But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

2 Corinthians 4:7

Recommended Reading

2 Corinthians 4:1-9

Everyone knows what it’s like to be disappointed by someone we love or admire. Our husbands, wives, children, or parents sometimes let us down. Our heroes stumble. Our leaders falter. It can devastate us and damage our relationships because we place high expectations on those we love. Sometimes we forget they are broken people just like we are.

According to 2 Corinthians 4:7, we are all earthen vessels, jugs of clay, easily chipped. The Voice translates 2 Corinthians 4:7 like this: “But this beautiful treasure (the Gospel) is contained in us—cracked pots made of earth and clay—so that the transcendent character of this power will be clearly seen as coming from God and not from us.”

God blesses us cracked pots in spite of our sinful, undeserving nature; and high on His list of blessings is forgiveness. As we look to Him alone, He gives us grace (He imparts a million blessings we don’t deserve) and mercy (He withholds a million judgments we do deserve).

If He gives grace and mercy to cracked pots like us, perhaps we need to extend the same to those we love.

Let us make sure that we are not so hard on others because if the shoe were on the other foot, we would want someone to understand our circumstances and help us to redeem ourselves.

Jesse R. Watson, Jr., in Morning Coffee

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Jeremiah 4 – 5

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4:1

Recommended Reading

Psalm 32:1-5

According to the federal government, Americans spent $135 billion on “behavioral health” services in 2005. That includes medicine, counseling, hospitalization, and more. Part of that big number represents people who just needed “someone to talk to.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated in 2010 that there were 156,300 mental health counselors—so the amount spent on face-to-face counseling is no small number.

And it can be money well-spent. Professional counselors can be objective and clear when life feels subjective and confused. But let us not forget that we have a “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6, NASB) in the person of Jesus Christ. Prayer to the Father through our Advocate-Counselor should be our first step when we lose clarity in life. The Spirit of God is also a Counselor (John 15:26; 16:7, NIV). Father, Son, and Spirit are available at any hour and for any reason with infallible guidance. The only cost is time in prayer.

Talk to friends and counselors when necessary. But don’t fail to talk to God in prayer and seek His counsel first.

Most Christians learned at an early age how to talk to God, but they did not learn to listen as well.

Gordon MacDonald, from Men of Integrity

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Jeremiah 1 – 3

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.

Psalm 119:71

Recommended Reading

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

We have grown used to unboxing new digital appliances and using the “trial and error” method to discover how they work. Most of these tools and toys don’t even come with instruction booklets, opting instead for built-in “Help” menus. When we do eventually read the directions, we usually wish we had done so sooner.

Trials can drive us closer to God’s “instructions.” The psalmist learned that lesson, saying it was good to go through trials in order to learn more of God’s ways (Psalm 119:67, 71, 92). Throughout Scripture the same message is repeated: Trials build godly character (James 1:2-4), drive us to call on God for wisdom (James 1:5), build our faith (James 1:6), and give us the opportunity to display the character of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). For those reasons and more, we should “count it all joy when [we] fall into various trials” (James 1:2). But only if we want to discover more of God’s Word, will, and ways, and be conformed more to Christ’s image (Romans 8:28-29).

Don’t try to figure life’s trials out on your own. Read and follow life’s biblical instructions. You’ll be glad you did.

None of us can come to the highest maturity without enduring the summer heat of trials.

Charles H. Spurgeon

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Isaiah 64 – 66

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17

Recommended Reading

Ruth 1:11-18

“The Pasture” was one of Frost’s first poems, published in 1915 in the introduction of his first American collection. Afterward when Frost gave public readings, he often opened with “The Pasture,” inviting his audience to come along on his journey.

Sometimes our friendships become frosty because we don’t practice Frost’s advice. Why not invite someone to join you on a little journey, for a little chore, at a needful time in his or her life? Sometimes our friends don’t need our opinions. They just need us. They need to be included.

