Tuesday, April 7, 2015

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 14:1-32; Psalm 119:1-40; Mark 4:21-41

 

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  John 11:21

While going through an extreme trial or sorrow, we often wonder where God is and question whether He could have prevented our suffering. Be assured of God’s love. He is not unaware of our pain. He desires to comfort us under His wings. Rejoice in knowing that God will use this trial of faith to bring even more glory to Himself through us. Trust Him. —D. Pickup

I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a Friend! All power to Him is given,
To guard me on my onward course, and bring me safe to heaven.
Th’eternal glories gleam afar, to nerve my faint endeavour;
So now to watch, to work, to war, and then to rest forever.
—James G. Small

An Unshakeable Kingdom (Gooding)

An Unshakeable Kingdom: The Letter to the Hebrews for Today
By: David Gooding

In a clear and concise manner informed by pastoral concern, David Gooding explains the meaning of Hebrews’ warnings as he expounds the letter as a whole. He carefully examines the position and temptations of its original readers in the first century. Many were undergoing such severe persecution that they might easily have wondered why, if Jesus really were the Messiah, they had to experience such pain and loss. He expounds its major themes in order to show that its unified message is that hope and enduring faith in Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, will never be put to shame. As he guides us step by step, he reaches outside the limits of the letter itself in order to explore rich fields of Old Testament history, prophecy, ritual and poetry from which the letter has drawn so many of its insights.

Reviews:

“An Unshakeable Kingdom communicates both an inspiring hope and a solemn warning to all those who are following Christ on a journey of faith. This book is written with serious scholarship, penetrating reflection and challenges the reader to uncompromising discipleship.” ~Dr. Patrick Fung, General Director, OMF International
“Hebrews is without doubt the crown of the whole Bible. All its great lines of revealed truth flow into and converge here, and are given their full and final expression and application. David Gooding rises to the occasion. His unique gifts as a Bible analyst and expositor are given full play; his delight in the glories of our Lord Jesus Christ matches that of Hebrews itself. It is a bit invidious to single anything out for special mention, but I have never read anything more helpful or perceptive on the Psalm-list in Hebrews chapter one. The whole book is worthwhile for that alone! We owe a great debt to the Myrtlefield Trust for this republication.” ~Alec Motyer, Author, formerly Principal of Trinity College, Bristol

Monday, April 6, 2015

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 13:24-59; Psalm 118; Mark 4:1-20

 

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  Job 23:10
…I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:12

We tend to question Job’s self-confidence, but he was willing to admit the need for refining in his life. We need to make that same assertion, then we would emerge as fine gold. That refining process would be greatly helped if we would follow Job’s admonition, putting great value on the influence of God’s word in our lives. —William Gustafson

Search me O God, and know my heart today;
Try me O Saviour, know my thoughts, I pray. 
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from ev’ry sin and set me free.
—J. Edwin Orr

Lord’s Day, April 5, 2015

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 12 to 13:23; Psalms 116-117; Mark 3:13-35

 

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  Matthew 28:6

From the cross the Saviour cried, “It is finished,” but from the empty tomb the Father cried, “It is finished indeed!” (Eph. 1:20). God the Father was satisfied with the work of His Son and triumphantly raised Him from the dead. Because of the resurrection of Christ, God is able to justify unworthy sinners (Rom. 4:25), and impart new life (2 Cor. 5:17). Because of His resurrection we have a glorious hope (1 Cor. 15:19-20). A tour guide took tourists to the tomb of Napoleon and said, “Here lies the glory of France.” We look at an empty tomb this morning and cry, “Here is the glory of Christ!” —Jim Comte

O let us now proclaim the glory of His name,
And tell to all He lives today. 
—Oswald J. Smith

Saturday, April 4, 2015

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 11; Psalms 113-115; Mark 2:23 to 3:12

 

…In the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen to place His name there.  Deuteronomy 16:11

Each Sunday morning my wife and I drive by religious buildings, each bearing various names which promote the doctrinal stand that they take. And although many to hold sound teaching on key matters, that’s not the purpose of our drive. We’re looking for a place where Christ has promised to be in the midst, where He is the reason for the Christians to come together, where He is central, not a doctrine or a human. And thanks be to our Lord Jesus Christ, we’ve found a place where He has never missed a meeting. —Rick Morse

