Category: Uncategorised

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 16; Psalm 52-54; Acts 9:1-31

When Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. 1 Samuel 15:12

The phrase, “he set up a place” means “he set up a monument (for himself).” How much like mankind—thinking about himself. Man seems to have his name engraved in every location these days. How assuring for us to know that our names are engraved upon the palms of His hands, (Isa. 49:16) and eternity will not erase those names. “Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not.” (Jer. 45:5) Let us live for His glory and not our own. — W. H. Gustafson

My name from the palms of His hands, eternity will not erase;
Imprest on His heart it remains, in marks of indelible grace. —A. Toplady

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 15; Psalm 51; Acts 8:5-40

These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years. Genesis 25:7
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalms 90:12

We may not live 175 years like Abraham, or 120 years like Moses, not to mention the 969 years of Methuselah. Yet, when we add up our years, what will the sum total be? In God’s eyes, it is not how long we live, but what we put into the years we have been granted by the Lord. Rather than regrett ing times when our lives just didn’t add up, from this point on, may we seek with full hearts to make our days count for Him. May God help us to do higher math. —Rex Trogdon

All for Jesus! All for Jesus! All my being’s ransomed powers:
All my thoughts and words and doings, all my days and all my hours.—M. D. J.

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 14:5-31; Psalms 49-50; Acts 7:30 to 8:4

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. Prov. 16:5

The seed of pride lies in every human heart. All it needs is the right condition to spring up and manifest itself. Some people are proud of their bodies; others of their success in life; their homes; their education; their nationality; their children; their status before others. God hates pride. What keeps the godly Christian humble is that he constantly surveys the cross. How can one be proud when they consider what their sins did to Christ? —Robert E. Surgenor

When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Lord of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
—Isaac Watts

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 13 to 14:4; Psalms 47-48; Acts 7:1-29

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever aft er the order of Melchizedek. Psalms 110:4

Melchizedek is one of the most remarkable individuals in the Old Testament. He presents us with a beautiful picture of the perfect kingship and priesthood of the Lord Jesus. As a representative of the most High God, he welcomed Abram aft er his batt le and victory over the Canaanite kings. As king of righteousness and king of peace, he dispensed bread and wine in royal fashion. Because they speak of the Lord Jesus’ body and blood, these two emblems sum up the mind and heart of God. They were wondrous symbols even then. May we receive them today with gravity and heartfelt worship.—Les Rainey

Only bread and only wine, yet to faith the solemn sign,
Of the heavenly and divine; we give Thee thanks O Lord.—Anon.

DAILY READINGS: Exodus 12:21-51; Psalm 45-46; Acts 6

 For there was joy in Israel. 1 Chronicles 12:40

After David had been proclaimed king there was an amazing consensus of support from every direction. Men of war, men of knowledge and all who had something to off er, gave willingly to the cause. This in itself brought a great atmosphere of togetherness and joy. Unity among God’s people and a willingness to make much of Christ, elevates the spirit of a local church. Let us make sure that we are not dissenters, and so ruin the atmosphere. —Brian Russell

Come ye that love the Lord and let your joys be known,
Join in a song with sweet accord, and thus surround the throne.—Isaac Watts

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

The manna ceased…neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. Joshua 5:12

Near Cefalu in Sicily, I bought a local delicacy called manna. It was sweet and enjoyable to taste, but could only be harvested between July and September. In contrast, Israel’s food in the wilderness was supplied all year, every year, until they needed it no more and could eat of the fruit of the promised land. God supplied Israel’s needs then and will supply your needs now. —Brian Powlesland

Help me, O Lord, to never, never doubt thee,
For Thou dost graciously supply my need,
And every day my barrel is replenished,
And I have fl our and oil enough indeed. —Author Unknown

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

The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. Psalm 121:5
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165

T. C. Upton shares the following lovely thought, “Finding God in
the moment is constant calmness and peace of mind. Events and
things come with the moment but God comes with them too. In the
sunshine He gives rest and joy. In the storms our hearts are not troubled
for He is King of the storms.” —L. Pell

I rest beneath the Almighty’s shade,
My griefs expire; my troubles cease;
Thou, Lord, on who my soul is stayed,
Wilt keep me still in perfect peace. —C. Wesley

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

So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. Genesis 45:24

Joseph’s brothers had come to Egypt for relief from a famine. Now with wagons loaded with grain and clothing, they left to journey back to their father Jacob. Joseph kissed them good bye and said, “See that ye fall not out by the way.” In other words, “Don’t disagree, or quarrel, as you journey homeward.” How could they disagree, having enjoyed their saviour’s forgiveness and parting kiss? The same should be true of us too. We have been blessed with provisions for our trip heavenward. It is His desire that we love each other on our journey to the city of our heavenly Father. —Arnot McIntee

We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear;
And oft en for each other fl ows, the sympathizing tear. —John Fawcett

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

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalms 141:3

David agreed with James regarding the potential danger of an undisciplined tongue. Apart from the gracious work of God, man’s speech is devastating. Submitt ed to the Lord’s control, it can spread the greatest message ever expressed in words: the gospel of Christ. Of the Lord Jesus, it is said, “grace is poured into thy lips” (Ps. 45:2). He has “the tongue of the learned” (Isa. 50:4). Emulate Him! Use your lips for God’s glory through praise and testimony. —K. R. Keyser

O that I had a thousand voices, and with a thousand tongues could tell,
Of Him in whom the earth rejoices, who all things wisely does and well!
—J. Mentzer

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

In times past… Ephesians 2:11
But now… Ephesians 2:13
Henceforth…. Ephesians 4:17

Once, in times past, we were Christless, homeless, hopeless and godless. But now, we who were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. No longer are we outcast strangers, nor fearful foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God. Such a tremendous change demands a response on our part. Perhaps it should be that henceforth, from this day forward, we will not walk as other Gentiles walk. We have been empowered to walk differently—circumspectly, in the light, and worthy of God. —Roy Hill

Walk in the light: and sin abhorred, shall ne’er defile again;
The blood of Jesus Christ, thy Lord, shall cleanse from every stain. —Barton