Team Daily Bible Reading and Commentary Thoughts for September 2024

316Judith

Good Morning Team

Welcome September!

I am back to share our Daily Bible Reading and Commentary Thoughts.

Hope you will join me and enjoy Studying God’s Precious Word with me. I welcome your thoughts in how each day’s Reading has spoken to you!

Sunday September 1, 2024

Bible Reading

Romans 8:34

Commentary Thoughts

Praying for Me?

Jesus prays for us. How incredible is that?

The One who never sleeps is at the right hand of God in heaven, constantly praying with us and for us.

We were also in His thoughts and prayers in the hours preceding His crucifixion. Among His requests on our behalf were that…

We would know and accept the words we’ve heard from Him.

Our heavenly Father would protect us from the evil one by the power of Christ’s name while we are in this world.

We could experience utmost joy.

We as Christians would be unified in our faith and exhibit God’s love to the world until we one day reunite with Jesus in heaven.

Jesus is still praying today. He’s praying for you and your church family to be protected, preserved in the truth, and filled with joy.

He is also praying for the people you know and love who don’t yet know Him.

Whatever you’re up against right now, He’s praying you through it. At this very moment, Jesus has you on His mind.

Today I am reminded of how intimately close You are. I know I’m not alone; I’m in the presence of my King.

Healthyme7410

That is so inspiring. Jesus prays for us as we go through life. Do I thank Him for doing this? Do I dialogue with Him daily?

316Judith

September 2, 2024

Bible Reading

Galatians 1:12
Psalm 119:98-99
Psalm 119:130

Commentary Thoughts

The Light

No spiritual transformation in history compares to the apostle Paul’s. Within only three years of his conversion, he went from persecuting Christians to their death, to debating religious teachers and astonishing listeners with his fearless preaching of Jesus as the Son of God.

He could do these things because he immersed himself in the teaching of Christ as a new believer. “I received my message from no human source,” he explained later. “I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12 NLT)

Like us, Paul didn’t have the advantage of knowing Jesus while he walked the earth; he had what we have: the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit, and a relationship with Christ.

That was his seminary, so to speak. Through that training, God equipped Paul to instruct pastors, plant churches, and evangelize the unsaved all over the ancient world, and the ripple effect of his ministry reaches to us today.

His experience excites me so much! What might God do through us as we invest time in Bible reading and prayer?

Clearly, God doesn’t care how long we’ve been a Christian. He doesn’t disqualify us because we’re in the early days of our faith. He can teach us, purpose us, use us from the start of our salvation or at any point thereafter.

His Word makes the difference, illuminating who Jesus is and God’s incredible plans for us. Nothing else turns up the light so quickly.

What a gift Your Word is! Knowing that the Holy Spirit will take Your teachings and enlighten my soul every time I open up my Bible is a game changer.

316Judith

September 3, 2024

Bible Reading

Psalm 130:5
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Micah 7:7-8
Psalm 27:13-14

Commentary Thoughts

Take Heart

Recent studies have declared millennials, especially women, the most anxious generation of all. But it’s not just millennials.

Surveys by the American Psychiatric Association reveal that our national anxiety is increasing, from baby boomers to the teenagers of Generation Z.

Today’s sixteen-year-olds now have the anxiety levels of fifty-year-olds in the past. Which means we are no longer a people who anticipate but a people riddled with worry.

I’m not an anxious person by nature, but my heart goes out to the many friends I know and meet who do consistently struggle with it.

When I am feeling anxious, nothing soothes me as much as the balm of God’s own words.

So instead of trying to comfort you with my own reassurances, do you mind if I share a few of God’s promises that calm my heart and mind?

I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,
and in His words I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5 ESV )

We are pressed on every side by troubles,
but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. (II CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 NLT)

As for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. (MICAH 7:7-8 ESV)

You are very, very loved.

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:13-14 CSB)

Whatever you’re going through today, my sisters, I’d like to pray for you as we close out our time together:

In the name of Jesus, may you find deep blessing and assurance in the knowledge that He conquered the powers of darkness and dread so you wouldn’t have to. I pray for His strength, and joy, and abiding peace over you as you live for Him. And may He, the God of hope, “fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

316Judith

September 4, 2024

Bible Reading

Matthew 6:1, 5, 16-18

Commentary Thoughts

Pursuing Humility

When you look around the landscape of our culture today, so many are caught up in self-promotion, self-indulgence, and glory-seeking.

