true as to the tribulation. I have my share of it beyond all doubt. The flail is not hung up out of the way, nor can I hope that it will be laid aside so long as I lie upon the threshing floor, How can I look to be at home in the enemy's country, joyful while in exile, or comfortable in a wilderness? This is not my rest. This is the place of the furnace, and the forge, and the hammer. My experience tallies with my LORD's words.
I note how He bids me "be of good cheer." Alas! I am far too apt to be downcast. My spirit soon sinks when I am sorely tried. But I must not give way to this feeling. When my LORD bids me cheer up I must not dare to be cast down.
What is the argument which He uses to encourage me? Why, it is His own victory. He says, "I have overcome the world." His battle was much more severe than mine. I have not yet resisted unto blood. Why do I despair of overcoming? See, my soul, the enemy has been once overcome. I fight with a beaten foe. O world, Jesus has already vanquished thee; and in me, by His grace, He will overcome thee again. Therefore am I of good cheer and sing unto my conquering LORD. C. H. Spurgeon.
Steps & Tips:
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8
1. When eating out, choose a small or medium portion.
2. If main dishes are too big, choose an appetizer or a side dish instead.
3. Ask for salad dressing "on the side".
Proverbs 3:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31