Daily Devotion: Can A Narcissist Be Saved (4 of 4) by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: 2 Peter 3:9 KJV

Key Verse:  "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
- 2 Peter 3:9 KJV

Narcissism is a condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. While the term "narcissism" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the Bible provides profound insights into the nature of pride and selfishness, which are central to narcissism. Today, we'll explore whether a narcissist can be saved, drawing from key verses in the Bible.

Daily Devotion: Hope by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:13 KJV

Key Verse:  "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
- 1 Peter 1:13 KJV

Hope chiefly regards "the end;"--for that is "better than the beginning," the crowning consummation of all that faith believes, hope expects, and love enjoys. But through what dark and gloomy seasons has hope often to look before this end comes, being sometimes sunk so low as almost to despair even of life! How it has in these low spots to muster all its evidences, look back to this and that 'Ebenezer', this and that 'hill Mizar', this and that deliverance, manifestation, and blessing; how it has to hang upon the word of promise, cry out for help, and that mightily, as if at its last breath, and hope against hope in the very face of unbelief, infidelity, and despair.

Daily Devotion: Christ Promises That Prayer Will Be Answered by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:7-14 KJV

Key Verse:  "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"
- Matthew 7:7-14 KJV

This is one of the most encouraging passages in the whole Scriptures. How many have been led by this invitation to approach the throne of grace! Here is not only an invitation which assures you of a welcome, but also a promise of success—your petition shall be granted, "for everyone who asks receives."

Daily Devotion: Diversity Of Gifts by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Exodus 4:24-31 KJV

Key Verse:  "And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people."
- Exodus 4:30 KJV

One of the excuses Moses offered when God bade him go to be the deliverer of his people—was that he was not a good speaker. God met his difficulty by telling him that he would provide a speaker. Aaron would be his mouthpiece. So all along the history, Moses is a silent man, and Aaron's is the voice we hear. Each did his own part.

Daily Devotion: The Befriended Orphans by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 14:18-25 KJV

Key Verse:  "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
- John 14:18 KJV

Does the Christian's path lie all the way through Beulah land? No, he is forewarned it is to be one of "much tribulation." He has his Marahs — as well as his Elims; his valleys of Baca — as well as his grapes of Eshcol. Often is he left un-befriended to bear the brunt of the storm — his gourds fading when most needed — his sun going down while it is yet day — his happy home and happy heart darkened in a moment with sorrows, with which a stranger (with which often a brother) cannot understand.

Daily Devotion: On The Scriptures by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4:8-15 KJV

Key Verse:  "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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."
- Hebrews 4:12 KJV

An entertaining history, or a striking description of some famous battle will challenge our attention, and cause us to light another candle. But a small portion of the scriptures suffices us; yes, some are more occupied with a well-written romance, than with all the interesting truths of the word of God. This is my lamentation.

Daily Devotion: Common Grace of God by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

Key Verse:  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
- Ephesians 2:8 KJV

God owes us nothing.  God owes us nothing, yet He has poured out His blessings on every man and woman. The two aspects of grace are available to all humanity in general and special or saving grace. Common grace is available to all human beings without discrimination. The first mention of grace is found in Genesis 6:8. "Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." God extended His grace 120 years while Noah preached righteousness.

Daily Devotion: When God Says Enough To The Narcissist (3 of 4) by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Galatians 6:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
- Galatians 6:7 KJV

Have you ever wondered why God allowed a narcissist into your life? This message from Jordan Peterson will open your eyes to the deeper purpose behind these encounters. With biblical wisdom and divine revelation, we explore how to navigate relationships with narcissists while staying firm in our faith and protecting your spirit. Below is a short summary, and the full video is linked at the end of the devotional.

Daily Devotion: Look At The Cross by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Romans 8:32 KJV

Key Verse:  "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
- Romans 8:32 KJV

Look at the cross; behold His precious Gift transfixed to it, and that by His own hand, and for your sins. Then look at your present circumstances, survey your needs, your trials, your chastisements, your bereavements, your heart-sickening, heartbreaking tribulations, and know that God still is love. 

