Month: May 2018

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 34:1-35:8; Proverbs 30:1-33; Luke 5:1-16

And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord. Judges 4:1 

When reading through Judges recently, the little word “again” struck me. Isn’t it sad that God’s earthly people went through a cycle of rebellion, chastisement, and restoration only to rebel again. But before we get too smug, remember, in many ways we are no different! Believers are prone to wander from God. But thankfully His grace ever pursues to restore us back to Himself. If you have fallen, dear child of God remember, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). —Sid Halsband

Though we’ve strayed, like saints of old, grace has restored us to the fold,
Thus saved by grace, we’ll gladly sing, till all the earth and heavens ring. —Author Unknown 

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 33:1-56; Proverbs 29:1-27; Luke 4:16-44

He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God. Psalm 40:3

For the believer that new song is outlined in Revelation chapter five. “Thou art worthy…for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us…and hast made us…kings and priests” (vv. 9-10). That new song will be the same refrain Moses and Miriam taught Israel after their deliverance from Pharaoh’s bondage in Egypt: the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb (Rev. 15:3). If you have been redeemed you are to say so in word and song (Ps. 107:2). Let your joy be seen and heard. —W. H. G.

I think of my blessed Redeemer, I think of Him all the day long;
I sing, for I cannot be silent; His love is the theme of my song. —Fanny J. Crosby

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 32:1-42; Proverbs 28:1-28; Luke 4:1-15

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself… Daniel 1:8

Four tactics were used to try and corrupt Daniel. First, the devil wanted his natural abilities for his own purposes. Second, the devil desired to control his speech; he did not want him speaking Hebrew, the language of the Bible. Third, he wanted him to compromise God’s dietary restrictions and indulge in the world’s fare. Fourth, he tried to strip him of his identity by giving him a pagan name. Satan uses similar tactics today to conform Christians to his values. Let us use our talents and tongues to praise God, consecrate our bodies to Him, and never forget who we are in Christ! —W. A. H.

Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone;
Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known!—P. Bliss

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 30:1-31; Proverbs 26:13-27:27; Luke 3:1-38

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, has everlasting life. John 5:24 

Both texts are quotes from Jesus Christ. Both are concerning a most important subject, everlasting life. Two of the most powerful words at first could be overlooked. They are “have” and “has.” We don’t hope for eternal life or expect to have it someday. It is ours here and now when we believe. Most of what we have can be taken from us but not our eternal life. Praise God. —Ken Gross

Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed, His child and forever I am. —Fanny J. Crosby

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 29:1-40; Proverbs 25:1-26:12; Luke 2:22-52

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:14

Believers are God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Eph. 2:10). He sacrificed Himself to purchase us from bondage fruit of the Spirit’s work in us (Gal. 5:22-25), and a life of benevolent
service is the fulfilment of God’s will for His children. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). —K. R. Keyser

Reward,—not like the deed, that poor weak deed of thine;
But like the God Himself who gives, eternal and divine. —Horatius Bonar

DAILY READINGS: Numbers 28:1-31; Proverbs 24:1-34; Luke 2:1-21

There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. Isaiah 57:21
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace. Job 22:21
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. John 14:27

In an effort to find peace, mankind resorts to all sorts of religious practices or pursues a multitude of passing pleasures. But God has told us there is no peace for the wicked. However God also tells us that if we get to know Him, we will find peace. The only way you can find that peace which will carry you through life and on into eternity is by believing Christ died for your sins, repenting of your sin and by faith, receiving Christ into your heart. —David Croudace

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know and He is on the throne. —Edward H. Bickersteth

DAILY READINGS: Num. 26:52-27:23; Prov. 23:12-35; Luke 1:57-80

And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. John 10:41
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. John 2:11

Few at the marriage knew what Jesus had done. Turning water into wine was mainly for His disciples benefit. Life transitions generate doubts. Is this the right thing? Will it all turn out well? These former disciples of John, now choosing to follow Jesus, were undoubtedly struggling with similar emotions. Our Lord affirmed their new path with a miracle that John had never done. Are you struggling with doubt? He will confirm your soul too. Wait on Him. —S. McEachern

“Ask in faith,” God waits to answer, each petition, Spirit-wrought;
He will work in wondrous power, far beyond your highest thought. —Author Unknown

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

We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. 2 Chronicles 20:12

Have you, on the horizon, some task you are dreading? If so, take heart that it is when the task seems too onerous, it draws us to the Lord for help. Rest on Him and remember you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you (Phil. 4:13). The battle then becomes the Lord’s battle. —Brian Russell

The battle is the Lord’s,
All power belongs to Him;
Since He His mighty grace affords,
Let us go on and win. —Author Unknown

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

There stood by the cross of Jesus his mother. John 19:25

Six long hours of excruciating pain were almost passed. My Saviour had hung on that cross suffering like no other, as His dear mother, no doubt weeping, observed it all. From parched lips he said, “Woman, (a term of great respect) behold thy son” (John 19:26). To His disciple John, he said, “Behold thy mother” (John 19:27), and from that hour that disciple took her into his own home. The Saviour’s final act before His
victorious shout, “It is finished” (John 19:30), was to provide love, care, and protection, for His mother. May we show the same love for our mothers today. —Arnot P. McIntee

O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers,
Who always place their hope and trust in Him;
Whose tender patience turmoil never bothers,
Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim. —B. B. Hart

DAILY READINGS: Num. 22:39-23:26; Prov. 20:1-21:11; James 4:13-5:20

The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. Romans 5:5

The Apostle says we understand love because “he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). Put quite simply, the definition of love is to give without expecting
anything in return. If we only give to get, that is not God’s love. We can measure the effectiveness of the Holy Spirit in our lives by how we love. —Drew Craig

Love that no tongue can teach, love that no thought can reach,
No love like this. God is its blessed source,
Death ne’er can stop its course, nothing can stay its force, 
Matchless it is. —T. Kelly