Category: Uncategorised

Leviticus 17:1-18:30; Psalm 119:145-176; Mark 6:30-56

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NKJV

Throughout Jesus’ life, He had a particular compassion for ordinary folk. He loved all people, but delighted to minister into the lives of those that others often deemed unimportant. In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught people how to behave with one another in ways that were honouring to God and enriching to one another. After he finished, Matthew reported that, “The people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matt. 7:28-29). What a wonderful Saviour! May we have a similar passion for those around us who often are uncared for and go unnoticed. —Rosemary J. Richardson

Jesus, wondrous Saviour! Christ, of kings the King!
Angels fall before Thee, prostrate worshipping. —D. A. McGregor

Leviticus 16:1-34; Psalm 119:113-144; Mark 6:1-29

This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. James 3:15 NKJV

James writes to us about two types of wisdom. God’s wisdom contrasts dramatically with the wisdom mentioned in today’s verse. The first important difference is their origin. One comes from above, while the other is earthly, unspiritual, and of the devil. The substance of these wisdoms is different too. One is characterized by envy and pride while the other is pure, peaceable, gentle, submissive, impartial, and sincere. Their outcome is very different too.
The world’s wisdom leads to disorder and every evil practice, while God’s wisdom leads to peace and righteousness. For believers, the wisdom of God is available in the Bible. —Gary McBride

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word! —Unknown

Leviticus 15:1-33; Psalm 119:73-112; Mark 5:21-43

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory. John 2:11

Our Lord’s first miracle wasn’t in the Temple or Herod’s Palace. It wasn’t even in the city of Jerusalem, but in a lowly Galilean village, at a simple family wedding! Often the Lord’s dealings with us are in our everyday activities. His presence and power resolved a pressing need and enabled all to end well. Above all, it revealed His glory, and “his disciples believed on him” (John 2:11). What miracle of grace will we witness in the seemingly routine events of our life today? Have your eyes open to it. —Pete Smith

But O the more we learn of Thee,
And Thy rich mercy prove,
The more we long Thyself to see,
And fully know Thy love. —E. Denny

Leviticus 14:33-57; Psalm 119:41-72; Mark 5:1-20

The feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water…the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap. Joshua 3:15-16 NKJV

After all their travels, Joshua and the Israelites could see the promised land, just over the Jordan river. But the river was in flood, rushing noisily over its banks. Yet God had promised that the waters would recede when the priests stepped into them. We usually want the river to be dry before we take a step, but God was calling Israel to step out in faith. Are waters raging in your life? Take faith’s step and watch God pull back the waves. —Alyssa Gee

You call me out upon the waters,
The great unknown, where feet may fail;
And there I find You in the mystery,
In oceans deep my faith will stand. —J. Houston, M. Crocker, S. Lighthelm

Leviticus 14:1-32; Psalm 119:1-40; Mark 4:21-41

The king said…What shall be done unto the man whom the king delights to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself? Esther 6:6

What would you ask for if you thought the king wanted to honour you? Haman conceitedly desired the king’s clothing, his horse, his crown, and for men to bow before him in the streets. Christ is my King. What honour do I most treasure from Him? “Lord, that I might enjoy intimate fellowship with You and serve You, and that men might know You call me Your friend.” What higher honour exists? —Eunice Free

Just to know that You delight to be with me
Fills my heart with so much joy…
I’m overwhelmed that You would call me friend.  —F. Hammond

Leviticus 13:24-59; Psalm 118:1-29; Mark 4:1-20

[He] knew no sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21

An evil thought never passed through the holy mind of our Saviour. Can we begin to fully understand and appreciate this, particularly when we consider what occupies our minds? At Calvary, man placed a crown of thorns upon His holy brow. Such was man’s estimation of Him. Such was His love for each one of us, that He bore it. May we think upon Him and remember Him today. —John M. Clegg

May the mind of Christ, my Saviour,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling,
All I do and say.  —K. B. Wilkinson

Leviticus 12:1-13:23; Psalms 116:1-117:2; Mark 3:13-35

There shall come in the last days scoffers…saying , Where is the promise of his coming? 2 Peter 3:3-4

The very definition of a scoffer is one who fails to acknowledge the accuracy and truth of God’s Word. He knows what God has said yet ignores it. Jesus clearly stated, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself” (John 14:3). For those of us who are believers, that promise settles it. And His promised return could come at any moment. We
believe it. But often our actions don’t evidence that we believe it. If they did, we would live holier lives and serve Him more faithfully. Let’s live out fully what we know to be true. —Ken Gross

Marvelous message we bring,
Glorious carol we sing,
Wonderful word of the KingJesus is coming again. —John Peterson

Leviticus 11:1-47; Psalms 113:1-115:18; Mark 2:23-3:12

David said to Abishai, destroy him not (Saul): for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed? 1 Sam. 26:9

Many, if not most people who are wrongly criticized endeavour to “get even.” David had every right to take revenge against Saul. Yet his response was admirable. He let the Lord deal with the King. The better response for us who are Christians is to pray for our accusers. If we try and get even, the accusers will remember our efforts of revenge and not our forbearance, and thus their consciences will not be seared. —Brian Russell

We rest on Thee,
Our shield and our defender!
Thine is the battle,
Thine shall be the praise. —Edith Cherry

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

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11

God’s Word is my joy and my heart’s delight! Daily I find new truths that comfort and encourage me, bring me closer to God, and fill my heart with joy. What a precious and lovely gift He has given to us! This morning let’s open our Bibles and ask Him to show us one specific thing that He wants us to know. What word does God want us to carry in our hearts today? —Pam Hagey

I love the volume of Thy Word:
What light and joy these leaves afford,
To souls benighted and distressed!
Thy precepts guide my doubtful way;
Thy fear forbids my feet to stray;
Thy promise leads my heart to rest. —Isaac Watts

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

They were all with one accord in one place. Acts 2:1

Two aspects of Christian fellowship are suggested here. The first is the physical act of gathering together in one place. The second is the equally important spiritual aspect of being in harmony one with the other. The early believers had a mutual love and shared a common desire to honour the Lord when they met together. They prayed and praised together with one accord and continued in this manner. Sadly, it is possible to be present physically but to be out of tune with others because of some unresolved grudge or disagreement. This spoils the fellowship. Let us strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. —Clark Logan

We are not divided; all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.  —S. Baring-Gould