Daily Devotion: Jesus Answered by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Matthew 11:25 KJV

Key Verse:  "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
- Matthew 11:25 KJV

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 see 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 said, I thank You, O Father." When a man answers, he answers a person who has been speaking to him. Who, then, had spoken to Christ? His Father! Yet there is no record of it; and this should teach us that Jesus had constant fellowship with His Father, and that God spoke into His heart so often, so continually, that it was not a circumstance singular enough to be recorded. It was the habit and life of Jesus to talk with His Father.

Daily Devotion: Kabbalah by J.E. Smith

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Bible Reading: Acts 7:42-48 KJV

Key Verse:  "Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them..."
- Acts 7:43 KJV

Practitioners of the occult within Judaism codified their beliefs in a sub-religion that became known as Kabbalah. On the surface Kabbalism appears to be Judaism in reality which is the exact opposite of Judaism. The Kabbalah offers an occult counter explanation to the revelations of the Jewish prophets and the history of the Israelites. The Kabbalah depicts Moses as an occult figure whose purpose was to initiate the Israelites back into the more enlightened and advanced teachings of Egypt. Teachings of all secret societies flow through the Kabbalah.¹

Daily Devotion: Spiritual Hunger by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Psalm 107:1-9 KJV

Key Verse: "For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."
- Psalm 107:9 KJV

We find the living family of God sometimes set forth under the character of the 'hungry'. Let us see what they are hungering after. Is it pleasure, honor, promotion, respectability? O no; these toys and baubles cannot satisfy the spiritual hunger of a living soul. They cannot hunger after that on which they cannot feed. They hunger then after righteousness, as the Lord said--"Blessed are you who hunger and thirst after righteousness." They hunger after God himself in his blessed manifestations; they hunger after the bread of life which came down from heaven, that a man should eat thereof and not die.

Daily Devotion: Christ Enjoins The Forgiveness Of Enemies by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:40-48 KJV

Key Verse:  "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"
- Matthew 5:43 KJV

It is written in Lev. 19, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The Pharisees for many ages past had given a very imperfect explanation of this law. They had not explained the term "neighbor" aright. They had declared that it applied to those who loved us, and did not include those who hated us. But this was not true. Every human being is, in one sense, our neighbor. We are therefore commanded to love all. God had never said, "You shall hate your enemy;" for, though he had desired the Jews to form no friendships with heathen nations, he had never commanded them to hate or injure them from feelings of revenge. It was man who had added, "You shall hate your enemy." How easy it was to obey such a law! By nature we love our friends, and hate our enemies. As Christ said, "Even the publicans love those who love them." The publicans were people of very bad character, who generally defrauded in collecting the taxes, and who were therefore much despised—yet even they behaved with kindness and respect to their particular friends. The Pharisees had no reason to be proud of such righteousness as this.

Daily Devotion: Solomon's Heart by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 11:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father."
- 1 Kings 11:4 KJV

The Arabs have a tradition that for a long time a little worm was gnawing in the staff on which Solomon leaned, until at last the staff broke and the great king fell. It was at the king's heart—that the worm was really gnawing.

Daily Devotion: The Power Of Prayer by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 14:13 KJV

Key Verse:  "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
- John 14:13 KJV

Blessed Jesus! it is You who has unlocked to Your people the gates of prayer. Without You, they must have been shut forever. It was Your atoning merit on earth that first opened them; it is Your intercessory work in Heaven that keeps them open still.

Daily Devotion: Saints Unknown, Stars Unseen by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Psalm 149:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints."
- Psalm 149:1 KJV

As there are stars in the sparkling skies of heaven of different magnitudes and glory—so there are saints of different stations in the church of God. Some like stars of the first magnitude, point out the way to bliss; while others, like stars of a second, third, and fourth magnitude, sparkle with an upright walk, and heavenly conversation, and condemn a wicked world. All these glorify God, as it were, in an active manner.

Daily Devotion: Christ Our Sanctification by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

Key Verse:  "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

The cross of Jesus Christ is a demonstration of the infinite wisdom of God. Every philosophy of life is proven by what it ultimately produces in a person’s life.  God’s wisdom produces perfect righteousness. God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21).

Daily Devotion: Jesus In The Book Of Leviticus by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Leviticus 1:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord."
- Leviticus 1:3 KJV

The Book of Leviticus, while primarily focused on the laws and rituals of the Israelites, does contain many foreshadows of Jesus Christ and His ultimate sacrifice. This devotional explores how the burnt offering described in Leviticus chapter 1 points to the perfect and eternal sacrifice of Jesus.