Now these behaviors aren't unique to our specific moment in history.

But they do seem to be amplified because we live in the age of social media, where most people have access to a supercomputer in their pocket, making it all too easy to instantly share their unfiltered opinion on anything and everything.

Sadly, we are a people who often fall victim to the subtle trap of chasing our own dream of influence.

Reflecting on our current times, it does make you wonder, has the Biblical virtue of humility largely vanished from our culture, including our church culture today?

And if so, is humility essential in our pursuit of becoming like Christ?

Over the next few days, let's journey together to observe what God's Word says about humility.

Also, we should consider what we can learn about humility from the lives of faithful apprentices of Jesus who have gone before us on this journey of life - people like Thomas A. Kempis, Andrew Murray, C.S. Lewis, Dallas Willard, Ruth Haley Barton and so many others.

Dallas Willard once said, "Humility is the framework within which all virtue lives."

Said another way, humility is like a fence around a garden that provides protection for other virtues, like kindness, compassion, gentleness, and patience, to grow.

Without the protection of humility, our pursuit of godly character becomes an act of performance that always directs the focus back on us.

The Message translation of Matthew 6:1 describes what can happen when our pursuit of spiritual formation is missing the protection of humility.

“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding."

These two examples bring us to the first of our observations about humility.

Observation #1: Humility is the glue that holds all of the other virtues together.

Perhaps we should spend some time reflecting on the role that humility currently plays in our spiritual life.

I know I am guilty of making the pursuit of godly character into a performance more often than I care to admit. What about you?

Tomorrow we will consider another side of humility that often goes under the radar: False Humility.

316Judith

September 5. 2024

Bible Reading

Colossians 3:12
1 Peter 5:5
Romans 13:14

Commentary Thoughts

Avoiding the Trap of False Humility

Yesterday, we observed how humility is not only necessary to our spiritual formation into the image of Christ, but in many ways, it is the glue that holds together all of the other virtues.

Today, before we dive too much further into what humility is, we need to consider what it isn't.

In his letter to the church at Colossae, the Apostle Paul encourages his readers (and you and I by extension) to "clothe [themselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." (See Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬)

And Peter provides a similar message, "And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another..." (See 1 Peter 5:5)

However, in our attempt to “clothe ourselves with humility,” we can sometimes fall into the trap of false humility - which is really just pride in disguise.

It can be tempting for you and me to subtly weave into everyday conversation our most recent successes and accolades.

But in an attempt to lessen our boasting, we often add in a few self-deprecating comments about ourselves.

And that brings us to our second observation about humility.

Observation #2: Thinking less of yourself is not humility. Constantly weaving self-deprecating comments about ourselves into every conversation so that others will think we are free from the vice of pride is not humility.

To this point, John Ortberg said it best when he wrote, "Humility is not about convincing ourselves - or others - that we are unattractive or incompetent.

It is not about beating ourselves up or trying to make ourselves nothing…

Humility has to do with submitted willingness. It involves a healthy self-forgetfulness."

A healthy self-forgetfulness... perhaps that is something we should sit with for a while.

Those who walk humbly are free from the trap of self-promotion, which has become our cultural norm.

Why? Because they are living for an audience of One - Jesus Christ Himself.

They are convinced of their status as a child of God, having been justified by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

And they know they are highly valued in the eyes of the Father.

As you go, take some time to reflect on your recent conversations.

Have you mistakenly fallen into the trap of false
humility?

Is there pride lurking below the surface that needs to be dealt with in order to think of yourself
less?

316Judith

September 6, 2024

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Bible Reading

Proverbs 11:2
Proverbs 16:19
Proverbs 29:23

Commentary Thoughts

Being Honest About Pride

So where does humility begin? It begins with recognizing the depths of pride in the human soul. C.S. Lewis once wrote, "If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud."

However, recognition of our own pride is a slow process for most. But why is recognition of our own pride so difficult?

Because we can clearly see pride in others but struggle to see its existence in our own lives.

To this point, Lewis continues, "There is a vice of which no man in the world is free; which everyone in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people... ever imagine that they are guilty themselves...

The vice I am talking of is Pride or Self-Conceit: and the virtue opposite to it, in Christian morals, is called Humility."

