Category: Uncategorised

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 22:1-51; Jeremiah 6:1-30; Ephesians 1:1-14

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth…but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:27
Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37

Present-day English has a counterpart for the Bible’s “in no wise.” We say, “no way” to express a strong refusal or a firm denial. Our first verse is telling us emphatically that there is “no way” we can enter heaven if our sins are not forgiven. If, however, we come to the Lord Jesus, in sincere trust, there is “no way” He will turn us away! —George Hall

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He’ll never cast me out. —Lidie H. Edmunds

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 21:1-22; Jeremiah 5:1-31; Galatians 6:1-18

Nevertheless in the time of his (Asa) old age he was diseased in his feet. 1 Kings 15:23 

King Asa was one of those rare kings of whom it was said, “Asa’s heart was perfect with the Lord all his days” (1 Kgs. 15:14). Sadly however his end days were painful. Some of God’s servants who have been greatly used of the Lord suffer physically and/or mentally in the last days of their lives. We tend to judge faithful men by their last performances and forget all the years of devotion and study they  have given to the Lord and His people. It has been rightly said, do not judge a day by the lack of a good sunset. —Brian Russell

Thine forever Lord of Life, shield us through our earthly strife,
Thou the life, the truth, the way, guide us to the realms of day. —M. F. Maude

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 20:1-26; Jeremiah 4:3-31; Galatians 5:10-26

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

It was night time as I walked home, shining my light ahead of my steps. The narrow sliver of the silvery moon in its first quarter shone from the sky above. Hesitantly I turned out my torch and discovered that with the light the moon was reflecting from the sun, I was able to find my way home. What sort of “reflection” of the Son are you and I bringing to those who are searching to find the way home? —Janet Fleming

Be a light for Jesus, shine now for Him;
Others will see it too.
You can serve the Saviour and reach the world,
As your light shines bright and true. —Janet Fleming

DAILY READINGS: 2 Sam. 19:9-43; Jeremiah 3:6-4:2; Gal. 4:21-5:9

So will we render the calves of our lips. Hosea 14:2

In Hebrews 13:15 believers are exhorted to offer the sacrifice of praise to God—the fruit of our lips. This is the New Testament equivalent to rendering “the calves of our lips,” referring to the young bullocks accompanying sacrifices offered to God in worship. When we praise God with our lips, we bring a sacrifice pleasing to Him. May we do so today. —K. C. Ung

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all. —Isaac Watts

DAILY READINGS: 2 Sam. 18:1-19:8; Jeremiah 2:1-3:5; Gal. 4:1-20

And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? Matthew 16:3

We like to watch the weather forecasts and plan our days accordingly. But how many of us plan for the dark spiritual days that lie ahead? We see the storm clouds gathering, and our Lord points out that it is time to think and prepare for that future, faithfully sharing our faith, rather than to worry about temporal things. Let’s make sure that we put first things first! —G. Frear

The Lord of all has shown His plan,
Unto each faithful one,
Who leaves behind worldly things,
As soldiers for His Son. —Author Unknown

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 16:1-17:29; Jeremiah 1:1-19; Galatians 3:15-29

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Daniel 7:27

The future prospect for God’s people is magnificent! Having been presented holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight (Col. 1:22), we are then promoted to rule in accordance with the faithfulness shown in this life. Isn’t that worth every measure of consecration we can strive for? Will any good and faithful servant have regrets for temporal ambitions set aside? Do we even need to ask? —Rick Morse

Firstfruits of Thy new creation; faithful, holy may we be;
Joyful in Thy great salvation, daily more conformed to Thee. —C. Wesley

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 15:1-37; Zephaniah 3:1-20; Galatians 3:1-14

Who through faith…stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword. Hebrews 11:33-34
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings…They were stoned, they were sawn asunder…slain with the sword…being destitute, afflicted, tormented. Hebrews 11:36-37

These verses are, of course, from the “Hall of Fame of the Faithful” chapter. If we read only the first section we conclude faith spares us from suffering. As we read on we find that those of equal faith were not spared. A loving Lord permitted their suffering. But, either way they will “ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17). Praise the Lord! —Ken Gross

Faith of our fathers! Living still in spite of dungeon, fire and sword,
O how our hearts beat high with joy, whene’er we hear that glorious word! —Frederick W. Faber

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 14:1-33; Zephaniah 2:1-15; Galatians 2:1-21

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

In the New Testament, poiema, the single Greek word translated “things that are made,” occurs only twice. Once, here in Romans talking about creation. The other time is in Ephesians, talking about us! “We are his workmanship” (2:10). The next time you delight in the beauty of a sunset, the fragrance of a flower or the song of a nightingale, remember this: You, too, are God’s work of art, His poem, His masterpiece! —Lynn Shatford

Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know, I am His and He is mine. —G. W. Robinson

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 13:1-39; Zephaniah 1:1-18; Galatians 1:1-24

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please. Isaiah 55:11 

A group of Gideons, distributing New Testaments at a prison, were advised to ignore a man who used a previous one to roll cigarettes. A thoughtful Gideon eyed him carefully and said: “This time before you tear and smoke the page—promise me you’ll read it.” He agreed. When the Gideons returned they found a new believer. His torn New Testament started with these words “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16a). God promised His Word would not return void. Keep sharing His truth in compassion and love. —Deborah Manera

One single soul saved,
shall outlive and outweigh all the kingdoms of the world. —J. C. Ryle

DAILY READINGS: 2 Samuel 12:1-31; Habakkuk 3:1-19; Romans 16:1-27

Why is light given to him who is in misery, And life to the bitter of soul. Job 3:20 (NKJV)

Job 3 is bleak. Some assume Job does not know what he is saying. Yet, he does. He is voicing his feelings with painful honesty. Should we fault him for being transparent? Is it not better to honestly express our doubts and pain to the Lord than camouflage our true feelings with a false spirituality? Job asked God “why?” But heaven was silent. It is not irreverent to sincerely ask God “why,” as this reveals genuine faith which cannot make sense of His ways. God’s prerogatives rest with Him; man is responsible to obey what is revealed. We must learn to trust in God’s dependable character at all times. —W. A. H.

Sweet will of God, still fold me closer;
Till I am wholly lost in Thee. —Leila Morris