Morning
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away.
He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness.
We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. § If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons… Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.
John 15:2; Mal. 3:2–3; Rom. 5:3–5; Heb. 12:7–8, 11–12
Evening
Now we call the proud blessed.
Thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. § Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look. § Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. § Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Mal. 3:15; Isa. 57:15; Prov. 16:19; Matt. 5:3;
Prov. 6:16–17; 16:5; Ps. 139:23–24; Phil. 1:2–3; Matt. 5:5
