Evening, Mar 31 And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night. — 2 Samuel 21:10 If the love of a woman to her slain sons could make her prolong her mournful vigil for so long a period, shall we weary of considering the sufferings of our blessed Lord? She drove away the birds of prey, and shall not we chase from our meditations those worldly and sinful thoughts which defile both our minds and the sacred themes upon which we are occupied? Away, ye birds of evil wing! Leave ye the sacrifice alone! She bore the heats of summer, the night dews and the rains, unsheltered and alone. Sleep was chased from her weeping eyes: her heart was too full for slumber. Behold how she loved her children! Shall Rizpah thus endure, and shall we start at the first little inconvenience or trial? Are we such cowards that we cannot bear to suffer with our Lord? She chased away even the wild beasts, with courage unusual in her sex, and will not we be ready to encounter every foe for Jesus’ sake? These her children were slain by other hands than hers, and yet she wept and watched: what ought we to do who have by our sins crucified our Lord? Our obligations are boundless, our love should be fervent and our repentance thorough. To watch with Jesus should be our business, to protect his honour our occupation, to abide by his cross our solace. Those ghastly corpses might well have affrighted Rizpah, especially by night, but in our Lord, at whose cross-foot we are sitting, there is nothing revolting, but everything attractive. Never was living beauty so enchanting as a dying Saviour. Jesus, we will watch with thee yet awhile, and do thou graciously unveil thyself to us; then shall we not sit beneath sackcloth, but in a royal pavilion. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. (NLT) -Acts 17:26 Do you ever feel like you are just drifting along in life, meandering along without a way or purpose? God created you and determined a reason for your existence. You are special and have value. From the beginning of time He thought you were important and deserved to be included in His grand plan. Ask God to bring His plan into your view. Even if it takes 3 months, 2 years, or a lifetime, continuously ask for God to reveal your purpose to come to fruition. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. (NLT) -Proverbs 24:26 Friends can be very dear to us, so much that we don't want to hurt their feelings. Often we will bend or stretch the truth in order to protect a friend. Is this really honoring towards your friendship? Have courage to gently tell the truth but show respect towards your friendship with honesty. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/jas1.12.kjv Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Morning, Mar 31 With his stripes we are healed. — Isaiah 53:5 Pilate delivered our Lord to the lictors to be scourged. The Roman scourge was a most dreadful instrument of torture. It was made of the sinews of oxen, and sharp bones were inter-twisted every here and there among the sinews; so that every time the lash came down these pieces of bone inflicted fearful laceration, and tore off the flesh from the bone. The Saviour was, no doubt, bound to the column, and thus beaten. He had been beaten before; but this of the Roman lictors was probably the most severe of his flagellations. My soul, stand here and weep over his poor stricken body. Believer in Jesus, can you gaze upon him without tears, as he stands before you the mirror of agonizing love? He is at once fair as the lily for innocence, and red as the rose with the crimson of his own blood. As we feel the sure and blessed healing which his stripes have wrought in us, does not our heart melt at once with love and grief? If ever we have loved our Lord Jesus, surely we must feel that affection glowing now within our bosoms. “See how the patient Jesus stands, Insulted in his lowest case! Sinners have bound the Almighty’s hands, And spit in their Creator’s face. With thorns his temples gor'd and gash'd Send streams of blood from every part; His back’s with knotted scourges lash'd. But sharper scourges tear his heart.” We would fain go to our chambers and weep; but since our business calls us away, we will first pray our Beloved to print the image of his bleeding self upon the tablets of our hearts all the day, and at nightfall we will return to commune with him, and sorrow that our sin should have cost him so dear. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Presence of Mind Prov 3:25-26 - Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/31

Faith's Checkbook: Presence of Mind Prov 3:25-26 - Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/31

Galatians 3:24-26 () 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-31.htm

Galatians 3:24-26 () 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-31.htm

Evening, Mar 30 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. — Lamentations 3:40 The spouse who fondly loves her absent husband longs for his return; a long protracted separation from her lord is a semi-death to her spirit: and so with souls who love the Saviour much, they must see his face, they cannot bear that he should be away upon the mountains of Bether, and no more hold communion with them. A reproaching glance, an uplifted finger will be grievous to loving children, who fear to offend their tender father, and are only happy in his smile. Beloved, it was so once with you. A text of Scripture, a threatening, a touch of the rod of affliction, and you went to your Father’s feet, crying, “Show me wherefore thou contendest with me?” Is it so now? Are you content to follow Jesus afar off? Can you contemplate suspended communion with Christ without alarm? Can you bear to have your Beloved walking contrary to you, because you walk contrary to him? Have your sins separated between you and your God, and is your heart at rest? O let me affectionately warn you, for it is a grievous thing when we can live contentedly without the present enjoyment of the Saviour’s face. Let us labour to feel what an evil thing this is—little love to our own dying Saviour, little joy in our precious Jesus, little fellowship with the Beloved! Hold a true Lent in your souls, while you sorrow over your hardness of heart. Do not stop at sorrow! Remember where you first received salvation. Go at once to the cross. There, and there only, can you get your spirit quickened. No matter how hard, how insensible, how dead we may have become, let us go again in all the rags and poverty, and defilement of our natural condition. Let us clasp that cross, let us look into those languid eyes, let us bathe in that fountain filled with blood—this will bring back to us our first love; this will restore the simplicity of our faith, and the tenderness of our heart. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Don't be misled - you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. (NLT) -Galatians 6:7 There are paths we take in life that take us in certain directions. If you save a dollar a day, you are sure to have savings accumulated. It's easy to want to think that if we only planted a few seeds the harvest will be plentiful, such as working late nights all week and expecting to come home to a happy family. But that rarely works. Instead, you reap what you sow. Where have you planted yourself? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (NLT) -2 Corinthians 12:9 "I'm the best cook." "No one can beat my golfing record." "My child is an honor student." Each of these are strengths we proudly boast to one another. It is absurd to think about taking pride in our weaknesses. We are uncomfortable with weaknesses because recognizing them means we are not enough. Yet this attitude welcomes Christ into our lives so He can perfect our weakness and He can receive glory. What is one of your weaknesses? Invite Christ to have the power to work in you. Share your weakness with others and watch to see the power of Christ. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/jhn14.21.kjv He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Morning, Mar 30 He was numbered with the transgressors. — Isaiah 53:12 Why did Jesus suffer himself to be enrolled amongst sinners? This wonderful condescension was justified by many powerful reasons. In such a character he could the better become their advocate. In some trials there is an identification of the counsellor with the client, nor can they be looked upon in the eye of the law as apart from one another. Now, when the sinner is brought to the bar, Jesus appears there himself. He stands to answer the accusation. He points to his side, his hands, his feet, and challenges Justice to bring anything against the sinners whom he represents; he pleads his blood, and pleads so triumphantly, being numbered with them and having a part with them, that the Judge proclaims, “Let them go their way; deliver them from going down into the pit, for he hath found a ransom.” Our Lord Jesus was numbered with the transgressors in order that they might feel their hearts drawn towards him. Who can be afraid of one who is written in the same list with us? Surely we may come boldly to him, and confess our guilt. He who is numbered with us cannot condemn us. Was he not put down in the transgressor’s list that we might be written in the red roll of the saints? He was holy, and written among the holy; we were guilty, and numbered among the guilty; he transfers his name from yonder list to this black indictment, and our names are taken from the indictment and written in the roll of acceptance, for there is a complete transfer made between Jesus and his people. All our estate of misery and sin Jesus has taken; and all that Jesus has comes to us. His righteousness, his blood, and everything that he hath he gives us as our dowry. Rejoice, believer, in your union to him who was numbered among the transgressors; and prove that you are truly saved by being manifestly numbered with those who are new creatures in him. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Prayer, Thanksgiving, Praise Phil 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/30

