Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Leviticus 3:1-17; Psalm 102:1-28; Acts 26:1-18

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after. Ps. 27:4

In life, there are significant decisions that require clear choices. David declared, “One thing have I desired of the Lord…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple” (Ps. 27:4). Paul said, “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). Both men narrowed their life’s passion down to one thing and that paramount choice was for greater intimacy with God and to know Christ above all. What one thing do you desire? —K. C. Ung

Only one thing I ask of the Lord my God. and it’s all that I seek today:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord; meditate in His courts with praise. —S. Werdebaugh

Monday, March 25, 2024

Leviticus 2:1-16; Psalms 99:1-101:8; Acts 25:13-27

And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel…was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people. Nehemiah 11:24

We know very little about this man Pethahiah but he evidently had an important role representing the people in the presence of the king. He was able to interact with the king to ensure that their interests were not overlooked. In his position of responsibility he reminds us of the Lord Jesus Christ who has “entered…into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Heb. 9:24). We are privileged to have Him there to support and represent us “in all
matters concerning the people”. —Philip A. Kaye

Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong and perfect plea;
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me. —Char. L. Bancroft

Lord’s Day, March 24, 2024

Leviticus 1:1-17; Psalms 96:1-98:9; Acts 24:24-25:12

While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof. Song of Solomon 1:12

So spoke the bride of Solomon when she sat at his table. She had something to offer that was appreciated by the king. It should be noted that this offering was offered in silence, but the effect was appreciated by all present. We have a similar scene recorded by John, when Mary took spikenard and anointed Jesus’ feet. We read that “The house was filled with the odour of the ointment” (John 12:3). Dear sisters, your silent fragrant worship provides an atmosphere that affects “the whole house”, and is appreciated by the Lord and by all present. Please be encouraged in your worship. —Willie H. Burnett

O Lord, it is Thyself to meet, to this sweet feast we come;
Like Mary, resting at Thy feet, we learn of Thee alone.  —Boethia Thompson

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Exodus 40:1-38; Psalms 94:1-95:11; Acts 24:1-23

Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. Hebrews 13:3 NKJV

As the time of this world’s night gets darker, and deeper in opposition to the Gospel and those who believe it, let’s remember those in different parts of the world who are being persecuted, tortured and martyred for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We may never know them this side of heaven but they are special to us, because we are linked with them in the body of Christ. Please, today uphold them in your prayers! —Jim Paul

Thus we may abide in union,
With each other and the Lord,
And possess in sweet communion,
Joys which earth cannot afford. —John Newton

Friday, March 22, 2024

Exodus 39:1-43; Psalms 92:1-93:5; Acts 23:12-35

O Daniel, a man greatly beloved…thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Daniel 10:11-12

What great encouragement this verse holds for every child of God today. First, like Daniel, we are greatly loved by God. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins“ (1 John 4:10). Second, our prayers are always heard. “If we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us” (1 John 5:14). And third, our loving heavenly Father will always send a response to our prayers (1 John 5:15). So, no matter what you may be facing today, never lose hope. God loves you. He hears you, and the answer is on the way! —E. V.

Behold the throne of grace! The promise calls me near:
There Jesus shows a smiling face, and waits to answer prayer.
—John Newton

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Exodus 38:1-31; Psalms 90:1-91:16; Acts 22:22-23:11

Let us do good unto all men. Galatians 6:10

At the crowning ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953, she declared on oath that she would, “keep the law, administer justice and execute all her judgments in mercy and to use her utmost power to maintain the laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel”. Ever under scrutiny in her many public engagements across the world, she was highly respected for her Christian faith and acts of kindness and concern for people. Despite her position, she lived out her faith to the glory of God and benefit of people. May we, let our light “so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). —Brian Powlesland

Merciful God, how shall we raise our hearts to pay Thee all Thy praise?
Our hearts shall beat for Thee alone; our lives shall make Thy goodness known.
—Charles Wesley

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Exodus 37:1-29; Psalm 89:19-52; Acts 22:1-21

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 NKJV
It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20 NKJV
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3 NKJV

Learn to make yourself small. David, John the Baptist and Paul, along with many other believers knew this. Self promotion, while appealing to the flesh, is destructive to a meaningful life and service. Christ is our pattern. His pre-eminence is our goal. Great things are accomplished by those who know this. —Brian Gunning

Not I, but Christ be honoured, loved, exalted;
Not I, but Christ be seen, be known, and heard;
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action;
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.
—Ada Whiddington and Albert Simpson

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Exodus 36:1-38; Psalm 89:1-18; Acts 21:17-40

But we see Jesus…. Hebrews 2:9
Looking unto Jesus… Hebrews 12:2

Someone has written that when we come to the Bible we should always seek to get beyond the words to the Person. It is important that we diligently read, study, meditate on, and memorize the Word of God. These are important exercises for every Christian. But we are warned, we are not simply increasing our knowledge of the Bible, but looking beyond that to see Jesus in all His beauty and to recognize all He has done for us, so that we might deepen our relationship with Him. Our aim in coming to the Scriptures is to be like Christ and to live for the glory of God. —Paul Young

Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious; see the Man of Sorrows now!
From the fight returned victorious, every knee to Him shall bow.
—Thomas Kelly

Monday, March 18, 2024

Exodus 35:1-35; Psalms 87:1-88:18; Acts 21:1-16

…and Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:9
God….saved Noah…a preacher of righteousness. 2 Peter 2:5

Noah spent 120 years building an ark to escape the coming flood because he believed the word of the living God. Secondly he scorned the ridicule of those who scoffed at the thought of a coming judgement and that there was only one way to avoid it—the ark. Although he saw little in the way of results—only he and seven others entered the ark—yet he never gave up. Have we given up warning the world of the coming judgement and of Christ who is the only Way to be saved from it? —David Croudace

What regret must then be mine, when I meet my Lord divine;
If I’ve wasted all the talents He doth lend;
If no soul to me can say, “I’m so glad you passed my way;
For ‘twas you who told me of the sinners Friend.” —N. A. McAulay

Lord’s Day, March 17, 2024

Exodus 34:4-35; Psalms 85:1-86:17; Acts 20:17-38

He was oppressed, and…afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Isaiah 53:7

Someone has well said of Isaiah 53 that, “It looks as if it had been written beneath the cross of Golgotha”. There, as the lonely Lamb led to the slaughter, He hangs upon the tree. There are no pitying eyes upon Him. His sealed lips which had spoken so eloquently before Pilate, Herod and the jeering multitudes are quiet now. The only word He speaks are not against His tormentors but on our behalf, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). How can our lips be sealed this Lord’s Day, as we gaze upon the silent Sufferer? —Jim Comte

The Lamb of God to slaughter led, the King of Glory see!
The crown of thorns upon His head, they nail Him to the tree!—R. Chapman