The wisdom of Proverbs can help us take a first step in recognizing and accepting the true depths of our own pride, opening the door to its opposite virtue: Humility.

Proverbs 11:2 warns us, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble."

And Proverbs 29:23 says, "A person's pride will bring humiliation, but one who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor."

Continuing this thought around being "lowly in spirit," Proverbs 16:19 instructs us, "It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud."

Indeed, these verses are just a small sample of the wisdom God offers to those who are willing to recognize the depths of their own pride.

At the intersection of pride and humility, what can we observe?

Observation #3: A humble person learns through grace and a posture of surrender the importance of continuously acknowledging and eradicating pride from daily life.

What should be our first step in eradicating pride from daily life?

Repentance. And so this is where we will turn our attention to tomorrow.

316Judith

September 7, 2024

Bible Reading

James 4:6
1 John 1:9
2 Chronicles 7:14

Commentary Thoughts

Humility and Repentance

As God continues to reveal the many layers of pride in your soul and mine, we are led into a time of repentance. On our knees in prayer, seeking His face, we acknowledge our need for His grace and mercy.

In response to our cry for help, He is faithful to forgive us, drawing us deeper into His presence. (See 2 Chronicles 7:14)

In His Presence, we can take comfort in the words of 1 John 1:9, which says, "If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Grace, grace, and more grace is a divine gift from God that leads us into humility.

Richard Foster once wrote, "We do not come by humility on our own.

It is God who initiates contact with us, and not our own activity that leads us to God.

We cannot manufacture God's initiative.

Ultimately, humility is a gift from God. However, we can prepare for the grace of humility by orienting our will toward God."

Indeed, God is the giver of the grace that is necessary for us to grow in the area of humility.

James 4:6 speaks to this when it says, "But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.""

This continual stream of grace gives you and I, as followers of Christ, the strength to "orient our will toward God," allowing the Holy Spirit to burn away the pride in our lives.

And that opens our eyes to our fourth observation about humility:

Observation #4:

A continuous stream of God's grace makes it possible for the humble person to fall to their knees in prayer, repenting of the pride that so easily wells up inside of their heart.

Perhaps today, we should spend some extended time in prayer considering this interplay between grace, pride, repentance, and humility. It seems there is much the Lord might want to say to us.

316Judith

September 8, 2024

Bible Reading

Philippians 2:5-8
John 6:38
1 Peter 1:13

Commentary Thoughts

Becoming Like Jesus: Humility

Developing humility is not just something we do. It isn't a one-time event we add to our calendar or a recurring task that we check off our to-do list. Instead, developing humility must become a way of life. But this cannot be done by direct effort alone.

So how exactly does an apprentice of Jesus become the kind of person who is known for humility?

The answer brings us to our fifth observation about humility.

Observation #5: Through grace, humility in the life of an apprentice of Jesus is cultivated through the practice of spiritual disciplines.

1 Peter 1:13 says, "Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed." (Emphasis added)

There are many disciplines from the life of Christ that we can practice. Through grace and more grace, God uses our acts of surrender to cultivate the virtue of humility in our lives.

The fruit of humility is not something we can manufacture in our timetable. Instead, it grows according to God's timing and in His ways.

Together let's look closer at two of the many disciplines that God can use to develop humility in us through indirect means.

1. Solitude and silence: away from the cares of the world, the Holy Spirit leads us into a life of surrender to the will of the Father.

In solitude and silence, the words of Jesus from John 6:38 begin to take deep root in our souls, "for I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me." Alone with Christ, seeds of humility are planted deep within our souls.

2. Service: as we step into the multitude of opportunities in front of us to serve the needs of others - family, friends, and those in our community - the seeds of humility that were planted in solitude and silence begin to grow and flourish, revealing a beautiful garden.

Jesus Himself provides us with the perfect example of a life of service. "Because Christ had thus humbled Himself before God, and God was ever before Him, He found it possible to humble Himself before men too, and to be the servant of all." (Andrew Murray, see Philippians 2:5-8)

In Jesus, we see a perfect example of humility.

From His entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, to His washing of His disciples' feet in the upper room, to His sacrifice for the sins of the world as He hung on the Cross.