2 Samuel 7:28 () 28 And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-30.htm

Evening, Mar 29 I called him, but he gave me no answer. — Song of Solomon 5:6 Prayer sometimes tarrieth, like a petitioner at the gate, until the King cometh forth to fill her bosom with the blessings which she seeketh. The Lord, when he hath given great faith, has been known to try it by long delayings. He has suffered his servants’ voices to echo in their ears as from a brazen sky. They have knocked at the golden gate, but it has remained immovable, as though it were rusted upon its hinges. Like Jeremiah, they have cried, “Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.” Thus have true saints continued long in patient waiting without reply, not because their prayers were not vehement, nor because they were unaccepted, but because it so pleased him who is a Sovereign, and who gives according to his own pleasure. If it pleases him to bid our patience exercise itself, shall he not do as he wills with his own! Beggars must not be choosers either as to time, place, or form. But we must be careful not to take delays in prayer for denials: God’s long-dated bills will be punctually honoured; we must not suffer Satan to shake our confidence in the God of truth by pointing to our unanswered prayers. Unanswered petitions are not unheard. God keeps a file for our prayers—they are not blown away by the wind, they are treasured in the King’s archives. This is a registry in the court of heaven wherein every prayer is recorded. Tried believer, thy Lord hath a tear-bottle in which the costly drops of sacred grief are put away, and a book in which thy holy groanings are numbered. By and by, thy suit shall prevail. Canst thou not be content to wait a little? Will not thy Lord’s time be better than thy time? By and by he will comfortably appear, to thy soul’s joy, and make thee put away the sackcloth and ashes of long waiting, and put on the scarlet and fine linen of full fruition. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

"So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." (NLT) -Luke 12:32 Why do we worry? Where does our worry come from? Is it placed in a mistrust in God? Can you hear the tender love in those words, "Don't be afraid, little flock?" Our heavenly Father actually wants to relieve us of those worries and then share with us His Kingdom. Put aside your worries and take peace in your Father's gift. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Finally, he said to his gardener, 'I've waited three years, and there hasn't been a single fig! Cut it down. It's just taking up space in the garden. (NLT) -Luke 13:7 This verse portrays our lives like a fig tree where God has patiently nurtured and tended us to be fruitful and produce figs. Without a mission in life we become barren in our fruitfulness. If you are struggling finding God's mission for you, examine your heart. What activities, relationships or connections pull at your heart strings? Do you find yourself reaching out to those with disabilities? Do you have a way with words that brings healing to others? Take those thumbprints of God and work towards producing more figs so you aren't just taking up space. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Finally, he said to his gardener, 'I've waited three years, and there hasn't been a single fig! Cut it down. It's just taking up space in the garden. (NLT) -Luke 13:7 This verse portrays our lives like a fig tree where God has patiently nurtured and tended us to be fruitful and produce figs. Without a mission in life we become barren in our fruitfulness. If you are struggling finding God's mission for you, examine your heart. What activities, relationships or connections pull at your heart strings? Do you find yourself reaching out to those with disabilities? Do you have a way with words that brings healing to others? Take those thumbprints of God and work towards producing more figs so you aren't just taking up space. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/gal5.22-23.kjv But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Morning, Mar 29 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. — Hebrews 5:8 We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering, therefore we who are sinful, and who are far from being perfect, must not wonder if we are called to pass through suffering too. Shall the head be crowned with thorns, and shall the other members of the body be rocked upon the dainty lap of ease? Must Christ pass through seas of his own blood to win the crown, and are we to walk to heaven dryshod in silver slippers? No, our Master’s experience teaches us that suffering is necessary, and the true-born child of God must not, would not, escape it if he might. But there is one very comforting thought in the fact of Christ’s “being made perfect through suffering”—it is, that he can have complete sympathy with us. “He is not an high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” In this sympathy of Christ we find a sustaining power. One of the early martyrs said, “I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and he suffers in me now; he sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong.” Believer, lay hold of this thought in all times of agony. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in his steps. Find a sweet support in his sympathy; and remember that, to suffer is an honourable thing—to suffer for Christ is glory. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to do this. Just so far as the Lord shall give us grace to suffer for Christ, to suffer with Christ, just so far does he honour us. The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The regalia of the kings whom God hath anointed are their troubles, their sorrows, and their griefs. Let us not, therefore, shun being honoured. Let us not turn aside from being exalted. Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us up. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Dauntless Faith Acts 18:10 - I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/29

Matthew 5:7 () 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-29.htm

Evening, Mar 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. — Matthew 15:27 This woman gained comfort in her misery by thinking great thoughts of Christ. The Master had talked about the children’s bread: “Now,” argued she, “since thou art the Master of the table of grace, I know that thou art a generous housekeeper, and there is sure to be abundance of bread on thy table; there will be such an abundance for the children that there will be crumbs to throw on the floor for the dogs, and the children will fare none the worse because the dogs are fed.” She thought him one who kept so good a table that all that she needed would only be a crumb in comparison; yet remember, what she wanted was to have the devil cast out of her daughter. It was a very great thing to her, but she had such a high esteem of Christ, that she said, “It is nothing to him, it is but a crumb for Christ to give.” This is the royal road to comfort. Great thoughts of your sin alone will drive you to despair; but great thoughts of Christ will pilot you into the haven of peace. “My sins are many, but oh! it is nothing to Jesus to take them all away. The weight of my guilt presses me down as a giant’s foot would crush a worm, but it is no more than a grain of dust to him, because he has already borne its curse in his own body on the tree. It will be but a small thing for him to give me full remission, although it will be an infinite blessing for me to receive it.” The woman opens her soul’s mouth very wide, expecting great things of Jesus, and he fills it with his love. Dear reader, do the same. She confessed what Christ laid at her door, but she laid fast hold upon him, and drew arguments even out of his hard words; she believed great things of him, and she thus overcame him. She won the victory by believing in Him. Her case is an instance of prevailing faith; and if we would conquer like her, we must imitate her tactics. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours? (NLT) -2 Chronicles 1:10 If God were to grant you one wish in life, what would you ask for? In this verse, Solomon had the opportunity to be selfish and ask for wealth, fame, revenge, anything. Yet he asked for none of those things, instead he asked for wisdom to be a good leader. Solomon recognized the responsibilities and blessings God had gifted him and asked for God to help him be a wise steward of those blessings. God recognized this selfless act and then rewarded Solomon by granting him wealth and fame. Are you petitioning the Lord to equip you to be a good leader amongst your friends, children, coworkers, and family because of the blessings you have? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NLT) -Galatians 2:20 Have you ever had a difficult time living for Christ? Does it ever feel awkward and forced because you follow a bunch of rules? Try focusing on loving God and letting Him love you. Once you begin to love someone, it's a natural response to want to live for them. Why would it be any different with God? You can only love God when you truly recognize the sacrifice of His selfless love for you. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/heb11.6.kjv But 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.

Morning, Mar 27 Then all the disciples forsook him and fled. — Matthew 26:56 He never deserted them, but they in cowardly fear of their lives, fled from him in the very beginning of his sufferings. This is but one instructive instance of the frailty of all believers if left to themselves; they are but sheep at the best, and they flee when the wolf cometh. They had all been warned of the danger, and had promised to die rather than leave their Master; and yet they were seized with sudden panic, and took to their heels. It may be, that I, at the opening of this day, have braced up my mind to bear a trial for the Lord’s sake, and I imagine myself to be certain to exhibit perfect fidelity; but let me be very jealous of myself, lest having the same evil heart of unbelief, I should depart from my Lord as the apostles did. It is one thing to promise, and quite another to perform. It would have been to their eternal honour to have stood at Jesus’ side right manfully; they fled from honour; may I be kept from imitating them! Where else could they have been so safe as near their Master, who could presently call for twelve legions of angels? They fled from their true safety. O God, let me not play the fool also. Divine grace can make the coward brave. The smoking flax can flame forth like fire on the altar when the Lord wills it. These very apostles who were timid as hares, grew to be bold as lions after the Spirit had descended upon them, and even so the Holy Spirit can make my recreant spirit brave to confess my Lord and witness for his truth. What anguish must have filled the Saviour as he saw his friends so faithless! This was one bitter ingredient in his cup; but that cup is drained dry; let me not put another drop in it. If I forsake my Lord, I shall crucify him afresh, and put him to an open shame. Keep me, O blessed Spirit, from an end so shameful. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Drawing Near to God Jas 4:8 - Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/27

