Category: Uncategorised

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

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5

“High thing” speaks of a tower or fortress. Here it speaks of everything which pride exalts against the knowledge of God. That knowledge is the revelation of God given in the Scriptures. They speak of His grace, mercy, forgiveness and salvation. Our possession of these truths concerning God, leads us into obedience to Christ. This is our fortress. This is the captivity that leads to freedom. —Drew Craig

Did we on our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
Lord Saboath is His name; from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
—Martin Luther

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

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.  Hebrews 7:22

Many believers struggle with the assurance of their salvation. We know our own failures so vividly. We look at others and they seem so happy and appear so spiritual, but we are not like them. We begin to wonder about ourselves. It can be agonizing. Was there a time when you realized you were a lost sinner? Did you respond by putting your faith in Christ and His work? If so, rest assured, your security is not in you, but in Christ. He, as our Surety, has guaranteed to secure you with God. This surety is not with you, but it is for you. It is with the Father of our Lord Jesus. Rest securely in Him. —Harold G. Smith

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love over shadowed, sweetly my soul shall rest.
—W. Doane

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

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Hebrews 13:5

God’s providence gives us all we need. In turn His gifts provide us opportunity to express our thanks to Him in word, attitude and actions. We use His gifts to glorify and serve Him—our job an occasion for gospel witness; our spiritual gifts for service in the body of Christ. Contentment is gained when we are satisfied with what He has given us and when we enjoy them in His continuing presence. We are Christ’s. My cup runneth over. —George Ferrier

Well of water, ever springing, Bread of life so rich and free,
Untold wealth that never faileth, my Redeemer is to me.
—Clara Williams

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

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious…  1 Peter 2:7

This verse doesn’t say what the Lord should be to us, but rather what He is! Love for Christ is a result of belief in Him and is one of the unmistakable signs of regeneration. John says,“We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Paul declares that if anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, “Let him be anathema,” which means “accursed”. Friends, there is no middle ground. The saved love the Lord Jesus, and the unsaved don’t. The Redeemer is precious to all the redeemed. What does He mean to you? —Carl Knott

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow,
‘Tis Thou who art worthy, Lord Jesus, ‘tis Thou.
—William Featherstone

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

Be still, and know that I am God…  Psalm 46:10

This psalm is marked by much noise and movement as torrents of water pour down and as mountains crash into the seas! Only in God are stillness and serenity to be found. It is in the quiet acceptance of His will for our lives that we can know Him. —George Hall

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.
—E. H. Bickersteth

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

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents…  Hebrews 11:23
But without faith it is impossible to please…God… Hebrews 11:6

Faith is essential to pleasing God. But faith takes on different forms as life progresses. Moses’ family exemplifies these challenges. They began in faith by hiding Moses from Pharoah’s murderous intentions for three months. But then a more difficult test came—letting go, as they committed their son to the waters of the Nile. This was followed by a long term challenge—trusting their son to be raised in the ungodly palace. God honoured their faithfulness. Our part is to exercise faith in every situation. Leave the rest to 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 Chronicles 30; Ezekiel 46; John 21

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

Though small, I noticed some alyssum plants flowering in the cracks between the concrete. Each tiny flower was beautiful, though prone to be trampled on. In spite of their challenges, they made a colourful and cheerful display of white and mauve flowers. Perhaps you feel your life is insignificant and you may even feel “trampled” upon. Maybe you are feeling the limitations of old age, have financial difficulties or have an unbelieving spouse from whom you suffer insults. Give your pain to Him and let His light shine forth through you today so that others may see His beauty reflected in you. —Janet Fleming

Be a light for Jesus, shine now for Him, Others soon will see it too.
You can help the Saviour reach to the world, Let your light shine bright and true.
—Janet Fleming

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Chronicles 29; Ezekiel 45; John 20:19-31

Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts…  Zechariah 13:7

What an unspeakable moment in the annals of eternity! When Jehovah lifted up His sword against His fellow, who had been by His side from all of eternity—His “well beloved Son” in whom He had found all His delight. Why this moment of terrible, incomprehensible judgment upon this innocent victim? The mystery deepens when we realize that it was for us, guilty, sinful rebels, that Jehovah made to meet upon Him the iniquity of us all, and had Him bear the punishment that was our due. Hallelujah! What a Saviour. —W. H. Burnett

Jehovah bade His sword awake; O Christ, it woke ‘gainst Thee,
Thy blood the flaming blade must slake, Thy heart its sheath must be,
All for my sake, my peace to make, now sleeps that sword for me.
—Cousin

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Chronicles 27-28; Ezekiel 44; John 20:1-18

And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not…  Jeremiah 45:5
…but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister. Mark 10:43

The world’s concept of “greatness”, is often contrary to Scripture. Jesus taught His disciples that the secret to greatness was to humble themselves as a little child and to become the servants of all! We too, need to guard against self-glorification. May we rather have the mind of Christ, who made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant (Phil. 2:5, 7). May we follow His example. —E. V.

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.
—Kate B. Wilkinson

DAILY?READINGS: 2 Chronicles 26; Ezekiel 43; John 19:17-42

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…  Genesis 50:20

It is amazing how God works in His people’s lives. His dealings with us are unique and wonderful. Abraham was called out of Ur to be a pilgrim in a promised land. Joseph was sold into slavery (for the good of his family). Moses was brought back to Egypt that he might lead the children of Israel out of Egypt to the promised land. The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus to let the children of Israel go back to Jerusalem (2 Chron. 36:22). What an amazing picture of the supremacy of our God and of His care and keeping of His people. What a God! He will work mightily in our lives too. —M. Robins

God is working His purposes out, as year succeeds to year;
God is working His purposes out, as His return draws ever near.
—Arthur Campbell Aigner