Daily Devotion: Deliver Us From Evil by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Luke 11:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."
- Luke 11:4 KJV

What we are taught to seek or shun in prayer, we should equally pursue or avoid in action. Very earnestly, therefore, should we avoid temptation, seeking to walk so guardedly in the path of obedience, that we may never tempt the devil to tempt us. We are not to enter the thicket, in search of the lion. Dearly might we pay for such presumption. This lion may cross our path or leap upon us from the thicket—but we have nothing to do with hunting him. He who meets with him, even though he wins the day, will find it a stern struggle. Let the Christian pray that he may be spared the encounter.

Daily Devotion: Power To The Faint by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Isaiah 40:24-31 KJV 

Key Verse:  "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."
- Isaiah 40:29 KJV

The Lord's people are often in this state, that they "have no might." All their power seems exhausted, and their strength completely drained away; sin appears to have gotten the mastery over them; and they feel as if they had neither will nor ability to run the race set before them, or persevere in the way of the Lord. Yet, even then, they have strength; for it says, "he increases strength." It does not say, 'he gives, bestows, communicates strength;' but "he increases strength." How can this be

Daily Devotion: Christ Forbids Hypocritical Judgment by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
- Matthew 7:1-8 KJV

The Lord Jesus had been warning his disciples against many of the evil practices of the Pharisees. There was no sin to which they were more addicted than to "judging." They did not judge righteous judgment, according to the word of God; but they judged according to their own wicked passions. Because they hated Christ, they endeavored to find faults in his conduct, and accused him of breaking the Sabbath, of encouraging sinners, and of being a gluttonous man and a wine-bibber. The men of the world still walk in the steps of the Pharisees—they are continually looking with a malicious eye for faults in the children of God, and attributing wrong motives to all their actions.

Daily Devotion: Meet Moses In The Wilderness

Bible Reading: Exodus 4:24-31 KJV

Key Verse:  "And the Lord said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him."
- Exodus 4:27 KJV

God always knows where to find the man he wants. Indeed, he trains men while they know it not—for the work he means them to do by and by. For eighty years Moses had been in special preparation for his great mission as leader. Aaron also had been in training for the particular part of the work he was to do. He did not know what he was being prepared for—but God knew. Probably Aaron had naturally a fine voice. Then we may suppose that while in Egypt he was led to give much attention to elocution and oratory. He did not know what special use was to be made of his power—but God knew. Then when the time came for him to enter upon his work, he was ready.

Daily Devotion: The Wondrous Relationalship by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Mark 3:28-35 KJV

Key Verse:  "For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."
- Mark 3:35 KJV

As if no solitary earthly type were enough to image forth the love of Jesus, He assembles into one verse — a group of the tenderest earthly relationships. Human affection has to focus its loveliest hues — but all is too little to adequately expatiate the depth and intensity of His love. He is "Son," "Brother," "Friend" — all in one; "cleaving closer than any brother."

Daily Devotion: What Does The Bible Say About Narcissism (2 of 4) by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:17-24 KJV

Key Verse:  "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
- Proverbs 16:18 KJV

The Bible does not explicitly use the term "narcissism," but it does address traits and behaviors associated with narcissism. According to biblical teachings, narcissistic traits such as grandiosity, lack of empathy, and the need for admiration are condemned. 

Daily Devotion: Our Only Joy In The World To Come By James Meikle

Bible Reading: John 16:21 KJV

Key Verse:  "A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world."
- John 16:21 KJV

An entertaining history, or a striking description of some famous battle will challenge our attention, and cause us to light another candle. But a small portion of the scriptures suffices us; yes, some are more occupied with a well-written romance, than with all the interesting truths of the word of God. This is my lamentation.

Daily Devotion: Commitment To Christ by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Matthew 22:37 KJV

Key Verse:  "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
- Matthew 22:37 KJV

When we trust or yield ourselves to Christ, there is a true commitment just like in a healthy marriage. How tragic that many marriages are dysfunctional and are a poor example of long lasting commitments.

