“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:29, 30 KJV).
“God’s people are to be tested by the divine law. The right arm may have to be severed, the right eye to be taken out. Not that the body should be mutilated, and the members dissevered, because this would not reach the soul-malady, which lies deep; but the things that hinder spiritual growth, that lead to disobedience to God and separation from Him, must be given up, even though they have been cherished till they are as dear as the right arm or the right eye. BEcho August 5, 1895, par. 7
“But though a tested and tried people, Christians need not be unhappy. Even here they may have the joy of communion with Christ; they may have the light of His love, the perpetual comfort of His presence. Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer the blessed home of peace, which Christ is preparing for His obedient, trusting people. And what a home that is! ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.’ BEcho August 5, 1895, par. 8
“In keeping the commandments of God, ‘there is great reward.’” BEcho August 5, 1895, par. 9
Dear Heavenly Father, Please bless me to grow into the fulness of Your love, that nothing will be more precious to me than pleasing You. With a grateful heart, I pray in the worthy name of Jesus. Amen.
NOTE: These devotionals began as daily texts to encourage my academy roommate and dear friend of nearly 50 years, until she suddenly passed a few weeks ago (Feb 2023). Now I continue to compile and send them to anyone who wants to receive them and to her family in honor of their mom. First, I pray and look for a Bible verse or passage and find a suitable commentary (or vice versa) and add a prayer. Some days, only a Scripture and prayer are ordered. I might even add a song. If you agree to receive them, then this way I not only honor God but the memory of a very dear friend whom I desperately miss. My personal prayer is that God will bless me to find ways to multiply this gift. So please feel free to forward to your loved ones or to anyone, as God leads you. I’m calling them Barb’s Devotionals.