July 30
MORNING
Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Get wisdom; get insight.--The wisdom from above.--"The deep says, 'It is not in me,' and the sea says, 'It is not with me.'"--We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.--God . . . made us alive together with Christ . . . and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
People who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.--Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility.
Col. 3:1; Prov. 4:5; Jas. 3:17; Job 28:14; Rom. 6:4, 5; Heb. 12:1; Eph. 2:4-6; Heb. 11:14; Zeph. 2:3
EVENING
Nicodemus, who had gone to him before.
Peter was following him at a distance.--Many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.--The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
"Whoever comes to me I will never cast out."--A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench.--"Faith like a grain of mustard seed."
God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord.--Little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.--"Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven."
John 7:50; Matt. 26:58; John 12:42, 43; Prov. 29:25; John 6:37; Isa. 42:3; Matt. 17:20; 2 Tim. 1:7, 8; 1 John 2:28; Matt. 10:32
