July 20
MORNING
"They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."
He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.--"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
It was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners.--That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.
"Jesus of Nazareth . . . went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him."--So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.--"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
John 17:16; Isa. 53:3; John 16:33; Heb. 7:26; Phil. 2:15; Acts 10:38; Gal. 6:10; John 1:9; Matt. 5:14, 16
EVENING
The cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
"The joy of the Lord is your strength."--The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.--Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.--As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.--More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings.
Prov. 15:15; Neh. 8:10; Rom. 14:17; Eph. 5:18-20; Heb. 13:15; Hab. 3:17, 18; 2 Cor. 6:10; Rom. 5:3