Daily Devotion: How To See The Kingdom of God by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: John 3:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "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

Regeneration is a work standing alone and distinct from all the other operations of the Divine Spirit. It is to be carefully distinguished from conversion, adoption, justification, and sanctification; and yet must be regarded as forming the basis and the spring-head of them all. For instance, there can be no conversion without a principle of life in the soul; for conversion is the exercise of a spiritual power implanted in man.

Daily Devotion: The Father Sent The Son by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: 1 John 4:14-21 KJV

Key Verse:  "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."
- 1 John 4:14 KJV

It is a sweet thought that Jesus Christ did not come forth without His Father's permission, authority, consent, and assistance. He was sent by the Father—that He might be the Savior of men. We are too apt to forget that, while there are distinctions as to the persons in the Trinity, there are no distinctions of honor. We too frequently ascribe the honor of our salvation, or at least the depths of its benevolence, more to Jesus Christ—than we do the Father. This is a very great mistake. What if Jesus came? Did not His Father send Him? If He spoke wondrously, did not His Father pour grace into His lips, that He might be an able minister of the new covenant?

Daily Devotion: Living Faith by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no."
- Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV

When you look back upon the way the Lord has led you these many years in the wilderness, can you not see how circumstance after circumstance, and event after event arose, to prove what was in you; whether godly fear, whether simplicity and sincerity, whether a desire to fear God, whether a dread to offend him, whether the life and power of vital godliness, or whether little else than an empty profession without the life-giving power of God in the soul?

Daily Devotion: Christ Forbids Revenge by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:38-45 KJV

Key Verse:  "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
- Matthew 5:39 KJV

These directions have excited a great deal of surprise. It seems to proud man impossible that God should expect him to bear injuries without complaint, or desire of revenge. Let us inquire in what manner these directions are to be understood. The words, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," are the words of God, and Jesus did not contradict his Father's words, which were his own also, but he explained them. The Pharisees had misunderstood them, and represented them falsely to the people. Those words, "eye for eye," were a direction given to the civil authorities. See Ex. 21. It was to be their rule of punishment. If a man put out another man's eye, the civil authority might not take away his life on that account, but might assign a punishment equal to the injury he had inflicted. But this command was never intended to encourage revenge. The judge executes justice for the public good, and men may bring others to justice on the same account; but they may not practice private revenge from feelings of hatred and anger.

Daily Devotion: Drink The Cup That I Drink Of by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Matthew 20:16-23 KJV

Key Verse:  "But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able."
- Matthew 20:22 KJV

It was an ignorant prayer which the two brothers had offered. They did not know what they were asking for. We know that one dark day two malefactors had the places on the Lord's right and left hand. We all ask many a time for things which we would not dare to seek—if we knew what they would cost.

Daily Devotion: The Comforting Assurance by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:27-34 KJV

Key Verse:  "(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."
- Matthew 6:32 KJV

Though spoken originally by Jesus regarding temporal things, this may be taken as a motto for the child of God amid all the changing vicissitudes of his changing history. How it should lull all misgivings; silence all murmurings; lead to lowly, unquestioning submissiveness, "My Heavenly Father knows that I have need of all these things!"

Daily Devotion: Fruit Of The Spirit by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:18-26 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law."
- Galatians 5:18 KJV

In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul outlines the fruit of the Spirit, which are the attributes that should manifest themselves in the lives of believers. The passage states, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22 KJV). These attributes are not mere personality traits but are the natural outcome of a life surrendered to the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit.

Daily Devotion: The Necessity Of Afflictions by James Meikle

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:11-18 KJV

Key Verse:  "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;"
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV

I complain without a cause, seeing it is good for me to be afflicted. Whatever be food to the soul, surely affliction is a good medicine. There is a necessity for affliction, to preserve the health of the soul. Can a much esteemed flower think that it is unkindly dealt with, because the weeds that twisted with its roots are plucked away with force, such force that the flower seems to be pulled along? Just so am I displeased at severe afflictions, sent to root out some rampant lusts, or deep rooted earthly affections, when afflictions less severe would prove ineffectual for such a noble end. Corruption is never totally removed—it is only subdued in part. The more I am afflicted—the more it is subdued.

