Thursday, August 5, 2010

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 11-12; Isaiah 51:9-23; 2 Cor. 12:1-13

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

Michael Faraday (1791-1867), the celebrated chemist and physicist, a man of great intellect, was asked as he neared the close of his life this question, “What are your speculations now?” “Speculations?” he replied, “I have none. I am resting on certainties.” He then quoted today’s verse. How thankful we should be that we know the God of certainties, not speculations. Are you rejoicing in and resting on His certain salvation? —W. Ross Rainey

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.—F. J.C.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 9:15 to 10:27; Isaiah 50 to 51:8; 2 Cor. 11

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Proverbs 20:11

It was impressive to observe a 12 year old’s conversation with an adult. The youth’s manner was courteous and respectful and before parting he offered a handshake. It was evident he came from an exemplary home life. In our day of “anything goes", it is necessary that parents instill godly values in children at an early age. A Bible teacher exhorted his audience, “Don’t only read Bible stories to your children, teach them truths…foundational truths for a lifetime”. It is a blessing for parent and child to accept this challenge with diligence and joy. —E. Dyck

Happy the home where prayer is heard, and praises want to rise:
Where parents love the sacred Word, and all its wisdom prize.—Henry Ware

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 8 to 9:14; Isaiah 49; 2 Cor. 10

And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies. Numbers 10:9

The blowing of the silver trumpets was not only to marshal Israel’s forces for war, but it was also an appeal to the Lord their God to save them from their enemies. We too are in a battle and the trumpets have been blown against the powers of darkness. As faithful soldiers, may we remember that “no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Tim. 2:4). Lord, help in the battle. —R. E. Surgenor

Fight the good fight with all thy might;
Christ is thy strength, and Christ thy right. —John S. B. Monsell

Monday, August 2, 2010

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 6-7; Isaiah 48; 2 Corinthians 9

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mark 4:19

We are witnesses to the world’s problems every day through television, radio and newspapers. Listen to the conversations of co-workers, school friends or neighbours and you will hear of broken hearts and broken lives. But a little light shines bright in a dark place. Let Christ’s love shine through you. The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches have ensnared many, but go and tell the story of Christ, His love and forgiveness of sin. —Jerry Proctor

In the warfare that is raging, for the truth and for the right,
When the conflict fierce is raging, with the powers of the night,
God needs people brave and true; may He then depend on you? —Ira Wilson

Lord’s Day, August 1, 2010

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 4-5; Isaiah 47; 2 Corinthians 8

But the priests, the Levites…they shall come near to Me to minister unto Me, and they shall stand before Me to offer unto Me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord God. Ezekiel 44:15

Believers, as holy priests, can minister to God and as royal priests to God’s people. The highest service is to minister to God Himself. The Lord’s Supper is the meeting of the Church most suitable for ministering delight to His heart. What is that which delights Him? “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased". May our remembrances have grace to leave the royal ministry to other occasions and, at the Lord’s Supper’s brief hour, minister to the Father’s heart. —J. Boyd Nicholson

We share Thy joy in Him who sitteth there,
Chiefest of thousands, fairer than the fair. —W. B. Dick

Saturday, July 31, 2010

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 3; Isaiah 46; 2 Corinthians 6:11 to 7:16

Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it. Jeremiah 1:12

Mattthew’s Gospel confirms Jeremiah’s prophecy. “And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads". Even today some care not that Jesus, the son of God was hanging on the cross for them. Indifferent sinners will perish. Be wise! Do not take a casual approach to your eternal destiny. Accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour today. He died for you! —E. MacLelland

Never more shall God, Jehovah,
Smite the shepherd with the sword;
Ne’er again shall cruel sinners,
Set at naught our glorious Lord.—Robert C. Chapman

Friday, July 30, 2010

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 2; Isaiah 44:24 to 45:25; 2 Cor. 5:11 to 6:10

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. 2 Peter 2:15

Balaam stumbled badly where once he stood strongly. In this account, one of three indictments against him in the New Testament, we are told plainly that he loved the “wages of unrighteousness”. This was not always so. The actual biblical context (Numbers 22.1-20) speaks of his eager purity regarding money, even to the extent of refusing a palace full of silver and gold (22.18). One wonders where and when he slipped from his high standard. It is a powerful warning for all of us. Flee from the love of money! —N. Craig Funston

I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight;
Things that are higher, things that are nobler—these have allured my sight.—P. H.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 1; Isaiah 44:6-23; 2 Corinthians 4:7 to 5:10

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of Thine own hands. Psalms 138:7-8

David’s psalm of praise is for God’s goodness and faithfulness even in the midst of troubles. He knows and rests confidently that God will bring to perfection or completion the trials that he is experiencing. In the centre of your trouble, allow the Lord to revive and perfect you, knowing that His way is being made perfect in your life, and His Word will prove more than enough! —Jim Comte

Simply trusting every day, trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus that is all. —Edgar P. Stites

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

DAILY READINGS: Ruth 3-4; Isaiah 43 to 44:5; 2 Corinthians 3 to 4:6

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Titus 2:11-12

God’s Gospel not only saves the sinner but teaches the Christian. Saved and unsaved alike need to hear it constantly. It stimulates love to Christ, which is the only acceptable motive for Christian living. It reminds us that we have been forgiven much, and so stirs us to love much. —R. Mattice

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my heart, my life, my all! —Isaac Watts

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

DAILY READINGS: Ruth 2; Isaiah 42; 2 Corinthians 2

All the widows stood by him (Peter) weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. Acts 9:39

This dear woman worked with her hands to provide clothes for the needy. What a wonderful inspiration she is to others who seek to follow her example. Many missionaries are blessed by the devotion of women who work tirelessly providing materials needed in the work of the Lord! Throughout North America, the UK, and other countries, sisters have set up groups to make and collect items for shipping to missionaries abroad. They need our prayer support and encouragement to continue on! —Jim Paul

With the balm of His counsel, our strength to renew;
Let us do with our might what our hands find to do. —F. J. Crosby