Tuesday, August 20, 2019 "Psalm 46" Scripture Reading: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city...
Keep ReadingMonday, August 19, 2019 "Psalm 23" Scripture Reading: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod...
Keep ReadingSunday, August 18, 2019 "Psalm 1" Scripture Reading: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its l...
Keep ReadingSaturday, August 17, 2019 "Psalm 133" Scripture Reading: Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the ble...
Keep ReadingFriday, August 16, 2019 "Psalm 131" Scripture Reading: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and ...
Keep ReadingThursday, August 15, 2019 "Psalm 130" Scripture Reading: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I...
Keep ReadingWednesday, August 14, 2019 "Psalm 62" Scripture Reading: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They...
Keep ReadingTuesday, August 13, 2019 "Psalm 46" Scripture Reading: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city...
Keep ReadingMonday, August 12, 2019 "Psalm 23" Scripture Reading: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod...
Keep ReadingSunday, August 11, 2019 "Psalm 1" Scripture Reading: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its l...
Keep ReadingSaturday, August 10, 2019 "Psalm 133" Scripture Reading: Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the ble...
Keep ReadingFriday, August 9, 2019 "Psalm 131" Scripture Reading: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and f...
Keep ReadingThursday, August 8, 2019 "Psalm 130" Scripture Reading: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, August 7, 2019 "Psalm 62" Scripture Reading: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, August 6, 2019 "Psalm 46" Scripture Reading: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city ...
Keep ReadingMonday, August 5, 2019 "Psalm 23" Scripture Reading: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod ...
Keep ReadingSunday, August 4, 2019 "Psalm 1" Scripture Reading: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its le...
Keep ReadingFriday, August 2, 2019 "Psalm 131" Scripture Reading: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and f...
Keep ReadingThursday, August 1, 2019 We continue our focus on praying the Psalms with our Pastoral Search Team this month. Leoma Gilley has given us the prayers for Sundays - Wednesdays and Jim Branch has written the prayers for the other days. We will rotate these devotional readings each week, although each day will feature new mission partner prayer requests. Our hope is that you...
Keep ReadingWednesday, July 31, 2019 "You Prepare A Table" Opening Prayer: You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Thank you! Scripture: Psalm 23:5 Journal: How is God preparing a table for you these days? What does that look like in your life? What does that knowledge do in your soul? Reflection: They say that you...
Keep ReadingTuesday, July 30, 2019 "Proactive" Opening Prayer: O Lord, how I long to be different. How I long to turn from my twisted and dysfunctional patterns and habits, in order to be more whole and holy. I long to be set free from my own self-consumed ways of being and seeing, and to become more and more like you. I long to be more loving instead of self-centered. I long to be...
Keep ReadingMonday, July 29, 2019 "The How Of Unity" Opening Prayer: Show us how, O God, to live together in unity. Otherwise, we will only be able to read about the benefits of doing so, without ever experiencing its reality. Help us, O Lord. Have mercy on us. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: How do we live together in unity? Concretely, what does that look like? Reflect...
Keep ReadingSunday, July 28, 2019 "Humble" Opening Prayer: My heart is not raised up, O Lord; my eyes are not lifted too high. I do not occupy myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me. Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3 Journal: What does being like a weaned child with its mother mean to you? How is it a step in the direction of humility? What is God saying to you through ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, July 27, 2019 "Mercy" Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner. Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8 Journal: Where and how are you crying out to God for mercy in your life? What is that producing in you? Reflection: Most often, the cry for mercy comes out of a deep sense of desperation and powerlessness. It comes when we finally realize that we ar...
Keep ReadingFriday, July 26, 2019 "Find Rest" Opening Prayer: Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8, NIV) Sc...
Keep ReadingThursday, July 25, 2019 "Stilling" Opening Prayer: Be still, O my soul, and know that he is God. Scripture: Psalm 46:10 Journal: How still is your soul these days? How will you try to still it? Reflection: Contrary to popular opinion, being still and knowing that he is God does not happen overnight; it takes time and space, effort and intention. It takes the effort t...
Keep ReadingWednesday, July 24, 2019 "You Prepare A Table" Opening Prayer: You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Thank you! Scripture: Psalm 23:5 Journal: How is God preparing a table for you these days? What does that look like in your life? What does that knowledge do in your soul? Reflection: They say that you...
Keep ReadingTuesday, July 23, 2019 "Proactive" Opening Prayer: O Lord, how I long to be different. How I long to turn from my twisted and dysfunctional patterns and habits, in order to be more whole and holy. I long to be set free from my own self-consumed ways of being and seeing, and to become more and more like you. I long to be more loving instead of self-centered. I long to be...
Keep ReadingMonday, July 22, 2019 "The How Of Unity" Opening Prayer: Show us how, O God, to live together in unity. Otherwise we will only be able to read about the benefits of doing so, without ever experiencing its reality. Help us, O Lord. Have mercy on us. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: How do we live together in unity? Concretely, what does that look like? Reflecti...
Keep ReadingSunday, July 21, 2019 "Humble" Opening Prayer: My heart is not raised up, O Lord; my eyes are not lifted too high. I do not occupy myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me. Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3 Journal: What does being like a weaned child with its mother mean to you? How is it a step in the direction of humility? What is God saying to you through ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, July 20, 2019 "Mercy" Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner. Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8 Journal: Where and how are you crying out to God for mercy in your life? What is that producing in you? Reflection: Most often, the cry for mercy comes out of a deep sense of desperation and powerlessness. It comes when we finally realize that we ar...
Keep ReadingFriday, July 19, 2019 "Find Rest" Opening Prayer: Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8, NIV) Sc...
Keep ReadingThursday, July 18, 2019 "Stilling" Opening Prayer: Be still, O my soul, and know that he is God. Scripture: Psalm 46:10 Journal: How still is your soul these days? How will you try to still it? Reflection: Contrary to popular opinion, being still and knowing that he is God does not happen overnight; it takes time and space, effort and intention. It takes the effort t...
Keep ReadingWednesday, July 17, 2019 "You Prepare A Table" Opening Prayer: You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Thank you! Scripture: Psalm 23:5 Journal: How is God preparing a table for you these days? What does that look like in your life? What does that knowledge do in your soul? Reflection: They say that you...
Keep ReadingTuesday, July 16, 2019 "Proactive" Opening Prayer: O Lord, how I long to be different. How I long to turn from my twisted and dysfunctional patterns and habits, in order to be more whole and holy. I long to be set free from my own self-consumed ways of being and seeing, and to become more and more like you. I long to be more loving instead of self-centered. I long to be...
Keep ReadingMonday, July 15, 2019 "The How Of Unity" Opening Prayer: Show us how, O God, to live together in unity. Otherwise we will only be able to read about the benefits of doing so, without ever experiencing its reality. Help us, O Lord. Have mercy on us. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: How do we live together in unity? Concretely, what does that look like? Reflecti...
Keep ReadingSunday, July 14, 2019 "Humble" Opening Prayer: My heart is not raised up, O Lord; my eyes are not lifted too high. I do not occupy myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me. Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3 Journal: What does being like a weaned child with its mother mean to you? How is it a step in the direction of humility? What is God saying to you through ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, July 13, 2019 "Mercy" Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner. Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8 Journal: Where and how are you crying out to God for mercy in your life? What is that producing in you? Reflection: Most often, the cry for mercy comes out of a deep sense of desperation and powerlessness. It comes when we finally realize that we ar...