Daily Devotion: Christ our Sacrifice by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Hebrews 9:21-28 KJV

Key Verse:  "For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."
- Hebrews 9:26 KJV

The Old Testament is full of sacrifices in which an innocent animal was killed. These were substitutionary sacrifices meaning that the death of the animal was in the place of someone else. Why was there such an emphasis in the Jewish writings? The holiness of God reveals that everyone who has ever lived has sinned. We have all failed to live up to God’s expectation of us. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We have failed the test of God for a righteous person.

Daily Devotion: Without Me You Can Do Nothing by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: John 15:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
- John 15:5 KJV

Oh, that the Church of Christ, and each individual member, would but realize this truth; that simpler, closer, more experimental views of Jesus would essentially strengthen the tone of inward spirituality and comfort! The great secret of all comfort in seasons of affliction is to take the affliction, as it comes, simply to Christ; and the great secret of all holiness is to take the corruption, as it rises, simply to Christ.

Daily Devotion: Your Refuge From The Avenger Of Blood by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Joshua 20:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood."
- Joshua 20:3 KJV

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. Just 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 simple renunciation of our own merit—and a laying hold of Jesus, to be our all in all.

Daily Devotion: Dead In Sin by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Colossians 2:13-20 KJV

Key Verse:  "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;"
- Colossians 2:13 KJV

Christ's resurrection was the sure pledge and meritorious cause of the Church's regeneration. The whole body of the elect was "quickened together with Christ," as well as raised up together with him; that is, mystically quickened, as they were mystically raised, quickened in a mystical regeneration of soul, as well as raised up in a mystical regeneration of body. How wonderful is this, that every soul quickened into divine life in time is so because mystically quickened as a member of Christ when he was raised from the dead.

Daily Devotion: Christ Forbids Irreverent Swearing by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:33-37 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
- Matthew 5:37 KJV

The Lord Jesus observes the expressions we use in our common conversation; he notices every reproachful word we utter to each other; he notices also every irreverent word we speak of God. He heard with displeasure the Jews of old calling their brethren raca and fool, and swearing by heaven, by the earth, by Jerusalem, and by their own heads. Let us never forget that he still listens to our words, and is displeased with every profane expression, such as, "God bless us," "The Lord knows," "Upon my soul." Ungodly people are so much in the habit of uttering these exclamations, that they scarcely know when they use them. But they could not have acquired the habit, if they had felt reverence for the majesty of the Almighty God. But when men became sinners, they began to despise Him. If they were to hear his dreadful voice, they would be filled, as Adam was, with fear; but when they do not see him, they feel no dread, and care not how they insult his name. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you use His name in vain."

Daily Devotion: Who Will Be in Hell by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
- Revelation 21:8 KJV

The Bible is very explicit in describing who will spend eternity in hell. Our Key Verse above lists several categories of people who will be consigned to hell. These include the fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars. Each of these categories represents individuals who have not embraced faith in Christ and have lived in rebellion against God's commands.

Daily Devotion: Obedience Proved Abram's Faith by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Genesis 12:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran."
- Genesis 12:4 KJV

That was faith. Obedience proved it. Abram did not know where he was going; he had simply the call of God and a promise. But he asked no questions. He did not insist on knowing how his journey would come out, how profitable it would be, just what he would get in exchange for the land he was leaving and the sacrifice he was making. Quietly, without question or hesitation, he arose, cut the ties that bound him to his old home, and departed.

Daily Devotion: The Gracious Invitation by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Matthew 11:23-30 KJV

Key Verse:  "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
- Matthew 11:28 KJV

Gracious "word" of a gracious Savior, on which the soul may confidingly repose, and be at peace forever! It is a present rest — the rest of grace as well as the rest of glory. Not only are there signals of peace hung out from the walls of Heaven — the lights of Home glimmering in the distance to cheer our footsteps; but we have the "shadow" of this "great Rock!" in a present "weary land." Before the Throne above is there "the sea of glass," without one rippling wave; but there is a haven even on earth for the tempest-tossed, "We who have believed DO enter into rest."

Daily Devotion: Mercy Going Before God by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Hebrews 9:21-28 KJV

Key Verse:  "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
- Hebrews 9:27 KJV

God and I must meet; there is a day appointed for it; and surely the thoughts thereof would be like death, and worse, were I not assured that mercy goes before him. Why, then, should I be afraid to meet with God, since mercy goes before his face? Mercy means no ill—will do no harm—displays the flag of peace—proclaims the manifesto, that "mercy shall be built up forever." But how shall I know that mercy goes before his face! Because truth goes hand in hand with mercy; and the veracity of truth forbids me to doubt the certainty of mercy.

