Choice Gleanings

Leviticus 17:1-18:30; Psalm 119:145-176; Mark 6:30-56

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust … Psalm 18:2

In 1866 the ship SS London set sail from Britain for Australia, but unfortunately ran into a winter storm of dreadful intensity. There was time to launch just one lifeboat which could hold only 19 people. The other 244 people went down with the ship as it upended and sank into the depths of the ocean. Those 19 looked on in horror but heard some of the people singing that great hymn of faith and eternal assurance, “Rock of Ages cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee”. Even in the face of death, there is eternal hope and security in Jesus Christ, God’s Son. —Paul Young

When I soar to realms unknown, see Thee on Thy judgement throne,
Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee. —A. Toplady

Leviticus 16:1-34; Psalm 119:113-144; Mark 6:1-29

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope … His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23 NKJV

The writer to the Hebrews says that “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (11:6). One way to increase our faith, to nurture our faith, is to “feed on His faithfulness” (Ps. 37:3). Do we make a habit of collecting evidences of His faithfulness, sifting through the events of the day each evening to pause with gratitude for His mercies? As we do so we will grow fat in faith, stronger and stronger for the day and days ahead. And our growing faith will give much
pleasure to the heart of our Lord Jesus. —Marilyn MacMullen

Feed on His faithfulness, my soul, then naught shall thee affright;
His perfect will, all fear shall still, His wisdom guide aright. —E. Clarkson

Leviticus 15:1-33; Psalm 119:73-112; Mark 5:21-43

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness [gentleness] of wisdom … the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle … James 3:13, 17 NKJV

More than other writers, James exposes the deadly dangers and horrific damage caused by the tongue. More Christian families leave local fellowships due to hurtful verbal digs than incorrect doctrine. The local church should be a safe and gentle place where believers can retreat from a hostile world, not a place where tongues inflict wounds. Leave the nudges and corrections to overseers. May our own tongues comfort and uplift others. —Peter Ramsay

May the mind of Christ, my Saviour, live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling, all I do and say. —Kate B. Wilkinson

Leviticus 14:33-57; Psalm 119:41-72; Mark 5:1-20

God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You … For my soul is full of troubles, And my life draws near to the grave … My eye wastes away because of affliction … —Excerpts From Psalm 88 NKJV

This is one of only two psalms that doesn’t end with hope, reminding us that human suffering can be dark and heavy. Yet, God included this psalm to show us that He understands our pain. Even in seasons of despair, He shapes our character, making us more like His Son. Though we may feel hopeless, our hope in Him remains a sure and steady anchor. —Alyssa Gee

In the suffering, in the sorrow, when my sinking hopes are few,
I will hold fast to the anchor; it shall never be removed.  —Matt Boswell, Matt Papa

Leviticus 14:1-32; Psalm 119:1-40; Mark 4:21-41

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 NKJV

Fear is a powerful emotion that has the ability to hold you captive in its grip, refusing to let go. Scripture says that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love (2 Tim. 1:7). Therefore, fear is the enemy’s weapon attempting to rob us of our peace. The only thing that has the power to release you from the crippling chains of fear is the perfect love of Christ. So, hand your fear over to Him, and He will set you free, replacing your fear with His perfect peace.
—E. V.

I will not fear, for God is near;
through the dark night as in the light,
And when I sleep, safe watch will keep;
why should I fear when God is near. —M. E.

Leviticus 13:24-59; Psalm 118:1-29; Mark 4:1-20

Lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead … Matthew 27:64
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead … Matthew 28:7

Thinking they would thwart the disciples, the Pharisees sealed the stone and set a watch (Matt. 27:66). But the thought of taking Christ’s body and lying about it had never crossed the fearful disciples’ minds. Instead, a few women were directed to tell them the wonderful news that “he is not here: for he is risen” (Matt. 28:6). Don’t let Satan cause you to doubt. Believe God and rejoice in the truth today. “The Lord is risen indeed” (Luke 24:34). —Pete Smith

Thine be the glory, risen, conq’ring Son.
Endless is the vict’ry, Thou o’er death has won. —E. L. Budry

Leviticus 12:1-13:23; Psalms 116:1-117:2; Mark 3:13-35

He is not here: for he is risen. Matthew 28:6

We rejoice today because the tomb is empty and the throne is filled. We remember one today who is alive and alive forevermore. He is our forerunner (Heb. 6:20), gone into the glory before us and one day we shall be forever with Him. We praise and thank God today for this wonderful certainty! —John M. Clegg

Up from the grave He arose;
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes;
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose! —Robert Lowry

Leviticus 11:1-47; Psalms 113:1-115:18; Mark 2:23-3:12

The king of Babylon’s army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison. Jer. 32:2
I (Jeremiah) prayed unto the Lord, saying, Ah Lord God! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee. Jeremiah 32:16-17

Jerusalem was surrounded and Jeremiah was in prison. Yet in the light of God’s creatorial greatness, Jeremiah knew there was nothing beyond His God’s power. He worshipped despite the adversity. Whatever our circumstances, be confident in God’s ability to sustain us. Nothing is too hard for Him. —Philip A. Kaye

Trust in Him, ye saints, forever;
He is faithful, changing never. —Thomas Kelly

Leviticus 10:1-10; Psalms 111:1-112:10; Mark 2:1-22

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Luke 23:44

Three times in Exodus, unnatural darkness signaled judgment. In Egypt (Ex. 10:22), it condemned the world’s corruption. At the Red Sea (Ex. 14:20), it marked Pharaoh’s downfall — foreshadowing Satan’s defeat. At Sinai (Ex. 20:21), it revealed the Law’s demand, exposing the flesh. Each brought death: Egypt’s firstborn, Pharaoh’s army, and the sinner under the Law. Then came Calvary. As Christ entered the darkness, He bore judgment for all —  conquering the world, the devil, and the flesh. His death meant light for me. —Hanniel Ghezzi

‘Midst the darkness, storm, and sorrow, one bright gleam I see;
Well I know the blessed morrow, Christ will come for me. —G. Tersteegen

Leviticus 9:1-24; Psalms 109:1-110:7; Mark 1:21-45

One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. John 9:25

This man’s testimony was simple; I was blind, and now I see! We don’t read of any prayers for healing, as he said, “it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind” (v. 32). But the man’s case didn’t hinder God’s plan for him, for God delights to reveal Himself in impossible situations. Are you in such a hopeless
state? Ask God to open your eyes of faith to see His love, grace, and power. Discouragement can blind us, but God can restore the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25) as we lean on Him. —Deborah Manera

We must understand that for God to give “songs in the night,”
He must first make it night. —L. B. Cowman