That I May Know Him -
For The Month Of May
1. What We May Do For The Month Of May
I have mentioned some of the different ways in which the Lord leads me to a new devotional theme. It may be a sermon or message that I heard. God has often given me a special verse while I was reading my Bible. Other times I was touched by a line in a song, or hymn of praise. This time was a first. I turned my calendar page over from April and I saw, "May", and my mind went to some of the familiar verses I have read. "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land..." (Exodus 20:12) "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" (Psalm 85:6) "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found..." (Isaiah 55:6) And a very special one that gives us our title, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" (Philippians 3:10) Let's look at some of these scriptures and see what God tells us we "may" do.
2. That I May Know Him
Our first verse answers many questions for a believer. Why do I read the Bible? Why do I pray? Why do I go to church and listen to preaching? "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" (Philippians 3:10) "That I May Know Him." Jesus loves me so much He left heaven and came to earth to live as a man and give His life for me. If a person were to send me a special gift, I would want to know more about that person. Jesus gave his life so that I could live eternally. Jesus supplies my needs, and gives me peace, and hope, and comfort. That gives me reason to know Him. And I don't just mean know about Him, but I want to know Him, in a personal way. If someone offered me a home, then I would want to know that person. Jesus is preparing me a place where I can live eternally in heaven. When I get there I can fall at His feet and worship Him, because I know Him!
3. You Can, And You May, Have Everlasting Life
When I started school those many years ago, our teacher always corrected us when we asked, "Can I go ...?" She told us that we should say, "May I go ...?" I had to learn that there are things that I "can" do, but I "may not" be allowed to do. I might feel like I "can" sit and eat a carton of ice cream, but it "may" not be good for me to do so. Right now I "can" drive to my hairdresser, but I "may" not gain anything from the trip. We even played "Mother May I?" The leader could say, "Jane, take four giant steps" but, if Jane didn't say, "Mother, may I?" before she started taking her steps she would have to go back to the beginning. As we begin our May verses I want to tell you today that you "may" be saved, and you "can" be saved. You "may" know that you have everlasting life, and you "can" know that you have everlasting life. In Luke 18:26 we read, "And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?" You have the ability to be saved, and you have permission to be saved. Jesus said, "And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40) Not only "may" you have everlasting life, but you "can" and "may" also know that you have eternal life. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." (I John 5:13) To relate it to the opening lines, we "can" go to heaven, and we "may" go to heaven! If you feel like you have sinned too much to go to heaven, there is hope for you! Jesus will cleanse you from every sin if you believe in Him and confess your sin, asking Him to forgive you. He will give you peace and assurance that you can know that you have everlasting life. Please trust in Him today.
4. "Where I Am, There Ye May Be Also"
There are so many people that I have missed during the last two months. I am really looking forward to going to church again to fellowship and worship together with my Christian friends. I will be glad when we can invite our grandchildren over to visit and stay all night with us. We want to be with those we love. Think about how wonderful it is that Jesus wants to be with us! He left His home in heaven to come and give His life to save us. After He resurrected He ascended back to heaven to wait for us there. He wants us to be with Him! When the kids come to spend time with us we buy extra groceries of things that they like, we play the videos that they enjoy watching, and we have a Bible story time and pull out the sleeper sofa for them. I don't know what Jesus is doing to prepare for us, but I do know that He is preparing a place for us, because of His great love. He said, "... that where I am, there ye may be also." What amazing love!
"1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3)
5. "That He May Bring Forth Food Out Of The Earth"
I really enjoy working in my garden. The little plants are starting to pop up out of the ground and grow their little leaves. It is hard to hoe because I plant several types of flowers in the vegetable garden and sometimes I struggle to decide if a plant is a vegetable, a flower, or a weed. The flowers are to encourage bees for pollination, and some to deter other types of bugs. I have an old joke for you... April showers bring May flowers. What do May flowers bring? The answer is... Pilgrims. Our boys were asking that joke when they were young and Josh, who was about 6 years old, answered... "June bugs!" I thought that was a very good answer from such a little boy. My plants are not very big but the bugs are already trying to eat the bean plants and squash plants. Taking care of a garden is hard work, but it gives me joy to watch it grow. It gives me patience to spend the time, working, and waiting on the harvest. It also brings me closer to the Lord as I pray over my garden, and talk to Him. In the stillness I can tell the Lord my problems, pray for those who need help from the Lord, and give Him thanks for all the goodness He has given me.
