Category: Uncategorised

DAILY?READINGS: Ezra 6; Daniel 7; Revelation 2:18 to 3:6

The Lord shall reign for ever and ever. Exodus 15:18
…and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:5

The first mention of the Lord’s reign is forever and ever (Ex. 15:18). Forever is a long time, but what is forever and ever? Twice as long? Don’t let finding the answer keep you awake at night. You will have eternity to think about it. Meanwhile, ponder this, “…the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity…[dwells]…with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit” (Isa. 57:15). Because of His marvelous grace, in the last mention of His reign He includes us! We “shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 22:5). —Rex Trogdon

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, than when we first begun.
—John Newton

DAILY?READINGS: Ezra 5; Daniel 6; Revelation 2:1-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

The Bible is God-breathed revelation—a blessing for humanity. To read its message is to read poetry, prophecy, proverbs, parables, narrative, history, law and so much more. However, at its heart, the Bible is a letter from God to introduce us to His Son, Jesus Christ who came to be our Saviour. The Old Testament said He was coming, the Gospels say He was here on earth, the Acts and Epistles tell us He is in heaven and Revelation says He is coming again. He is the great story of Scripture and in Him we rejoice. —Paul Young

Make the Book live to me, O Lord, show me Yourself within Your Word,
Show me myself and show me my Saviour, and make the Book live to me.
—Hudson Pope

DAILY?READINGS: Ezra 3-4; Daniel 5; Revelation 1

And a certain woman named Lydia…heard us: whose heart the Lord opened. Acts 16:14
And suddenly there was a great earthquake…And [he] rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. Acts 16:26, 34

The Lord reaches people in different ways. Sometimes a gentle soul, after hearing the Word, opens their heart to the Lord. Other times, you find hardened individuals that need an earthquake to shake them up. Whatever the means, God is still seeking you today. It could be a gentle prompting at your heart or perhaps an earth shattering event in your life. Are you listening? —Sid Halsband

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling—Calling for you and for me;
Patiently Jesus is waiting and watching—Watching for you and for me!
—Will Lamartine Thompson

DAILY?READINGS: Ezra 1-2; Daniel 4; 3 John

Jesus wept. John 11:35
Rejoice evermore. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Two of the shortest verses in the Bible, yet with profound lessons. Jesus wept, not only at the loss of his friend Lazarus in death, but because He saw the effects of sin, “For the wages of sin is [eternal] death” (Rom. 6:23). But, if we accept God’s salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, we can be assured that He will remove our transgressions “as far as the east is from the west” (Ps. 103:12). He will remember our sins no more. Is that not worth rejoicing about? —Bob Cretney

Rejoice in the Lord! Oh, let His mercy cheer;
He sunders the bands that enthrall;
Redeemed by His blood, why should we ever fear,
Since Jesus is our all in all? —G. M. J.

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Chronicles 36; Daniel 3; 2 John

Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover [devise plans]…but not of my spirit…That walk…and have not asked at my mouth [advice]… Isa. 30:1-2

Veteran missionary E. H. Sims, long with the Lord, once told me that when he needed a new pair of shoes he first spent time with the Lord to ask on the matter! I was a new, young missionary but “Uncle Bert’s” quiet statement hit me hard. Was God really running my life or was I sitting on the throne? Would I consult God before I spent a few dollars? As believers do we plan our own lives, jobs, purchases, vacations, homes and friends? Or do we first spend time in the presence of God seeking His advice and guidance? —David Croudace

Ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Saviour, did you sue for loving favour? —Kidder

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Chronicles 35; Daniel 2:24-49; 1 John 5

…the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee…1 Chronicles 28:20

The Lord is with us on every side. In front of us, He is the Shepherd who leads. Behind us, He provides a rear guard. Beside us, He is our Comforter. Below us, He undergirds us and lifts us up. Above us, He watches over us and lights our path. Within us, He knows us and keeps us from sin. Around us, He is a barrier that guards against the evil one. —Ken Gunnell

You are my strength when I am weak,
You are the treasure that I seek,
You are my all in all.
When I fall down You pick me up,
When I am dry You fill my cup,
You are my all in all. —N. Grant

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Chronicles 34; Daniel 2:1-23; 1 John 4

A bruised reed shall he not break… Isaiah 42:3

A reed was almost valueless. A bruised reed was worth even less and should just have been discarded. But such was our Lord’s gentleness that He would not break it. It is easy to see ourselves in that bruised reed—bruised by sin. But thank the Lord, a bruised reed He did not break. He came alongside the Samaritan woman by the well, blind Bartimaus and the woman caught in adultery—all bruised by sin but He did not discard them. He did the same with us dear saint. We were bruised by sin but He came alongside and tenderly revealed Himself to us and saved us. Let us remember our tender loving Saviour today! —Paul Robertson

In tenderness He sought me, weary and sick with sin.
And on His shoulders brought me back to His fold again.
—S. Walton

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Chronicles 33; Daniel 1; 1 John 3

…Samuel said to Saul…but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God. 1 Samuel 9:27

One sad feature of life in the 21st century is that everyone seems to be so busy. There seems to be no time for quiet, thoughtful meditation or reflection upon what really matters—what God has to say to us! Stop rushing about and be still before the God of heaven. Saul discovered God’s plan for his life when he stood still and listened; he was to be king! What does the Lord want to reveal to us today? Stand still awhile. —Pete Smith

Sweet the seasons when we wait,
To hear what God our Lord will say,
For they who watch at wisdom’s gate,
Are never empty sent away. —Thomas Kelly

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Chronicles 32; Ezekiel 48; 1 John 2:12-29

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

The English word abide appears 11 times in John’s gospel but the Greek word from which it is translated appears 41 times. Abiding in Christ is a critical aspect of the life of the believer. We are told that the Holy Spirit abode upon the Lord Jesus (1:32). Theirs was a combined work. We need to abide in the Lord Jesus in our daily walk if we are to bear fruit for Him. We cannot bear fruit for the Lord unless we abide in Him (15:4). —D. M. M.

In the secret of His presence how my soul delights to hide!
Oh, how precious are the lessons which I learn at Jesus’ side!
—Ellen Lakshmi Gorch

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Chronicles 31; Ezekiel 47; 1 John 1 to 2:11

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them…But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:26, 33

What a wonderful passage for a joyous life! This is how God intends His people to live, without worry or heavy cares. The world worries and strives after position, popularity and wealth. The birds just enjoy life! But there is a caveat to this type of life. Above all else we must seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness. —G. Frear

Ask and it shall be given unto you,
Seek and ye shall find,
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you!
—K. Lafferty