Choice Gleanings: Good News Edition

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 22:1-38; Proverbs 19:1-29; James 3:1-4:12

But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20-21 

The Bible is a book that tells us first the bad news, then the good news. It is good news for bad people. The verses above describe the world in which we live. There are fears on every side and there is no rest for wicked people. However, there is rest offered for believers in Christ. The good news is, Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We do not know what tomorrow brings, but we can always know we can rest in Him. Is your rest in Him? —Harold G. Smith

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm.
Secure whatever ill betide, a Shelter in the time of storm. —Ira Sankey

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 21:1-35; Proverbs 18:1-24; James 2:1-26

Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isaiah 55:1 

Today’s verse invites all who are thirsty and hungry for salvation to come to God and to hear what He says so that their soul may live. God abundantly pardons the sinner. Redemption is only through Christ. Declare before God your faith in the Lord Jesus and confess Him as your Redeemer, and you’ll receive life eternal today. —Jerry Proctor

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. —Charlotte Elliott

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 20:1-29; Proverbs 17:1-28; James 1:1-27

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Psalm 23:4

There is a valley in California called Death Valley, and while it is a foreboding physical place, it is nothing compared to the
valley of the shadow of death. Most people will never see Death Valley. But the valley of the shadow of death looms in front of each one. Don’t go there alone. Religion can’t accompany you. Psychology can’t help you. You can’t brave it alone. The Lord Jesus Christ wants to forgive your sins, save you and be with you every day, all the way home to heaven. Trust Him today and you won’t go through that valley alone. —Carl Knott

And no evil will I fear while my Shepherd is so near,
There’s a light in the valley for me. —Philip P. Bliss

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 19:1-22; Proverbs 16:1-33; 2 Peter 3:1-18

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

1 Timothy is all about God’s way of doing things. God has a way that cannot be improved. This is so in every realm. For example, in bringing salvation to the lost, who could have devised and executed a better plan? God ensured that Christ the Saviour would be manifest in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the nations, believed on in the world and, finally, received up into glory. This was a Master-plan! Men cannot improve it. They simply must receive it. —Roy Hill

We may not always see just how the weavings intertwine, But we must
trust the Master’s hand and follow His design. —Author Unknown

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 18:1-32; Proverbs 15:1-33; 2 Peter 2:1-22

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5

It is easy for a young person who has had the privilege of growing up in a Christian home to rest on the faith of his/her parents and yet not know the Lord in a personal, life-changing way! Such faith will not stand. Eventually life will force you to stand alone and make your own decision regarding Christ and your relationship to Him. Only Christ can satisfy the deepest longings of the heart. Before you drift away into a world of sin that will never satisfy, turn to Christ. Humbly trust Him as your Saviour and commit your life completely to Him. —David Croudace

Now none but Christ can satisfy, no other name for me,
There’s love, and life, and lasting joy, Lord Jesus found in Thee.—B. E

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 16:41-17:13; Proverbs 14:1-35; 2 Peter 1:1-21

Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: “Whoever believes will not be in haste.” Isaiah 28:16

The building at which I looked was attractive in design and finish. Why then was it to be demolished? The foundation was defective! How important it is to have “a sure foundation” for eternity! Only in Jesus Christ can spiritual security be had. Our “good works” provide no salvation. Whoever trusts in Christ is for ever secure (John 3:16). —George Hall

On Christ salvation rests secure; The Rock of ages must endure;
Nor can that faith be overthrown, Which rests upon the “living Stone.”
—Samuel Medley

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 16:1-40; Proverbs 13:1-25; 1 Peter 5:1-14

…but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Romans 5:20

William Wilberforce (1759-1833) waged a long, and stressful campaign to abolish the slave trade throughout the British Empire. When Wilberforce sought counsel from converted slave trader John Newton, Newton summarized his life, your life and mine, and the gospel in one sentence: “I am a great sinner; Christ is a great Saviour.” Have you realized you are a lost sinner, and that Christ is the only Saviour? —W. Ross Rainey

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see. —John Newton

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 15:1-41; Proverbs 12:1-28; 1 Peter 4:1-19

Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”…“Lord, I believe.” John 9:35, 38

Jesus had healed the blind man. That his sight was restored was utterly evident. Yet the religious leaders rejected this man and his account of what had happened to him. But Jesus in His love and compassion found him. And, in response to the Saviour’s invitation, he trusted in the Lord. Do you feel rejected, alone, forsaken? Jesus offers Himself to you as Saviour and Lord. Will you believe in Him today? —Bob Cretney

Troubled soul, the Saviour can see, every heartache and tear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.
—John M. Moore

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 14:1-45; Proverbs 11:1-31; 1 Peter 3:1-22

God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day. Psalm 7:11, NKJV

Most do not like to think of God as ever being angry with sinners. They like to think of Him as an indulgent grandfather. They feel God will overlook their sin and the doors of heaven will welcome them when they die. But God is holy and just; sin must be punished. And this is why Christ came, to bear on the cross the anger and punishment for sin that we all deserved. Have you received Christ as your Lord and Saviour? If you are a believer remember, God still hates sin. Do not think lightly of it. —Donald L. Norbie

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our
song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity! —R. Heber

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 12:1-13:33; Proverbs 10:1-32; 1 Peter 2:1-25

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. Genesis 6:5-6

These two verses take us to the heart of the matter. Man’s heart and God’s heart. What is the matter with man’s heart? It is the chronic condition called sin—every imagination of its thoughts is only evil continually. At this the Lord was grieved in His heart and moved to stop man’s violence, resulting in the flood. Ultimately the Father sent the Son of His heart into this world to pay the penalty of our sin. —Rex Trogdon

O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God. —C. B. McAfee