Wednesday, May 18, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 30-31; Proverbs 26:13 to 27:27; Luke 3

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Rev. 20:12

There is an organization called, “Anonymous Anonymous” that is designed for people who wish to keep their problem a secret from their fellow man. They may accomplish this for a time, but for those who die without God's salvation, the books will one day be opened, at the great white throne judgement, and they will be judged by the One who wanted to be their Saviour. Receive Jesus Christ as Saviour today. —Milton Haack

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee;
Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling. —A. Toplady

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 29; Proverbs 25 to 26:12; Luke 2:22-52

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. Romans 1:15

To a brother reading this today: how long has it been since the believers in the assembly heard your voice? Are you relying on those other “favoured few” to do what God requires of you as a priest? All too often, we excuse our lack of study and preparation for the meetings by saying, “That’s not my place.” Perhaps you’re not a preacher, but you are a priest by the new birth. Our great High Priest expects you to perform in this capacity, with as much as is in you. This is your place. Can He count on you? —Rick Morse

Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today. —H. G. Smyth

Monday, May 16, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 28; Proverbs 24; Luke 2:1-21

When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them. Joshua 7:21a

Here is the inevitable downward spiral along the path of sin. I saw, I coveted, I took, I hid. Aachan’s demise started with a look and what he did could not stay hidden. It is the same old story—sin and a refusal to listen to the word of the Lord. We know its pattern well. It is the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Don’t toy with sin—it will eventually be revealed and end up hurting you and others.—Mark Kolchin

Sin is a monster of such awful mien,
But to be hated needs but to be seen,
But seen too oft, and familiar with face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace. —A. Pope

Lord’s Day, May 15, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Num. 26:52 to 27:23; Prov. 23:12-35; Luke 1:57-80

Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it. Exodus 35:5a

What is true worship? Where does it come from? Is some worship better than others? Pure worship that pleases God and ascends above the strictures and empty approbation of men into the very presence of God Himself is Spirit led worship. It is worship that flows from hearts that are willing to let the Spirit of God glorify Christ to them. Worship is these self-same hearts now overflowing with love for Christ—love that expresses itself in glorious song, or silent tears; prayers of adoration or shared thoughts that focus on Him alone. May our worship be such today—not for us but for Him. —S. McEachern

With grateful heart my thanks I bring, before Thy throne, Thy praise I sing;
I worship in Thy holy place and praise Thee for Thy truth and grace.—The Psalter, 1912

Saturday, May 14, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Num. 25 to 26:51; Prov. 22:17 to 23:11; Luke 1:26-56

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27

Broken-hearted travelers on a seven mile walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus were joined by an unknown, but sympathetic, Friend. He mysteriously knew so much about the Saviour they mourned. As they walked, He likely told them of His virgin birth (Is. 7:14) and His vicarious death (Is. 53:7). Then He may have presented thoughts of His triumphant resurrection (Ps. 16:10). I wonder if He assured them their Redeemer would live forever (Job 19:25)? The nail-pierced Man, who lightened their burdened hearts, longs to lighten yours today. Enjoy your walk with Him. —Arnot McIntee

Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word. —Mary Ann Lathbury

Friday, May 13, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Num. 23:27-24:25; Prov. 21:12-22:16; Luke 1:1-25

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalms 51:12-13

The anguish of David's soul has been a source of blessing to believers whose joy has been lost through sin. Sin never takes you from your relationship with the Saviour! But it will break your fellowship with Him, robbing you of your joy in the Lord. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:9). Not only is there forgiveness but He will restore your usefulness. Erring Peter, when restored, became a Gospel preacher and a pillar in the Church. Return to Him today and He will restore your joy. —Jim Paul

Thou alone my Saviour art, teach Thy wisdom to my heart;
Make me pure, Thy grace bestow, wash me whiter than the snow.—Joseph Holbrook

Thursday, May 12, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Num. 22:39-23:26; Prov. 20 to 21:11; James 4:13-5:20

And he made the altar of burnt offering… it was foursquare. Ex. 38:1

And he made the incense altar… it was foursquare. Exodus 37:25

It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double. Exodus 39:9

And the city lieth foursquare. Revelation 21:16

Four things here are foursquare; equal and fully balanced in their dimensions. The altar of burnt offering testifies to the atonement offered by the Lord Jesus. The altar of incense testifies to the intercession offered by our great High Priest. The breastplate reminds us that our High Priest is compassionate to those who are on His heart. The city will testify throughout eternity to the power of Christ to bring lost souls to repentance, change sinners to saints, and bring glory to God. —Tom Steere

Jesus! All perfections rise and end in Thee;
Brightness of God’s glory Thou, eternally. —D. A. McGregor

 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 22:1-38; Proverbs 19; James 3 to 4:12

Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God. Nehemiah 9:31

Think of how many times in Scripture grace and mercy are linked together. We need both! God in His marvellous grace reached down to where we were so that He could extend His mercy to us in forgiving our sin and making us fit for heaven. He withheld the punishment we deserved by placing that debt on His beloved Son and gave us something far better. The hymn writer has declared, “Oh the wonder of it all!” We agree! —W. H. Gustafson

Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary. —D. B. Towner

 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 21; Proverbs 18; James 2

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity! Habakkuk 2:12

How dangerous it is to compromise ones' Christian witness in order to make progress in this world. In our dealings with unbelievers we must make sure that we do not lower our standing at home or in the work place. The Lord will meet our needs, and more, without us damaging our testimony. —Brian Russell

O blessed is the man whose trust,
Upon the Lord relies;
Respecting not the proud, nor such,
As turn aside to lies. —Scottish Psalter

Monday, May 9, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 20; Proverbs 17; James 1

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:4

The story is told of a newly saved man who was sitting on the porch reading his Bible. A friend passing by stopped and asked, ”Tom, what are you reading?” “Oh,” said Tom, “I’m reading a legacy, and I’m so happy to see all to which I am an heir.” “Who died?” asked the friend. The young believer replied, “The one who died was my Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and now His inheritance is mine!” —E. MacLelland

Keep the eye single, the head upward lifted;
Watch for the glory of earth’s coming King;
Lo! o’er the mountain tops light is now breaking;
Heirs of the kingdom, rejoice ye and sing. —Lowell Mason