Keep ReadingFriday, July 12, 2019 "Find Rest" Opening Prayer: Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8, NIV) Sc...
Keep ReadingThursday, July 11, 2019 "Stilling" Opening Prayer: Be still, O my soul, and know that he is God. Scripture: Psalm 46:10 Journal: How still is your soul these days? How will you try to still it? Reflection: Contrary to popular opinion, being still and knowing that he is God does not happen overnight; it takes time and space, effort and intention. It takes the effort t...
Keep ReadingWednesday, July 10, 2019 "You Prepare A Table" Opening Prayer: You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Thank you! Scripture: Psalm 23:5 Journal: How is God preparing a table for you these days? What does that look like in your life? What does that knowledge do in your soul? Reflection: They say that you...
Keep ReadingTuesday, July 9, 2019 "Proactive" Opening Prayer: O Lord, how I long to be different. How I long to turn from my twisted and dysfunctional patterns and habits, in order to be more whole and holy. I long to be set free from my own self-consumed ways of being and seeing, and to become more and more like you. I long to be more loving instead of self-centered. I long to be ...
Keep ReadingMonday, July 8, 2019 "The How Of Unity" Opening Prayer: Show us how, O God, to live together in unity. Otherwise we will only be able to read about the benefits of doing so, without ever experiencing its reality. Help us, O Lord. Have mercy on us. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: How do we live together in unity? Concretely, what does that look like? Reflectio...
Keep ReadingSunday, July 7, 2019 "Humble" Opening Prayer: My heart is not raised up, O Lord; my eyes are not lifted too high. I do not occupy myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me. Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3 Journal: What does being like a weaned child with its mother mean to you? How is it a step in the direction of humility? What is God saying to you through t...
Keep ReadingSaturday, July 6, 2019 "Mercy" Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner. Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8 Journal: Where and how are you crying out to God for mercy in your life? What is that producing in you? Reflection: Most often, the cry for mercy comes out of a deep sense of desperation and powerlessness. It comes when we finally realize that we are...
Keep ReadingFriday, July 5, 2019 "Find Rest" Opening Prayer: Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8, NIV) Scr...
Keep ReadingThursday, July 4, 2019 "Stilling" Opening Prayer: Be still, O my soul, and know that he is God. Scripture: Psalm 46:10 Journal: How still is your soul these days? How will you try to still it? Reflection: Contrary to popular opinion, being still and knowing that he is God does not happen overnight; it takes time and space, effort and intention. It takes the effort to...
Keep ReadingWednesday, July 3, 2019 "You Prepare A Table" Opening Prayer: You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Thank you! Scripture: Psalm 23:5 Journal: How is God preparing a table for you these days? What does that look like in your life? What does that knowledge do in your soul? Reflection: They say that you ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, July 2, 2019 "Proactive" Opening Prayer: O Lord, how I long to be different. How I long to turn from my twisted and dysfunctional patterns and habits, in order to be more whole and holy. I long to be set free from my own self-consumed ways of being and seeing, and to become more and more like you. I long to be more loving instead of self-centered. I long to be ...
Keep ReadingMonday, July 1, 2019 This month we start with seven new devotionals from Jim Branch that are in sync with the Psalms we are praying through with our Pastoral Search Team. We will rotate these devotional readings each week, although each day will feature new mission prayer requests. Our hope is that you will be inspired to reflect more deeply in the scriptures and let the...
Keep ReadingSunday, June 30, 2019 "Practices" Opening Prayer: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not...
Keep ReadingSaturday, June 29, 2019 "Belonging" Opening Prayer: Lord God, please remind us this day that before we can fruitfully belong to each other, we first must belong to you. That is the only way that true community can ever take place. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: What is your level of belonging these days? How does it manifest itself? How do you try to satisfy ...
Keep ReadingFriday, June 28, 2019 "Hope Now" Opening Prayer: O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore. Scripture: Psalm 131:3 Journal: What does it mean for you to put your hope in the Lord right now? What about forevermore? Which is hardest for you? Why? Reflection: "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore." Did you get that? Both now ...
Keep ReadingThursday, June 27, 2019 "Waiting" Opening Prayer: Forgive us in our waiting, O Lord, when we get frustrated or impatient and try to speed up the process. Waiting takes time to accomplish its full work in us. Help us, therefore, to open our hands and our hearts and simply wait for you in patience. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 130:5-6 Journal: Where does God have you waiting ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, June 26, 2019 "Wait" Opening Prayer: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 62:1-8 Journal: How are you waiting on God these days? What does that look like?What is it doing within you?How might God be waiting o...
Keep ReadingTuesday, June 25, 2019 "Be Still" Opening Prayer: Be still and know that I am God. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the...
Keep ReadingMonday, June 24, 2019 "Enough" Opening Prayer: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3) Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3 Journal: Is God enough for you? I mean, really? What does the enough-ness of God do within you? What does it free you from? What does it free you f...
Keep ReadingSunday, June 23, 2019 "Practices" Opening Prayer: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not...
Keep ReadingSaturday, June 22, 2019 "Belonging" Opening Prayer: Lord God, please remind us this day that before we can fruitfully belong to each other, we first must belong to you. That is the only way that true community can ever take place. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: What is your level of belonging these days? How does it manifest itself? How do you try to satisfy ...
Keep ReadingFriday, June 21, 2019 "Hope Now" Opening Prayer: O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore. Scripture: Psalm 131:3 Journal: What does it mean for you to put your hope in the Lord right now? What about forevermore? Which is hardest for you? Why? Reflection: "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore." Did you get that? Both now ...
Keep ReadingThursday, June 20, 2019 "Waiting" Opening Prayer: Forgive us in our waiting, O Lord, when we get frustrated or impatient and try to speed up the process. Waiting takes time to accomplish its full work in us. Help us, therefore, to open our hands and our hearts and simply wait for you in patience. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 130:5-6 Journal: Where does God have you waiting ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, June 19, 2019 "Wait" Opening Prayer: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 62:1-8 Journal: How are you waiting on God these days? What does that look like?What is it doing within you?How might God be waiting o...
Keep ReadingTuesday, June 18, 2019 "Be Still" Opening Prayer: Be still and know that I am God. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the...
Keep ReadingMonday, June 17, 2019 "Enough" Opening Prayer: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3) Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3 Journal: Is God enough for you? I mean, really? What does the enough-ness of God do within you? What does it free you from? What does it free you f...
Keep ReadingSunday, June 16, 2019 "Practices" Opening Prayer: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not...
Keep ReadingSaturday, June 15, 2019 "Belonging" Opening Prayer: Lord God, please remind us this day that before we can fruitfully belong to each other, we first must belong to you. That is the only way that true community can ever take place. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: What is your level of belonging these days? How does it manifest itself? How do you try to satisfy ...
Keep ReadingFriday, June 14, 2019 "Hope Now" Opening Prayer: O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore. Scripture: Psalm 131:3 Journal: What does it mean for you to put your hope in the Lord right now? What about forevermore? Which is hardest for you? Why? Reflection: "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore." Did you get that? Both now ...
