Month: October 2015

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 17; Jeremiah 51:1-24; 1 Timothy 1

Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom… that ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods.  Joshua 23:6-7

As Joshua begins his final message he reminds Israel of three things. Be very courageous. Keep all that Moses had written. Be a separated people. We need to follow these same injunctions today. It is only as we unashamedly take that stand, that we will enjoy the victory which God promised Israel (v. 10). “One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.” —David Croudace

Firmly standing for the truth of His Word;
You shall conquer in the name of the Lord!
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 15:32 to 16:20; Jer. 50:21-46; Titus 2:9 to 3:15

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  Isaiah 1:18

Scarlet is a fixed and permanent colour. It is actually the biblical colour for sin, not black. There is no power in chemistry that can take the scarlet colour out without destroying the fabric. However, what is impossible in chemistry is possible in grace. Our Saviour’s work at Calvary can remove sins of deepest dye. As a lost sinner, have you responded to the Lord’s invitation to “Come now”—not tomorrow, next week, or next month, but today? —W. Ross Rainey

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; 
Sin had left a crimson stain, 
He washed it white as snow.
—Elvina M. Hall

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 14:23 to 15:31; Jer. 50:1-20; Titus 1 to 2:8

If thou, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.  Psalm 130:3-4

As believers, none of us have anything to be proud of. Time and again we let the Lord down. The Bible, however, from Genesis to Revelation, is replete with the thought of forgiveness. You may feel that you have behaved beyond the scope of God’s mercy. There is always a way back, and there is always a Father to receive you. Do not forget that the man in Luke 15 who was lost and found, was always a son. —Brian Russell

If my people’s hearts are humbled; if they pray and seek my face;
If they turn away from evil, I will not withhold my grace.
—Clair Cloniger

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 13 to 14:22; Jeremiah 49; Hebrews 13:7-25

In every thing give thanks.  1 Thessalonians 5:18
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15

As a child, I remember joining hands around our thanksgiving table and taking turns expressing one thing we were thankful for. This practise was intended to focus our attention on the “Giver” rather than our gifts. On a day when many people focus mainly on their temporal blessings, it behooves us to thank God for our many spiritual blessings; but foremost for the indescribable gift of His Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. —E. V.

Whole-hearted thanksgiving to Thee I will bring
In praise of Thy marvellous deeds I will sing;
In Thee I will joy and exultingly cry,
Thy name I will praise, Oh Jehovah, most High.
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 11-12; Jeremiah 48; Hebrews 12:18 to 13:6

Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus!  Revelation 22:20

As the storm clouds gather over this poor sinful world, and as the day of vengeance of our God approaches, what a comfort for the believer to recall this promise of the Lord Jesus, that He is coming back again to receive us to Himself. So that where He is, there we may be also. This is indeed a “blessed hope” amid all the hopelessness of the world today. To know that before the storm of judgment bursts on this deserving world, we will be transported to the skies, to meet Him in the air, and so shall we be, forever with the Lord. We echo the longing of the apostle John when he wrote—”Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” —W. H. Burnett

O child of God, thy lot may be oft mixed with trial, grief and pain;
Look up, He’ll surely come for Thee: He says, “I’ll quickly come again.”
—T. D. W. Muir

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 10; Jeremiah 45-47; Hebrews 12:1-17

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments.  1 Corinthians 12:28

The word “governments” comes from a word that means “to steer; a helmsman”. This pictures what spiritual leaders do in the local church. They are to keep the ship in the channel, away from dangers. The Lord has appointed and gifted those who can do this. An assembly without “government” is like a ship without a helmsman. We should pray for those who guide the saints and allow them to steer us as guided by the Lord. And those who govern need to study the charts (the Word) and keep a sharp eye for dangers. —Carl Knott

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me, over life’s tempestuous sea,
Chart and compass come from Thee: Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.
—E. Hopper

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 9; Jeremiah 44; Hebrews 11:17-40

…that in all things he might have the preeminence.  Colossians 1:18

Paul has been relating the greatness of Christ. He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is the Head of the Church, her absolute Sovereign. In every area the Father wants the Son to have the first place. This is the exalted position God has given Him. How about you? Are you giving Him that first place in your life? Such submission gives one true joy and liberty in daily living. —Donald L. Norbie

He is Lord! He is Lord!
He is risen from the dead and He is Lord.
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord!
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 8; Jeremiah 42:7 to 43:13; Hebrews 11:1-16

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground…  Exodus 14:22

The Israelites weren’t spared the pursuit of the Egyptians—nor the dilemma of an impassible sea. To the brink of impossibility God led His people—not to destroy them, but to preserve them. As they walked through—God defeated their enemy and secured their salvation. Are you boxed in on all sides today? Are you seeing the impossible wherever you turn? Remember the God of the miraculous! The battle behind you and the sea before you are nothing for Him who commands armies and seas. He’s promised to make a way through for those who trust in Him. Trust Him today! —Deborah Manera

I’ll trust the Lord with all my heart, His promises are sure;
His grace divine, His tenderness, will evermore endure.
—C. L. Shacklock