Morning, Jul 20 The earnest of our inheritance. — Ephesians 1:14 Oh! what enlightenment, what joys, what consolation, what delight of heart is experienced by that man who has learned to feed on Jesus, and on Jesus alone. Yet the realization which we have of Christ’s preciousness is, in this life, imperfect at the best. As an old writer says, “'Tis but a taste!” We have tasted “that the Lord is gracious,” but we do not yet know how good and gracious he is, although what we know of his sweetness makes us long for more. We have enjoyed the firstfruits of the Spirit, and they have set us hungering and thirsting for the fulness of the heavenly vintage. We groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption. Here we are like Israel in the wilderness, who had but one cluster from Eshcol, there we shall be in the vineyard. Here we see the manna falling small, like coriander seed, but there shall we eat the bread of heaven and the old corn of the kingdom. We are but beginners now in spiritual education; for although we have learned the first letters of the alphabet, we cannot read words yet, much less can we put sentences together; but as one says, “He that has been in heaven but five minutes, knows more than the general assembly of divines on earth.” We have many ungratified desires at present, but soon every wish shall be satisfied; and all our powers shall find the sweetest employment in that eternal world of joy. O Christian, antedate heaven for a few years. Within a very little time thou shalt be rid of all thy trials and thy troubles. Thine eyes now suffused with tears shall weep no longer. Thou shalt gaze in ineffable rapture upon the splendour of him who sits upon the throne. Nay, more, upon his throne shalt thou sit. The triumph of his glory shall be shared by thee; his crown, his joy, his paradise, these shall be thine, and thou shalt be co-heir with him who is the heir of all things. 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

http://bible.com/1/psa63.1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

It is never too late to be what you might have been. -George Eliot

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. -Proverbs 21:13

Ephesians 5:1-2 () 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. #Bible http://mydailybible.org/dv/esv/2014-07-20.htm

When people commend themselves, it doesn't count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them. (NLT) -2 Corinthians 10:18 It can be hard being around someone who is quick to tell you of their accomplishments and boast about themselves. Yet, we, ourselves, get carried away in seeking praise when we just found success. Boasting begins to inflate our identity of ourselves and places importance on human opinions. Are we seeking human praise over the invaluable praise of God? The next time you feel a great sense of accomplishment, try telling God first. He will delight that you are coming to Him and He will praise you greatly. Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Faith's Checkbook: Looking for Him Heb 9:28 - Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/july/20

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. -Psalm 63:3