Daily Devotion: From The Fullness Of His Grace by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: John 1:11-18 KJV

Key Verse:  "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."
- John 1:16 KJV

These words tell us that there is a fullness in Christ. There is a fullness of essential Deity, for "in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead." There is a fullness of perfect manhood, for in Him, bodily, that Godhead was revealed. There is a fullness of atoning efficacy in His blood, for "the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin." There is a fullness of justifying righteousness in His life, for "there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." There is a fullness of divine prevalence in His plea, for "He is able to save to the uttermost, all who come unto God by Him; seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them." There is a fullness of victory in His death, for through death He destroyed him who had the power of death, that is the devil. There is a fullness of efficacy in His resurrection from the dead, for by it "we are begotten again unto a lively hope." There is a fullness of triumph in His ascension, for "when He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and received gifts for men."

Daily Devotion: I will bear the indignation of the Lord by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Micah 7:8-15 KJV 

Key Verse:  "I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness."
- Micah 7:9 KJV

It is a view of our sins against God that enables us to bear the indignation of the Lord against us and them. As long as we are left to a spirit of pride and self-righteousness, we murmur at the Lord's dealings when his hand lies heavy upon us. But let us only truly feel what we rightly deserve—that will silence at once all murmuring. You may murmur and rebel sometimes at your hard lot in providence; but if you feel what you deserve, it will make you water with tears of repentance the hardest cross. So in grace, if you feel the weight of your sins, and mourn and sigh because you have sinned against God, you can lift up your hands sometimes with holy wonder at God's patient mercy that he has borne with you so long; that he has not smitten you to the earth, or sent your guilty soul to hell.

Daily Devotion: The Cure Of The Leper And Of Multitudes by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 4:23-25, Mark 1:40-45 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean."
- Mark 1:40 KJV

How full of labors of love was our Savior's life below! His principal object was to preach the Gospel, but he confirmed his word by various miraculous cures. These bodily cures represented the spiritual blessings he came to bestow. As he healed all manner of diseases without any exception, so he could forgive all manner of sins; for his blood cleanses from all sin. No disease was too bad for him to cure, no devil too strong for him to cast out; neither was any sin, if repented of, too great for him to forgive. He declared, "All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men."

Daily Devotion: Why Are You In This Condition by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Galatians 6:5-12 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
- Galatians 6:7 KJV

The 2003 low-budget Christian video "Flywheel" chronicled the life of a dishonest used-car salesman and his journey to eventually turning to Jesus. The quality of the movie was a bit rough since it was produced, filmed and acted by amateurs from a local church in Albany, GA. However, it delivered a line that has stuck with our family over the decades: You are in the shape you are in today because of the choices you've made. You can see this line delivered in the movie trailer linked above.

Daily Devotion: God Loves Us During Suffering by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Job 2:3-10 KJV

Key Verse:  "But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips."
- Job 2:10 KJV

So often weak faith is moved from its steadfastness, by trials. People say, "God cannot love me—or he would not send this affliction upon me!" Job's answer, however, shows nobler faith. We take good, earthly good, from God's hands. We believe that God loves us—so long as he showers upon us favors, and gives us pleasant things, joys and prosperities. Very well. But when he changes the form of his providence, and gives us troubles instead of favors, should we conclude that he no longer loves us?

Daily Devotion: Strength In The Weak by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Matthew 12:18-25 KJV

Key Verse:  "A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory."
- Matthew 12:20 KJV

Will Jesus accept such a heart as mine? — this erring, treacherous, vile heart? The PAST — how many forgotten vows — broken covenants — prayerless days! How often have I made new resolutions, and as often has the reed succumbed to the first blast of temptation!

