1John 3:3
“That we be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things.”
Ephesians 4:14-15
“‘Every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as He is pure.”
What of Today’s Verse…
Our destiny is the highest possible–“We shall be like Him.” For this we were created, redeemed, and sanctified, that we should be conformed to the image of God’s Son, that He might be the First Born among many brethren (Rom_8:29).
The Apostle says that those who have this Hope will purify themselves. A young friend of mine once asked me if I would try to see her lover, as my train stopped at a wayside station in a far-distant western State. It was a dark night when we arrived, and a hurried conversation took place on the steps of the great Pullman car. I found that amid the many temptations of a rancher’s life, this young fellow was holding on to purity and truth. He said that he had very infrequent opportunities of attending any religious services, but that the letters which came from the old country had been his sheet anchor. I understood what he meant. He realized the strong drift of circumstances, but to be loved by a sweet pure girl, who made him the object of her incessant prayer, and to receive her inspiring letters, kept him from yielding to the evil which enveloped him as an atmosphere; the thought that before long he might claim her as his bride helped to purify and steady his life. So the expectation of being with, and like Christ, should be to us as a sheet-anchor, who bears His Name.
To see Christ face to face, to be with Him in unbroken fellowship, and to be like Him–this is the threefold destiny of every Christian soul. But how little can we imagine our future life! We strive to penetrate the dense veil of mist in vain–what the resurrection body will be like; what the converse with holy beings will amount to; what ministry may be assigned to us–we know not what we shall be, but “we know that we shall be like Him”–and it is enough! All that we have ever dreamed and hoped for will find its flower and fruitage in that glad summer time.
Let us Pray:
O God, it is my earnest desire that I may not only live, but grow: grow in grace, and in the knowledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May I grow in patience and fortitude of soul, in humility and zeal, in spirituality and a heavenly disposition of mind. Amen.
Today’s Scriptural Inspirations
When You’re Feeling Dissatisfied…
Even lions go hungry for lack of food, but those who obey the LORD lack nothing good.
“I will give water to the thirsty land and make streams flow on the dry ground. I will pour out my spirit on your children and my blessing on your descendants.
Your reward depends on what you say and what you do; you will get what you deserve. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
O God, you are my God, and I long for you. My whole being desires you; like a dry, worn-out, and waterless land, my soul is thirsty for you. Let me see you in the sanctuary; let me see how mighty and glorious you are. Your constant love is better than life itself, and so I will praise you. I will give you thanks as long as I live; I will raise my hands to you in prayer. My soul will feast and be satisfied, and I will sing glad songs of praise to you.
“Happy are those who’s greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! Trust in the LORD and do good; live in the land and be safe. He satisfies those who are thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
The LORD says, “Come, everyone who is thirsty—here is water! Come, you that have no money— buy grain and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk— it will cost you nothing! God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.
Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle.
