Month: August 2017

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 15:1-37; Zephaniah 3:1-20; Galatians 3:1-14

Who through faith…stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword. Hebrews 11:33-34
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings…They were stoned, they were sawn asunder…slain with the sword…being destitute, afflicted, tormented. Hebrews 11:36-37

These verses are, of course, from the “Hall of Fame of the Faithful” chapter. If we read only the first section we conclude faith spares us from suffering. As we read on we find that those of equal faith were not spared. A loving Lord permitted their suffering. But, either way they will “ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17). Praise the Lord! —Ken Gross

Faith of our fathers! Living still in spite of dungeon, fire and sword,
O how our hearts beat high with joy, whene’er we hear that glorious word! —Frederick W. Faber

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 14:1-33; Zephaniah 2:1-15; Galatians 2:1-21

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

In the New Testament, poiema, the single Greek word translated “things that are made,” occurs only twice. Once, here in Romans talking about creation. The other time is in Ephesians, talking about us! “We are his workmanship” (2:10). The next time you delight in the beauty of a sunset, the fragrance of a flower or the song of a nightingale, remember this: You, too, are God’s work of art, His poem, His masterpiece! —Lynn Shatford

Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know, I am His and He is mine. —G. W. Robinson

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 13:1-39; Zephaniah 1:1-18; Galatians 1:1-24

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please. Isaiah 55:11 

A group of Gideons, distributing New Testaments at a prison, were advised to ignore a man who used a previous one to roll cigarettes. A thoughtful Gideon eyed him carefully and said: “This time before you tear and smoke the page—promise me you’ll read it.” He agreed. When the Gideons returned they found a new believer. His torn New Testament started with these words “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16a). God promised His Word would not return void. Keep sharing His truth in compassion and love. —Deborah Manera

One single soul saved,
shall outlive and outweigh all the kingdoms of the world. —J. C. Ryle

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 12:1-31; Habakkuk 3:1-19; Romans 16:1-27

Why is light given to him who is in misery, And life to the bitter of soul. Job 3:20 (NKJV)

Job 3 is bleak. Some assume Job does not know what he is saying. Yet, he does. He is voicing his feelings with painful honesty. Should we fault him for being transparent? Is it not better to honestly express our doubts and pain to the Lord than camouflage our true feelings with a false spirituality? Job asked God “why?” But heaven was silent. It is not irreverent to sincerely ask God “why,” as this reveals genuine faith which cannot make sense of His ways. God’s prerogatives rest with Him; man is responsible to obey what is revealed. We must learn to trust in God’s dependable character at all times. —W. A. H.

Sweet will of God, still fold me closer;
Till I am wholly lost in Thee. —Leila Morris

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 10:1-11:27; Habakkuk 2:1-20; Romans 15:14-33

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread. 1 Corinthians 11:23
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. 1 Cor. 15:3

The Lord’s Supper and the gospel were both given by special revelation. Paul delivered what he received. Both also proclaimed what the Lord Jesus has done. When we break bread we proclaim the Lord’s death to remember what He has done for us. When we proclaim the gospel we tell the world of what He has done for all! —Rex Trogdon

According to Thy gracious word, in deep humility
This would I do, O Christ, my Lord, I would remember Thee. — James Montgomery

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 8:1-9:13; Habakkuk 1:1-17; Romans 14:19-15:13

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. Romans 9:3 

Could this be said of us in regards to our love for the souls of others? The Scriptures record it, so Paul meant it. Very few could truthfully echo those words, except our blessed Saviour. Sins, He had none; guilt He had none; yet every sin of any individual who trusts Him as Saviour is washed away for ever. Christ has satisfied God’s divine justice. Gladly we sing, “No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.” —Vernon Markle

Thy work, not mine, O Christ,
Speaks gladness to my heart:
It tells me all is done; it bids all fear depart:
I rest in Thee, whose work alone,
Doth gloriously for sin atone. —Lowell Mason

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 7:1-29; Nahum 2:1-3:19; Romans 14:1-18

A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15

Malfulira is a town in Zambia’s copperbelt. Anyone entering into it will read the place name on a sign and a description added to it— “Malfulira—A Place of Abundance.” Across the world there are many who struggle to survive while others have plenty and sometimes too much. The Lord exhorted His hearers not to lay up for themselves treasures on earth but rather in heaven. Christians ought to value what is valuable to God—like “the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Pet. 3:4) rather than longing for an abundance of material things. —Brian Powlesland

Unnumbered comforts on my soul, Thy tender care bestowed,
Before my infant heart conceived, from whom these comforts flowed. —Joseph Addison

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 6:1-23; Nahum 1:1-15; Romans 13:1-14

And when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 1 Kings 10:2

The word “commune” means to “converse intimately.” What an immense privilege we have to commune with the God of the universe! It is one we often sadly neglect. He desires an intimate relationship with us. He wants to be our confidante. He invites us to draw near to Him (Heb. 10:22). Don’t hesitate to cast all your cares on Him, because He does care for you (1 Pet. 5:7). When was the last time you communed with the Lord? —E. V.

How long has it been since you talked with the Lord,
And told Him your heart’s hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed? How long since you stayed,
On your knees, ‘til the light shone through? —Mosie Lister

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 4:1-5:25; Micah 7:1-20; Romans 12:1-21

Behold, a woman…who was a sinner…brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Luke 7:37-38

What is the Lord seeking for? He is seeking for sinners (Luke 19:10) and He is seeking for worshipers (John 4:23). You cannot be a worshiper of God until you have come to Him as a sinner. This woman recognized her sin and it was reflected in her appreciation of the Saviour. Simon’s lack of appreciation showed that there remained a great spiritual problem in his heart. Who am I like? —Sid Halsband

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. —Lowry

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 3:1-39; Micah 6:1-16; Romans 11:13-36

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12

What does Jesus mean? How is this possible? Verses 13 & 14 perhaps answer our questions. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). Keep in touch with Jesus. Keep your eyes open to the needs of those around you and the work of the Holy Spirit in others lives. Then pray as Jesus would pray. Let us work the works of Him that sent us. —D. Pickup

Lord, lay some soul upon my heart, and love that soul through me;
And may I humbly do my part, to win that soul for Thee. —Leon Tucker