DAILY READINGS: Numbers 14:1-45; Proverbs 11:1-31; 1 Peter 3:1-22
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
The word “refuge” is used a number of times in the Psalms. It generally means to provide shelter and protection from danger and difficulties. We live in a world wrecked by sin—filled with danger around us and brokenness inside us. It is a comfort to know we can go to our God, our refuge, when our world seems to be crumbling. How good is the God we adore! —Bob Cretney
The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm; Secure whatever ill betide, a shelter in the time of storm. —Ira Sankey
DAILY READINGS: Numbers 12:1-13:33; Proverbs 10:1-32; 1 Peter 2:1-25
Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25, NKJV
This is the last verse of the book of Judges. It is the sad theme of the whole book; even more sadly, it is the dismal commentary on the whole human race. But it doesn’t have to be the story of the redeemed soul. Let it rather be said of you and of your church, “Everyone did what was right in the Lord’s eyes.” This is the path of redemption, this is the goal of our sanctification and this is the glory of God—to do what is right in the Lord’s eyes. When your life is all said and done, will this be your eulogy? —Shane Johnson
Jesus, all for Jesus; All I am and have and ever hope to be; All of my ambitions, hopes and plans, I surrender these into your hands. —Robin Mark
DAILY READINGS: Numbers 11:4-35; Proverbs 9:1-18; 1 Peter 1:1-25
And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas…and Matthias… and the lot fell on Matthias. Acts 1:23, 26, NKJV
Matthias was chosen by lot to join with the eleven disciples. What happened to Joseph, called Barsabas? Did he let anger and bitterness at not being chosen consume him? Or did he continue to trust in the Lord Jesus? Be patient, dear one. In the Lord’s perfect timing, He will choose you for His purposes (Eccl. 3:11). —Annette Baal
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Search me and try me, Master, today! —Adelaide A. Pollard
Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8, NKJV
In a recent message, the preacher commented that we read our Bibles too quickly. The Psalmist would no doubt agree. “Selah” he writes after this verse, urging us to pause, to reflect, to savour these words. Surgeon says it this way: “Precious pause. Timely silence. Sheep may well lie down when such pasture is before them.” —M. MacMullen
Listen to His voice in the stillness, calling us to walk in the light; Listen to His voice in creation, telling of His glory and might. Listen to the depth of His wisdom, listen to the truth of His Word, Come and taste the joy of His presence, listen to His voice. —Ron Hamilton
DAILY READINGS: Numbers 9:1-10:10; Proverbs 6:20-7:27; Mark 16:1-20
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. John 20:20
On Resurrection evening the disciples hid in the upper room, the doors shut for fear of the Jews. Suddenly, the risen Lord appeared in their midst. They saw His face, heard His voice, and beheld His hands and side. They had 20/20 vision (John 20:20) and they were glad! One day we, too, will see Him and be glad. Till then may we view Him with the eye of faith when we remember Him in the breaking of the bread. —Rex Trogdon
Till He come we take the cup; as we at His table sup, Eye and heart are lifted up! We give Thee thanks, O Lord. —Horatius Bonar
DAILY READINGS: Numbers 8:1-26; Proverbs 5:1-6:19; Mark 15:24-47
For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I have asked of Him. 1 Samuel 1:27, NKJV
President Abraham Lincoln said, “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” As a Mum, raise your children for God. Timothy had a faithful mother and Paul reminded young Timothy of that; “And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). —Jim Comte
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful; May the fire of our devotion light their way; May the footprints that we leave, Lead them to believe. —Steve Green
DAILY READINGS: Numbers 7:1-89; Proverbs 4:1-27; Mark 15:1-23
O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. Psalm 6:1, 9
In times of despair, we can call upon the Lord. In fact, He says specifically to call on Him in time of trouble and He will deliver us that we might glorify Him again. What a comfort this is! We must practice this constantly and remember that God knows how we feel at all times. He will meet our need. —G. Frear
O Lord, rebuke not for my wrong, I’ve lost my joy, my peace, my song; But You have heard my weeping and cries, And before You now my prayers will rise. —G. F.
“Books like this by a present day author are few and far between, written in a refreshingly clear way, and with a clear directive contrary to that in which the feminist movement has taken society. Because it is all too easy for believers to be swayed in their thinking by this movement and its prevalence in the western world, this treatise on womanhood as taught in the Scriptures is essential reading for today’s women and men.
The author skilfully explores the different roles of women, whether single (by choice or by circumstance) or married, mothers or grandmothers, widows young or old. Sound scriptural advice is given for each situation. Using the figure of the Fruitful Vine (Ps 128.3, with cognate verses from The Song of Solomon), the beauty and honour of marriage is described, from the industrious to the intimate, from the everyday things to the special occasions which family life contains. Whilst focused on the role of the wife, the role of the husband is constantly called into the foreground, for it is (correctly) argued that the one cannot be fulfilled without the other.
In the Preface, the position is taken that biblical manhood advocates biblical womanhood; or put in more everyday terms, “an ideal wife is any woman who has an ideal husband”. The treatment of this subject is both doctrinally sound and practically orientated. The permanence of the marriage bond, the truth of headship and its consequences in the home and in the assembly, the necessity for complete fidelity and confidentiality in marriage are each stressed.
Problem areas like marital satisfaction and how to promote it, disagreements and how to resolve them, love and how to keep it fresh, gossip and how to avoid it (the author calls it sin), are all explored in detail, as is some very practical advice about the smooth, economical, responsible running of the home which is where the woman’s best influence lies. Readers outside of the USA where the book originated may find some of the details less appropriate, but the overall message is very important and applies everywhere.
Sin has invaded every realm of society, marriage included, but its effects can be controlled by the application of the Word of God, which is what this book successfully attempts to do. If read and its message heeded, it will be an asset in every young believer’s marriage, and every older one’s too. The men as well as the women should read it.”
DAILY READINGS: Numbers 6:1-27; Proverbs 3:1-35; Mark 14:53-72
Wilt thou trust him. Job 39:11 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. Job 13:15
If one really trusts another, it is natural to be faithful, and to continue to believe in them, whatever the future holds. So therefore by faith; “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9). Thus salvation is procured and as faith is exercised day by day, even “though he slay me,” a life is lived to His glory. —Ken Gunnell
Trust in the Lord and don’t despair, He is a Friend so true No matter what your troubles are Jesus will see you through. —Author Unknown
DAILY READINGS: Numbers 5:1-31; Proverbs 2:1-22; Mark 14:27-52
For all have sinned, and come short (missed the mark) of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
In Adam the root, trunk and branches of humanity have been corrupted. As Henry Law said “All generations were in his loins.” So man, in God’s sight, needs more than mercy or forgiveness, he needs God to deal with the very root of sin and procure clearance before God’s own holiness. That is what the death of Christ has accomplished. —Drew Craig
Settled forever, sin’s tremendous claim, Glory to Jesus, blessed be His Name, No partway measure doth His grace provide, Finished the work was, when the Saviour died. —E. G. Taylor