John 1:14 () 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-27.htm

Evening, Mar 26 When he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. — Mark 8:38 If we have been partakers with Jesus in his shame, we shall be sharers with him in the lustre which shall surround him when he appears again in glory. Art thou, beloved one, with Christ Jesus? Does a vital union knit thee to him? Then thou art today with him in his shame; thou hast taken up his cross, and gone with him without the camp bearing his reproach; thou shalt doubtless be with him when the cross is exchanged for the crown. But judge thyself this evening; for if thou art not with him in the regeneration, neither shalt thou be with him when he shall come in his glory. If thou start back from the black side of communion, thou shalt not understand its bright, its happy period, when the King shall come, and all his holy angels with him. What! are angels with him? And yet he took not up angels—he took up the seed of Abraham. Are the holy angels with him? Come, my soul, if thou art indeed his own beloved, thou canst not be far from him. If his friends and his neighbours are called together to see his glory, what thinkest thou if thou art married to him? Shalt thou be distant? Though it be a day of judgment, yet thou canst not be far from that heart which, having admitted angels into intimacy, has admitted thee into union. Has he not said to thee, O my soul, “I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness?” Have not his own lips said it, “I am married unto thee, and my delight is in thee?” If the angels, who are but friends and neighbours, shall be with him, it is abundantly certain that his own beloved Hephzibah, in whom is all his delight, shall be near to him, and sit at his right hand. Here is a morning star of hope for thee, of such exceeding brilliance, that it may well light up the darkest and most desolate experience. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. (NLT) -Psalm 22:26 Are you happy? How long does your happiness last? We can eat an endless buffet, stomachs bulging, but in a mere couple of hours we are hungry again. Isn't it true with happiness? We seek out things we think will make us happy like friendships, money, or even recognition, but that type of happiness never lasts. How can we find this everlasting joy? It comes through praising God. Have you been praising God lately? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. (NLT) -Proverbs 4:27 There are a lot of things that are competing for our attention. Each one of us has a mission on earth and we are to care for one another. Be vigilant to not allow distractions to get you off course. When we wander off course it is even more tempting to take up activities and habits that are dishonoring to God. Don't get sidetracked from your calling. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. (NLT) -Psalm 22:26 Are you happy? How long does your happiness last? We can eat an endless buffet, stomachs bulging, but in a mere couple of hours we are hungry again. Isn't it true with happiness? We seek out things we think will make us happy like friendships, money, or even recognition, but that type of happiness never lasts. How can we find this everlasting joy? It comes through praising God. Have you been praising God lately? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (NLT) -Proverbs 4:23 Do you protect your heart? What baggage is following you around. This principle of protecting your heart will serve you well. No one ever wants to have bad feelings towards another because of unresolved conflict. Who wants to be ducking and hiding in the grocery store because we still have a grudge towards a prior situation. Guard your heart well and settle your issues quickly. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/psa119.93.kjv I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

Morning, Mar 26 Jesus said unto them, If ye seek me, let these go their way. — John 18:8 Mark, my soul, the care which Jesus manifested even in his hour of trial, towards the sheep of his hand! The ruling passion is strong in death. He resigns himself to the enemy, but he interposes a word of power to set his disciples free. As to himself, like a sheep before her shearers he is dumb and opened not his mouth, but for his disciples’ sake he speaks with almighty energy. Herein is love, constant, self-forgetting, faithful love. But is there not far more here than is to be found upon the surface? Have we not the very soul and spirit of the atonement in these words? The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, and pleads that they must therefore go free. The Surety is bound, and justice demands that those for whom he stands a substitute should go their way. In the midst of Egypt’s bondage, that voice rings as a word of power, “Let these go their way.” Out of slavery of sin and Satan the redeemed must come. In every cell of the dungeons of Despair, the sound is echoed, “Let these go their way,” and forth come Despondency and Much-afraid. Satan hears the well-known voice, and lifts his foot from the neck of the fallen; and Death hears it, and the grave opens her gates to let the dead arise. Their way is one of progress, holiness, triumph, glory, and none shall dare to stay them in it. No lion shall be on their way, neither shall any ravenous beast go up thereon. “The hind of the morning” has drawn the cruel hunters upon himself, and now the most timid roes and hinds of the field may graze at perfect peace among the lilies of his loves. The thunder-cloud has burst over the Cross of Calvary, and the pilgrims of Zion shall never be smitten by the bolts of vengeance. Come, my heart, rejoice in the immunity which thy Redeemer has secured thee, and bless his name all the day, and every day. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: The Care of the Poor Ps 41:3 - The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/26

Acts 20:32 () 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-26.htm

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. (NLT) -Luke 6:38 When we think of generosity we usually think of giving money. This isn't always the case, we can be generous with so much more, our possessions, time, or relationships. Try ignoring that feeling inside that says you will lose too much. It's incredible what comes back to you in return when you freely give. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/psa84.10.kjv For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Morning, Mar 25 Betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss? — Luke 22:48 “The kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Let me be on my guard when the world puts on a loving face, for it will, if possible, betray me as it did my Master, with a kiss. Whenever a man is about to stab religion, he usually professes very great reverence for it. Let me beware of the sleek-faced hypocrisy which is armour-bearer to heresy and infidelity. Knowing the deceivableness of unrighteousness, let me be wise as a serpent to detect and avoid the designs of the enemy. The young man, void of understanding, was led astray by the kiss of the strange woman: may my soul be so graciously instructed all this day, that “the much fair speech” of the world may have no effect upon me. Holy Spirit, let me not, a poor frail son of man, be betrayed with a kiss! But what if I should be guilty of the same accursed sin as Judas, that son of perdition? I have been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus; I am a member of his visible Church; I sit at the communion table: all these are so many kisses of my lips. Am I sincere in them? If not, I am a base traitor. Do I live in the world as carelessly as others do, and yet make a profession of being a follower of Jesus? Then I must expose religion to ridicule, and lead men to speak evil of the holy name by which I am called. Surely if I act thus inconsistently I am a Judas, and it were better for me that I had never been born. Dare I hope that I am clear in this matter? Then, O Lord, keep me so. O Lord, make me sincere and true. Preserve me from every false way. Never let me betray my Saviour. I do love thee, Jesus, and though I often grieve thee, yet I would desire to abide faithful even unto death. O God, forbid that I should be a high-soaring professor, and then fall at last into the lake of fire, because I betrayed my Master with a kiss. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Refreshing Sleep Prov 3:24 - When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/25

Isaiah 26:4 () 4 Trust in the Lord forever,for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-25.htm

You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (NLT) -1 Peter 3:4 We spend a lot of time focusing on our outward appearance such as perfecting our hairstyle, improving our physique, selecting the right clothes. In all, a lot of thought goes into creating just the right look. Do we spend the same amount of time cultivating our inner beauty? We know what inner beauty looks like...patience, generosity, peace-loving, fearless, and filled with a silent strength. Are we spending more time worrying about the color of our teeth instead of the kind of words that come out of our mouth? Ultimately our words are a reflection of our heart. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/eph6.10-11.kjv Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Morning, Mar 23 His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. — Luke 22:44 The mental pressure arising from our Lord’s struggle with temptation, so forced his frame to an unnatural excitement, that his pores sent forth great drops of blood which fell down to the ground. This proves how tremendous must have been the weight of sin when it was able to crush the Saviour so that he distilled great drops of blood! This demonstrates the mighty power of his love. It is a very pretty observation of old Isaac Ambrose that the gum which exudes from the tree without cutting is always the best. This precious camphire-tree yielded most sweet spices when it was wounded under the knotty whips, and when it was pierced by the nails on the cross; but see, it giveth forth its best spice when there is no whip, no nail, no wound. This sets forth the voluntariness of Christ's sufferings, since without a lance the blood flowed freely. No need to put on the leech, or apply the knife; it flows spontaneously. No need for the rulers to cry, “Spring up, O well;” of itself it flows in crimson torrents. If men suffer great pain of mind apparently the blood rushes to the heart. The cheeks are pale; a fainting fit comes on; the blood has gone inward as if to nourish the inner man while passing through its trial. But see our Saviour in his agony; he is so utterly oblivious of self, that instead of his agony driving his blood to the heart to nourish himself, it drives it outward to bedew the earth. The agony of Christ, inasmuch as it pours him out upon the ground, pictures the fulness of the offering which he made for men. Do we not perceive how intense must have been the wrestling through which he passed, and will we not hear its voice to us? “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Behold the great Apostle and High Priest of our profession, and sweat even to blood rather than yield to the great tempter of your souls. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: A Sure Guide Isa 42:16 - I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/23

