A.W. Tozer's materials are a mainstay in Evangelical churches in our day and he is one of the most quoted authors. He was a prophet in his day and his writings are even more influential in our day. One of his books: The Pursuit of God, has had over 1 million copies sold world-wide.

Morning and Evening with A.W. Tozer

Man - The Dwelling Place of God - How to Try the Spirits

Called according to 
His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
God has a very great purpose for His people by 
their eternal calling and by their wonderful redemption. A very great purpose... 
so much greater than the majority of Christians have realized. I do not think I 
am saying a false thing when I say that perhaps the larger number of Christians 
have got little further than to know that they are saved, and to be very glad 
that they are saved, to rejoice in being saved. Comparatively few are really in 
the good of God’s great, great purpose from eternity, “Called according to 
His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). It is not for us now to say what that purpose is, 
to explain it. It is sufficient to state the fact. We are called with a very 
great purpose, not just even to get out of Egypt and the clutches of the devil, 
but with an object, a tremendous object, nothing less than the infinite fullness 
of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and an eternal vocation. It is a great thing to 
which we are called in Christ, but how many Christians are really in it, and if 
they know they are in it, are tasting of the meaning of it: that this Life is an 
inexhaustible Life, that there are new vistas all the time? 
I am not exaggerating. The heavens are opened 
and we see more and more, and ever more, of what it is to which we are called. 
It is just wonderful.... You are not meant just to be saved and get to heaven, to know your sins 
are forgiven and to have a certain number of blessings which come with 
salvation. But there lies before you and reaches out through eternal ages such a 
purpose of God concerning us all that “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, 
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared 
for them that love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9).

This devotional contains short daily portions from a selection of Mr. Austin-Sparks' messages. In his own words, “Perhaps this is just like a window opened into heaven. If you get the right window you can see quite a lot. You can see great things and you can see far things. But the best that I can hope is that this has just opened a window, and that as you look through it you are seeing one thing - how superior is Jesus Christ to all else, and how superior is the dispensation into which we have come, and how superior are all the resources at our disposal to all that ever was before!” Open Windows messages have been selected and compiled by Austin-Sparks.Net from the works of T. Austin-Sparks. In some cases they appear in abridged form. The introductory verse and its associated Bible version have been selected by the editor and did not always appear within the original message.

Open Windows

The Cross and the Way of Life - Chapter 8

 The Inexhaustible Life 

All things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)
The Lord Jesus derived much strength from this 
knowledge of purpose with which His life was bound up. There is no doubt that we 
too shall get strength from that sense of purpose, that consciousness of a 
divine vocation which is ours. That is why the enemy always tries to discourage 
us. He seeks to raise questions and doubts in our hearts as to the reaching of 
the goal, telling us that our labor is in vain. If he succeeds to rob us of 
that sense of purpose in our life, to make us doubt with regard to our 
testimony, our work, or the value of the suffering we have to go through, we 
shall lose our strength and the enemy will get the upper hand.
Jesus Christ was maintained in God’s strength 
all the way through, because He was dominated by the sense of His mission, 
because He kept firm His purpose. If we hold fast the purpose of our life, if we 
keep in view our heavenly calling, we too shall be maintained in strength. But 
if we try to fulfill some ambition of our own, if we carry out our own programs, 
if we keep some movement going, there will be no divine resources available for 
us. In order to be maintained in strength it is essential that we know that we 
are in the purpose of God. Our service must always be the result of a divine 
purpose. It is of the greatest importance for us to realize that we have a place 
in God’s plan. We have to deny ourselves. In God’s purpose there is no room for 
personal interests. “To them that love God,” to them whose heart is taken 
up with God and the fulfillment of His purpose, “all things work together for 
good, even to them that are called according to His purpose.” That is a 
definite statement showing believers are called into a Divine purpose. We have 
got to know as definitely as the Lord Jesus knew, that we are in God’s purpose.