If you’ll look around today, you’ll probably find someone in a bit of adversity. Why not say, “I’m going out to clean the pasture spring. You come too!”

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.

Dale Carnegie

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Isaiah 44 – 46

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

He made the stars also.

Genesis 1:16

According to National Geographic, the most mind-boggling thing we can do is gaze into the starry night. On a clear night we might see 3,000 stars with the naked eye, but no one knows how many stars exist. Our universe probably contains more than 100 billion galaxies, and each galaxy may have more than 100 billion stars. What is 100 billion times 100 billion? We don’t really have a word for a number that large. We simply say ten billion trillion.1

Recommended Reading: Psalm 8

The Bible frequently tells us to stargaze. The Lord told Abraham, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them” (Genesis 15:5). He told Job, “See the highest stars, how lofty they are!” (Job 22:12) The psalmist praised God when he considered the moon and the stars, which God ordained (Psalm 8:3).

It’s harder than ever now to see the stars—we have too much light in our cities. But sometime during this summer, find a dark place, look up, count the stars, and praise the God who created them and who calls each of them by name (Isaiah 40:26).

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, / Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Stuart Hine

Read-Thru-the-Bible: Isaiah 32 – 37

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:6-7

Recommended Reading

2 Timothy 4

Paul the apostle focused on Christ to the end. His final words are found in 2 Timothy 4, apparently written shortly before Nero’s soldiers beheaded him. Three things occupied Paul’s mind.

First, Paul wanted to continue God’s work till the last moment. He told Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (verse 11). Second, Paul wanted to study God’s Word as long as possible, telling Timothy to bring “the books, especially the parchments” (verse 13). Third, he wanted God’s will to perfectly unfold in his life with every passing minute and forever. He wrote, “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me.… And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom” (verses 17-18).

We stay centered in Christ when we focus on His Word, His will, and His work. When we keep the core of our souls strengthened, we can withstand Nero’s threats. Whatever comes, we can praise the Lord saying, “To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” (verse 18)

Men who are strong are always men who are fixed somewhere, who have a conviction from which they cannot be separated…. The fixed heart is the secret of courage.

Dr. G. Campbell Morgan

Read-Thru-the-Bible Isaiah 12 – 14

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

Peace, be still!

Mark 4:39

Last year, officials of Washington’s Reagan National Airport received more than 8,600 complaints about noise. Imagine their surprise when they discovered 6,500 of them came from the same person! Some unidentified neighbor was incensed enough to call, on average, 18 times every day of the year.

Recommended Reading: Mark 4:35-41

Airports are some of the loudest places on earth, but they don’t have a corner on noise pollution. We live in a loud society and it’s hard to find peace and quiet anywhere. That’s why noise-cancelling headphones are so popular.

We need a quiet retreat—that is, we need to retreat to zones of silence every day. Zephaniah 1:7 says, “Be silent in the presence of the Lord God.” The psalmist said, “My soul, wait silently for God alone” (Psalm 62:5). Habakkuk 2:20 says, “The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.”

It takes discipline to find a quiet place, turn off our electronics, and meditate quietly on the Lord. We have to work at quietness, but it makes “quiet” a difference in our lives. Our souls are strengthened by stillness and steadied by solitude.

Be still and know that He is God.

I cannot be the man I should be without times of quietness.

Charles R. Swindoll

Read-Thru-the-Bible: Isaiah 4 – Isaiah 11

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.

Proverbs 1:33

Recommended Reading

Proverbs 1:20-33

Is there a better word than “insecurity” to describe how many people feel today? The economy, world events, the breakdown of cultural norms and traditions—none of those contribute to feelings of security. Is it possible to feel secure in the modern world? According to Solomon, yes.

