Category: Uncategorised

 

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

The soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head. John 19:2
On his head were many crowns. Revelation 19:12

In Pilate’s judgment hall there began a series of events meant to humiliate the Lord Jesus. Thorns, the product of the curse in Eden’s garden, were placed upon His head. It is a vivid picture of the place He took under its awful condemnation. The day is coming when Jesus will wear many diadems of glory! In that day every knee will bow and confess Him as Lord. Dear reader it is wise to do it now. Make Him your Saviour! —Jim Paul

Behold the Lamb with glory crowned;
To Him all power is given.
No place too high for Him is found,
No place too high in Heaven. —Thomas Kelly

 

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

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.    Acts 1:14 (AV)

Regarding the phrase “with one accord,” scholars tell us: “This is a unique Greek word, with 10 occurrences in the Book of Acts, and this helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. The word, homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to ‘rush along’ and ‘in unison’. The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonise in pitch and tone, combine to produce a pleasing result.” Surely if we would see blessing, we should follow the example of the early Church and be in one accord. —W. H. Burnett

We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity. —Sabine Baring-Gould

 

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

Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1

A young doctor who was an atheist and a computer expert, tired of the “rat race” of life, spent a year on a raft going down the Zambezi river. We invited them to stay so we could give them the Gospel which neither knew. A month later the atheist, as he viewed God’s marvelous creation—the mighty Victoria Falls—wrote to tell us he had trusted Christ. Many years passed and a friend of ours met the computer expert who told him, “I trusted Christ when I heard the Gospel in the Croudace’s home”. What an encouragement to keep sowing the seed even when one does not see immediate results. —David Croudace

O ye saints arouse, be earnest, up and work while yet ‘tis day.
Ere the night of death o’er take thee, strive for souls while still you may.
—Charles C. Luther

 

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

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter.    Isaiah 53:7 (NKJV)

Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in our Saviour, step by step. From praying in Gethsemane He was led to Caiaphas. From a long night of accusation and abuse by the religious leaders, He was led to Pilate. From Pilate He was led by the soldiers into the hall called the Praetorium. Then, crowned with thorns, He was led to Calvary (Mark 14:53, 15:1, 16). He was led—as a lamb to the slaughter and as the Lamb of God He laid down His life for you and for me. Hallelujah, what a Saviour! —Rex Trogdon

As Lamb of God, Thy path we view,
Thy Father’s will Thy whole delight;
To Calvary we trace Thy way,
Each step of Thine, with glory bright.
—Charles H. Spurgeon

 

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

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalm 8:3-4

In 1969 Neil Armstrong, the American astronaut planted the above Scripture on the moon. Armstrong’s humble testimony expresses much the same sentiment. He said, “It wasn’t much at all, my going to the moon. Greater far it was, the Son of God coming to the Earth.  —E. MacLelland

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in:
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
—Carl Boberg

 

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

And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words. Luke 1:20
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. Luke 1:23

Zacharias was determined to fulfill his days of service. His disability did not deter him and shows what type of man he was. He could have used his loss of speech as a reason to quit his post and go home. But he set aside his hardship and fulfilled his responsibility. Faithfulness, patient endurance, and tenacity are prized commodities in the economy of heaven. Let us follow his example. —Sid Halsband

In Thy presence we are happy; in Thy presence we’re secure;
In Thy presence all afflictions, we can steadfastly endure. —W. Williams

 

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

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. Luke 8:46

The woman with the issue of blood had a great need, but she knew if she could just get close enough to touch Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. Anonymous among the multitudes that followed Jesus, she made her way towards Him and touched His garment. Though multitudes pressed around Him that day, Jesus recognized the touch of faith and said to the woman, “thy faith hath made thee whole” (Matt. 9:22). Do you have a need? Effectual fervent prayer is heard and answered by the Lord. —D. Pickup

I touched the heart of God in prayer, I lingered in His presence there,
I lost my heavy load of care, when in prayer I touched the heart of God.
—John W. Peterson

 

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

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him.    Isa. 59:16
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. Hebrews 10:12

In Israel’s day the prophet described God looking upon earth and seeing no man who loved truth, righteousness and judgment. Thus no one had the desire or capacity to intercede. So God did it Himself. It reminds us of our lost, sinful condition. There was no man that could save us from hell until the Lord Jesus Christ interceded. God stretched out His own arms on the cross and paid the price for our sins. He is our salvation. He is our hope. There is no other. Friend, trust Him today. —George Ferrier

O boundless salvation! Deep ocean of love,
O fullness of mercy, Christ brought from above. —W. Booth

 

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

The acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness. Titus 1:1

Are the truths we know practical, or theoretical? The phrase “after godliness” means “according to godliness.” It refers to truth that produces, or results in godliness. This is often overlooked. Bible knowledge alone does not equal godliness. It’s easier to listen to truth or talk about it than to apply it. But God intends it to be known, believed and applied. It has transforming power and God intends it to affect every area of our lives. When this happens it produces a life that is godly. —Carl Knott

Master, speak! And make me ready, when Thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady, still to follow every word.
—Frances Ridley Havergal

 

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 28:15-43; Psalms 74-75; Acts 16:16-40

Being reviled, we bless: being persecuted, we suffer it. 1 Corinthians 4:12

In Dean Castle, a famous visitor attraction in Kilmarnock, Scotland, is a plaque in memory of those who died in the New York terrorist attacks in September 2001. It quotes Robert Burns’ words “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.” Many today suffer at the hands of others. Pray that their suffering may cease and that those who cause affliction may come to know the Prince of Peace as Saviour and Lord and dispense kindness rather than malice.    —Brian Powlesland

Tho’ the foes of right oppress, keep on praying;
Christ the Lord is near to bless, all prevailing.
Let not fear your heart appall, naught of evil can befall,
Stronger is your God than all, keep on praying.
—Robert O. Smith