Hebrews 11:6 () 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-23.htm

True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life. (NLT) -Proverbs 22:4 God is a god of prosperity who does bring riches. However, believing in Him today will not bring $5000 tomorrow. Instead walking with Him and seeking His ways will change your attitude. You begin to see events that happen to you in a different light. Bad things can be seen as blessings and learning experiences. In effect, you become abundantly prosperous because what you previously saw as trivial, meaningless, or burdensome have now turned to rich experiences. How rich is your life? Has your view of events changed over time in your walk with the Lord? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Morning, Mar 22 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed. — Matthew 26:39 There are several instructive features in our Saviour’s prayer in his hour of trial. It was lonely prayer. He withdrew even from his three favoured disciples. Believer, be much in solitary prayer, especially in times of trial. Family prayer, social prayer, prayer in the Church, will not suffice, these are very precious, but the best beaten spice will smoke in your censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears but God's. It was humble prayer. Luke says he knelt, but another evangelist says he “fell on his face.” Where, then, must be thy place, thou humble servant of the great Master? What dust and ashes should cover thy head! Humility gives us good foot-hold in prayer. There is no hope of prevalence with God unless we abase ourselves that he may exalt us in due time. It was filial prayer. “Abba, Father.” You will find it a stronghold in the day of trial to plead your adoption. You have no rights as a subject, you have forfeited them by your treason; but nothing can forfeit a child’s right to a father’s protection. Be not afraid to say, “My Father, hear my cry.” Observe that it was persevering prayer. He prayed three times. Cease not until you prevail. Be as the importunate widow, whose continual coming earned what her first supplication could not win. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. Lastly, it was the prayer of resignation. “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Yield, and God yields. Let it be as God wills, and God will determine for the best. Be thou content to leave thy prayer in his hands, who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold. So pleading, earnestly, importunately, yet with humility and resignation, thou shalt surely prevail. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Luke 12:29-31 () 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-22.htm

Evening, Mar 20 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church. — Ephesians 5:25 What a golden example Christ gives to his disciples! Few masters could venture to say, “If you would practise my teaching, imitate my life;” but as the life of Jesus is the exact transcript of perfect virtue, he can point to himself as the paragon of holiness, as well as the teacher of it. The Christian should take nothing short of Christ for his model. Under no circumstances ought we to be content unless we reflect the grace which was in him. As a husband, the Christian is to look upon the portrait of Christ Jesus, and he is to paint according to that copy. The true Christian is to be such a husband as Christ was to his church. The love of a husband is special. The Lord Jesus cherishes for the church a peculiar affection, which is set upon her above the rest of mankind: “I pray for them, I pray not for the world.” The elect church is the favourite of heaven, the treasure of Christ, the crown of his head, the bracelet of his arm, the breastplate of his heart, the very centre and core of his love. A husband should love his wife with a constant love, for thus Jesus loves his church. He does not vary in his affection. He may change in his display of affection, but the affection itself is still the same. A husband should love his wife with an enduring love, for nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” A true husband loves his wife with a hearty love, fervent and intense. It is not mere lip-service. Ah! beloved, what more could Christ have done in proof of his love than he has done? Jesus has a delighted love towards his spouse: He prizes her affection, and delights in her with sweet complacence. Believer, you wonder at Jesus’ love; you admire it—are you imitating it? In your domestic relationships is the rule and measure of your love—“even as Christ loved the church?” Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Evening, Mar 20 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church. — Ephesians 5:25 What a golden example Christ gives to his disciples! Few masters could venture to say, “If you would practise my teaching, imitate my life;” but as the life of Jesus is the exact transcript of perfect virtue, he can point to himself as the paragon of holiness, as well as the teacher of it. The Christian should take nothing short of Christ for his model. Under no circumstances ought we to be content unless we reflect the grace which was in him. As a husband, the Christian is to look upon the portrait of Christ Jesus, and he is to paint according to that copy. The true Christian is to be such a husband as Christ was to his church. The love of a husband is special. The Lord Jesus cherishes for the church a peculiar affection, which is set upon her above the rest of mankind: “I pray for them, I pray not for the world.” The elect church is the favourite of heaven, the treasure of Christ, the crown of his head, the bracelet of his arm, the breastplate of his heart, the very centre and core of his love. A husband should love his wife with a constant love, for thus Jesus loves his church. He does not vary in his affection. He may change in his display of affection, but the affection itself is still the same. A husband should love his wife with an enduring love, for nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” A true husband loves his wife with a hearty love, fervent and intense. It is not mere lip-service. Ah! beloved, what more could Christ have done in proof of his love than he has done? Jesus has a delighted love towards his spouse: He prizes her affection, and delights in her with sweet complacence. Believer, you wonder at Jesus’ love; you admire it—are you imitating it? In your domestic relationships is the rule and measure of your love—“even as Christ loved the church?” Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrow is servant to the lender. (NLT) -Proverbs 22:7 Slavery is such a unique perspective of looking at debt, but yet it is all too true. If you miss a payment, interest is tacked on and your indebtedness is extended. When we borrow money we are guaranteeing repayment. It's important to ensure we are actually able to follow through on our word, otherwise our signature loses it's value. Be cautious in whom you serve. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrow is servant to the lender. (NLT) -Proverbs 22:7 Slavery is such a unique perspective of looking at debt, but yet it is all too true. If you miss a payment, interest is tacked on and your indebtedness is extended. When we borrow money we are guaranteeing repayment. It's important to ensure we are actually able to follow through on our word, otherwise our signature loses it's value. Be cautious in whom you serve. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (NLT) -Psalm 20:7 Think about it, we board a plane, get served hot meals, and surf the internet all while cruising at an altitude of 30,000 feet traveling at a speed of 600 miles per hour. Most of us, nonchalantly put our faith in the airplane and crew that we will have a safe landing. Against all those obstacles, why do we find it harder to entrust our lives to God? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/1ti4.8.kjv For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Faith's Checkbook: Divine Provision Matt 6:30 - Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/20

Morning, Mar 20 My beloved. — Song of Solomon 2:8 This was a golden name which the ancient Church in her most joyous moments was wont to give to the Anointed of the Lord. When the time of the singing of birds was come, and the voice of the turtle was heard in her land, her love-note was sweeter than either, as she sang, “My beloved is mine and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.” Ever in her song of songs doth she call him by that delightful name, “My beloved!” Even in the long winter, when idolatry had withered the garden of the Lord, her prophets found space to lay aside the burden of the Lord for a little season, and to say, as Esaias did, “Now will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard.” Though the saints had never seen his face, though as yet he was not made flesh, nor had dwelt among us, nor had man beheld his glory, yet he was the consolation of Israel, the hope and joy of all the chosen, the “beloved” of all those who were upright before the Most High. We, in the summer days of the Church, are also wont to speak of Christ as the best beloved of our soul, and to feel that he is very precious, the “chiefest among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely.” So true is it that the Church loves Jesus, and claims him as her beloved, that the apostle dares to defy the whole universe to separate her from the love of Christ, and declares that neither persecutions, distress, affliction, peril, or the sword have been able to do it; nay, he joyously boasts, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” O that we knew more of thee, thou ever precious one! “My sole possession is thy love; In earth beneath, or heaven above, I have no other store; And though with fervent suit I pray, And importune thee day by day, I ask thee nothing more.” Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Morning, Mar 20 My beloved. — Song of Solomon 2:8 This was a golden name which the ancient Church in her most joyous moments was wont to give to the Anointed of the Lord. When the time of the singing of birds was come, and the voice of the turtle was heard in her land, her love-note was sweeter than either, as she sang, “My beloved is mine and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.” Ever in her song of songs doth she call him by that delightful name, “My beloved!” Even in the long winter, when idolatry had withered the garden of the Lord, her prophets found space to lay aside the burden of the Lord for a little season, and to say, as Esaias did, “Now will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard.” Though the saints had never seen his face, though as yet he was not made flesh, nor had dwelt among us, nor had man beheld his glory, yet he was the consolation of Israel, the hope and joy of all the chosen, the “beloved” of all those who were upright before the Most High. We, in the summer days of the Church, are also wont to speak of Christ as the best beloved of our soul, and to feel that he is very precious, the “chiefest among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely.” So true is it that the Church loves Jesus, and claims him as her beloved, that the apostle dares to defy the whole universe to separate her from the love of Christ, and declares that neither persecutions, distress, affliction, peril, or the sword have been able to do it; nay, he joyously boasts, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” O that we knew more of thee, thou ever precious one! “My sole possession is thy love; In earth beneath, or heaven above, I have no other store; And though with fervent suit I pray, And importune thee day by day, I ask thee nothing more.” Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Divine Provision Matt 6:30 - Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/20