Daily Devotion: Herein Is Love by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: 1 John 4:8-15 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
- 1 John 4:10 KJV

"Herein is love!" as though John would say, "and nowhere else but here!" That God should punish the innocent for the guilty- that He should exact the blood of His Son to cancel the guilt of His rebels- that He should lay an infinite weight of wrath on His soul, in order to lay an infinite weight of love on ours- that He should sacrifice His life of priceless value for ours- worthless, forfeited, and doomed-

Daily Devotion: David Enquired Of The Lord by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 5:18-25 KJV

Key Verse:  "And when David enquired of the Lord, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees."
- 2 Samuel 5:23 KJV

When David made this enquiry he had just fought the Philistines, and gained a signal victory. The Philistines came up in great multitudes—but, by the help of God, David had easily put them to flight. Note, however, that when they came a second time, David did not go up to fight them without enquiring of the Lord. Once he had been victorious, and he might have said, as many have in other cases, "I shall be victorious again; I may rest quite sure that if I have conquered once I shall triumph yet again. Why should I tarry to seek at the Lord's hands?" Not so with David. He had gained one battle by the strength of the Lord; he would not venture upon another until he had ensured the same. He enquired, "Shall I go up against them?" He waited until God's sign was given.

Daily Devotion: God Is Faithful by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:4-11 KJV

Key Verse:  "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord."
- 1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV

When God calls his people by his grace, it is to make them partakers of the highest bliss and the greatest glory that he could confer upon the sons of men. And this not only in eternity, but in time; not only beyond, but this side of the grave. He appeals, therefore, to them by his prophet. "..Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness?..." (Jer. 2:31.)

Daily Devotion: Christ Forbids Worldly Anxiety by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:24-34 KJV

Key Verse:  "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?"
- Matthew 6:25 KJV

Our Savior had charged his disciples not to lay up treasures upon earth. In this passage He gives them another command that appears much more difficult to obey, that is, He forbids them to be anxious about needful food and clothing. We are naturally inclined to think it impossible not to be anxious about the means of our support; but God graciously offers many arguments to prevent our indulging in such cares.

Daily Devotion: Traits Of A Narcissist (1 of 4) by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
- Romans 12:3 KJV

Narcissism and pride are related concepts, but they differ in their nature and implications. Research indicates that unhealthy pride, particularly arrogant pride, can be a precursor to narcissism. While not everyone with unhealthy pride develops narcissism, addressing and managing this trait can prevent it from escalating into a more severe condition. [1, 2, 3]

Daily Devotion: Shepherding In The Wilderness by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Exodus 3:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb."
- Exodus 3:1 KJV

For forty years Moses had been shepherding sheep in the wilderness. It appears to us as if all those years were lost. We can see how profitably the first forty were spent. Those earlier years under his mother's influence—he carried their lessons and impress to the end. Then those years in the schools of Egypt and in the palace he learned much there which was essential to his mission. But what did that long period in the desert do toward fitting him to be a leader, a lawgiver, the builder of a nation? Far more, no doubt, than we can tell. All that while, his character was knitting itself into strength. He was learning self-discipline. In the wilderness, he was taught many a lesson which made him more fit for his work—lessons he could never have learned in the busy life of Pharaoh's palace.

Daily Devotion: The Gracious Verdict by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 8:11 KJV

Key Verse:  "She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
- John 8:11 KJV

How much more tender is Jesus — than the tenderest of earthly friends! The Apostles, in a moment of irritation, would have called down fire from heaven on obstinate sinners — but their Master rebuked the unkind suggestion. Peter, the trusted but treacherous disciple, expected nothing but harsh and merited reproof for faithlessness — but He who knew well how that heart would be bowed with penitential sorrow, sends first the kindest of messages, and then the gentlest of rebukes — "Do you love Me?"

Daily Devotion: Our Only Joy In The World To Come by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Psalm 16 KJV

Key Verse:  "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
- Psalm 16:11 KJV

Truly, O worldlings! I pity you. Now you seem to be great and full of fun. But, though you shine on the outside, there is an awful blank within. If in this life only I have hope, I would of all men be most miserable; for the greatest thing I could either hope for, or desire below, are trifling in comparison of the great and glorious things of eternity that I aspire after. What good would my life do me, did I not live to die, that I may live forever? What would my time be—but a rotation of toils and troubles, did it not afford me an opportunity to prepare and improve for eternity? How would every forethought about this present life trouble me, did not the solid hope of a future world sustain me?

