Category: Uncategorised

Genesis 36:1-43; Psalms 9:1-10:18; Matthew 20:17-34

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha. John 19:17

Whenever I am struggling to lift or carry an object, a little pair of hands inevitably reach out to help me. Even if the item in question is too heavy for him to manage, my little boy puts a hand on the object to let me know he is helping. He just wants to be associated with me and the work I am doing. In much the same way, we can never bear the full weight of the cross—praise God we have no need to! However, it is important that, as believers, we show our allegiance to Him by being associated with His work. —Matthew Butler

I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown. —George Bennard

Genesis 35:1-29; Psalms 7:1-8:9; Matthew 19:16-20:16

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. Luke 7:15

The Lord Jesus and a large crowd that was following him had come upon another large gathering—a funeral procession. It was for a young man who had been the only son of his widowed mother. The Lord interrupted the funeral and raised him back to life! He could have just gone on his way then, but instead He o?ered a simple, yet profound gesture: “he delivered him to his mother.” In the midst of all those people, Jesus acknowledged this woman. Do you feel lost in the crowd? Be encouraged: even among the billions, the Lord knows and loves you personally. —Lynn Shatford

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Saviour cares. —Frank E. Graeff

Genesis 33:18-34:31; Psalms 4:1-6:10; Matthew 19:1-15

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. Matthew 6:22

After receiving my new glasses, I was disappointed that my vision was still blurry. I went back to my optometrist and he assured me the prescription was correct, but that it was time to get the wrinkle at the back of my eye surgically corrected. Likewise, our spiritual vision can become distorted—by cultural influences, our own prejudices, fear, bitterness and pride. Daily, we need our eyes opened and cleansed by reading God’s Word, and our hearts illuminated to understand by the Holy Spirit. Meditate on Him today! —Glenda Paquette

Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illuminate me, Spirit divine. —Clara H. Scott

Genesis 32:1-33:17; Psalms 1:1-3:8; Matthew 18:15-35

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

A number of Bible characters display one outstanding attribute— faith, meekness, etc. Only One had the perfect blend and balance of all worthy attributes—full of grace and truth. His compassion for sinners never caused Him to compromise on sin. His holiness never led Him to harshness. His meekness never impaired His judgment. His singular devotion to His Father never diminished His love for us. His infinite knowledge never complicated His sweet simplicity. His might never displaced His gentleness. —Peter Ramsay

O how I love Him, Saviour and Friend,
How can my praises ever find end! —Avis B. Christiansen

Genesis 31:1-55; Job 42:1-17; Matthew 17:14-18:14

Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib…I have heard. 2 Kings 19:20
Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears. 2 Kings 20:5

We should not be surprised that King Hezekiah’s prayers were heard and answered. We learn that He trusted in the Lord (18:5), clave to the Lord (18:6), and kept His commandments (18:6). John tells us: “whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22). Make sure nothing is hindering or harming your prayer life today! —Pete Smith

How sweet, how blessed is the thought,
That Thou dost hear Thy people’s cries!—Thomas Kelly

Genesis 30:1-43; Job 40:1-41:34; Matthew 16:13-17:13

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

As sinners we cannot work for salvation, but once saved, our salvation works. Regarding our good works, they are meant to glorify the Lord, not you or me. Are you a servant or a celebrity? You and I must decide whether we will magnify the Lord or promote self. God is glorified when people, through saved sinners, see the Saviour and not the servant. —W. Ross Rainey

May His beauty rest upon me, as I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel, seeing only Him. —Kate B. Wilkinson

Genesis 29:1-35; Job 38:1-39:30; Matthew 15:29-16:12

The daughters of Zelophehad speak what is right; you shall surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. Numbers 27:7, NKJV

Zelophehad died in the wilderness, though he had not rebelled against the Lord. He had five daughters, but no sons. Claiming God’s promises as their own, his daughters appealed their situation to Moses. They did not want their father’s name to be forgotten, nor did they want to live in Israel’s inheritance without having a part in it. God agreed. When His people speak unprejudiced words of faith, they speak right in God’s estimation. —W. A. H.

Brief life is here our portion; brief sorrow, short lived care;
The life that knows no ending, the tearless life, is there.—John Neale

Genesis 28:1-22; Job 36:1-37:24; Matthew 15:1-28

When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

A brilliant diamond brooch was given to a skilled gemologist for his appraisal. “Although it is showy and attractive, it is of little value,“ he said. “None of the stones are of perfect quality.” “But,” remonstrated its owner, “it must be valuable, it was the gift of a king!” “O,” replied the smiling appraiser, “many kings give inferior gifts and keep the best for themselves.” It was not so with the King of kings. He gave Himself and everlasting life. Have you received His priceless gift? —Arnot P. McIntee

I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed,
That Thou might’st ransomed be, and quickened from the dead.
I gave, I gave My life for thee. What hast thou given for Me? —Havergal

Genesis 27:1-46; Job 34:1-35:16; Matthew 14:13-36

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

When we seek to please others, the eyes of our heart lose their focus on the Lord Jesus. When that happens we begin to regard people and our circumstances instead of the Lord, and it is not long before the things of this life control our hearts and minds. Keep looking to Jesus for He is the Master of our hearts. Viewing Him brings God’s peace to our souls. —Vickie Gaynier

I in my Saviour am happy and blessed;
Watching and waiting, looking above;
Filled with His goodness,
Lost in His love. —Fanny J. Crosby

Genesis 26:1-35; Job 32:1-33:33; Matthew 13:44-14:12

And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. John 6:6

Whenever you face something overwhelming, rest assured that the Lord already knows what He is going to do. Yet, because of His gracious nature, the Lord is always inviting us to be involved in His work. The disciples on this occasion were tasked with feeding thousands, a job well beyond anyone’s ability. Not only did Jesus want them to come up with ideas on how to feed the masses, He also wanted them to organize the event and execute it. But Jesus knew what He was going to do. What’s He going to do in your impossible situation? —Shane Johnson

All things are possible to God; to Christ, the power of God in man;
To me when I am all renewed, in Christ am fully formed again.—Wesley