Daily Devotion: Jesus warns against idle words by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 12:33-37 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
- Matthew 12:36 KJV

Behold an instance of the severe terms in which the meek and gentle Jesus sometimes rebuked sinners. He called the Pharisees a "generation of vipers." Thus he declared them to be the seed of the old serpent, and the children of Satan. They had accused him of casting out devils through the power of Satan, while they themselves belonged to the family of the wicked one. It is to be expected that the children of the devil should utter blasphemies, even as a bad tree brings forth bad fruit.

Daily Devotion: Delight Yourself In The Lord by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Psalms 37:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
- Psalms 37:4 KJV

When we think of delight, we often imagine moments of happiness — a warm sunrise, the laughter of loved ones, or a quiet victory after a long struggle. But in Psalm 37:4, David invites us to a deeper, richer joy, a delight in the Lord Himself. To delight in the Lord means to find our deepest pleasure, satisfaction, and fulfillment in who God is not merely in what He gives. It is a relationship built on love, trust, and nearness. The more we know Him, the more our hearts align with His will, and the more our desires begin to reflect His own.

Daily Devotion: Christ Understands Our Pain by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:4 KJV

Key Verse:  "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted."
- Isaiah 53:4 KJV

Whatever the cause of grief may be, there is rich comfort in the remembrance of the sorrows of Christ. It assures us that Christ understands our pain. In the garden he went a stone's cast farther than any of his disciples went. The picture is a parable to us. It is always so. Wherever you bow in the deep shadows of grief, you have but to lift up your eyes, and you will see Jesus in still deeper shadows—a stone's cast beyond you. His sorrow was sorer than yours.

Daily Devotion: The Abiding Presence by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Matthew 28:20 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
- Matthew 28:20 KJV

Such were "the words of Jesus" when He was just about to ascend to Heaven. The mediatorial throne was in view — the harps of glory were sounding in His ears; but all His thoughts are on the pilgrim Church He is to leave behind. His last words and benedictions are for them. "I go," He seems to say, "to Heaven, to My purchased crown — to the fellowship of angels — to the presence of My Father; but, nevertheless, surely I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

Daily Devotion: Saints Have The Greatest Reason To Rejoice by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Philippians 4:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."
- Philippians 4:4 KJV

No wonder that Paul doubles his admonition to the converted Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always—again I say rejoice;" for nothing better befits the saints than spiritual joy—though none are greater strangers to what they have so good a title, than they. The joy of the sinner and the laughter of the fool are alike—just as the crackling of thorns under a pot—nothing but a noise, and quickly gone. But it is not so with the saints, for there is more joy even in their penitential groans, more consolation in their mourning—than in all the gladness of the carnal world. What should make the children of a King sad—with such a Sovereign as Jesus—who is "the King eternal, invisible, immortal, dwelling in light inaccessible, and full of glory;" who alone has immortality essentially, and in the light of whose countenance saints commence their journey here towards his more immediate presence; and shall hereafter hold on their journey towards his adorable perfections forever!

Daily Devotion: Divine Person of the Holy Spirit by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:"
- Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is a person, and should be treated with the respect of a divine person. He is a member of the Trinity, equal to God the Father and God the Son. I am not saying there are three gods, but three divine persons who are also one. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:” (Deut. 6:4).

Daily Devotion: Open My Eyes by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:16-23 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."
- Psalm 119:18 KJV

To the question often earnestly propounded- "What is the best method of reading, so as to understand the Scriptures?" I would reply- Read them with the one desire and end of learning more of Christ, and with earnest prayer for the teaching of the Spirit, that Christ may be unfolded in the Word. With this simple method persevered in, you shall not fail to comprehend the mind of the Holy Spirit, in portions which previously may have been unintelligible and obscure. 

Daily Devotion: Father I Have Sinned by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Luke 15:17-24 KJV

Key Verse:  "I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,"
- Luke 15:18 KJV

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—but are once for all accepted in the Beloved. But having become children, and offending as children, ought they not every day to go before their heavenly Father and confess their sin, and acknowledge their iniquity in that character? Nature teaches that it is the duty of erring children to make a confession to their earthly father; and the grace of God in the heart teaches us that we, as Christians, owe the same duty to our heavenly father. We daily offend, and ought not to rest without daily pardon.

