Friday, December 16, 2016
Devotions for a Deeper Life: A Daily Devotional by Oswald Chambers, © 1986, Hardcover 2016

JANUARY 2
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
––John 1:12

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DID not come into this world to do the work of a social reformer, a political administrator, a judge, or simply a ruler in the affairs of men and women.
Jesus came as the Light of the World, to perform a work of grace in the hearts of individuals that will impart a new disposition of righteousness. This heartfelt transformation will make God real in our lives.
Jesus Christ is a Savior who saves, not by the impressions we derive from a study of His character, but through the work He did by the shedding of His blood on the cross. Jesus Christ is a Sanctifier who sanctifies, not by our sympathetic imitation of Him, but by the fact of what He works in us.
Our Lord was not only without sin, but He also provides a work of grace whereby you and I might be without sin. Our Lord not only obeyed the good and perfect will of God perfectly, but He also makes it possible for us to fully obey God's perfect will. Our Lord Jesus Christ was our personal substitute on the cross, and our participation in His salvation depends on our acknowledgment of this glorious deed in our behalf.
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Prayer Thought: Father, I acknowledge my salvation
through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross.

SUGGESTED READING: JOHN 1:6-14

Oswald Chambers 1874-1917
The writings of Oswald Chambers in this volume are excerpted from articles originally published in the periodical God's Revivalist from 1907-1916. Notes from his classroom lectures, Bible studies he led, and in subsequent years, other articles contributed... I commend this volume as a spiritual aid to all who seek to be more like Christ in Spirit-filled living for Him. ––Glenn D. Black, Editor

JULY 29
And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
––Nehemiah 8:12

THIS IS ALWAYS THE RESULT of rightly understanding the Word of God. Understanding the Bible makes us better fathers and mothers, better husbands and wives, better sons and daughters, better citizens, and better human beings.
One reason why the Bible is not read clearly is because we have the habit of teaching from isolated texts, and the teacher too often takes the text as a title. The way to get back to reading the whole Word of God, and to reading it with understanding, is to live in Bible territory––to regulate one's life and experience in every detail by God's revealed law.
We must rely on His Holy Spirit to interpret the Bible, of course, so that the commonplace moods are stripped from us as we listen.
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Prayer Thought: As I understand the Word of
God, help me to grow in personal holiness.

SUGGESTED READING: NEHEMIAH 8:9-18

This daily devotional, January 1 - December 31, has a Scripture Index in the back, a ribbon place marker, and a To, From, Date inscription page in the front.

DECEMBER 14
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
––Ephesians 2:6

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST has the "any man" aspect; "whosoever will" may come to Him and find salvation. So many times we hear people say, "Those experiences are not for me. My past life has been so mean, so sordid, that surely God doesn't mean me." But God does mean you: He means by His marvelous grace and power to create Jesus Christ in you.
God made no distinction between Jew and Gentile. Anyone may, at the Cross of Jesus, find forgiveness of sins and entire sanctification. God stoops to the very lowest, the very weakest––yes, to the "sons of disobedience"––and raises them up, if they will let Him.
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Prayer Thought: O God, I know that Your marvelous
grace is the secret to spiritual victory. Hallelujah!

SUGGESTED READING: EPHESIANS 2:1-7

***Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Zondervan for sending a review copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.*** ( )