Choice Gleanings: Good News Edition

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 16:1-36; Psalm 52:1-54:7; Acts 9:1-31

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:2 

Driving through a town in Pennsylvania, I caught sight of a sign outside a building which said “Christ’s Home.” It was a funeral home and I wondered how many people had found themselves, on their decease, being in that particular home, but not actually arriving in Christ’s eternal home (the Father’s house). To enjoy the comforts and companionship of the Father’s house requires being born into the family of God by accepting Christ by faith. Only then can a place be prepared. —Brian Powlesland

There is a home, a glorious home, a heavenly mansion fair;
And those we loved so fondly here, will bid us welcome there.
—Author Unknown

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 15:1-27; Psalm 51:1-19; Acts 8:5-40

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37 , NKJV

At the end of life all our material possessions will never purchase our admission into Heaven. “Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him—For the redemption of their souls is costly,” (Psalm 49:6-8, NKJV). Jesus paid the price by His death to save us from the eternal consequences of sin. Are you a saved or a lost soul? Are you living for this world at the expense of preparing for eternity? —Jim Paul

Where will you spend eternity? This question comes to you and me!
Tell me, what shall your answer be? Where will you spend eternity?
—Elisha A. Hoffman

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 14:5-31; Psalms 49:1-50:23; Acts 7:30-8:4

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. 1 John 1:9, NKJV

A reporter asked a young man convicted of murder, “How do you live with yourself?” He replied: “The Bible says if I confess my sins, I will be forgiven.” “Forgiven!” the reporter cried out. “Do you deserve forgiveness?” My heart went out to that young man. After all, who among us deserves forgiveness? The Bible tells us there is no one righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10). God’s forgiveness can’t be earned or bought. It must be received by confessing our need for Him. There is no crime or sin His saving grace won’t forgive. Come to Him today! —Deborah Manera

I asked the Lord “How much do you love me?” He said “this
much”—opened up His arms—and died. —Author Unknown

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 13:1-14:4; Psalms 47:1-48:14; Acts 7:1-29

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Psalms 22:1
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Completely abandoned. Forsaken by men, forsaken by God, our Lord Jesus endured the punishment for our sins. In contrast God has promised the believer that we will never be deserted by Him. He is with us in life and in death. He is with us for eternity. If you have not yet done so, today choose Christ, choose eternity with God. —George Ferrier

He died on Calvary’s mountain, for me they pierced His side.
For me He opened that fountain, the crimson, cleansing tide.
For me He waiteth in glory, seated upon His throne.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!
—Ludie Pickett

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 12:21-51; Psalm 45:1-46:11; Acts 6:1-15

How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? Hebrews 2:3

In 2014, an airplane on route to Singapore crashed, killing everyone on board. The cause was found to be both a mechanical issue and how the pilots dealt with the problem. Four times the warning system had notified the pilots of a failure. Rather than dealing with the malfunction, though, the pilots attempted to fix the warning system. Perhaps someone has been lovingly cautioning you of impending danger. The solution is not to ignore the warnings! Respond, while there is still time. —Lynn Shatford

Sinner, heed the warning voice, Make the Lord your final choice,
Then all heaven will rejoice, Be in time. —Author Unknown

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 11:1-12:20; Psalm 44:1-26; Acts 5:12-42

I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.
Deuteronomy 30:19

Man faces many choices in his lifetime. God warned Israel that to continue in sin would result in death, while obedience to God would bring blessing and life! The same warning echoes over the span of time to us today. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). To heed this warning is life. To ignore it, is certain death. Choose life and live! —E. V.

There is life for a look at the crucified One, There is life at this
moment for thee; Then look, sinner, look unto Him and be saved,
Unto Him who was nailed to the tree. —Miss A. M. Hull

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 10:1-29; Psalms 42:1-43:5; Acts 4:32-5:11

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19-20

He grew up attending Sunday School but never trusted Christ until just five months before he died. An old man by this time, his words were: “To think that I wasted all those years.” Why not give Christ your life while young and choose to live for Him? It will be worth it. —J. Fleming

Today in love His words I hear, “I died to set you free,
I gave My life, My all for you, will you give less for Me?”
Yes life is short; it goes so fast, and this one thing I’ll do,
“Dear Lord, You gave Your life for me, I’ll give my all for You.”
—J. Fleming

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 9:1-35; Psalm 40:1-41:13; Acts 4:1-31

And a great windstorm arose. Mark 4:37
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39

Many people are going through tumultuous storms. From physical infirmities to financial burdens to family problems, all are overwhelming. The Lord’s fishermen friends learned long ago in the stormy waves, it is only when Christ is allowed to be Captain of our lives that we experience true peace. For, after He took full control of the vessel, “there was a great calm.” Will you put your faith in the Prince of Peace? —Bob Cretney

The raging storms may round us beat, a shelter in the time of storm;
We’ll never leave our safe retreat, a shelter in the time of storm.
—Ira D. Sankey

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 8:1-32; Psalms 38:1-39:13; Acts 3:1-26

No one has ascended into heaven… John 3:13

It is impossible for man to make his way up to heaven by climbing a ladder of good works or by attaching oneself to the name of a virtuous person, saint, or church. No, getting us up to heaven required that the only begotten Son come down to earth and die for us. And because Jesus humbled Himself, God has highly exalted Him. In God’s kingdom the way up is always down. He who loses his life for Jesus’s sake shall find it. —D. Pickup

The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows,
The more that I love Him, more love He bestows;
Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows,
The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows. —William J. Gaither

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 6:14-7:25; Psalm 37:1-40; Acts 2:22-47

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Joel 2:32

These words were repeated by Peter as he addressed the men of Israel on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:21), and the apostle Paul repeats them again as he writes his great doctrinal treatise to the Romans (Romans 9:13). This verse gives us the secret to being saved. It is by calling upon the name of the Lord. As we read through the Gospels, time and again the needy called upon His name and He responded in blessing. So also today, none are excluded, and none who call on His name will be denied. What wondrous grace! —W. H. Burnett

Oh, the precious Name of Jesus! How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us, and His songs our tongues employ!
—Lydia O. Baxter