Daily Devotion: Commitment To Christ by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Romans 8:31-39 KJV

Key Verse:  "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,"
- Romans 8:38 KJV

When we trust or yield ourselves to Christ, there is a true commitment just like in a healthy marriage. How tragic that many marriages are dysfunctional and are a poor example of long lasting commitments.

Daily Devotion: The Wind Blows Defiantly by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: John 3:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
- John 3:8 KJV

Mark how striking is the figure. The wind bids defiance to man's governing power. It is as sovereign in its influence as it is irresistible in its strength. We cannot command it, nor can we control it. It is alike out of our power to summon it, as it is to soothe it. It comes, we know not where; it goes, we know not where. "So is every one that is born of the Spirit."

Daily Devotion: He Shall Save His People by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins."
- Matthew 1:21 KJV

Many people, if they are asked what they understand by salvation, will reply, "Being saved from hell—and taken to heaven." This is one result of salvation—but it is not one tenth of what is contained in that blessing. It is true our Lord Jesus Christ does redeem all His people from the wrath to come; He saves them from the fearful condemnation which their sins had brought upon them; but His triumph is far more complete than this. He saves His people "from their sins." Oh! sweet deliverance from our worst foes. Where Christ works a saving work—He casts Satan from his throne, and will not let him be master any longer.

Daily Devotion: The Secret To Getting Along With People by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 12:14-21 KJV

Key Verse:  "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
- Romans 12:18 KJV

The most persistent problem believers and unbelievers face on a daily basis is our inability to get along with people. Seems we are all struggling to just tolerate most of the the people we are around on a daily basis. It does not have to be this way. The book of Proverbs provides us with the secret to getting along with people and having true friends.

Daily Devotion: He Shall Bring It To Pass by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Psalm 37:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
- Psalm 37:5 KJV

What shall God bring to pass? The thing that lies deepest in the heart--"your way." Does not 'your way' lie deepest in your soul--the path that God has led, the path that God is now leading you by? You may be troubled in your soul, doubting and fearing in your mind, distressed in your feelings; you may sink down to the lowest point that a child of God can sink to; yet that way, in which you are so deeply sunk, if the Lord enables you from time to time to commit it to him, and trust in him, he will bring to pass above what your heart desires.

Daily Devotion: Christ Forbids Covetousness And Double-Mindedness by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:19-23 KJV

Key Verse:  "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
- Matthew 6:21 KJV

Our Savior had exposed the apparently good actions of the Pharisees, as their prayers, fastings, almsgivings. He now reproves their wicked practices. The first thing he attacks is their covetousness,—their delight in laying up earthly treasures. In those days riches consisted partly in valuable clothes, and therefore He speaks of moth and rust corrupting.

Daily Devotion: I Have Finished The Work by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: John 17:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."
- John 17:4 KJV

Jesus is the only man who has ever lived—so as to be able to say this! The best lives are but fragments, leaving many things unfinished. Yet we ought to take a lesson from Christ's finishing of His work. He did it, simply by doing each day—the will of His Father for the day.

The Abiding Comforter The Abiding Comforter by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 14:12-19 KJV

Key Verse:  "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"
- John 14:16 KJV

When one beloved earthly friend is taken away — how the heart is drawn out towards those that remain! Jesus was now about to leave His sorrowing disciples. He directs them to one whose presence would fill up the vast blank which His own absence was to make. His name was, The Comforter; His mission was, "to abide with them forever." Accordingly, no sooner had the gates of Heaven closed on their ascended Lord, than, in fulfillment of His own gracious promise, the bereaved and orphaned Church was baptized with Pentecostal fire. "When I depart — I will send Him to you."

Daily Devotion: We Should Sleep No Longer Than To Refresh The Body by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Proverbs 20:9-16 KJV

Key Verse:  "Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread."
- Proverbs 20:13 KJV

Long sleep in any man is blame-worthy—but in a candidate for glory it is a sinful. I may indeed rise in time to manage my temporal affairs, as I am seldom behind with the world; but what improvement do I make for eternal realities? "He who loves sleep," though in worldly things he may sustain no loss, yet in spiritual things "shall be a poor man." When I have a long journey to go, I can get up early in the morning. Now, I am on a more momentous, and immensely longer journey, even to eternity, which cannot be delayed a day; therefore, I have need to use my time wisely—before the shadows of darkness overspreads me, wherein no man can walk; or the night of death overtakes me, wherein no man can work.