Today, consider the following prayer, "Lord, I
surrender my mind, body, and spirit to you. Help me to follow your perfect example of humility. May your grace lead me deeper into a life of discipline so that you might cultivate the virtue of humility in my life in your ways and timing."

316Judith

September 9, 2024

Bible Reading

Galatians 1:10
Proverbs 10:19
James 2:1-4

Commentary Thoughts

Freedom from Image Management

The humble in spirit are free from carrying the heavy burden of image management. You have an image, and I have an image, a way in which we want others to perceive us from the outside looking in. Those who walk in humility are willing to lay down their image and all the exhausting work it takes to keep it spotless and clean in the public eye.

Observation #6: The humble are free from a life of image management.

Freedom in the area of image management can take on different forms in daily life. Here are three:

1. Freedom from image management releases the humble person from constant worry about what others think about them. Speculation and "What if?" thinking is no longer a way of life. Instead, the mind of the humble has been freed up to focus on Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom. Those who walk in humility find comfort in the words of Paul when he wrote, "Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ." (See Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬)

2. The humble person has laid down the heavy burden of image management - including not worrying about being misunderstood by others. They fully trust that God is their defender, making it possible for them to remain silent - even in the face of gossip. By the power of the Spirit of Jesus, they are able to tame their tongue, resisting the temptation to over-explain the details of this or that situation in order to manage and control how other people perceive them. Indeed, the words of Proverbs 10:19 guide the humble person, "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech."

3. The humble are not easily offended or overly sensitive to the flippant words of others. "My dear friends, don't let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith." (James‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭MSG)‬‬

Walking in freedom, the humble person is centrally focused on pointing everyone they encounter to the one man, Jesus Christ, who is worthy of receiving all glory and praise. Those who humbly walk with God care only about one thing - protecting the image of Christ in the eyes of those who don't yet know Him as Lord and Savior.

Perhaps we should get quiet with the Lord and ask some challenging questions that we might not want to hear the answers to.

“Lord, am I easily offended?

Do I seek the approval of others at any cost?

Why do I worry so much about being misunderstood by others?”

Jesus help.

316Judith

September 10, 2024

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:39
Matthew 5:16
Philippians 2:4

Commentary Thoughts

A Humble Heart Reflects God's Light on Others

As you and I continue to pursue the virtue of humility in daily life, the world around us is likely to take notice of the inner transformation happening in our souls.

Why? Because true humility rarely goes unnoticed by a watching world. Now some will throw stones, and others will heap praise.

To those who throw stones, the humble in spirit will follow the example of Jesus when He said, "But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also." (Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭39‬ ‭NRSV‬‬)

On the other hand, when praise does come our way, you and I have two choices. Like a piece of wood or a lump of coal, we can absorb the Light of Christ or choose to reflect His light as a mirror or the human eye does.

A soul that has been transformed in the crucible of humility is no longer capable of absorbing God's glory for its own gain.

It has been formed by the words of Jesus when He said, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." ‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NRSV‬‬ emphasis added)

And that brings us to our seventh and final observation about humility.

Observation #7: A humble person is like a flashlight which is always willing to reflect the light of Christ on others - on their needs, accomplishments, and the unique ways God has created them in His image.

As we close out this series on pursuing humility, it seems only fitting that we might reflect on the words of William Law - words that were penned nearly three hundred years ago but are still just as relevant today.

"Let every day... be a day of humility.

Condescend to all the weakness and infirmities of your fellow creatures, cover their frailties, love their excellencies, encourage their prosperities, compassionate their distress, receive their friendship, be a servant of servants, and condescend to the lowest offices to the lowest of mankind." (William Law, 1686-1761)

Take a minute to reread each of his words, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you one or two areas of potential growth.

"Cover their frailties? Encourage their prosperities?" Both seem to jump off the page for me, but what about you?

316Judith

September 11, 2024

Bible Reading

John 16:33

Commentary Thoughts

The source of peace is God, not myself; it never is my peace but always His, and if once He withdraws, it is not there.

If I allow anything to hide the face, the countenance, the memory, the consideration of our Lord Jesus from me, then I am either disturbed or I have a false security.

Lord, in my consciousness this morning a crowd of little things presses in and I bring them straight to Your presence.

In Your wisdom, say, “Peace, be still!” and may my ordered life confess the beauty of Your peace.

Reflection Questions:

What happens when I try to manufacture peace from within?

