Saturday, May 14, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Num. 25 to 26:51; Prov. 22:17 to 23:11; Luke 1:26-56

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27

Broken-hearted travelers on a seven mile walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus were joined by an unknown, but sympathetic, Friend. He mysteriously knew so much about the Saviour they mourned. As they walked, He likely told them of His virgin birth (Is. 7:14) and His vicarious death (Is. 53:7). Then He may have presented thoughts of His triumphant resurrection (Ps. 16:10). I wonder if He assured them their Redeemer would live forever (Job 19:25)? The nail-pierced Man, who lightened their burdened hearts, longs to lighten yours today. Enjoy your walk with Him. —Arnot McIntee

Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word. —Mary Ann Lathbury

Friday, May 13, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Num. 23:27-24:25; Prov. 21:12-22:16; Luke 1:1-25

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalms 51:12-13

The anguish of David's soul has been a source of blessing to believers whose joy has been lost through sin. Sin never takes you from your relationship with the Saviour! But it will break your fellowship with Him, robbing you of your joy in the Lord. “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). Not only is there forgiveness but He will restore your usefulness. Erring Peter, when restored, became a Gospel preacher and a pillar in the Church. Return to Him today and He will restore your joy. —Jim Paul

Thou alone my Saviour art, teach Thy wisdom to my heart;
Make me pure, Thy grace bestow, wash me whiter than the snow.—Joseph Holbrook

Thursday, May 12, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Num. 22:39-23:26; Prov. 20 to 21:11; James 4:13-5:20

And he made the altar of burnt offering… it was foursquare. Ex. 38:1

And he made the incense altar… it was foursquare. Exodus 37:25

It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double. Exodus 39:9

And the city lieth foursquare. Revelation 21:16

Four things here are foursquare; equal and fully balanced in their dimensions. The altar of burnt offering testifies to the atonement offered by the Lord Jesus. The altar of incense testifies to the intercession offered by our great High Priest. The breastplate reminds us that our High Priest is compassionate to those who are on His heart. The city will testify throughout eternity to the power of Christ to bring lost souls to repentance, change sinners to saints, and bring glory to God. —Tom Steere

Jesus! All perfections rise and end in Thee;
Brightness of God’s glory Thou, eternally. —D. A. McGregor

 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 22:1-38; Proverbs 19; James 3 to 4:12

Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God. Nehemiah 9:31

Think of how many times in Scripture grace and mercy are linked together. We need both! God in His marvellous grace reached down to where we were so that He could extend His mercy to us in forgiving our sin and making us fit for heaven. He withheld the punishment we deserved by placing that debt on His beloved Son and gave us something far better. The hymn writer has declared, “Oh the wonder of it all!” We agree! —W. H. Gustafson

Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary. —D. B. Towner

 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 21; Proverbs 18; James 2

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity! Habakkuk 2:12

How dangerous it is to compromise ones' Christian witness in order to make progress in this world. In our dealings with unbelievers we must make sure that we do not lower our standing at home or in the work place. The Lord will meet our needs, and more, without us damaging our testimony. —Brian Russell

O blessed is the man whose trust,
Upon the Lord relies;
Respecting not the proud, nor such,
As turn aside to lies. —Scottish Psalter

Monday, May 9, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 20; Proverbs 17; James 1

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:4

The story is told of a newly saved man who was sitting on the porch reading his Bible. A friend passing by stopped and asked, ”Tom, what are you reading?” “Oh,” said Tom, “I’m reading a legacy, and I’m so happy to see all to which I am an heir.” “Who died?” asked the friend. The young believer replied, “The one who died was my Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and now His inheritance is mine!” —E. MacLelland

Keep the eye single, the head upward lifted;
Watch for the glory of earth’s coming King;
Lo! o’er the mountain tops light is now breaking;
Heirs of the kingdom, rejoice ye and sing. —Lowell Mason

 

Lord’s Day, May 8, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 19; Proverbs 16; 2 Peter 3

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Proverbs 8:11

What is more valuable than rubies? Four times Proverbs states that divine wisdom and knowledge are more precious than rubies. The only other biblical reference to a ruby’s worth is in Proverbs 31:10: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Divine wisdom should be sought after; its worth is far more than rubies. Likewise, when a man finds a virtuous wife, her worth cannot be measured, indeed, he has obtained favour from God (Prov. 18:22). Scripture puts a premium on virtuous women and so should we.—Warren Henderson

I am a woman, not a man, created second in God’s plan.
God’s plan for womanhood is good; I wouldn’t change it if I could.—Lois Patterson

Saturday, May 7, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 18; Proverbs 15; 2 Peter 2

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Jeremiah 18:4

Have you, my dear backslidden friend, marred your life by sin and foolish behaviour? Satan has been telling you, “All is hopeless, there is nothing you can do—just give up." But we are here reminded that the Saviour is able and longing to forgive the past and restore your life into something beautiful. Before the clay hardens, come back to Him, in brokenness, confessing sin, and He will make you over anew. —David Croudace

Heartaches, broken pieces, ruined lives,
Are why You died on Calv’ry;
Your touch was what I longed for,
You have given life to me.—Author Unknown

 

Friday, May 6, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 16:41 to 17:13; Proverbs 14; 2 Peter 1

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Psalms 40:2-3

"Out of the mire, and into the choir" aptly describes the spiritual change which takes place when we are saved. It is entirely of God’s grace, and is ours in our Lord Jesus Christ. What joyful songs of praise should fill our hearts and mouths, in appreciation of our great deliverance! —George Hall

From sinking sand, He lifted me;
With tender hand, He lifted me;
From shades of night, to plains of light,
O praise His name, He lifted me! —C. H. Gabriel

 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 16:1-40; Proverbs 13; 1 Peter 5

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. Isaiah 6:3

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8

Earth is endowed with glories, put here by the Creator. Much of the human race seeks to use those glories for self; using the gifts from God for human and even evil pleasures. Thus the creation is marred. Let mankind beware; God will not yield His glories to any other. He created earth for His glory; and ultimately He will reclaim its full lustre for Himself. Meanwhile, those who honour Him will respect the glorious wonders found in this creation. —Doug Kazen

Thy Kingdom stands, and grows forever,
’Til all Thy creatures own thy sway. —John Ellerton