Month: July 2017

DAILY READINGS: Judges 4:1-23; Isaiah 25:1-12; 1 Corinthians 4:21

Then Samuel took a stone…and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. 1 Samuel 7:12

The founder of the China Inland Mission, J. Hudson Taylor, had a plaque displayed in each of his residences that read “Ebenezer- Jehovah Jireh.” These Hebrew words state, “The Lord has helped us to this point, and He will see to it from now on.” Take courage troubled Christian. God is faithful to His Word. —W. Ross Rainey

Hitherto the Lord hath helped us,
Guiding all the way;
Henceforth let us trust Him fully,
Trust Him all the day. —Frances Ridley Havergal

DAILY READINGS: Judges 3:5-31; Isaiah 24; 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 2 Corinthians 3:3

The Law of Moses was written on tables of stone, and compliance was demanded. The New Covenant does not rest upon external compliance to the Law. God’s Law has been written on the believer’s hearts and minds, and as we allow the Spirit of God to work within, we will fulfill the Law. The apple tree does not produce fruit by legislation, but as the expression of its inner nature to do so. So also we who have the Spirit will produce the fruit of the Spirit. —W. H. Burnett

As a living grafted shoot, nourished by a hidden root,
We may bear all holy fruit, through the love of Christ. —William Reid

DAILY READINGS: Judges 2:6-3:4; Isaiah 22:15-23:18; 1 Cor. 2:1-16

Who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the Lord. Jeremiah 30:21

Who dares to draw near to God, who dwells in the unapproachable light of divine glory, holiness and righteousness? Sinful, mortal men and women have no natural way to enter. But the Lord Jesus has made a way. He is the way, and we are “made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13). Thus Hebrews 10:22 exhorts the believer, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” God wants us near Him always! —Carl Knott

Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last. Till safe in glory my anchor is cast; 
Through endless ages ever to be, nearer, my Saviour, still nearer to Thee. —Lelia N. Morris

DAILY READINGS: Judges 1:1-2:5; Isaiah 21:1-22:14; 1 Corinthians 1:1-31

When Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. John 13:1
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God. John 13:3

Consider two vast topics—the knowledge and the love of the Lord Jesus. Truly, His knowledge is the omniscience of Deity. Equally unfailing is His love for each of His own. Whatever your burdens are, trust in this infinite Person who knows and loves as no other. —George Hall

All that thrills my soul is Jesus; He is more than life to me,
And the fairest of ten thousand, in my blessed Lord I see. —Thoro Harris

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 24:1-33; Isaiah 19:1-20:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

A story is told about a six-year-old girl whose neighbourhood playmate had died. One day she went to visit her friend’s mom. When she came back, she told her mother where she had been. When her mother asked her what she had said, she answered, “I didn’t say anything. I just sat on her lap and cried a little.” What an example that little girl is for us! She understood what it meant to bring comfort. —W. Ross Rainey

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest! —William O. Cushing

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 23:1-16; Isaiah 17:1-18:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Psalm 19:1-3
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Psalm 14:1, 53:1

Just recently a friend said, “How can anyone say there is no God?” He is not a Christian, but, for him, the evidence is obvious. Take a look at the starry heavens, admire each leaf and flower, and consider the birds, fish and animals. How can you say, “There is no God”? —Janet Fleming

From all that dwell below the skies, let the Creator’s praise arise;
Let the Redeemer’s name be sung, through every land, by every tongue. —Isaac Watts

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 22:1-34; Isaiah 15:1-16:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. Hebrews 12:15 

Before there is a root there needs to be a seed. What is the seed that develops into bitterness? Often bitterness is the result of a hurt that one has experienced. If my heart harbours hostility it will be fertile soil for a hurt to germinate into bitterness. We all get hurt one way or another at times, but how can I prevent my heart from becoming bitter? Our verse teaches us to look diligently at the grace of God. As we appreciate the forgiveness we’ve received, it will become easier to forgive others who have hurt us. —Sid Halsband

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, in a believer’s ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, and drives away our fear. —John Newton 

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 20:1-21:45; Isaiah 14:1-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Job 4:5 

Job was a good man who gave excellent advice but until he suffered himself, his advice was head knowledge only. The Lord allows suffering and sorrow to befall his dear people at times so they have the moral right and authority to give authentic help and words of wisdom. When they say “I know” they really mean it. Never, if possible, minister beyond your experience. —Brian Russell

Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer. —J. S. Scriven

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 18:1-19:51; Isaiah 13:1-22; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Being born again, I the sinner died with Christ, now the risen Christ lives through me. God has exchanged my old life for His. Living by faith it is not my will but His. His goals, ambitions, and desires are now mine. It is Christ’s power not mine. I depend upon Him. What an incredible exchange for us. Not I but Christ. May it be evident in us today. —George Ferrier

As lives the flower within the seed, as in the cone the tree,
So, praise the God of truth and grace, His Spirit dwelleth in me. —Daniel W. Whittle 

DAILY READINGS: Joshua 16:1-17:18; Isaiah 11:1-12:6; 1 Thess. 2:13-3:13

There came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she broke the box, and poured it on his head. Mark 14:3
The love of God is shed abroad (poured out) in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us. Romans 5:5

Such a box of ointment, worth almost a year’s pay. But she poured it all out on Him whom her soul adored. But God outdoes Mary. When we were helpless sinners, God gave His Son (Rom. 5:6, 8, 10). Now that we are His, He pours out His love upon us. He does not ration it drop by drop but like Mary, lavishes His love upon us. Our response should be to give Him the very best we have. —David Croudace

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure.
His power has no boundary known unto men. —Annie Flint