Keep ReadingThursday, June 13, 2019 "Waiting" Opening Prayer: Forgive us in our waiting, O Lord, when we get frustrated or impatient and try to speed up the process. Waiting takes time to accomplish its full work in us. Help us, therefore, to open our hands and our hearts and simply wait for you in patience. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 130:5-6 Journal: Where does God have you waiting ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, June 11, 2019 "Be Still" Opening Prayer: Be still and know that I am God. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the...
Keep ReadingWednesday, June 12, 2019 "Wait" Opening Prayer: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 62:1-8 Journal: How are you waiting on God these days? What does that look like?What is it doing within you?How might God be waiting o...
Keep ReadingMonday, June 10, 2019 "Enough" Opening Prayer: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3) Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3 Journal: Is God enough for you? I mean, really? What does the enough-ness of God do within you? What does it free you from? What does it free you f...
Keep ReadingSunday, June 9, 2019 "Practices" Opening Prayer: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, June 8, 2019 "Belonging" Opening Prayer: Lord God, please remind us this day that before we can fruitfully belong to each other, we first must belong to you. That is the only way that true community can ever take place. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: What is your level of belonging these days? How does it manifest itself? How do you try to satisfy y...
Keep ReadingFriday, June 7, 2019 "Hope Now" Opening Prayer: O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore. Scripture: Psalm 131:3 Journal: What does it mean for you to put your hope in the Lord right now? What about forevermore? Which is hardest for you? Why? Reflection: "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore." Did you get that? Both now a...
Keep ReadingThursday, June 6, 2019 "Waiting" Opening Prayer: Forgive us in our waiting, O Lord, when we get frustrated or impatient and try to speed up the process. Waiting takes time to accomplish its full work in us. Help us, therefore, to open our hands and our hearts and simply wait for you in patience. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 130:5-6 Journal: Where does God have you waiting t...
Keep ReadingWednesday, June 5, 2019 "Wait" Opening Prayer: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 62:1-8 Journal: How are you waiting on God these days? What does that look like?What is it doing within you?How might God be waiting on...
Keep ReadingTuesday, June 4, 2019 "Enough" Opening Prayer: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3) Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3 Journal: Is God enough for you? I mean, really? What does the enough-ness of God do within you? What does it free you from? What does it free you f...
Keep ReadingMonday, June 3, 2019 "Be Still" Opening Prayer: Be still and know that I am God. Scripture: Psalm 46:10 Journal: How able are you to be still and know that he is God? Why? Reflection: Finish this sentence: "Be still and know that I am God" If you are like me, it is likely that you responded, "Period." After all, most of us don't know, or don't remember, that there...
Keep ReadingSunday, June 2, 2019 "Practices" Opening Prayer: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, June 1, 2019 This month we continue rotating the same devotional readings each week, although each day will feature new mission prayer requests. Our hope is that you will be inspired to reflect more deeply in the scriptures and let the prayers guide you. "Belonging" Opening Prayer: Lord God, please remind us this day that before we can fruitfully belong to e...
Keep ReadingFriday, May 31, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its m...
Keep ReadingThursday, May 30, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiven...
Keep ReadingWednesday, May 29, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him do...
Keep ReadingTuesday, May 28, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and th...
Keep ReadingMonday, May 27, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though...
Keep ReadingSunday, May 26, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day an...
Keep ReadingSaturday, May 25, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. I...
Keep ReadingFriday, May 24, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its m...
Keep ReadingThursday, May 23, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiven...
Keep ReadingWednesday, May 22, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him do...
Keep ReadingTuesday, May 21, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and th...
Keep ReadingMonday, May 20, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though...
Keep ReadingSunday, May 19, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day an...
Keep ReadingSaturday, May 18, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. I...
Keep ReadingFriday, May 17, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its m...
Keep ReadingThursday, May 16, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiven...
Keep ReadingWednesday, May 15, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him do...
Keep ReadingTuesday, May 14, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and th...
Keep ReadingMonday, May 13, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though...
Keep ReadingSunday, May 12, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day an...
Keep ReadingSaturday, May 11, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. I...
Keep ReadingFriday, May 10, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its m...
Keep ReadingThursday, May 9, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgivene...
Keep ReadingWednesday, May 8, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him dow...
Keep ReadingTuesday, May 7, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the...
Keep ReadingMonday, May 6, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though ...
Keep ReadingSunday, May 5, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and...
Keep ReadingSaturday, May 4, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. It...
Keep ReadingFriday, May 3, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mo...
Keep ReadingThursday, May 2, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgivene...
Keep ReadingWednesday, May 1, 2019 This month we will be rotating the same devotional readings each week, although each day will feature new mission prayer requests. Our hope is that you will be inspired to reflect more deeply in the scriptures and let the prayers guide you. Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of...
Keep ReadingTuesday, April 30, 2019 "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 139:17 Divine omniscience affords no comfort to the ungodly mind, but to the child of God it overflows with consolation. God is always thinking upon us, never turns aside his mind from us, has us always before his eyes; and this is precisely as we would have i...
Keep ReadingMonday, April 29, 2019 "The Lord taketh pleasure in his people." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 149:4 How comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of his people's interests which he does not consider, and there is nothing which concerns their welfare which is not important to him. Not merely does he think of you, believer, as an immortal being, but as a ...
Keep ReadingSunday, April 28, 2019 "All the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted." Today's Devotional Reading Ezekiel 3:7 Are there no exceptions? No, not one. Even the favored race are thus described. Are the best so bad? - then what must the worst be? Come, my heart, consider how far thou hast a share in this universal accusation, and while considering, be ready to take...
Keep ReadingSaturday, April 27, 2019 "The Lord is King forever and ever." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 10:16 Jesus Christ is no despotic claimant of divine right, but he is really and truly the Lord's anointed! "It hath pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell." God hath given to him all power and all authority. As the Son of man, he is now head over all thing...
Keep ReadingFriday, April 26, 2019 "Blessed is he that watcheth." Today's Devotional Reading Revelation 16:15 "We die daily," said the apostle. This was the life of the early Christians; they went everywhere with their lives in their hands. We are not in this day called to pass through the same fearful persecutions: if we were, the Lord would give us grace to bear the test; but t...
Keep ReadingThursday, April 25, 2019 "If any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him." Today's Devotional Reading Revelation 3:20 What is your desire this evening? Is it set upon heavenly things? Do you long to enjoy the high doctrine of eternal love? Do you desire liberty in very close communion with God? Do you aspire to know the heights, and depths, and l...
Keep ReadingWednesday, April 24, 2019 "The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 2:12 Sweet is the season of spring: the long and dreary winter helps us to appreciate its genial warmth, and its promise of summer enhances its present delights. After period...
Keep ReadingTuesday, April 23, 2019 "Lo, in the midst of the throne stood a Lamb as it had been slain." Today's Devotional Reading Revelation 5:6 Why should our exalted Lord appear in his wounds in glory? The wounds of Jesus are his glories, his jewels, his sacred ornaments. To the eye of the believer, Jesus is passing fair because he is "white and ruddy;" white with innocence, a...
