God's Workmanship: ...The New Creation in Christ...

JANUARY 1

EPHESIANS 2:10

For we are his workmanship…

A s a new creation in Jesus Christ, I have no room to boast, for I am the product of divine workmanship. I am a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new, and all things are of God ( 2 Cor. 5:17).

Furthermore, I am the temple of the living God, designed by the Architect of eternal life, built from the ground up by the Carpenter of Nazareth and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. I am a chunk of clay: lumpy, formless and ugly, turned into the beautiful likeness of Christ by the touch of the Potter’s hand. I am a sinner changed into a saint. I am a mess become a masterpiece. I am a pile of old dead bones regenerated.

Transformed by the renewing of the mind, I am a believer instead of an agnostic and a theist instead of an atheist. I am the former sin-slave of Satan, redeemed and freed by the blood of the Savior. Now I can say, with Paul: by the grace of God I am what I am. (1 Cor. 15:10). I am a beggar turned into a prince by decree of the King. Instead of a child of wrath, without hope, I now know that I am a son of God, chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4): predestined unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will (Eph. 1:5).

No longer walking according to the course of this world (Eph. 2:2), I am chosen by God, in Christ, to walk in holiness before him in love (Eph. 1:4). I was "dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1), but now am alive with Christ by the quickening Spirit of the Almighty. I was a barren tree, debarked and uprooted by sin, but now I am a tree planted by the rivers of water (Ps. 1:3): bearing fruit unto holiness (Rom. 6:22) and fruit unto God" (Rom. 7:4). By his grace I am the Lord’s workmanship! I am his accomplishment. I am his personal project. Thank God!

JANUARY 2

ROMANS 11:36

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

I f we could just remember the truths of this verse, much of our vexation over negative circumstances would disappear. All things are of him, and through him. Not some things, or even most things, but all things. Not just those that are pleasant, but the unpleasant too. Perhaps through secondary causes, adverse situations develop, but none surprise the Lord. He knew about them before they happened. He considered everything in his eternal predeterminations. They fit somewhere within his will, somewhere within the vast, unsearchable, labyrinthine mind of the Almighty, or they would not have occurred.

We must remember this: the things we dislike, the problems and the difficulties, the events and situations we consider tragedies must occur within the realm of the Lord’s foreknowledge. If not, those things would be informative to him, making him different from before, in that he would have learned something that he had not known. However, he tells us otherwise, for I am the LORD, I change not (Mal. 3:6). About God the Son, Hebrews 13:8 declares: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

So, take heart. Nothing changes the Lord. Nothing informs him. Nothing comes to him as a revelation. Furthermore, nothing impresses the Lord with its power, its influence, or its shock-factor, for he has known all things from all eternity. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominion, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist (Col.1:16). That pretty well sums it up. However, to be able to bear the times of sorrow and heartache, we must have faith to accept God’s sovereignty. Of him, through him, and to him are all things. Glory to God in Christ! Amen.

JANUARY 3

MATTHEW 20:15

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?

M y mother, my wife and I went to a concert performed by a man who was uniquely talented as an expert ventriloquist, a masterful comedian, a skilled mimic, a songwriter, and a professional quality singer. In fact, he was the most recent winner of the America’s Most Talented contest: worth one million dollars. It was an amazing performance, to say the least. His talent was astonishing. Laughingly, I asked my loved ones, Isn’t it remarkable that God would give so much talent to one man and leave the rest of us with so little?

If I had been complaining, the Lord’s answer could very well have come from this parable of the kingdom of heaven, where the lord of the vineyard told those who thought they were underpaid: Friend, I do thee no wrong…take that thine is, and go thy way: …is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? In other words, this lesson would teach me that I should gratefully receive what he gives, be content in whatsoever state I am, and rejoice in the Lord greatly (Phil. 4:11, 10). I should applaud the Lord for the display of his gifts in another, and be thankful that I could enjoy them. Besides, in the way that God designed his kingdom in eternity, where many be called, but few chosen (Matt. 20:16), I receive as much as all the heroes of the faith that came before, yet I am a latecomer.

