Month: February 2018

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 46:1-47:27; Psalm 25:1-22; Matt. 26:31-56

And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. 1 Samuel 23:16

The bond that existed between Jonathan and David was very special. It was based on their devotion to God and their commitment to carry out His purposes. Jonathan was a sensitive man who felt the injustice that David was experiencing in the wilderness. He found him and strengthened his hand in God. Do you know anybody in the “woods”? Sometimes you have to look for them, but many of the Lord’s people are discouraged and would benefit from having their hand strengthened in God. —Sid Halsband

Fear not, He is with thee; oh, be not dismayed!
He—He is thy God, and will still give thee aid. —Richard Keene

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 45:1-28; Psalms 23:1-24:10; Matt. 26:1-30

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. Luke 23:47

How true these words of the centurion were. He also acknowledged that the one they were crucifying was the Son of God (Matt. 27:54). As he went to work that day, little did he realise he was to experience an event that he would never forget for the rest of his life. What does Calvary mean to you? Outside the city of Jerusalem around 2,000 years ago, a truly righteous man died for the unrighteous like you and me. Give God the glory today. Hallelujah what a Saviour! —John M. Clegg

When I survey the wondrous Cross, On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain, I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. —Isaac Watts

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 44:1-34; Psalm 22:1-31; Matt. 25:31-46

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. John 13:23
But Peter followed him afar off. Matthew 26:58

One of the benefits of God’s grace is that the door is always open for the believer to draw near to Him. It’s when we follow at a distance that we begin to have doubts, lose our joy, and fail to comprehend His love. On the other hand when we come to His open arms each day we experience His assurance that we are loved, accepted and welcomed. Daily fellowshipping with Him in His Word we learn how to follow Him, deepen our faith, and find strength for service. When others see us, do they know that we have been with Jesus? —George Ferrier

Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Saviour, so precious Thou art. —Lelia N. Morris

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 43:1-34; Psalms 20:1-21:13; Matt. 25:1-30

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

We may be tempted to accept these words in our heads, as truth, but fail to be convinced in our soul; particularly so if we are enduring affliction. Underlying these words is God’s desire to strengthen, stabilise and teach His beloved children—to see His actions as His permissive will and not punishment. —Drew Craig

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing,
Our helper He, amid the flood, Of mortal ills prevailing. —Martin Luther

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:50-42:38; Psalm 19:1-14; Matt. 24:29-51

Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. John 19:5

He wore the crown of thorns that identified Him with the curse of our sin (Gen. 3:17-18). Remarkably this dreadful crown was also a portion of the glory that He had prayerfully requested of His Father (John 17:1). Even as His blood dripped from its lacerations, this crown spoke of love, compassion, grace and mercy—essential glories of our lovely Saviour. Only He could wear it in such a fashion. May we glorify Him today. —Sam Thorpe

Crown Him the Lord of love! Behold His hands and side,
Rich wounds yet visible above, In beauty glorified! —Matthew Bridges

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 41:1-49; Psalm 18:30-50; Matt. 24:1-28

But Barnabas took [Paul], and brought him to the apostles. Acts 9:27

Barnabas, whose name means “son of comfort,” sensed the reality of Paul’s conversion and call of God. Thus he befriended and supported him. At one time or another in life we all need a friend like Barnabas. It has been suggested that had Barnabas been a literal part of the body of Christ, he would have been a nose. He sniffed and liked what he smelled. By God’s grace he possessed the spiritual gift of discernment, a gift much needed today (1 Cor. 12:10). —W. Ross Rainey

Lord, speak to me, that I may speak, In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek, The erring ones, the lost and lone. —Frances R. Havergal

DAILY READINGS: Gen. 40:1-23; Psalm 18:1-29; Matt. 23:1-39

Show me thy ways…teach me thy paths…lead me in thy truth. Psalm 25:4-5

Very few in our self-sufficient age are willing to have someone else show, teach or lead. For the believer we’ve been given godly leadership and example in the local assembly (both men and women). Ultimately our best example is the Lord Jesus. Are we willing to let Him teach us and lead us? —Wm. H. Gustafson

Teach me Thy way, O Lord; teach me Thy way!
Thy gracious aid afford; teach me Thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight,
Lead me with heav’nly light; teach me Thy way! —B. Mansell Ramsey

DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 39:1-23; Psalm 17:1-15; Matt. 22:15-46

For we must needs die. 2 Samuel 14:14

Following victories in battle, Roman generals were given victory triumphs. During these parades, as they basked in the adulation of the crowds, the generals were accompanied by slaves ordered to remind them that they too were mortal by whispering in their ears the words, “Memento mori”—“Remember that you must die.” The Lord told the parable of the successful farmer who wanted to build bigger barns. It never happened because he died suddenly. We should remember our own mortality and use what time we have left to get right with God and live for Him while we can. —Brian Powlesland

Time is earnest, passing by: death is earnest drawing nigh.
Sinner, with thou trifling be? Time and death appeal to thee. —S. Dyer