Daily Devotion: Affliction The Lot Of Saints Below by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Psalm 34:15-22 KJV

Key Verse:  "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
- Psalm 34:19 KJV

While I am mortal, I must taste of the waters of Mara; drink of the cup of adversity; and swim the tempestuous ocean. It is the perfection of angels, that they could never experience the pain of mental disquiet, or the pangs of anguish. And it is the happiness of departed saints, to obtain joy for mourning, a crown for crosses; and to forget their misery, if not wholly, yet to remember it as waters, once swelled to a dreadful flood—but which now have forever flown away. It is, then the misery of the sons of men, only while here, to be, as it were, a mark set up for the arrows of tribulation, and to be engaged in constant war, and in perpetual broils. But it is the privileges of the Christian soldier to wear the shield of faith, with which he shall be able to quench the fiery darts of Satan, and to ward off the sling-stones of tribulation which pelt him from every quarter. How, then, may I triumph under all my afflictions? Consider,

Daily Devotion: The Call of God to Salvation by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
- 1 Timothy 2:4 KJV

To those who are called of God, the good news in Jesus Christ is the power of God. If you are called of God, you know it.  It is a matter of pure experience between you and the risen Christ.  The true believer can declare, “Now I know in whom I have believed.”

Daily Devotion: Giving Thanks Unto The Father by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Colossians. 1:9-16 KJV

Key Verse:  "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"
- Colossians. 1:12 KJV

The glorified saints are "the saints in light." No more veilings of the Father's countenance- no more "walking in darkness, having no light,"- no more mourning over Divine desertions, the suspensions of the Father's experienced love- no more tears to dim the eye- no more clouds of unbelief to darken the mind- no more mental despondency to enshroud the spirit; they leave the gloom, and the mist, and the fog, and the darkness of ignorance, error, and pollution behind them, and they flee to the regions of light, to "the inheritance of the saints" of which "the Lamb is the light thereof."

Daily Devotion: Wondering At The Great Marvels Of Our God by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds."
- Luke 2:18 KJV

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 utter its voice with bowed head in humble prayer—yet it silently adores. Our incarnate God is to be worshiped as "the Wonderful."

Daily Devotion: What God Hates by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Proverbs 6:16-23 KJV

Key Verse:  "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:"
- Proverbs 6:16 KJV

The Bible teaches us that God is love (1 John 4:16 ), but it also teaches us that there are things that God hates. The Bible provides a clear picture of what God hates, and understanding these things can help us live a life that is pleasing to Him. In this devotional, we will explore the Holy Scriptures that help us understand what God hates and why. 

Daily Devotion: The Son of God Who Loved Me by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Galatians 2:14-21 KJV

Key Verse:  "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
- Galatians 2:20 KJV

Many of the saints of God may not be so highly favored as to take up into their lips Paul's language of strong, personal assurance. They may hope, and at times may rise beyond a hope, into a sweet confidence, by the shining in of the Sun of righteousness, that the Son of God has loved them, and given himself for them. But the strength of Paul's persuasion and the full expression of his confidence so far outstrip both their assurance and their language, that many real saints of God confess they come short both in heart and tongue. Yet their coming short of this blessed certainty as an enjoyed reality in the heart, and as a declared confidence by the mouth—for conscience and tongue must move together where God works—does not affect the fact.

Daily Devotion: The Scene At Sunset And Sunrise by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Mark 1:29-39 KJV

Key Verse:  "And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils."
- Mark 1:32 KJV

It is our privilege to possess an account of the chief events of one whole day that our Savior passed upon earth. It was a Sabbath-day. In what labors of love was that Sabbath spent! In the morning Jesus was at the synagogue, where he cast out a devil. After the service he returned to Simon Peter's house, which was in the city of Capernaum. There he healed Peter's wife's mother of a fever. How much tenderness there was in the manner in which the miracle was performed—"He took her by the hand and lifted her up." At his touch the fever fled, and strength returned. After a fever, a person is always exceedingly weak; but this woman arose, and waited upon her deliverer. How gladly must she have waited on him by whom she had been restored! Has Jesus done nothing for us? Has he never healed us when we were sick? Are we anxious to serve him?

Daily Devotion: Have You Considered My Servant Job by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Job 2:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause."
- Job 2:3 KJV

It is a noble thing, when a man stands steadfast and faithful to God in the midst of trials and adversities. Such a man is like a mighty rock under the beatings of the angry waves of the sea.

Daily Devotion: A Condition In Chastisement by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:"
- 1 Peter 1:6 KJV

Three gracious words! Not one of all my tears has been shed for nothing! Not one stroke of the rod has been unneeded — or might have been spared! Your heavenly Father loves you too much, and too tenderly, to bestow harsher correction than your case requires!

