Category: Uncategorised

Exodus 14:5-31; Psalms 49:1-50:23; Acts 7:30-8:4

When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith.” Matthew 8:10 NKJV

This is one of two times Jesus “marvels” in the Gospels. What caused Jesus to be amazed? It was the centurion’s faith. Luke tells us the elders of the Jews tried to convince Jesus that the centurion was worthy to be granted his request. Compared to others, they believed him to be very good. But listen to the Centurion. “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof” (Matt. 8:8 NKJV). Compared to Christ, the centurion recognized his unworthiness. Do you consider yourself worthy or are you humble and expectant, trusting in God’s grace? —J. D. Fraser

God, let hope arise and faith become the fortress of my heart,
I will lift my eyes and see You as the awesome God You are. —M. Redman

Exodus 12:21-51; Psalm 45:1-46:11; Acts 6:1-15

Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Mark 15:30
I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? Nehemiah 6:3

The Lord Jesus did not answer those who mocked Him; however, I think that the words of Nehemiah explain His steadfast position. Nehemiah realized that the work was too important to be halted, the strength of the city depended upon the walls. The Lord Jesus hanging upon the cross was doing a far greater work than Nehemiah. His work provides protection for souls, not cities. I’m so glad He stayed upon that cross, for there my soul has a sure hope for eternity. —Matthew Butler

He could have called ten thousand angels,
But He died alone for you and me. —Ray Overholt

Exodus 11:1-12:20; Psalm 44:1-26; Acts 5:12-42

In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. Psalm 95:4

High up on one of the western mountains we were delighted to find meadows of beautiful flowers. Their tiny faces shone with a rainbow of colours as they blanketed the sides and peaks of the mountains. We wondered why they were there? As the disciples asked, “Why this waste?” (Matt. 26:8 NKJV)—where no one could appreciate their fragrant loveliness. This verse suggests an answer. The peaks are His. Their beauty delights Him though none else see them. He “sees in secret” (Matt. 6:4 NKJV) as we too live wide open to Him. “Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein” (Ps. 96:12).  —M. MacMullen

Lord of all to Thee we raise
This our sacrifice of praise. —F. S. Pierpoint

Exodus 10:1-29; Psalms 42:1-43:5; Acts 4:32-5:11

And David said…Is there not a cause? 1 Samuel 17:29

The armies of King Saul and the Philistines were arrayed for battle on either side of the Valley of Elah. But for 40 days they had remained inactive because Israel’s army was paralyzed by fear of one man! They lived in anger, frustration and confusion; all symptoms of being fearful. One day a youth called David brought provisions for his family and, upon seeing the awful situation, asked a profound but simple question; “Is there not a cause?” Why is the work of the Lord being hindered? We might ask the same question today! Why is the Lord’s work inactive? What is paralyzing His people? Are we afraid to share the gospel, reluctant to be soldiers of Christ? —Ray Jones

Am I a soldier of the Cross—a follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause, or blush to speak His name?—I. Watts

Exodus 9:1-35; Psalm 40:1-41:13; Acts 4:1-31

Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not. Jeremiah 45:5

As a public authority, Baruch would surely have had ambitious aspirations to climb the ladder of personal success. Yet a much greater One, who is more deserving of promotion than anyone, sought no accolades from this world’s halls of fame. He sought rather to do His Father’s will (John 5:30) and to not seek His own glory (John 8:50). Surely, if the Lord of Lords and King of Kings was thus minded, could we possibly do any better than to follow His example? There’s a Baruch in every one of us, but greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world. —Rick Morse

Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord; Oh, to be lost in Thee;
Oh, that it may be no more I, but Christ that lives in me.   —A. Whiddington

Exodus 8:1-32; Psalms 38:1-39:13; Acts 3:1-26

My name continually every day is blasphemed. Isaiah 52:5
Thy name is as ointment poured forth. Song of Solomon 1:3

To many in the world the precious name of the Lord Jesus is nothing more than a swear word. How distressing it is to the child of God to hear His name used in this way! To us His name is fragrant and it is a delight to be amongst those who appreciate the greatness of His person and work and thus speak well of Him. As God gives us opportunity may we not be slow to mention that fragrant name to others who cross our pathway today.  —Philip A. Kaye

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear. —John Newton

Exodus 6:14-7:25; Psalm 37:1-40; Acts 2:22-47

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

In some countries, when one loses a case there is the opportunity to appeal a verdict to a higher court. Eventually if the case is accepted it may be heard all the way up to the Supreme Court. However, once the Supreme Court rules the verdict is final. Similarly, God has declared the believer righteous through their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The highest court of the universe has ruled. Therefore, the peace of God assures our hearts that we are safe in Christ. —George Ferrier

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives. —Fanny J. Crosby

Exodus 5:1-6:13; Psalms 35:1-36:12; Acts 2:1-21

Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. Psalm 15:1-2

Here is a formula for abiding and dwelling in the presence of the Lord. Enjoying real fellowship with the Lord is conditional on paying attention to walking, working and speaking. These three activities pretty much sum up our lives. Walking has to do with our behaviour. Are we people of integrity? Working has to do with our activities. Do we do what is right? Speaking has to do with our interaction with others. Are we honest and truthful? —Sid Halsband

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey. —John H. Sammis

Exodus 4:1-31; Psalm 34:1-22; Acts 1:1-26

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

After Beethoven died in Vienna in 1827, his lawyer found a letter that Beethoven had written 15 years earlier to a woman he loved—but the letter had never been sent to her. Her identity has never been revealed and she knew nothing of the one who loved her. Our God is a God of love, and He wants us to know he loves
us. He didn’t just send us a letter to say He loves us, He sent His only Son to prove it. He accomplished a work that secured our eternal future in heaven through faith in the work He accomplished on Calvary. —Brian Powlesland

Amazing love, how can it be?
That Thou my God should die for me.  —Charles Wesley

Exodus 2:23-3:22; Psalms 32:1-33:22; Matthew 28:1-20

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Daniel 10:12

What wonderful encouragement to pray! The angel tells Daniel that God heard him the first time he prayed—though he wrestled for weeks in prayer. The answer was ready and dispatched that first day—but spiritual opposition and battles in heavenly places delayed its arrival. God’s forces will always prevail. God has heard your prayer and has an answer for you. Don’t let delays, or mountains or deserts or obstacles get the best of you. Continue to pray. His answer will come! —Deborah Manera

With perseverance the snail reached the Ark. —Charles Spurgeon