DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 15; Psalm 119:73-112; Mark 5:21-43
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2
Our God is a wonderful source of strength, comfort, peace, and hope. Each of these graces find all their fullness in Him. Yet so often He is not the first one that we turn to when in need. Instead we look to others or try self-help or some other earthly aid. May we rather look to the Lord God Almighty—the One who fully understands us and has omnipotent power to help us. Today, let us turn afresh to Him—He will not disappoint! —Pete Smith
We may trust Him fully All for us to do. They who trust Him wholly, Find Him wholly true. —Frances Ridley Havergal
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 14:33-57; Psalm 119:41-72; Mark 5:1-20
And for the good will of him who dwelt in the bush. Deuteronomy 33:16
Moses blessed Joseph’s progeny. Considering the remarkable revelations of the Lord that Moses had experienced, we might think that he would have asked for the good will of the “Destroyer of the Egyptians” or the “Mighty Law Giver”. Instead, as impending death sharpened his perception of a life lived, he remembered a time when he was alone and isolated, far from home and the great purposes he once thought the Lord had for him. In a burning bush, God met him and changed his life. The most powerful and moving moments of our lives are intensely personal, when we remember the “Dweller in the Bush” stooping to meet our need and change our lives. —S. McEachern
What if the springs of life were broke, and flesh and heart should faint? God is my soul’s eternal rock, the strength of every saint. —Isaac Watts
Buy now! “Some years back I got hold of David Gooding’s An Unshakeable Kingdom and read it with much profit and stimulation, as the exclamation marks and nota benes in the margins attest. This happy experience also moved me to lay my hands on every other Gooding publication I could find. Here then is a guide to Hebrews written with the expertise of the scholar, the clarity of the expositor, and the heart-beat of the preacher; like baby bear’s porridge, it is ‘just right.’”
—Dale Ralph Davis, Author, and previously teaching elder at Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississipi
“An Unshakeable Kingdom, a commentary on the book of Hebrews, communicates both an inspiring hope and a solemn warning to all those who are following Christ on a journey of faith. This book, by Dr. David Gooding, is written with serious scholarship, penetrating reflection and challenges the reader to uncompromising discipleship.”
—Rev 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
“What a treasure trove of spiritual riches—gleaned from a lifetime in searching the Scriptures.Read these books, and you will be nourished, stretched, and enlightened, as I was’.”
—Dr Lindsay Brown, International Director of the Lausanne Movement
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 14:1-32; Psalm 119:1-40; Mark 4:21-41
And it came to pass after these things, that God did [test] Abraham. Genesis 22:1
Abraham’s supreme test is found in this chapter. But God had thoroughly prepared His servant for this test (unlike some teachers). God intended for Abraham to succeed, not to fail. God gives us tests too. He tests our faith (Jas. 1:3); He tests our hearts (Prov. 17:3); He tests our love (Deut. 13:3); and our minds (Ps. 7:9). May we learn our lessons well so that when we face one of our Teacher’s tests we too may say, “You have tested me,” and “My steps have held fast to your paths” (Ps. 17:3, 5). —Marilyn MacMullen
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 every sin, and set me free. —James E. Orr
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 13:24-59; Psalm 118; Mark 4:1-20
The priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. 2 Chronicles 7:2 But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings…until the other priests had sanctified themselves. 2 Chronicles 29:34
Here are two things that hindered priests. Firstly the glory of the Lord caused them to halt in awe. Secondly, many priests had not consecrated themselves and were disqualified. So too today. Sometimes in worship we reach a hallowed moment, where words would intrude. But there are also times when the silence is barren and embarrassing because priests have not come prepared to worship. —W. H. Burnett
Until upon the mountain height, I stand my God with Thee alone, Bathed in the fullest, clearest light—The glory which surrounds the throne. —Author Unknown
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 12 to 13:23; Psalms 116-117; Mark 3:13-35
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 1 Corinthians 15:49
There is no doubt in these words of the apostle. He was utterly confident that He who had begun a good work would complete it at the day of Christ (Phil. 1:6). When we came to our Saviour we were instantly washed, cleansed and justified through the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 6:11). But one day, we will be glorified and then we will know the reality of the words, “The work which His goodness began, the arm of His strength will complete.” All the trials, all the tears, all the toils, will be past and we will bear His image. —Mark Kolchin
On my heart imprint Thine image, blessèd Jesus, King of grace, That life’s riches, cares and pleasures have no power, Thee to efface. —J. Konig
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 11; Psalms 113-115; Mark 2:23 to 3:12
I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. 2 Timothy 4:7-8a
Usain Bolt is a remarkable Olympic sprinter, who had to overcome a serious flaw. In his zeal to get a quick start, sometimes Bolt started too early and was disqualified. After winning three gold medals at the 2012 Olympics, Bolt was asked what advice his coach had offered him. Bolt replied: “That was the key. My coach said don’t worry about the start. The strongest part of my race is the end, so don’t worry about getting a fast start.” Have you had some false starts in your life? Don’t let them discourage you. Starting well is good, but finishing well is what gets the prize. —L. Shatford
May I run the race before me, strong and brave to face the foe, Looking only unto Jesus, as I onward go. —Wilkinson
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 10; Psalms 111-112; Mark 2:1-22
The Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17
Jonah’s splash was imperceptible amidst the raging waves. The water enveloped him. With lungs bursting for air and sensing his imminent death, suddenly Jonah tumbled into a new environment. The darkness was overwhelming and the smell almost tangible. There in that darkness—wet, hungry and overwhelmed—he subsisted for three days. Often we are guilty of skimming over well known Bible passages without considering the reality of them. The Bible comes alive when we put ourselves into the narrative. It is full of real accounts of real people, not just characters in a story! —Danielle E.
Open Thy Word of Truth, that I may see, Thy message written clear and plain for me. —Mary A. Lathbury
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 9; Psalms 109-110; Mark 1:21-45
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1
The Imperial Palace of the Chinese emperors is in Beijing. It has over 8,700 rooms surrounding three central halls called: Supreme Harmony; Complete Harmony and Preserving Harmony. Living in harmony can be a challenge for Christians, but the day will come when all believers will enter the presence of the Lord and live eternally in perfect harmony. Till then let us strive to live in harmony with one another. —Brian Powlesland
Walking in footsteps of gentle forbearance, Footsteps of faithfulness, mercy and love; Looking to Him for the grace freely promised, Happy, how happy, our journey above. —E. E. Hewitt
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 8; Psalm 108; Mark 1:1-20
I sat down and wept…I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 Thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant…both I and my father’s house have sinned. Nehemiah 1:6 But it came to pass…we built the wall. Nehemiah 4:1
The walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins. The gates were afire. What was Nehemiah to do? He wept, which showed his conviction towards the task at hand. He communed with the God of heaven for help. He confessed his sins and the sins of the people. He was committed to see the work completed. Conviction, communication, confession and commitment: what a pattern for service for our Lord. —Bob Cretney
Lord Jesus, You taught us! May we learn anew, That when we serve others, we also serve You. —C. W. Gillette
