Daily Devotional for July 21
To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth. (John 18:37)
IT was our Lord's faithfulness to the Truth that brought upon Him the opposition of those who were blinded by the adversary. It was His witness to the Truth that cost Him His life, and it was the giving of His life in defence of the Truth that constituted the redemption price. Similarly all of the Lord's followers are to bear witness to the Truth--the truth in respect to God's character and plan....It is such witness to the Truth that is to cost all the true followers of Jesus their lives in presenting themselves living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God through Christ Jesus. Let each one who hopes to be a joint-heir with the Prince of Life in the Kingdom witness to the Truth--a good confession respecting the Kingdom, its foundation and ultimate superstructure in glory. Z.'99-123 R2471:6
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As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. (John 15:4)
OUR Lord gives us an intimation that the growing of much fruit is not wholly dependent upon ourselves, and that even while we abide in him as fruitbearing branches the quality and quantity of the fruit is to be improved by our having proper ideals before our minds, and earnestly seeking their realization. Thus he says, “If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.” The intimation is that the desire and the asking of the Father at the throne of heavenly grace is a means by which we may more and more receive of the sap of the Vine, the Holy Spirit, and be enabled to develop the fruits of the Spirit. It will be noticed that nothing here implies the seeking or finding of earthly good things. These are to be left wholly to the Lord's wisdom and providence, and his people, the true branches of the Vine, are to desire and to seek for the Holy Spirit, which the Father is more willing to give to them than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children. `Z'99-111` R2466:2 (Hymn 91)
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