Category: Uncategorised

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 11 to 12:20; Psalm 44; Acts 5:12-42

 

It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.    Lamentations 3:22-23
God is faithful.    1 Corinthians 1:9

 

Faithfulness is one of the essential attributes of our majestic God. He never forgets. He never fails. He never falters. Our past rests on His faithfulness—we rest on His atoning work at Calvary. Our present rests on His faithfulness—we rest on the promises of His Word. He says, “my God shall supply all your need” (Phil. 4:19). Our future rests upon His faithfulness. He has promised, “I will come again” (John 14:3). Thank God there are no “what ifs” with Him!     —Jim Comte

 

Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. —T. O. Chisholm

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 10; Psalms 42-43; Acts 4:32 to 5:11

 

[By faith some] escaped the edge of the sword, … others … not accepting deliverance … were slain with the sword.    Heb. 11:34-37

 

A Christian may sometimes be delivered from a perilous situation although often God may allow a believer to face great opposition. Many, choosing to trust God rather than compromise with the world have had to face ostracism, loss of friends, loss of a job, even rejection by their family. Others have endured suffering, imprisonment and often death. Throughout history, persecution has always strengthened the church, so whatever God allows in my life I must trust Him, knowing that such faith pleases Him, and in some way will encourage believers and advance His Kingdom.    —David Croudace

 

Grant that I may never fail Thy hand to see;
Grant that I may ever cast my care on Thee. —J. Mongomery

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 9; Psalm 40-41; Acts 4:1-31

 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.    James 1:2-4

 

Some scientists created artificial environments to study the effect of various conditions on tree growth. As they matured, some trees began to bend and snap under their own weight. The issue was identified as an absence of wind. Whilst a challenge, wind makes trees flexible and causes roots to spread, so that they become more able to withstand storms. So in life, difficulties, disappointments and frustrations can help us mature and grow in spiritual strength.    —Brian Powlesland

 

Shine through the cloud and rain, through sorrow, toil and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain, teach me Thy way. —B. M. Ramsey

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 8; Psalms 38-39; Acts 3

 

But now in Christ Jesus ye who [once] were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.    Ephesians 2:13

 

Exclusion is an awful experience; how much more terrible when it entails estrangement from one’s Creator! Every person was separated from God by their sins. Gentiles were especially far off because they had no covenants or promises from the Almighty. But in Christ Jesus, believers are brought near through His propitiatory work. His shed blood removes the source of our separation so that we are brought near to a Holy God.    —Keith Keyser

We praise then our God; how rich is His grace!
We were far from Him once, estranged from His face.
By blood we are purchased, are cleansed and made nigh,
And blessed in His presence, in Jesus on high. —W. Yerbury

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 6:14 to 7:25; Psalm 37; Acts 2:22-47

 

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.    Romans 4:20

 

God’s promise to Abraham was beyond natural possibility. But Abraham believed God—that nothing is impossible with Him. We likewise are given exceeding great and precious promises. Promises such as “Seek ye first the kingdom of God … and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33) or “Whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it” (Matt. 16:25). Are you staggering at the promises? Be strong in faith. You will be blessed. And God will be glorified.     —D. Pickup

 

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I will prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. —R. Kelso Carter

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 5 to 6:13; Psalms 35-36; Acts 2:1-21

 

What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?    Mark 10:51

 

There are moments in life when it seems the Lord draws even nearer and gives us a special opportunity. The blind man knew exactly what he most needed and did not hestitate. How about us? Could we respond with the same decisiveness and make as specific a request?  The question is not, “What do you think I can do?” but “What do you want me to do?” Tell the Lord today. Nothing is too hard for Him.
—Carl Knott

 

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare,
Jesus loves to answer prayer;
He Himself has bid thee pray,
Therefore will not say thee nay.
—J. Newton

DAILY?READINGS: Exodus 4; Psalm 34; Acts 1

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.    1 John 4:9
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.    1 John 4:10
We love Him, because He first loved us.    1 John 4:19

 

The love of God eclipses any love that man may display, desire or describe. His love was manifested to a lost, guilty world at Calvary. He loved us when we had no love for Him. He gave His only Son to the death of the cross, so that we may have the gift of eternal life and be filled with His eternal love. Do we love Him?     —Pete Smith

 

Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know;
Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so! —G.W.R.

DAILY?READINGS: Ex. 2:23 to 3:22; Psalms 32-33; Matt. 28

 

Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.   Hebrews 7:7 (NKJV)

 

The Book of Hebrews is a book of comparisons. Compared to angels, prophets, priests, and men, the Lord Jesus Christ is greater. Through Christ, everything that we have been promised has become better. Hope, covenants, sacrifices, and promises have all become better in Him. So, the Lord Jesus is greater and better, and that makes us lesser. To be lesser is not bad. It is better. And that is beyond all contradiction because the lesser, that’s us, is blessed by the better, that’s Him.    —Rex Trogdon

 

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! —T. O. Chisholm

DAILY?READINGS: Ex. 1 to 2:22; Psalm 31; Matt. 27:45-66

 

Ye are the light of the world.     Matthew 5:14

 

How should my life be like light? First of all it should reflect Christ. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, so too when people see my life, do they see Christ? Secondly it should illuminate the darkness of the world we live in. When people see my life do they see clearly the way life should be lived? Thirdly my life should also be a warning to people who leave God out of their life. Just as a light house can warn ships of impending danger, so my life should reflect 2 Timothy 2:25, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.” May the Lord help us to shine bright for Him today.     —Sid Halsband

 

Jesus, Master, I am Thine; keep me faithful, keep me near;
Let Thy presence in me shine, all my homeward way to cheer.
—Frances R. Havergal

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 50; Psalm 30; Matt. 27:27-44

 

Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.    Luke 21:26

 

We live in a world of great uncertainty—earthquakes, tidal waves and other natural disasters. There is also global economic instability, famine and disease. For many it seems hopeless but for those who reverence and believe in God and his Word the solution is in the soon return of His blessed Son—not only to take His own from the world, but to rule, judging the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). How glad we should be that our ultimate salvation “is nearer than when we believed” (Rom. 13:11).    —Drew Craig

 

Heartaches all ended, school days all done;
Heaven will open, Jesus will come. —C. A. Blackmore