The first nine chapters of the book of Proverbs are words of advice from a father to his immature son. The teachings, principles, and exhortations are designed to turn a naïve youth into a wise man (or woman). “Wisdom” is personified in Proverbs 1:20-33—she is given her own voice as she speaks to the simple and foolish young men of the day. She warns them against ignoring her wise words, saying she will ignore them in their day of trouble if they don’t heed her advice. But if they do listen and obey, they will “dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” In other words, it is possible to live in security regardless of what happens around us. Security comes from listening to, and obeying, what God says about walking in His ways.

There is no better way to live in peace and security than to live according to the precepts of God’s wisdom and teachings.

Salvation is a happy security and a secure happiness.

William Jenkyn

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Isaiah 1 – 3

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God….

Psalm 42:1-2

According to travel experts, the most beautiful river in the world is the Caño Cristales in Northern Colombia. Though only sixty miles long and sixty feet wide, its colors are kaleidoscopic, created by pockets of algae that bloom during the summer. Nicknamed the “Liquid Rainbow,” the Caño is enhanced by pools, rapids, and waterfalls. The only problem is reaching it. It’s in the Colombian jungle, far from easy transportation sources.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 42

The Bible speaks of a river more beautiful than any on earth and easily accessed by the Christian—the inner flow of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” He was speaking of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39). While we’d love to travel to earth’s most beautiful spots, how much better to develop an inner thirst for the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Believe in Jesus and let the Spirit flow through you, until that day when we’ll meet on the banks of the most beautiful river of all—the Crystal River that flows by the throne of God (Revelation 22:1, NIV).

Oh, that we all may drink of these life-giving heavenly streams, drink again and again, drink deeply and really satisfyingly!

1. Sidlow Baxter

Read-Thru-the-Bible: Proverbs 30 – Ecclesiastes 4

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

1 Corinthians 14:26

Recommended Reading

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

To understand edification, go back to the Old Testament building of the tabernacle in the wilderness: “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8, NIV). The Hebrews were instructed to build a dwelling place for God. Fast forward to 1 Corinthians 3:16-17: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst . . . God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple” (NIV).

Edification means a building or the act of building. Just as the Israelites built a tabernacle as God’s dwelling place, so the Church is the “building” we are constructing until Christ returns. And how do we build the Church? With God’s wisdom by His Word and Spirit. In short, the truth of God is the “mortar” that binds the “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5) of the Church together. As we learn, apply, and share God’s truth with each other, God’s “building,” the Church, gets stronger.

Are you mixing the mortar? Are you walking in the truth, applying the truth to your life and the lives of others? Ours is a sacred task, a sacred temple.

If you build upon yourself your edifice will be a mere ruin.

Augustine

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Proverbs 27 – 29

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:6

Recommended Reading

2 Timothy 3:1-5

The modern religions of tolerance and pop culture have created a dangerous crossroads: Almost anything is considered to be acceptable behavior. From dress to language to moral boundaries, few people are willing to hold up a hand and say, “Wait! Are you sure that is a choice you should make? Have you considered carefully the implications?” Those who advise restraint are considered old fashioned or intolerant. The danger is this: If we refuse to say “Stop!” we run the risk of going along ourselves.

We need friends—and need to be a friend—like the one described in Proverbs 27:6. We need to be a friend who will run the risk of wounding another for the sake of their temporal and eternal well-being. We need to be a source of salt and light, illuminating the path of righteousness and preserving a friend’s safety. Our biblically-based counsel may not be heeded or appreciated, but we would be wrong not to offer it.

Which would be better when Jesus Christ appears: to be loved by our friends because we approved their choices or to be commended by our Lord? If separating ourselves from impurity is the only way to maintain our own purity, then so be it.

For the Christian, to do wrong, is to wound his Friend.

William Temple

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Proverbs 24 – 26

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6

Recommended Reading

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

When it comes to stewardship, our giving to God is like a farmer sowing seed in a field. If we sow abundantly we reap abundantly; if we sow sparingly we reap sparingly. But can that principle be applied to other areas of life besides financial stewardship?

