Category: Uncategorised

Leviticus 1:1-17; Psalms 96:1-98:9; Acts 24:24-25:12

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. Philippians 1:12

The apostle penned these words in a prison cell. From a human perspective, his circumstances seemed a tragedy, restricting the spread of the gospel. But Paul did not see it that way. He rejoiced that, “all the palace” (Phil. 1:13), and “Caesar’s household” (Phil. 4:22), had heard the gospel, and other saints had been emboldened in their testimony. How important it is for us, to view events that place restrictions on us as part of God’s sovereign plan, offering other opportunities to make the gospel known, and to encourage others. —W. H. Burnett

Is your life a channel of blessing? Is the love of God flowing through you?
Are you telling the lost of the Saviour? Are you ready His service to do?  —James G. Deck

Exodus 40:1-38; Psalms 94:1-95:11; Acts 24:1-23

That I may know Him. Philippians 3:10 NKJV
Therefore we make it our aim…to be well pleasing to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 NKJV

Although the world would encourage us to aspire to many selfserving goals, Paul had two goals in life we would do well to emulate. One was to know his Lord, and the other was to please Him. Interestingly the only way to fully please the Lord is to know Him (Jer. 9:24). No amount of service will please Him or be effective if it does not first flow out of an intimate knowledge of Him. So if your desire and life’s goal is to please and glorify your Lord, make it your first priority to know Him better. —E. V.

To acquire wealth and fame my soul does not aspire,
But to know and please my Lord is my heart’s desire. —E. V.

Exodus 39:1-43; Psalms 92:1-93:5; Acts 23:12-35

Remember my chains. Colossians 4:18 NKJV

Paul’s ministry focused on the preaching of salvation, God’s grace and His desire that all men “come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:3-4). But grace comes at a cost—it cost Jesus His life—and here Paul reminds believers, it will cost us too. But what of value is not costly? And at what cost would it be worth giving up eternal life? Jesus promised that whatever we lose on this earth for His sake, will be restored to us many times more in eternity. Think of the Cross. Count the cost. Praise Him today! —Deborah Manera

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep,
to gain that which he cannot lose. —Jim Elliot

Exodus 38:1-31; Psalms 90:1-91:16; Acts 22:22-23:11

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God… John 13:3

Without looking, do you remember what happens next in this passage? The Lord of Glory, fully God yet fully man, prophesied from ages past, God who tabernacled among His people, fully revealing the heart of the Father on the cross…laid aside His outer garments, took a towel and water and washed His disciple’s feet. The Messiah of the world knelt down and served. What a God! What a Saviour! Give us this heart, Lord. —J. D. Fraser

Amazing love, how can it be?
That You my King would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true.
It’s my joy to honour You. —Chris Tomlin

Exodus 37:1-29; Psalm 89:19-52; Acts 22:1-21

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:2

In western nations, we are witnessing a rapidly growing contempt for Christians. While being compelled to accept—not just tolerate—every imaginable belief and ideology, we are simultaneously hearing the way of truth being evil spoken of (2 Peter 2:2). Our reaction can understandably be one of hopeless despair. Yet
surely we are witnessing the final act in humanity’s passion play of rebellion against our God and His Son. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus! —Rick Morse

I can almost hear His footfall, on the threshold of the door,
And my heart, my heart is longing, to be with Him evermore. —S. Trevor Francis

Exodus 36:1-38; Psalm 89:1-18; Acts 21:17-40

Knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1

In the business world, are you responsible for others as a manager? Are you perhaps an owner or are you self-employed and so you are your own boss? Remember there is One “higher” than you who has holy standards, unlike anything in today’s corporate world. He knows your every decision, sees your every motive, hears every word spoken behind your back! In this corrupt society may we behave with the highest possible integrity, remembering who we are accountable to in a coming day. —Pete Smith

O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end,
Be Thou for ever near me, my Master and my Friend.
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my Guide. —A. H. Mann

Exodus 35:1-35; Psalms 87:1-88:18; Acts 21:1-16

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died. 2 Corinthians 5:14 NKJV

Paul’s motivation in life was the love of Christ. He expresses what love does because of what love did. The love of Christ compels us. It pushes me on, holds me together, keeps me in place, and gives me purpose. That’s what love does. It is all because of what love did when Christ died for us—for all of us! The question
is, what will we do in response to such love? May we die to ourselves that we may live for Him. —Rex Trogdon

Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span; at Calvary!  —William R. Newell

Exodus 34:4-35; Psalms 85:1-86:17; Acts 20:17-38

Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37

It is pleasant to read some of the Lord’s references to Himself in the Gospels. Here are seven to enjoy. “Believe me”—He is the trustworthy One (John 4:21). “Come unto me”—He is the attractive One (Matt. 11:28). “Learn of me”—He is the instructive One (Matt. 11:29). “Follow me”—He is the leading One (John 1:43). “Abide in me”—He is the life-giving and sustaining One (John 15:4). “Lovest thou me”—He is the worthy One (John 21:15). “Ye shall see me”— He is the coming One (John 16:16). Our blessed hope should encourage us to heed the first six carefully. —Jim Pizzulli

There’s no disappointment in Jesus,
He’s all that He promised to be;
His love and His care, comfort me everywhere;
He is no disappointment to me. —John C. Hallett

Exodus 33:1-34:3; Psalms 83:1-84:12; Acts 20:1-16

It came to pass…that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon…came against Jehoshaphat to battle. 2 Chronicles 20:1

When we face opposition to all that we hold dear in Christ how should we react? Take time to seek the Lord (v. 3). Remember God is all powerful (v. 6ff). Trust God alone (v. 12)—“Our eyes are upon thee.” Remember the battle is God’s and not ours (v. 15). Exercise patience (v. 17)—“Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Ex. 14:13). In faith, worship the Lord (v. 18). Finally we will see the Lord Himself winning the battle (v. 22). —David Croudace

There is no problem too big, God cannot solve it;
There is no mountain too tall, He cannot move it;
And there is no storm too dark, God cannot calm it;
There is no sorrow too deep, He cannot soothe it.  —Lynda Randle

Exodus 32:1-35; Psalms 81:1-82:8; Acts 19:21-41

Asa cried…Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. 2 Chronicles 14:11

God, who is able to deliver, allows enemies of various magnitude and duration into our lives to enable spiritual growth. In them He desires our dependence, that He may victoriously reveal the magnitude of His power. No matter today’s challenges—be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the
battle is not yours, but God’s (2 Chron. 20:15). —D. J. Reed

Thy Saviour has passed through its portal before thee,
And the lamp of His love is thy guide through the gloom. —Author Unknown