Proverbs 25:28 () 28 A man without self-controlis like a city broken into and left without walls. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-20.htm

Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person. (NLT) -Genesis 2:7 We identify with people and things in our lives, such as friends, music, jobs, or grades in school. Sometimes we associate our identity with these things, but we are more than the categories by which we define ourselves. These things don't entirely reflect or define us. Our identity is found in our creation as a son or daughter of the Most High. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/jhn14.23.kjv Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Morning, Mar 19 Strong in faith. — Romans 4:20 Christian, take good care of thy faith; for recollect faith is the only way whereby thou canst obtain blessings. If we want blessings from God, nothing can fetch them down but faith. Prayer cannot draw down answers from God’s throne except it be the earnest prayer of the man who believes. Faith is the angelic messenger between the soul and the Lord Jesus in glory. Let that angel be withdrawn, we can neither send up prayer, nor receive the answers. Faith is the telegraphic wire which links earth and heaven—on which God’s messages of love fly so fast, that before we call he answers, and while we are yet speaking he hears us. But if that telegraphic wire of faith be snapped, how can we receive the promise? Am I in trouble?—I can obtain help for trouble by faith. Am I beaten about by the enemy?—my soul on her dear Refuge leans by faith. But take faith away—in vain I call to God. There is no road betwixt my soul and heaven. In the deepest wintertime faith is a road on which the horses of prayer may travel—aye, and all the better for the biting frost; but blockade the road, and how can we communicate with the Great King? Faith links me with divinity. Faith clothes me with the power of God. Faith engages on my side the omnipotence of Jehovah. Faith ensures every attribute of God in my defence. It helps me to defy the hosts of hell. It makes me march triumphant over the necks of my enemies. But without faith how can I receive anything of the Lord? Let not him that wavereth—who is like a wave of the Sea—expect that he will receive anything of God! O, then, Christian, watch well thy faith; for with it thou canst win all things, however poor thou art, but without it thou canst obtain nothing. “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Becoming Fit for Glory Ps 84:11 - The Lord will give grace and glory. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/19

http://bible.com/1/col1.28.kjv Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Morning, Mar 18 Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. — Galatians 3:26 The fatherhood of God is common to all his children. Ah! Little-faith, you have often said, “Oh that I had the courage of Great-heart, that I could wield his sword and be as valiant as he! But, alas, I stumble at every straw, and a shadow makes me afraid.” List thee, Little-faith. Great-heart is God’s child, and you are God’s child too; and Great-heart is not one whit more God’s child than you are. Peter and Paul, the highly-favoured apostles, were of the family of the Most High; and so are you also; the weak Christian is as much a child of God as the strong one. “This cov'nant stands secure, Though earth’s old pillars bow; The strong, the feeble, and the weak, Are one in Jesus now.” All the names are in the same family register. One may have more grace than another, but God our heavenly Father has the same tender heart towards all. One may do more mighty works, and may bring more glory to his Father, but he whose name is the least in the kingdom of heaven is as much the child of God as he who stands among the King’s mighty men. Let this cheer and comfort us, when we draw near to God and say, “Our Father.” Yet, while we are comforted by knowing this, let us not rest contented with weak faith, but ask, like the Apostles, to have it increased. However feeble our faith may be, if it be real faith in Christ, we shall reach heaven at last, but we shall not honour our Master much on our pilgrimage, neither shall we abound in joy and peace. If then you would live to Christ’s glory, and be happy in his service, seek to be filled with the spirit of adoption more and more completely, till perfect love shall cast out fear. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Continue Upright Prov 15:8 - The prayer of the upright is his delight. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/18

Evening, Mar 17 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. — Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh of the beatitudes: and seven was the number of perfection among the Hebrews. It may be that the Saviour placed the peacemaker the seventh upon the list because he most nearly approaches the perfect man in Christ Jesus. He who would have perfect blessedness, so far as it can be enjoyed on earth, must attain to this seventh benediction, and become a peacemaker. There is a significance also in the position of the text. The verse which precedes it speaks of the blessedness of “the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” It is well to understand that we are to be “first pure, then peaceable.” Our peaceableness is never to be a compact with sin, or toleration of evil. We must set our faces like flints against everything which is contrary to God and his holiness: purity being in our souls a settled matter, we can go on to peaceableness. Not less does the verse that follows seem to have been put there on purpose. However peaceable we may be in this world, yet we shall be misrepresented and misunderstood: and no marvel, for even the Prince of Peace, by his very peacefulness, brought fire upon the earth. He himself, though he loved mankind, and did no ill, was “despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” Lest, therefore, the peaceable in heart should be surprised when they meet with enemies, it is added in the following verse, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Thus, the peacemakers are not only pronounced to be blessed, but they are compassed about with blessings. Lord, give us grace to climb to this seventh beatitude! Purify our minds that we may be “first pure, then peaceable,” and fortify our souls, that our peaceableness may not lead us into cowardice and despair, when for thy sake we are persecuted. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

You haven't done this before. Ask using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. (NLT) -John 16:24 When you meet someone and want to get to know them the first thing you learn is their name. We now have the freedom to approach God directly and call Him, personally, by name. And it's not just an ordinary name, but a powerful one. When we call out Christ's name in faith, we are calling on a force greater than ourselves who provides joy. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. (NLT) -1 John 1:8 Have you ever met someone who thinks they are perfect? When in reality, we know otherwise. Especially, as a Christ follower, we are painfully aware of our own sinfulness and that of others. Even as a Christian though, we don't always live in the truth and recognize our own sinfulness when others are acutely aware of it. Could we be fooling ourselves by not recognizing the need for God's grace? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/php4.9.kjv Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Morning, Mar 17 Remember the poor. — Galatians 2:10 Why does God allow so many of his children to be poor? He could make them all rich if he pleased; he could lay bags of gold at their doors; he could send them a large annual income; or he could scatter round their houses abundance of provisions, as once he made the quails lie in heaps round the camp of Israel, and rained bread out of heaven to feed them. There is no necessity that they should be poor, except that he sees it to be best. “The cattle upon a thousand hills are his”—he could supply them; he could make the richest, the greatest, and the mightiest bring all their power and riches to the feet of his children, for the hearts of all men are in his control. But he does not choose to do so; he allows them to suffer want, he allows them to pine in penury and obscurity. Why is this? There are many reasons: one is, to give us, who are favoured with enough, an opportunity of showing our love to Jesus. We show our love to Christ when we sing of him and when we pray to him; but if there were no sons of need in the world we should lose the sweet privilege of evidencing our love, by ministering in alms-giving to his poorer brethren; he has ordained that thus we should prove that our love standeth not in word only, but in deed and in truth. If we truly love Christ, we shall care for those who are loved by him. Those who are dear to him will be dear to us. Let us then look upon it not as a duty but as a privilege to relieve the poor of the Lord’s flock—remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Surely this assurance is sweet enough, and this motive strong enough to lead us to help others with a willing hand and a loving heart—recollecting that all we do for his people is graciously accepted by Christ as done to himself. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Fear to Fear Jer 1:8 - Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/17