Keep ReadingMonday, April 22, 2019 "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 91:5 What is this terror? It may be the cry of fire, or the noise of thieves, or fancied appearances, or the shriek of sudden sickness or death. We live in the world of death and sorrow, we may therefore look for ills as well in the night-watches as beneath the ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, April 20, 2019 "The precious blood of Christ." Today's Devotional Reading 1 Peter 1:9 Standing at the foot of the cross, we see hands, and feet, and side, all distilling crimson streams of precious blood. It is "precious" because of its redeeming and atoning efficacy. By it the sins of Christ's people are atoned for; they are redeemed from under the law; the...
Keep ReadingGood Friday, April 19, 2019 "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 22:1 We here behold the Savior in the depth of his sorrows. No other place so well shows the griefs of Christ as Calvary, and no other moment at Calvary is so full of agony as that in which his cry rends the air - "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" At th...
Keep ReadingMaundy Thursday, April 18, 2019 "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 32:12 When Jacob was on the other side of the brook Jabbok, and Esau was coming with armed men, he earnestly sought God's protection, and as a master reason he pleaded, "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." Oh, the force of that plea! He was holdi...
Keep ReadingWednesday, April 17, 2019 "All they that see me laugh me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 22:7 Mockery was a great ingredient in our Lord's woe. Judas mocked him in the garden; the chief priests and scribes laughed him to scorn; Herod set him at naught; the servants and the soldiers jeered at him, and brutally ins...
Keep ReadingTuesday, April 16, 2019 "And his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." Today's Devotional Reading Exodus 17:12 So mighty was the prayer of Moses, that all depended upon it. The petitions of Moses discomfited the enemy more than the fighting of Joshua. Yet both were needed. No, in the soul's conflict, force and fervor, decision and devotion, valor and vehe...
Keep ReadingMonday, April 15, 2019 "Lift them up forever." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 28:9 God's people need lifting up. They are very heavy by nature. They have no wings, or, if they have, they are like the dove of old which lay among the pots; and they need divine grace to make them mount on wings covered with silver, and with feathers of yellow gold. By nature sparks fly ...
Keep ReadingSunday, April 14, 2019 - Palm Sunday "Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 3:10 It is well with the righteous always. If it had said, "Say ye to the righteous, that it is well with him in his prosperity," we must have been thankful for so great a boon, for prosperity is an hour of peril, and it is a gift from heave...
Keep ReadingSaturday, April 13, 2019 "And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt- offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him." Today's Devotional Reading Leviticus 1:4 Our Lord's being made "sin for us" is set forth here by the very significant transfer of sin to the bullock, which was made by the elders of the people. The laying of the hand was...
Keep ReadingFriday, April 12, 2019 "The king's garden." Today's Devotional Reading Nehemiah 3:15 Mention of the king's garden by Nehemiah brings to mind the paradise which the King of kings prepared for Adam. Sin has utterly ruined that fair abode of all delights and driven forth the children of men to till the ground, which yields thorns and briers unto them. My soul, remember th...
Keep ReadingThursday, April 11, 2019 "Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 25:18 It is well for us when prayers about our sorrows are linked with pleas concerning our sins - when, being under God's hand, we are not wholly taken up with our pain, but remember our offences against God. It is well, also, to take both sorrow...
Keep ReadingWednesday, April 10, 2019 "For there stood by me this night the angel of God." Today's Devotional Reading Acts 27:23 Tempest and long darkness, coupled with imminent risk of shipwreck, had brought the crew of the vessel into a sad case; one man alone among them remained perfectly calm, and by his word the rest were reassured. Paul was the only man who had heart enough ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, April 9, 2019 "Thy gentleness hath made me great." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 18:35 The words are capable of being translated, "thy goodness hath made me great." David gratefully ascribed all his greatness not to his own goodness, but the goodness of God. "Thy providence," is another reading; and providence is nothing more than goodness in action. Goodne...
Keep ReadingMonday, April 8, 2019 "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 23:4 Behold, how independent of outward circumstances the Holy Ghost can make the Christian! What a bright light may shine within us when it is all dark without! How firm, how happy, how calm, how peaceful we may be, when the world shakes to and fro, and the pillars of t...
Keep ReadingSunday, April 7, 2019 "Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 51:14 In this solemn confession, it is pleasing to observe that David plainly names his sin. He does not call it manslaughter, nor speak of it as an imprudence by which an unfortunate accident oc...
Keep ReadingSaturday, April 6, 2019 "In the name of the Lord I will destroy them." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 118:12 Our Lord Jesus, by his death, did not purchase a right to a part of us only, but to the entire man. He contemplated in his passion the sanctification of us wholly, spirit, soul, and body; that in this triple kingdom he himself might reign supreme without a riv...
Keep ReadingFriday, April 5, 2019 "Before honor is humility." Today's Devotional Reading Proverbs 15:33 Humiliation of soul always brings a positive blessing with it. If we empty our hearts of self, God will fill them with his love. He who desires close communion with Christ should remember the word of the Lord, "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite ...
Keep ReadingThursday, April 4, 2019 "Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 2:3 It is exceedingly beneficial to our souls to mount above this present evil world to something nobler and better. The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches are apt to choke everything good within us, and we grow fretful, desponding, perhap...
Keep ReadingWednesday, April 3, 2019 "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 53:6 Here a confession of sin common to all the elect people of God. They have all fallen, and therefore, in common chorus, they all say, from the first who entered heaven to the l...
Keep ReadingTuesday, April 2, 2019 "He shall see his seed; he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 53:10 Plead for the speedy fulfilment of this promise, all ye who love the Lord. It is easy work to pray when we are grounded and bottomed, as to our desires, upon God's own promise. How can he that gave th...
Keep ReadingMonday, April 1, 2019 "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 32:12 When Jacob was on the other side of the brook Jabbok, and Esau was coming with armed men, he earnestly sought God's protection, and as a master reason he pleaded, "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." Oh, the force of that plea! He was holding God to h...
Keep ReadingSunday, March 31, 2019 "Then Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until rain fell upon them from the heavens. And she did not allow the birds of the air to come upon them by day, or the beasts of the field by night." Today's Devotional Reading 2 Samuel 21:10 If the love of a woman to her slain s...
Keep ReadingSaturday, March 30, 2019 "Let us search and try our way and turn again to the Lord." Today's Devotional Reading Lamentations 3:40 The spouse who fondly loves her absent husband longs for his return; a long protracted separation from her lord is a semi-death to her spirit: and so with souls who love the Savior much, they must see his face, they cannot bear that he shoul...
Keep ReadingFriday, March 29, 2019 "I called him, but he gave me no answer." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 5:6 Prayer sometimes tarryeth, like a petitioner at the gate, until the King cometh forth to fill her bosom with the blessings which she seeketh. The Lord, when he hath given great faith, has been known to try it by long delayings. He has suffered his servants' v...
Keep ReadingThursday, March 28, 2019 "Then I will accept you with your sweet savor." Today's Devotional Reading Ezekiel 20:41 The merits of our great Redeemer are as sweet savor to the Most High. Whether we speak of the active or passive righteousness of Christ, there is an equal fragrance. There was a sweet savor in his active life by which he honored the law of God, and made eve...
