Choice Gleanings

Leviticus 25:1-55; Psalm 139:1-24; Mark 10:1-31

Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Exodus 3:5
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith… Hebrews 10:22

What a contrast! At the burning bush God told Moses “Draw not nigh hither”. He wanted us to appreciate that God is holy. The New Testament, however, emphasizes that God is love. “Let us draw near…”. Why the change? “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor. 5:21). —Sid Halsband

As now to the cross we draw nigh;
Let us sing to the praise, of the God of all grace,
For the love that gave Jesus to die. —D. W. Whittle

Leviticus 24:1-23; Psalms 137:1-138:8; Mark 9:33-50

Ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now … Ephesians 2:12-13

If the heights to which we have been raised, as recorded in Ephesians 1, are beyond our ability to grasp fully, so are the depths from which have been brought according to Ephesians 2. Without Christ we were lifeless; as aliens we were stateless; as strangers we were homeless; having no hope, we were hopeless, and without God we were godless. “But now”, just six letters, both in Greek and English, but what a transformation they express! Have you thanked God today for His saving grace? —Phil Coulson

O for a thousand tongues to sing, my great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King, the triumphs of His grace! —C. Wesley

Leviticus 23:23-44; Psalms 135:1-136:26; Mark 9:14-32

I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15 NKJV

Medical malpractice is a serious issue. Sometimes it is caused by neglect, sometimes by recklessness, sometimes by intentional evil and can result in either civil or criminal penalties. How much more serious is pastoral malpractice! Those called to shepherd the flock of God will one day give an account as to how they led the souls entrusted to them (Heb. 13:17). The Lord promised backsliding Israel that in a coming day He would give them shepherds after His own heart. May the Lord grant His church today shepherds after His heart. —David Wilson

Fill me with the knowledge, of Your glorious will;
All Your own good pleasure, in my life fulfill. —Emily G. Crawford

Leviticus 23:1-22; Psalms 132:1-134:3; Mark 8:27-9:13

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11

Two resources are available for all spiritual service: God’s Word (oracles) and God’s enabling. The objective of both is to glorify God. This combination is necessary and all-sufficient to accomplish this goal. Not all our service may be met with praise, but if the humble attempt is to glorify God, our goal is accomplished. “Self” always seeks to contribute, but the safe recourse is to lean on divine resources for all we say and do for Him. —David W. Oliver

Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach, the precious things that You impart,
And wing my words, that I may reach, the hidden depths of many a heart. —Frances R. Haverga

Leviticus 22:1-33; Psalm 128:1-131:3; Mark 8:11-26

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us. 2 Chron. 32:7-8

When Hezekiah was being intimidated by the King of Assyria and his vast army, he reminded his people that the Assyrians were trusting their own strength (v 8), whereas he and the kingdom of Judah had the Lord on their side. In a world that is increasingly in revolt against God’s standards and often opposes true believers, we must look at everything from God’s viewpoint and then stand up for the truth whatever it might cost. —David Croudace

Dare to be a Daniel! Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known! —Philip P. Bliss

Leviticus 21:1-24; Psalms 124:1-127:5; Mark 7:24-8:10

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 2 Cor. 5:16 NKJV

How we see the Lord determines how we see others. If we regard people according to the flesh, we need a fresh look. The Lord Jesus came in flesh but we no longer view Him that way. We now see Him risen, glorified, and enthroned at God’s right hand. This is a higher view of Him than when He was in this world. We should see others through His eyes. Look at the lost as souls for whom Christ died. —Rex Trogdon

For if once I could see this world the way You see,
I just know I’d serve You, more faithfully. —Mike Otto

Leviticus 19:1-20:27; Psalms 120:1-123:4; Mark 7:1-23

I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. Psalm 22:22 NKJV

In the glory, the Lord Jesus will declare His Father’s praise in the centre of His assembled people. He is the perfect “worship leader”, for He fully knows the Trinity’s riches and the greatness of divine redemption. Worship has been described as “The Christian’s Highest Occupation” (A. P. Gibbs), and there is no one better to guide us in praise and thanksgiving than the Lord Himself. As we assemble in His name, may we be guided by His Word and the Spirit in our comments, songs, and prayers. —Keith R. Keyser

Join the singing that He leadeth, loud to God our voices raise;
Every step that we have trodden, is a triumph of His grace. —Miss J. A. Trench

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