What do I allow to come between myself and God?

What false sense of security do I need to guard against?

What little things crowd into my life and mar the beauty of God’s peace?

Quotations taken from Christian Discipline and Knocking at God’s Door, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 12, 2024

Bible Reading

Joshua 24:15.

Commentary Thoughts

We talk about “circumstances over which we have no control.”

None of us have control over our circumstances, but we are responsible for the way we pilot ourselves in the midst of things as they are.

Two boats can sail in opposite directions in the same wind, according to the skill of the pilot. The pilot who conducts his vessel on to the rocks says he could not help it, the wind was in that direction; the one who took his vessel into the harbour had the same wind, but he knew how to trim his sails so that the wind conducted him in the direction he wanted.

The power of the peace of God will enable you to steer your course in the mix-up of ordinary life.

O Lord, unto You do I turn, unto You. I am but a homeless waif until You touch me with the security of Your peace, the sweet sense of Your love.

Reflection Questions:

What power does peace have in my life?

Do I rob peace of its power by insisting that it submit to my “common sense”?

What could be more secure than being at peace with a loving God?

Quotations taken from The Moral Foundation of Life and Knocking at God’s Door, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 13, 2024

Bible Reading

Isaiah 66:16-17

Commentary Thoughts

We limit ourselves and our conceptions of God by ignoring the side of the Divine Nature best symbolized by womanhood, and the Comforter surely represents this side of the Divine Nature.

It is the Comforter Who sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts.

It is the Comforter Who baptizes us into oneness with Jesus, in the amazing language of Scripture, until we are indwelt by a mysterious union with God.

It is the Comforter Who brings forth the fruit of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance.

Guidance by His sympathy leads by a blessed discipline into an understanding of God which passes knowledge.

O Lord, remove this bondage of thought, and bring peace and purity and power.

Fill me this day with Your tenderness and compassion and grace.

Reflection Questions:

Why is it impossible to have peace with God if we are in conflict with the opposite gender?

Why does peace require tenderness as well as power, purity as well as compassion?

Quotations taken from Christian Discipline and Knocking at God’s Door, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 14, 2024

Bible Reading

John 14:27

Commentary Thoughts

The idea of peace in connection with personality is that every power is in perfect working order to the limit of activity.

That is what Jesus means when He says “My peace.”

Never have in mind the idea of jadedness or stagnation in connection with peace.

Health is physical peace, but health is not stagnation; health is the perfection of physical activity.

Virtue is moral peace, but virtue is not innocence; virtue is the perfection of moral activity.

Holiness is spiritual peace, but holiness is not quietness; holiness is the intensest spiritual activity.

The profound realization of God makes you too unspeakably peaceful to be capable of any self-interest.

Reflection Questions:

In what ways does inactivity give a false sense of peace?

Why is activity required for peace?

Why does self-interest have to part in peace?

Quotations taken from Bringing Sons into Glory and Not Knowing Where, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 15, 2024

Bible Reading

Philippians 6:6-7

Commentary Thoughts

Children are sometimes afraid in the dark. Fear gets into their hearts and nerves and they get into a tremendous state; then they hear the voice of mother or father, and all is quietened and they go off to sleep.

In our own spiritual experience it is the same.

Some terror comes down the road to meet us and our hearts are seized with a tremendous fear; then we hear our own name called, and the voice of Jesus saying, “It is I, do not be afraid,” and the peace of God which passes understanding takes possession of our hearts.

A man can never be the same again after having heard Jesus Christ preached.

He may say he pays no attention to it; he may appear to have forgotten all about it, but he is never quite the same, and at any moment truths may spring up into his consciousness that will destroy all his peace and happiness.

Reflection Questions:

What frightens me?

When am I most likely to be afraid?

What words of Jesus alarm me?

What words of Jesus take my fear away?

Quotations taken from Servant as His Lord and Run Today’s Race, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 16, 2024

Bible Reading

Psalm 37:11
Psalm 37:7-8

Commentary Thoughts

How much of faith, hope, and love is worked in us when we try to convince somebody else? It is not our business to convince other people, that is the insistence of a merely intellectual, unspiritual life.

The Spirit of God will do the convicting when we are in the relationship where we simply convey God’s word.

