Month: March 2023

Leviticus 7:11-38; Psalm 107:1-43; Acts 28:17-31

The people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6

Many factors contributed to the successful rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, not least the positive attitude of the people involved in the project. A positive mind led to constructive actions, resulting in a completed task. It brought pleasure to God and enhanced safety for His people. Nothing can be achieved for God without a willing mind and working hands. May we be positive in our attitude when engaging in the work for the Lord that He has given us to do. —Philip A. Kaye

O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessed face I see;
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.  —Frances R. Havergal

Leviticus 6:8-7:10; Psalm 106:1-48; Acts 28:1-16

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude…saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Revelation 19:6

Those who hear the “Hallelujah Chorus” for the first time might think it ends abruptly. In the last moments, four times in quick succession the word “Hallelujah” rings out in spectacular harmonies. Then suddenly—silence. Not a note sounds. It would be quite jarring if that was how the piece finished. But, after a brief but dramatic pause, the
final “Hallelujah” resounds, eclipsing all those before. Dear friend, does it feel as though there is silence from heaven? Don’t be fooled into thinking the piece is over. Soon, very soon, we will be with Him and join a vast throng singing the final Hallelujah! —Lynn Shatford

When He comes, our glorious King, all His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew this song we’ll sing: Hallelujah, what a Saviour! —P. Bliss

Leviticus 5:14-6:7; Psalm 105:1-45; Acts 27:27-44

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

Knowing the Lord as Shepherd, there is no lack. He is able to provide every resource needed for the believer. As a new creation in Christ, “All things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17), and “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3 NKJV). “All things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come, all are yours” (1 Cor. 3:21-22 NKJV). “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not… also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32 NKJV). Should we not give Him our all? —Jim Paul

All that I want is in Jesus; He satisfies; joy He supplies;
Life would be worthless without Him, all things in Jesus I find.  —Harry Dixon Loes

Leviticus 4:27-5:13; Psalm 104:1-35; Acts 27:1-26

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. Hebrews 6:19-20

The word “hope” as used in the general sense refers to how we would like things to unfold in the future, but without having any guarantee that things will unfold as we would like. However, when used in the spiritual sense, the word “hope” carries with it an expectation for the future that is guaranteed by Divine authority, where is no doubt as to the outcome. Our subject verse tells us the reason why – because Jesus is already “within the veil” and we soon will join Him there. —Willie H. Burnett

Soon Thy saints will all be gathered, inside the veil.
All at home, no more be scattered, inside the veil.  —E. Dark

Leviticus 4:1-26; Psalm 103:1-22; Acts 26:19-32

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Psalm 143:8 

The psalmist is in deep distress, and he honestly admits that he is feeling overwhelmed (v. 4). It is noteworthy what he does with those feelings. He cries out to his God. Why? Because, he trusts Him. This indicates an intimate relationship that is willing to trust Him with the deepest needs of his heart. Beloved child of God, what deep distress are you facing today? David’s God, your heavenly Father, hears you even before you cry (Isa. 65:24). Trust Him. The answer is on the way. — E.V.

O Lord in the morning,
Will I direct my prayer,
Unto Thee and will look up. —Psalm 5:3

Leviticus 3:1-17; Psalm 102:1-28; Acts 26:1-18

He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.  Lamentations 3:29

The body that our Lord took upon Himself was like ours, yet without sin. As we are made of dust, likewise He took part of the same that He might taste death for every man. The psalmist speaks of Christ’s experience as being brought into the dust of death. Had He not put His mouth in the dust, we would be as all unbelievers: without God and without hope. His death in His perfectly prepared body has perfectly and eternally changed everything! —Rick Morse

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood.
Sealed my pardon with His blood,
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!—Philip P. Bliss

Leviticus 2:1-16; Psalms 99:1-101:8; Acts 25:13-27

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. Psalm 103:11 NKJV

This Psalm explores the dimensions of God’s mercy toward us. The extent of this mercy is immeasurable. The height goes out to an expanding universe. The width is as far as the east is from the west, directions that never meet. The description of the depth is a father’s care and concern for his children, mercy with no end. The length is eternal, from everlasting to everlasting. He also forgives all our iniquities, a number beyond any reckoning. Our response should
echo the psalmist, “Bless the Lord O my soul”. —Gary McBride

Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above. —Fanny Crosby

Leviticus 1:1-17; Psalms 96:1-98:9; Acts 24:24-25:12

His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. Luke 1:50 NKJV

How rich is the heritage of those that fear His name (Ps. 61:5), including all believers! Despite Mary’s low estate (Luke 1:48), she could say, “He that is mighty hath done to me great things” (v. 49). That same mercy awaits every generation that reveres her Saviour. Despite our “low estate”, He that is mighty has done great things for us! Our God “who is rich in mercy,…has made us alive together with Christ” (Eph. 2:4-5). The beloved psalmist could sing of His mercy inthe morning (Ps. 59:16) because His compassions fail not (Lam. 3:22). That same compassionate heart greets us daily. —David W. Oliver

Morning by morning, new mercies I see,
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me. —Thomas O. Chisholm

Exodus 40:1-38; Psalms 94:1-95:11; Acts 24:1-23

The man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them. Acts 19:16
Mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. Acts 19:20
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 NKJV

The Greek word here, translated “prevailed” or “avails”, means “to be strong or powerful”. Thank God, though our spiritual enemies may be daunting, we can have the victory. How? Through the effective use of the Word of God and fervent prayer, both linked to a godly life. May the Lord help us in this today! —Pete Smith

Whate’er be our wants we need not to fear,
Our every petition His mercy shall hear;
His fullness shall yield us abundant supplies;
His power shall shield us when dangers arise. —J. Fawcett

Exodus 39:1-43; Psalms 92:1-93:5; Acts 23:12-35

Salute Urbanus, our helper in Christ… Romans 16:9

Urbanus was a common name among slaves. Many slaves were attracted to faith in Christ. Indeed Christianity has sometimes been called by historians the “secret religion of slaves”. In Christ they found spiritual freedom and through Christian fellowship, relief from the authority under which they served. It is possible that Urbanus was a freed slave or belonged to a Christian master. He had given great support and encouragement to Paul who sends greetings to him personally. This is the only mention of him in the Bible, but it is an honourable mention. —Paul Young

Free from the law, oh happy condition!
Jesus has bled, and there is remission!
Cursed by the law, and bruised by the fall,
Grace hath redeemed us once for all. —Philip P. Bliss