Paul suggests it can. Before he wrote the words of 2 Corinthians 9:6 to the Corinthians he wrote to the Galatians: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). The context of that verse was not finances but the moral life: Sow to the flesh and reap destruction; sow to the Spirit and reap life. In other words, sowing and reaping is a general principle of God’s economy that applies to all areas of life. Take love and compassion, for example. If we sow compassion toward others, we will reap compassion from God and others. Being a compassionate person (or a kind, loving, generous, patient person) is a path to a double blessing for the receiver as well as the giver.

If you need compassion today, sow compassion toward others. Bless them and yourself!

Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world.

Francis Schaeffer

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Proverbs 18 – 20

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20, ESV

Recommended Reading

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Despite the twenty mattresses, she could not forget the single pea causing her discomfort. It kept her awake throughout the night. She barely noticed the luxury of her surroundings. The Princess and the Pea fairy tale reminds us that even very small things can steal our attention.

In our world of social media, pictures, and email, it sometimes feels as though we are being bombarded with peas. They try to demand our attention and tempt us to compare our lives to others. When we build a wish list based on what others have or who they are, it leads to discontent. We feel stuck in our own lives, longing to live the life of another.

Comparison leads to overlooking and wastefulness. We squander our time and gifts by treating them with disdain. Jesus came to free us from the poison of comparison. As we release our concerns and worries to Christ, we create space to receive His gifts. Gratitude can fortify our souls and root us in the reality of what is. What will you thank Him for today?

The Christian who walks with the Lord and keeps constant communion with Him will see many reasons for rejoicing and thanksgiving all day long.

Warren W. Wiersbe

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Proverbs 1 – 3

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

Jealousy as cruel as the grave; its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame.

Song of Solomon 8:6

Recommended Reading

1 Corinthians 13

It seems nothing could be crueler than the grave, but according to Song of Solomon there’s one thing as bad—jealousy. That’s what caused Lucifer to rebel against God. It’s what caused Cain to kill Abel, and Jacob’s sons to sell their brother Joseph into slavery. It’s why King Saul devoted his life to killing David. According to Mark 15:10, the Jewish leaders handed Jesus over to Pilate because of envy and jealousy.

That means it’s no small thing to feel pangs of jealousy toward another.

If someone receives a higher grade, makes a larger salary, wins a race, achieves a victory, or experiences more prosperity in some way, are you jealous? Yes, we’re all tempted to feel jealous, because the tree of envy grows from the soil of pride. But love is God’s supernatural attitude that allows us to rejoice in the success of others. The Bible says, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy” (1 Corinthians 13:4).

If you feel jealous toward another, that’s natural. Ask God for His supernatural attitude of love. It can make all the difference.

The humble man feels no jealousy or envy. He can praise God when others are preferred and blessed before him.… He has received the spirit of Jesus, who pleased not Himself, and who sought not His own honor.

Andrew Murray

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Psalms 141 – 150

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:26

Recommended Reading

Hebrews 11:32-40

In Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy wrote about George W. Norris of Nebraska, who began his career as a country teacher on the plains of Nebraska. He became a small-town lawyer, then a local prosecuting attorney and judge. In 1903, he entered the U.S. House of Representatives and was later elected to the Senate. Norris was a Republican who took up unpopular causes and fought uphill battles. Near the end of his career, Norris told a friend, “It happens very often that one tries to do something and fails. He feels discouraged, and yet he may discover years afterward that the very effort he made was the reason why somebody else took it up and succeeded. I really believe that whatever use I have been to progressive civilization has been accomplished in the things I failed to do rather than in the things I actually did do.”1

Avoid the temptation of judging others when they fail. God often uses our failures to train us for future opportunities.

Sometimes our failures even become stepping stones of success for others.

I would rather go down to my political grave with a clear conscience than ride in the chariot of victory.

Senator George W. Norris

1John F. Kennedy, Profiles in Courage (New York: Pocket Books, Inc., 1956), 178.

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Psalms 134 – 140

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/