Christ Our All - Chapter 10

 A Divine Purpose 

<blockquote>
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" (<a id="verse_1632879811607954" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Ephesians/1/11">Eph. 1:11</a>).
</blockquote>Not only is God our Father not dead, but He is in eternal control of both life and death. He who is our very life is "the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom" (<a id="verse_1632879811208212" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Timothy/4/1">2 Tim. 4:1</a>). The sovereignty of our God is not only universal, but also personal. What a source of heart rest!"We find in <a id="verse_1632879811924612" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/28">Romans 8:28</a> a great marvel: All things work together for good to the believing lovers of God. This involves that billion billion control of God's providence - of the most infinitesimal things - to bring them about for good' to God's saints."When we reflect on the innumerable things' about us - forces seen and unseen of the mineral, vegetable, and animal worlds; on man at enmity with God; on Satan, and his principalities and powers, in deadly array; on the uncertainty and even treachery of those near and dear to us, and even of professing Christians, and of our own selves - which we cannot trust for a moment; upon our unredeemed bodies; upon our general complete helplessness in ourselves - then, to have God say, All things are working together for your good,' - reveals to us a Divine providence that is absolutely limitless." -W.R.N."There Is No Limit To God's Favor Toward Those In Christ." -W.R.N."All things are Thy servants" (<a id="verse_1632879811460942" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Psalm/119/91">Ps. 119:91</a>, ASV).

A 365 day devotional that will help you in your Christian growth and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.  This devotional is a collection of quotes from some of the best authors in the realm of Christian growth that has been organized by Miles J Stanford.  This devotional study is divided into 12 sections each containing 31 daily portions.

None but the Hungry Heart

 Sovereign Providence 

The Lord your God … went in the way before you to search out a place for you to pitch your tents, to show you the way you should go, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day. § As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, so the Lord alone led him. § The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. § Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. § For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish. § We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. § With us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles. The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness.

Daily Light on the Daily Path or Daily Light is a Christian daily devotional scripture reading published by Bagster & Sons about 1875. It has been reprinted continually since then. It consists of brief groupings of scripture passages which speak to prominent Biblical themes—two themes (morning and evening) for each day of the year. It appends no commentary, but simply allows scripture to speak for itself.

Morning Daily Light

 He … preserves the way of His saints. 

<blockquote>
Before I was afflicted l went astray: but now have I kept Thy word" (<a id="verse_1632879936966927" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Psalm/119/67">Ps. 119:67</a>)
</blockquote>The head-knowledge of Spirit-taught study becomes the heart-knowledge of Spirit-led life, via <a id="verse_1632879936891361" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/28">Romans 8:28</a> and 29. How good it is to have a sovereign Father controlling all!"You will find that no one learns truth easily. He who built on the rock was not secure merely because he built on the rock; but he also digged deep. What springs up quickly has no root. The more you understand the nature and scope of the Word, the more will you see the demand it makes on you and how unreserved must be your subjection to it; while as you are subject to it, you learn the blessedness and virtues of it."The true value of anything is known only when it is wanted. For this reason bright days must be succeeded by dark ones. In the dreary and desolate hour to nature, we begin to know the value of the truth communicated to us in the bright day. The learning is at one time, and the proving at another. In fact, we ought to be prepared for the dark hour; so that, though it be dark, there is something so blessed, so suited, pouring its comfort and sustenance on our souls, that, after all, the dark and dreary hour becomes a more really festive time to the heart, because of the virtues of the truth now made known, than the time of its reception, which was so happy and exhilarating." -J.B.S."But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while . . . stablish, strengthen, settle you" (<a id="verse_1632879936576180" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/1-Peter/5/10">1 Pet. 5:10</a>).

 Light And Shadow 

<blockquote>
I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory" (<a id="verse_1632880146635646" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Exodus/33/18">Ex. 33:18</a>).
</blockquote>There are three vital factors that will keep us on the path, and in the power, of spiritual growth: (1) study to know that God's purpose in saving us is to conform us to the image of His Son (<a id="verse_1632880146653649" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/28">Rom. 8:28</a>; <a id="verse_1632880146593476958" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/29">29</a>); (2) learn to reckon upon the finished work of the Cross as His provision for that purpose (<a id="verse_1632880146330341" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/6/11">Rom. 6:11</a>); (3) yield to the Holy Spirit as He carries out the daily process of that purpose (<a id="verse_1632880146791642" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/4/11">2 Cor. 4:11</a>)."Christ Jesus' earthly life showed the path, His heavenly life gives the power, in which we are to walk. What God hath joined together no man may separate. Whosoever does not stand in the full faith of the Redemption, has not the strength to follow the Example. And whosoever does not seek conformity to the Image as the great purpose of Redemption, cannot fully enter its power. Christ lived on earth that He might show forth the image of God in His life; He lives in heaven that we may show forth the image of God in our lives." -A.M."God has but one way of revealing Himself, it is Christ in you.' He has no other way of showing Himself to men except as Christ lives in us; not by the Shekinah glory in the temple built with hands of men, but in lives redeemed and freed and cleansed as they walk about in this dark world with Christ living in them." -L.L.L."And we all, while with face unveiled we behold in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are ourselves transformed continually into the same likeness; and the glory which shines upon us is reflected by us, even as it proceeds from the Lord, the Spirit" (<a id="verse_1632880146284850" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/3/18">2 Cor. 3:18</a>, Cony.).