Daily Devotion: Human Wisdom by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 KJV

Key Verse:  "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness."
- 1 Corinthians 3:19 KJV

Human wisdom often sparkles on the surface, clever words, deep reasoning, and scholarly knowledge. Yet, compared to God’s eternal understanding, it is as brief and frail as a candle before the sun. Scripture teaches us that though learning and knowledge have their place, they must always submit to the wisdom of the One who created all things. In all our searching, there remains a truth that humbles even the brightest mind: human wisdom is limited.

Daily Devotion: Without Holiness No Man Shall See The Lord by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:11-18 KJV

Key Verse:  "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
- Hebrews 12:14 KJV

To possess this holiness is a necessary and indispensable fitness for the inheritance of the saints in light; but this fitness must be wrought in us by the power of God's grace, for I am sure that in ourselves of it we have none. But see its necessity. What happiness could there be in the courts of bliss unless we had a nature to enjoy it? Unless we were made capable of seeing Christ as he is, and enjoying his presence for evermore, heaven would be no heaven to us. Nothing unclean or unholy can enter there. Sanctification therefore must be wrought in us by the power of God, to make us fit for the heavenly inheritance, and he therefore communicates of his Spirit and grace to give us heavenly affections, holy desires, gracious thoughts, tender feelings; and above all that love whereby he is loved as the altogether lovely One.

Daily Devotion: He Warns Against The Unpardonable Sin by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 12:30-37 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men."
- Matthew 12:31 KJV

This is a very dreadful part of our Savior's discourse to the Pharisees. There is a sin which cannot be forgiven, and it is a sin of the tongue. Certain words which may be spoken against the Holy Spirit, are called, "Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." There is a mystery in this subject which we would not presume to attempt to remove. Yet we may form some idea of the nature of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, by examining the conduct of those whom Jesus now addressed. The Pharisees seem to have been convinced by the miracles of the Savior, that he was a true prophet; but though convinced, they were determined to reject him, and to set the people against him also. In this dreadful state of mind they accused him of working miracles by the power of Satan, and not by the Spirit of God. Had they really supposed he was assisted by Satan, their sin would not have been so enormous; then they would have sinned, as Saul of Tarsus did, "ignorantly, in unbelief;" but now they sinned against the convictions of their conscience, and with deliberate malice.

Daily Devotion: The Only Really Safe Thing Is To Pray by J. R. Miller [R]

Bible Reading: Numbers 6:20-27 KJV

Key Verse:  "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:"
- Numbers 6:24 KJV

In the first days of a new year, we all say to our friends and neighbors, "Happy New Year!" Our hearts are full of generous feelings and wishes for all we meet. But what can we do to give them a happy new year? We cannot compel their circumstances into fortunate adjustments, so as to produce happiness. Besides, we cannot know what would be the truest and best blessings for our friends. 

Daily Devotion: The Immutable Pledge by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 14:17-24 KJV

Key Verse:  "Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also."
- John 14:19 KJV

God sometimes selects the most stable and enduring objects in the material world, to illustrate His unchanging faithfulness and love to His Church, "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so does the Lord compass His people." But here, the Redeemer fetches an argument from His own everlasting nature. He stakes, so to speak, His own existence on that of His saints, "Because I live — you shall live also!"

Daily Devotion: On The Last Day Of The Year by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
- Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

Time is measured, and is alike at both ends; it began with a day, and will end with a day. Hence the evening and the morning were said to be the first day, as the universal judgment is called the last day. Eternity is the fountain from which it sprang, and the flood into which it shall fall. The most lasting duration of time is but short, and its greatest prolongations come to an end. A given moment is scarcely known, until it is past. A few moments—of which make a minute, which we but begin to enjoy when it is also gone; thus an hour flies away, a day hastens to its end, and a year, (as this year has done,) comes to its last day. As, therefore, at the end of the year trading people cast up their accounts, and regulate their books, let me ask myself—What have my talents gained these twelve months? For, whatever I may think, time itself is none of the least of talents, and another year is added to my account.

