Month: January 2018

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 15:1-16:16; Job 18:1-19:29; Matt. 8:28-9:17

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down. Psalm 37:24

The voice on the phone said, “It’s about your son. There’s been a construction site accident.” He’d fallen 20 feet from scaffolding onto a concrete floor. Looking on at the hospital, I went numb. Questioning whether he’d live, I fervently called on the Lord. Reminded that God inhabits the praises of His people I tearfully sang, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.” Almost immediately the burden eased. One wonders how God felt about withdrawing help when his Son agonized beneath humanity’s sinload. Jesus then had no one to call on. He bore it all…all alone! But, for us He is always available. This should evoke in us continual praise. —E. Dyck

“Man of sorrows,” what a name For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah! What a Saviour! —P. P. Bliss

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 13:1-14:24; Job 16:1-17:16; Matt. 8:1-27

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

We live in a sad, violent world and many lives are filled with heartache and sorrow. There is brokenness in marriages. Children find it hard to cope because of experiences at home. People are facing anxieties and fears because of serious health issues. Others struggle financially and wonder what the future holds. So many burdens, and for many, no clear place to turn for solace and comfort. Heed the invitation from the Son of God, “Come unto me” and “I will give you rest.” He is the only One who can meet your deepest need. —Jim Paul

Come to the Saviour all, whatever your burdens be,
Hear now His loving call, cast all your care on Me. —Fredrick Maker

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 11:27 -12:20; Job 15:1-35; Matt. 7:7-29

Now will I praise the Lord. Genesis 29:35

Leah had already borne three sons for Jacob and upon the arrival of each one she hoped for a turnaround in his affection for her. “Now he will love me.” But upon the birth of Judah, Leah’s attention was drawn away from self and from thinking about “what this child will do for me.” She stopped considering her own problems and instead fixed her attention on God. Likewise, we ought to abandon self and be taken up with the Lion of Judah so that we too may praise the Lord! —Jeff Frey

Trust in the Lord, O troubled soul,
Rest in the arms of His care;
Whatever your lot, it mattereth not,
For nothing can trouble you there. —T. O. Chisholm

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 10:1-11:26; Job 13:1-14:22; Matt. 6:19-7:6

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain. 2 Timothy 1:16
And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. 2 Timothy 1:18

Onesiphorus was a Greek believer whose name means “bringing profit.” He was noted for his ministry of refreshment and encouragement. He diligently sought out Paul in a Roman prison at great personal cost to himself. His mission was simply to care for Paul’s practical needs and encourage him spiritually, physically and emotionally. So many of the Lords people could benefit from a word of refreshment. Can I be an Onesiphorus to someone today? —Sid Halsband

Press on, my brother, sister, and face the deadly foe;
Through Jesus Christ we’ll conquer, while trav’ling here below.—B. Warren

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 8:20-9:29; Job 11:1-12:25; Matt. 6:1-18

Isaac said, “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Genesis 22:7
There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him. Revelation 22:3

Little did Isaac realize that this question to his father would have eternal significance. The Lamb of God would be brought to the slaughter on Moriah’s hill to pay the price for the entire removal of sin’s curse. Following His victory, He was welcomed home with the words, “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee” (Acts 13:33). During the neverending ages of glory, we will adoringly worship, and serve the once slain, but now glorified Lamb of God. —Arnot P. McIntee

When, by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in heaven a place,
Just to be there and to look on His face, will through the ages be glory for me. —Charles H. Gabriel

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 7:11-8:19; Job 9:1-10:22; Matt. 5:21-48

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

The early church was marked by continuance in spiritual things. Modern believers need this persevering, “stick-to-it-iveness.” Lack
of commitment to the assembly meetings, inconsistency in ministries that God entrusts to us—even unfaithfulness in heart towards the Lord, impair our testimony and diminish our enjoyment of the Lord. Fellowship means that we have a share in Christ. We are invested in eternal things. This leads to an intrepid attitude of putting one’s hand to the plow for the glory of our Master. Faithful obedience has always characterized believers, and so it must be with us. —K. R. Keyser

Faint not, Christian! Jesus is near, soon in glory He’ll appear;
And His love will then bestow, power over every foe. —J. H. Evans

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 6:1-7:10; Job 8:1-22; Matt. 5:1-20

And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men. 2 Chronicles 10:13

How important it is for younger believers to listen to the advice of their spiritual elders. We may not always get it right, but a life’s
experience with the Lord counts for much. Conversely, let us older saints ensure we are approachable and not unfairly harsh, and try to understand the problems of a new generation. —Brian Russell

Jesus Lord I need Thy wisdom,
For perplexing problems press,
And without Thee I am foolish,
Nor can bear the strain or stress. —Author Unknown

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 4:1-5:32; Job 6:1-7:21; Matt. 4:1-25

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

The motto of the London Stock Exchange is “Dictum Meum Pactum” meaning “my word is my bond.” Founded in 1698, its sentiment goes back to a time when many business deals were confirmed with a handshake. A promise became a contract and the minds of the parties involved were contented. If man’s mind can be at peace on the basis of a verbal promise, how much more peace of mind can be enjoyed by trusting in the word of the Lord. —Brian Powlesland

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord.
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God. —R. K. Carter

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 3:1-24; Job 4:1-5:27; Matt. 3:1-17

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:10

It is a great day when someone puts their trust in the Saviour. There are often tears of joy that accompany that blessed moment of salvation. How wonderful to know that there is joy in heaven too! Are you saved? If not, there can be joy on earth and in heaven if you repent and put your trust in Him today. —John M. Clegg

O happy day, that fixed my choice,
On Thee, my Saviour and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
Happy day! Happy day!
When Jesus washed my sins away. —Philip Doddridge