DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 23:1-22; Psalms 132:1-134:3; Mark 8:27-9:13
But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. 1 Chronicles 29:14
David saw that there was no worth in the worshippers, only in Him who is to be worshipped. Our offering consists of presenting Christ, in all His worth, back to the Father. It is the Father’s own we give to Him. Like David, may our hearts in true worship declare: “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty” (v. 11). —Pete Smith
Oh worship the Lord in the beauty of holinesss! Bow down before Him, His glory proclaim; With gold of obedience and incense of lowliness, Kneel and adore Him; the Lord is His name. —John Monsell
DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 22:1-33; Psalm 128:1-131:3; Mark 8:11-26
And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. Luke 5:10
James and John were Simon’s “partners,” which is the word koinonos which means “fellowship.” Here is a picture of fellowship that goes far beyond “hanging out together,” or liking the same things. They worked together as partners in fishing. Maintaining the boat and the nets, and co-labouring in all the physical work of the fishing business. Today some who say they are in fellowship have trouble making it to the meetings, and participate little in the work of the assembly. What about us, are we partners or spectators? —Carl Knott
To the work, to the work! We are servants of God, Let us follow the path that our Master has trod. — Fanny J. Crosby
DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 21:1-24; Psalms 124:1-127; Mark 7:24 to 8:10
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit. John 13:21 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1
Our Lord was troubled in spirit as He met in the upper room with His disciples. He was, of course, anticipating His upcoming betrayal and crucifixion. The disciples were burdened with their own emotions
regarding His leaving them. They were very much afraid. But a troubled Saviour could say “Let not your heart be troubled,” believe in me. Note also that He was talking to all the disciples but He used the
singular noun “heart,” not “hearts.” Each had to personally trust in the Lord in his own heart. As do we. —Ken Gross
Trusting as the moments fly, trusting as the days go by; Trusting Him whate’er be fall, trusting Jesus that is all. —Edgar Stiles
“This book focuses on the subject of “revering Christ in a casual world”. The first chapter addresses the question, “What’s in a Name?”. The author stresses the significance attached to personal names in the Bible since “a name reveals not just the identity of a person but also their features and character”.
The various names and titles of God, as found in the Scriptures, are considered. This is followed by an examination of the third commandment, where the reader is reminded of just how serious an offence it is to God when His name is used lightly.
The question is then asked, “Can a Christian blaspheme God?”. An in-depth study of the word “blasphemy” is conducted and it is claimed that “in one form or another, we often unconsciously demean God’s name”. Not only does the author urge us not to speak blasphemy but “not to live blasphemy either (Jas 2.7)”. He appeals that all conduct which would cause others to blaspheme the name of the Lord, be avoided. “Loss of reverence for the Lord’s name has degraded the name of Christ throughout the world”.
Having highlighted the dangers of treating the Lord’s name with disrespect, instruction is then given as to a right use of the Lord’s name. In the chapter entitled, “The Blessings of the Lord’s Name”, the following pertinent points are developed: To pray in His Name; To proclaim His Name; To suffer for His Name; To gather in His Name. This is only a selection. You can relish the rest when you purchase the book!
Hallowed Be Thy Name concludes with six practical suggestions as to how a believer can sanctify the Lord’s great name. Advice is also given on how to respond when the Lord’s name is blasphemed and there is an extensive sixteen page appendix of “Names and Titles of Christ”.
If you are seeking guidance as to how you can glorify the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ in daily living, this book will certainly provide both challenge and encouragement that will prompt you to exclaim, “Hallowed be Thy Name!”.”
DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 19:1-20:27; Psalms 120:1-123:4; Mark 7:1-23
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Physical activity, such as climbing, running and even walking, demands a high level of energy. Many Scriptures indicate that this physical fact has a spiritual counterpart. As believers in the Lord Jesus, we “Set [our] affection on things above” (Col. 3:2) as we “run… the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). It is most important that we maintain our spiritual vigour and freshness. This is achieved only as we “wait upon the Lord.” —George Hall
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide; And run not before Him, whatever betide; In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word. —W. D. Longstaff
DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 17:1-18:30; Psalm 119:145-176; Mark 6:30-56
Uzziah slept (died)…and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper. 2 Chronicles 26:23
Uzziah, a good man, became proud, and thought he could enter God’s presence on his own merits. God judged him and he became a leper. Because of that, when he died, he could not be placed with his ancestors in the tomb of the kings but was buried alone in a field. If you are expecting to enter the Lord’s presence depending on your own good life instead of trusting in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus you too will be greatly disappointed. —David Croudace
There are loved ones in the glory, whose dear forms you often miss, When you close your earthly story, will you join them in their bliss? —Ada R. Habershon
DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 16:1-34; Psalm 119:113-144; Mark 6:1-29
Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him. Acts 2:22 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power (miracles) and signs and lying wonders. 2 Thess. 2:9
Our present dispensation of grace started with a man who did miracles, wonders and signs. This evidence confirmed God was with Him. This dispensation will also end with a man. The man of sin will is rapidly being set for the last scene. It is quite possible that this generation will be the last. Today is still the day grace; who will you choose? —Sid Halsband
Echo it, hilltops; proclaim it, ye plains: Jesus is coming again! Coming in glory, the Lamb that was slain; Jesus is coming again! —Jessie E. Strout
DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 15:1-33; Psalm 119:73-112; Mark 5:21-43
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Romans 6:13
Before trusting Christ we focused our eyes upon ourselves and used our body for sin. Now we may live victoriously by solely focusing on Christ and offering ourselves to Him. We can use our feet to spread the gospel (Rom. 10:15) and use our hands for good works (Titus 2:14). With our lips we can consistently offer thankful praise to Him (Heb. 13:15) and with our mind bring our thoughts into subjection under Him (Rom. 8:5). He is worthy. —George Ferrier
Take my life and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days, let them flow in endless praise. —Frances R. Havergal
DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 14:33-57; Psalm 119:41-72; Mark 5:1-20
Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame. Hebrews 12:2 Behold, Jesus met them, saying, [Oh joy]! Matthew 28:9
Multiple motives brought our Saviour to the cross. His love. His grace. His compassion. Here is another. Joy! A divine joy that was set before Him—fallen sinners who would come by faith to the forgiveness ground of Calvary; there to find blessed intimacy with Him. As this little band of women departed the empty tomb, behold, Jesus met them. As He gazed upon them, the bewildered and frightened first fruits of His salvation’s mighty harvest, He said, “Oh Joy”! And they worshipped Him. —S. McEachern
Through death into life everlasting, He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion—for more than conquerors we are! —Helen Howarth Lemmel
DAILY READINGS: Leviticus 14:1-32; Psalm 119:1-40; Mark 4:21-41
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Acts 2:1
Just before the glorious descent of the Holy Spirit upon the early disciples of Jesus we read that “they were all with one accord in one place.” This suggests more than being in the same geographical location. They had a togetherness of purpose, of expectation, of prayerfulness and as a result received great blessing. Jealousies, petty disputes, personality clashes need to be done away with and then God will pour out the blessing by His Spirit’s power. —Paul Young
Jesus, our only joy be Thou, As Thou our prize wilt be; Jesus, be Thou our glory now, And through eternity. —St. Bernard of Clairvaux