Trusting the Righteous Keeper of Promises

 

“You have kept Your promise, because You are righteous.” — Nehemiah 9:8

What peace this truth brings to my heart: there is One whose promise I can trust, for it is impossible for Him not to fulfill His Word. There has never been a time when He has failed to keep His promise, and there never will be. He always fulfills His promises, though not always in the way we expect or in the timing we anticipate. His promises free me from worry.

Because the Lord always fulfills His promises, I can rest in quiet confidence and enduring peace.

From my diary,

August 30, 2024

A Day of Holiness, A Day of Rejoicing

“Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” — Nehemiah 8:11

Where there is holiness, there is bound to be joy—true joy, the heavenly original, not earthly imitations. I have always believed that holiness and joy are synonymous. A holy day is a day of joy.

The day was holy because the holy Word of God was read and rightly explained. The Word, that was rightly explained, was received in the right way—with holy reverence and praise. And it produced the right result: sorrow for sins and a longing for holiness. Therefore, instead of being sad, God’s people should be happy.

Every small victory against sin is a great reason for rejoicing.

From my diary,

August 29, 2024

When Trouble Is Near, God Is Nearer

"Be not far from Me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help." — Psalm 22:11

In this verse, we find two "for"s, two compelling reasons to seek the Lord's presence:

for trouble is near, and for there is none to help.

The Lord will not abandon the one who calls on Him in times of trouble. He will come to the aid of the one who has no other helper. When the Lord is present, the psalmist will no longer say, "There is none to help," because surely there is One—One who desires to help, is able to help, and knows how to help.

For the psalmist, the greatest sorrow is the absence of the Lord, and the greatest joy is His presence. This is true for every child of God.

Lord, be near; be not far from me.

From my diary,

August 28, 2024

 

Where Faith Falters, Doubt Prevails

 “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” — Matthew 14:31

This question from Jesus carries its own answer: doubt arises from a lack of faith.

Peter’s faith faltered when he saw the strong wind, leading him to doubt. Had his faith been strong, he would have remained confident that Jesus would ensure his safety. Doubt and faith cannot coexist, one excludes the other.

When we believe wholeheartedly, doubt has no place.

From my diary,

August 27, 2024

Undeserved Mercy, Deserved Praise

 "Since You our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and have given us such deliverance as this." Ezra 9:13

Such is the mercy of God. Our sins are countless, yet our punishment is little. Our sins are heavy, yet our punishment is light. We have not received the punishment our sins deserve. Therefore, we should give Him the praise He deserves.

Anyone who grasps the gravity of their sins and grieves over them, who stands in awe of God’s boundless mercy, will pray with the same heartfelt reverence as Ezra.

From my diary,

August 26, 2024

The True Source of Faith

 "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Romans 10:17

This is the way to receive faith: by hearing the Word of God. To possess true faith—the heavenly original, not an earthly counterfeit—I must hear the Word of heavenly origin, the Word of God. Such hearing will result in true faith.

I must hear the True Word in the right way: with faith, not doubt; with delight, not indifference; wholeheartedly, not half-heartedly. I must listen with a willingness to obey, not with a hardened heart; with a resolve to obey immediately, not to delay. Hearing the True Word in this true way will produce true faith.

From my diary,

August 25, 2024

The Blessing of God-Given Joy

 … for the LORD made them joyful. Ezra 6:22

The people who had returned from captivity had reason to rejoice, for they had separated themselves from the impurities of the nations around them to seek the LORD God of Israel and had kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the restored temple of God. Their joy was genuine because the LORD had made them joyful. There is no happier person than the one whom the LORD makes joyful. The joy given by God is real, lasting, and unchanging, unaffected by circumstances. The joy given by others is merely an imitation and is not permanent.

The LORD makes His people joyful with the miracle of the forgiveness of sins, with His amazing love and mercy, with the wonders of His Word, and with the blessings He grants each day.

Blessed are those whom the LORD makes joyful.

From my diary,

August 24, 2024

It Will Be Just as He Said

"Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me." Acts 27:25

Faith is always rooted in God's promises. It will not be based on what I assume, think, or imagine. It will not be based on what people say, and certainly not on what the devil says to frighten the children of God. It will be based on what my Lord has spoken. What He says is always true. He is trustworthy, faithful, and always fulfills His promises. He has never disappointed anyone who trusts in Him.

That’s why I believe everything will be exactly as He said.