 Purpose, Provision, Process 

<blockquote>
A man's goings are established of Jehovah; and he delighteth in His way" (<a id="verse_1632880355559872" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Psalm/37/23">Ps. 37:23</a>, ASV.) .
</blockquote>Throughout time and eternity the God of circumstances has every situation planned for our good and for His glory (<a id="verse_1632880355932408" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/28">Rom. 8:28</a>; <a id="verse_1632880355675157909" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/29">29</a>). That is all that should matter to us. "Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee" "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God" (<a id="verse_1632880355421797" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Psalm/76/10">Ps. 76:10</a>; <a id="verse_1632880355359368866" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Psalm/76/2">2</a> Cor. 4:15)."What the other person said or did to you was undoubtedly wrong and cannot be justified. Nor did he do it at God's direction; but God permitted him to do it for some wise reason which will yet prove to have been abundantly worthwhile for you. By the time that action reached you it had become the will of God for you, since to a yielded believer there are no second causes."He believes the Psalmist's declaration that every step of his life's pathway has been ordered by the Lord. No trial or affliction can reach you who are abiding in Him, without His permission. You can, therefore, be confident in every circumstance of life, however baffling, that it has been permitted in your own best interest by the wisest and most loving of fathers, who knows our load-limit' (<a id="verse_1632880355120320" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/1-Corinthians/10/13">1 Cor. 10:13</a>)." -O.S."All that we pass through is that we may get a fresh view of the Lord Jesus, or a deepening of a former one; but often we are so occupied with ourselves and the circumstances, that we fail to behold the glory of the Lord.'" -C.T."If the external plannings of men or Satan further God's plans, they succeed; if not, they come to nothing." -J.N.D."Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand" (<a id="verse_1632880355570209" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Psalm/37/24">Ps. 37:24</a>).

 The First Cause 

You hold my eyelids open. § Who is like the Lord our God, … who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. § Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known. § The wrath of man shall praise You; with the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself. The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. § We know that all things work together for good to those who love God. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Evening Daily Light

 That night the king could not sleep. 

Called 
 according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
 The chosen vessel
 becomes the instrument of a Divine wisdom which surprises
 the vessel itself. Sooner or later that chosen vessel is
 full of one question: "Why did God choose me? Why did He
 call me to this work? He ought to have chosen anyone but
 me! I am the most unsuited for this kind of life and this
 kind of work." That was true of Moses. When God would
 send him to Egypt, he said: "Oh, if you can send by
 anybody, do so, but not by me." When God chose Jeremiah,
 the latter said: "I cannot speak: for I am a
 child" (Jeremiah 1:6). A prophet, whose
 one business it was to speak, felt that it was the one
 thing he could not do. Divine choice is a very
 extraordinary thing, and it is not always the thing that
 we would like or would choose that God calls us to. When
 we are young we have perhaps a great idea of being in the
 Lord's work, and we leap to it very eagerly as though we
 can do it, but when we get older we feel more acutely our
 dependence. It is then that we discover that naturally we
 are not fit for it, and many of God's chosen vessels have
 had to be kept in the work by the very power of God
 itself. 
 You see, it is God's
 own sovereignty in His choice, and the point is this: It
 is not the vessel, but the purpose for which the
 vessel has been chosen. What is it that unites us as Christians? Now 
 listen to this: It is not salvation, nor redemption, but it is God's 
 power in salvation and redemption that unites us. It is the common 
 consciousness of all believers that they exist for a purpose and that 
 God has saved them with a great purpose in view. This is a very 
 important thing to remember. We may all be saved, and yet we may all be 
 divided. We may all be redeemed by the precious Blood of Jesus and yet 
 remain just individual units. But see what a uniting power there is in 
 everybody feeling that they are called to a purpose! They are united by 
 one common vision.