Daily Devotion: Discipline: Train Yourself to be Godly by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
- Romans 12:2 KJV

What will it take in the Christian’s life to overcome broken resolutions and commitments? It will be a great benefit to realize that there is no such thing as instant godliness. There are no “one minute,” thirty days, or “three easy steps” to a life of righteousness that pleases God. That is not the way God planned for our sanctification.

Daily Devotion: The Love of God by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
- Romans 5:8 KJV

The love of God is the foundation of our faith, the heartbeat of the gospel, and the greatest mystery ever revealed to humankind. It is not a love earned by merit or effort but a love freely given, unconditional, unchanging, and eternal. God's love is not merely an emotion but a divine, eternal, and unchanging reality that defines who God is and how He relates to humanity. So, let us explore what the Bible says about God's love.

Daily Devotion: Search The Scriptures by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: John 5:38-45 KJV

Key Verse:  "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
- John 5:39 KJV

The word of God is full of Christ. He is the Sun of this divine system, the Fountain of its light and beauty. Every doctrine derives its substance from His person, every precept its force from His work, every promise its sweetness from His love. Is it not to be feared, that in the study of the Scriptures it is a much-forgotten truth, that they testify of Jesus? Are they not read, searched, and examined, with a mind too little intent upon adding to its wealth by an increased knowledge of His person, and character, and work? 

Daily Devotion: Why Is He Contending With You by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: - Job 10:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me." - Job 10:2 KJV

Perhaps, O tried soul, the Lord is doing this to develop your graces. There are some of your graces which would never be discovered if it were not for your trials. Do you not know that your faith never looks so grand in summer weather—as it does in winter? Love is too often like a glow-worm, showing but little light except it be in the midst of surrounding darkness. Hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity. Afflictions are often the black foils in which God does set the jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine the better.

Daily Devotion: In The Furnace Of Affliction by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Isaiah 48:8-15 KJV

Key Verse:  "Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."
- Isaiah 48:10 KJV

According to God's own testimony, it is "through much tribulation" that we are to enter into the kingdom; and therefore there is no entering into the kingdom of grace here, or the kingdom of glory hereafter, without it. But let this be ever borne in mind, that whatever affliction befalls the saints, it is laid upon them by the hand of God, and that for the express purpose of putting them into a situation and of making them capable of receiving those comforts which God only can bestow.

Daily Devotion: Christ Disproves The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 12:22-30 KJV

Key Verse:  "But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils."
- Matthew 12:24 KJV

How dreadful was the accusation which the Pharisees ventured to make against the Savior! They were not able to deny that he had performed an astonishing miracle; therefore they accused him of casting out devils through the power of Beelzebub, (or Satan,) the prince of the devils. We see from this instance, that wicked men will always find some excuse for not believing in God. Sometimes they say that there is not sufficient proof that the Bible is true; but if their objections are answered, still they refuse to believe, and find some other excuse, however absurd, rather than give up their sins, and come to Christ for pardon. But we ought not to be impatient with those that oppose themselves to the truth. We should imitate Christ, who calmly answered the Pharisees. Jesus sometimes spoke severely to them, but never in answer to their reproaches against himself. He always behaved meekly when reviled by his enemies; thus setting us an example, that we should follow his steps.

Daily Devotion: He Has Bore Our Griefs And Sorrows by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted."
- Isaiah 53:4 KJV

Whatever the cause of grief may be, there is rich comfort in the remembrance of the sorrows of Christ. It assures us that Christ understands our pain. In the garden he went a stone's cast farther than any of his disciples went. The picture is a parable to us. It is always so. Wherever you bow in the deep shadows of grief, you have but to lift up your eyes, and you will see Jesus in still deeper shadows—a stone's cast beyond you. His sorrow was sorer than yours.

