Choice Gleanings: Good News Edition

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 32-33:17, Psalms 1:1-3:8, Matt. 18:15-35

Saul defeated the Amalekites…But Saul and the people spared Agag (the king). 1 Samuel 15:7, 9
And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king…Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live.” Joshua 6:2, 17

What a contrast between what God, as opposed to man, spares from destruction! God is not impressed by the king with all his pomp, power, and prestige. But God is merciful to the prostitute whose heart has turned to the true God. He hears the cry of the penitent sinner regardless of their station in life. “Call to me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3), He promises. —D. Logan

Precious, precious blood of Jesus shed on Calvary;
Shed for rebels, shed for sinners, shed for me.—Frances R. Havergal

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 31; Job 42:1-17; Matt. 17:14-18:14

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36, KJV

Alexander the Great was arguably the greatest conqueror in history. He captured many lands and his empire grew larger and larger. Yet at the age of 32 Alexander passed out of time into eternity. Many people today place great emphasis on possessions and material goods rather than on thinking about their soul. Your soul’s salvation is far more important. To be saved is the most important thing in your life, far more important than material prosperity. We do not know what time we have left. May you make the right decision today! —John M. Clegg

Take the world, but give me Jesus, all its joys are but a name;
But His love abideth ever, through eternal years the same.
—Fanny J. Crosby

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 30; Job 40:1-41:34; Matt. 16:13-17:13

The heavens declare the glory of God… Psalm 19:1, KJV
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world…So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a landmark in London, England. Of all the monuments that are to be found there one would expect to see one of the architect, Sir Christopher Wren. You will not find one. But his tomb is there. It is located under the floor directly under the main dome. Inscribed in Latin inlaid in the floor and placed there by his son, are the words, “If you would see his monument, look around!” If you want know about the Creator of the universe then simply look around! —Raymond Jones

Heav’n above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green! Something
lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen; —G. W. Robinson

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 29; Job 38:1-39:30; Matt. 15:29-16:12

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

Consider how contrary to our thinking are God’s ways. Regarding fame, God says, “The greatest among you shall be your servant… and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12). Regarding wealth, it is written: “another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth” (Proverbs 13:7). And regarding our soul’s salvation the most blessed contradiction of all—we must be made white in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). —D. Pickup

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? —E. A. Hoffman

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 28; Job 36:1-37:24; Matt. 15:1-28

“…And now, because you have done all these works,” says the Lord, “and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer…” Jeremiah 7:13, NKJV

The Hebrew verb translated “rising up early” figuratively showed God’s eager desire for Israel’s repentance. He beseeched them earnestly and urgently, early and often. Friend, today God is tenderly pleading with you to repent and put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He earnestly implores you because He loves you. He urgently appeals to you because the alternative is a lost eternity. He pleads with you early and often because time is short. Will you trust Him today? —George Ferrier

Come and He will give you rest; trust Him, for His word is plain;
He will take the sinfulest; Christ receiveth sinful men. —E. Neumeister

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 27; Job 34:1-35:16; Matt. 14:13-36

He [Zacchaeus] was seeking to see who Jesus was. Luke 19:3
Jesus…said…”I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:5
Jesus said…”Today salvation has come to this house.” Luke 19:9

Zacchaeus knew Jesus was passing through Jericho and he may have thought that something special would happen that day. When Jesus looked up, called his name and said, “I must stay at your house today”, he knew something very special was happening. But when Jesus declared, “today salvation has come”, Zacchaeus knew this was a day like no other. Have you met Jesus face to face? Meeting Him will change everything. —Ken Gross

Oh what a wonderful, wonderful day—day I will never forget.
After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Saviour I met.
—J. W. Peterson

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 26; Job 32:1-33:33; Matt. 13:44-14:12

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up. John 3:14
When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he… John 8:28
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. John 12:32

These three statements of the Lord all referred to His crucifixion. Through our Saviour’s death, He has brought us life, just as when Moses lifted up the serpent on a pole. Secondly, His death proved that He was the Son of Man. Lastly, with arms open wide He draws all people to Himself. Have you come to Him for life? —Rex Trogdon

Lifted up was He to die, it is finished was His cry; Now in heaven
exalted high: Hallelujah! What a Saviour! —Philip P. Bliss

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 25; Job 31:1-40; Matt. 13:24-43

If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. John 7:37

Souls of men have been thirsty ever since Adam turned his back on God. Thirsty for rest; thirsty for peace; thirsty for eternal life; thirsty for God. The greatest and the least; the wisest and the most simple; they all know this thirst. Here was a Man who dared to cry, “let him come unto Me and drink.” What wonderful words they are! Think of Him being able to quench the thirst of any man anywhere! How utterly stupendous. —Leonard Sheldrake

Come, ye thirsty, to the living waters,
Hungry, come and on His bounty feed;
Not thy fitness is the plea to bring Him,
But thy pressing, utmost need. —Eliza E. Hewitt

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 24; Job 29:1-30:31; Matt. 13:1-23

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7

The same gospel that saves those who believe, also condemns the unrepentant. Noah built the ark as a refuge for whoever would heed the warning; sadly only eight people did. His ark consigned the unbelieving world to judgment. Christ died to save you. Have you received Him? —K. R. Keyser

“Call them in”—the mere professors, Slumbering, sleeping on hell’s brink; Naught of life are they possessors, Yet of safety vainly think. Bring them in—the careless scoffers, Pleasure-seekers of the earth; Tell of God’s most gracious offers, And of Jesus’ priceless worth. —Anna Shipton

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 23; Job 27:1-28:28; Matt. 12:22-50

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. 1 Corinthians 16:22, KJV

How interesting to see these two Aramaic terms put side by side by Paul. Anathema is a curse on those who love not the Lord. When He returns it will be judgment and loss for them. Maranatha means, “O Lord, come.” It is a blessing on those who love Him. For them, a crown of righteousness awaits which the Lord shall give unto all those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). “Anathema” or “Maranatha” is the cry of your own personal choice. Which will it be? —K. C. Ung

Lord Jesus, come! And take Thy people home:
That all Thy flock, so scattered here,
With Thee in glory may appear.
Lord Jesus, come! Lord Jesus, come! —George Jekell