Category: Uncategorised

Leviticus 10:1-20; Psalms 111:1-112:10; Mark 2:1-22

And they found the stone rolled away. Luke 24:2

A 6th century parish church in Llantrisant in South Wales boasts an interesting item within it. Adjacent to the altar is a “Resurrection Stone” which is a stone of immense weight and which could be hired out to lie on the top of newly occupied graves to prevent the theft of corpses. The tomb occupied by our Lord had a stone rolled in front of it to prevent theft. That did not stop the tomb being vacated. He was not stolen away, but He rose again from the dead, left the tomb and was seen by many. —Brian Powlesland

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! —Daniel Thornton

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

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words. 2 Corinthians 12:4
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 1 Peter 1:8

God’s gift, God’s heaven and the believers joy are all described as “unspeakable.” It means: indescribable, inexpressible and unimaginable. As we explore the depths of God’s gift we are left without words. When we consider the glorious destination of the believer we are speechless. When the full impact of these things move us we are filled with inexpressible joy. —Sid Halsband

I am the Lord’s! O joy beyond expression,
O sweet response to voice of love divine. —Lucy Ann Bennett

Leviticus 8:1-36; Psalm 108:1-13; Mark 1:1-20

One thing… Psalm 27:4; Luke 10:42; Philippians 3:13

If there’s “one thing” you do today, let it be this: Take a good look at the Lord. In the battle, David declared: “One thing have I desired of the Lord…to behold the beauty of the Lord” (Ps. 27:4). In her service, Martha was reminded: “one thing is needful…”: to spend time at the Lord’s feet like Mary (Luke 10:42). When tempted to focus on the past, Paul stated: “But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). Looking at the Lord is the “one thing” that puts everything into proper perspective. —Brian Cretney

Looking unto Jesus, wonderingly we trace,
Heights of power and glory, depths of love and grace. —F. R. Havergal

Leviticus 7:11-38; Psalm 107:1-43; Acts 28:17-31

They said…Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher? Mark 16:3
What manner of communications are these…as ye walk, and are sad? Luke 24:17

How often we worry needlessly. God had taken care of the stone. The sorrowing pair didn’t know they were walking with the very one they were lamenting. Time and again we worry or are distressed because we don’t trust fully in God. We cannot be an uplifting influence on others if we are overwhelmed with our own discouragements. Our Savior reminds us to “[Cast] all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). —Ken Gross

May the peace of God, my Father, rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.  —Kate Wilkinson

Leviticus 6:8-7:10; Psalm 106:1-48; Acts 28:1-16

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 NKJV

Why can the believer have such assurance? Because the Lord Jesus always finishes what He starts. Throughout His entire life Satan ruthlessly opposed Him. Additionally, the Lord suffered much human hostility during His earthly sojourn. Yet, from the cross, the Lord declared “It is finished” (John 19:30). He completed His heavenly mission. Likewise, the devil will oppose us if we live for Christ. May we follow the Lord’s example and finish the good work He has given us to do. —W. A. H.

The work which His goodness began, the arm of His strength will
complete; His promise is yea and amen, and never was forfeited yet.  —A. Toplady

Leviticus 5:14-6:7; Psalm 105:1-45; Acts 27:27-44

Salvation is of the Lord. Jonah 2:9
Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. Jonah 3:4

This has to go on record as one of the worst evangelistic sermons ever! No backup choir, no altar call, no follow up, not even any compassion from the preacher. Yet this entire city responded positively to the eight word sermon. What can we learn? Sermons do not need to be long to be effective. Fruitfulness in preaching comes from the Lord not preachers. God blesses His word in spite of the calibre of the one doing the speaking. Lastly, simple messages are more effective than complex wordy sermons. —Sid Halsband

No gospel like this feast spread for us, Lord, by Thee;
No prophets or evangelists, preach the glad news more free. —Elizabeth R. Charles

Leviticus 4:27-5:13; Psalm 104:1-35; Acts 27:1-26

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and…delivered him (Jesus) to be crucified. Matthew 27:26

The dark day of execution had arrived for the murderer Barabbas’s execution. For him, it was a day of hopelessness and despair. As echoing steps of his executioners approached his damp, dark cell, to his surprise, relief and joy, he was told another would die in his place! Because Jesus would die, Barabbas could go free. What a day for Barabbas! What a day for you and me, when we acknowledged our sin and trusted Him as our Saviour. We too go free! May we this day offer to Him the love and worship of our hearts, for He
alone is worthy. —Jim Comte

Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood; Hallelujah! What a Savior! —Philip P. Bliss

Leviticus 4:1-26; Psalm 103:1-22; Acts 26:19-32

The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. Psalm 111:2

These words of the Psalmist are inscribed in the front wall of the famous Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, UK, where only the most distinguished academics are allowed to study. The Laboratory has produced over 30 scientific Nobel prize winners and many wonderful discoveries, often at sub-microscopic levels, have been made there. However, the words above the entrance give a reminder that science does not work against the truth of Scripture and the wonder of creation truly reflects the glory of God. —Paul Young

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all. —Cecil F. Alexander

Leviticus 3:1-17; Psalm 102:1-28; Acts 26:1-18

Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel. 1 Chronicles 22:12

David counsels Solomon to seek wisdom and understanding from the Lord, so as to keep the law and prosper as King over Israel. Later Solomon, as anointed King, asks God to “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people…” (1 Kgs. 3:9). How thankful we should be if we were blessed with godly parents who gave us sound counsel in ways that pleased the Lord. —Sam Thorpe, Jr.

Lord, I am blind and helpless,
Stupid and ignorant.
Cause me to hear; cause me to know;
Teach me to do; lead me. —Henry Martin

Leviticus 2:1-16; Psalms 99:1-101:8; Acts 25:13-27

“Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” John 20:15 NKJV

How often could these words be spoken into our hearts! Who are we looking for to solve our problems, give us comfort, come alongside us in our loneliness? Actually, the One asking the question is the answer. He is the One we are looking for and He alone has the answers. —M. MacMullen

Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me!  —Henry F. Lyte