Daily Devotion: Christ Our Righteousness by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-21 KJV

Key Verse:  "In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness."
- Jeremiah 33:16 KJV

Christ Our Righteousness. One of the great majestic names of the LORD God is “The LORD Our Righteousness” (Jer. 33:16). Jesus Christ is our righteousness (1Corinthians 1:30).  We do not and cannot attain a right relationship with God in our own righteousness because our self-righteousness is as filthy rags.  We are guilty sinners in the need of a perfect righteousness (Rom. 3:23; Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:20-23).

Daily Devotion: Jesus Bore Our Sins by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-25 KJV

Key Verse:  "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
- 1 Peter 2:24 KJV

Blessed announcement! Not the less hateful, nor hated, is the sin because it is forgiven and entirely blotted out. Oh no! Let the Lord touch your heart, Christian reader, with a sense of His pardoning love, with the assurance of His forgiveness, and you will go and hate, and mortify, and forsake it, more resolutely and effectually than ever. And must the Son of God become the Son of man, that those who are by nature children of wrath, might become the sons of God!

Daily Devotion: We Are Debtors by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Romans 8:8-15 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh."
- Romans 8:12 KJV

As God's creatures, we are all debtors to Him—to obey Him with all our body, and soul, and strength. Having broken His commandments, as we all have, we are debtors to His justice, and we owe to Him a vast amount which we are not able to pay. But of the Christian it can be said—that he does not owe God's justice anything, for Christ has paid the debt His people owed; for this reason the believer owes the more, to love. I am a debtor to God's grace and forgiving mercy; but I am no debtor to His justice, for He will never accuse me of a debt already paid! Christ said, "It is finished!" and by that He meant, that whatever sin-debt His people owed—was wiped away forever from the book of remembrance. Christ, to the uttermost, has satisfied divine justice; the account is settled; the handwriting is nailed to the cross; the receipt is given, and we are debtors to God's justice no longer.

Daily Devotion: You Are More Than A Body by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Luke 12:22-29 KJV

Key Verse:  "The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment."
- Luke 12:23 KJV

In a world that often promotes the idea that human life is nothing more than a random accident, it can be easy to feel insignificant and without purpose. However, the Bible paints a very different picture of our existence, revealing that we are not a meaningless accident but a beloved creation of a purposeful and loving God.

Daily Devotion: Love Not The World by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: 1 John 2:15-22 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
- 1 John 2:15 KJV

This is a very wide sentence. It stretches forth a hand of vast grasp. It places us, as it were, upon a high mountain, such as the Lord stood upon when tempted of Satan, and it says to us, "Look around you--now there is not one of these things which you must love." It takes us, again, to the streets of a crowded city; it shows us shop windows filled with objects of beauty and ornament; it points us to all the wealth and grandeur of the rich and noble, and everything that the human heart admires and loves. And having thus set before us, as Satan did before our Lord upon the high mountain, the kingdoms of the world, it says, not as he did, "All this will I give you," but, "All this I take from you. None of these things are for you. You must not love one of these glittering baubles; you must not touch one of them, or scarcely look at them, lest, as with Achan, the golden wedge and the Babylonish garment should tempt you to take them and hide them in your tent."

Daily Devotion: Christ Explains The Spiritual Nature Of The Law by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:17-32 KJV

Key Verse:  "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
- Matthew 5:17 KJV

It is a very common idea, that Christ came to set aside the law; but it is a mistaken one. He said himself, "I came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill." He knew that man had broken it; and he came to fulfill it in his stead, and to bear the punishment due to man for breaking it. But he came to do still more; he came to take out of man's heart, his hatred of God's law. Forever since the fall, men have hated that law. As it is written, "The carnal mind is enmity against God—for it is not subject to the law of God—neither indeed can be." (Rom. 8:7.) The Pharisees professed to keep the law—but in their hearts they hated it.

