Category: Uncategorised

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 19:1-38; Job 22:1-30; Matt. 10:24-11:1

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

The only begotten Son is unique, unlike anyone else! In His birth, He was born of a virgin. In His life, He was sinless. In His words, He spoke as no one ever spoke. In His works, He did what no one else could ever do. In suffering, He was so marred, more than any man. In His death, He was buried in a tomb where no one had ever lain before. Finally, He was seen in resurrection glory, the Firstborn from the dead! —Rex Trogdon

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer,
Than all the angels heav’n can boast. —Munster Gesangbuch

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 18:1-33; Job 21:1-34; Matt. 10:1-23

That ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Philippians 1:27

There was division creeping in to the Philippian church, but here God gives us a secret for maintaining unity in every local church. “Striving together for…the gospel.” When God’s people are all actively involved in going out to their neighbourhood, reaching the unsaved for Christ, there will be no time left for internal bickering and criticism. Instead, when the saints gather they will be united as they pray together, encourage one another and share experiences of their outreach. Remember the Lord said “Go ye”! Yes indeed, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). —David Croudace

Salvation! Oh salvation! The joyful sound proclaim.
Till earth’s remotest regions, have learned Messiah’s name. —R. Heber

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 17:1-27; Job 20:1-29; Matt. 9:18-38

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 19:1

Looking at an intricate sculpture or beautiful painting we appreciate and admire the talent and workmanship behind it. Normal curiosity leads us to ask about the artist. How tragic to observe the splendour of the Rocky Mountains, to wonder at the expansive Grand Canyon, to marvel at the stars and planets in our solar system and yet fail to know the Creator behind the work. Its vastness, complexity, and beauty all declare that this is God’s work and it is good. —George Ferrier

Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed. —Carl G. Boberg

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 15:1-16:16; Job 18:1-19:29; Matt. 8:28-9:17

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down. Psalm 37:24

The voice on the phone said, “It’s about your son. There’s been a construction site accident.” He’d fallen 20 feet from scaffolding onto a concrete floor. Looking on at the hospital, I went numb. Questioning whether he’d live, I fervently called on the Lord. Reminded that God inhabits the praises of His people I tearfully sang, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.” Almost immediately the burden eased. One wonders how God felt about withdrawing help when his Son agonized beneath humanity’s sinload. Jesus then had no one to call on. He bore it all…all alone! But, for us He is always available. This should evoke in us continual praise. —E. Dyck

“Man of sorrows,” what a name For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah! What a Saviour! —P. P. Bliss

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 13:1-14:24; Job 16:1-17:16; Matt. 8:1-27

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

We live in a sad, violent world and many lives are filled with heartache and sorrow. There is brokenness in marriages. Children find it hard to cope because of experiences at home. People are facing anxieties and fears because of serious health issues. Others struggle financially and wonder what the future holds. So many burdens, and for many, no clear place to turn for solace and comfort. Heed the invitation from the Son of God, “Come unto me” and “I will give you rest.” He is the only One who can meet your deepest need. —Jim Paul

Come to the Saviour all, whatever your burdens be,
Hear now His loving call, cast all your care on Me. —Fredrick Maker

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 11:27 -12:20; Job 15:1-35; Matt. 7:7-29

Now will I praise the Lord. Genesis 29:35

Leah had already borne three sons for Jacob and upon the arrival of each one she hoped for a turnaround in his affection for her. “Now he will love me.” But upon the birth of Judah, Leah’s attention was drawn away from self and from thinking about “what this child will do for me.” She stopped considering her own problems and instead fixed her attention on God. Likewise, we ought to abandon self and be taken up with the Lion of Judah so that we too may praise the Lord! —Jeff Frey

Trust in the Lord, O troubled soul,
Rest in the arms of His care;
Whatever your lot, it mattereth not,
For nothing can trouble you there. —T. O. Chisholm

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 10:1-11:26; Job 13:1-14:22; Matt. 6:19-7:6

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain. 2 Timothy 1:16
And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. 2 Timothy 1:18

Onesiphorus was a Greek believer whose name means “bringing profit.” He was noted for his ministry of refreshment and encouragement. He diligently sought out Paul in a Roman prison at great personal cost to himself. His mission was simply to care for Paul’s practical needs and encourage him spiritually, physically and emotionally. So many of the Lords people could benefit from a word of refreshment. Can I be an Onesiphorus to someone today? —Sid Halsband

Press on, my brother, sister, and face the deadly foe;
Through Jesus Christ we’ll conquer, while trav’ling here below.—B. Warren

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 8:20-9:29; Job 11:1-12:25; Matt. 6:1-18

Isaac said, “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Genesis 22:7
There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him. Revelation 22:3

Little did Isaac realize that this question to his father would have eternal significance. The Lamb of God would be brought to the slaughter on Moriah’s hill to pay the price for the entire removal of sin’s curse. Following His victory, He was welcomed home with the words, “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee” (Acts 13:33). During the neverending ages of glory, we will adoringly worship, and serve the once slain, but now glorified Lamb of God. —Arnot P. McIntee

When, by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in heaven a place,
Just to be there and to look on His face, will through the ages be glory for me. —Charles H. Gabriel

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 7:11-8:19; Job 9:1-10:22; Matt. 5:21-48

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

The early church was marked by continuance in spiritual things. Modern believers need this persevering, “stick-to-it-iveness.” Lack
of commitment to the assembly meetings, inconsistency in ministries that God entrusts to us—even unfaithfulness in heart towards the Lord, impair our testimony and diminish our enjoyment of the Lord. Fellowship means that we have a share in Christ. We are invested in eternal things. This leads to an intrepid attitude of putting one’s hand to the plow for the glory of our Master. Faithful obedience has always characterized believers, and so it must be with us. —K. R. Keyser

Faint not, Christian! Jesus is near, soon in glory He’ll appear;
And His love will then bestow, power over every foe. —J. H. Evans

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 6:1-7:10; Job 8:1-22; Matt. 5:1-20

And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men. 2 Chronicles 10:13

How important it is for younger believers to listen to the advice of their spiritual elders. We may not always get it right, but a life’s
experience with the Lord counts for much. Conversely, let us older saints ensure we are approachable and not unfairly harsh, and try to understand the problems of a new generation. —Brian Russell

Jesus Lord I need Thy wisdom,
For perplexing problems press,
And without Thee I am foolish,
Nor can bear the strain or stress. —Author Unknown