"He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;" (Psalm 104:14)
6. "That We May Apply Our Hearts Unto Wisdom"
With each passing week, we number more and more days, being shut out from the world. I feel like an old truck that has stalled out, barely running, and not getting anywhere. I have read Psalm 90:12 many times, but I have never spent so much time counting my days. "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." So, we are numbering our days, looking forward to the day when we can return to our jobs, our hairdressers, our churches, and being with one another. But, are we applying our hearts unto wisdom? What are we learning from all of this? We can't believe all the reports we read, because they are so contradictory. We are learning that much of the government agenda covers more than just a virus. Another thing we are learning is how far people have turned away from God, and how God is the righteous Judge, and He is still in control. We are learning to pray more, and put our trust in the Lord. I am not asking for political arguments, but I am asking you to pray. Pray for our leaders, that they will make the right decisions. Pray that God will help us in the next election to defeat the wicked rulers of this world. Pray for those who are sick. Pray for those who are working in the midst of the pandemic, and pray for those who want to return to work. And pray for our children. We can't expect them to understand, because we can't even understand. And finally, pray for God's mercy on His people. Verse 14 is also a "May" verse from this Psalm. "O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days."
"9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.
10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
13 Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.
16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.
17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." (Psalm 90:9-17)
7. "That Ye May Abound In Hope"
Let's have an encouraging verse today. There may be times during trials that we are tempted to quit, and stop trying. Don't give up! You may look all around and think that there is no hope, but we serve the God of hope! "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13) There is hope in the Lord. When you feel afraid of the unknown... God can give you hope. "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:24) When you feel overcome by the enemy... God can give you hope. "Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word." (Psalm 119:114) When you feel like your patience is wearing thin and you just can't hold out any longer... God can give you hope. "I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope." (Psalm 130:5) We have hope that is sure. "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;" (Hebrews 6:19) Our hope is in our great God and Savior. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" (Titus 2:13)
8. "That We May Obtain Mercy, And Find Grace..."
We saw that we have hope in the Lord. Now, we see that we can find mercy and grace in the Lord. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) I have often heard it said that mercy is not getting what we deserve, and grace is getting what we don't deserve. Romans 3:23-24 tells us, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" And Romans 6:23 shows us the penalty of sin. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." I am glad that God's Word shows us the mercy and grace of our God. He took the death that we deserved for our sin and placed it on His Son, Jesus Christ. When we confess our sin to Him and trust in Jesus to save us, He gives us grace, salvation, full and free. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:8) Are you in a time of need? You can go boldly to the throne of grace, and find mercy and grace to help in your time of need.
9. "That They May Teach The Young"
I usually say, "Happy Mother's Day", but I realize that this may not be a joyful day for many. We can't gather together for big family dinners like we have in the past. Many no longer have their mother, and some mothers lost a son or daughter, and Mother's Day is a reminder of that loss. Then, there are some who never became a mother, or never knew their mother. I am sorry if this day brings sadness for you. I have often heard the scriptures in Titus 2 used for Mother's Day sermons. Notice that this portion of the scripture is not limited to mothers, but it is directed towards the "aged women" to "the young women". If you are an older woman, God wants you to help teach and guide the younger women. And if you are a younger woman, the Bible teaches that you are to learn from the older women. There are times that I find myself in both categories. I often call my Mom for advice about gardening or cooking, and my daughter sometimes calls me with questions she has. Wisdom often comes with age and I don't think we are ever too old to learn from older, wiser, Christian men and women.
"3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (Titus 2:3-5)
10. "Face To Face... That Our Joy May Be Full"
I enjoy Face Time with our family. Last week, as Madison was talking with me, she wanted to see the room. I showed her my Snoopy Christmas decorations on the piano, that I left out for her to play with the next time she came. I took the ipad into the "baby room" and showed her the empty baby bed, where nobody was sleeping, and the toy shelf with all toys in place; no one was playing with them. I am ready for the day that my joy may be full, and the children and grandchildren can come back and spend time with us. We see in the New Testament that John and Paul also knew that their joy would be full when they were able to be face to face with others. "Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full." (II John 1:12) I am also waiting for the day when we can meet and worship together in our church. This will bring me great joy! "That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. (Romans 15:32) "Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;" (II Timothy 1:4) Try to keep in touch with those you love, as we wait for the day when we can see them face to face, "that our joy may be full!"
