Month: March 2024

Leviticus 7:11-38; Psalm 107:1-43; Acts 28:17-31

He is not here: for he is risen. Matthew 28:6

The Lord is risen indeed! The stone is rolled away and the tomb is empty! There is no stench of death and corruption, just the sweet fragrance of myrrh and aloes. Angels sit at the head and at the feet where His body had lain. No body is found, just the untouched, unmoved grave clothes. “He is not here: for he is risen”. What a victory! —Pete Smith

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives for ever, with His saints to reign, 
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!  —Robert Lowry

Leviticus 6:8-7:10; Psalm 106:1-48; Acts 28:1-16

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham. Romans 4:16

God grants eternal life only through faith in Christ. Salvation is entirely by God’s grace (the gift of God). It is offered to all, both Jews and Gentiles. Its eternal security rests in His sure promise, from the One who cannot lie. Its saving work gives the glory to God. There is no human boasting. Dear reader, if your hands are full with self-effort, you cannot grasp the gift of eternal life. Let go and receive Christ by faith. —George Ferrier

Grace! ’Tis a charming sound, harmonious to the ear;
Heav’n with the echo shall resound, and all the earth shall hear. —P. Doddridge

Leviticus 5:14-6:7; Psalm 105:1-45; Acts 27:27-44

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Matthew 26:30

The Lord was on the way to Gethsamane and then to Calvary fully knowing the sufferings and atrocities that awaited Him. He knew of the agonizing sorrow He would experience in the garden, the inhumane treatment before the cross. He knew of the betrayal of a friend, the desertion of His followers, the scoffing by those passing by and finally being forsaken by God. And yet He sang. The Passover meal would have ended with Psalm 113-118 known as “the great Hallel” asserting that this was a day to rejoice and be glad. He could still sing despite what lay ahead of Him. What a
Saviour! —K. J. W.

Saviour, we remember Thee! Thy deep woe and agony,
All Thy suffering on the tree: Saviour, we adore Thee. —Samuel T. Francis

Leviticus 4:27-5:13; Psalm 104:1-35; Acts 27:1-26

O Lord, You have searched me and known me. Ps. 139:1 NKJV
Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 NKJV

In an era when data is a valuable commodity, it can be discomfiting that “someone” knows everything about us—our financial activity, exercise routine, interests and opinions. Yet what comfort and security we feel in being fully seen, known and understood by our Lord. His hedge is around us; His loving hand of protection and guidance is on us. What a blessed hope we have that one day we will know Him as fully and deeply as we are known! —Caroline Webb

Face to face! O blissful moment! Face to face—to see and know.
Face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so. —Carrie Ellis Breck

Leviticus 4:1-26; Psalm 103:1-22; Acts 26:19-32

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Hebrews 11:17

How is it that Abraham could have such faith in God? This is a case where chronology helps us. Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran (Gen. 12:4) and 100 years old when Isaac was born (Gen. 21:5). By the time God asked him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering, he had been walking with the Lord for many decades and knew he could trust Him. How about you? Do you have an ever-deepening faith in the Lord as you walk with Him? —Warren Hagey

All the way my Saviour leads me—
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my guide? —Fanny Crosby