Romans 8:32 () 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-17.htm

Evening, Mar 16 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins. — Psalm 19:13 Such was the prayer of the “man after God’s own heart.” Did holy David need to pray thus? How needful, then, must such a prayer be for us babes in grace! It is as if he said, “Keep me back, or I shall rush headlong over the precipice of sin.” Our evil nature, like an ill-tempered horse, is apt to run away. May the grace of God put the bridle upon it, and hold it in, that it rush not into mischief. What might not the best of us do if it were not for the checks which the Lord sets upon us both in providence and in grace! The psalmist’s prayer is directed against the worst form of sin—that which is done with deliberation and wilfulness. Even the holiest need to be “kept back” from the vilest transgressions. It is a solemn thing to find the apostle Paul warning saints against the most loathsome sins. “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” What! do saints want warning against such sins as these? Yes, they do. The whitest robes, unless their purity be preserved by divine grace, will be defiled by the blackest spots. Experienced Christian, boast not in your experience; you will trip yet if you look away from him who is able to keep you from falling. Ye whose love is fervent, whose faith is constant, whose hopes are bright, say not, “We shall never sin,” but rather cry, “Lead us not into temptation.” There is enough tinder in the heart of the best of men to light a fire that shall burn to the lowest hell, unless God shall quench the sparks as they fall. Who would have dreamed that righteous Lot could be found drunken, and committing uncleanness? Hazael said, “Is thy servant a dog, that he should do this thing?” and we are very apt to use the same self-righteous question. May infinite wisdom cure us of the madness of self-confidence. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. (NLT) -2 Timothy 2:21 Are you keeping yourself polished for the Lord? Impurities exist in lying, lust, short-tempers, laziness, and so forth. These impurities could cause us to be overlooked by God. The special utensil Paul refers to is the silverware that is reserved for special guests and only comes out when company comes over. What an honor it is to be used by God for good work. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. (NLT) -2 Timothy 2:21 Are you keeping yourself polished for the Lord? Impurities exist in lying, lust, short-tempers, laziness, and so forth. These impurities could cause us to be overlooked by God. The special utensil Paul refers to is the silverware that is reserved for special guests and only comes out when company comes over. What an honor it is to be used by God for good work. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/jas3.13.kjv Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Morning, Mar 16 I am a stranger with thee. — Psalm 39:12 Yes, O Lord, with thee, but not to thee. All my natural alienation from thee, thy grace has effectually removed; and now, in fellowship with thyself, I walk through this sinful world as a pilgrim in a foreign country. Thou art a stranger in thine own world. Man forgets thee, dishonours thee, sets up new laws and alien customs, and knows thee not. When thy dear Son came unto his own, his own received him not. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. Never was foreigner so speckled a bird among the denizens of any land as thy beloved Son among his mother’s brethren. It is no marvel, then, if I who live the life of Jesus, should be unknown and a stranger here below. Lord, I would not be a citizen where Jesus was an alien. His pierced hand has loosened the cords which once bound my soul to earth, and now I find myself a stranger in the land. My speech seems to these Babylonians among whom I dwell an outlandish tongue, my manners are singular, and my actions are strange. A Tartar would be more at home in Cheapside than I could ever be in the haunts of sinners. But here is the sweetness of my lot: I am a stranger with thee. Thou art my fellow-sufferer, my fellow-pilgrim. Oh, what joy to wander in such blessed society! My heart burns within me by the way when thou dost speak to me, and though I be a sojourner, I am far more blest than those who sit on thrones, and far more at home than those who dwell in their ceiled houses. “To me remains nor place, nor time: My country is in every clime; I can be calm and free from care On any shore, since God is there. While place we seek, or place we shun, The soul finds happiness in none: But with a God to guide our way, ’Tis equal joy to go or stay.” Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: To Others an "Ensample" Phil 4:9 - Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of pace shall be with you. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/16

Matthew 7:7-8 () 7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-16.htm

Evening, Mar 15 He did it with all his heart and prospered. — 2 Chronicles 31:21 This is no unusual occurrence; it is the general rule of the moral universe that those men prosper who do their work with all their hearts, while those are almost certain to fail who go to their labour leaving half their hearts behind them. God does not give harvests to idle men except harvests of thistles, nor is he pleased to send wealth to those who will not dig in the field to find its hid treasure. It is universally confessed that if a man would prosper, he must be diligent in business. It is the same in religion as it is in other things. If you would prosper in your work for Jesus, let it be heart work, and let it be done with all your heart. Put as much force, energy, heartiness, and earnestness into religion as ever you do into business, for it deserves far more. The Holy Spirit helps our infirmities, but he does not encourage our idleness; he loves active believers. Who are the most useful men in the Christian church? The men who do what they undertake for God with all their hearts. Who are the most successful Sabbath-school teachers? The most talented? No; the most zealous; the men whose hearts are on fire, those are the men who see their Lord riding forth prosperously in the majesty of his salvation. Whole-heartedness shows itself in perseverance; there may be failure at first, but the earnest worker will say, “It is the Lord’s work, and it must be done; my Lord has bidden me do it, and in his strength I will accomplish it.” Christian, art thou thus “with all thine heart” serving thy Master? Remember the earnestness of Jesus! Think what heart-work was his! He could say, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” When he sweat great drops of blood, it was no light burden he had to carry upon those blessed shoulders; and when he poured out his heart, it was no weak effort he was making for the salvation of his people. Was Jesus in earnest, and are we lukewarm? Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. (NLT) -Proverbs 29:23 Believe it or not, pride isn't always such a good thing. It can keep us from asking for help and we refuse to depend on others or God, insisting we are capable. In the end, pride will only leave us with embarrassment. How can you identify pride? Under what circumstances were you last embarrassed? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? (NLT) -1 John 4:20 Having a relationship with God puts us on track for positive growth and development. One key area we should constantly be stretched is in caring for others. When you are filled with God's love, you will have a natural outpouring of love for others. As you go through today, ask yourself if your treatment of others makes you a liar. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/psa143.10.kjv Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Faith's Checkbook: God is a Sanctuary Ezek 11:16 - Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/15

Evening, Mar 13 Then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. — Genesis 8:9 Wearied out with her wanderings, the dove returns at length to the ark as her only resting place. How heavily she flies—she will drop—she will never reach the ark! But she struggles on. Noah has been looking out for his dove all day long, and is ready to receive her. She has just strength to reach the edge of the ark, she can hardly alight upon it, and is ready to drop, when Noah puts forth his hand and pulls her in unto him. Mark that: “pulled her in unto him.” She did not fly right in herself, but was too fearful, or too weary to do so. She flew as far as she could, and then he put forth his hand and pulled her in unto him. This act of mercy was shown to the wandering dove, and she was not chidden for her wanderings. Just as she was she was pulled into the ark. So you, seeking sinner, with all your sin, will be received. “Only return”—those are God’s two gracious words—“only return.” What! nothing else? No, “only return.” She had no olive branch in her mouth this time, nothing at all but just herself and her wanderings; but it is “only return,” and she does return, and Noah pulls her in. Fly, thou wanderer; fly thou fainting one, dove as thou art, though thou thinkest thyself to be black as the raven with the mire of sin, back, back to the Saviour. Every moment thou waitest does but increase thy misery; thine attempts to plume thyself and make thyself fit for Jesus are all vanity. Come thou to him just as thou art. “Return, thou backsliding Israel.” He does not say, “Return, thou repenting Israel” (there is such an invitation doubtless), but “thou backsliding one,” as a backslider with all thy backslidings about thee, Return, return, return! Jesus is waiting for thee! He will stretch forth his hand and “pull thee in”—in to himself, thy heart’s true home. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. (NLT) -1 Corinthians 16:13 As we anxiously await Christ's return we must be courageously strong. A firm, steady strength is needed to overcome obstacles. This strength is rooted in faith in God. The strength of God has the power to battle any fear. Stay strong in your faith when all else seems to fade. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. (NLT) -1 Corinthians 16:13 As we anxiously await Christ's return we must be courageously strong. A firm, steady strength is needed to overcome obstacles. This strength is rooted in faith in God. The strength of God has the power to battle any fear. Stay strong in your faith when all else seems to fade. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. (NLT) -John 13:34 In a time when politics abound and culture is at war with itself, how do we react? Should we jump in the middle, pick a side, and point fingers? Do we volley attacks at our own brothers and sisters who think differently? The first rule of thumb is to not pass judgment. Then, seriously determine what is the most loving response, one that would inspire others. Couldn't this world use a bit more love? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Faith's Checkbook: Despise Not Thy Youth Jer 1:6-7 - Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold I cannot speak; for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, l am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/13