Daily Devotion: They Know His Voice by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: John 10:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
- John 10:4 KJV

It is true of sheep in the East, that while they quickly respond to their names when their own shepherd calls them, because they know his voice—yet if a stranger comes to the door of the fold and calls them by the same names, they will be alarmed and will turn and run. It ought to be so with Christ's sheep. They should be quick to hear and know their own Shepherd's voice whenever he calls. They should never be afraid when they recognize his call, though it be in the darkness of sorrow or of trial. But they should also be quick to detect any voice that is not their own Shepherd's.

Daily Devotion: The Vision And Fruition Of God by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."
- Revelation 21:5 KJV

Glorious consummation! All the other glories of Heaven are but dim emanations from this all excelling glory. Here is the focus and center to which every ray of light converges. God is "all in all."

Daily Devotion: Death A Blessing To Godly Men by James Meikle

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
- 2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV

Why so much complaint of death? It is true, death is the fruit of sin, for by sin, death came into the world. But it is also true, that death is the finisher of sin to the godly—for by death sin shall be cast out forever. Sin, conveyed to us in our conception, is so interwoven with the human frame, that the tie must be dissolved between the soul and body, before a full and final separation can take place between the soul and sin. Who then, would fear the furnace, which is only to consume the dross, that the gold may come forth without alloy? What candidate for heaven would be averse to lay down mortality—in order to take up immortality; to put off this corruptible body—in order to put on incorruption? to have his body sown in dishonor—in order to be raised in honor and glory; and to have the soul dislodged from his body—that sin might be dislodged from his soul?

Daily Devotion: Christ Our Refuge by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: John 3:11-18 KJV

Key Verse:  "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
- John 3:18 KJV

The Bible is very clear in its declaration that individuals who are not “in Christ” are lost and under condemnation. If you are not “in Christ Jesus” you have not escaped the condemnation and the wrath of God.

Daily Devotion: Paul Harvey's If I were The Devil by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
- 1 Peter 5:8 KJV

Paul Harvey Aurandt (September 4, 1918 – February 28, 2009), better known as Paul Harvey, was a conservative American radio broadcaster for the ABC Radio Networks. He broadcast News and Comments on weekday mornings and mid-days, and at noon on Saturdays, as well as his famous The Rest of the Story segments.

Daily Devotion: A Rest To The People Of God by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4:1-9 KJV

Key Verse:  "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
- Hebrews 4:9 KJV

Not yet come to the heavenly rest, we still are approaching it, and, oh ecstatic thought! we shall reach it at last. Everything in our present course reminds us that we are nearing home, as the seaweed washed from the rocks, and as the land-birds venturing from their bowers and floating by the vessel, are indices to the voyager that he is nearing his port. 

Daily Devotion: These Are Ancient Things by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 4:22-29 KJV

Key Verse:  "And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. And these are ancient things."
- 1 Chronicles 4:22 KJV

Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight of our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, counting them over as misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which He elected us unto eternal life, before ever the earth was, is a matter of vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of man. We were chosen from before the foundations of the world. Everlasting love went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of divine will by which we were set apart—but the divine affections were concerned. The Father loved us—in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily contemplation! The eternal purpose to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to glorify us—was of infinite antiquity, and runs side by side with immutable love and absolute sovereignty.

Daily Devotion: Jesus Has Delivered My Soul From Death by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Psalm 56:6-13 KJV

Key Verse:  "For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?"
- Psalm 56:13 KJV

You may have been delivered from death, as much as David was, but not so fully in the assurance of the deliverance. God may have quickened your soul into life divine; he may have communicated his grace to your heart, and yet you have many doubts and fears whether it be a real work of grace upon your soul. It is not every child of God who has been delivered from death by regenerating grace, who can use the words with the confidence expressed here--"You have delivered my soul from death." 

Daily Devotion: Christ Prepares His Disciples For Persecution by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:11-18 KJV

Key Verse:  "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
- Matthew 5:11 KJV

The sermon which the Lord Jesus preached on the Mount astonished those that heard it. Who would have thought that the persecuted could rejoice? Yet Jesus said, "Blessed are you when men shall revile you." There are a great many different kinds of persecution; but only one of them is mentioned in this place. It is a kind that some might not think very difficult to bear—the persecution of the tongue. "Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake." But those who have endured this kind of persecution, know that it is very painful to the natural feelings. Yet all who follow Jesus must suffer it; for "...if they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?" (Matthew 10:25.)

