Month: June 2017

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 25:1-26:15; Jonah 3:1-4:11; Luke 13:1-21

Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. Joshua 10:24

Joshua ordered the five kings to be taken out of the cave they were confined in after which his captains put their feet on their necks (Josh. 10:15-27). Jesus also must reign, “Till he hath put all enemies under his
feet” (1 Cor. 15:25-26). Even Satan will be completely crushed and placed under our feet shortly (Rom. 16:20). Meanwhile we rejoice in the words of Joshua: “Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good
courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight” (Josh. 10:25). —K. C. Ung

But soon He’ll come in glory, the hour is drawing nigh,
For the crowning day is coming by and by. —D. W. Whittle

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 23:9-24:22; Jonah 1:1-2:10; Luke 12:41-59

Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. John 20:20

The disciples were full of fear and sorrow. Yet sadness was turned to gladness and fear was turned to joy. Why was this? Surely it is because The Lord was in the midst and they had all seen Him. We rejoice today because one day we too shall see Him and be with Him for all eternity. What a day that will be! —John M. Clegg

O what shall we feel in Thy presence when first,
The visions of glory upon us shall burst!
Since now our soul longeth and seeketh for Thee,
O when, blessed Saviour, Thy face shall we see? —E. Grimley

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 22:1-23:8; Joel 3:1-21; Luke 12:22-40

Abraham…said [unto Sarah], Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. Gen. 18:6

Following this request there was no protest from Sarah. How thankful we brethren should be for true help-meets who are willing to assist in the domestic sphere—especially when unexpected visitors arrive. Abraham was no male chauvinist as he did his part in arranging the meal and entertaining the heavenly guests. Let us also make sure there is that quality of domestic harmony so that home is a place where visitors enjoy coming to. —Brian Russell

In You a man may love his bride, enough to be her guard and guide,
And rule with tender heart.
And wives will gladly work inYou, to aid the good their husbands do;
Delighted in their part. —Joshua Drake

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 20:1-21:23; Joel 2:1-32; Luke 12:1-21

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth…But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19-20

He grew up attending Sunday School but never trusted Christ until just five months before he died. An old man by this time, his words were: “To think that I wasted all those years.” Why not give Christ your life while young and choose to live for Him? It will be worth it. —Janet Fleming

Today in love His words I hear, “I died to set you free,
I gave My life, My all for you, will you give less for Me?”
Yes life is short; it goes so fast, and this one thing I’ll do,
“Dear Lord, You gave Your life for me, I’ll give my all for You.” —Janet Fleming

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 18:9-19:21; Joel 1:1-30; Luke 11:37-54

I know whom I have believed. 2 Timothy 1:12
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee. John 17:3

“Where are you going in such a rush, young man?” asked a friendly neighbour. “I’m going to Sunday School to learn about God,” came the enthusiastic reply. “But how do you know there is a God?”responded the would-be planter of doubts. “Why, my teacher knows Him,” came the unshaken reply. To know God is to know eternal life. Let us present Him with a confidence resulting from a close walk with Him. Remember, it shows. —Arnot P. McIntee

I am the Lord’s! Yet teach me all it meaneth,
All it involves of love and loyalty,
Of holy service, absolute surrender,
And unreserved obedience unto Thee. —L. A. Bennett

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 17:1-18:8; Obadiah:1-21; Luke 11:14-36

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus. Hebrews 6:19-20

It has been suggested that the word “forerunner” has a nautical association. In the days of sailing ships, the most dangerous time of any voyage was when approaching a treacherous harbour with its rocks and shoals. A small boat would then take the anchor, with a cable attached, to be secured within the harbour. This guaranteed that the ship would safely reach the shore. Our forerunner, our Lord Jesus, is already in heaven, and our link with Him guarantees our safe arrival in the haven of rest. —W. H. Burnett

We have an anchor that keeps the soul,
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll. —P. J. Owens

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 16:1-22; Song of Sol. 6:10-8:14; Luke 11:1-13

Behold my servant…A bruised reed shall he not break Isaiah 42:1, 3
Thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob…I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles. Isaiah 49:6
Behold, my servant…As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men. Isaiah 52:13-14

The character of His Servant was one of humility and impeccability. The mission of His Servant was for all—both Jew and Gentile. The suffering of His Servant was extreme and accomplished salvation for
all who call on Him. —Tom Steere

Behold! a spotless Victim dies, my Surety on the tree;
The Lamb of God, the Sacrifice, He gave Himself for me! —Author Unknown

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 14:22-15:23; Song of Sol. 5:2-6:9; Luke 10:25-42

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Colossians 1:13

A wonderful spiritual transference occurs when, repenting of our sins, we receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. At that very moment, by God’s power we cease to belong to the evil kingdom headed by Satan. Without any delay we are “translated” into a totally different sphere—“into the kingdom of the Son of his love” (Darby). This “translation” is God’s doing and is righteously achieved through Christ’s redemptive work at Calvary (v. 14). —George Hall

No longer far from Him, but now,
By precious blood made nigh;
Accepted in the Well-beloved,
Near to God’s heart we lie. —M. S. Sullivan

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 13:1-14:21; Song of Sol. 3:6-5:1; Luke 10:1-24

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

Man’s hunger and thirst for spiritual things can only be filled through our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the water of life and the bread of life. Just as bread and water satisfy our physical needs and keep us alive, so our Lord satisfies our spiritual needs and gives eternal life. He turns away no-one who comes to Him with a sincere heart. We are strengthened inwardly by His Spirit as we feed on His Word. —G. Frear

All who hunger, gather gladly;
Holy manna is our bread.
Come from wilderness and wandering.
Here, in truth, we will be fed. —S. Dunstan

DAILY READINGS: Deut. 12:1-32; Song of Sol. 2:8-3:5; Luke 9:37-62

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 2 Chronicles 20:3

An enormous army faced Judah. Jehoshaphat responded to fear by seeking the Lord (v. 4). He led corporate prayer (v. 6) and with strong faith (v. 9) he looked to God for wisdom and strength (v. 12). Doing so he unified the people (v. 13). God assured them that both the battle and victory were His. They needn’t fear or fight. He was with them (vv. 14-17). The people responded with worship (vv. 18- 19). Believing, they went out (v. 20). What an example for us. —George Ferrier

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
And needing more each day Thy grace to know:
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
“We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.” —Edith G. Cherry