Around Thy table, holy Lord, in fellowship we meet, 
Obedient to Thy gracious word, this feast of love to eat. 
—Thomas Cotterill

Friday, April 3, 2015

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 10; Psalms 111-112; Mark 2:1-22

 

But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.  Genesis 24:4
…Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. Genesis 24:58

This lovely story starts with the determination of Abraham to secure a bride for his only son Isaac. It ends with Rebekah choosing to accept the invitation. This brings before us an encouraging insight into God’s purpose for the Church, the Bride of Christ. It also reminds us of the necessity of personal choice in receiving Christ. God has planned to present to His Son a glorious, beautiful Bride. But to be a part of it we must say “I will go”. —Sid Halsband

Now the Saviour invites you to come, and fly to the arms of His love;
In His kingdom of grace there is room, and a mansion of glory above.
—Fanny J. Crosby

Thursday, April 2, 2015

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 9; Psalms 109-110; Mark 1:21-45

 

A man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.  Ecclesiastes 8:1

The writer is saying that a man’s wisdom brightens his face and changes his whole appearance. The trials of life often leave one feeling low in spirit and sometimes, sadly, bitter. What a great testimony it is when suffering believers are seen with a smile. A hard and foreboding appearance may drive folk away, but a ready smile is heart warming. —Brian Russell

Let your drooping heart be glad;
March in heavenly armour clad.
Fight, nor think the battle long;
Victory soon shall tune your song.
—H. K. White

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 8; Psalm 108; Mark 1:1-20

 

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.  Colossians 1:13

Translated—it is an accomplished fact! We have been brought into our Saviour’s kingdom. Since it is a kingdom, we rightly must give Him our allegiance as King now. This present experience is a preparatory stage for a future literal reign. Scripture is unambiguous: “He must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet” (1 Cor. 15:25). But there is more to follow. We are encouraged to look forward to a new creation wherein dwells righteousness (2 Pet. 2:13). —Drew Craig

No future but glory, Lord Jesus have we,
For man is already in glory in Thee; 
The brighter the glory that shines in Thy face;
The clearer our title to glory through grace.
—H. D’A Champney

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

 

DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 7:11-38; Psalm 107; Acts 28:17-31

 

…Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. John 2:5

At the wedding feast at Cana there was a shortage of wine. Jesus and His mother were there. It was not quite time for the Lord to perform His first miracle. However, His mother anticipated it and said to the servants, “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” Sometimes what we ask of the Lord seems to fall on “deaf ears”. But before He acts, He may require us to do what He wants first. We need to obey and trust Him. Then leave what we need for Him to answer in His time. You can be sure it will be good (John 2:10). —K. C. Ung

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet;
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way. 
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; 
Never fear, only trust and obey.
—John H. Sammis

New GFP book – To Be Like Jesus: Studies in the Fruit of the Spirit (Paul Young)

GFP’s second title from Paul Young is now available for purchase!

By: Paul Young

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

The New Testament places a great deal of emphasis upon Christian fruitfulness. Indeed Jesus says that we can recognize true Christians from those who are false by their fruit. He said, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matt. 7:20, NIV). So this is an important subject with strong implications for us today.

We can also say that the fruit of the Spirit was most fully and most wonderfully witnessed in the life of the Lord Jesus. He is our example of someone who truly lived the fruit of the Spirit. We are called to walk in His footsteps, to be like Him and to show the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit in our lives as Christians.

Paul Young comes from Maesteg, South Wales and is married to Alison. He earned his initial degree at the University of Wales and has since completed a Masters degree in Theology through distance learning. Having taught at the Secondary School level for six years, Paul now devotes himself to full time Christian ministry (since 1981). Much of his service takes place at his local church in Maesteg. This includes preaching, teaching, and children’s ministry, along with school visitation. He also travels throughout the United Kingdom and to many countries overseas for ministry.

Paul has participated in a regular radio program with Trans World Radio (Truth for Today) as well as written ten books. He contributes articles to a number of publications. He is also a trustee of Echoes of Service, a support service to overseas church workers.

Also by Paul Young: The Bitter Spirit