"Underneath are the everlasting arms."

      "Underneath are the everlasting arms."                -- Deuteronomy 33 :27 God-the eternal God-is himself our support at all times, and especially when we are sinking in deep trouble. There are seasons when the Christian sinks very low in humiliation. Under a deep sense of his great sinfulness, he is humbled before God till he scarcely knows how to pray, because he appears, in his own sight, so worthless. Well, child of God, remember that when thou art at thy worst and lowest, yet "underneath" thee "are everlasting arms." Sin may drag thee ever so low, but Christ's great atonement is still under all. You may have descended into the deeps, but you cannot have fallen so low as "the uttermost"; and to the uttermost he saves. Again, the Christian sometimes sinks very deeply in sore trial from without. Every earthly prop is cut away. What then? Still underneath him are "the everlasting arms." He cannot fall so deep in distress and affliction but what the covenant grace of an ever-faithful God will still encircle him. The Christian may be sinking under trouble from within through fierce conflict, but even then he cannot be brought so low as to be beyond the reach of the "everlasting arms"- they are underneath him; and, while thus sustained, all Satan's efforts to harm him avail nothing. This assurance of support is a comfort to any weary but earnest worker in the service of God. It implies a promise of strength for each day, grace for each need, and power for each duty. And, further, when death comes, the promise shall still hold good. When we stand in the midst of Jordan, we shall be able to say with David, "I will fear no evil, for thou art with me." We shall descend into the grave, but we shall go no lower, for the eternal arms prevent our further fall. All through life, and at its close, we shall be upheld by the "everlasting arms"-arms that neither flag nor lose their strength, for "the everlasting God fainteth not, neither is weary."

christian impression

  If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort form his love, if any fellowship with the spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.    -- Philippians 2 :1-5       THOUGHT: Many people, even Christians, live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But "selfish ambition or vain conceit" brings discord. Paul therefore, stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in spirit and purpose. When we work together, caring for the problems of others as if they were our problems, we demonstrate Christ's example of putting others first and we experience unity. Don't be so concerned about making a good impression on meeting your own needs that you strain relationships in God's family. Selfish ambition can ruin a church, but genuine humility can build it. Being humble involves having a true perspective about ourselves ( See Romans 12 :3). It does not mean that we should put ourselves down. Before God, we are sinners, saved only by God's kingdom. We are to lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy. Considering others' interests as more important than our own links us with Christ, who was the true example of humility. PRAYER:  Shepherd of my soul, thank you for the ups and downs, the joy and blessings in the month of January. We are also thanking you for this wonderful month of February, Thanks for the wonderful word that you 've sent to us in this month. You will work in us to be like-minded this month in the name of Jesus. Your thought will be our though, your pursuit will be our pursuit, you goal our goal in this month. You will help us to deal with people the way you will deal with them. We shall walk and please you in the name of Jesus. This month shall be fruitful to us in the name of Jesus. You will use us to affect others positively in Jesus mighty name of Jesus I prayed Amen.

just as you received him

VERSE:   Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.    -- Colossians 2 :6-7      
THOUGHT:   Some things you don't change, swap, or update. In an age when computer processors make major leaps every few months and software companies release new upgrades every year, we get programmed into looking for the new and improved version of everything. The simple but profound truth is that Jesus is Lord. No update needed. No rival worthy. No change necessary. In fact, if we stray from this as the basis of our life, we put all we hold dear at risk. But if we continue, if we grow, if we root ourselves in this truth and make it the undergirding reality of our lives, then our future is secure and our victory assured!
PRAYER:   Holy God, I thank you for the simple, challenging and enduring truth of Jesus' Lordship. Through you Spirit, I pray that you will conform my life to more closely reflect his lordship in my work, my family, and daily influence. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.