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
Buy now! “The last time I preached through Acts, True to the Faith was constantly at my side. My copy is marked up on every page—some highlighting, some pencil, some ink, different colors of ink, indicating it has been consulted ‘divers and sundry’ times. With good reason. Gooding not only explains, he stimulates thinking and stirs gratitude. Why any preacher would preach from Acts and not have Gooding at his elbow is beyond me.”
—Dale Ralph Davis, Author, and previously teaching elder at Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississipi
“In this valuable book David Gooding applies to the Acts of the Apostles the approach that yielded such dividends in According to Luke—close analysis of the text, acute observation of the inter-relations of the individual sections, a clear understanding of the movement and intention of the whole—and throughout a firm understanding of the Bible as the written Word of God, and a delight in its study, and in the emergence of its truth. Happy are those (and surely they will be many) who ‘catch the bug’ of Bible analysis from David Gooding. His work on Acts proves that this is the way into the Bible, the most fruitful and accurate entry into what the Holy Spirit has planned for our instruction. I commend his book on Acts not only for its intrinsic worth (pure gold!) but as an example to follow and a standard to which to aspire.”
—Alec Motyer, Author, formerly Principal of Trinity College, Bristol
“I own around a dozen commentaries on the Book of Acts and this is by some distance the best of them. David Gooding combines a remarkable variety of expertise—linguistic, literary, theological, philosophical—with the experience of a lifetime of teaching the Bible to bring us a fresh, original and brilliant analysis, with compelling logic and accessible style. In addition to the superb exposition the reader—and especially the Bible teacher—will find much in the way of contemporary application to some of the biggest issues facing the church.”
—Gilbert Lennox,?Bible teacher and elder at Glenabbey Church
“Insightful comments and warm and piercing pastoral application are the features of this writing. I try only to have three commentaries with me in any series and in both Luke and Acts, David Gooding’s commentaries are part of the trio.”
—David Cook, Author, formerly Principal of Sydney Missionary and Bible College
“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
The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:1 (NKJV)
Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, to do it, and to teach it (Ezra 7:10). As a result, God blessed him with wise speech and he was used to bring revival to Israel. King Rehoboam cherished the counsel of men rather than a word from the Lord and as a result he did evil in the sight of God. Why? Because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord (2 Chron. 12:14). Accordingly, as we read, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word, we are preparing ourselves for service. We need not worry about what to say when testing comes; the Holy Spirit will guide a heart prepared to seek after God! —W. A. H.
Use me Lord, use even me, just as Thou wilt, and when, and where, Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share. —Frances Ridley Havergal
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 6:8 to 7:10; Psalm 106; Acts 28:1-16
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. Job 32:21 And Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. John 19:19
There is only one “title” mentioned in the Bible and we find it nailed to our Saviour’s cross. God does not flatter any sinful man with a title, yet we see His title nailed to His work—a work so great, so totally selfless, that we can’t add to it or take away from it. That title has not lost its significance for two thousand years. It is still in effect and always will be. May we remember that mighty work today and worship. —Tom Steere
King of my life, I crown Thee now; Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, lead me to Calvary. —Jennie Evelyn Hussey
DAILY?READINGS: Leviticus 5:14 to 6:7; Psalm 105; Acts 27:27-44
The Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
How wonderful that the apostle can describe himself as the direct and personal object of the Son of God’s eternal and redeeming love. Then remember that this is the portion of every sinner who turns to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. The Gospel that we are privileged to proclaim has at its centre a powerful and tender heart of love. May that immense love continue to comfort us and motivate us! —Mark Fenn
All of grace, yes, grace surpassing, such a portion to bestow; But the love, all knowledge passing, grace has taught us now to know, Love that bore the stripes and sorrow, love that suffered on the tree, Love that shares the bright tomorrow with the loved ones, you and me. —Thomas Henry Reynolds
