Category: Uncategorised

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 49; Psalms 28-29; Matt. 27:1-26

 

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.     John 3:14

 

Today the Chinese celebrate their New Year—the year of the Serpent. Serpents do not have a good reputation in the Bible. One was used to introduce sin to the world. Later, when Israel rebelled against the Lord, fiery serpents came among them and many died (Num. 21:6). In response Moses made a serpent, and set it on a pole. Those who looked to it lived. In like fashion, Jesus was lifted up on a cross to die for our sins. Those who look to Him will live.    —K. C. Ung

As the serpent raised by Moses, healed the burning serpent’s bite;
Jesus thus Himself discloses, to the wounded sinner’s sight:
Hear His gracious invitation, “I have life and peace to give,
I have wrought out full salvation, sinner, look to Me and live.”—J. Newton

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 47:28 to 48:22; Psalms 26-27; Matt. 26:57-75

 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.    1 John 1:9

 

A friend once said to me, “I’ve committed too many sins, God would never forgive me.” Do you feel this way? The Bible records that God forgave Saul, an accomplice to a murder; Zacchaeus, an unscrupulous tax collector and a woman who committed adultery. If you agree with God that you are a sinner and repent of your sins and place your faith in your sin bearer, the Lord Jesus Christ, He will forgive you of all your sins. Come to Him today.    —Bob Cretney

 

Christ receiveth sinful men,
Even me with all my sin;
Purged from every spot and stain,
Heaven with Him I enter in.
—E. Neumeister

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 46 to 47:27; Psalm 25; Matt. 26:31-56

 

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.    2 Peter 3:18

 

Andrew Bonar (1810-1892) was a Scottish preacher and author. He once said that he could tell when a Christian was growing. In proportion to his growth in grace he would elevate his Master, talk less of what he himself was doing, and become smaller in his own esteem, until, like the morning star, he faded away before the rising sun. As a daily practice, we would do well to emulate Bonar’s principles for our spiritual growth.    —W. Ross Rainey

 

More like the Master I would live and grow,
More of His love to others I would show;
More self-denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be
—Charles H. Gabriel

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 45; Psalms 23-24; Matt. 26:1-30

 

And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.    Acts 6:15

 

An elderly brother was in hospital and not expected to live much longer. Someone arrived to visit him and asked the nurse where he could find him, to which she replied, “You go down to the end of the ward and look for the man with the face of an angel.” What was it that made the difference? He had walked with God through many years, despite circumstances at times being against him, and he was looking forward to being with his Saviour.    —J. Fleming

 

Walking with Jesus throughout every day;
Learning to love Him, to trust and obey,
With time it will bring a beautiful grace,
A radiance that comes from seeing His face.
—J. Fleming

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 44; Psalm 22; Matt. 25:31-46

 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,…     Psalm 19:14

 

It is impossible to read anything about God without understanding that He is fully aware of everything we do. From the earliest record, God “saw” that His creation was good (Gen. 1:10). Then He delivered Noah, a man who found grace in His “sight” (Gen. 6:9). Hagar took great comfort in the God who “saw” her in her need (Gen. 16:13). This is our God, with the eyes of a loving and powerful Father, looking over us—looking out for us. Our text tells us that He even sees into our heart. Our response is to live in such a way that He is satisfied with what He sees!    —Norman Craig Funston

 

Jesus is my portion, my constant Friend is He;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
—Civilla Martin

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 43; Psalms 20-21; Matt. 25:1-30

 

But godliness with contentment is great gain.    1 Timothy 6:6

 

Someone asked John D. Rockefeller, “What does it take to make a man happy?” His reply was simple and direct, “Just a little more than he has.” Scripture tells us, “For I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). Our spiritual blessings flow from a person, Christ and not from things or belongings. Are you in difficult times today? Be godly. Be content. And you will have great gain.
—Robert Gentile

I take the cross of Jesus, for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss;
My sinful self my only shame; my glory all the cross.
—Elizabeth C. Clephane

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:50 to 42:38; Psalm 19; Matt. 24:29-51

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world.    Galations 1:3-4

 

The salvation we have been given touches every aspect of our being. Our souls are saved for eternity. Our bodies will be saved when they are brought into full conformity with the resurrected and glorified body of Christ. Meanwhile, we can enjoy salvation for the present, for it saves us from this present evil world. The blood of Christ saves us from the world’s wicked pleasures, from its politics, from excessive concern for its present condition, from its dreadful future. Thus we are delivered from this present evil world.    —Doug Kazen

Oh may I count myself to be, dead to the sins that wounded Thee;
Dead to the pleasures of this earth, or unworthy of my heavenly birth.
—Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:1-49; Psalm 18:30-50; Matt. 24:1-28

 

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.    1 Corinthians 11:26

 

Each Lord’s Day we have the opportunity to proclaim the Lord’s death to each other, the unbelieving world, and the angels. His death was unique in countless ways. For example no one could take His life: He dismissed His own spirit after completing His work (John 10:18; 19:30). It was substitutionary: He died for all so that all could be offered life. His death was temporary: He rose victoriously the third day. Our omnipotent, eternal God died for us. It is beyond full understanding but utterly worthy of worship.    —George Ferrier

 

In the cross of Christ I glory, towering o’er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story gathers round its head sublime.
—John Bowring

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 40; Psalm 18:1-29; Matt. 23

 

And the Lord said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the Lord against the sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Israel.    Numbers 25:4

 

The words of this verse are strong. But sin is a destructive thing and must be judged for the good of all. The Israelite men were pursuing Midianite women and their god Baal. The Jews would soon learn that fornication and idolatry often walk together. This is why Christians are to be idol free (1 John 5:21). Those who do not fear God will not obey His commands for holy living. Silence condones sin. Church leaders are to set a good example, and when there is sin in the camp, they must call it what it is. May God help us to be holy.    —W. A. H.

 

The dearest idol I have known, whatever that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne and worship only Thee.
—W. Cowper

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 39; Psalm 17; Matt. 22:15-46

 

Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.    Psalm 55:22

 

“…thy burden” is uniquely yours: no person has exactly the same weight of responsibility and care as you! As you face today’s load, rest in the fact that the very One who bore the entire burden of your sins at Calvary, is willing to assist you, in the burdensome duties now facing you. He promises not the total removal of the burden, but his unfailing strength and support.    —George Hall

 

It is Thy will that I should cast,
My every care on Thee;
To Thee refer each rising grief,
Each new perplexity.
—H. A. Caesar Malan