Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Two girls were racing towards the finishing tape. At the last moment one dropped back and lost the race. Later she complained because she hadn’t won the race, to which her teacher replied, “You didn’t keep running.” Paul stated, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). How’s your running going today? Have you given up or have you not yet started the race? Why not get running today? —Janet Fleming
So if you are burdened and weary, And feeling discouraged a bit, Remember this path leads to heaven, Press onward, for winners don’t quit! —Janet Fleming
For I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13
Although initially spoken to Israel, the threefold promise in the above verse offers hope to the grieving saint of God today. Are you passing through a season of sorrow and grief? God can turn your mourning into joy, comfort you, and make you rejoice from your sorrow. Jesus also was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isa. 53:3), and is even now interceding for you (Heb. 7:25). —E. V.
Our great high Priest is sitting, At God’s right hand above, For us His hands uplifting, In sympathy and love. —A. P. Cecil
Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens. Genesis 7:2 And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord. Genesis 8:20
God prepared in advance for the offerings on the altar at the end of the flood. Those beasts would be the “sweet savour” arising out of the judgment of God (v. 21). Long before the cross, preparation was made for a different offering. God’s precious Son would be the ultimate sacrifice for us and every believer that “sweet savour…of Christ to God” (2 Cor. 2:15). As we gather today to remember that great offering, every redeemed heart should praise the Lord. —Vernon Markle
Dying sinner, look to Jesus, hung upon the cross for thee; Think upon the Saviour, Jesus, stretched and nailed upon the tree! Ev’ry mark of deep dishonour heaped upon His thorn-crowned brow: There, oh, read the wondrous story of His cross, His shame and woe! —Author Unknown
Knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. Philippians 1:17
Paul uses four different words in Philippians to describe the communication of the gospel. He says we are to “speak” (Gk. lalelo), the gospel in our everyday conversation (v. 14). We are to “herald” (Gk. kerussa) the gospel as a public crier would in the open air (v. 15). We are to “preach” (Gk. kataggello) the gospel through formal preaching (v. 16). Finally we are to verbally defend (Gk. apologia) the gospel through the use of apologetics (v. 17). Whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, let us not be ashamed of the gospel. It alone can bring lasting change to a darkened mind. —Sid Halsband
Lead me to some soul today, O teach me, Lord, just what to say; Melt my heart, and fill my life, give me one soul today. —Will Houghton
“Why did John Wesley say “Let every preacher read carefully over the life of David Brainerd”? The reader of this addition to the Classic Biography Series will quickly discover the answer to this question.
David Brainerd was often depressed and downcast, and seldom, if ever, happy with his own spiritual state. He constantly battled severe ill health and loneliness. It was among the Indians of Crossweeksung (now Crosswicks, New Jersey) that he first saw his prayers answered in a way that simply amazed him. He was astounded to find that the “hearts of these Indians were melted by the love of Jesus” rather than the terrors of judgment. Converts were gathered to form a local church of which he said “I know of no assembly of Christians where there seems to be so much of the presence of God, where brotherly love so much prevails, and where I should so much delight in the public worship of God, in general, as in my own congregation; although not more than nine months ago, they were worshipping devils and dumb idols under the power of pagan darkness and superstition. Amazing change this! Effected by nothing less than divine power and grace!” By the end of 1747, 29 years of age and less than four years after his life’s work began, David Brainerd was called Home, a victim of tuberculosis. His last words were “I shall soon be in glory, I shall soon glorify God with the angels!”
Every Christian who, conscious of weakness, desires to serve God more effectively, should heed John Wesley’s counsel.”
~ Book review originally published by Believer’s Bookshelf (June 2017) and written by Alan Wilson
Set in the island of Jersey during the early days of World War II, the story centres around a plot to capture Hitler on his first visit to the island after the German occupation. A young lad called Jerry, and his female accomplice, learn of this and decide to inform the British authorities 100 miles away across the Channel in the hope of ending the misery of the war and its effects on the island – but how? Some older people are enlisted to help with a boat and its equipment, there is an old outboard motor involved which eventually fails, a shipwreck, and a near-fatal landing on a mined beach, followed by a journey to Whitehall to brief the top brass, then an anticlimax! At times it is breathtaking, and you want to read on!
The story is well written in a style suitable for 7-11 year olds, but perhaps it matches better the interests of early teens; indeed, adults too will find it an absorbing and enjoyable read. The author makes good use of his knowledge of the geography of Jersey and its people, but the best thing about this book, from a Christian viewpoint, is how the Gospel message is so effectively woven into the story, seamlessly and gradually. Starting from a base of unfamiliarity with the Bible and no awareness of God, the storyline introduces the need for salvation and how it can be found through faith in Christ alone.
~ Book review Originally Published by Believer’s Bookshelf (June 2017) and written by Bert Cargill
But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. Numbers 14:24
Just as Solomon is specially noted in Scripture for his wisdom, so Caleb is marked out as a man who “wholly” or “fully” followed the Lord. Here is a personal study suggestion: read all the Bible’s references of Caleb and count how frequently it is recorded that he “fully/wholly” followed the Lord. Today, let each reader be stirred to give a more whole-hearted commitment to our Lord Jesus. —George Hall
My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine: Now hear me while I pray; take all my guilt away; O, let me from this day, be wholly Thine. —Ray Palmer
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Many things we buy say “some assembly required.” We may think the included directions are not for us. We can do it without instruction. It usually does not end well. God tells us here that if we want our path to prosper, we must follow His step by step guide. We may think we know better. But He says to trust Him with all our heart. Don’t trust your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him. These instructions produce success. Any other plan fails. Humbly follow the directions. —Ken Gross
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. —John Sammis
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:42-43
When the “repentant” thief woke up on the morning of his execution, he was without Christ. In the afternoon, when nailed to his cross, he trusted Jesus as his Saviour. He was in Christ. That night when he was in paradise, he was with Christ. He went from a place without hope to being in the Lord’s presence. This can happen to you! Will you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? —Bob Cretney
Eternity! Time soon will end, it’s fleeting moments pass away; O sinner say, where will you spend eternity’s unchanging day? —Author Unknown
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1
These first ten words in the Bible are under tremendous attack in the world in which we live. Schools, TV, radio and literature promote the theory of evolution more and more. Yet we believe the Word of God and that in six days our world was created. We may not entirely understand it but by faith we believe it. We have a great God and he has done great things. We wonder in the beauty of creation today. —John M Clegg
O Sovereign one who fashioned oceans deep by whisper strong; Who rends the waters from the land and lends the depths her song; The fullness of the sky and sea, in reverence do they stand, To testify to the sovereignty and goodness of Your hand. —Matt Boswell
