Category: Uncategorised

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 18:6 to 19:7; Isaiah 59; Romans 4:23 to 5:11

…for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood… Revelation 5:9

This is the theme of the new song sung by the redeemed throng in heaven, as they gaze upon the Lamb in the midst of the throne. Yet even in His glory, He is seen to be as “a Lamb as it had been slain” (Rev. 5:6). Throughout eternal ages the Lamb will continue to display to wondering saints, the marks that He received at Calvary. They will remind us of the terrible price He paid to redeem our souls and as ages roll their course, fresh paeans of praise to the Lamb that was slain will fill the vault of heaven. May we join with them in that song of thanksgiving and praise whilst here below. —W. H. Burnett

Power and dominion to Him that shall reign,
Glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain. —Flora F. Best

 

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 17:32 to 18:5; Isaiah 58; Romans 4:1-22

Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant? Joshua 5:14

Joshua was engaged in both worship and warfare. At the age of 13 a Jewish boy is considered to be of age and to have the privileges and responsibilities of adulthood. To celebrate, the family holds a bar mitzvah. In Israel, there are two popular venues for that celebration. The first, the western wall close to the Temple mount, represents worship. The second, Masada, the final hold out of the Israelites under Roman siege, represents warfare. As men of God do we take our privileges and responsibilities to heart? —Rex Trogdon

Look ye saints! The sight is glorious: see the Man of sorrows now;
From the fight returned victorious, ev’ry knee to Him shall bow.
—T. Kelly

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 17:1-31; Isaiah 56:9 to 57:21; Romans 3

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule. – Psalm 32:8-9

Regarding God’s guidance most of us fall into one of two types. There are those who are similar to the mule. Slow and often reluctant to move forward; frequently needing extra prodding. Then there are those who could be described as a horse. Impetuous and impatient, often anxious to get going and frequently moving ahead of the Lord’s will and timing. Whatever type we are, let’s keep our eye on the Master and be ready to stop or go at His command. —Sid Halsband

Gladly I yield obedience now; in all things to Thy will I’d bow;
I’ll follow where my Saviour led, and humbly in His footsteps tread.
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 16; Isaiah 55 to 56:8; Romans 2

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14

A light must burn brightly before it can show the way. A candle under a bucket is useless; it must be clearly seen to be of use. So we must be a light to others, pointing the way by our deeds and words. We have been called by the Lord out of darkness to His marvelous light so that He can be glorified. As He is the Light of the world, so we too must reflect His light. —G. Frear

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!
—Philip P. Bliss

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 15; Isaiah 54; Romans 1:18-32

And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. Isaiah 40:16

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sat down on the right hand of God. Hebrews 10:12

Lebanon was known for two things: its cedar trees and its livestock. Isaiah says here that if all the cedar trees of Lebanon were used for firewood and all its beasts burned on the ensuing flames, it would not be enough. There is only one offering that satisfies the heart of God for all eternity. It is the once for all sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. God is satisfied with that finished work of Christ. Are you?—Paul Robertson

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow. —Elvina M. Hall

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 14; Isaiah 52:13 to 53:12; Romans 1:1-17

Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge [vindicate] me by thy strength. Psalm 54:1

The Oxford Dictionary defines vindication as “justification by evidence or argument”. For the believer, Christ is our argument. The arc of His salvation work stretches from His incarnation, to His death and then to His resurrection. We remember Him today. And in our remembrance our minds are drawn to His body and His blood, viewing them symbolized in the bread and wine. Praise Him, Christ Jesus our justification. —George Ferrier

I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me. —Eliza Hewitt

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 13; Isaiah 52:1-12; 2 Cor. 12:14 to 13:14

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished. John 19:30

The story is told of a Christian man who had an unsaved friend who was a cabinet maker. The unsaved friend could not understand how Christ finished the work of redemption and why he could not do something for his own soul’s salvation. One day in the man’s shop, his Christian friend picked up a plane and walked toward a beautiful finished cabinet. As he pretended to make some finishing touches, the cabinet maker let out a yell, “Don’t touch that, it’s finished!” The same is true for Christ’s work; it is finished and cannot be added to. —W. Ross Rainey

Lifted up was He to die, “It is finished”, was His cry;
Now in heaven exalted high! Hallelujah! What a Saviour! —Philip P. Bliss

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 11-12; Isaiah 51:9-23; 2 Cor. 12:1-13

Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Romans 16:5

The early church gathered in homes in order to worship God and fellowship together. What is our home known for? Is it a place where the family gathers to seek the Lord? Or is it cluttered with activities and amusements that have little to do with spiritual growth? Has discouragement moved in—replacing the time we used to spend with the Lord? Perhaps it’s time for some de-cluttering and re-prioritizing. Let’s make God’s Word, prayer and worship the priorities in our homes. —Deborah Manera

Lift up your hearts! We lift them, Lord, to Thee;
Here at Thy feet none other may we see:
Lift up your hearts! Even so, with one accord,
We lift them up, we lift them to the Lord. —H. Butler

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 9:15 to 10:27; Isaiah 50 to 51:8; 2 Cor. 11

So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves? And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 (NKJV)

Are you a good neighbour? From this story, there are three different responses to that question. Do I pass by like the priest, not even showing any interest? Perhaps I am like the Levite, making myself aware of the problem but in the end, not willing to get involved. Or do I treat everyone I know and meet, friend or stranger, with a heart and mind like the good Samaritan? —J. D. Fraser

My guilt was borne by Jesus; He cleansed the crimson stains,
In His own blood most precious, and not a spot remains.
—Horatius Bonar

DAILY?READINGS: 1 Samuel 8 to 9:14; Isaiah 49; 2 Cor. 10

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37

At the end of life all our material possessions will never purchase our admission into Heaven. “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious)” (Ps. 49:6-8). Jesus paid the price by His death to save us from the eternal consequences of sin. Are you a saved or a lost soul? Are you living for this world at the expense of preparing for eternity? —Jim Paul

Where will you spend eternity? This question comes to you and me!
Tell me, what shall your answer be? Where will you spend eternity?
—Elisha A. Hoffman