Into The Mind of God - Chapter 2

 A Common Vision 

<blockquote>
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into various trials" (<a id="verse_1632880572366279" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/James/1/2">James 1:2</a>).
</blockquote>You can be sure that you are in the will of God when He keeps you dependent upon Himself, walking in the Holy Spirit, and abiding in the Lord Jesus Christ."Often all we think of is, having our need met; but how little a thing is that with God! It would cost Him nothing, we may say, to meet the need of a lifetime in a moment; and a lesser love than His would supply it at once, and get rid of the constant burden."But that is not His way. To supply the need is a small thing; but to supply it in such a way as to make us feel in each seasonable supply the Father's heart never withdrawn from us, the Father's heart ever employed about us - that is what He means. Give us our daily bread': is it not much more than to ask, Give us now, that we may not have to come again?'""The God-given experience of the Spirit's working many a time passes away, and leaves the soul apparently dull and dead. This is only until the double lesson has been fully learnt: (1) that a living faith can rejoice in the Living God, even when feeling and experience appear to contradict the promise (<a id="verse_1632880572463835" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/28">Rom. 8:28</a>; <a id="verse_1632880572981195542" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/29">29</a>); and (2) that the divine life only predominates as the life of the flesh is held in the place of death, inoperative (<a id="verse_1632880572336884" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/6/11">Rom. 6:11</a>a). The life of the Lord Jesus is revealed as His death works in us (<a id="verse_1632880572546541" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/4/11">2 Cor. 4:11</a>; <a id="verse_163288057220371460" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/4/12">12</a>), and as in weakness and nothingness we look to him (<a id="verse_1632880572555416" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/3/18">2 Cor. 3:18</a>)." -A.M."Knowing this, that the testing of your faith worketh patience" (<a id="verse_1632880572446085" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/James/1/3">James 1:3</a>).

 "Thy Will Be Done" 

I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He fore- knew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son … Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

 He has made with me an everlastingcovenant, ordered in all things and secure. 

<blockquote>
The Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and guard you from evil" (<a id="verse_1632877573868830" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Thessalonians/3/3">2 Thess. 3:3</a>, R.V.).
</blockquote>When once we see and accept His purpose for our lives to the extent that it becomes our will also, the details of His process cease to matter. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (<a id="verse_1632877573940956" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Job/13/15">Job. 13:15</a>). “The one purpose our Father has in view, in all His ways, is to conform us to the image of His Son. This may explain our perplexities as to the past; it will govern our behaviour in the present; it is to be our guide in the future. The chief concern of our Lord is not to instruct us about a multitude of details, not to explain to us the reason for the trials which we are called to pass through. He is working out everything to serve His one supreme aim in manifesting the character of His Son in His saints.” -H.F.“The God-given experiences of the Spirit’s working within many a time passes away, and leaves the believer apparently dull and dead. This is only until the double lesson has been fully learned: (1) that a living faith can rejoice in the Living God, even when all feeling and experience appear to contradict the truth (<a id="verse_1632877573388451" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/28">Rom. 8:28</a>; <a id="verse_1632877573342960446" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/8/29">29</a>); and (2) that the Divine life only predominates as the life of the old man is held in the place of death, inoperative (<a id="verse_1632877573212838" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Romans/6/11">Rom. 6:11</a>a). The life of the Lord Jesus is revealed as His death works in us (<a id="verse_1632877573653476" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/4/11">2 Cor. 4:11</a>; <a id="verse_1632877573113689354" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/4/12">12</a>), and as in weakness and nothingness we look to Him (<a id="verse_1632877573383838" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/3/18">2 Cor. 3:18</a>).” -A.M.“While our Father is dealing with someone in discipline, when He is applying the Cross in a life, be careful how you sympathize with him. You may be taking sides with him against God. By such sympathy, you may, indeed, draw him away from the work of the Cross.” “For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh” (<a id="verse_1632877573905969" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/4/11">2 Cor. 4:11</a>)

 2016-09-04 

Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; with the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself. § You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good. All things are yours: whether … the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. § All things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

 We know that all things worktogether for good to those who love God. 

