1 Timothy 6:9-13

For Reading and Meditation:     Proverbs 12:1-8

We continue thinking about the fact that as soon as the psalmist considered the end of the ungodly, everything dropped into focus. Their true position became so clear to him that his language in the rest of the psalm indicates that he not only ceased to be envious of the ungodly but began to be sorry for them. Indeed,...

FAITH has to fight with the deep and direful depravity of the heart; with error and superstition; with despondency and early prejudices; with unbelief and carnal reason; with Satan and the world at large. Faith has to fight for victory, for a crown, for God's glory. True faith fights in God's strength; with certainty, arising from the faithful promise; in holy fear , produced by grace taking advantage of our weakness; with courage; principally on the knees; and looking to the Captain of our...

"You may have already won $100,000!" With this and similar come-ons, we are constantly barraged by the temptation to participate in some form of gambling. The housewife shopping in the supermarket is enticed by the latest sweepstakes. The average citizen is encouraged to send his name (together with a subscription for a magazine) to participate in an upcoming lottery involving millions. Or it may be a bingo contest in which you are almost assured of being a winner.

Then, of course,...

The humble … shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. § Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. § The incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit … is very precious in the sight of God. § Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.Pursue … gentleness....

Be] strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power. § As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. § They may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. § Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being...

We were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. § Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. § Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. God is my strength and power … He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze....

My son, give me your heart. § Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts, and put before them that which causes them to stumble into iniquity. Should I let Myself be inquired of at all by them?  § Put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. § Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare… For the love of...

Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap … Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin … Do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind … Your Father knows that you need these things.Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a...