Month: March 2014

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 34:4-35; Psalms 85-86; Acts 20:17-38

Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1

A young doctor who was an atheist and a computer expert, tired of the “rat race” of life, spent a year on a raft going down the Zambezi river. We invited them to stay so we could give them the Gospel which neither knew. A month later the atheist, as he viewed God’s marvelous creation—the mighty Victoria Falls—wrote to tell us he had trusted Christ. Many years passed and a friend of ours met the computer expert who told him, “I trusted Christ when I heard the Gospel in the Croudace’s home”. What an encouragement to keep sowing the seed even when one does not see immediate results. —David Croudace

O ye saints arouse, be earnest, up and work while yet ‘tis day.
Ere the night of death o’er take thee, strive for souls while still you may.
—Charles C. Luther

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 33 to 34:3; Psalms 83-84; Acts 20:1-16

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter.    Isaiah 53:7 (NKJV)

Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in our Saviour, step by step. From praying in Gethsemane He was led to Caiaphas. From a long night of accusation and abuse by the religious leaders, He was led to Pilate. From Pilate He was led by the soldiers into the hall called the Praetorium. Then, crowned with thorns, He was led to Calvary (Mark 14:53, 15:1, 16). He was led—as a lamb to the slaughter and as the Lamb of God He laid down His life for you and for me. Hallelujah, what a Saviour! —Rex Trogdon

As Lamb of God, Thy path we view,
Thy Father’s will Thy whole delight;
To Calvary we trace Thy way,
Each step of Thine, with glory bright.
—Charles H. Spurgeon

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 32; Psalms 81-82; Acts 19:21-41

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalm 8:3-4

In 1969 Neil Armstrong, the American astronaut planted the above Scripture on the moon. Armstrong’s humble testimony expresses much the same sentiment. He said, “It wasn’t much at all, my going to the moon. Greater far it was, the Son of God coming to the Earth.  —E. MacLelland

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in:
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
—Carl Boberg

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 31; Psalms 79-80; Acts 18:24 to 19:20

And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words. Luke 1:20
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. Luke 1:23

Zacharias was determined to fulfill his days of service. His disability did not deter him and shows what type of man he was. He could have used his loss of speech as a reason to quit his post and go home. But he set aside his hardship and fulfilled his responsibility. Faithfulness, patient endurance, and tenacity are prized commodities in the economy of heaven. Let us follow his example. —Sid Halsband

In Thy presence we are happy; in Thy presence we’re secure;
In Thy presence all afflictions, we can steadfastly endure. —W. Williams

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 30:11-38; Psalm 78:32-72; Acts 18:1-23

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. Luke 8:46

The woman with the issue of blood had a great need, but she knew if she could just get close enough to touch Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. Anonymous among the multitudes that followed Jesus, she made her way towards Him and touched His garment. Though multitudes pressed around Him that day, Jesus recognized the touch of faith and said to the woman, “thy faith hath made thee whole” (Matt. 9:22). Do you have a need? Effectual fervent prayer is heard and answered by the Lord. —D. Pickup

I touched the heart of God in prayer, I lingered in His presence there,
I lost my heavy load of care, when in prayer I touched the heart of God.
—John W. Peterson

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 29:38 to 30:10; Psalm 78:1-31; Acts 17:16-34

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him.    Isa. 59:16
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. Hebrews 10:12

In Israel’s day the prophet described God looking upon earth and seeing no man who loved truth, righteousness and judgment. Thus no one had the desire or capacity to intercede. So God did it Himself. It reminds us of our lost, sinful condition. There was no man that could save us from hell until the Lord Jesus Christ interceded. God stretched out His own arms on the cross and paid the price for our sins. He is our salvation. He is our hope. There is no other. Friend, trust Him today. —George Ferrier

O boundless salvation! Deep ocean of love,
O fullness of mercy, Christ brought from above. —W. Booth

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 29:1-37; Psalms 76-77; Acts 17:1-15

The acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness. Titus 1:1

Are the truths we know practical, or theoretical? The phrase “after godliness” means “according to godliness.” It refers to truth that produces, or results in godliness. This is often overlooked. Bible knowledge alone does not equal godliness. It’s easier to listen to truth or talk about it than to apply it. But God intends it to be known, believed and applied. It has transforming power and God intends it to affect every area of our lives. When this happens it produces a life that is godly. —Carl Knott

Master, speak! And make me ready, when Thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady, still to follow every word.
—Frances Ridley Havergal

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 28:15-43; Psalms 74-75; Acts 16:16-40

Being reviled, we bless: being persecuted, we suffer it. 1 Corinthians 4:12

In Dean Castle, a famous visitor attraction in Kilmarnock, Scotland, is a plaque in memory of those who died in the New York terrorist attacks in September 2001. It quotes Robert Burns’ words “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.” Many today suffer at the hands of others. Pray that their suffering may cease and that those who cause affliction may come to know the Prince of Peace as Saviour and Lord and dispense kindness rather than malice.    —Brian Powlesland

Tho’ the foes of right oppress, keep on praying;
Christ the Lord is near to bless, all prevailing.
Let not fear your heart appall, naught of evil can befall,
Stronger is your God than all, keep on praying.
—Robert O. Smith

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 27:20 to 28:14; Psalm 73; Acts 15:36 to 16:15

The soldiers platted a crown of thorns and put it on his head. John 19:2 
…he said It is finished: and he bowed his head… John 19:30
And the napkin, that was about His head… John 20:7

As we gather today to remember our risen Lord, may our hearts truly worship. Consider the agony of His thorn crowned head, as He suffered for us. Then the victory of His bowed head, as He accomplished the Father’s will and through death completed our salvation. But ultimately the glory of that wrapped head and body, being raised from the dead! Hallelujah! What a Saviour! —Pete Smith

Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son;
Endless is the victory, thou o’er death hast won.
—Edmond Budry