BJU Press Blog

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VICTORY

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My minister once noted that the presence of a “shadow” in the valley of death indicates there is light. The Lord will not abandon us when we come to our own Jordan River crossing. The faithful keeping we enjoyed in this life will continue to the very end.

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“O sing unto the Lord a new song; . . . his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory” (Psalm 98:1). “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). “Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? . . . But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4–5).

Golden thought: He will swallow up death in victory.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (December 16 reading).]

TRUE

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True is a beautiful word—whether used as an adverb or adjective. It is altogether appropriate to use it to describe both the person and words of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source and sustenance of all that is true. Because He has been true to His Father, we know He is worthy of our constant trust.

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“The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:9b). “Thy word is true from the beginning” (Psalm 119:160a). “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest . . . if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). “Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth” (I John 2:8). “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war” (Revelation 19:11). “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true” (Revelation 22:6a).

GOLDEN THOUGHT: The true Light now shines.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (December 9 reading).]

THOUGHT

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Because of our limited powers of perception, the Bible says we know a person by his “fruits.” But the God of heaven knows and judges even a person’s thoughts and intentions. In the flesh we cannot please Him. Rather, we must rely on the control of His Spirit and the influence of His Holy Word for our thoughts to be directed toward that which is holy.

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“The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity” (Psalm 94:11). “I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love” (Psalm 119:113). “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7). Jesus warned, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). “The weapons of our warfare are . . . mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds . . . bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:4b–5b). “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, . . . and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Golden thought: The Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts of the heart.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (December 2 reading).]

STRENGTHEN

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I realize that physical strength may actually have little or nothing to do with inner strength. But when feeling physically weak, my perception of things can be affected. I can become downcast, but suppose that I am spiritually weak as well. Christ answers that weakness with His strength. All that is required of me is to cling to Him and patiently rest in His promises.

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“My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word” (Psalm 119:28). “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, . . . strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power” (Colossians 1:10–11). “Not withstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known” (II Timothy 4:17). “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (I Peter 5:10).

Golden thought: I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (November 18 reading).]

STATUTES

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I don’t often hear the word statute beyond the halls where legalese is spoken. But it’s a weighty word. It is law—it is binding. To love a statute and to delight in it, I must be well-acquainted with the heart that declared it and assured of His good will. Like the psalmist, my obedience is inseparable with my confidence in the goodness of God.

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“I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly” (Psalm 119:8). “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word” (Psalm 119:16). “Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes” (Psalm 119:23). “Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end” (Psalm 119:33). “My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes” (Psalm 119:48). “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage” (Psalm 119:54). “Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes” (Psalm 119:68). “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71).

Golden thought: I will delight myself in Your statutes.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (November 11 reading).]