So, why complain? Why should we who experience Gods special favor grumble about perceived inequities in his choices for the individual? First, we are partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Second, we are the elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father (1 Peter 1:2). Third, God blesses us with grace and peace multiplied. While others will die in their sins, we are appointed to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 5:9). Thank the Lord for doing what he will with his own!

JANUARY 4

LUKE 10:25

Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

T o make a point, allow me to emphasize a portion of this question. This lawyer asked, What shall I do? Now there is nothing wrong with that question, other than it came from a man well-versed in legalism, who merely may have been trying to tempt the Lord into an interesting debate or catch him in some blasphemous statement. However, the Lord Jesus knew this fellow’s heart and that he was not called and drawn to him by the Father.

Remember, the Lord had just spoken these words to his disciples: All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him (Luke 10:22). However, the Son had not revealed himself to this man. Neither had he revealed the Father. Therefore, the man knew neither one.

Here is more evidence. The Lord responded by asking the man, what is written in the law? (Luke 10:26). Now we know that the law does not save, but condemns. Do we not? Basically, the Lord’s implication was that the man had to keep the law given by Moses to inherit eternal life: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might (Deut. 6:5). Of course, the stranger could not perfectly achieve this, as can no man, for it is impossible with one who is hostile toward God, as all of us were before the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5).

So why did the Lord give this man a hopeless task? Perhaps it was to show him the futility of legalism, or that he was still under the Law, the schoolmaster (Gal. 3:24), to reveal his shortcomings and bring him to Christ in repentance and childlike faith. For certain, it takes more than what a man can do to earn, gain, or inherit eternal life. He must have a spiritual remake from above.

JANUARY 5

1 JOHN 4:9

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

I s it possible to imagine any greater display of love than this? Formerly, we were sinners separated from God, not caring about him or his law. We faced the imminent prospect of a final judgment of death upon our souls, with the lake of fire our future home, murderers and God-haters our eternal roommates, and the devil and his demons our masters. We had no dream, but a nightmare. With an expectant future of perpetual suffering and ceaseless torment, we were without hope. With nothing to look forward to but enslavement to the power of sin, we were pitiful. We were unrepentant sinners. Next to the word ‘devil’ there is no word which has so much that is dreadful in it as that word sinner. ¹

However, God pitied us. In spite of our contrary nature, the Lord loved us. Springing from that greatest of hearts, the finest love the world has ever known, flowed like an overwhelming, crimson tide. Sacrificing his only begotten Son, God flooded us with his love. In active empathy towards us, his elect, God let his Son go to the cross in suffering and agony that we might live through him. What a noble love! What a powerful love! What an expression of love! Greater love has no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). How is it possible that anybody could love so much? The answer can only be: God is love (1 John 4:8). It is not that God merely loves, but that God is love. As a result, God looked upon his lost sheep through the shed blood of his Son and forgave them. He demonstrated his love. He made it conspicuous by sending his beloved Son to die for us—all with a divine purpose—that we might live through him. Our life, his workmanship, is a product of God’s particular love.

JANUARY 6

GALATIANS 1:15

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace.

P reviously, Paul was denigrating the works of man and lifting up that of God. First, his apostleship was not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead (Gal. 1:1). Second, Paul reminded his listeners that the Lord Jesus gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world (Gal. 1:4). And I might suggest: it was not because it was something we wanted or willed to be, but according to the will of God ( Gal. 1:4). Third, Paul insisted that he was not preaching to please men; on the contrary, as the servant of Christ, he was preaching to glorify God, to whom be glory for ever and ever (Gal. 1:5).

Undeniably, Paul’s emphasis was the contrast between the natural world and its elements and the world of the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:7), which he received, neither of man, nor was taught of man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:12). That is the context we find as we consider today’s verse: But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb.

So, was Paul simply referring to a common, natural birth? He speaks of the natural experience, no doubt, but to what extent could this have any meaning within the context of his letter? Consider this: Paul acknowledged that his natural birth was something God had predetermined in order to accomplish his will in the spread of the Gospel. That would fit the context. In parallel, consider Jeremiah, to whom the Lord said, before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jer. 1:4).

Friend, the sovereign grace of God is amazing, leaving man no room to boast. From first to last, God’s will reigns supreme, doing as and when he pleases in all things.

