Monday, July 7, 2008

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 24; Isaiah 19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3 

Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? And where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? But now the LORD hath forsaken us. Judges 6:13a

Why did this happen to me? Why isn’t God working for me like I heard He has for others? God has forsaken me. Do these words sound familiar? Since creation men have been bothered by the challenges and burdens of life and have wondered why God does not take a more active role in making things better. The adversary delights in creating doubt and causing us to question the love of God.  Keep pressing on, we’ll understand it by and by! —William H. Gustafson

I am not skilled to understand what God has willed, what God has planned;
I only know at His right hand, is One who is my Saviour!   —D. Greenwell

Lord’s Day, July 6, 2008

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 23; Isaiah 17-18; 2 Thessalonians 2 

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint My body to the burying.  Mark 14:8

This woman alone, understood that Jesus was about to die for her and in response she gave her most precious and expensive ointment—not just a few drops, but she broke the entire vessel in complete abandonment of her all to her Saviour. She had done what she could. As we look back on Calvary, have we done what we could, or are we still offering just a few drops of our love to the One who gave His all for us? —David Croudace

I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed,
That thou might’st ransomed be and quickened from the dead;
I gave, I gave My life for thee, what hast thou given for Me?  —Frances R. Havergal

Saturday, July 5, 2008

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 22; Isaiah 15-16; 2 Thessalonians 1

For I am in a strait betwixt two having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.  Philippians 1:23-24
 
There are times when heaven looks very attractive to us, with its marvels and majesty contrasting to a season of sorrow and suffering that we perhaps are passing through. The apostle Paul refers to heaven as a far better place, to which collectively we shout a hearty “amen”.  But the momentary thought of what is best for me is quickly replaced by what is more needful for others. Is there something you can do for someone today?               —C. Tempest
 
Be to the helpless, a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true. —Ira B. Wilson

Friday, July 4, 2008

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 20-21; Isaiah 14; 1 Thessalonians 5

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  Ephesians 2:13

Every July 4th, the United States celebrates Independence Day, when in 1776 they separated from Britain. Adam and Eve ushered in independence from the King of Heaven when they chose their wisdom over God’s and ate of the tree He had commanded them not to. One disobedient act separated us from God, and sin and death entered into the world. However, the Lord Himself led us to another tree, the Cross of Calvary. There, by grace through faith in His sacrifice, we were taken from independence to dependence on Him again, and from death unto life. Hallelujah! —Jerry Proctor

Anointed King, with glory crowned, rightful heir and Lord of all!
Thee we gaze on, Thee recall, bearing here our sorrows all. —Lowell Mason

Thursday, July 3, 2008

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 18-19; Isaiah 13; 1 Thessalonians 4

I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work. Neh. 5:16

Nehemiah had one purpose in mind—to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This was a spiritual mission, for Jerusalem was the place Israel gathered to worship God. When our passion is to help others restore their relationship with God, we have little time or thought for anything else. We’re not concerned with wealth or success, accolades or position, for our time and resources are focused on eternal gain. Wise is the Christian that emulates Nehemiah’s example. In doing so, we may influence others towards a renewed and restored relationship with Him!  —D. Manera

Only one life, t’will soon be past;
Only what’s done for Christ will last. —J. Piper

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 16-17; Isaiah 11-12; 1 Thess. 2:13 to 3:13 

Behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with Him.  Matthew 17:3

This glorious scene on the Mount of Transfiguration teaches many things. The two men who were transfigured with Christ were typical characters. As one writer put it, “Moses is a picture of those who will be raised from the dead and Elijah is a picture of those who will be taken without dying.” Yes, some will pass through that dark valley and some will be taken at the Rapture. Either way, the Prince of Life will be our heavenly escort! Because of this hope, we can rejoice: “O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?” 
 —Bob Cretney

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory, that overcomes the world. —John Henry Yates

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 14-15; Isaiah 10:5-34; 1 Thess. 1 to 2:12 

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.  Philemon 6

What a joy to tell a lost soul of the Saviour’s love. It is so needed in this sin darkened world. May God help us to get our light out from underneath the bushel of work and the bed of laziness and shine for Him. But how do we make our witnessing effective? Are we enjoying all that God has for us in Christ Jesus? He has promised if anyone believes in Him, out of them will flow rivers of living water. The lost are thirsty and Christ has invited them to come to Him and drink. If Christ is filling us, people will come to us to drink of Him. —M. J. D.
    
He was not willing that any should perish; am I His follower, and can I live,
At ease with a soul going downward, lost for lack of help I might give?—L. R. M.

A few comments…

“Soon after trusting Lord Jesus as my Saviour, June 1938, one of the brethren introduced me to Choice Gleanings Calendar and provided me my first copy. I’ve been enjoying its spiritual nourishment daily since that time. At 365 days per year that amounts to about 21,900 readings. The broad variety of subjects treated and the many varied personalities of its contributors has been a constant source of daily blessings. I am so very grateful for Choice Gleanings and just want to express my appreciation and gratitude. May God continue to bless such a noble accomplishment.” —R. Dorsey Merrells

“It was the beginning of my every day and so often exactly what I needed.” — Laurie  “Thank you so much for the work of Choice Gleanings, I have been blessed by your calendar for many years.  It is amazing how God speaks to me so clearly by the daily readings. May God bless you for now and in the future.” — Elizabeth 

We were previously able to send the meditations out in email form but due to the technical difficulties, we had to cancel this subscription. This email was sent to us in response to the cancellation notice: 

“Thank you very much for your faithful service in sending out the email devotions.  These daily emails have been a great blessing and source of edification.  I can’t tell you how many times a particular devotion has ‘hit the spot’ for the day that it arrived!” — Esther