Daily Devotion: Why Christ's Disciples Did Not Fast by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Luke 5:33-39 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?"
- Luke 5:33 KJV

This is a difficult passage, and it has been explained in different ways; so that we can scarcely forbear wishing that our Savior himself had given an explanation of these parables. Yet surely he would not have left them unexplained, if it were not possible by attentive consideration to unravel their meaning.

Daily Devotion: Bible Word - Redeemed by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Galatians 3:6-13 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:"
- Galatians 3:13 KJV

The word redeemed is one of the most beautiful words in the Christian faith. To redeem means to buy back, to rescue, or to pay a price to set someone free. In the Bible, it describes what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. Humanity was enslaved to sin, unable to free itself, but God paid the price for our freedom.

Daily Devotion: Take Away The Stone by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: John 11:39 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days."
- John 11:39 KJV

We find in all our Lord's life, an economy of miracle. He never put forth supernatural power, unless it was necessary. Could not Jesus have taken away the stone himself? Certainly he could. The power that could call the dead to life, could easily have lifted back the piece of rock from the door of the tomb. But there is always something left for human hands to do.

Daily Devotion: Presence And Rest by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Exodus 33:14-21 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."
- Exodus 33:14 KJV

Moses asked to be shown "the way." Here is the answer: The way is not shown; but better than this, God says, "Trust Me — I Myself will go with you!" Afflicted one! hear the voice addressing you from the cloudy pillar. It is a wilderness promise which "the God of Jeshurun" speaks to His spiritual Israel still. He who led His people of old "like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron," will manifest towards you the same Shepherd love. The way may be very different from what we could have wished; what we would have chosen. But the choice is in better hands. He had His own wise and righteous ends in every diverse turning in it.

Daily Devotion: Contradictions by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Hebrews 7:7-14 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better."
- Hebrews 7:7 KJV

I am ever guilty of some folly, some unaccountable folly. Either my faith condemns my fears, or my fears accuse my faith of folly. I may safely trust to God as my guardian and guide, in the darkness of the valley death, where I must walk alone. Why should I distrust him in the high-way of life, where thousands walk with me? Dare I commit the concerns of my soul to him, and hope for salvation in his name; yet distrust him with the cares of my present life, nor hope for its necessaries in his providence? Can I venture my soul into his hand, and think it safe through the intricate mazes of an eternal duration, yet doubt if I may depend on his promise and providence, through the few windings of a transitory life?

Daily Devotion: Everlasting Love by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee"
- Jeremiah 31:3 KJV

God is in love with you! The LORD God says to every Christian believer, “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). Those words are a great encouragement for every believer.  God’s love for you is an eternal love.  It is filled with unfailing care and mercy.  He does not say, “I will love you,” but “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” 

Daily Devotion: Pilate And Herod Were Made Friends by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Luke 23:6-13 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves."
- Luke 23:12 KJV

How striking and solemn the instruction conveyed in this incident! Pilate and Herod, standing in the attitude of the deadliest hate to each other, are now made friends! And what strange but mighty power has thus suddenly subdued their animosity, and turned their hatred into love? What mystic chain has drawn and bound together these hostile rulers?