Tuesday, September 13, 2011

DAILY READINGS: 1 Kings 6; Jeremiah 13; Ephesians 5:22 to 6:9

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Gal. 1:10

This is a remarkable application of the Lord’s words, "No man can serve two masters." It concerns the issue of preaching and teaching the Word. We must never allow our desire for popularity to interfere with publicly setting forth truths that are clearly taught by the Scriptures. Our preaching needs to be done in love but it must be firmly grounded in truth—no matter what the cost. —Drew Craig

Ashamed of Jesus! That dear Friend,
On whom my hopes of Heaven depend!
No: when I blush, be this my shame,
That I no more revere His Name. —Henry K. Oliver

Monday, September 12, 2011

DAILY READINGS: 1 Kings 4-5; Jeremiah 12; Ephesians 5:1-21

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:14

It is one thing to have Christ within but quite another to "put Him on." The one is internal and the other external. Our first verse says that we put Him on when we are baptized into Him, the other says we put Him on by "making no provision for the flesh." The first happens when we are saved. The other is ongoing throughout life. If He is the Resident within, He should also be the President. This can only be possible when we have crucified the flesh and the lusts thereof (Galatians 5:24). —Harold G. Smith

Once far from God and dead in sin, no light my heart could see;
But in God’s word the light I found, now Christ liveth in me.—James McGranahan

 

Lord’s Day, September 11, 2011

DAILY READINGS: 1 Kings 3; Jeremiah 11; Ephesians 4:17-32

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary. Luke 23:33a

There is a small piece of ground, on a lonely hill, outside the city walls of Jerusalem where a Roman cross was erected. There are many important historical locations on the earth, but they all pale to insignificance when compared to that place called Calvary. Upon that cross, the man Christ Jesus fought the greatest battle that ever was or will be. There He conquered sin, death and the grave. By faith may we draw near to that place today and worship. — S. D. B.

Sweet resting place of every heart,
That feels the plague of sin,
Yet knows the deep mysterious joy,
Of peace with God within. —Edward Denny

Saturday, September 10, 2011

DAILY READINGS: 1 Kings 2; Jeremiah 10; Ephesians 4:1-16

I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. Psalms 101:1

It didn’t seem to matter to David as to when he would sing. When things were going well in his life, or during a time of problem and discipline, he would still lift his voice. Circumstances didn’t alter his attitude. He knew that there was no “good luck” or “bad luck” experiences in his life. We need to remember this too. God is a righteous Father who knows what is right for us. He makes no mistakes, but allows and orders what is best for our lives and ultimately for His glory.—James Comte

With mercy and with judgement my web of time He wove,
And aye the dews of sorrow were lustred with His love.
I’ll bless the hand that guided, I’ll bless the heart that planned,
When throned where glory dwelleth, in Immanuel’s land. —A. Cousins

Friday, September 9, 2011

DAILY READINGS: 1 Kings 1; Jeremiah 9; Ephesians 3

Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath He in anger shut up His tender mercies? I will remember the years…of the most High. Psalm 77:9-10

These two verses indicate a remarkable change in the writer’s outlook on life and attitude to God. Such was his depression in the opening verses that he finally reached the stage where he wondered if God had forgotten him. But then he realized that he himself, not God, was the forgetful one. So in a new mood he began to recall the mighty works of God in the past and was refreshed. Try it. —W. P. M.

His love in time past forbids me to think,
He’ll leave me at last in trouble to sink;
Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review,
Confirms His good pleasure to help me quite through.—John Newton

 

Thursday, September 8, 2011

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 24; Jeremiah 8; Ephesians 2:11-22

All Thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia. Psalm 45:8

When a person is dear, everything connected with them becomes dear. So precious is the Person of the Lord Jesus in the estimation of all true believers that they consider everything about Him to be beyond all price. There is not a spot where that hallowed foot trod; there is not a word that those blessed lips uttered, nor a thought that His loving Word reveals which is not to us inestimably precious. —P. J. P.

His name yields the richest perfume,
And sweeter than music His voice;
His presence disperses my gloom,
And makes all within me rejoice. —J. Newton

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 23; Jeremiah 7; Ephesians 1:15 to 2:10

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? John 14:5

Thomas, asks a vital question concerning our direction and destiny. There are two ways into eternity, the narrow way that leads unto life, and the broad way that leads to destruction (Matt.7). A most solemn thought. Be not deceived for there is “a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death,” (Prov. 16:25). Reformation, religion, good works, and sincerity are some ways that seem right, but are false. There is only one way. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me,” (John 14:6). “Neither is there salvation in any other,” (Acts 4:12). Have you come to Him? —R. Surgenor

Yes Jesus is the Truth, the Way, that leads you into rest.
Believe in Him without delay, and you are fully blest. —J. H. Sammis

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 22; Jeremiah 6; Ephesians 1:1-14

Remember them which have the rule over you. Hebrews 13:7a

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls. Hebrews 13:17a

Salute all them that have the rule over you. Hebrews 13:24a

Here are three charges in relation to those who lead us in the Lord. Remember them—a command to recall that they are also fellow-travelers on the path of faith who need our prayers and encouragement. Submit to them—a command to accept humbly their leadership. Salute all them—a command to greet them publicly, acknowledging their place, position and example in the Body of Christ. We thank God for those who lead the flock so faithfully. May we be faithful followers. —Mark Kolchin

Faith of our fathers, living still, in spite of dungeon, fire and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy, whenever we hear that glorious Word!—Frederick Faber

 

Monday, September 5, 2011

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 21; Jeremiah 5; Galatians 6

Beginning to sink, [Peter] cried, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him. Mt. 14:30-31

Save me, O God…I sink in deep mire…the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. Psalm 69:1-3

As Peter sank into the dark waters of Lake Galilee, his cry for help was immediately met by a saving hand. But when the Holy Christ was sinking into the deep, foul mire of our sin, there was no helping hand. The heavens which had declared twice, “This is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased”(Matt. 3:17), were silent as Christ bore our punishment alone. —D. L.

Gone my transgressions, and now I am free,
All because Jesus was wounded for me. —W. G. Ovens

 

Lord’s Day, September 4, 2011

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 20; Jeremiah 4:3-31; Galatians 5:10-26

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come. 1 Corinthians 11:26

We were having dinner one night in a restaurant in a small New Zealand town when we noticed a young man sitting alone at a nearby table. One of those seated at our table invited him to join us, which he did. He was a young Danish man and he said he was amazed that we should invite him to eat with us. In all his travels no one had done that before. As a Christian I have been invited to share a far greater table, that of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to come today with our hearts full and ready to worship. Do we value this invitation? Are we prepared? —J. Fleming

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