The higher the building, the deeper the foundation.

What difference does God’s Word make in your life, Pilgrim? Do you read it simply for Biblical information—i.e., so you can learn more facts, garner more memory verses, etc.—or do you “hide it in your heart so you’ll not sin against God” (Ps. 119:11)?

The world may not care about Abram’s being called out at 75-years-old by God (Gen. 12:1-4). . .or the fact that he “hearkened to the voice of Sarai” at age 85 (Gen. 16:2b). . .or “fell on his face and laughed” when God told him he’d have the promised son, Isaac, at age 100 (Gen. 17:15-17). . .or was willing to offer that same son up to God as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:1-18).

Such a harsh-sounding word to one who hated school and tests during his/her formative years. Much better was recess or P.E. classes where games could be played. Perhaps that’s why so few Pilgrims regularly heed today’s Manna—and, in so doing, leave themselves vulnerable and powerless against the enemy in spiritual warfare.

Ours is increasingly a visual society. Mass-media has greatly changed our way of doing things and our worldview. Consequently, most of our reading is casual or leisurely, limited primarily to newspapers, magazines or our favorite type of book (e.g., fiction, novel, historical narrative, etc.).

But, sadly, when it comes to simply sitting down and reading God’s Word. . .from cover to cover. . .we find it incredibly difficult.

The husbandman that labors must be first partaker of the fruits. . .Therefore, I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

“You, therefore, endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life—that he may please Him Who has chosen him to be a soldier. And, if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”

When we were saved, God’s most Precious Treasure (Jesus) was deposited into our clay pot’s heart (II Cor. 4:7). At first, we were spiritual babies and His Word our “spiritual milk” (I Pet. 2:2-3). But, like a human baby, after “tasting that the Lord is gracious” (v.3), we should “grow in His Grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (II Pet. 3:18).

That’s the bottom-line message of the Apostle John’s Manna today. This aged, beloved follower of Christ, who was the only one of the original 12 Apostles who didn’t die a violent death, knew up-close-and-personal what it meant to “love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength” (Dt. 6:5). And, this is the message he was trying to convey to his readers (and us) as he penned these wonderful words.

Now, at first glance, his first words (“Love not the world, neither the things in the world”) are tough to understand. Does this mean we should become an ascetic hermit who lives in a hut in the mountains or a shanty on the seashore? Does this mean it’s wrong for us to have a nice house, car, clothes, etc., or enjoy going to a movie, ballgame, hunting, etc?

When the reason for our service is the pleasure of His smile, we need never wonder what our motive is.

Love and obedience.

The two always go hand-in-hand. Although none of us can really “know our heart—for it’s incredibly deceitful and wicked” (Jer. 17:9)—we can still do our best to consciously commit in consecration every part of our lives to Christ in all we say and do.

How heartbreaking it is for a parent to try and raise a child who’s stubborn and rebellious. At first he tries coaxing or “sweet-talking” the little tyke into obeying. Then, he tries a sterner approach with “commands and consequences.” If that doesn’t work, then forced compliance (e.g., corporal punishment, depriving of privileges, etc.) kicks in—and the child’s only two-years-old! How much greater the heartache when the child’s 46-years-old and still incorrigible!!