Category: Uncategorised

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 37; Psalm 89:19-52; Acts 22:1-21

 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

We are almost there! C. H. Spurgeon said that by faith the wilderness can become the suburbs of heaven. We have almost reached heaven’s suburbs and in a little while heaven’s “downtown”—yet unseen—will become gloriously apparent to us all. For just a little longer, strengthened by our Saviour’s grace we seek to be faithful in our corner of the vineyard. Even as we keep looking forward for the short distance which remains! —Mark Fenn

So lift your eyes to the things as yet unseen,
That will remain now for all eternity.
Though trouble’s hard, it’s only momentary,
And it’s achieving our future glory.
—Lou Fellingham

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 36; Psalm 89:1-18; Acts 21:17-40

 

…woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.  1 Corinthians 9:16

A visit to the City of Bristol in England can afford the opportunity to visit the original meeting place of Methodist preacher John Wesley. The premises are spartan and simple but describe how John Wesley and his followers carried out their desire to spread the Gospel throughout the United Kingdom. Wesley travelled 400,000 kilometers on horseback and this in itself is testament to the dedication of his purpose to spread the Gospel. May we emulate such fervour in seeking to reach those who are lost with the Gospel message. —Brian Powlesland

God loved the world so that He gave His only Son the lost to save;
That all who would on Him believe, might everlasting life receive.
—Thomas B. Gilbert

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 35; Psalms 87-88; Acts 21:1-16

 

It was revealed unto him (Simeon) by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ…[he] blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace…  Luke 2:26-29

Simeon was given an amazing promise. He would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. How much more wonderful the promise that has been given to us. The moment we die we will see the Lord’s Christ. “Absent from the body…present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). Perhaps the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout before our death. Either way, we will see Him, be with Him and be like Him forever. —Ken Gross

Behold Him there the risen Lamb, my perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I Am, the King of glory and of grace.
—C. Bancroft

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 34:4-35; Psalms 85-86; Acts 20:17-38

 

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.  1 Thessalonians 4:18

The entertainment industry capitalizes on people’s interest in the future. Their make-believe productions mix drama, suspense, and sensuality, and leave the viewer confused, fearful and hopeless. God speaks of the future as a time when Jesus will come for us, to take us out of this world and into a glorious place where He dwells. The conclusion of God’s story is meant to bring us great comfort now. Why would we waste our time and money on that which only leaves us empty? A couple of hours spent in God’s Word encourages, comforts and leaves us with a true sense of joy. —Charlie Tempest

Oh Lord Jesus how long, how long, ere we shout the glad song?
Christ returneth! Hallelujah! Hallelujah, amen! Hallelujah, amen!
—H. L. Turner

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 33 to 34:3; Psalms 83-84; Acts 20:1-16

 

And Moses’ father-in-law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.  Exodus 18:17
So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. Exodus 18:24

Taking advice can be humbling. But sometimes others see more clearly the problem we are facing or the difficulty we are encountering. They may kindly point out where we are going wrong and offer us sound advice on how it can be resolved. How will we react? Will we be like Moses and listen carefully to their wise counsel and then act upon it? —Pete Smith

I need Thee, precious Saviour! I need a friend like Thee;
A friend to soothe and comfort, a friend to care for me.
—F. Whitfield

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 32; Psalms 81-82; Acts 19:21-41

 

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.  John 12:27

Sir Winston Churchill, addressing the British House of Parliament, on August 20, 1940, referred to the brave Royal Air Force pilots, who were greatly outnumbered during the Battle of Britain, saying, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”  However, another battle of far greater proportions was fought when, after six terrible hours nailed to the cross, our victorious Lord cried, “It is finished.” The “Battle of the Ages” He fought and won. He came to the planet for such an hour. Today, let us gratefully remember and worship Him who died for us. —Arnot P. McIntee

Whatever curse was mine He bore; the wormwood and the gall,
There, in that lone mysterious hour, my cup—He drained it all!
—Author Unknown

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 31; Psalms 79-80; Acts 18:24 to 19:20

 

The heavens declare the glory of God.  Psalm 19:1

God reveals Himself throughout this psalm. First, He speaks through the sky above (vv. 1-6). Then, He speaks through the Scriptures (vv. 7-11). Finally, we hear God speaking to the soul within (vv. 12-14). Can you see the growing intensity of God’s voice, as He slowly reveals Himself? It all starts with the vast universe (even the etymology of the word “universe” suggests one voice or speech). The stars, the galaxies, the planets, these all speak clearly of God’s plan, order, and design. Look above. Can you see Him speaking? —N. C. Funston

There’s the wonder of springtime and harvest,
The sky, the stars, the sun;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul;
Is the wonder that’s only begun.
—George Beverly Shea

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 30:11-38; Psalm 78:32-72; Acts 18:1-23

 

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while…  Mark 6:31
My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord. Psalm 5:3

At college some of us would go up the mountain with our Bibles to have a “quiet time” with the Lord. One morning there was a shout, “Snake! Snake!” Sure enough a Berg adder with fangs almost an inch long had appeared. Leaping to our feet we killed it and in triumph took it back to college to show it off. The result? None of us had a “quiet time” that morning. This is usually the first place Satan attacks a believer, he prevents them from spending time with the Lord. If he succeeds here, he has won a major battle for that day! —David Croudace

In the secret of His presence how my soul delights to hide!
O how precious are the lessons which I learn at Jesus’ side!
—E. L. Gorsh

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 29:38 to 30:10; Psalm 78:1-31; Acts 17:16-34

 

Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.  Joshua 3:11

The situation looked grim and was a challenge to Israel’s faith. The Jordan had to be crossed. Jericho had to be conquered and the land possessed. But God reminded the Israelites that “the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth” was to lead the way. In this great title, God reiterated His covenant relationship to His people and assured them that He was no tribal god—inept and powerless. As Lord of all the earth He is never limited in what He can do. By faith the Israelites conquered great obstacles and so can we (Heb. 11:30). —Jim Comte

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory that overcomes the world!
—John H. Yates

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 29:1-37; Psalms 76-77; Acts 17:1-15

 

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.  Psalm 94:19
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  Philippians 4:6

What is the antidote for anxiety? The psalmist suggests you try God’s consolation and comfort, which can be found in the many precious promises in His Word. Paul suggests prayer, which gives you access to the throne of grace. Availing yourself of these two effective antidotes, will result in delight filling your soul and peace which passes understanding. So why not try it? All you have to lose is your anxiety! —E. V.

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bare, 
All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.
—J. Scriven