Month: July 2008

DAILY READINGS: Judges 4; Isaiah 25; 1 Corinthians 4 

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:15)

This verse speaks of three evil generations. The first generation is lust. It’s born from within. If not stopped, it produces the next generation, giving birth to sin. Then, worse than a spoiled child, when sin reaches maturity it produces death, the last generation. What a sad family tree! There’s nothing grand about that child! Thank God, who “according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Pet. 1:3)  —Rex Trogdon

Born of His Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine;
Justified fully through Calvary’s love, Oh, what a standing is mine.
                                                                      —John W. Peterson

DAILY READINGS: Judges 3:5-31; Isaiah 24; 1 Corinthians 3 

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.  1 Corinthians 15:58

When a verse starts with “therefore” we should see what it’s there for! Here it connects us to the subject of resurrection. Our chapter tells us that had Christ not risen, our faith and preaching would be in vain (v. 14). The conclusion would be to “eat and drink; for tomorrow we die” (v. 32)—that is if Christ is not risen. But He is alive! Therefore we should always be abounding in the Lord’s work. —Harold Smith

Then let our gladsome praise resound, and let us in His work abound,
Whose blessed name is Love;
We’re sure our labour’s not in vain, for we with Him ere long shall reign;
With Jesus dwell above.    —T. Kelly

DAILY READINGS: Judges 2:6 to 3:4; Isaiah 22:15 to 23:18; 1 Cor. 2 

My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.  John 10:29
In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

For today, and indeed for all subsequent days, believers rest in the strength and security of the Father’s hand. When our earthly journey ends, we shall not be plucked from His loving grasp, but we are assured that, as well as in His hand, we shall be in His house!    —G. Hall

Safe in Christ! safe in Christ!
He’s their glory ever;
None can pluck them from His hand;
They shall perish never. —H. D’A. Champney

DAILY READINGS: Judges 1 to 2:5; Isaiah 21 to 22:14; 1 Corinthians 1 

Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.  Deuteronomy 7:11
The men took of their victuals [food], and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.  Joshua 9:14

The Gibeonites deceived the Israelites because they had shut God out of their plans. Their mistake and its consequences are written for our learning. One of our Lord’s titles is Counsellor. Do our defeats help us to learn reliance on His counsel, and prepare us for future victories over spiritual enemies? May the Lord help us to always ask counsel of the Lord to avoid the pitfalls of Satan. —V. Markle

O Hope of ev’ry contrite heart! O Joy of all the meek!
To those who fall how kind Thou art! How good to those who seek!—J. Dykes

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 24; Isaiah 19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3 

Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? And where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? But now the LORD hath forsaken us. Judges 6:13a

Why did this happen to me? Why isn’t God working for me like I heard He has for others? God has forsaken me. Do these words sound familiar? Since creation men have been bothered by the challenges and burdens of life and have wondered why God does not take a more active role in making things better. The adversary delights in creating doubt and causing us to question the love of God.  Keep pressing on, we’ll understand it by and by! —William H. Gustafson

I am not skilled to understand what God has willed, what God has planned;
I only know at His right hand, is One who is my Saviour!   —D. Greenwell

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 23; Isaiah 17-18; 2 Thessalonians 2 

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint My body to the burying.  Mark 14:8

This woman alone, understood that Jesus was about to die for her and in response she gave her most precious and expensive ointment—not just a few drops, but she broke the entire vessel in complete abandonment of her all to her Saviour. She had done what she could. As we look back on Calvary, have we done what we could, or are we still offering just a few drops of our love to the One who gave His all for us? —David Croudace

I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed,
That thou might’st ransomed be and quickened from the dead;
I gave, I gave My life for thee, what hast thou given for Me?  —Frances R. Havergal

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 22; Isaiah 15-16; 2 Thessalonians 1

For I am in a strait betwixt two having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.  Philippians 1:23-24
 
There are times when heaven looks very attractive to us, with its marvels and majesty contrasting to a season of sorrow and suffering that we perhaps are passing through. The apostle Paul refers to heaven as a far better place, to which collectively we shout a hearty “amen”.  But the momentary thought of what is best for me is quickly replaced by what is more needful for others. Is there something you can do for someone today?               —C. Tempest
 
Be to the helpless, a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true. —Ira B. Wilson

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 20-21; Isaiah 14; 1 Thessalonians 5

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  Ephesians 2:13

Every July 4th, the United States celebrates Independence Day, when in 1776 they separated from Britain. Adam and Eve ushered in independence from the King of Heaven when they chose their wisdom over God’s and ate of the tree He had commanded them not to. One disobedient act separated us from God, and sin and death entered into the world. However, the Lord Himself led us to another tree, the Cross of Calvary. There, by grace through faith in His sacrifice, we were taken from independence to dependence on Him again, and from death unto life. Hallelujah! —Jerry Proctor

Anointed King, with glory crowned, rightful heir and Lord of all!
Thee we gaze on, Thee recall, bearing here our sorrows all. —Lowell Mason

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 18-19; Isaiah 13; 1 Thessalonians 4

I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work. Neh. 5:16

Nehemiah had one purpose in mind—to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This was a spiritual mission, for Jerusalem was the place Israel gathered to worship God. When our passion is to help others restore their relationship with God, we have little time or thought for anything else. We’re not concerned with wealth or success, accolades or position, for our time and resources are focused on eternal gain. Wise is the Christian that emulates Nehemiah’s example. In doing so, we may influence others towards a renewed and restored relationship with Him!  —D. Manera

Only one life, t’will soon be past;
Only what’s done for Christ will last. —J. Piper

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 16-17; Isaiah 11-12; 1 Thess. 2:13 to 3:13 

Behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with Him.  Matthew 17:3

This glorious scene on the Mount of Transfiguration teaches many things. The two men who were transfigured with Christ were typical characters. As one writer put it, “Moses is a picture of those who will be raised from the dead and Elijah is a picture of those who will be taken without dying.” Yes, some will pass through that dark valley and some will be taken at the Rapture. Either way, the Prince of Life will be our heavenly escort! Because of this hope, we can rejoice: “O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?” 
 —Bob Cretney

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory, that overcomes the world. —John Henry Yates