Daily Devotion: The Immutable Pledge by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 14:13-20 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also."
- John 14:19 KJV

God sometimes selects the most stable and enduring objects in the material world, to illustrate His unchanging faithfulness and love to His Church, "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so does the Lord compass His people." But here, the Redeemer fetches an argument from His own everlasting nature. He stakes, so to speak, His own existence on that of His saints, "Because I live — you shall live also!"

Daily Devotion: What Price Would You Sell Your Soul For by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Mark 8:31-38 KJV

Key Verse:  "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
- Mark 8:36 KJV

There is a haunting question in our key verse above, one that pierces through every generation: What is your soul worth to you? We live in a world obsessed with profit, success, fame, and pleasure. Yet Jesus asks a question that exposes the emptiness of it all. What good is it to have everything your heart could desire, such as wealth, power, and recognition, if in the end, you lose the one thing that lasts forever: your soul?

Daily Devotion: Brevity Of Life by James Meikle

Bible Reading: James 4:10-17 KJV

Key Verse:  "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
- James 4:14 KJV

What is all this struggle in the world for? Why so many attempts to be something, and have something—in the sphere of nothing? This struggle for passing vanities, is as if the foam and bubbles should contend for station on the rapid stream—but in a moment they are are gone!

Daily Devotion: Discipline: Train Yourself to be Godly by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness."
- 1 Timothy 4:7 KJV

What will it take in the Christian’s life to overcome broken resolutions and commitments? It will be a great benefit to realize that there is no such thing as instant godliness. There are no “one minute,” thirty days, or “three easy steps” to a life of righteousness that pleases God. That is not the way God planned for our sanctification.

Daily Devotion: God Is Our Refuge And Strength by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Psalm 46:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
- Psalm 46:1 KJV

It is one of the most blessed truths of the covenant of grace, that the God of the covenant is a very present help in every time of trouble. Loving His people as He does, dwelling in them by His Spirit, their people and circumstances continually before Him in the person and the intercession of His dear Son, how can He possibly lose sight of them for a single moment? 

Daily Devotion: The Lord Was There by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 35:10 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the Lord was there:"
- Ezekiel 35:10 KJV

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 machinations and devices of the enemies of God's people, there is still the same effectual barrier to thwart their design. The saints are God's heritage, and He is in the midst of them, and will protect His own.

Daily Devotion: Approve Things That Are Excellent by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Philippians 1:3-10 KJV

Key Verse:  "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ."
- Philippians 1:10 KJV

If divine light has enlightened your mind, and divine life quickened your heart, and you love the Lord and his people, you must approve of the things that are excellent. For they are so commended to your conscience that you can no more do otherwise than you can tell a deliberate lie or call black white. And as you approve of them, you will disapprove of everything which is contrary to, or falls short of this excellency.

Daily Devotion: The Women Who Followed Jesus by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Luke 8:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,"
- Luke 8:2 KJV

In these verses we have a description of our Savior's diligence, of his poverty, and of his humility.His diligence was unwearied. He went as an itinerant (or a wandering preacher) from place to place. He knew the value of the souls of men, and the danger in which they lay; and being full of love, he delighted in declaring the glad tidings of salvation.

Daily Devotion: This World Is Not Our Home by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: 1 John 2:12-19 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

When we look around us, it is easy to be captivated by the glitter and noise of this present world. Its pleasures call to us, its systems try to mold us, and its values often run contrary to the will of God. But as believers in Christ, we are reminded again and again that this world is not our home, we are pilgrims, strangers, and sojourners here, called to set our affection on things above.

Daily Devotion: She Has Done What She Could by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Mark 14:8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying."
- Mark 14:8 KJV

Many people would have kept the jar of perfume until Jesus was dead, and would then have broken it to anoint his cold body. At least, that is the way too many of us do in these days. We wait until our friend dies—and then send our flowers and speak our words of appreciation. Should we not learn a lesson from Mary? 