Daily Devotion: The Soul's Enlargement In Heaven by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Genesis 1:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
- Genesis 1:1 KJV

Here the soul, confined to to its clay tenement, is like a royal personage in prison, whose grand attendance is not seen, because he cannot come abroad. While this heaven-born excellency is here below, wisdom differs but a little from folly: understanding is but a few degrees removed from ignorance: and all the mental powers are feeble. But O the enlargement of the soul in heaven! This map of future glories, now folded up in flesh, shall be extended in breadth and length above. How penetrating then shall wisdom be! how active every power! how vigorous the flame of love! how enlarged the understanding! and how beautiful in the heights of glory shall the whole soul appear!

Daily Devotion: But I Don’t Have Enough Faith by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
- Romans 5:1 KJV

I often hear people say, “I am afraid I don’t know if I have enough faith.” How much faith do you need in order to be saved? The Bible does not teach that you are justified because of your faith. Faith is not works.

Daily Devotion: What Happens When You Put Your Family Before God by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 10:32-38 KJV 

Key Verse:  "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
- Matthew 10:37 KJV

We have all seen it. People will continuously miss assembling themselves together in the house of God as commanded in Hebrews 10:25 to go to family reunions, ballet recitals, music recitals, ballgames, birthdays, weddings, etc. when it involves a child, grandchild or other family members. Everyone will miss an occasional service for a significant family event, but it should never be a regular or a routine part of our lives. So let's look in the Bible to see what happens when family is put before God.

Daily Devotion: Do You Love Your Brother by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: 1 John 3:14 KJV

Key Verse:  "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death."
- 1 John 3:14 KJV

For it is a thing of whose possession the believer may be assured. He can speak of its possession with holy boldness and with humble confidence. The life of God in the soul authenticates itself. It brings with it its own evidence. Is it possible that a believer can be a subject of the quickening grace of the Holy Spirit, and not know it? Possess union with Christ, and not know it? The pardon of sin, and not know it? Communion with God, and not know it? Breathing after holiness, and not know it? Impossible! 

Daily Devotion: Your Heavenly Father by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:24-31 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
- Matthew 6:26 KJV

God's people are doubly His children, they are His offspring by creation, and they are His sons by adoption in Christ. Hence they are privileged to call Him, "Our Father in heaven." Father! Oh, what precious word is that! Here is authority: "If I am a Father—where is my honor?" If you are sons, where is your obedience?

Daily Devotion: The Words That I speak Unto You, They are Life by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: John 6:63 KJV 

Key Verse:  "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
- John 6:63 KJV

It is through the word that the soul in the first instance is cleansed. It is by the word that the soul is begotten again unto eternal life. It is, also, by the word applied to the heart that the blessed Spirit from time to time keeps alive communion with the Lord Jesus Christ. Is it not so in vital experience? Some passage of Scripture drops into the soul, some promise comes warm into the heart, and as it comes it makes way for itself. It enters the heart, breaks down the feelings, melts the soul, and draws forth living faith to flow unto and center alone in the "altogether lovely One."

Daily Devotion: Christ Casts out A Devil In The Synagogue by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Mark 1:21-28 KJV

Key Verse:  "And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him."
- Mark 1:25 KJV

Though the Lord was continually working miracles, yet the miracle here related seems to have caused unusual amazement. And it might well do so, for in it Christ's power over the devil was displayed. One of the most mysterious subjects in the Bible is the manner in which devils possessed men in former times. It is so mysterious, that some have chosen not to believe it; but if we were to believe nothing that we could not clearly understand, how little we would believe! We would not believe in our own existence, for we cannot tell how we live, or what life is; yet we know that we do live. It is very reasonable to suppose, that when Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, that wicked spirit would make great efforts to resist him. Some have thought that the people possessed with devils were in a state of insanity; but we find that the insane or lunatic are mentioned by Matthew, separately from those possessed with devils; therefore insanity is a different calamity from being possessed of devils. (Matthew 4:24.)

