When we purchase things we owe money. When the total amount is paid, our debt is settled. But, the debt of sin, we owe to God! And no matter how hard and how many times we try; we can never settle our debt in full. It is only by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and His shed blood, that our debt can be settled. He alone has the power to wipe our slates clean; if only we would confess our sins to Him. Have you had your debt paid? —Ken Gunnell
To Him I owe my life and breath, And all the joys I have; He takes away the sting of death, Gives victory o’er the grave! —S. Stennett
…have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me…? John 14:9
Philip was a disciple. He knew Jesus. But the Lord was probing for a more intimate relationship. Our Saviour is not content with just a casual acquaintance. Jesus said of His disciples, “I have called you friends” (John 15:15). We receive His blessings and know His Word, but do we appreciate Him as our Friend? Fruit bearing is always good evidence of an intimate union with Him (John 15:4). Such communion inspires our hearts to worship. —Milton Haack
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer. Oh what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer. —Joseph Scriven
“The book of Proverbs does not lend itself to analysis, and apart from a six page introduction, Wisdom for Fools does not attempt this. This is just as well, as the introduction is the least successful part of the book. In the remaining 200 pages the author paints 101 miniatures, setting the golden apples of God’s wisdom in word pictures of silver. These are brief sketches, each study is typically about a page long, but they are skilfully drawn. Without cliché or pomposity, the author re-examines each chosen verse, and brings out their enduring relevance to anyone who wants to walk wisely through this wilderness world. The short chapters are best taken in small doses; a couple to be taken morning and evening, a suitable word doing good, like a medicine. The rendering of each chosen text in the KJV and the NKJV echoes the parallelism of the poetry, and the commentary is fresh and thought-provoking even to those familiar with the verses.
Whatever the situation, there is a proverb for it, well expressed, apposite, straight from the Holy Spirit’s treasury of wisdom, and when He is the guide, the wayfarers, though fools, will not mistake their road. It certainly feels as if the author could have easily found another 264 proverbs to complete a day-by-day style diary of Proverbial wisdom. I’ll certainly buy it if it is ever published!
Anyone wishing to follow the Lord in the way of integrity, spiritual good sense, and manner of life, will attain to the wise counsels of the book of Proverbs, the words of the wise and their dark sayings, and this little book illuminates and applies them readably and helpfully.”
Daniel, whose name means, “God is my judge”, was taken captive to heathen Babylon at an early age. Through his long life he honoured God even though it caused him to be cast into a den of lions. Other heroes we read of in Hebrews 11, were martyred for the sake of their faith. They will receive their reward in a coming day. And so will we. If we honour the Lord. —Edith MacLelland
God still is recording in heaven above, He knows all our thoughts and ways, So then, if faith honours God, and God honours faith, Let us trust Him for all our days. —E. M.
Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? Song of Solomon 8:5
Here the bride is nearing the end of the weary wilderness journey and she comes leaning on her beloved. This scene is reminiscent of the time when Rebecca met Isaac on the final stage of the wilderness journey and was united with him as his bride. Today we find ourselves nearing the end of the weary, wilderness journey, leaning heavily on our Beloved. With joy we anticipate being united with Him as His bride, for all of eternity. —W. H. Burnett
O the blessed joy of meeting, all the desert past, O the wondrous words of greeting, He shall speak at last. He and I together entering, those bright courts above, He and I together sharing, all the Father’s love. —Paul Gerhardt
…as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike. 1 Samuel 30:24
Having left behind 200 exhausted soldiers, David went out to battle Amalek with 400 men. Victorious in the Lord, the 400 did not want to share the spoils with the others. But David replied that the one who stays back with the supplies is entitled to an equal share. Today the one who prays, gives financially or helps out in practical ways shares in the victories with the preacher, teacher and missionary. Someday they will equally share in the reward (Phil. 4:17). Beloved if you are “guarding the supplies” due to calling, age or illness, be encouraged (1 Cor 15:58); He will richly reward. —George Ferrier
Let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving every day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay. —E. Hewitt
No King in Israel: The History of the Judges By: Joel Portman Published by: Gospel Folio Press (2008) Buy now. “‘This book was written to develop the link between the history of the Judges and the letters of Christ to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation chapters 2-3, as well as to suggest practical teaching applicable to every local assembly today’. So says the publisher’s note on the back cover of this challenging book by Joel Portman. In 14 chapters the author develops his theme. He understands that the Spirit of God has given us the book of Judges so that we may learn from these examples of God’s dealings with Israel and that their history will instruct us in our life and service. ‘God’s principles are unchanged and unchanging’. The author has wisely avoided delving into detail in such matters as the chronology of this period so that he can concentrate on drawing out the pastoral and practical lessons of the book. “This work is spiritually stimulating and challenging. The style is gentle and persuasive, yet it compels the reader to face honestly many of the problems which confront assemblies today. Uncomfortable truths are clearly identified and the reader is challenged to address them. Above all, this is a book which urges its readers on to further study and meditation. The author will prompt us without spoon-feeding. Nor does he shirk his responsibility to move us to self-examination.
“Inevitably, there will be some matters with which some may disagree. But to travel with the author through the period of the Judges will sharpen our awareness of our own situation and will remind us of the timeless principles which we must observe if we are to be faithful in our own day, which falls just before the setting-up of the kingdom.” ~Ed Hotchin, Hucknall, Nottingham, UK (Precious Seed Magazine, Volume 64, Issue 3, 2009) Available in paperback and ebook formats.
For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not…therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you… Isaiah 30:15, 18
Israel was called to a quiet walk in fellowship with God but they rejected that way of life and substituted activity—fleeing on horses, (v. 16) in its place. If we want to grow spiritually and be useful to God, constant activity, even Christian service, must never take the place of quiet communion with the Lord. Maybe He has spoken to us before about this but like Israel “we would not”. Is He patiently “waiting” for you in that place of quietness? —David Croudace
In the secret of His presence how my soul delights to hide! Oh how precious are the lessons which I learn at Jesus’ side! —E. L. Gorch
Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. John 19:1
Scourging is a very cruel form of torture. The victim’s hands are tied to an upright post with the body bent forward and bared to the waist. A whip, made of leather, with pieces of metal and sharp bits of bone woven into it, was administered several times. Every lash tore the flesh from the bones. Only those with a strong physical frame were able to survive. It is said of Jesus, that His back was like a plowed field (Ps. 129:3). Why would He endure this? Because, the Son of God loved me and gave His life for me (Gal. 2:20). —Bob Cretney
Behold a spotless victim dies. My Surety on the tree. The Lamb of God, The Sacrifice, He gave Himself for me!—Author Unknown
…in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matt. 24:44
Some time ago I drove past a home where there was a notice in the window that read, “Perhaps Today”. I have no idea what that message actually meant but I like to think that it was a reference to the soon return of our Lord. Theologians call this the doctrine of the “imminent return of Christ”. Imminent means that it can happen at any moment. The implication is that we should live in constant expectation of Christ’s return as it could be at any second. Thus we should aim to please Him at all times by holy living, brotherly love and fulfilling the tasks He has called and gifted us to do. If we live like this then we will not be ashamed before Him at His coming. —Paul Young
O, Lord Jesus, how long? How long ere we shout the glad song? Christ returneth! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Amen. Hallelujah! Amen. —H. L. Turner
Wisdom for Fools: 101 Proverbs to Live By