Category: Uncategorised

Deuteronomy 28:1-37; Amos 3:1-4:13; Luke 14:1-24

So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. 2 Kings 6:6 NKJV

During the construction of a new residence for the prophets, a loose axe head flew into the river. The worker told Elisha that the tool had been loaned. Elisha threw a stick into the water and the iron floated to the surface for retrieval. We might think this to be a little miracle in comparison to others God performs. Actually, nothing in God’s creation is harder for Him to control than anything else; He holds all things together (Col. 1:16-17). God is not in any way limited in managing His creation—He is God. —W. A. H.

Great God of wonders! All Thy ways display Thine attributes divine;
But the bright glories of Thy grace above Thine other wonders shine.   —Samuel Davies

Deuteronomy 26:16-27:26; Amos 1:1-2:16; Luke 13:22-35

Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic…“your sins are forgiven you.” Matthew 9:2 NKJV

Lying before Jesus was a man unable to move, to provide for himself or even to care for himself. His friends destroyed a rooftop to get him to Jesus. This is how desperately the man needed to be healed. What did Jesus do? He forgave his sins! How arresting this is! The greatest need of humanity is first forgiveness, then healing. We all have many needs, but our greatest by far is forgiveness. How wonderful that God has abundantly provided forgiveness for each of us through the saving work of His Son. He promises to take care of the rest too. —J. D. Fraser

We have heard the joyful sound, Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around, Jesus saves, Jesus saves. —Priscilla Owens

Deuteronomy 25:1-26:15; Jonah 3:1-4:11; Luke 13:1-21

I am not able. Numbers 11:14
He is able. 2 Timothy 1:12

Does the burden you bear seem too heavy for you? Moses declared, “I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.” He wanted the Lord to just end his life and relieve him of his wretchedness. But rather than removing the burden, God added His grace. How? Through His presence, “I will come down and talk with thee” (Num. 11:17); His power, “the spirit rested upon [the 70 assisting elders]” (v. 25); and His promise, “my word shall come to pass” (v. 23). The Lord has given us the very same resources! Today, let’s be sure to enjoy the Lord’s presence, draw on His power and rest in His promises. —Brian Cretney

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labours increase. —A. J. Flint

Deuteronomy 23:9-24:22; Jonah 1:1-2:10; Luke 12:41-59

Say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. Exodus 6:6

In the verses to follow God says “I will” six more times. “I will rid you…of their bondage” (v. 6). “I will redeem you” (v. 6). “I will take you to me” (v. 7). “I will be to you a God” (v. 7). “I will bring you in unto the
land” (v. 8). “I will give it you for an heritage” (v. 8). The biblical record recounts how He completed all He said He would do. Today He makes precious promises to us. “I am with you alway” (Matt. 28:20). “I will come again” (John 14:3). And just as He accomplished every promise in the past, so too will He accomplish His promises to us. God is so good. —Ken Gross

Standing on the promises of Christ my King.
Through eternal ages let His praises ring.
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing. —R. Kelso Carter

Deuteronomy 22:1-23:8; Joel 3:1-21; Luke 12:22-40

This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Philippians 3:13

Baggage or luggage? Which are you carrying around today? Baggage is all the things of the past; the good and the bad; the successes and the failures. Luggage is what we pack when we are moving forward. Paul not only had to forget his old life of sin, but also the good things such as his education, upbringing, his status
in the Jew’s religion—everything. So dear reader, let us discard the old habits, thoughts and ideas and let’s press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. —Eleanor Isaacson

Out of my bondage sorrow and night,
Jesus I come, Jesus I come, Jesus I come to Thee. —Mary Walker

Deuteronomy 20:1-21:23; Joel 2:1-32; Luke 12:1-21

Turn ye…from your evil ways; for why will ye die? Ezekiel 33:11

Mountainous waves crashed on the rugged coast of the Island of Bonaire. Their recent victim was a large ship now held and claimed by the rocks. A nearby lighthouse had faithfully warned of the danger, but its warning beacon was ignored by an intoxicated crew. Sadly, many on life’s turbulent sea ignore the warnings of coming danger and judgement. They are intoxicated with pleasure, ambition and personal pursuits. Awake, dear sinner, and turn for everlasting salvation available today through faith in the Lord Jesus. —Arnot P. McIntee

O turn, while the Saviour in mercy is waiting,
And steer for the harbor light;
For how do you know, but your soul may be drifting
Over the dead-line tonight? —V. W. Moyer

Deuteronomy 18:9-19:21; Joel 1:1-20; Luke 11:37-54

And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 NKJV

Why did the wise men bring gifts to the child Christ? Why do we give gifts to God, Creator of heaven and earth? The Christ child did not need charity, help, and hand-outs from the wealthy wise men. God does not need our gifts. But perhaps one reason we give to the One who owns everything is to say in effect, “I am giving to you, who have no need, out of what I actually do need. But what I want to convey is that You are my treasure—not these things.” So in giving we find a way of intensifying our delight and appreciation of our wonderful God. —M. MacMullen

All things come of Thee O Lord,
And of Thine own have we given Thee.   —Book Of Common Prayer

Deuteronomy 17:1-18:8; Obadiah; Luke 11:14-36

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Titus 2:11

God’s grace spans eternity but appeared in time. Before creation He purposed to provide a Redeemer. When the fullness of time came, Christ entered the world, expressing the magnitude of God’s grace (John 1:14). His present capacity to save is infinite; boundless grace is available to all who choose to believe in Christ. Throughout eternity God will manifest the riches of His limitless grace to all believers (Eph. 2:7). Will you respond today to His grace, accepting His free gift of salvation? —George Ferrier

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? —Julia H. Johnston

Deuteronomy 16:1-22; Song of Solomon 6:10-8:14; Luke 11:1-13

That which was from the beginning, which…our hands have handled. 1 John 1:1

The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented times of isolation and “social distancing.” Thankfully technology provided opportunities for God’s people to stay in touch and carry on with many Church functions. Yet even as we stayed in touch, the one thing missing was “touch.” There is a vitality and warmth to Christian fellowship that only comes with being physically near. It is one thing to see and hear but another to touch. Perhaps now we undertand more deeply the wonder of our Lord taking on flesh so that
we could literally touch God. May we value His touch more fully and be ready to share it with those who need it. —S. McEachern

He touched me, oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul! —B. and G. Gaither

Deuteronomy 14:22-15:23; Song of Solomon 5:2-6:9; Luke 10:25-42

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. Psalm 40:1-2

Our God truly cares! He hears each one’s call to Him, and graciously lifts us out of the mess we have gotten ourselves into. He is our solid foundation who will never move. As we follow His ways, we too will not be moved. But we have to ask first. God cannot do anything for a stubborn heart. —G. Frear

I waited for my God and Lord,
He heard my call, grace on me poured,
He lifted me from miry clay.
And showed to me His love each day.   —G. F.