From my diary,

August 23, 2024

 

The Enemy is Stronger tham me, God is Strongest

"Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I." - Psalm 142:6

David’s persecutors were stronger than he was, so he turned to someone who was stronger than them. If the temptations and enemies I face in spiritual warfare are stronger than I am, it does not mean I have to accept defeat. Instead, I must call on Him who is stronger than all and fights for me. Therefore, victory will be mine.

From my diary,

August 22, 2024

 

Defined by His Word, Not the World

 "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." - Psalm 139:14

Who should I believe? The mirror, the scale, society's fleeting beauty standards, my own subjective ideas, the opinions of those who do not know God or the Word of Him who created me? His Word declares that I am wonderfully made.

I will act like the psalmist—I will not compare myself to others, nor will I complain about my appearance. Instead, I will praise the Lord.

His works are marvelous, and I am one of His works. His work cannot be anything but beautiful.

From my diary,

August 21, 2024

Opening Hearts and Doors: Lessons from Macedonia

"Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them." - Acts 16:10

"The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul." - Acts 16:14

The gospel came to Europe through a supernatural experience. The Holy Spirit prevented the Word from being preached in Asia because the time had come for the Gospel to reach Europe. It was God's plan for the conversion of Lydia and her family, as well as the jailer and his family. There was the vision, the willingness among the servants of God to obey His Word, and the assurance that going to Macedonia was according to God's will.

The Lord not only opened the way but also opened the heart of the first convert, Lydia, who immediately accepted the Lord and welcomed the servants of God into her home.

There was opposition; Paul and Silas were imprisoned, but because of this a family was freed from the prison of sin.

When there is willingness to work for God, God opens the way, makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him, for the realization of His will, His plan.

From my diary,

August 20, 2024

Hezekiah’s Secret: A Heart Seeking God

 "And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered." - 2 Chronicles 31:21

Success in any endeavor does not depend on exceptional talent, abilities, or resources, but on seeking the Lord. If I seek God’s glory, His power, His presence, and the wonders of His Word, I will find success in the service of the house of God. I must seek Him with all my heart, just as Hezekiah did. When is the work considered successful? When it brings glory to God, draws me closer to Him, and edifies His children. True success in my work depends not on my ability, but on seeking the Lord with all my heart.

From my diary,

August 19, 2024

But God was with Him

 "And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him." - Acts 7:9

Despite the great tribulations and difficulties that Joseph suffered, he was not discouraged, nor did his faith weaken, and he did not harbor hatred towards those who wronged him. The man unjustly imprisoned rose to become a ruler; the one betrayed by his brothers ultimately provided for them.This was not due to luck, but because God was with him.

The solution to every problem resides in God's presence. Just as with Joseph, this assurance is available to anyone who knows God. Our troubles and challenges may differ, but there is a blessed "but" for all of us: but God is with us.

From my diary,

August 18, 2024

The Key to True Power: Preparing Your Ways Before God

 So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. 2 Chronicles 27:6

Here is a wonderful summary of King Jotham's biography. His reign did not last long, 16 years, but it was effective. What stands out is that Jotham was one of the few kings who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, like his father, yet he did not repeat his father’s mistake. (2 Chronicles 27:2). The people acted corruptly, but he was walking rightly before the Lord. Despite his short reign, Jotham accomplished many significant things: հe built the high gate of the house of the Lord, cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers, fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them.

He became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. This is the secret of true power for every Christian.

From my diary,

August 17, 2024

The Pursuit of Holiness: Preparing for the Lord’s Return

 "Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?" - 2 Peter 3:11

Those preparing for the coming of the Lord should be holy. The enemies of holiness are many, and the danger is great, so they must be watchful. Holiness is wonderful and desirable; therefore, sin must be hated. Holiness brings the greatest happiness, so it must be earnestly sought, and those who possess it are the happiest. Only God can grant holiness, so those who desire it must be prayerful. Holiness is possible, so they must be full of faith. Holiness is a precious gift, so they must be thankful.

He who bestows holiness is holy, so we should worship Him. There is never too much holiness, so we must pursue sanctification daily. The dwelling place of the saints is eternal, so we must seek it above all else.