Keep ReadingWednesday, March 27, 2019 "And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 15:27 This woman gained comfort in her misery by thinking great thoughts of Christ. The Master had talked about the children's bread: "Now," argued she, "since thou art the Master of the table of grace, I know th...
Keep ReadingTuesday, March 26, 2019 "When he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Today's Devotional Reading Mark 8:38 If we have been partakers with Jesus in his shame, we shall be sharers with him in the luster which shall surround him when he appears again in glory. Art thou, beloved one, with Christ Jesus? Does a vital union knit thee to him? Then thou art ...
Keep ReadingMonday, March 25, 2019 "The Son of Man." Today's Devotional Reading John 3:13 How constantly our Master used the title, the "Son of man!" If he had chosen, he might always have spoken of himself as the Son of God, the Everlasting Father, the Wonderful, the Counsellor, the Prince of Peace; but behold the lowliness of Jesus! He prefers to call himself the Son of man. Let...
Keep ReadingSunday, March 24, 2019 "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 10:21 The Savior was "a man of sorrows," but every thoughtful mind has discovered the fact that down deep in his innermost soul he carried an inexhaustible treasury of refined and heavenly joy. Of all the human race, there was never a man who had a deeper, purer, or more abi...
Keep ReadingSaturday, March 23, 2019 "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 19:40 But could the stones cry out? Assuredly they could if he who opens the mouth of the dumb should bid them lift up their voice. Certainly, if they were to speak, they would have much to testify in praise of him who crea...
Keep ReadingFriday, March 22, 2019 "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am." Today's Devotional Reading John 17:24 O death! why dost thou touch the tree beneath whose spreading branches weariness hath rest? Why dost thou snatch away the excellent of the earth, in whom is all our delight? If thou must use thine axe, use it upon the trees which...
Keep ReadingThursday, March 21, 2019 "Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?" Today's Devotional Reading Job 38:1 If inclined to boast of our abilities, the grandeur of nature may soon show us how puny we are. We cannot move the least of all the twinkling stars, or quench so much as one of the beams of the morning. We speak of power, but the...
Keep ReadingWednesday, March 20, 2019 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church." Today's Devotional Reading Ephesians 5:25 What a golden example Christ gives to his disciples! Few masters could venture to say, "If you would practice my teaching, imitate my life;" but as the life of Jesus is the exact transcript of perfect virtue, he can point to himself as ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, March 19, 2019 "And she did eat, and was sufficed, and left." Today's Devotional Reading Ruth 2:14 Whenever we are privileged to eat of the bread which Jesus gives, we are, like Ruth, satisfied with the full and sweet repast. When Jesus is the host no guest goes empty from the table. Our head is satisfied with the precious truth which Christ reveals; our heart...
Keep ReadingMonday, March 18, 2019 "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you." Today's Devotional Reading John 15:9 As the Father loves the Son, in the same manner Jesus loves his people. What is that divine method? He loved him without beginning, and thus Jesus loves his members. "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." You can trace the beginning of human affection;...
Keep ReadingSunday, March 17, 2019 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh of the beatitudes: and seven was the number of perfection among the Hebrews. It may be that the Savior placed the peacemaker the seventh upon the list because he most nearly approaches the perfect man in Christ J...
Keep ReadingSaturday, March 16, 2019 "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 19:13 Such was the prayer of the "man after God's own heart." Did holy David need to pray thus? How needful, then, must such a prayer be for us babes in grace! It is as if he said, "Keep me back, or I shall rush headlong over the precipice of sin." Our evil na...
Keep ReadingThursday, March 14, 2019 "I will take heed to my ways." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 39:1 Fellow-pilgrim, say not in your heart, "I will go hither and thither, and I shall not sin;" for you are never so out of danger of sinning as to boast of security. The road is very miry, it will be hard to pick your path so as not to soil your garments. This is a world of pitch...
Keep ReadingTuesday, March 12, 2019 "To whom belongest thou?" Today's Devotional Reading 1 Samuel 30:13 No neutralities can exist in religion. We are either ranked under the banner of Prince Immanuel, to serve and fight his battles, or we are vassals of the black prince, Satan. "To whom belongest thou?" Reader, let me assist you in your response. Have you been "born again?" If yo...
Keep ReadingMonday, March 11, 2019 "Thou shalt be called, Sought Out." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 62:12 The surpassing grace of God is seen very clearly in that we were not only sought, but sought out. Men seek for a thing which is lost upon the floor of the house, but in such a case there is only seeking, not seeking out. The loss is more perplexing and the search more per...
Keep ReadingSunday, March 10, 2019 "Man is of few days, and full of trouble." Today's Devotional Reading Job 14:1 It may be of great service to us, before we fall asleep, to remember this mournful fact, for it may lead us to set loose by earthly things. There is nothing very pleasant in the recollection that we are not above the shafts of adversity, but it may humble us and preven...
Keep ReadingSaturday, March 9, 2019 "Abide in me." Today's Devotional Reading John 15:4 Communion with Christ is a certain cure for every ill. Whether it be the wormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, close fellowship with the Lord Jesus will take bitterness from the one, and satiety from the other. Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is a matter of secondary...
Keep ReadingFriday, March 8, 2019 "She called his name Benoni (son of sorrow), but his father called him Benjamin (son of my right hand)." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 35:18 To every matter there is a bright as well as a dark side. Rachel was overwhelmed with the sorrow of her own travail and death; Jacob, though weeping the mother's loss, could see the mercy of the child's ...
Keep ReadingThursday, March 7, 2019 "It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 118:8 Doubtless the reader has been tried with the temptation to rely upon the things which are seen, instead of resting alone upon the invisible God. Christians often look to man for help and counsel, and mar the noble simplicity of their relian...
Keep ReadingWednesday, March 6, 2019 "Before destruction the heart of man is haughty." Today's Devotional Reading Proverbs 18:12 It is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a haughty heart is the prophetic prelude of evil. Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass i...
Keep ReadingTuesday, March 5, 2019 "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 35:3 What does this sweet prayer teach me? It shall be my evening's petition; but first let it yield me an instructive meditation. The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation," if he were not somet...
Keep ReadingMonday, March 4, 2019 "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 36:8 Sheba's queen was amazed at the sumptuousness of Solomon's table. She lost all heart when she saw the provision of a single day; and she marveled equally at the company of servants who were feasted at the royal board. But what is this to the h...
Keep ReadingSunday, March 3, 2019 "He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 3:16 As the Spirit of God descended upon the Lord Jesus, the head, so he also, in measure, descends upon the members of the mystical body. His descent is to us after the same fashion as that in which it fell upon our Lord. There is often a singular rapidity about...
Keep ReadingSaturday, March 2, 2019 "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Today's Devotional Reading Ephesians 3:8 The apostle Paul felt it a great privilege to be allowed to preach the gospel. He did not look upon his calling as a drudgery, but he entered upon it with in...
Keep ReadingFriday, March 1, 2019 "He is precious." Today's Devotional Reading 1 Peter 2:7 As all the rivers run into the sea, so all delights center in our Beloved. The glances of his eyes outshine the sun: the beauties of his face are fairer than the choicest flowers: no fragrance is like the breath of his mouth. Gems of the mine, and pearls from the sea, are worthless things wh...
