Saturday, April 21, 2018

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

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Daniel 6:10, NKJV 

After hearing of the 30-day prayer-restricting edict, Daniel did not stop by the local law office. He went home and took the matter to the highest authority. Daniel enjoyed “open window” communion with God and to close his window now would have been cowardice. God preserved Daniel through the trial! May we too have a habitual “open window” prayer-life, which centres on thankfulness. —W. A. H.

In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer! —William W. Walford

Friday, April 20, 2018

DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 27:1-34; Psalms 142:1-143:12; Mark 11:1-26

[Elijah] arose and ran for his life, and went Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 1 Kings 19:3, NKJV
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here please, for the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” 2 Kings 2:6, NKJV

We read little about Elijah’s first servant. When trouble came, Elijah took him across the border to a safe place and they parted ways—no more is said. Shortly after, he had a new servant, but when the time came for God to take Elijah, Elijah couldn’t get rid of him! Elisha resisted three times and it resulted in a double portion of Elijah’s spirit on him. Be persistent, Christian, and you will be blessed. —Jeff Frey

The blessing of the Lord be upon us, the favour of the Lord be upon us.
What He blesses cannot be cursed, no man can take my blessing from me. —Author Unknown 

Book Review: Passing The Torch

Book Review: Passing The Torch
By: Warren Henderson

“Subtitled Mentoring the Next Generation for Christ, the subject of this book is clear although the word mentoring may be less familiar to UK readers. It focuses on the importance of what Paul wrote to Timothy long ago about “teaching others also” (2 Tim 2.2), and it does this very well indeed.

The first chapter uses the familiar Olympic torch idea: “passing the torch” means to transfer responsibility to someone else. Every Christian is to be a beacon of truth during their lifetime, and all are also called to pass the torch to the next generation. But “how does one motivate younger believers, especially our own children, to catch the vision and be sold out for Christ?”

The latter half of the book tackles this question in a clear, inspiring and very readable way. Stimulating younger people, especially teenagers, Bible study and resources to help, training in godliness, and participation in all assembly activities are each described with good examples given. Responsibilities of both the mentor and the mentee (unusual word? but you get its meaning!) are well set out: for the mentor – be available, be willing, be accountable, be an example; the case of Elisha with Elijah is used to make some excellent points for the mentee to heed.

The earlier half of the book describes in some detail what is to be passed on, and why. In its own right this is worth reading and heeding, very relevant to the needs of assemblies today, totally Scriptural, absolutely clear, and a good reminder to us all. Here are some subheadings: divine truth is immutable; grace and truth are inseparable; meeting with believers is essential. The church has a threefold ministry: exaltation of the Lord, edification of believers, evangelism of the lost. A chapter called “A Pattern to Follow” describes both the expression and the distortion of salient NT truths such as – Christ the Head of the church; unity of all believers; priesthood of all believers; plurality of leadership; sanctity of the genders; the great commission.

Near the end of this highly recommended book is a challenge: “The church needs … those with ability and discernment to shun the limelight in order to invest time with those who need to learn sound doctrine, and to become aware of their calling in Christ”.”

~ This book review originally by Believer’s Magazine : February 2015 – written by RC

Thursday, April 19, 2018

DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 26:1-46; Psalm 140:1-141:10; Mark 10:32-52

We have this ministry. 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, NKJV 

The first six verses of this passage talk of a three-fold component to reaching the lost. It involves us (vv. 1-2), them (vv. 3-4), and Him (vv. 5-6). We need all three to make true evangelism work. It is not about us alone, but that’s where it starts. We have this call to serve Christ, (v. 1); but it also includes our character, (v. 2). We may be called to a certain sphere or ministry, but if we don’t walk the walk, our efforts are
neutralized. The lost, who are blind and dying (vv. 3-4), are looking for legitimate Christianity. Do they see it in us? —N. C. Funston

Give me a faithful heart, guided by Thee,
That each departing day henceforth may see
Some work of love begun, some deed of kindness done,
Some wand’rer sought and won, something for Thee. —Sylvanus Phelps

