November 4

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chronicles 17:1-18:17; Ezekiel 17:1-24; John 6:22-40

“What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” Esther 5:3

And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” Mark 6:23

Two offers, two requests, two kingdoms. Esther was willing to face death to bring life to her people. Herodias’ daughter used her life to bring death to John the Baptist. Satan offers the kingdoms of this world at the cost of your own soul. God offers His kingdom at the cost of His own Son. In the final analysis, the latter is a kingdom of light, life and love; the former of darkness, destruction and dread. Which kingdom are you pursuing? —Tom Steere

We thank Thee for the crown of glory and of life; ‘Tis no poor withering
wreath of earth, man’s prize in mortal strife. —Author Unknown

November 3

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chron. 16:1-43; Ezekiel 16:35-63; John 6:1-21

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. Acts 16:31

There is no simpler expression of the Gospel of Christ than this verse. The jailer’s immediate and direct question was met by an immediate and direct answer. Note carefully that the words “and your household” must be understood as being linked with “believe” and “be saved.” Taylor Smith, while Chaplain-General of the British Army, refused any candidate who could not tell in three minutes how a person may be saved. Have you truly believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? —W. Ross Rainey

Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, that leads you into rest:
Believe in Him without delay and you are fully blest.
—John H. Stockton

November 2

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chronicles 15:1-29; Ezekiel 16:1-34; John 5:24-47

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12, NKJV

I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22, NKJV 

He…will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19, NKJV

A few moments consideration of these verses will assure us of two facts. Firstly, our forgiveness is all-inclusive and perfect. Secondly, the sin-atoning work of the Lord Jesus is unlimited and unfailing. His work alone, is the basis upon which our cleansing “from all sin” rests secure. (1 John 1:7, NKJV). —G. Hall

O, precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow: No other
fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus. —Robert Lowry

November 1

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chronicles 13:1-14:17; Ezekiel 14:1-15:8; John 5:1-23

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:2

When calamity strikes a person, his first reaction is to pray. It is said that there are no atheists in foxholes. When circumstances overwhelm us, we call out to God. And yet the Scriptures say that unless one is saved and has his sins forgiven, the heavens will be brass to his prayers. Repent. Confess your sins. Trust Christ for salvation. He died and paid the penalty for your sins. God will forgive and then the ear of heaven will be open to your prayers. —Donald L. Norbie

That rich atoning blood, Which sprinkled ‘round we see,
Provides for those who come to God, An all prevailing plea.
—John Newton

October 31

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chronicles 12:1-40; Ezekiel 13:1-23; John 4:31-54

We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news…If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. 2 Kings 7:9

We bring you the good news. Acts 13:32

Upon the flight of the enemy, the four leprous men of Samaria were blest with food in the midst of the famine. To withhold this good news would be evil. Likewise, this is a day of good tidings. Satan has been defeated, and salvation and blessing are available to sinful men. Christ died, was buried and was raised again and is now enthroned in glory. Do not tarry; receive and believe the glad tidings. —Neil Dougal

O glad and glorious Gospel! With joy we now proclaim,
A full and free salvation, through faith in Jesus’ name.—M. Fraser

October 30

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chronicles 10:1-11:47; Ezekiel 12:1-28; John 4:1-30

There is therefore NOW no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1

Often a single word in Scripture fills the heart with rejoicing. The glorious word in our verse is “NOW.” We know that, in eternity, condemnation for the believer is gone forever. But in this life, when the heart deceives and sin defiles, “NOW” is a refuge. Condemnation is gone because God laid on His Lamb the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6). In Christ Jesus is a refuge that always avails. When would be a good time to thank Him for such a blessing? Now! —Bill Bush

Now I have found a friend—Jesus is mine;
His love shall never end—Jesus is mine.
Though earthly joys decrease and earthly friendships cease,
Now I have lasting peace—Jesus is mine. —H. Hope

October 29

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chronicles 8:1-9:44; Ezekiel 11:1-25; John 3:22-36

Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Matthew 27:22

Asked so long ago, this is still one of the greatest questions we can ask ourselves. Here Pontius Pilate asked the question of the unruly crowd as the Lord stood before him. The crowd replied, “Let him be crucified!” Pilate didn’t really know what to do, but swayed by the crowd he rejected Christ. How sad! Even today many still reject the Lord, but what of you? Ask yourself this question, “What shall I do with Jesus?” May you receive and accept Him today. —John M. Clegg

O soul, so sad and weary, that sweet voice speaks to thee:
Then what will you do with Jesus? Oh, what shall the answer be?
—Nathaniel Norton

October 28

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chronicles 7:1-40; Ezekiel 10:1-22; John 2:23-3:21

Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24, NKJV

Burdened by sin, a young man asked the question, “What can I do to be saved?” He was shattered by the answer, “I am sorry to tell you but you are too late!” Thankfully the speaker went on to explain, “You see, everything needed for your salvation was done by Christ. He finished the work that was needed for you to be saved when He took your sins upon Himself on the cross.” You can do nothing to earn salvation! Simply cry out to Christ in your distress and trust in Him. Receive by faith what He died to give you—salvation full and free. —David Croudace

Jesus wept and died for me; Jesus suffered on the tree;
Jesus waits to make me free; He alone can save me. —Robert Lowry

October 27

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chronicles 6:1-81; Ezekiel 8:1-9:11; John 2:1-22

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:8

Mahatma Ghandi was visited by faithful missionaries while on one of his extended fasts. As they shared their faith, he asked them to sing a hymn showing the depth of their commitment. In a moment they sang Isaac Watts’ great hymn: “When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died—my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.” —Arnot P. McIntee

Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too
small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my heart, my life, my all.
—Isaac Watts

October 26

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chron. 4:24-5:26; Ezekiel 7:1-27; John 1:19-51

Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. Acts 13:26

God’s condemnation is universal. All have sinned. But His gracious offer of salvation is equally universal. It is unto all, and who upon all those that believe (Romans 3:22). He has sent forth His absolute and unchanging Word to all, declaring that He does not wish the death of any, but that all should be saved. No sinner will ever go into eternal punishment without salvation having been provided for them. The Word of salvation goes forth today to every sinner. Come, believe, and live. —Doug Kazen

’Tis He who knows of food for all, who only can afford to call,
A hungry world to come and feed. All others do but mock their need.
—Anonymous