11. "That The Power Of Christ May Rest Upon Me"
Songs and old hymns have been a comfort for me during these difficult times. We keep praying that the Lord will help us through these troubles, and we may be getting a little impatient, but I am reminded of the great Apostle Paul, and how he prayed for God to take away his infirmity. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (II Corinthians 12:9) If you are struggling with finding meaning behind these trials, look to the Lord and remember that His grace is sufficient for you. Keep your trust in the Lord and know that He is in control. This old song was written by Mosie Lister in 1965.
"His Grace Is Sufficient For Me"
(1) Many times I'm tried and tested
As I travel day by day
Oft I meet with pain and sorrow
And there's trouble in the way.
But I have a sweet assurance
That my soul the Lord will lead
And in Him there is strength for every need.
O, His grace is sufficient for me.
And His love is abundant and free.
And what joy fills my soul,
Just to know, just to know
That His grace is sufficient for me.
(2) When the tempter brings confusion
And I don't know what to do,
On my knees I turn to Jesus
For He'll always see me through
Then despair is changed to victory.
Every doubt just melts away
And in Him there is hope for everyday.
"7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (II Corinthians 12:7-10)
12. "That We May Be Able To Comfort Them..."
There are times when we all need to be comforted. These are hard times for all, and we can't always be near those we love to give them comfort. We can't visit our loved ones in the hospital. We can't sit with those in nursing homes. There are many who can't even find a shoulder to lean on. But, we can turn to the Lord. Our God is "the God of all comfort". We can seek Him and pray, and He can turn our darkness into day. Sometimes when I am feeling so low, and my heart is so burdened that I can't sleep, I lift my hands in the darkness and start giving the Lord thanks for His goodness. He lifts my burden and comforts my mind and heart and gives me peace. When my God gives me joy and peace, and comforts me, then I can share His goodness and be a comfort to others. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (II Corinthians 1:3-4) Thank you for your abiding Comforter. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;" (John 14:16)
13. "If I May But Touch His Garment"
There was a woman in the Bible who had been sick for 12 years, and she came up behind Jesus and touched the hem of his garment. "For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." (Matthew 9:21-22) There were many who reached out to touch the hem of His garment. "And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole." (Mark 6:56) Jesus is not here in body that we can reach out and touch His clothes, but He watches over us and hears our prayers. We can find comfort in His Word. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (I Peter 5:7) And during those times when we are so low we don't know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. He truly is the God of all comfort!
"26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
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." (Romans 8:26-28)
14. "That I May Rejoice... That I Have Not Run In Vain"
In his latter years, King Solomon declared, "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 1:2) In the book of Ecclesiastes he describes all the things that he tried on earth to be satisfied in life, and he came to the conclusion that "all is vanity." And without Christ, all is vanity. But, I want to encourage you today that the things you are doing now are not in vain. You parents who are trying to help your children get through the school year, don't get discouraged. You may feel like you are not doing a good job, but it is not in vain. You, who are working from home and it seems like your job is suffering, don't quit. Do the best you can with what you have. It is not in vain. If the government has shut you down and you feel like each day is spent in vain, keep on doing what you can, to live for the Lord. If you are a preacher and you can't minister to your flock, keep doing what the Lord leads you to do. Think about how discouraged Noah may have felt when his friends and neighbors refused to believe and get on the ark. Only eight souls were saved, but the years spent building the ark and the year spent closed inside the ark were not spent in vain. Life for you may be hard right now, but Paul said, "Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." Keep on trusting in the Lord, and following His will. These days are not spent in vain. When my children were small there were many days when I took care of them, and cooked, and tried to clean, and at the end of the day it felt like everything I had done was in vain... but it wasn't. I was right where my Lord wanted me to be.
"14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." (Philippians 2:14-16)
15. Open Our Eyes That We May See
The media has created great fear in the heart of many and my prayer today is that God will open our eyes that we may see. There is an amazing story in the Old Testament when the King of Syria sent an army to capture Elisha. His servant was afraid and Elisha said, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see." The mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire. All through the Bible, God tells His children, "Fear not." I believe that there is much more involved than the corona-virus. I pray that the Lord will open our eyes that we may see. If we are on God's side -- we don't need to be afraid. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
"14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." (II Kings 6:14-17)
16. "That I May Dwell In The House Of The LORD"
This is the 7th Sunday that our church doors have been closed. We have missed the sweet fellowship with one another. But, praise the Lord, the gospel is being preached across the land on the internet and in church parking lots. Our verse today is Psalm 27:4. "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple." I am so ready to go back to the house of the Lord and it looks like that day is near! As soon as the doors are open I pray that you will return to your place of worship that you may have fellowship with one another. "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (I John 1:3-4)
17. "That We May Lead A Quiet And Peaceable Life..."