From my diary,

August 16, 2024

No Time to Delay: The Call to Act Quickly in God’s Service

 "… see that you do it quickly.” However, the Levites did not do it quickly.'' -2 Chronicles 24:5

In the work of God, there is often a need to hurry; working quickly is a necessity. The Levites were tasked with repairing God’s house, but their mistake was not doing it promptly. The Bible commands us to wait and not to hurry in many matters, but not in the work of God. Procrastination, indifference, and lack of enthusiasm are unacceptable.

Procrastination can become a bad habit. Laziness is not always the cause; sometimes, the reason is poor planning, taking on too many tasks at once, misplaced priorities, or setting unrealistic goals. I often find myself doing that. Tasks should be divided into manageable parts, but we must never procrastinate in completing them.

From my diary,

August 15, 2024

The Mark of the King’s Children: Love for All

"If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you do well." (James 2:8)

The law of love is the royal law, and the apostle affirms that those who fulfill it do well. They do well because they obey the command given by the King of Kings. They do well because they live according to the law of the Kingdom, to which they belong. They do well because their love for others reveals their identity as children of the King, reflecting their Father’s heart by loving even the undeserving.

From my diary,

August 14, 2024

 

The Balance of Rebuke and Praise

"Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land and have prepared your heart to seek God." - 2 Chronicles 19:3

Jehu, the seer, after rightly rebuking King Jehoshaphat, did not neglect to acknowledge the good in him. Jehoshaphat had erred by allying himself with someone who hated the Lord. Consequently, Jehu rebuked him: “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Therefore, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.” (2 Chronicles 19:2)
Yet, Jehu also recognized and commended Jehoshaphat's positive actions: he had removed the wooden images from the land and prepared his heart to seek God. When words of praise are from God’s man, they are true, so they are from God.
Receiving God's commendation brings comfort, encouragement, and humility. It also teaches us to recognize and affirm the good in others.

From my diary,

August 13, 2024

 

Never Forsaken by the Almighty

 "For the LORD will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance." - Psalm 94:14

How wonderful it is to be part of a people who are not forsaken by the Almighty, the Omniscient, the Most Holy.

What a blessing it is to belong to a holy nation, a chosen people, saved by the blood of Christ, justified by faith, and sanctified by His Spirit. Though this people may be forsaken by many, they are never forsaken by the Creator of the universe.

What a comfort to know that He will not abandon the inheritance purchased with His blood. If He will not leave me, then what more could I need?

From my diary,

August 12, 2024

God Sees Everything: Seen and secure

"Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, 'Have I also here seen Him who sees me?'" (Genesis 16:13)

The fact that God sees everything may disturb the wicked, but it brings peace, comfort, courage, and a sense of security to God's children.

Because God sees me, I should strive to ensure that what He sees is pleasing to Him, not something that grieves His heart He sees me and the work I have to do; therefore, I should ask Him for the strength to do it faithfully. He sees me and the snares and temptations in my path; I should pray that I will not fall into those snares and that I will overcome temptations. He sees me and my concerns; I should cast them upon Him.

Topical meditation 2024

August 11

 

God Sees Everything: God, the Inspector of Hearts

 "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:10)

"O LORD, You have searched me and known me." (Psalm 139:1)

"Shall not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." (Psalm 44:21)

The realization that the Lord sees not only the deeds we do and hears the words we speak, but also perceives the secret desires and intentions of the heart, and hears the unsaid words, compels us to be sincere. We are not only to do the right things but also to do them with the right motives, not only to say the right words but also to think the right thoughts. Since His tape recorder captures the sound of our thoughts, I will strive to keep my thoughts aligned with Philippians 4:8.

The Lord examines our hearts and knows all our secrets. Believing this truth leaves no room for hypocrisy.

Topical meditation 2024

August 10

God Sees Everything:Divine Step Counter and Scales

"Does He not see my ways and count all my steps?" (Job 31:4)

"Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed." (1 Samuel 2:3)

God has a step counter that not only tracks every step I take but also knows where I walk, why I walk, and where I will end up. He sees my ways, and I desire them to be paths of holiness. He counts my steps; I want them to be on the narrow road leading to my heavenly home.

God has scales with which He weighs our actions. His scale reveals the purpose and motive behind what we do. Both Barnabas and Ananias, along with Sapphira, performed the same outward act: they sold property and gave the proceeds to the apostles. But after weighing their actions, it was revealed that Barnabas acted with generosity and charity, while Ananias and Sapphira were motivated by a desire for praise and hypocritical show.

Arrogance will disappear when we remain aware that God is weighing our actions.

Topical meditation 2024

August 9