Keep ReadingThursday, February 28, 2019 "The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah." Today's Devotional Reading 1 Kings 17:16 See the faithfulness of divine love. You observe that this woman had daily necessities. She had herself and her son to feed in a time of famine; and now, in addition, the pr...
Keep ReadingWednesday, February 27, 2019 "Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Today's Devotional Reading Micah 5:2 The Lord Jesus had goings forth for his people as their representative before the throne, long before they appeared upon the stage of time. It was "from everlasting" that he signed the compact with his Father, that he would pay blood for blood...
Keep ReadingTuesday, February 26, 2019 "Behold, if the leprosy has covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague." Today's Devotional Reading Leviticus 13:13 Strange enough this regulation appears, yet there was wisdom in it, for the throwing out of the disease proved that the constitution was sound. This evening it may be well for us to see the typical ...
Keep ReadingMonday, February 25, 2019 "But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa." Today's Devotional Reading Jonah 1:3 Instead of going to Nineveh to preach the Word, as God bade him, Jonah disliked the work, and went down to Joppa to escape from it. There are occasions when God's servants shrink from duty. But what is the conse...
Keep ReadingSunday, February 24, 2019 "O Lord of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy upon Jerusalem? And the Lord answered the angel with good words and comfortable words." Today's Devotional Reading Zechariah 1:12-13 What a sweet answer to an anxious enquiry! This night let us rejoice in it. O Zion, there are good things in store for thee; thy time of travail shall soon be o...
Keep ReadingSaturday, February 23, 2019 "Take up the cross, and follow me." Today's Devotional Reading Mark 10:21 You have not the making of your own cross, although unbelief is a master carpenter at cross-making; neither are you permitted to choose your own cross, although self-will would fain be lord and master; but your cross is prepared and appointed for you by divine love, an...
Keep ReadingFriday, February 22, 2019 "The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power." Today's Devotional Reading Nahum 1:3 Jehovah "is slow to anger." When mercy cometh into the world she driveth winged steeds; the axles of her chariot-wheels are red hot with speed; but when wrath goeth forth, it toileth on with tardy footsteps, for God taketh no pleasure in the sinner's death. G...
Keep ReadingThursday, February 21, 2019 "Understandest thou what thou readest?" Today's Devotional Reading Acts 8:30 We should be abler teachers of others, and less liable to be carried about by every wind of doctrine, if we sought to have a more intelligent understanding of the Word of God. As the Holy Ghost, the Author of the Scriptures is he who alone can enlighten us rightly t...
Keep ReadingWednesday, February 20, 2019 "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 4:1 A holy character does not avert temptation - Jesus was tempted. When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall upon tinder; but in Christ's case, it was like striking sparks on water; yet the enemy continued his evil work. Now...
Keep ReadingTuesday, February 19, 2019 "He first findeth his own brother Simon." Today's Devotional Reading John 1:41 This case is an excellent pattern of all cases where spiritual life is vigorous. As soon as a man has found Christ, he begins to find others. I will not believe that thou hast tasted of the honey of the gospel if thou canst eat it all thyself. True grace puts an en...
Keep ReadingMonday, February 18, 2019 "Father, I have sinned." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 15:18 It is quite certain that those whom Christ has washed in his precious blood need not make a confession of sin, as culprits or criminals, before God the Judge, for Christ has forever taken away all their sins in a legal sense, so that they no longer stand where they can be condemned...
Keep ReadingSunday, February 17, 2019 "Whereas the Lord was there." Today's Devotional Reading Ezekiel 35:10 Edom's princes saw the whole country left desolate, and counted upon its easy conquest; but there was one great difficulty in their way - quite unknown to them - "The Lord was there;" and in his presence, lay the special security of the chosen land. Whatever may be the mach...
Keep ReadingSaturday, February 16, 2019 "Thy good spirit." Today's Devotional Reading Nehemiah 9:20 Common, too common is the sin of forgetting the Holy Spirit. This is folly and ingratitude. He deserves well at our hands, for he is good, supremely good. As God, he is good essentially. He shares in the threefold ascription of Holy, holy, holy, which ascends to the Triune Jehovah. ...
Keep ReadingFriday, February 15, 2019 "Whereby they have made thee glad." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 45:8 And who are thus privileged to make the Saviour glad? His church - his people. But is it possible? He makes us glad, but how can we make him glad? By our love. Ah! we think it so cold, so faint; and so, indeed, we must sorrowfully confess it to be, but it is very sweet t...
Keep ReadingThursday, February 14, 2019 "She was healed immediately." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 14:30 One of the most touching and teaching of the Savior's miracles is before us to-night. The woman was very ignorant. She imagined that virtue came out of Christ by a law of necessity, without his knowledge or direct will. Moreover, she was a stranger to the generosity of Je...
Keep ReadingWednesday, February 13, 2019 "There is therefore now no condemnation." Today's Devotional Reading Romans 8:1 Come, my soul, think thou of this. Believing in Jesus, thou art actually and effectually cleared from guilt; thou art led out of thy prison. Thou art no more in fetters as a bond-slave; thou art delivered now from the bondage of the law; thou art freed from sin,...
Keep ReadingTuesday, February 12, 2019 "He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." Today's Devotional Reading John 14:16 Great Father revealed himself to believers of old before the coming of his Son, and was known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the God Almighty. Then Jesus came, and the ever-blessed Son in his own proper person, was the delight of ...
Keep ReadingMonday, February 11, 2019 "Thou hast left thy first love." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 22:32 Ever to be remembered is that best and brightest of hours, when first we saw the Lord, lost our burden, received the roll of promise, rejoiced in full salvation, and went on our way in peace. It was spring time in the soul; the winter was past; the mutterings of Sinai's thu...
Keep ReadingSunday, February 10, 2019 "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 44:22 Attentively observe the instructive similitude: our sins are like a cloud. As clouds are of many shapes and shades, so are our transgressions. As clouds obscure the light of th...
Keep ReadingSaturday, February 9, 2019 "Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil or, the evil one." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 11:4 What we are taught to seek or shun in prayer, we should equally pursue or avoid in action. Very earnestly, therefore, should we avoid temptation, seeking to walk so guardedly in the path of obedience, that we may never tempt the devi...
Keep ReadingFriday, February 8, 2019 "He shall save his people from their sins." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 1:21 Many persons, if they are asked what they understand by salvation, will reply, "Being saved from hell and taken to heaven." This is one result of salvation, but it is not one tithe of what is contained in that boon. It is true our Lord Jesus Christ does redeem a...
Keep ReadingWednesday, February 6, 2019 "Pray for one another." Today's Devotional Reading James 5:16 As an encouragement cheerfully to offer intercessory prayer, remember that such prayer is the sweetest God ever hears, for the prayer of Christ is of this character. In all the incense which our Great High Priest now puts into the golden censer, there is not a single grain for him...
Keep ReadingTuesday, February 5, 2019 "At that time Jesus answered." Today's Devotional Reading Mark 11:25 This is a singular way in which to commence a verse - "At that time Jesus answered." If you will look at the context you will not perceive that any person had asked him a question, or that he was in conversation with any human being. Yet it is written, "Jesus answered and sai...