Psalm 1:1-3 ()Book One 1:1 Blessed is the manwho walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a treeplanted by streams of waterthat yields its fruit in its season,and its leaf does not wither.In all that he does, he prospers. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-13.htm

Evening, Mar 12 To whom belongest thou? — 1 Samuel 30:13 No neutralities can exist in religion. We are either ranked under the banner of Prince Immanuel, to serve and fight his battles, or we are vassals of the black prince, Satan. “To whom belongest thou?” Reader, let me assist you in your response. Have you been “born again”? If you have, you belong to Christ, but without the new birth you cannot be his. In whom do you trust? For those who believe in Jesus are the sons of God. Whose work are you doing? You are sure to serve your master, for he whom you serve is thereby owned to be your lord. What company do you keep? If you belong to Jesus, you will fraternize with those who wear the livery of the cross. “Birds of a feather flock together.” What is your conversation? Is it heavenly or is it earthly? What have you learned of your Master?—for servants learn much from their masters to whom they are apprenticed. If you have served your time with Jesus, it will be said of you, as it was of Peter and John, “They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” We press the question, “To whom belongest thou?” Answer honestly before you give sleep to your eyes. If you are not Christ’s you are in a hard service—Run away from your cruel master! Enter into the service of the Lord of Love, and you shall enjoy a life of blessedness. If you are Christ’s let me advise you to do four things. You belong to Jesus—obey him; let his word be your law; let his wish be your will. You belong to the Beloved, then love him; let your heart embrace him; let your whole soul be filled with him. You belong to the Son of God, then trust him; rest nowhere but on him. You belong to the King of kings, then be decided for him. Thus, without your being branded upon the brow, all will know to whom you belong. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. (NLT) -Ephesians 4:2 Have you been a little short lately on grace with your loved ones? When life gets busy and complications arise we all let our tempers flare. However, the people we love in our lives deserve better. Even if they are full of faults, extend patience by making allowance for them. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

"So why do you keep calling me 'Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say?" (NLT) -Luke 6:46 Do you ever get a feeling that God is telling you to do something? That is called conviction. Sometimes, we are convicted to do things that are difficult and all we want to do is run away. But when we run away, we compromise with God. We want the benefits of a relationship but when He asks us to obey Him, we are not willing to do the hard work. What area of your life is God convicting you to honor Him with? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/heb7.25.kjv Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Morning, Mar 12 Thou shalt love thy neighbour. — Matthew 5:43 “Love thy neighbour.” Perhaps he rolls in riches, and thou art poor, and living in thy little cot side-by-side with his lordly mansion; thou seest every day his estates, his fine linen, and his sumptuous banquets; God has given him these gifts, covet not his wealth, and think no hard thoughts concerning him. Be content with thine own lot, if thou canst not better it, but do not look upon thy neighbour, and wish that he were as thyself. Love him, and then thou wilt not envy him. Perhaps, on the other hand, thou art rich, and near thee reside the poor. Do not scorn to call them neighbour. Own that thou art bound to love them. The world calls them thy inferiors. In what are they inferior? They are far more thine equals than thine inferiors, for “God hath made of one blood all people that dwell upon the face of the earth.” It is thy coat which is better than theirs, but thou art by no means better than they. They are men, and what art thou more than that? Take heed that thou love thy neighbour even though he be in rags, or sunken in the depths of poverty. But, perhaps, you say, “I cannot love my neighbours, because for all I do they return ingratitude and contempt.” So much the more room for the heroism of love. Wouldst thou be a feather-bed warrior, instead of bearing the rough fight of love? He who dares the most, shall win the most; and if rough be thy path of love, tread it boldly, still loving thy neighbours through thick and thin. Heap coals of fire on their heads, and if they be hard to please, seek not to please them, but to please thy Master; and remember if they spurn thy love, thy Master hath not spurned it, and thy deed is as acceptable to him as if it had been acceptable to them. Love thy neighbour, for in so doing thou art following the footsteps of Christ. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Going Out with Joy Deut 33:18 - And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/12

I come to you for protection, O LORD my God. Save me from my persecutors--rescue me! (NLT) -Psalm 7:1 Do you feel distressed or worried about today because you may encounter badgering or harassment? No person deserves this treatment, no matter what caused the situation. It's not an enjoyable experience, by any means, but in all situations God can rescue you. Not only is He capable, but He wants to be the one you turn to for protection. Memorize this verse and speak it out loud when you need protection. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/psa130.5.kjv I wait for the Lord , my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Evening, Mar 11 Thou shalt be called, Sought out. — Isaiah 62:12 The surpassing grace of God is seen very clearly in that we were not only sought, but sought out. Men seek for a thing which is lost upon the floor of the house, but in such a case there is only seeking, not seeking out. The loss is more perplexing and the search more persevering when a thing is sought out. We were mingled with the mire: we were as when some precious piece of gold falls into the sewer, and men gather out and carefully inspect a mass of abominable filth, and continue to stir and rake, and search among the heap until the treasure is found. Or, to use another figure, we were lost in a labyrinth; we wandered hither and thither, and when mercy came after us with the gospel, it did not find us at the first coming, it had to search for us and seek us out; for we as lost sheep were so desperately lost, and had wandered into such a strange country, that it did not seem possible that even the Good Shepherd should track our devious roamings. Glory be to unconquerable grace, we were sought out! No gloom could hide us, no filthiness could conceal us, we were found and brought home. Glory be to infinite love, God the Holy Spirit restored us! The lives of some of God’s people, if they could be written would fill us with holy astonishment. Strange and marvellous are the ways which God used in their case to find his own. Blessed be his name, he never relinquishes the search until the chosen are sought out effectually. They are not a people sought today and cast away to-morrow. Almightiness and wisdom combined will make no failures, they shall be called, “Sought out!” That any should be sought out is matchless grace, but that we should be sought out is grace beyond degree! We can find no reason for it but God’s own sovereign love, and can only lift up our heart in wonder, and praise the Lord that this night we wear the name of “Sought out.” Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Psalm 51:4 () 4 Against you, you only, have I sinnedand done what is evil in your sight,so that you may be justified in your wordsand blameless in your judgment. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-11.htm

Evening, Mar 9 Abide in me. — John 15:4 Communion with Christ is a certain cure for every ill. Whether it be the wormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, close fellowship with the Lord Jesus will take bitterness from the one, and satiety from the other. Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is a matter of secondary importance whether thou livest on the mountain of honour or in the valley of humiliation. Living near to Jesus, thou art covered with the wings of God, and underneath thee are the everlasting arms. Let nothing keep thee from that hallowed intercourse, which is the choice privilege of a soul wedded to the well-beloved. Be not content with an interview now and then, but seek always to retain his company, for only in his presence hast thou either comfort or safety. Jesus should not be unto us a friend who calls upon us now and then, but one with whom we walk evermore. Thou hast a difficult road before thee: see, O traveller to heaven, that thou go not without thy guide. Thou hast to pass through the fiery furnace; enter it not unless, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, thou hast the Son of God to be thy companion. Thou hast to storm the Jericho of thine own corruptions: attempt not the warfare until, like Joshua, thou hast seen the Captain of the Lord’s host, with his sword drawn in his hand. Thou art to meet the Esau of thy many temptations: meet him not until at Jabbok’s brook thou hast laid hold upon the angel, and prevailed. In every case, in every condition, thou wilt need Jesus; but most of all, when the iron gates of death shall open to thee. Keep thou close to thy soul’s Husband, lean thy head upon his bosom, ask to be refreshed with the spiced wine of his pomegranate, and thou shalt be found of him at the last, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Seeing thou hast lived with him, and lived in him here, thou shalt abide with him forever. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. (NLT) -Mark 1:35 Are you feeling disconnected from God? Do you feel a void in your life? Maybe it's time you take some time out intentionally to spend time with God. Eliminate yourself from any interruptions and seek God in prayer. We should have private time with God even if we aren't feeling separated from Him in order to focus on God. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. (NLT) -Psalm 4:7 Have you ever thought about having an abundance of money? We seem to think it solves all problems, but in reality it doesn't bring lasting joy. Your problems only change. It is possible to have a greater joy which leads to a changing of your mind. A relationship with God is a greater blessing than any amount of money. Where does your joy come from and is it abundant? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