We know that for those who love God, that is, for those who are called according to His purpose, all things are working together for good. (Romans 8:28 ISV)

Go back to the place where, for the time being, the Lord has put you, where He 
has called you to live your life and do your work in all the trial and 
difficulty and suffering of it, and do not strain to get out of it. Do not lose 
the present value of it by always living mentally or hopefully in a time when 
you will be out of it, but go back there and recognize that if you are the 
Lord's, if you love God and are called according to purpose (as you are if you 
are in Christ), God is seeking to do something with you and in you by means of 
the conditions of your present situation. You will only defeat God's end if you 
try to get out, and will fail to recognize and accept what He is seeking to do. I can 
think of few things more regrettable and grievous than that we should look back 
upon any part of our life and have to say, "I might have realized some great 
purpose of God in that period of my life if only I had taken another attitude 
toward it than the one I did take; I was chafing, impatient, all the time 
looking for a way of escape; I was rebellious, living in another mental world of 
my own creating, in which I would do and be this and that; and I missed all that 
God intended at that time." I say, there can be few things more grievous than 
that.

So we must go back to the sphere and conditions in which the Lord has placed us, 
with this attitude – God has a thought which relates to me as one of His Own; 
and that thought is, that through the conditions and sufferings of my life He 
should develop in me the features of His Son. On the one hand, the features of 
the old creation may be seen to be more and more terrible and horrible, as I 
recognize them in myself; but over against that God is doing something which is 
other than myself, not me at all. He is bringing into being Another, altogether 
other, and that is His Son. Slowly, all too slowly; nevertheless something is 
happening. That sonship is not very much manifested yet, but it is going to be 
manifested. What God has been doing will come out into the light eventually – 
conformity to the image of His Son; "that He might be the firstborn among many 
brethren." So we look out upon the people of God on the earth amongst whom we 
are included, and we have to adjust our ideas as to why we are here. There may 
be things to do, but God is far more concerned with the being than with the 
doing, and we have to learn all over again what service is.

Conformed to the Image of His Son

 God’s Altogether Other Purpose 

This is one of those verses that perplex us most when the going is roughest. As long as the wind blows gently, we have no trouble saying, "Lord, I believe." But when the storms of life arise, we say, "Help Thou my unbelief."And yet we know the verse is true. God does work all things together for good. We know it because the Bible says it. Faith appropriates it, even when we cannot see or understand.We know it is true because of the character of God. If He is a God of infinite love, of infinite wisdom and of infinite power, then it follows that He is planning and working for our highest good.We know it is true because of the experience of God's people. In Choice Gleanings the story is told of an only survivor of a wreck who was thrown on an uninhabited island. He managed to build himself a hut, in which he placed all that he saved from the wreck. He prayed to God for deliverance and anxiously scanned the horizon each day to hail any passing ship. One day he was horrified to find his hut in flames; all he had went up in smoke. But that which seemed the worst was in reality the best. "We saw your smoke signal," said the captain of the ship that came to his rescue. Let us remember that if our lives are in God's hands, "All things work together for good."Admittedly there are times when faith falters, when the burden seems unbearable and the darkness unendurable. We ask in our extremity, "What good can possibly come out of this?" There is an answer. The good that God is working out is found in the next verse (Romans 8:29) - that we should be "conformed to the image of His Son." It is as the sculptor's chisel wastes away the marble that the image of the man appears. And it is as the blows of life chip away all that is unworthy in us that we become changed into His blessed likeness. So if you cannot find any other good in the crises of life, remember this one - conformity to Christ.

With reverence, humor and skill, William MacDonald wove a daily devotional tapestry that challenges the reader to think deeply and Biblically, and apply God's Word to their lives.

Truths to Live By - One Day at a Time

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28 NASB)

Upon some points a believer is absolutely sure. He knows, for instance, that God sits in the stern-sheets of the vessel when it rocks most. He believes that an invisible hand is always on the world's tiller, and that wherever providence may drift, Jehovah steers it. That re-assuring knowledge prepares him for everything. He looks over the raging waters and sees the spirit of Jesus treading the billows, and he hears a voice saying, "It is I, be not afraid." He knows too that God is always wise, and, knowing this, he is confident that there can be no accidents, no mistakes; that nothing can occur which ought not to arise. He can say, "If I should lose all I have, it is better that I should lose than have, if God so wills: the worst calamity is the wisest and the kindest thing that could befall to me if God ordains it." "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." The Christian does not merely hold this as a theory, but he knows it as a matter of fact. Everything has worked for good as yet; the poisonous drugs mixed in fit proportions have worked the cure; the sharp cuts of the lancet have cleansed out the proud flesh and facilitated the healing. Every event as yet has worked out the most divinely blessed results; and so, believing that God rules all, that he governs wisely, that he brings good out of evil, the believer's heart is assured, and he is enabled calmly to meet each trial as it comes. The believer can in the spirit of true resignation pray, "Send me what thou wilt, my God, so long as it comes from thee; never came there an ill portion from thy table to any of thy children. " "Say not my soul, 'From whence can God relieve my care?' Remember that Omnipotence has servants everywhere. His method is sublime, his heart profoundly kind, God never is before his time, and never is behind."