Keep ReadingMonday, February 4, 2019 "Your refuge from the avenger of blood." Today's Devotional Reading Joshua 20:3 It is said that in the land of Canaan, cities of refuge were so arranged, that any man might reach one of them within half a day at the utmost. Even so the word of our salvation is near to us; Jesus is a present Savior, and the way to him is short; it is but a simpl...
Keep ReadingSunday, February 3, 2019 "Tell me where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 1:7 These words express the desire of the believer after Christ, and his longing for present communion with him. Where doest thou feed thy flock? In thy house? I will go, if I may find thee there. In private prayer? Then I will ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, February 2, 2019 "And these are ancient things." Today's Devotional Reading 1 Chronicles 4:22 Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight of our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, telling them over as misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which he elected us unto eternal life, or ever the earth was, is a m...
Keep ReadingFriday, February 1, 2019 "Thy love to me was wonderful." Today's Devotional Reading 2 Samuel 1:26 Come, dear readers, let each one of us speak for himself of the wonderful love, not of Jonathan, but of Jesus. We will not relate what we have been told, but the things which we have tasted and handled-of the love of Christ. Thy love to me, O Jesus, was wonderful when I wa...
Keep ReadingThursday, January 31, 2019 "Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi." Today's Devotional Reading 2 Samuel 18:23 Running is not everything, there is much in the way which we select: a swift foot over hill and down dale will not keep pace with a slower traveler upon level ground. How is it with my spiritual journey, am I laboring up the hill of my own...
Keep ReadingWednesday, January 30, 2019 "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance." Today's Devotional Reading Ephesians 1:11 When Jesus gave himself for us, he gave us all the rights and privileges which went with himself; so that now, although as eternal God, he has essential rights to which no creature may venture to pretend, yet as Jesus, the Mediator, the federal head of ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, January 29, 2019 "The dove came in to him in the evening." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 8:11 Blessed be the Lord for another day of mercy, even though I am now weary with its toils. Unto the preserver of men lift I my song of gratitude. The dove found no rest out of the ark, and therefore returned to it; and my soul has learned yet more fully than ever, ...
Keep ReadingMonday, January 28, 2019 "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 2:20 What was the subject of their praise? They praised God for what they had heard - for the good tidings of great joy that a Saviour was born unto them. Let us copy them; let us a...
Keep ReadingSunday, January 27, 2019 "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 2:19 There was an exercise, on the part of this blessed woman, of three powers of her being: her memory - she kept all these things; her affections - she kept them in her heart; her intellect - she pondered them; so that memory, affection, and unde...
Keep ReadingSaturday, January 26, 2019 "All they that heard it wondered at those things." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 2:18 We must not cease to wonder at the great marvels of our God. It would be very difficult to draw a line between holy wonder and real worship; for when the soul is overwhelmed with the majesty of God's glory, though it may not express itself in song, or even...
Keep ReadingFriday, January 25, 2019 "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." Today's Devotional Reading Romans 3:31 When the believer is adopted into the Lord's family, his relationship to old Adam and the law ceases at once; but then he is under a new rule, and a new covenant. Believer, you are God's child; it is your first duty to obe...
Keep ReadingThursday, January 24, 2019 "Martha was cumbered about much serving." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 10:40 Her fault was not that she served: the condition of a servant well becomes every Christian. "I serve," should be the motto of all the princes of the royal family of heaven. Nor was it her fault that she had "much serving." We cannot do too much. Let us do all that...
Keep ReadingWednesday, January 23, 2019 "We will remember thy love more than wine." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 1:4 Jesus will not let his people forget his love. If all the love they have enjoyed should be forgotten, he will visit them with fresh love. "Do you forget my cross?" says he, "I will cause you to remember it; for at my table I will manifest myself anew t...
Keep ReadingTuesday, January 22, 2019 "Doth Job fear God for nought?" Today's Devotional Reading Job 1:9 This was the wicked question of Satan concerning that upright man of old, but there are many in the present day concerning whom it might be asked with justice, for they love God after a fashion because he prospers them; but if things went ill with them, they would give up all t...
Keep ReadingMonday, January 21, 2019 "He was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst?" Today's Devotional Reading Judges 15:18 Samson was thirsty and ready to die. The difficulty was totally different from any which the hero had met before. Merely to get thirst assuaged is n...
Keep ReadingSunday, January 20, 2019 "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 119:36 There are divers kinds of vanity. The cap and bells of the fool, the mirth of the world, the dance, the lyre, and the cup of the dissolute, all these men know to be vanities; they wear upon their forefront their proper name and t...
Keep ReadingSaturday, January 19, 2019 "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 24:25 He whom we viewed last evening as opening Scripture, we here perceive opening the understanding. In the first work he has many fellow-laborers, but in the second he stands alone; many can bring the Scriptures to the mind, bu...
Keep ReadingFriday, January 18, 2019 "He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 24:27 The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had a most profitable journey. Their companion and teacher was the best of tutors; the interpreter one of a thousand, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The Lord Jesu...
Keep ReadingThursday, January 17, 2019 "And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house." Today's Devotional Reading 2 Samuel 11:2 At that hour David saw Bathsheba. We are never out of the reach of temptation. Both at home and abroad we are liable to meet with allurements to evil; the morning opens with peril, ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, January 16, 2019 "The Messiah shall be cut off, but not for himself." Today's Devotional Reading Daniel 9:26 Blessed be his name, there was no cause of death in him. Neither original nor actual sin had defiled him, and therefore death had no claim upon him. No man could have taken his life from him justly, for he had done no man wrong, and no man could even ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, January 15, 2019 "But I give myself unto prayer." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 109:4 Lying tongues were busy against the reputation of David, but he did not defend himself; he moved the case into a higher court, and pleaded before the great King himself. Prayer is the safest method of replying to words of hatred. The Psalmist prayed in no cold-hearted mann...
Keep ReadingMonday, January 14, 2019 "Beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 14:30 Sinking times are praying times with the Lord's servants. Peter neglected prayer at starting upon his venturous journey, but when he began to sink his danger made him a suppliant, and his cry though late was not too late. In our hours of bodily pain a...
Keep ReadingSunday, January 13, 2019 "The iron did swim." Today's Devotional Reading 2 Kings 6:9 The axe-head seemed hopelessly lost, and as it was borrowed, the honor of the prophetic band was likely to be imperiled, and so the name of their God to be compromised. Contrary to all expectation, the iron was made to mount from the depth of the stream and to swim; for things impossib...
Keep ReadingSaturday, January 12, 2019 "I have yet to speak on God's behalf." Today's Devotional Reading Job 36:2 We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our zeal; but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God has bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be a village in a valley, but "a city set upon a...
Keep ReadingFriday, January 11, 2019 "I have prayed for thee." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 22:32 How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer's never- ceasing intercession for us. When we pray, he pleads for us; and when we are not praying, he is advocating our cause, and by his supplications shielding us from unseen dangers. Notice the word of comfort addressed to Peter - "...
Keep ReadingThursday, January 10, 2019 "In my flesh shall I see God." Today's Devotional Reading Job 19:26 Mark the subject of Job's devout anticipation "I shall see God." He does not say, "I shall see the saints" - though doubtless that will be untold felicity - but, "I shall see God." It is not - "I shall see the pearly gates, I shall behold the walls of jasper, I shall gaze upo...
