Month: January 2026

January 16

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DAILY READINGS: Gen. 22; Job 25:1-26:14; Matt. 12:1-21

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor. 2 Corinthians 8:9

In 1936, the heir to the British throne gave up his kingdom to marry the woman he loved. In an interview, the director of a film portraying that story commented that she had “been loved a lot, but no one has ever given up their kingdom for me.” But that’s exactly what the Lord Jesus did! He left the beauties of heaven and came to this sin-cursed earth, to die a shameful death on the cross—all that He might woo us to Himself. How can you spurn love like that? —Lynn Shatford

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me!
But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary. —E. Elliott

Friday, January 16, 2026

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Genesis 22:1-24; Job 25:1-26:14; Matthew 12:1-21

That I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. Isaiah 50:4 NKJV

The goal of the Holy Spirit’s ministry of sanctification is to conform us to the image of God’s Son (Rom. 8:29). But James warns us that our tongues are a particular challenge and an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (3:8). The Lord Jesus reminds us that “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). May we imitate His example by responding to the Father as He awakens us “morning by morning…to hear as the learned” (Isa. 50:4), that we might speak words of grace and comfort to the weary. God grant that we may not be rebellious or turn away from His Word (v 5). —David Wilson

Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine! —Clara H. Scott

Thursday, January 15, 2026

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Genesis 20:1-21:34; Job 23:1-24:25; Matthew 11:2-30

John calling to him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? Luke 7:19

Some days, when overwhelmed, we can be filled with doubt. Even John the Baptist faced this. Once he boldly proclaimed Jesus as the “Lamb of God”, but now the prophet, turned prisoner, was filled with hesitation. John took his doubts to Jesus, who responded with tender reassurance and clear evidence. If it happened to John, it can happen to me. In my own crisis of faith, I must turn to the same One, and He will always meet my need. —Peter Ramsay

Begone unbelief, My Saviour is near,
And for my relief will surely appear;
By prayer let me wrestle, and He will perform;
With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm. —John Newton

January 15

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DAILY READINGS: Gen. 20-21; Job 23:1-24:25; Matt. 11:2-30

That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:17

The basic need of people is to be right with God, to be forgiven of their sins. This happens when we repent of our sins and open our hearts to the Lord Jesus. God comes into our life and we are born again. Paul is then concerned that Christ by the Holy Spirit may dwell—have permanent residence—in our hearts by faith. This means that there is a commitment to Christ. It also indicates that there is daily fellowship with the Lord. If Christ is dwelling in our heart we will also desire to please Him and not to grieve Him by sin. This will bring you joy and peace. —Donald L. Norbie

Abide with me from morn til eve, for without Thee I cannot live.
Abide with me when night is nigh, for without Thee I dare not die.
—John Keble

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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Genesis 19:1-38; Job 22:1-30; Matthew 10:24-11:1

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. John 4:42

The Samaritan woman was a true evangelist. She pointed people to Christ. They did not believe merely because of what she said, but who she pointed people to. Her hearers were encouraged to examine Christ themselves and came away convinced of her witness, turning to faith. This is the essence of witnessing. —Brian Gunning

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing.
Out of my life, may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today. —Ira B. Wilson

January 14

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DAILY READINGS: Gen. 19; Job 22:1-30; Matt. 10:24-11:1

Jesus wept. John 11:35, KJV
Rejoice evermore. 1 Thessalonians 5:16, KJV

Two of the shortest verses in the Bible, yet with profound lessons. Jesus wept, not only at the loss of his friend Lazarus in death, but because He saw the effects of sin, “For the wages of sin is [eternal] death” (Romans 6:23, KJV). But, if we accept God’s salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, we can be assured that He will remove our transgressions “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12, KJV). He will remember our sins no more. Is that not worth rejoicing about? —Bob Cretney

Rejoice in the Lord! Oh, let His mercy cheer;
He sunders the bands that enthrall;
Redeemed by His blood, why should we ever fear,
Since Jesus is our all in all? —G. M. J.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

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Genesis 18:1-33; Job 21:1-34; Matthew 10:1-23

When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

In the visitors’ centre at Pelee National Park in Canada, there is a display that explains how conservation officers worked to restore the natural landscape of the park after years of neglect. Entitled “Fires for Good”, it notes that carefully prescribed fires were used to destroy what was detrimental to the land, and allow what was beneficial to thrive. The explanation concludes: “These actions may appear destructive at first, but they are essential to restoration
and renewal”. How comforting to realize that if we are enduring what seems like destructive trials, the Lord has allowed them as an essential part of our restoration and renewal. —Lynn Shatford

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. —Unknown

January 13

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DAILY READINGS: Gen. 18; Job 21:1-34; Matt. 10:1-23

In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues. Luke 7:21

What if a doctor examined you and gave you the news that you were terminally ill? You are, spiritually! You were born with the congenital disease of sin, and it is fatal (Romans 6:23). No doctor, medicine, diet, philosophy, or religion can cure this plague. The Lord Jesus Christ is your only hope. If you repent and call on Him in faith, He will save you in that same hour. He alone has the power to cure you of sin and its deadly effect. Come out of denial, recognize your condition and need, and call upon the Lord. Time is running out. Do it now! —Carl Knott

Time is gliding swiftly by, death and judgment draweth nigh,
To the arms of Jesus fly, be in time. —Charles H. Mason

Monday, January 12, 2026

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Genesis 17:1-27; Job 20:1-29; Matthew 9:18-38

It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you… Jude 3

Jude, compelled by the Holy Spirit and godly love, was willing to contend seriously with his readers and confront difficult issues with them, in order that they might “earnestly contend for the faith”. Boldly, but graciously, he warned and exhorted the brethren to “Keep themselves in the love of God”. What about us? When we see danger lurking, do we keep silent for fear of being rejected? Or, like Jude, do we engage in honest, needful conversations? Small talk has its place, but in Christ we have the words of life! Let’s use them to their full potential, in love and guided by His Spirit in us, for His good, eternal purposes. —Eunice Free

Faith of the martyrs, holy faith,
We will be true to Thee till death.  —Frederick Faber

January 12

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DAILY READINGS: Gen. 17; Job 20:1-29; Matt. 9:18-38

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library. It has over 32 million books, yet that vast number could not tell the full story of our Saviour. It is startling to consider that only a fraction of the Lord’s exploits is recorded. What is written is so that  “you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Is this a truth you have grasped and believed? —Brian Powlesland

Lord, I have made Thy Word my choice, my lasting heritage;
There shall my noblest powers rejoice, my warmest thoughts engage.
—Isaac Watts