August 25

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

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Timothy 1:12, NKJV

Michael Faraday (1791-1867), the celebrated chemist and physicist, a man of great intellect, as he neared the close of his life was asked, “What are your speculations now?” “Speculations?” he replied, “I have none. I am resting on certainties.” He then quoted today’s verse. How thankful we should be that we know the God of certainties, not speculations. Are you rejoicing in and resting on His certain salvation? —W. Ross Rainey

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory
divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit,
washed in His blood. —Fanny J. Crosby

August 24

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

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him. Luke 23:33, KJV

The elevated railway serving a large metropolitan area passed, and frequently stopped at, “Calvary Cemetery.” Regular stops were made at University Avenue, Main and Market Streets. Often the conductor called, “Next stop Calvary. Trains stop on signal only. Anybody for Calvary?” Friend, tell the Lord Jesus you desire to stop at Calvary today. Acknowledge your sin, and believe He died for you. —Arnot P. McIntee

Calvary, O Calvary! Mercy’s vast unfathomed sea,
Love, eternal love to me. Saviour, we adore Thee.
—S. T. Francis

August 23

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

The soul who sins shall die. Ezekiel 18:20, NKJV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23, NKJV

God’s law is definite! All have sinned and thus the verdict is, Guilty. This decree is true of each individual. Punishment is
demanded. But grace has come by Jesus Christ. He, the holy One, fulfilled the law of God. He bore the punishment of sin on Calvary’s cross for every sinner and died for you and me. By faith, believe that he died for you. —E. MacLelland

Marvellous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe;
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
—Julia H. Johnston

August 22

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

O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Psalm 104:24, KJV

This verse is engraved on a plaque in the information centre at the Grand Canyon. This 300 mile long steep sided canyon, carved out by the Colorado River, draws millions of visitors each year who stand in awe at the spectacle. This is just one example of the power of God in creation. Have we stood in awe at God’s greatest work as seen in the death of Christ at Calvary? —Brian Powlesland

Father Almighty, wonderful Lord,
Wondrous Creator, be ever adored;
Wonders of nature sing praise to You,
Wonder of wonders—I may praise too!
—M. B., a poem, also on the plaque.

August 21

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

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23, NKJV

God created man as a special creature, for His own glory. But all have sinned. In fact, all humans possess a sin nature and thus deprive God of His glory. For this cause God judges sin and sinners. To restore to God His glory, man must be spiritually born again and come forth with a new re-created nature in Christ. After such re-creation, the saved sinner is expected to walk in newness of life, glorifying God. May God help us to walk as we should. —Doug Kazen

The Lord will perfect that which doth concern me,
Expecting me to show Him on my part;
A trust intelligent and full of interest,
In all these purposes of His great heart. —W. A. Iverson

August 20

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

The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. Jeremiah 8:20, KJV

God has arranged the seasons for the blessing of mankind. The sun shines warm during summer, bringing forth a bountiful harvest before the onset of winter. God has also made such an arrangement for man in the spiritual sense. The bright sun of God’s Gospel has bathed our planet for over two thousand years now, and the harvest is still being brought in. But the signs are that the day of God’s grace is about to close, and the terrible day of God’s vengeance is about to break. When the harvest has been gathered in, will you be left behind to face the judgment of God for all of eternity? —W. H. Burnett

Then hasten O sinner, whilst He will receive thee,
The harvest is passing, the summer will end. —Anonymous

August 19

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

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Mark 8:36, NKJV

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 1 Timothy 6:7, NKJV

Our world is driven by desire. Those with no earthly goods want some and those who have an abundant wealth want more. How sad. At the end of life it will all be left behind. The Lord Jesus invites you today to put your trust in Him as your Saviour! Then you will have an inheritance reserved in heaven for you. —Jim Paul

If I gained the world but lost the Saviour! Would my gain be worth
the life long strife? Are all earthly pleasures worth comparing?
For a moment with a Christ filled life! —Anna Olander

August 18

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 28:1-29:11; Isaiah 66:1-24; Romans 8:18-39

And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go. Exodus 8:32, KJV

You may have heard the Gospel many times, but you keep hardening your heart and refusing to turn to Christ for salvation. Beware my friend. You never know when God will accept your decision as final and you will have had your last opportunity to be saved! Did He not say in Noah’s day, “My spirit shall not always strive with man” (Genesis 6:3, KJV)? Come today. Today is the day of salvation. —David Croudace

While God’s Spirit bids you come,
Sinner do not longer roam,
Lest you seal your hopeless doom,
Be in time. —Anonymous

August 17

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

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come. Revelation 22:17

“Come” is one of the simplest commands of the English language. We teach it to our children at an early age. And yet it is a glorious invitation as well. The essence of the gospel is both an open invitation extended by the Saviour Himself, and a command to all mankind, for there is no other way of salvation. When you teach your children simple obedience to the command, “Come,” you are laying the foundation for a proper response to the much greater command/invitation of the Saviour. —William Gustafson

Come to the Saviour, make no delay; here in His Word He’s
shown us the way; Here in our midst He’s standing today,
tenderly saying, “Come!” —George F. Root

August 16

DAILY READINGS: 1 Sam. 25:1-44; Isaiah 63:15-64:12; Rom. 7:7-25

There are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:7

There are many false gospels and Paul was merciless in rejecting them. Martin Luther said, “Now the true gospel has it that we are justified by faith alone, without the deeds of the Law. The false gospel has it that we are justified by faith, but not without the deeds of the Law.” The false apostles preached a conditional gospel. Thank God, Christ is enough to save the weary soul. Our works are unnecessary. Are you satisfied with Him? —Donald Norbie

Your faith, your hope and righteousness, Are treasured
up in Him alone; Your rich supplies of grace and peace
Spring from the works your Lord has done. —Author Unknown