August 3
MORNING
His mercy is for those who fear him.
Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.
If you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.--The Lord is near to all who call on him . . . in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
"Because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, . . . and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord."--"But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."--The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Luke 1:50; Ps. 31:19, 20; 1 Pet. 1:17; Ps. 145:18, 19; 2 Kings 22:19; Isa. 66:2; Ps. 34:18
EVENING"Those who honor me I will honor."
"Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven."--"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. . . . Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."
This slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.--Praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Sam. 2:30; Matt. 10:32; Matt. 10:37-39; Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10; 2 Cor. 4:17; 1 Pet. 1:7