JANUARY 7

HEBREWS 11:6

Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

T he natural man will not come to God, nor can he, for he is not a believer. He has no accurate concept of God, but only thinks about a god of his own imagination: one made in the image of man, who thinks like man, who orders his own little world after his likings, thoughts, and notions. In other words, the natural man thinks God is like him. However, he will discover otherwise at the bar of judgment, unless, by grace, he is illuminated, supernaturally, in the meantime. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light. (John 3:9).

So, in our text we find that those who come to God believe that he is what he says that he is. They believe that the Messiah is Jesus, by whom grace and truth came (John 1:17). They believe these things or they could not have come, diligently seeking God. They have faith that these things are true. They have faith in the God of supernatural revelation. They believe in the God of the Scriptures. If not, they would not and could not come to God. Neither could they please God, or even seek him, had they not believed.

Therefore, our text speaks about the spiritual children of Abraham: those who are born again, those who have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. These are the ones who were dead in sins but are quickened together with Christ (Eph. 2:5) and made alive unto God. Only they can come, diligently seeking and believing with faith, and in that, pleasing God.

JANUARY 8

MATTHEW 3:15

It becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.

I n discussing his imminent baptism, our Lord chose this curious phrase, worthy of study and reflection. Could it be that his baptism fulfilled prophecy? In a sense, yes, for prophecy never fulfilled is unrighteous. Certainly, the Lord Jesus comes fulfilling a multitude of divine forecasts concerning the Messiah. He comes at the right time, doing the right things, and for the right reasons, consummating prophecies and perfecting numerous types given throughout the ages to his people.

First, Jesus begins his public ministry while John the Baptist ends his, fulfilling particular prophecies for both. Second, our Lord’s baptism is a prophecy of righteous things to come, foreshadowing his death, burial, and resurrection. His immersion in water ties him, not only symbolically, but prophetically, to those he came to seek and to save, in that he would bear their sins unto death and the grave, cleansing them from all iniquity and imputing his own righteousness to them. Third, his rising from the waters pictures his resurrection to glory, and his saved ones as well, in him.

In summary, the Lord Jesus’ baptism was a fulfilling of all righteousness. When he arose from the water, the Holy Spirit descended from heaven with lightening, delivering ministry power, and like a dove, bringing a righteous proclamation of peace, heard through the voice of the Father expressing his pleasure with the Son. In his baptism, the Lord gave us a holy, beautiful ordinance: a mark of belief and association. It is God’s righteousness in emblematic form: a sacred ideogram. It is the righteous Gospel of Jesus Christ in figure. It is the privilege of those chosen to participate in it, thereby signifying their belief in Christ as Lord and Savior. As a sign of repentance, confession, and faith, baptism is righteous symbolism performed for and by new believers until the Lord’s return.

JANUARY 9

ROMANS 7:18

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

T here is debate over the issue of God’s sovereignty as opposed to the exercise of man’s free will. Some believe that God cannot infringe upon the free will of man without making him into a mere robot, or a computer. Others hold to the belief that God’s sovereignty is without limitations, and that philosophical efforts to circumscribe it are about as effective as whistling in the wind. In today’s text, Paul mentions the limitations of his will.

First, he recognizes the flesh as a powerful barrier to any natural desire for the performance of goodness. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…. This agrees with his earlier teachings: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one…There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God…there is none that doeth good, no, not one (Rom. 3:10-12). Therefore, the logical conclusion follows: Man’s flesh, or his natural self, limits his ability to make any and every choice available, not only in his natural environment, but especially in the supernatural, to perform that which is good. Second, as a man of faith, Paul states that he has a will to do good things, for to will is present with me. As a believer in God’s goodness, he shares with us his desire to do good things. However, his flesh is an encumbrance to his will. Even after the new birth, Paul struggles under the dominating influences of the flesh. He says, But how to perform that which is good I find not.

Friend, just to have a will, does not necessarily make that will effectual. If Paul, a man who possessed the Spirit of God, could not affirm that he had unfettered, absolute free will, how can we say that the unregenerate man has it?

JANUARY 10

1 JOHN 5:19

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

T his is not an arrogant, prideful observation, but one of amazement. By the grace of God we are of God, and know it. This realization comes to us as a marvel. It is astonishing to know we are no longer of the world, but of God.