This timeless classic from Charles Spurgeon will help to both start and end your day with wonderful insight into God's Word.

Charles Spurgeon's Morning & Evening

"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." - Romans 8:28

Morning Devotional

All the Lord's people love God. They do not love Him as they desire, yet they cleave to Him, and follow on to know Him. He is their God, and has called them according to His own purpose and grace, which was given them in Jesus Christ before the world began, and it becomes the Christian to view everything as having its place in God's economy; and its work to do in accomplishing God's purposes.Angels, men and devils, but perform His pleasure. All things are connected by the infinite wisdom and good pleasure of the Most High. He superintends every movement of every one of His creatures; and directs them to answer His purpose and end. He overrules everything for our good; we never lose anything worth keeping by any of His dispensations.We may gain by all that occurs; we may gain wisdom-holiness -- matter for prayer or praise -- work for faith, patience, or hope.However, our best interests are secured; everything is working for the good of the church; and though it be rough, it is a right way to our heavenly Father's house.All things on earth, and all in heaven, On God's eternal will depend; And all for greater good were given, And all shall in His glory end; This be my care! and this alone; Father, in me Thy will be done.

Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.

The Believer's Daily Remembrancer

All things work together for good. - Romans 8:28

For Reading and Meditation:      Romans 8:28-39What is God's great goal in the universe to which His energies are devoted? We have it in our text for today.The Living Bible puts this best and I have no hesitation in saying that although it is not regarded as a true translation (it is rather a paraphrase), its rendering of Romans 8:29 is one of the most exciting things I have ever read. This is what it says: "For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him  should become like his Son." God's great energy and wisdom, working on behalf of all Christians, is directed to making us like His Son Jesus Christ. Of course this purpose will only be fully realized in the world to come, but while we are here He is pursuing that selfsame purpose nevertheless. It is only when we comprehend this that we will be able to understand the purpose that lies behind all our trials and difficulties. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good" (TLB) - must be read in connection with Romans 8:29. Because God is committed to making us like His Son, His wisdom goes to work on every trial that comes our way in order to bring from it something that will enrich our character and make us more like Jesus Christ. Infinite power is ruled by infinite wisdom. He could deliver us and make our lives comfortable but in a fallen world that is not the best purpose. Understanding this is crucial if we are to live our lives the way God desires.Father, forgive me that so often my goals are diametrically opposed to Yours. Help me bring my goals in line with Your goals. I shall need Your help to adjust. Whatever happens, keep me ever moving toward becoming more and more like Jesus. Amen.<div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>1 Corinthians 1:1-31</li><li>Colossians 2:3</li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>How does Paul describe the foolishness of God?</li><li>What is hidden in Christ?</li></ul></div></div>

Let a little light into your soul every day with this wonderful devotional from English pastor Selwyn Hughes.

Every Day Light with Selwyn Hughes

"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son " (v. 29)

For Reading and Meditation:      Jeremiah 31:1-12"How little real love there is for God," says theologian Arthur W. Pink. He suggests that this and the resulting low level of spirituality in today's Church are caused by our hearts being so little occupied with thoughts of the divine love. "The better we are acquainted with His love," he says, "- its character, its fullness, its blessedness - the more will our hearts be drawn out in love to Him." We focus now on the fact that God's love is eternal. God being eternal, it follows that His love also is eternal. This means that God loved us before earth and heaven were called into existence, that He has set His heart upon us from all eternity. This is the truth set forth in Ephesians 1:4-5 where we are told that we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. What a tranquilizer this is for our hearts! If God's love for you had no beginning then it has no ending either. It is from "everlasting to everlasting." Another thing we need to know about the love of God is that it is a holy love. This means that His love is not regulated by whim, or caprice, or sentiment, but by principle. Just as His grace reigns not at the expense of righteousness but "through" it (Romans 5:21), so His love never conflicts with His holiness. This is why John says that God is light before he says God is love. And this is why, too, the Almighty never lets us get away with anything. He loves us too much for that. His love is pure, holy and unmixed with maudlin sentimentality. God will not wink at sin, not even in His own people.O Father, the more I learn about Your love the more my heart is set on fire. Increase my understanding, for I see that the more I comprehend how much I am loved the more secure I am in that love. Amen.<div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>Romans 8:18-39</li><li>1 Peter 1:17-21</li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What was Paul convinced of?</li><li>How does Peter portray the eternal perspective?</li></ul></div></div>