We can't do much about the problems in the world today, but we serve a God who can! We need to pray. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14) We need to pray that people will turn to God. God tells us to pray for our leaders, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." We need to pray that God will help us through these troubles. We need to pray that those who don't know the Lord will be saved. God alone can help us and He is faithful to His own!
"1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (I Timothy 2:1-8)
18. "That Ye May Be Able To Stand..."
Our verses today encourage us to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." I believe that many of the things going on today are done in an effort to make us weak. I don't want these devotionals to become a political forum, but I must say that I think there is an attack against our churches and against our God. In Bible days, Paul urged the Christians to "Put on the whole armour of God..." We see so much sin in this world and we know that it is against God's Word. We need to take a stand, "and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore..." I truly admire the preachers and Christians who are taking a stand for what's right. We need to let our lives and our conversation be for that which is good. An important way we can take a stand is to vote for leaders who are seeking good. Amos was speaking to the Israelites, but I think we can apply it to our lives today, "Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph." (Amos 5:14-15) Put on the armor of the Lord, for the battle is strong against us!
"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" (Ephesians 6:10-18)
19. "That There May Be Meat In Mine House"
Wednesdays just don't seem like Wednesdays lately without our mid-week church services. We are going on 2 months now away from church. I am thankful that Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us. And we must be diligent that we don't forsake our Lord and our church. When the time comes for us to worship together again, let's go joyfully to the house of our Lord. Let's be faithful and sing His praises. And let's remember to pay our tithes. Malachi 3:10 is one of my favorite tried and true verses. My Lord has blessed me again and again! Praise His Holy Name! "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
20. "That Thy People May Rejoice In Thee"
North Carolina will be in Phase 2 on Friday. Many people are rejoicing that we are moving forward. Our scriptures today are found in Psalm 85:6-7. "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation." As Christians, we need to be praying for revival. We are praying for God to bless the righteous and guide our rulers. I am reading in the book of Jeremiah and it is a sad account of judgment on Judah and Israel. In Lamentations 5:21 the great prophet prays, "Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old." Turning to God is our only hope in this wicked world. I hear people say they can't wait until things get back to normal. I hope that we are turning to God, and that He will revive us, and life will be better than normal. We don't have to wait for a nationwide revival. We can have revival in our hearts right where we are, by turning to our Lord and Savior!
21. Seek The Lord While He May Be Found
Sometime after Christmas a man at our church said his daughter used to knit scarves, but she was cleaning out her room and she asked if I wanted some yarn. I used to work with Tammy and was ecstatic when she sent me bags and bags of yarn. God sent it at the perfect time, because I would be going stir-crazy if I didn't have something to do during this stay home order. I had never knitted anything more than dish cloths, but I have enjoyed this new hobby. I pick out two or three skeins and work several inches to see if they go well together. Many times I don't like the results and I pull it out, and choose different types, or colors, and try again. I enjoy seeing two or three very different yarns working together to make a beautiful scarf. (Spoiler alert -- I think they will make pretty Christmas gifts.) When we read God's Word, we can read verses from the Old Testament and from the New Testament, and they all work together to teach us knowledge and wisdom. Today I have chosen two different verses, one from a prophet, and another from a wise king, that I think go very well together. "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:" (Isaiah 55:6) "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1) I see things taking place that seem to be signs of the last days. Don't wait until it is too late to seek the Lord. Don't rely on tomorrow, to do things that need to be done today. We don't know what may happen tomorrow.
22. That You May Prove What Is That Perfect Will Of God
These last two months have been a confusing time. We are struggling to find the right thing to do. As our churches are beginning to open up, let's pray that the Pastors and leaders will know the will of God. As we begin to get our lives back to living, let's look to God to know His perfect will. We don't want to put the lives of others in jeopardy by making wrong decisions. We don't want to conform to the laws of the land that go against the Word of God, but we must pray for God's guidance and give ourselves to Him, to be used for His glory. As you choose your steps each day, I pray that you will follow the Lord, and know His good, and acceptable, and perfect will. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)