We became the children of God upon the Almighty’s implantation of the Spirit, for of course, it is the Spirit that quickeneth (John 6:63), making us new creations in Christ, giving us spiritual life, or vitality. Consequently, we recognize his wonderful work upon our soul as the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). This all took place not by inheritance, and not because we chose it, for it came not by blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:13). It was an absolute work of God’s grace. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:8).

This is astounding! It is an esoteric profundity. As new creations in Christ, we find it almost inconceivable that God would acknowledge and receive us, and yet, we know that all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:18). When we deserved judgment, God gave us mercy. When we deserved hell, God gave us heaven. It staggers the imagination, but through faith, we know it to be true and are thankful for it.

However, there is a contrast; even though, by his grace, we are of God, the whole world lieth in wickedness. The children of the world are different from the children of God. They are still in their fallen state, still alienated from the life of God (Eph. 4:18), and still in need of spiritual life imparted by the Spirit of God. Certainly, their situation is not a point of rejoicing to those of us who are new creations in Christ, but our new condition is a point of thanksgiving and something to be shared as good news to those who have yet to hear it.

JANUARY 11

1 JOHN 5:19

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

H ere are two groups of people in distinct contrast. Let’s consider the differences. The first group is of God, the second are of the devil. The first tribe knows that they are of God, and are joyful about it, while the second may think they are, but are not. The first are happy about their newly discovered righteousness in Christ, while the second are happy in their sin. Those who are of God, stand and walk by faith, while the others, without faith, still pursue their wickedness. The first is justified, having their sins put away by the Savior, and will die forgiven and happy, while the second is still condemned, and short of a miracle, will die in their sins and be unhappy forever. Those who are alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 6:11) are in the first assembly, while those who are dead while they live are in the second. The first bunch is forever enlightened, and walk in the light (1 John 1:7), while the second still walk in darkness The first are friends of God, and are led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 6:14), being spiritual, the others are carnally minded, and at enmity against God (Rom. 6:6-7), and are led by the spirit of the world. Those who know God have been born again, while the others experienced only the natural birth. Those in the first group were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4), while most of those in the second were not.

We could almost take up the rest of the day showing the differences. The first crowd is made of sinners saved by grace, the second, sinners lost and condemned for their sins. Formerly, the first party belonged to the second party, but were rescued, while most of the second were left where they want to be: in unrecognizable, inconceivable, imminent danger.

Let us who know that we are of God, share the good news with those who continue to lie in wickedness. By that, some of those might join us, to the praise of the glory of his grace (Eph. 1:6).

JANUARY 12

1 JOHN 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding.

S ome are still looking for the Messiah. We have faith that he came, and came in the flesh, but others do not believe it. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, fulfilled all the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah, but some cannot know it to be true because Satan, the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not (2 Cor. 2:4). However, by God’s grace, we know that the Son of God is come. We know that our Savior and Lord arrived at a particular time in history. We know that he lived in perfect conformity to the laws of God. We know that he died a sacrificial death on a Roman cross, that through his death the Scriptures would find fulfillment, and that people from all around the world would know that the Son of God is come.

The question is how do we know and how do we have faith, or believe, or have an understanding? We know and believe because Christ not only came into the world historically, as prophesied in the Scriptures, but came into our hearts personally, through the preaching of the gospel. In a personal way, we experienced his coming by the proclamation of God’s Word. Through this, by his Spirit, he revealed himself to us. He gave us spiritual perception. He gave us an awareness of himself which others do not possess. By his supernatural arrival into our hearts, we gained a special comprehension of the Son of God. He enlightened the eyes of our understanding; the dawning of the divine Light shoved aside the spiritual darkness that covered our minds and smothered our hearts. The Lord Jesus Christ fashioned our hope, authored our faith that we would believe in him, and imprinted us with his seal. Those who cannot see the Truth have no spiritual discernment, for the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned (2 Cor. 2:14). But, by God’s Spirit, we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding. With that, we praise him!

JANUARY 13

1 JOHN 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

P ilate asked Jesus, What is truth? Unfortunately, he could not recognize Truth standing in front of him.

