July 31

Don’t ask, “Can I be kept from sin, if I keep close to Him?” Ask instead, “Can I be kept from sin, if He is near me?” Then you will see how reliable He is. Confess, humble yourself, admit what you have done. Keep the door closed to sin through the blood of Jesus and in the name of Jesus.

False Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Matthew 24:24

We are so glad it is written, “if possible,” Lord! What a joy that it is not possible and that it is You Yourself who prepares us and gives us the grace and discernment we need.

July 30

Jesus paid all your sin bills on the cross. Claim the riches that are yours through Him. Live as a child of the King, not as a beggar!

He has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature.

2 Peter 1:4

Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You have freed us from sin and unlocked a treasure chest of grace for our use. Our riches are greater than all the earth's gold and silver combined!

July 29

Before the war I was a watchmaker. When my hand was not steady and I had to do a very exact piece of work on a watch, I would pray, “Lord Jesus, will You lay Your hand on my hand?” He always did, and our joined hands worked firmly and securely. Jesus never fails us for a moment.

And the hand of the Lord was with them ....

Acts 11:21

Remind us that You are always with us, Lord. Thank You that even our smallest problems concern You. You answer our slightest need.

July 28

While visiting NORAD in Colorado. I talked to a general. He had a walkie-talkie, and told me that he had “over the horizon radar contact” with the president and other strategic points twenty-four hours a day.

And I thought, I, too, have “over the horizon radar contact,” through the Holy Spirit. I have contact with my heavenly Father, and I know my strategic points.

We can only see a little of God’s loving

a few rich samples of His mighty store

But out there, beyond the eye's horizon

there is more, there is more

—Springs in the Valley by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman (1939)

. . . Fear not . . . I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Genesis 15:1

Thank You, Lord. We have no need to fear when the Holy Spirit is with us as our protector and guide.

July 27

We must not make our own plans without God’s guidance. Do your planning while in prayer. Be sure that the Lord is walking before you and that you are not recklessly rushing ahead of Him.

He leadeth me! Oh, blessed thought!

oh, words with heavenly comfort fraught

Whate’er I do, where’er I be

still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me

—Joseph H. Gilmore (1864)

And the Lord shall guide thee continually . . .

Isaiah 58:11 

Lord, give us patience to wait for Your guidance. Keep us from rash actions, no matter how right they seem at the time.

July 26

God gives us two types of guidance. The first is unconscious, and comes because our lives are committed to Jesus. The second is special guidance, for instance when God wants to move us in a new direction—a new job or a new field of work.

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalms 32:8

We need Your wisdom in our lives, Father. Help us to know Your will so that we can make those few large decisions that alter our lives from time to time.

July 25

When Papa took a watch apart to repair it and put it back together again, it was a task he performed without regard to the owner’s social status or wealth. He taught us that it is more important what God thinks of the job you have done than what you yourself think. or what other people think.

. . . obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men.

Colossians 3:22-23 RSV

Lord Jesus, what a joy that when You enter into our lives, even the smallest actions are important. We may claim Your discipline and victory in the work of everyday life.

July 24

Father and Mother lived on the edge of poverty, and yet their contentment was not dependent upon their surroundings. Their relationship to each other and to the Lord gave them strength and happiness.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:1

Lord Jesus, with You close, what else do we really need? With Your love, we have the best; without Your love, we are truly poor, whatever our circumstances.

July 23

When I was a little girl I was sure that Jesus was a member of the ten Boom family. It was just as easy to talk to Him as it was to carry on a conversation with my mother and father. Jesus was there. I was closer to the reality and truth of Jesus’ presence than the one who makes fellowship with the Lord a problem by his reasoning and logical thinking.

Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20

Lord, how wonderful to be Your friend, to feel You close to us every hour, and to know Your love for us never fades.