Tuesday, August 21, 2018

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 2:1-32; Micah 4:9-5:15; Romans 11:1-12

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

It is recorded that on the day of Edward VI’s coronation in England (1547), he was presented with three swords, signifying that he was monarch of three kingdoms. In response the king is supposed to have said, “There is one sword wanting.” When asked what that was, he said, “The Holy Bible, which is the sword of the Spirit. It is to be preferred before these ensigns of royalty.” Do we have a similar appreciation for God’s Word and allow ourselves to come under its authority each day? —Paul Young

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. —Russell Kelso Carter

Monday, August 20, 2018

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 1:1-27; Micah 3:1-4:8; Romans 9:30-10:21

On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided. Gen. 22:14, ESV

Abraham learned that it is on God’s mountain, by His terms and His ways, that His promises are fulfilled. The journey may be rugged and the valley long in between. But God’s purpose is for us to persevere, ever reaching new heights in fellowship with Him. God’s provision “on the mount” brought a new dimension to His relationship with Abraham. Abraham learned that the sacrifice of obedience is nothing to be compared with the magnitude of God’s provision! Blessed are those who journey in obedience to God. They too will experience the sweetness of His fellowship and the necessary provision for the way! —Deborah Manera

The Lord gives His people perpetual joy
When they walk in obedience to Him. —D. L. Moody

Lord’s Day, August 19, 2018

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 30:1-31:13; Micah 1:1-2:13; Romans 9:1-29

The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. Ecclesiastes 1:8b

This verse sums up man’s never ending search for satisfaction. Despite the wonderful sights and sounds found on the earth, mankind is unfulfilled. However, because of Calvary, our spiritual senses see sights and hear sounds unbelievers know nothing about. What a wonderful foretaste of Heaven. Then with perfect voices we shall praise the Lamb for sinners slain. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Cor. 2:9). —Vernon Markle

When Thy blood-bought church, Lord Jesus, is complete:
When each soul is safely landed at Thy feet:
What a story in the glory, she’ll repeat. —J. G. Deck

Saturday, August 18, 2018

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 28:1-29; Isaiah 66:1-24; Romans 8:18-39

It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there. Ezekiel 48:35

After witnessing the glory of the Lord departing the temple earlier in his ministry, it must have been thrilling for Ezekiel to now see the glory of the Lord among His people again. For the Jew, this will be the most wonderful feature of the millennial kingdom; God once again among them and in His temple. The entire planet will be filled with the knowledge, blessings, and glory of God in Christ. In Christ’s kingdom, there will be no such questions as: “Who is the Lord?” or “Where is the Lord?” His presence will be cherished and His glory extolled by all. Dear believer we will be there to see it! —W. A. H.

Over heathen lands afar, thick darkness broodeth yet:
Arise, O morning Star, arise, and never set. —Lewis Hensley

Friday, August 17, 2018

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 26:1-27:12; Isaiah 65:1-25; Romans 8:1-17

Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand…You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house. Deuteronomy 11:18-20, NKJV

Moses gives four vital family injunctions: “Lay up” means “to impress the information in their hearts.” “Bind them,” is to put them in plain sight, as a constant reminder. “Teach them,” is to speak of them at every opportunity. “Write them on the doorposts of your house,” suggests the Scriptures should be in plain view for all to see. The values we teach our children are the values they will live by. —Jim Comte

Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life. —P. P. Bliss

Thursday, August 16, 2018

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 25:1-12; Isaiah 63:15-64:12; Romans 7:7-25

I alone am left. 1 Kings 19:10, 14, NKJV

Loneliness in the service of God can be a devastating thing: Jonah was alone, David was alone, Moses was alone. Alone for, or with God is one thing. However, when a servant of God feels alone from God, that is very dangerous. Sometimes the potent blend of loneliness and busyness is deadly. It’s good to be busy for God and alone with God, but when these two qualities mix in an off-balance way, it can be destructive. The key is combining serving with others yet allowing time alone with God. This allows for accountability and companionship. May God help us to find that happy balance. —N. C. Funston

Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blessed Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee. —William Cushing

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

DAILY READINGS: 1 Sam. 23-24; Isaiah 62:1-63:14; Romans 6:15-7:6

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… Matthew 23:37

Should Christians be concerned with Jerusalem? The fact that this ancient city today still exists and makes headlines testifies to the veracity and authenticity of biblical prophecy. Its rise and fall, predicted in Scriptures, were fulfilled fully and literally, and attested to in history. The final stage is coming, when God will gather all nations to do battle against Jerusalem (Zech. 14:2). Then the Messiah will come to defeat their enemies and establish His reign of peace on earth. At last, Jerusalem will be a city of Peace. How we long and pray for that day. —K. C. Ung

O’er Jerusalem Thou weepest, in compassion, dearest Lord,
Love divine, of love the deepest, O’er Thine erring Israel poured. — Anna B. Hoppe

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 21-22; Isaiah 61:1-11; Romans 6:1-14

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. Psalm 34:15
I have surely seen the affliction of my people…and have heard their cry…for I know their sorrows. Exodus 3:7

These human capabilities attributed to our great God are to encourage us to remember that we have a caring God. We can see and hear of needs around us, but never be moved in heart to help. This is not so with our heavenly Father—the one Who cares for His own very deeply. Learn to cast all your care on Him and watch for His deliverance. —Wm. H. Gustafson

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry, everything to Him in prayer. —J. Scriven

Monday, August 13, 2018

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 19:8-20:42; Isaiah 60:1-22; Romans 5:12-21

Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. John 4:16

How do we react when the Lord puts His finger on an item of failure in our lives? It is impossible to reach satisfaction and inner peace until we strive to make right the wrongs we have committed in our lives. Restitution and seeking for forgiveness free the soul. —Ken Gunnell

Only a step to Jesus!
Then why not take it now?
Come, and thy sins confessing,
To Him thy Saviour, bow. — Fanny J. Crosby

Lord’s Day, August 12, 2018

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 18:6-19:7; Isaiah 59:1-21; Romans 4:23-5:11

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Be not still, O God. Psalm 83:1

Over and over, Scripture adjures us to be at rest. Amidst all our circumstances, our sovereign Lord Jesus Christ is on the throne! When I was a teenager I was blessed by the popular Christian phrase, “Let go and let God.” Psalm 46:10 in the NASB reads, “Cease striving and know that I am God.” We can be still because our God is never still. He is always remembering us (Gen. 8:1; Ex. 2:24) and when He does, He acts. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). —Annette Baal

In Jesus I’ve found a sweet rest, from sorrow, from toil, and from care;
In Him I am happy and blest, for He all my burdens doth bear. —L. Riggs