Category: Uncategorised

Numbers 1:1-54; Psalms 144:1-145:21; Mark 11:27-12:17

For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. Mark 3:35

The Lord Jesus acknowledged a much larger spiritual family than His immediate family. We need to be involved in other people’s lives as led by the Lord. It takes time and work to be a part of someone else’s life, so be prepared. We may be the one the Lord uses to encourage them or keep them grounded during difficult times. They may be struggling with their faith, family relationships, or a wrong romantic involvement. Let us embrace our spiritual family and responsibility to each other. —K. W.

You will notice we say “brother and sister” ‘round here,
It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear. —Bill & Gloria Gaither

Leviticus 27:1-34; Psalms 142:1-143:12; Mark 11:1-26

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:19-20

There is a darkness in the world today that seems almost tangible. Our society feels like it is teetering on the very edge of disaster. Thank God, amidst the darkness, we have a glorious hope on this resurrection morning! What a wonderful promise our Saviour has left us, “Because I live, you shall live also” (John 14:19). And as the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven, the angels assured the disciples, of a further hope, “This same Jesus…shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). He is coming again. Perhaps today! —Jim Comte

I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living, whatever men may say. —A. Ackley

Leviticus 26:1-46; Psalm 140:1-141:10; Mark 10:32-52

And they sung a new song. Revelation 5:9
And the singers sang loud. Nehemiah 12:42

Imagine the glorious singing on that coming day! Gathered in our Lord’s presence with redeemed saints of all ages, the new song of glory to our Lord Jesus Christ will echo throughout heaven. This chapter in Revelation describes a choir with over one hundred million voices; a choir of unequalled size, unequalled volume, and with an unequalled subject. History records that spectators of Christian martyrs being slain often heard them singing, and lamented, “I do not have anything like that to sing about.” We do! —Rick Morse

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus—sweetest name I know,
Fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go. –Luther B. Bridgers

Leviticus 25:1-55; Psalm 139:1-24; Mark 10:1-31

The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all…Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him. Isaiah 53:6, 10

“What kind of a father would let his son be abused and killed?” His dark, youthful eyes brimmed with challenge—from his perspective it was unfathomable —but the class gasped at the audacity of the question. Love! Love is the simple yet profound answer and the only hope for lost humanity. The cross demonstrates God’s love for us; Christ’s love for His Father and for His own. Our Saviour as hated, rejected, wounded, and punished for our evil so that we
can experience God’s love and forgiveness. —Caroline Webb

What was it, blessed God, led Thee to give Thy Son,
To yield Thy well-beloved for us by sin undone?
‘Twas love unbounded led Thee thus,
To give Thy well-beloved for us. —Anne Taylor Gilbert

Leviticus 24:1-23; Psalms 137:1-138:8; Mark 9:33-50

For I, the Lord, love justice. Isaiah 61:8 NKJV

People are attracted to a story where evil is eventually punished. It is a classic theme of books and movies. Why are people drawn to it? Is it not because the craving for justice is a principle that God has placed in the hearts of all mankind. Paul explains that the “Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law” (Rom. 2:14). We all have an inborn sense of right and wrong and, hallelujah, one day all wrongs will be made right. Justice is an unchanging attribute of God and He has promised that there is a day of reckoning coming. “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low” (Isa. 40:4). How we long for Him to bring it to pass. —Sid Halsband

God of wisdom, patient, kind, justice is to be like You.
Goodness, mercy unconfined, justice is to be like You. —Ken Bible

Leviticus 23:23-44; Psalms 135:1-136:26; Mark 9:14-32

“We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent…Now therefore, come, let us go and tell.” 2 Kings 7:9 NKJV

These four men had wonderful news for those who were starving to death within the city. How could they keep that news to themselves? We have a far greater message for those around us. Jesus has died and risen again and can give salvation to anyone who will trust Him. If you have trusted Jesus then share that wonderful news today. If you have never accepted Jesus as your Saviour, then why not do so today? —Janet Fleming

Have you trusted Jesus to save you?
Have your sins been taken away?
Are you ready for heaven,
Should Jesus return today? –Janet Fleming

Leviticus 23:1-22; Psalms 132:1-134:3; Mark 8:27-9:13

He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.  Daniel 6:10

Prayer was the cornerstone of Daniel’s life and the secret of his success. Nothing and nobody could stop his rhythm of praying three times a day. God was His focus and his appointments with Him each day would not be denied. We notice that though he was a great statesman, he humbly came before God on his knees. Clearly, pride and prayer cannot co-exist. His prayers were not only intercession but also times of expressing gratitude and appreciation. Humility, regularity, and thankfulness ought to characterize the prayers of all of us who are God’s people. —Paul Young

Whisper a prayer in the morning, whisper a prayer at noon,
Whisper a prayer in the evening, to keep your heart in tune.  —Anonymous

Leviticus 22:1-33; Psalm 128:1-131:3; Mark 8:11-26

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

God has given us a wonderful promise of peace of heart, which is valuable beyond measure. Peace, in spite of the chaos and turmoil going on in this world. Peace, in spite of our own aches and pains, and problems. Peace, even when a loved one passes from this vale of tears. God’s peace passes all understanding. —David Croudace

While life’s dark maze I tread, and griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside. —Ray Palmer

Leviticus 21:1-24; Psalms 124:1-127:5; Mark 7:24-8:10

After he is sold he may be redeemed again. One of his brothers may redeem him. Leviticus 25:48 NKJV 

God provided a rescue for indebted and enslaved ones, through a willing kinsmen-redeemer’s work. This legal principle forms the background of the recovery of Naomi and Ruth’s inheritance (Ruth 2-4). But in striking imagery, it also points forward to a greater redeemer, who became our kinsman through incarnation and purchased us from sin’s slavery through His sacrifice (Heb. 2:9-18). This ransom exceeds the whole world’s worth, for it rests on the Lord’s infinitely valuable life. Although we cannot calculate the cost of Christ’s redemption payment, we can thank and worship Him for His “indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15). —Keith Keyser

Lord! who can pay the mighty debt of love so rich as Thine?
Love, which surpasseth finding out, unspeakable, divine! —C. Jouard

Leviticus 19:1-20:27; Psalms 120:1-123:4; Mark 7:1-23

In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 NKJV

Eternal judgment is a sobering consideration. It is real. To reject God’s offer of salvation now is to guarantee everlasting destruction. But there is yet time for anyone reading this today who is willing to acknowledge their sin before God, and receive His gift of salvation in Christ. A solemn choice indeed. —Brian Gunning

O sinner, God’s patience may weary some day,
And leave thy sad soul in the blast;
By willful resistance, you’ve drifted away,
Over the deadline at last. —Virginia M. Moyer