Daily Devotion: I Long To See You by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Romans 1:7-14 KJV

Key Verse:  "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"
- Romans 1:11 KJV

We ought always to desire to be a blessing to those we love. God sends many of his best spiritual gifts, through human hearts and hands. There could be no fitter morning prayer, as we go out for the day, than that we may be permitted to carry some help, comfort, instruction, inspiration, courage, or cheer—to every life that our life touches. There are always those who need such help. No aim in life is nobler—than to be a help to others in all gentle, quiet ways.

Daily Devotion: A Crown Of Life by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
- 1 Peter 5:4 KJV

What! is the beggar to be "raised from the ash-heap, set among Princes, and made to inherit a throne of glory?" Is dust and ashes, a puny rebel, a guilty traitor — to be pitied, pardoned, loved, exalted from the depths of despair, raised to the heights of Heaven — gifted with kingly honor — royally fed — royally clothed — royally attended — and, at last, royally crowned? O my soul, look forward with joyous emotion to that day of wonders, when He whose head shall be crowned with many crowns, shall be the dispenser of royal diadems to His people; and when they shall begin the joyful ascription of all eternity, "Unto Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us Kings — to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Daily Devotion: The Most Transformative Word In The Bible by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 10:4-11 KJV

Key Verse:  "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
- Romans 10:9 KJV

Believe is the one word in the Bible that is transformative in that it bridges the gap between human limitations and divine power, leading to salvation, healing, and repairing a damaged relationship with God. As believers, we are called to embrace this transformative word, allowing it to shape our lives and bring about the miraculous works of God.

Daily Devotion: The Unconcerned Spectators by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Romans 9:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart."
- Romans 9:2 KJV

Sorrow is the continual attendant on human life. Every day, to some poor sufferer, is darkened with distress, and yet the spectators are frequently no more concerned, than if the patient were only to set out from the city to his country home. Were a king coming to sit in judgment on a beloved friend of ours, and to examine strictly his actions—with life and death hanging in the balance—could we shake ourselves free from a thousand agitating thoughts? dislodge our bosoms of anxious fears, and many a fervent wish? Now, when a person is pining on a sick-bed, or expiring on a death-bed, the King of kings seems to mount his judgment-throne, and order the spectators into his solemn presence, where the examination will be strict, and the trial issue in eternal life, or eternal death.

Daily Devotion: Christ Our Redemption by Wil Pounds

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

In the wisdom of God, the plan of salvation was fully accomplished by the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.   Such wisdom is hidden from the wise and learned of the world, but it revealed to the humble believer of Christ.

Daily Devotion: Jesus Went About Doing Good by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Acts 10:36-43 KJV

Key Verse:  "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."
- Acts 10:38 KJV

Earnestly would I endeavor to impress upon the reader what Henry Martyn beautifully terms "the pleasure of doing good." Next to direct communion with God, the loftiest and purest source of enjoyment opened to us on earth is found in the expression of human sympathy, in the exercise of Christian benevolence. No selfish pleasure ever brought to the heart the peace, the joy, the happiness which one solitary act of kindness to another did.

Daily Devotion: Without The Shedding Of Blood by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Hebrews 9:21-28 KJV

Key Verse:  "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 9:22"
- Hebrews 9:22 KJV

This is the voice of unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies, were sins, even typically, removed without blood-shedding. In no case, by no means—can sin be pardoned without atonement. It is clear, then, that there is no hope for me, outside of Christ; for there is no other blood-shedding which is worth a thought—as an atonement for sin. Am I, then, believing in Him? Is the blood of His atonement truly applied to my soul? All men are on a level—as to their need of Him. If we are ever so moral, generous, amiable, or patriotic—the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing less potent—than the blood of Him whom God has set forth as an atoning sacrifice.

Daily Devotion: Let Him Hear by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Revelation 2:22-29 KJV

Key Verse:  "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
- Revelation 2:29 KJV

These words extend the message beyond the church to which they were spoken, and address themselves to every one to whom the word comes, and to whom an ear is given to hear and receive it. Thus each message sent to the churches becomes a message sent personally to us.

Daily Devotion: The Beatitudes by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-10 KJV

Key Verse:  "And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:"
- Matthew 5:1 KJV

The blessed Savior had been just engaged in healing the bodies of men, when he ascended the mountain to preach words that might save their souls. He opened his mouth to speak with a loud voice to the vast multitude. What heavenly words proceeded from those gracious lips! He began with pronouncing blessings; for he came to bless and to save. These eight blessings are called the beatitudes. They are very instructive, because they teach us whom Christ counts happy or blessed.