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Since sin, death, and hell cannot swallow Jesus up, they must needs be swallowed up by him in stupendous conflict. For:

–Martin Luther

I still struggle with sin; I know that I will have to face physical death; and I realize that I deserve to go to hell. And therefore I am so glad that I have a Savior that is so much bigger than these three enemies. He never sinned, He conquered death by raising Himself from the dead, and He dictates who does or doesn’t go to Hell based upon our faith in Him. He has swallowed up these three, and now I no longer have to fear them if I have placed my faith firmly on Jesus and His power to save.

The soul can do without everything, except the Word of God, without which none at all of its wants are provided for. But, having the Word, it is rich and wants for nothing; since that is the Word of life, of truth, of light, of peace, of justification, of salvation, of joy, of liberty, of wisdom, of virtue, of grace, of glory, and of every good thing.
–Martin Luther

The Word provides us with all that we need. And as we make it more and more a part of our life, we find that it also meets our every desire.

We say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and many of us would not start the day without it. Why start your day without the Word of God? Be sure to take time today to spend some time reading that most important gift that God has given us to meet both our needs and our wants.

Bear patiently with the defects and infirmities of others, whatever they may be, because you also have many a fault which others must endure.
–Thomas à Kempis

Ha ha! What a great quote to remind us not to think too highly of ourselves!

While we go through this day, let us be careful not to do so much criticizing of others, because there is a whole lot that others could criticize about us. While we are enduring the things that frustrate us in other people, there are other people who are being very patient regarding the frustrating things that we do.

So as you begin today, ask God to give you the ability to go through this day with patience and compassion for others… He is patient and compassionate toward you, so be patient with others and look at them with compassion.

There is something dark and deceitful that still lurks in the heart of every one of God’s children who has not yet been fully glorified…
…sin.

    It is only ever the sin inside of you that draws and hooks you to the sin outside of you. Every day there is a war fought for control of your heart. But your jealous Savior, with the zeal of gorgeous redemptive love, will not share your heart. He will not rest until your heart is ruled by him and him alone.
–Paul David Tripp

I am so thankful he is working to make my heart fully his!
Refine me, Lord.