We exploit the word of God in order to fit it into some view of our own that we have generated; but when it comes to the great calm peace and rest of the Lord Jesus, we can easily test where we are.

To “rest in the Lord” is the perfection of inward activity.

In the ordinary reasoning of man it means sitting with folded arms and letting God do everything; in reality it is being so absolutely stayed on God that we are free to do the active work of men without fuss.

The times God works most wonderfully are the times we never think about it.

Reflection Questions:

How much of my unrest comes from trying to create peace on my terms rather than God’s?

Which part of the peace-making process belongs to God and which to me?

Quotation taken from If Thou Wilt Be Perfect, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 17, 2024

Bible Reading

Isaiah 32:16-19

Commentary Thoughts

Which are the days that have furthered you most in the knowledge of God—the days of sunshine and peace and prosperity? Never!

The days of adversity, the days of strain, the days of sudden surprises, the days when the earthly house of this tabernacle was strained to its last limit, those are the days when you learned the meaning of this passion of “Go.”

Any great calamity in the natural world—death, disease, bereavement—will awaken a man when nothing else would, and he is never the same again.

We would never know the “treasures of darkness” if we were always in the place of placid security.

In spite of all our sense of uncleanness, in spite of all our rush and interest in the work of the world, and in spite of all our logic, the implicit sense of God will come and disturb our peace.

Reflection Questions:

What does trouble teach me about peace?

Do I welcome God to interrupt my life or have I put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door of my life?

Quotations taken from The Philosophy of Sin, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 18, 2024

Bible Reading

Titus 3:1-3

Commentary Thoughts

It is an easy business to preach, an appallingly easy thing to tell other people what to do; it is another thing to have God’s message turned into a boomerang—“You have been teaching these people that they should be full of peace and joy, but what about yourself?

Are you full of peace and joy?”

The truthful witness is the one who lets his light shine in works which exhibit the disposition of Jesus; one who lives the truth as well as preaches it.

The way God’s life manifests itself in joy is in a peace which has no desire for praise. When a man delivers a message which he knows is the message of God, the witness to the fulfillment of the created purpose is given instantly, the peace of God settles down, and the man cares for neither praise nor blame from anyone.

Reflection Questions:

What truth do I preach better than I practice?

Is there unresolved conflict between me and someone else that is like a shade pulled over the light of Christ in me?

What pride keeps me from making peace?

Quotations taken from The Love of God, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 19, 2024

Bible Reading

Isaiah 59:10-11

Commentary Thoughts

When God became Incarnate in Jesus Christ for the purpose of removing sin, men saw nothing in Him to desire.

But when the heart of a sinner is reached, that is a state of heart and mind able to understand why it was necessary for God to become Incarnate.

The worst state a man could ever be in is never to have had a twinge or conviction of sin, everything happy and peaceful, but absolutely dead to the realm of things Jesus represents.

The majority of us are shallow, we do not bother our heads about Reality.

We are taken up with actual comforts, with actual ease and peace, and when the Spirit of God comes in and disturbs the equilibrium of our life we prefer to ignore what He reveals.

Reflection Questions:

Why is misplaced peace so deadly?

Why is easy peace so temporary?

Why is comfort the enemy of peace?

Quotations taken from Bringing Sons into Glory and The Psychology of Redemption, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

Friday September 20, 2024

Bible Reading

Psalm 46:10

Commentary Thoughts

To be “silent unto God” does not mean drifting into mere feeling, or sinking into reverie, but deliberately getting into the center of things and focusing on God.

When you have been brought into relationship with God through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ and are concentrating on Him, you will experience wonderful times of communion.

As you wait only upon God, concentrating on the glorious outlines of His salvation, there will come into you the sleeping peace of God, the certainty that you are in the place where God is doing all in accordance with His will.

The peace our Savior gives is the deepest thing a human personality can experience, it is almighty, a peace that passes all understanding.

Reflection Question:

“My” question: A question that (we all) need to ask, have (I/you) entered into that rest?

Quotations taken from The Place of Help, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

Saturday September 21, 2024

Bible Reading

Matthew 10:34-39

Commentary Thoughts

The coming of Jesus Christ is not a peaceful thing, it is a disturbing, an overwhelming thing.

Am I willing to be born into the realm Jesus Christ is in?

If so, I must be prepared for chaos straight off in the realm I am in.

