Month: December 2015

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 9; Zechariah 5-6; Revelation 14

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

The headmaster asked the children what was the most important thing about Christmas. A young girl in the front row replied, “Love.” How true. In the gift of His Son, God has visibly expressed the greatest love ever known. Born in a manger and growing up in this sinful world, the Lord Jesus came that He might give Himself a ransom for our sin. Have you thanked Him for dying for you? —Janet Fleming

Jesus, mighty Creator;
Worshipped by angels above,
Nailed to the cross as my Saviour
Dying because He is love.
—Janet Fleming

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 8; Zechariah 4; Revelation 13

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.  Matthew 2:11

The wise men’s actions were instinctive. They fell down in adoration before the young child and worshipped Him. In love they presented to Him their costly gifts. As we live day by day, may we have such an instinctive sense of awe and worship for our Saviour—ever ready to give Him the gifts of love and obedience. —Anonymous

I’ve found the precious Christ of God,
My heart doth sing for joy;
And sing I must, for Christ I have,
A precious Christ I have.
—I. J. Mason

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 7; Zechariah 2-3; Revelation 12

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin…  2 Corinthians 5:21
O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee. Psalm 69:5

David’s prophetic psalm brings to mind one of the greatest mysteries of Calvary—the fact of our Lord Jesus being made sin for us. Who can understand the Holy One so completely identifying with us that He became our sin offering? The holy, harmless Son of God became the object of divine justice when He took upon Himself the sin of humanity and made himself responsible for it. As we think on it today, may our worship gladden the Father’s heart. —Sid Halsband

Whatever curse was mine He bore; the wormwood and the gall,
There, in that lone mysterious hour, my cup—He drained it all.
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 6; Zechariah 1; Revelation 11

Let us draw near with a true heart…  Hebrews 10:22
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith… Hebrews 10:23
Let us consider one another…to love and to good works. Hebrews 10:24

Here are the main elements of the believer’s walk of faith: worship that comes from a true heart; a witness that does not waver and work that stirs others to fervently and faithfully serve the Lord. They issue from the blood of Christ that opens the way (v. 19), a rent veil that declares the way (Matt. 27:51), and a great High Priest who keeps the way open for us to exercise and enjoy the privileges of our faith. What an offer and what an opportunity! —Mark Kolchin

Thou in whom all fullness dwelleth, wilt Thou now impart to me,
Something of Thy blessèd nature, draw me nearer, Lord, to Thee?
—Helen Pierce

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 5; Haggai 2; Revelation 10

And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you…the Lord shall rule over you…And Gideon made an ephod…and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.  Judges 8:23, 27

Greatly used of God as a younger man, Gideon told the Israelites the Lord would rule them. However by his foolish action of making a golden ephod, he led them into idolatry. As soon as he was dead they went a step further and “made Baal their god” (v. 33). I may correctly teach the Word of God but based on my actions let me ask myself, “What will I leave behind when the Lord calls me home?” Younger people will follow what I do rather than what I say. —David Croudace

Yes, for the sowers must pass from their labours,
Only remembered, only remembered, by what we have done.
—H. Bonar

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 4; Haggai 1; Revelation 9

Jesus heard that they cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?…Lord, I believe.  John 9:35, 38

Jesus had healed the blind man. That his sight was restored was utterly evident. Yet the religious leaders rejected this man and his account of what had happened to him. But Jesus in His love and compassion found him. And, in response to the Saviour’s invitation, he trusted in the Lord. Do you feel rejected, alone, forsaken? Jesus offers Himself to you as Saviour and Lord. Will you believe in Him today? —Bob Cretney

Troubled soul, the Saviour can see, every heartache and tear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.
—John M. Moore

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 3; Daniel 12; Revelation 8

What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. Job 34:7-8

These are the words of Elihu who assumed that Job’s suffering was the result of his wickedness. We know that Job eschewed evil. Never assume that sad circumstances befalling God’s people are due to God’s deliberate intervening action. The enemy is often allowed to inflict his wounds so that godly saints can shine even more brightly in the crucible. —Brian Russell

My song shall be of Jesus;
Whatever ill betide,
I’ll sing the grace that saves me,
And keeps me at His side.
—Mrs. Van Alstyne

DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 1-2; Daniel 11:21-45; Revelation 7

…O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?  Matthew 16:3

The Pharisees and Sadducees were better at homespun meteorology than interpreting Christ’s signs. Though He gave ample evidence to back up His claims, they clung to their erroneous and preconceived notions of Him. Academic intellect, scientific understanding, business acumen, and other forms of human wisdom are not adequate means of evaluating the Lord. Only divine revelation from His Word provides a sure guide for learning the truth. —K. R. Keyser

While created things are wasting, still our God abides the same;
All His words are everlasting, all His works His love proclaim.
—G. W. Frazer

DAILY?READINGS: Ezra 10; Daniel 11:1-20; Revelation 6

What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Psalm 89:48

Within a little graveyard adjoining a chapel in a small village is a grave marked with this touching epitaph, “She has done what she could.” Long after her death the townsfolk still spoke of this woman’s devotion; she spent herself freely and untiringly in service to them. If the Lord be not come, each of us will take up a temporary residence in a cemetery. We cannot escape death, but we can, by the grace of God, live a full life in Christ. How will your friends and neighbours remember you after your sojourn on the earth has passed? —W. A. H.

I’ll bless the hand that guided, I’ll bless the heart that planned,
When throned where glory dwelleth, in Immanuel’s land.
—Anne R. Cousin