Ithaca Devotions

Friday March 27, 2026

A Psalm of David. [1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Exceeding Great & Precious Promise

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Pet. 4:12,13

We are forewarned to think not strange of the fiery trial that shall surely try us if we are indeed the sons of God and soldiers of Christ....These things should be expected and carefully prepared for by the Christian soldier. Peter intimates that the power by which we are to resist the adversary is the power of faith – "whom resist, steadfast in the faith." And John expresses the same thought – "That is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4.)...Faith must grasp the exceeding great and precious promises of God and appreciate their value. Faith must lay hold also upon the power of God and find the grace to help in every time of need. R1859,c2,p5,6

Daily Heavenly Manna (March 27)

I pray for them...that they all may be one... that they may be made perfect in one...that the world may know that Thou hast...loved them, as Thou hast loved Me. John 17:9,20-23

IN amazement we inquire, How can this be? Our Lord Jesus was always in perfect harmony with the Father – a son who gloriously reflected His likeness; but it has not been so with us; we were sinners and had nothing worthy of love. Yes, but we have been washed and cleansed, and, however imperfect our earthen vessels may still be, our hearts are perfect in His sight who is able to read the heart. And, as He sees us with a perfect heart – a perfect purpose and intention – striving to overcome the weaknesses and disabilities of our imperfect flesh, and with painful, yet determined effort to do His will, and humbly trusting in the provisions which He has made for our redemption from the fall, God recognizes in us that which is worthy of His love. `Z.'03-79` R3161:6

Weekly Manna (March 26)

We are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others. 1 Thessalonians 5:5,6

THE Christian, as a disciple of the Lord, as a pupil in the school of Christ, is being fitted for a place in the Millennial kingdom – for a share in its glory, honor and immortality....Hence, we see the necessity for the frequent admonitions of the Scriptures, that the Lord's people shall be awake; – not of those who slumber; not of those who are idle; not of those who are overcharged with the cares of this life; but that they be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Their service toward the Lord is primarily the bringing of themselves into as close harmony with the Lord's will, and into as close likeness to the divine pattern as possible; and secondly, it is that by precept and example they may help others of the called ones in the same narrow way. `Z.'03-70` R3156:5