Daily Devotion: Commitment to a Holy Life by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:9-16 KJV

Key Verse:  "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
- 1 Peter 1:16 KJV

Obedience. It is a dirty word in our day. We are all like little children; no one wants to obey anyone else. The words “obedience” and “submission” are a constant reminder of our indwelling sin. But whether we like them or not, they get to the heart of our problem of living a holy life.

Daily Devotion: What Is a Cult? by J.E. Smith

Photo Source: Derivative work: EnthetaCC BY 2.5, Link

 

Bible Reading: Matthew 12:23-30 KJV

Key Verse:  "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."
- Matthew 12:30 KJV

In our Key Verse, Matthew 12:30, Jesus teaches the importance of alignment with Him and the consequences of deviation from His teachings. A cult, in a Christian context, is a religious group that denies one or more of the Fundamentals of the Faith, such as the deity of Christ and salvation by faith in Christ alone.

Daily Devotion: Conformed To The Image Of His Son by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Romans 8:29 KJV

Key Verse:  "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
- Romans 8:29 KJV

Here is the glorious pattern of a child of God. Sanctification is a conformity to the image and the example of Christ. The more the believer is growing like Jesus, the more he is growing in holiness. And, on the contrary, the less resemblance there is to Christ in his principles, in the habit of his mind, in his spirit, temper, daily walk, yes, in every action and in every look, the less is he advancing in the great work of holiness. 

Daily Devotion: You Shall Call His Name Jesus by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 KJV

Key Verse:  "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins."
- Matthew 1:21 KJV

When a person is dear, everything connected with him becomes dear for his sake. Thus, so precious is the person of the Lord Jesus in the estimation of all true believers, that everything about Him they consider to be inestimable beyond all price. "All Your garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia," said David, as if the very garments of the Savior were so sweetened by His person, that he could not but love them.

Daily Devotion: Being Justified Freely by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Romans 3:24-31 KJV

Key Verse:  "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"
- Romans 3:24 KJV

It is because grace is free that it can reach us. How free is the sun in sending forth its enlightening, warming beams; how free the clouds in discharging their watery treasures; how free the dew in falling from the face of heaven; how free the wind in blowing where it wills. Now these are scriptural types and representatives of the free grace of God. It shines as freely as the sun; drops as freely as the rain; falls as freely as the dew; and blows as freely as the wind. But not in grace, as in nature--to all men. I mean not that; but all to whom it comes it comes freely. And whenever it so comes it communicates precious things with it.

Daily Devotion: Christ Forbids Ostentation In FASTING by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:16-23 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
- Matthew 6:16 KJV

There was another duty upon the performance of which the Pharisees prided themselves—fasting. Some of them fasted twice a week. On those days they neglected the care of their persons, and went abroad that men might see they fasted, and admire them for their religiosity. In the day of a public fast for the sins of the nation, men should not conceal that they fast; but, like the king of Nineveh, who repented at the preaching of Jonah, they should set an example of penitence and self-denial. But when men fast for their own sins, then they ought to conceal the deed, and not seek to obtain human praise.

Daily Devotion: Do Not Let The Sun Go Down On Your Wrath by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:25-32 KJV    

Key Verse:  "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:"
- Ephesians 4:26 KJV

The only way to make our life continuously beautiful, and to keep it ever sweet with love—is to insist on judging ourselves day by day. Old accounts are hard to settle. Each setting of the sun, should be a signal to us to apply the law of Christ to all our life for the day. The hour of evening prayer, should always be a time for getting right all that may have gone wrong in us during the day. 

Daily Devotion: The Abiding Comforter by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 14:9-16 KJV

Key Verse:  "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"
- John 14:16 KJV

When one beloved earthly friend is taken away — how the heart is drawn out towards those that remain! Jesus was now about to leave His sorrowing disciples. He directs them to one whose presence would fill up the vast blank which His own absence was to make. His name was, The Comforter; His mission was, "to abide with them forever." Accordingly, no sooner had the gates of Heaven closed on their ascended Lord, than, in fulfillment of His own gracious promise, the bereaved and orphaned Church was baptized with Pentecostal fire. "When I depart — I will send Him to you."