http://bible.com/1/psa100.4-5.kjv Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Morning, Mar 9 Yea, he is altogether lovely. — Song of Solomon 5:16 The superlative beauty of Jesus is all-attracting; it is not so much to be admired as to be loved. He is more than pleasant and fair, he is lovely. Surely the people of God can fully justify the use of this golden word, for he is the object of their warmest love, a love founded on the intrinsic excellence of his person, the complete perfection of his charms. Look, O disciples of Jesus, to your Master’s lips, and say, “Are they not most sweet?” Do not his words cause your hearts to burn within you as he talks with you by the way? Ye worshippers of Immanuel, look up to his head of much fine gold, and tell me, are not his thoughts precious unto you? Is not your adoration sweetened with affection as ye humbly bow before that countenance which is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars? Is there not a charm in his every feature, and is not his whole person fragrant with such a savour of his good ointments, that therefore the virgins love him? Is there one member of his glorious body which is not attractive?—one portion of his person which is not a fresh lodestone to our souls?—one office which is not a strong cord to bind your heart? Our love is not as a seal set upon his heart of love alone; it is fastened upon his arm of power also; nor is there a single part of him upon which it does not fix itself. We anoint his whole person with the sweet spikenard of our fervent love. His whole life we would imitate; his whole character we would transcribe. In all other beings we see some lack, in him there is all perfection. The best even of his favoured saints have had blots upon their garments and wrinkles upon their brows; he is nothing but loveliness. All earthly suns have their spots: the fair world itself hath its wilderness; we cannot love the whole of the most lovely thing; but Christ Jesus is gold without alloy-light without darkness—glory without cloud—“Yea, he is altogether lovely.” Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Faith's Checkbook: Prayer for Peace Jer 29:7 - And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/9

Colossians 3:16 () 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-09.htm

Evening, Mar 8 She called his name Ben-oni (son of sorrow), but his father called him Benjamin (son of my right hand). — Genesis 35:18 To every matter there is a bright as well as a dark side. Rachel was overwhelmed with the sorrow of her own travail and death; Jacob, though weeping the mother’s loss, could see the mercy of the child’s birth. It is well for us if, while the flesh mourns over trials, our faith triumphs in divine faithfulness. Samson’s lion yielded honey, and so will our adversities, if rightly considered. The stormy sea feeds multitudes with its fishes; the wild wood blooms with beauteous flowerets; the stormy wind sweeps away the pestilence, and the biting frost loosens the soil. Dark clouds distil bright drops, and black earth grows gay flowers. A vein of good is to be found in every mine of evil. Sad hearts have peculiar skill in discovering the most disadvantageous point of view from which to gaze upon a trial; if there were only one slough in the world, they would soon be up to their necks in it, and if there were only one lion in the desert they would hear it roar. About us all there is a tinge of this wretched folly, and we are apt, at times, like Jacob, to cry, “All these things are against me.” Faith’s way of walking is to cast all care upon the Lord, and then to anticipate good results from the worst calamities. Like Gideon’s men, she does not fret over the broken pitcher, but rejoices that the lamp blazes forth the more. Out of the rough oyster-shell of difficulty she extracts the rare pearl of honour, and from the deep ocean-caves of distress she uplifts the priceless coral of experience. When her flood of prosperity ebbs, she finds treasures hid in the sands; and when her sun of delight goes down, she turns her telescope of hope to the starry promises of heaven. When death itself appears, faith points to the light of resurrection beyond the grave, thus making our dying Ben-oni to be our living Benjamin. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left. (NLT) -Isaiah 30:21 God does speak to us, with a small, still, quiet voice. It can even come through the voice of our loved ones. It's nice to know we have God showing us where to go, isn't there peace in that? No longer do we have to wonder if the path we are on is best. Instead, we must determine if we are following God's voice and not resisting His direction. Are you going His way? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left. (NLT) -Isaiah 30:21 God does speak to us, with a small, still, quiet voice. It can even come through the voice of our loved ones. It's nice to know we have God showing us where to go, isn't there peace in that? No longer do we have to wonder if the path we are on is best. Instead, we must determine if we are following God's voice and not resisting His direction. Are you going His way? Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Morning, Mar 8 We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. — Acts 14:22 God’s people have their trials. It was never designed by God, when he chose his people, that they should be an untried people. They were chosen in the furnace of affliction; they were never chosen to worldly peace and earthly joy. Freedom from sickness and the pains of mortality was never promised them; but when their Lord drew up the charter of privileges, he included chastisements amongst the things to which they should inevitably be heirs. Trials are a part of our lot; they were predestinated for us in Christ’s last legacy. So surely as the stars are fashioned by his hands, and their orbits fixed by him, so surely are our trials allotted to us: he has ordained their season and their place, their intensity and the effect they shall have upon us. Good men must never expect to escape troubles; if they do, they will be disappointed, for none of their predecessors have been without them. Mark the patience of Job; remember Abraham, for he had his trials, and by his faith under them, he became the “Father of the faithful.” Note well the biographies of all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and you shall discover none of those whom God made vessels of mercy, who were not made to pass through the fire of affliction. It is ordained of old that the cross of trouble should be engraved on every vessel of mercy, as the royal mark whereby the King’s vessels of honour are distinguished. But although tribulation is thus the path of God’s children, they have the comfort of knowing that their Master has traversed it before them; they have his presence and sympathy to cheer them, his grace to support them, and his example to teach them how to endure; and when they reach “the kingdom,” it will more than make amends for the “much tribulation” through which they passed to enter it. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market

1 John 2:24-25 () 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to useternal life. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-03-08.htm

Faith's Checkbook: Our Substance Blessed Deut 28:5 - Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/march/8

Evening, Mar 7 It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man. — Psalm 118:8 Doubtless the reader has been tried with the temptation to rely upon the things which are seen, instead of resting alone upon the invisible God. Christians often look to man for help and counsel, and mar the noble simplicity of their reliance upon their God. Does this evening’s portion meet the eye of a child of God anxious about temporals, then would we reason with him awhile. You trust in Jesus, and only in Jesus, for your salvation, then why are you troubled? “Because of my great care.” Is it not written, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord”? “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication make known your wants unto God.” Cannot you trust God for temporals? “Ah! I wish I could.” If you cannot trust God for temporals, how dare you trust him for spirituals? Can you trust him for your soul’s redemption, and not rely upon him for a few lesser mercies? Is not God enough for thy need, or is his all-sufficiency too narrow for thy wants? Dost thou want another eye beside that of him who sees every secret thing? Is his heart faint? Is his arm weary? If so, seek another God; but if he be infinite, omnipotent, faithful, true, and all-wise, why gaddest thou abroad so much to seek another confidence? Why dost thou rake the earth to find another foundation, when this is strong enough to bear all the weight which thou canst ever build thereon? Christian, mix not only thy wine with water, do not alloy thy gold of faith with the dross of human confidence. Wait thou only upon God, and let thine expectation be from him. Covet not Jonah’s gourd, but rest in Jonah’s God. Let the sandy foundations of terrestrial trust be the choice of fools, but do thou, like one who foresees the storm, build for thyself an abiding place upon the Rock of Ages. Sent from Morning & Evening app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=yuku.morneve.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dself-share%26utm_medium%3Dyuku.morneve.app-market