The rule which has come in between God and man has to be eclipsed, and Jesus Christ’s entering in means absolute chaos concerning the way I have been looking at things, a turning of everything upside down.

The old order and the old peace must go, and we cannot get back peace on the old level.

When Satan rules the hearts of natural men under the inspiration of the devil, they are not troubled, they are at peace, entrenched in clean worldliness (cf. Psalm 73), and before God can rule a man’s kingdom He must first overthrow this false rule.

Reflection Questions:

What chaos must I pass through to reach peace?

What disturbance is required to overcome the old order?

What false rule must be overthrown?

Quotations taken from Servant as His Lord, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

Sunday September 22, 2024

Bible Reading

Psalm 4:7-8

Commentary Thoughts

When we confer with Jesus Christ over other lives all the perplexity goes, because He has no perplexity, and our concern is to abide in Him.

Let us be confident in His wisdom and His certainty that all will be well. “He abideth faithful; for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim. 2:13).

The angels’ song is still the truth: “Glory to God in high heaven, and peace on earth for men whom He favors.”

The way of inward peace is in all things to be conformed to the pleasure and disposition of the divine will.

Such as would have all things succeed and come to pass according to their own fancy, are not come to know this way, and therefore lead a harsh and bitter life, always restless or out of humor, without treading in the way of peace which consists in a total conformity to the will of God.

Reflection Questions:

What perplexities disturb my peace?

What gestures of peace do I expect from others that I am unwilling to extend?

In what ways must I yet conform to the pleasure of God?

Quotations taken from Christian Discipline, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 23, 2024

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Commentary Thoughts

A darkened heart is a terrible thing, because a darkened heart may make a man peaceful.

A man says—“My heart is not bad, I am not convicted of sin; all this talk about being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit is so much absurdity.”

The natural heart needs the Gospel of Jesus, but it does not want it, it will fight against it, and it takes the convicting Spirit of God to make men and women know they need to experience a radical work of grace in their hearts.

There are times when inner peace is based on ignorance; but when we awake to the troubles of life, which more than ever before surge and heave in threatening billows, inner peace is impossible unless it is received from our Lord.

When our Lord spoke peace, He made peace.

Have you ever received what He spoke?

Reflection Question:

What kind of peace do I have: the kind that comes from confessing who I am and being reconciled to God or from ignoring who I am and living in denial?

Quotations taken from Biblical Psychology and Christian Discipline, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 24, 2024

Bible Reading

Romans 8:38-39

Commentary Thoughts

It is a great thing to have our spiritual sight tested by the Celestial Optician, to watch the way in which he rectifies and readjusts our sight.

There is one unmistakable witness that Jesus promised us, and that is the gift of His peace.

No matter how complicated the circumstances may be, one moment of contact with Jesus and the fuss is gone, the panic is gone, all the shallow emptiness is gone, and His peace is put in, absolute tranquility, because of what He says: “All power is given unto Me.”

Oh, the fullness of peace and joy and gladness when we are persuaded that nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Reflection Questions:

How has God tested and rectified my spiritual sight?

What do I see more clearly now?

How does clarity eliminate fuss and fear?

Quotations taken from So Send I You and The Love of God, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 25, 2024

Bible Reading

Psalm 85:10-11

Commentary Thoughts

When by the discipline of His Divine guidance, we know Him, and He going with us gives us Rest, then Time and Eternity are merged and lost in that amazing vital relationship.

The union is one not of mystic contemplation, but of intense perfection of activity, not the Rest of the placid peace of stagnation, but the Rest of perfect motion.

The human soul is so mysterious that in the moment of a great tragedy men get face to face with things they never gave heed to before.

In times of peace, how many of us bother one iota about the state of men’s hearts toward God?

Yet these are the things that produce pain in the heart of God, not the wars and the devastation that so upset us.

Reflection Questions:

How is the “rest of perfect motion” different from the “peace of stagnation”?

In what ways is social and political peace the enemy of peace with God?

Quotations taken from Christian Discipline, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 26, 2024

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Commentary Thoughts

Immediately the Spirit of God comes in we begin to realize what it means—everything that is not of God has to be cleaned out.

People are surprised and say, “I asked for the Holy Spirit and expected that He would bring me joy and peace, but I have had a terrible time ever since.”

