Choice Gleanings: Good News Edition

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 18:1-27; Psalms 56:1-57:11; Acts 10:1-23

Owe no one anything… Romans 13:8

When we purchase things on credit, we owe money. When the total amount is paid, our debt is settled. But, the debt of sin, we owe to God! And no matter how hard and how many times we try; we can never settle our debt in full. It is only by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and His shed blood, that our debt can be settled. He alone has the power to wipe our slates clean if we will confess our sins to Him. Have you had your debt paid? —Ken Gunnell

To Him I owe my life and breath, And all the joys I have;
He takes away the sting of death, Gives victory o’er the grave!
—S. Stennett

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 17:1-16; Psalm 55:1-23; Acts 9:32-43

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

There are many proclaiming all kinds of religions and creeds. But none can compare to the preaching of Christ crucified. We join with the apostle when he declared that he gloried in nothing but the cross. It reveals the sinful nature of the human heart and demonstrates the love and grace of God in procuring eternal salvation for those who believe. Are you among those who have put their faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross? —Drew Craig

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling,
Naked come to Thee for dress; helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly, wash me Saviour or I die.—A. M. Toplady

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