"I have loved you with an everlasting love " (v. 3)

For Reading and Meditation:      Ruth 2:22-23Ruth continues to glean in the field of Boaz, secure in the knowledge that when the barley harvest is over she will be able to stay on and participate in the wheat harvest as well. Naomi is equally elated as she senses that Ruth's meeting with Boaz is no accident, but part of God's wonderful provision and care. One can imagine Naomi musing to herself: "How strange that Ruth should alight on the field owned by Boaz and that she should become the object of his personal interest and concern. And to discover, too, that Boaz has the right to redeem her and may well take her to be his wife." Deep down in her heart Naomi knows that God is at work. Each one of us must recognize that in the ebb and flow of life's circumstances, an eternal God is quietly pursuing His purposes. Little, if anything, happens by chance in the God-ordained life. The Almighty is seeking to work out His purposes in the life of each one of us, and He is there in every emergency or situation that arises. He is there in the ups and downs, the ins and outs, the comings and goings. When you become aware that in the life of every one of His children God is bent on bringing to pass His perfect purposes, then that thought most certainly reduces anxiety and fear. If only we could grasp the truth of Romans 8:28 (KJV): "All things work together for good." Hardly a fear would then arise in our hearts. Our trouble is not that we do not believe God's Word; our trouble is we do not believe it enough.My Father and my God, grant that Your Word might move from my intellect right into my heart. I don't want just to hold Your Word; I want it to hold me. "I believe, help Thou mine unbelief." In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.

"Ruth stayed close to the servant girls  until the barley and wheat harvests were finished." (v. 23)

For Reading and Meditation:      Ruth 2:3We spend another day considering how Ruth finds herself gleaning a field which belonged to Boaz, not by chance but by divine guidance. Eliezer, Abraham's servant, you remember, experienced similar leading when he went to search for a bride for Isaac: "I being in the way, the Lord led me" (Genesis 24:27, KJV). The fact that God should condescend to guide us in this life is wonderful, but nothing can be more wonderful than guidance of which we are not conscious. How reassuring it is to know that even when we are not seeking it, God is guiding us still. I am sure that almost every one of you can look back and recollect a time when, because of a "chance" occurrence, your ife took a completely different turn. The world explains these things as coincidences, and sometimes they are no more than that, but there are special times when seeming coincidences are really God-instances. The Almighty is at work, bringing His wondrous purposes to pass. This is because, as the theologians tell us, God not only has a general providence - one in which all His creation benefits - but a special providence which involves only those who have a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28). After a lifetime of knowing God's special providence, the great Samuel Chadwick, one-time principal of Cliff College in Derbyshire, England, said: "The divine attention to detail is amazing. Nothing is too trivial for Omnipotence." Though the universe revolves at His word, He means it when He says to you and me: "I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psalm 32:8, KJV).O Father, how humbling yet how encouraging it is to know that You guide me even when I am not conscious of it. Forgive me that I do not thank You enough for this. But I do so now. Thank You dear Father. Thank You. Amen.

"As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz " (v. 3) 

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

In 1604, King James I of England authorized that a new translation of the Bible into English be started. It was finished in 1611, just 85 years after the first translation of the New Testament into English appeared (Tyndale, 1526). The Authorized Version, or King James Version, quickly became the standard for English-speaking Protestants. Its flowing language and prose rhythm has had a profound influence on the literature of the past 400 years. The King James Version present on the Bible Gateway matches the 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States.

OT: Masoretic Text, some LXX and Vulgate influence.
NT: Textus Receptus, similar to the Byzantine text-type; some readings derived from the Vulgate.
Apocrypha: Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate.

Romans 8:28 KJV

Romans 8:28 KJV

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