Ultimately, truth is Christ. However, to some, truth is subjective, being only what one perceives it to be. Some believe that truth is ascertainable only by study and hard work, and that one man’s truth is another man’s fiction. Nevertheless, we know that truth is objective, being found in the person of God the Father and in his Son, Jesus Christ.

The Lord’s statement that precipitated Pilate’s question was this: To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice (John 18:37-38). Pilate could not hear for he was not of the truth. His spiritual understanding was nil. Unlike God’s elect, this Roman governor was not given an understanding. He had no faith in Christ. Darkness surrounded him like a fog, yet we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true.

Thankfully, the winds of truth blew our spiritual fog out to sea. Now, we have unhindered vision. The Great Physician cured our worldly blindness. With twenty-twenty spiritual eyesight, through faith, we can see the Truth. We know the Father is the living and true God (1 Thess. 1:9) and that Christ is the one called Faithful and True (Rev 19:11). Consequently, we know that the Lord Jesus is the true God, and eternal life Under the imminent threat of stoning, Christ said, I and my Father are one (John 10:30).

With that knowledge we can sing, Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth (Ps 31:5). Thank God that we are of the truth and can hear Christ’s voice through faith.

JANUARY 14

2 CORINTHIANS 4:13

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.

W e believe first, speak second. We do not verbalize ourselves into faith. We do not dream it up, whip it up, reach down deep within ourselves to drag it up, nor do we talk it up. It must be there before we can acknowledge it. Faith must be in one’s heart before he can even ask for it. So, how can one pray for faith without having it? How can he wish for it without it? Not one iota of faith exists, without the divine Author giving it, and only then may one speak, in truth, about his possession of it. Think about that.

Of course, a person may discuss faith in a theoretical sense, without possessing it. A poor man may talk about his worldly riches, but bragging about his wealth without having it is pitiful. So it is in the affairs of the Spirit of God. If one prematurely claims as his own, the faith that comes only by the Holy Spirit, he deceives himself much like Simon the sorcerer, who wanted the power of the apostles, and so, spoke of his faith before owning it. Perhaps many make that same mistake today. They see something they want in the message they hear, such as a power to perform miracles, or a fire-escape from hell, but fall short still: for the gospel is about a Person they should want instead.

True faith exalts the man of the message, Jesus Christ. True faith praises the preeminence of the Son of God, in all things. Christian faith adores, worships, and proclaims the irresistible Savior. The seed of faith grows and blooms when one sees the Lord Jesus as the epitome of all goodness and the appropriate focus of life.

You see, there is a priority in the things of faith; before we claim it, we must have it. When we believe, then we speak. I believed, and therefore have I spoken.

JANUARY 15

EPHESIANS 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

T he Spirit-filled saint gives thanks for all things, because he truly understands that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28). If everything works together for good, he knows that everything is thankworthy.

On the other hand, when filled with self, thanksgiving remains unoffered. Gratitude in a selfish man is about as scarce as it is in a fattened hog. A worldly outlook, rather than a godly perspective, dulls one’s sense of the Holy Ghost. As a result, even the Christian can be unthankful.

However, the Scriptures teach us to be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). Let the Spirit of the Lord fill our hearts and minds. Think on the things of God, rather than the things of the world. Paul said, Look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Co 4:18). Reflect on our victory in Christ, rather than the defeat that seems apparent in our present situation. Forget our problems by remembering God’s promises. Remember, God is sovereign in all affairs, even in what causes our sorrow, and while we may not understand it, by faith we can praise God for it, as did Job. The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21). And do not forget this encouraging question; If God be for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31).

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1Thess. 5:18). Give thanks in all things, and for all things, and know, as you are able to express gratitude towards God, that such a good response is possible because God fills you with his Spirit. His is the Spirit of thanksgiving.

JANUARY 16

GENESIS 17:1

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God.

H ere, Abram learns about the particularly descriptive name of the source of divine power: the Almighty God, El Shaddai. The Lord reveals the name signifying supreme strength and dominion over everything, including the earthly limitations of age, for as we read, the Bearer of the name predestined Abram to father a chosen multitude. The Lord held absolute sway over the naturally matured processes of reproduction as well as the continuing development of Abram’s descendants. That is supreme power prophesied, and subsequently proven!