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 25:1-55; Psalm 139:1-24; Mark 10:1-31

The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

The Royal College of Midwives in Britain was established in 1881 and exists to uphold standards of professional practice and to represent the employment interests of its members. Its motto is in Latin and has
never changed—“Vita Donum Dei.” Translated it means “Life is the gift of God.” The apostle Paul described his conversion experience as likened to being “as of one born out of due time” (1 Cor. 15:8). He knew
what it was to have the gift of eternal life. It can be yours today through faith in the finished work of Christ at Calvary. —Brian Powlesland

Life! Life! Eternal life! Jesus alone is the giver!
Life! Life! Abundant life! Glory to Jesus for ever. —W. Leslie

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 24:1-23; Psalms 137:1-138:8; Mark 9:33-50

And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare. Exodus 18:7

How necessary it is for believers to develop good Christian graces. It is a matter of life that there are people who we find difficult to speak to, (and no doubt vice-versa), but we should always make the effort. How sad it is when we find ourselves crossing the road to avoid other Christians. Let us make sure that we are not one of those who others dread to meet. —Brian Russell

May the mind of Christ my Saviour,
Live in me from day to day;
By His love and power controlling,
All I do and say. —Katie Wilkinson

Monday, April 16, 2018

DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 23:23-44; Psalms 135:1-136:25; Mark 9:14 -32

Let no man despise thy youth. 1 Timothy 4:12

I was in Jamestown, New York, to preach the gospel. While there I needed a hair cut. With the task completed, my hostess, her driver son, and I exited the shop. We all noticed that the door didn’t work properly. The young man with me stopped, reached up and made some adjustments. In a few minutes springs and wires yielded to his fingers, and it worked perfectly. The owner may never have known of his kindness but I heard his mother say, “Just like his father.” I’m wondering if another voice was heard saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:23). Regardless of age, how will you and I be helpful examples of the Lord Jesus today? —Arnot P. McIntee

Take my life, and let it be, consecrated, Lord to Thee;
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.—F. Havergal

Lord’s Day, April 15, 2018

DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 23:1-22; Psalms 132:1-134:3; Mark 8:27-9:13

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. 1 Chronicles 29:14

David saw that there was no worth in the worshippers, only in Him who is to be worshipped. Our offering consists of presenting Christ, in all His worth, back to the Father. It is the Father’s own we give to Him. Like David, may our hearts in true worship declare: “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty” (v. 11). —Pete Smith

Oh worship the Lord in the beauty of holinesss!
Bow down before Him, His glory proclaim;
With gold of obedience and incense of lowliness,
Kneel and adore Him; the Lord is His name. —John Monsell

Saturday, April 14, 2018

DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 22:1-33; Psalm 128:1-131:3; Mark 8:11-26

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. Luke 5:10

James and John were Simon’s “partners,” which is the word koinonos which means “fellowship.” Here is a picture of fellowship that goes far beyond “hanging out together,” or liking the same things. They worked together as partners in fishing. Maintaining the boat and the nets, and co-labouring in all the physical work of the fishing business. Today some who say they are in fellowship have trouble making it to the meetings, and participate little in the work of the assembly. What about us, are we partners or spectators? —Carl Knott

To the work, to the work! We are servants of God,
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod. — Fanny J. Crosby 

Friday, April 13, 2018

DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 21:1-24; Psalms 124:1-127; Mark 7:24 to 8:10

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit. John 13:21
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1

Our Lord was troubled in spirit as He met in the upper room with His disciples. He was, of course, anticipating His upcoming betrayal and crucifixion. The disciples were burdened with their own emotions
regarding His leaving them. They were very much afraid. But a troubled Saviour could say “Let not your heart be troubled,” believe in me. Note also that He was talking to all the disciples but He used the
singular noun “heart,” not “hearts.” Each had to personally trust in the Lord in his own heart. As do we. —Ken Gross

Trusting as the moments fly, trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er be fall, trusting Jesus that is all. —Edgar Stiles