Lord`s Day, April 30, 2017

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 10:11-11:3; Proverbs 8:1-36; Jude:1-25

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Titus 3:6

In the kindness of God, His love, His salvation, our regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit have all been given abundantly to us. This is great giving and God did it all. What should our response be? We should pour out abundant praise, worship and thanksgiving for so great salvation. Our worship meetings should be full and overflowing with abundant praise, abundant worship and abundant thanksgiving to the One who gave all for us. Such abundant giving deserves a great response. —Carl Knott

O God our Saviour, while we thus, remember Him who made us free;
Who agonized and died for us; our grateful hearts would rise to Thee! —Author Unknown

Saturday, April 29, 2017

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 9:1-10:10; Proverbs 6:20-7:27; Mark 16:1-20

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat;…I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18

Habakkuk does not paint an attractive picture of life. He is forthright about the very real issues facing him. But he uses these circumstances to remind himself of where true joy is found: “I will rejoice in the Lord”.
The blessings and tragedies of this life will pass away. The Christian’s joy can never be found in things or circumstances. Only God remains true and faithful. Find your joy in Him today! —Deborah Manera

There is no greater joy in the Christian life, than to trust Him
and need no further explanation. —Jack Hyles

Friday, April 28, 2017

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 8:1-26; Proverbs 5:1-6:19; Mark 15:24-47

Ye must be born again. John 3:7
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13

The new birth does not come through human descent (“not of blood”), nor does it come through human desire (“the will of the flesh”), nor does it come through human determination (“nor of the will of man”). The issue is, have you put your faith in Christ? Have you been born of God: have you been born from above? Apart from this you will never enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Believe on Christ now, tomorrow may be too late. —W. Ross Rainey

Children of men, attend to the word, so solemnly uttered by Jesus the Lord;
And let not this message to you be in vain, “Ye must be born again.” —William T. Sleeper

Thursday, April 27, 2017

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 7:1-89; Proverbs 4:1-27; Mark 15:1-23

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12

Four U.S. Presidents give testimony of the above verse. Andrew Jackson: “The Bible is the rock on which our Republic rests.” Ulysses Grant: “Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet anchor of your liberties and as our guide for the future.” William McKinley: “The more profoundly we study the wonderful Book…the better citizens we will become.” Woodrow Wilson: “When you have read the Bible, you will know it is the Word of God.” —E. Bennett MacLelland

Precious Holy Bible, treasure rich and rare,
Word of God eternal, balm for ev’ry care;
God’s full revelation of the sin of man,
And of Christ’s redemption, and salvation’s plan. —Alfred P. Gibbs

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 6:1-27; Proverbs 3:1-35; Mark 14:53-72

But prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts 12:5

How do we view and value the local church’s prayer meeting? Is it an essential priority or an occasion of little importance? We learn from verse 12 of this chapter that “many were gathered together praying”. It
was well attended! Their praying was earnest and persevering. It was specific and concentrated. United prayer resulted in heavenly intervention. Chains were loosed, doors and iron gates were opened! What a heart-thrilling climax when Peter joined them in person. Don’t miss being part of God’s spiritual “power-house”. —Pete Smith

Now may we prove the power of prayer,
To strengthen faith and banish care. —William Cowper

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 5:1-31; Proverbs 2:1-22; Mark 14:27-52

But king Solomon loved many strange women…For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God. 1 Kings 11:1, 4

Beware the “buts” that can steal our hearts. Early in his rule Solomon loved God and depended upon Him. But later loving his many wives, they turned him to idols. Unlike his father David, Solomon had divided loyalties. Believer, God wants our whole hearts. Beware spiritual adultery. Not only sinful, but also good things can gradually come between us and Christ. Like David may God unite our hearts to fear His name (Ps. 86:11). —George Ferrier

Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
And nothing I desire compares with You. —Lynn DeShazo

Monday, April 24, 2017

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 4:1-49; Proverbs 1:1-33; Mark 14:1-26

And his ears are open unto their cry. Psalm 34:15
But my God shall supply all your need. Philippians 4:19
He healeth the broken in heart. Psalm 147:3
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

We all from time to time experience trials and tribulations, heartaches and disappointments. We are assured from God’s Word that He: hears our prayers, helps with our every need, heals the heart that is aching and holds us forever with his loving arms. Our God is indeed an awesome God. —Bob Cretney

God will take care of you, through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you, God will take care of you. —Civilla D. Martin

Lord’s Day, April 23, 2017

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 3:1-51; Psalms 148:1-150:6; Mark 13:1-37

The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? John 18:11

God is infinitely generous. He has given to us richly all things to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17), and He gave many things to His Son to use for our blessing. Yet here we enter the holy place. How the Father could give such a thing to His only beloved Son escapes our reason and befuddles our senses. Yet He did. How the Saviour could lovingly and willingly drink that cup on our behalf exceeds our understanding. Yet He did, and we shed tears of joy. —Rick Morse
What was it, O our God; led Thee to give Thy Son?
To yield Thy well-beloved, for us by sin undone? —Ann Taylor Gilbert

 

Saturday, April 22, 2017

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 2:1-34; Psalms 146:1-147:20; Mark 12:18-44

There are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. John 21:25 

The Library of Congress in Washington is the world’s largest library. It has over 32 million books and new items are added at the rate of 10,000 per day. Yet that vast number could not begin to tell the full
story of our Saviour. It is startling to consider that only a fraction is recorded of the Lord’s exploits and what is written is so that “Ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). Is this a truth you have grasped and believed? —Brian Powlesland

Lord, I have made Thy Word my choice, my lasting heritage;
There shall my noblest powers rejoice, my warmest thoughts engage. —Isaac Watts

Friday, April 21, 2017

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 1:1-54; Psalms 144:1-145:21; Mark 11:27-12:17

Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

In 1965, Jim Elliot was one of five godly men who died at the end of Auca lances in Ecuador. In his diary he had written, “Lord, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life, that I may burn for Thee. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus.” The Lord granted Jim Elliot’s request, and today the fire, then ignited, still burns in the hearts and lives of redeemed Aucas. What is our passion? —Arnot P. McIntee

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Till I am wholly Thine,
Until the earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine. —E. Hatch