Daily Devotion: Bread From Heaven by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: John 6:31-38 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread."
- John 6:34 KJV

That was a good prayer. It is just the prayer for each one of us—every day! But the people who made it first, did not know what they were asking. It is often so in our praying. We have a dim, glimmering vision of something very beautiful—but it is only a shadowy vision to us. The thing we think we want, is not the thing at all that God had in mind in his promise. He meant something most worthy—but we have in our mind the thought of something material and earthly. It is well that we have an Intercessor into whose hands all our requests must pass, who will take our poor, mistaken prayers—and interpret them aright for us, giving us, not what we thought we would get—but something better, diviner!

Daily Devotion: Love In Chastisement by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Romans 8:28-35 KJV

Key Verse:  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
- Romans 8:28 KJV

My soul! be still! You are in the hands of your Covenant God! Were all the strange circumstances in your history the result of accident, or chance — you might well be overwhelmed! But "all things," and this thing (be what it may) which may be now disquieting you — is one of these "all things" that are so working mysteriously for your good. Trust your God! He will not deceive you — your interests are with Him in safe custody.

Daily Devotion: Divine Council (Part 2 of 2) by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Psalm 82:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High."
- Psalm 82:6 KJV

In the previous devotional we learned that the sons of God are divine beings under the authority of the God of Israel. You should be aware of some of the ways the clear meaning of Psalm 82 is distorted by interpreters and why it isn’t teaching polytheism.

Daily Devotion: Universal Improvement by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:14-21 KJV

Key Verse:  "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
- Ephesians 5:16 KJV

As there is not a moment of time but I must account for, so there is nothing that happens me but I should improve. Miseries I should improve—to remind me of my pedigree, that my first father has sinned. Mercies I should improve—in admiring the fountain whence, and the freeness with which they flow. Prosperity I should improve—in cheerful devotion. Adversity I should improve—in consideration. Riches I should improve—in charity. Poverty I should improve—in contentment. 

Daily Devotion: Born of God by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: John 3:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
- John 3:6 KJV

How are individuals made alive spiritually? "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3 KJV).

Daily Devotion: He Speak In Righteousness, Mighty To Save

Bible Reading: Isaiah 63:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save."
- Isaiah 63:1 KJV

Let us glance at the authoritative manner with which He executes His mighty acts of grace. Mark His deportment. Was there anything that betrayed the consciousness of an inferior, the submission of a dependant, the weakness of a mortal, or the imperfection of a sinner? Did not the God shine through the man with majestic awe, when to the leper He said, "I will, be clean;"- to the man with the withered hand, "Stretch forth your hand;"- to the blind man, "Receive your sight;"- to the dead man, "I say unto you, Arise;"- and to the tumultuous waves, "Peace, he still"? 

Daily Devotion: God's Law by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Romans 3:24-31 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."
- Romans 3:31 KJV

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 obey your heavenly Father. A servile spirit—you have nothing to do with: you are not a slave—but a child; and now, inasmuch as you are a beloved child, you are bound to obey your Father's faintest wish, the least intimation of His will. Does He bid you fulfill a sacred ordinance? It is at your peril that you neglect it, for you will be disobeying your Father! 

Daily Devotion: The Heavenly Blessings by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:24-31 KJV

Key Verse:  "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"

- 1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV

Consider what heavenly blessings there are for those who have a living union with the Son of God. Everything is provided for them, that shall be for their salvation and their sanctification—not a single blessing has God withheld that shall be for their eternal good.

Daily Devotion: The Miraculous Catch Of Fish by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: John 21:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes."
- John 21:6 KJV

As these disciples had toiled all night and had caught nothing, it is probable they were in need of food when Jesus bid them launch into the deep. Was it only to supply their temporal wants that He caused them to enclose so large a multitude of fish? No! for though he delighted in relieving their bodies, he delighted more in helping their souls. By this wonderful catch of fish, he taught them many great truths—he taught them something of the greatness of his power; he taught them something of the blessedness of obedience. Peter had said, "At your word I will let down the net." How richly was his obedience rewarded! The apostles were to become fishers of men. Who could enable them to catch men, that is, to convert souls? None but Jesus. Though ministers preach—until God pours down his Spirit, no souls are converted; yet ministers, like Peter, should be obedient, and continue patiently to let down the net of the Gospel.