What a wonderful, fitting name, the Almighty God: true Omnipotence identified. This is so great a power that his mere shadow protects those who hide there. This is the sovereign force that scatters kings. This is the mighty weight of wrath and destruction on the wicked, in the day of the Lord (Mal. 4:5). This is God who applies strength superbly, for he is excellent in power (Job 37:23) and effectual in the work of faith with power (2 Thess. 1:11).

It is amazing that anybody with a sense of propriety uses the name of God Almighty as a curse. Is there no fear? Is it not a serious infraction? This is a name to revere and respect. This is the name of the Creator of the universe and the ultimate Destroyer of it all; I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 22:13). This is the One to whom the angels sing continuously, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty (Rev. 4:8). That’s the way we should use his name! There is the example!

Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints (Rev. 15:3). Let us who are his workmanship (Eph. 2:10) and spiritual descendants of Abraham, praise our mighty God.

JANUARY 17

ACTS 4:12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

T his statement is central to the Christian faith. Jesus Christ alone is Savior. A misplaced faith in institutions or religions leads to hopelessness and disappointment, but faith in the Lord Jesus leads to salvation. A faith in self reveals a man’s foolishness, but a faith in Christ leads to wisdom. A man’s denial of the Son of God as Savior, shows the true colors of an antichristian.

Listen to the Scriptures, Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, which denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also (1 John 2:23-24).

Denial on this point, by someone who claims to be a Christian, is nothing less than what Judas Iscariot did when he turned traitor. Or, to give the speaker the benefit of the doubt, by saying that the Lord Jesus is not the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), by inferring that he is not the only way to salvation, is nothing more than what Peter did out of cowardice when he refused to acknowledge him.

To remain true to Christ, I hope, always, to have the courage to proclaim that someday, at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:10). Jesus is the sweetest name I know. He loved me and gave himself for me. How could I deny him? In addition, the Lord Jesus commanded that we should love God with all our heart. So why would I, out of political correctness or expediency, or a sense of humanistic inclusiveness of all religions, fail to tell my fellow man about the good news of Jesus Christ? He is the only way to eternal life.

JANUARY 18

PSALM 119:99

Thy testimonies are my meditation.

A s I rise early, pray, and consider the things of God, I begin to sense a faint glow in the eastern sky. Before long, I see the first brilliant rays of sunshine, with beautiful hues and varying shades, spreading like magnificent wings, fanning and pushing at the edges of darkness. I start dreaming about boarding those flaming chariots of radiance and chasing the stars away at the speed of light, leaving behind my small space on earth, flying high above the continental divide and far beyond the distant seashore, passing even the most remote island, to the outermost reaches of the sea. What a dream! What joy! Then, my thoughts begin to settle upon the Giver of my place of tranquility. There, in the early morning, I take joy in his workmanship in creation: the beauty, the seasons, the sounds, the silences and sensations of life. There, I realize that I am blessed every day.

However, when my thoughts finally turn to the companionship of my Lord in his Word, my joy begins to escalate, like a bride embracing her groom. I earnestly bask in the perfections of his irresistible grace. I praise him in the magnificence of his grandeur, rejoice in the promise of the passing of the sufferings of this present time and the encumbrances of the flesh, and take an anticipating delight in the glorious liberty of the children of God (Rom. 8:21). I am exceedingly glad, for here I can almost see my Savior highly exalted (Phil. 2:9), with every knee bowing before his presence. This is like the home of promise, a place with no distractions but the manifold glories of Christ, one as bright and endless as the other, pleasantly assaulting my senses in an unending cascade of beauty. I thank the Lord for leading me to this site of solitude, where my meditations of him are sweet, and I am glad in the Lord that his right hand shall hold me (Ps. 139:10) even here, and not let me get completely absorbed in the dream before the appointed time.

JANUARY 19

2 TIMOTHY 4:18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work.

W e can look forward to our ultimate deliverance from evil. Not today maybe, for we see evil all around us now, and even within us. But someday, things will be different.

Now, like Paul, we suffer through many of the consequences of evil. As a matter of fact, we are the authors of much of it, as Paul said, for the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do…I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me (Rom. 7:19, 21).

Then, in addition to our fleshly weaknesses, the works of darkness inflict us now through the power of Satan. Paul suffered