That is the sign He has come, He is turning out the “money-changers,” that is, the things that make the temple into a trafficking place for self-realization.

Be diplomatic. Be wise. Compromise in a shrewd way and you will get everything under your own control. That is the kind of thing the peace of the world is based on. We call it “diplomacy.”

Jesus maintained His faith in God’s methods in spite of the temptations which were so wise from every standpoint except the standpoint of the Spirit of God.

Reflection Questions:

What disruption does Jesus cause in my life?

What is He determined to clean out and throw out?

What confidence do I place in diplomacy?

Quotations taken from Servant as His Lord, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 27, 2024

Bible Reading

Ephesians 5:8-10

Commentary Thoughts

Twenty centuries have passed since Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came and the angels proclaimed peace on earth. But where is peace?

The New Testament does not say that the angels prophesied peace: they proclaimed peace—peace to men of goodwill toward God.

Jesus Christ came to manifest that God was with man, and by Him any man can be made a son of God according to the pattern of Jesus Christ.

This is the Christian revelation.

Those who are in The Way have a strong family likeness to Jesus, His peace marks them in an altogether conspicuous manner.

The light of the morning is on their faces, and the joy of the endless life is in their hearts. Wherever they go, men are gladdened or healed, or made conscious of a need.

Reflection Questions:

Is my presence marked by Christ’s peace?

In what ways am I participating in the peace Christ proclaimed?

In what ways am I preventing it from becoming a reality?

Quotations taken from The Place of Help, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 28, 2024

Bible Reading

John 17:25-26

Commentary Thoughts

We talk about the peace of Jesus, but have we ever realized what that peace was like?

Read the story of His life, the thirty years of quiet submission at Nazareth, the three years of service, the slander and spite, back-biting and hatred He endured, all unfathomably worse than anything we shall ever have to go through; and His peace was undisturbed, it could not be violated.

It is that peace that God will exhibit in us in the heavenly places; not a peace like it, but that peace.

In all the rush of life, in working for our living, in all conditions of bodily life, wherever God engineers our circumstances—“My peace”—the imperturbable, inviolable peace of Jesus imparted to us in every detail of our lives.

Your touch still has its ancient power. Touch me, Lord, into fellowship with Yourself till my whole being glows with your peace and joy.

Reflection Questions:

Do I have the kind of peace that can withstand the assaults of slander and hatred?

What is most likely to disturb my peace? Why?

Quotations taken from Our Brilliant Heritage and Knocking at God’s Door, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 29, 2024

Bible Reading

1 John 1:6-7

Commentary Thoughts

There are wonderful things about light, but there are terrible things also. When once the light of God’s Spirit breaks into a heart and life that has been perfectly happy and peaceful without God,

it is hell for that one. Light brings confusion and disaster.

When light comes all the things of the night tremble.

The night of heathenism is being split up, not by the incoming of civilization, but by the witness of men and women who are true to God.

Our Lord uses the eye as the symbol of conscience in a man who has been put right by the Holy Spirit.

If we walk in the light as God is in the light, that will keep our eyes focused, and slowly and surely all our actions begin to be put into the right relationship, and everything becomes full of harmony and simplicity and peace.

Reflection Questions:

What has the light of the Lord revealed to me that is confusing, upsetting, or unclear?

How does focusing on the Lord bring all that is blurry into a unified vision of peace and harmony?

Quotations taken from So Send I You and Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, © Discovery House Publishers

316Judith

September 30, 2024

Bible Reading

Leviticus 26:6

Commentary Thoughts

Reflected peace is the greatest evidence that I am right with God, for I am at liberty to turn my mind to Him. If I am not right with God I can never turn my mind anywhere but on myself.

Are you painfully disturbed just now, distracted by the waves and billows of God’s providential permission?

Having turned over, as it were, the boulders of your belief, do you still find no well of peace or joy or comfort—all is barren?

Then look up and receive the undisturbedness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Above and in the facts of war and pain and difficulties He reigns, peaceful.

Before the Spirit of God can bring peace of mind He has to clear out the rubbish, and before He can do that He has to give us an idea of what rubbish there is.

Reflection Questions:

What do selfish thoughts tell me about my concept of peace?

What anxious thoughts do I need to clear from my mind before I can have peace with God and others?

Quotations taken from Christian Discipline and Servant as His Lord, © Discovery House Publishers