Month: June 2016

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 13; Isaiah 9:8 to 10:4; Luke 24:36-53

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would that thou wert cold or hot. Revelations 3:15

The western world’s glorification of laziness has affected me. My work ethic in the Master’s service continues to marginalize my efforts and I excuse it by unwisely comparing myself with others. I often find myself wondering why I should labour fervently when so many don’t, somehow thinking it’s okay to take my ease. But then I remember my Lord Jesus, who faithfully said “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). May His mind be in me. —Rick Morse

O let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant my own;
My hope to follow duly,
Is in Thy strength alone. —John Ernest Bode

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 11-12; Isaiah 8:5 to 9:7; Luke 24:13-35

The Lord is my shepherd…Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:1, 4

This psalm has been a solace for many during arduous times. The Lord gently leads His sheep in their heavenly pilgrimage. He guides them in righteousness through the ominous valley of shadows. Though a difficult journey, we should remember that fruit-bearing occurs in the valley, not on the mountaintop. Today’s threatenings are mere shadows which will fade with the setting sun. Shadows may frighten us, but they have no power to hurt anyone. —W. A. H.

Thou art my Shepherd, Caring in every need,
Thy loving lamb to feed, Trusting Thee still.
—Elsie Thalheimer

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 10; Isaiah 7 to 8:4; Luke 23:47 to 24:12

…do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly? Micah 2:7

A healthy diet and plenty of exercise will do our bodies much good! But what is helpful for our spiritual growth and our soul’s welfare? Quite simply the Word of God. Personal, daily reading of the Scriptures is essential! His Word purifies and preserves us when tempted. It strengthens and sustains us when we are filled with doubts. It comforts and cheers us when we are troubled. Have you enjoyed the Word of God today? —Pete Smith

Open Thy Word of truth that I may see,
Thy message written clear and plain for me;
Then, in sweet fellowship, walking with Thee,
Thine image on my life engraved will be. —Mary Lathbury

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 9; Isaiah 6; Luke 23:13-46

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21
…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us… Hebrews 12:1

Idols can take many different forms in our lives. Essentially, an idol is anything or anyone that takes priority over God. It can creep in so subtly, that before we realize, it has become a weight that can lead to sin. It can also interrupt fellowship with our heavenly Father, hindering our bearing fruit for His honour and glory. Let us beware of this tactic of the enemy and seek our Father’s help to “keep ourselves from idols”. —E. V.

‘Tis the look that melted Peter, ‘tis the face that Stephen saw;
‘Tis the heart that wept with Mary; can alone from idols draw.
—Ora Rowan

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 8; Isaiah 5; Luke 22:54 to 23:12

Be still, and know that I am God… Psalm 46:10

What does it mean to be still? Is it not when our spirits are truly subdued in worshipful satisfaction with the Lord’s sovereignty? This is a state of affairs that only the redeemed can fully know. Remember that the psalmist who penned these words did not have nearly the same understanding that you and I daily enjoy. We worship God in Christ with a fully revealed Bible. On the Lord’s Day, it is our immense privilege to remember Him in His death, in the way He appointed. How are you and I exercised in His presence? —Mark Fenn

The heart is satisfied; can ask no more
All thought of self is now forever o’er:
Christ, its un-mingled Object, fills the heart,
In blest adoring love—the endless part. —John N. Darby

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 7; Isaiah 3-4; Luke 22:31-53

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us. Ephesians 2:4

We must not equate the love of God with the love of man. We love those that we like. God loves those that rebelled against Him (Rom. 5:8). Our love is born out of affections, His love is out of the riches of His mercy and compassion. Truly it is called, in our text, a “great love”. God loves those who are unlovable. We are told to love our enemies and to love the lost. It can only be so, when we have God’s love in our hearts. May we shine His love today. —Harold G. Smith

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free. —Philip P. Bliss

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 5:13 to 6:27; Isaiah 2; Luke 22:1-30

For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end. – 2 Corinthians 1:13

When we read the Bible we need not wonder what God meant to say, for He said what He meant and meant what He said. Some approach the Bible in a fanciful way as if to try to “read between the lines” searching for some hidden message. Don’t. The Bible is the complete revelation of His will and has power to transform lives (Rom. 12:2). Our responsibility is to read it and believe it. —Rex Trogdon

I am so glad that our Father in heaven,
Tells of His love in the Book He has given;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see;
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. —Philip P. Bliss

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 4 to 5:12; Isaiah 1; Luke 21:5-38

…desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow. 1 Peter 2:2

Peter paints a dynamic image by comparing a baby’s craving for milk with a believer’s craving for the Word of God. And not merely the Word, but the pure Word. As it is not good for a baby to have anything watered down or substituted, neither should the believer when it comes to the Word of God. Three questions come to mind, when it comes to our appetite for the Scriptures: Is there passion? Is there purity? Is there progress? —N. C. Funston

My heart is leaning on the Word—
The written Word of God:
Salvation by my Saviour’s name,
Salvation thro’ His blood.
—Lidie H. Edmunds

DAILY?READINGS: Joshua 3; Hosea 11:12 to 14:9; Luke 20:20 to 21:4

…put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? – Psalm 56:8

God has an interesting library in heaven. As the text suggests, there is a book where our tears are recorded. There is also the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 21:27). How wonderful to be in it! There are the books of each person’s works (Rev. 20:12-13), a huge collection, which will be opened at the great white throne judgment and result in the condemnation of all present. How terrible to be in those books! There is a book of remembrance of those that fear the Lord and think on His Name (Mal. 3:16). Some would say this is the book of the faithful remnant. Is your name in it? —Carl Knott

Is my name written there, on the page white and fair?
In the book of Thy kingdom, is my name written there? —M. Kidder