Daily Devotion: Life's Hard, Then You Die by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 1:18-25 KJV

Key Verse:  "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"
- Romans 1:20 KJV

Ever heard the phrase "Life's hard, then you die"? That is a pretty hopeless outlook on life, and it is definitely not what the Bible clearly teaches. Yes, life is often very hard and unpredictable. Yes, everyone dies. But in God's message to you there is more to it! There is more to life than what you can see and more to your story than just time itself. Do you want proof?

Daily Devotion: Who The Great Man Is by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Proverbs 21:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
- Proverbs 21:1 KJV

He who bears a commission from his king, that is, a noble, an ambassador, or a minister of state—is accounted a great man. Now, if being near the throne, and conversant with the king, makes a man great, clothes him with renown, procures him reverence and respect, loads him with popular applause, and clothes him with splendor and pomp; with how much more divine and durable honor is the saint aggrandized, who, though alone from the world, dwells with God; and though not known among the busy crowd, resides near to God's throne! The high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, gives his royal assent to their petitions, and will not deny them. Yes, "his secret is with those who fear him, and he will show them his covenant." This is greatness indeed, to be in favor with him who is a terror to kings; with him to whom kings and their subjects are less than nothing, and vanity.

Daily Devotion: Come with Boldness for Grace and Mercy by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4:9-16 KJV

Key Verse:  "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
- Hebrews 4:16 KJV

The main argument of the Epistle of Hebrews is that “we have a great High Priest” (Heb. 4:14; 1:3; 2:17f; 3:1; 4:14-12:3). Jesus has passed through the upper heavens to the throne of God (1:3). The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that Aaron was a “high priest,” but Jesus Christ is “the great High Priest.” No Old Testament priest could ever assume that awesome title.

Daily Devotion: Are You Born Of Him by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: 1 John 2:22-29 KJV 

Key Verse:  "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him."
- 1 John 2:29 KJV

Negative holiness- the abstaining from outward sins- does not always describe a regenerate soul; associated with this there must be the positive evidence- "Every one that does righteousness is born of him." Where there is life, there is action, motion, energy.

Daily Devotion: They Ascended Up To Heaven In A Cloud by Charles Spurgeon

 Bible Reading: Revelation 11:12-19 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them."
- Revelation 11:12 KJV

Without considering these words in their prophetical connection, let us regard them as the invitation of our great Forerunner to His sanctified people. In due time there shall be heard "a great voice from heaven" to every believer, saying, "Come up hither." This should be to the saints the subject of joyful anticipation. Instead of dreading the time when we shall leave this world to go unto the Father—we should be panting for the hour of our emancipation. Our song should be,

Daily Devotion: Incorruptible Inheritance by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,"
- 1 Peter 1:4 KJV

Whatever you may have in this world, be it much or little, you must leave. And if you have no other inheritance than earth gives, where will be your portion in death and to all eternity? But if you are begotten again unto a lively hope, even if you do not enjoy the full assurance of faith, you have before you an inheritance which fades not away.

Daily Devotion: Christ Declares Whom God Will Forgive by Favell Lee Mortimer

 

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:8-15 KJV 

Key Verse:  "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:"
- Matthew 6:14 KJV

Jesus here gives some instructions concerning the frame of mind in which prayer must be made. In the Lord's prayer we are directed to say, "Forgive us our debts, or trespasses, as we forgive our debtors, or those who have sinned against us." This petition seems like asking God not to forgive us if we do not forgive others. Some people might have been induced to wish that some part of the sentence was omitted, and that they were instructed simply to ask God to forgive them, whether they forgave others or not. But it would be of no use to make such a prayer; for God is determined not to forgive us unless we forgive others.

Daily Devotion: The Bravest Prayer In The Bible by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:17-24 KJV

Key Verse:  "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:"
- Psalm 139:23 KJV

When we do something wrong we pause and hope that no one saw what we did. We may even go as far as hoping that God was not paying attention, but in our heart we know that God sees it all. Most of us would never ask God to carefully examine our lives to identify sin. Yet in our key verse above, that is exactly what David did.