Keep ReadingTuesday, January 8, 2019 "Thy love is better than wine." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 1:2 Nothing gives the believer so much joy as fellowship with Christ. He has enjoyment as others have in the common mercies of life, he can be glad both in God's gifts and God's works; but in all these separately, yea, and in all of them added together, he doth not find ...
Keep ReadingMonday, January 7, 2019 "My sister, my spouse." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 4:12 Observe the sweet titles with which the heavenly Solomon with intense affection addresses his bride the church. "My sister, one near to me by ties of nature, partaker of the same sympathies. My spouse, nearest and dearest, united to me by the tenderest bands of love; my swee...
Keep ReadingSunday, January 6, 2019 "Now the hand of the Lord was upon me in the evening." Today's Devotional Reading Ezekiel 33:22 In the way of judgment this may be the case, and, if so, be it mine to consider the reason of such a visitation, and bear the rod and him that hath appointed it. I am not the only one who is chastened in the night season; let me cheerfully submit to t...
Keep ReadingSaturday, January 5, 2019 "And God saw the light." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 1:4 This morning we noticed the goodness of the light, and the Lord's dividing it from the darkness, we now note the special eye which the Lord had for the light. "God saw the light" - he looked at it with complacency, gazed upon it with pleasure, saw that it "was good." If the Lord h...
Keep ReadingFriday, January 4, 2019 "And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 42:8 This morning our desires went forth for growth in our acquaintance with the Lord Jesus; it may be well tonight to consider a kindred topic, namely, our heavenly Joseph's knowledge of us. This was most blessedly perfect long before we had the slightest ...
Keep ReadingThursday, January 3, 2019 "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 3:4 The voice crying in the wilderness demanded a way for the Lord, a way prepared, and a way prepared in the wilderness. I would be attentive to the Master's proclamation, and give him a road into my heart, cas...
Keep ReadingWednesday, January 2, 2019 "Let the people renew their strength." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 41:1 All things on earth need to be renewed. No created thing continueth by itself. "Thou renewest the face of the year," was the Psalmist's utterance. Even the trees, which wear not themselves with care, nor shorten their lives with labour, must drink of the rain of hea...
Keep ReadingNew Year's Day 2019 "We will be glad and rejoice in thee." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 1:4 We will be glad and rejoice in thee. We will not open the gates of the year to the dolorous notes of the sackbut, but to the sweet strains of the harp of joy, and the high-sounding cymbals of gladness. "O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise ...
Keep ReadingNew Year's Eve 2018 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink." Today's Devotional Reading John 7:37 Patience had her perfect work in the Lord Jesus, and until the last day of the feast he pleaded with the Jews, even as on this last day of the year he pleads with us, and waits to be g...
Keep ReadingSunday, December 30, 2018 "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof." Today's Devotional Reading Ecclesiastes 7:8 Look at David's Lord and Master; see his beginning. He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Would you see the end? He sits at his Father's right hand, expecting until his enemies be made his footstool....
Keep ReadingSaturday, December 29, 2018 "What think ye of Christ?" Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 22:42 The great test of your soul's health is, What think you of Christ? Is he to you "fairer than the children of men" - "the chief among ten thousand" - the "altogether lovely"? Wherever Christ is thus esteemed, all the faculties of the spiritual man exercise themselves with ene...
Keep ReadingFriday, December 28, 2018 "The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God." Today's Devotional Reading Galatians 2:20 When the Lord in mercy passed by and saw us in our blood, he first of all said, "Live;" and this he did first, because life is one of the absolutely essential things in spiritual matters, and until it be bestowed we are in...
Keep ReadingThursday, December 27, 2018 "And the Lord shall guide thee continually." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 58:11 "The Lord shall guide thee." Not an angel, but Jehovah shall guide thee. He said he would not go through the wilderness before his people, an angel should go before them to lead them in the way; but Moses said, "If thy presence go not with me, carry us not u...
Keep ReadingWednesday, December 26, 2018 "Lo, I am with you always." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 28:20 The Lord Jesus is in the midst of his church; he walketh among the golden candlesticks; his promise is, "Lo, I am with you always." He is as surely with us now as he was with the disciples at the lake, when they saw coals of fire, and fish laid thereon and bread. Not carna...
Keep ReadingFriday, November 30, 2018 Blessed by God Opening Prayer: Grant, O Infinite God, that I may ever cling fast to Jesus Christ, my Lord. Let His heart reveal to me how You are disposed toward me. I shall look upon His heart when I desire to know who You are. The eye of my mind is blinded whenever it looks only at Your Infinity, in which You are totally present in each and ev...
Keep ReadingThursday, November 29, 2018 Your Story with God Opening Prayer: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. (Psalm 107:1-3, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 107:1-43 Journ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, November 28, 2018 Trinity Opening Prayer: Most holy and adorable Trinity, one God in three Persons, I believe that you are here present; I adore you with the deepest humility, and render to you, with my whole heart, the homage which is due to your sovereign majesty. O my God, I most humbly thank you for all the favors you have bestowed upon me to the present m...
Keep ReadingTuesday, November 27, 2018 Transformed Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, change me - from the inside out. Make me a new person, a new creation. Help me to leave to life of the flesh behind that I might become more and more the beautiful creation you dreamt of in the beginning. Amen. Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19 Journal: How has God been transforming your life recently? In the ...
Keep ReadingMonday, November 26, 2018 Deny Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me always to choose you, instead of me. Help me to start today. Amen. Scripture: Luke 22:24-34 Journal: What is your response to the scriptures today? Where and how is God asking you to deny yourself? In what ways might you be denying him? Reflection: Notice how Christ uses the word deny twice. He said to...
Keep ReadingSunday, November 25, 2018 Word Opening Prayer: How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalm 119:103) Scripture: Proverbs 4:20-22 Journal: Where and how has God's word been sweet and life-giving to you lately? What is he saying to you today? Reflection: All his words contain supernatural mysteries and are full of heavenly sweetness, if o...
Keep ReadingSaturday, November 24, 2018 Detachment Opening Prayer: To you alone, O Lord, do I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. (Psalm 25:1-2) Scripture: Psalm 62:1-8 Journal: What are you demanding from friends or family that only God is able to give? What would it look like if you let go of that demand and trusted God to be the one to fully meet that need for you? How w...
Keep ReadingFriday, November 23, 2018 Continuing On Opening Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to always live life by the power of your Spirit, not by the works of my flesh. Amen. Scripture: Galatians 3:1-3 Journal: How are you "continuing on" in the life of the Spirit these days? Where and how are you tempted to revert back to the ways of the "flesh?" Reflection: I hardly know a more sole...
Keep ReadingThankgiving Day - November 22, 2018 Overflow Opening Prayer: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 23:5 Journal: What is your cup doing these days? What is the state of your soul? How, and to where, is the Good Shepherd trying to lead ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, November 21, 2018 Spiritual Disciplines Opening Prayer: Help us, O Lord, to constantly make time and space for you. For if we will make the time and the space, you will be faithful to show up in it. Thanks for that. Amen. Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8 Journal: What things bring your spiritual to life on a regular basis? How, where, and when will you make those ...
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