Daily Devotion: The Omnipotent Prayer by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 17:19-26 KJV

Key Verse:  "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world."
- John 17:24 KJV

This is not the petition of a suppliant — but the claim of a conqueror! There was only one request He ever made, or ever can make — that was refused; it was the prayer wrung forth by the presence and power of superhuman anguish: "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me!" Had that prayer been answered, never could one consolatory "word of Jesus" have been ours. "If it is possible" — but for that gracious parenthesis, we must have been lost forever! In unmurmuring submission, the bitter cup was drained; all the dread penalties of the law were borne, the atonement completed, an all-perfect righteousness wrought out; and now, as the stipulated reward of His obedience and sufferings — the Victor claims His trophies.

Daily Devotion: Sensible Communion With God Sometimes Enjoyed by James Meikle

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:7-14 KJV

Key Verse:  "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV

Though every child in the family of heaven has real fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ; yet there are happy times and pleasant moments, when a divine fellowship is carried on between the soul and God. A carnal world ridicules the idea; and no wonder, for the "natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, because they are foolishness to him."

Daily Devotion: Discipleship by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Luke 9:55-62 KJV

Key Verse:  "And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest."
- Luke 9:57 KJV

The call to discipleship is on Christ’s terms, not ours. The cost of discipleship is determined by the Lord, and not by the servant. In our desperate attempt to play the numbers game in today’s churches we invite people to come and join without any regard to the cost of discipleship. Jesus Christ is Lord; He is the only Lord.

Daily Devotion: I Will Give To Him Freely The Water Of Life by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
- Revelation 21:6 KJV

The grace that is in Christ Jesus must, from its very nature, be unpurchasable. It implies absolute poverty in the creature, and infinite affluence in God. Could it, by any possibility, be purchased, it would cease to be what it now is, the "grace of God." Because it is so great, so rich, and infinite, God has made it as free as the sun, the light, and the air. 

Daily Devotion: Jehovah As A Well To Us by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Genesis 25:5-11 KJV

Key Verse:  "And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi."
- Genesis 25:11 KJV

Hagar had once found deliverance there and Ishmael had drank from the water so graciously revealed by the God who lives and sees the sons of men; but this was a merely casual visit, such as worldlings pay to the Lord in times of need, when it serves their turn. They cry to Him in trouble—but forsake Him in prosperity. Isaac dwelt there, and made the well of the living and all-seeing God, his constant source of supply.

Daily Devotion: What The Bible Says About Being Content by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Philippians 4:4-11 KJV

Key Verse:  "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
- Philippians 4:11 KJV

Contentment is a precious gift that comes from trusting in God's provision and sufficiency, regardless of our circumstances. The apostle Paul teaches us that true joy and peace are found not in abundance or want, but in a heart that is satisfied with what God has given.

Daily Devotion: He Offered Himself For Sin by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 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

Our blessed Lord offered himself for sin; that is, that he might put away sin by the sacrifice of himself--"Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree" (1 Pet. 2:24). It was absolutely necessary either that the sinner should suffer in his own person, or in that of a substitute. Jesus became this substitute; he stood virtually in the sinner's place, and endured in his holy body and soul the punishment due to him; for he "was numbered with the transgressors." He thus, by the shedding of his most precious blood, opened in his sacred body a fountain for all sin and all uncleanness (Zech. 13:1).

Daily Devotion: The Penitent Weeping At The Feet Of Jesus by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Luke 7:36-43 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat."
- Luke 7:36 KJV

Two opposite characters are described in this interesting history; Simon the Pharisee and the weeping sinner! Simon was probably respected by his neighbors, and accounted a religious man, but he was not accepted in the sight of Jesus. The woman had been a gross and open sinner, yet she was accepted by her Savior. Now what was the reason of this difference? Does Jesus love sin? God forbid!

Daily Devotion: He Loved Them To The End by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: John 13:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end."
- John 13:1 KJV

Follower of Jesus—you may write your own name into this verse, and it will be as true as it was of the company at the table that night! Having loved you—Jesus loves you unto the end!

Daily Devotion: The OmnIpotent Prayer by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 17:19-26 KJV

Key Verse:  "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world."
- John 17:24 KJV

This is not the petition of a suppliant — but the claim of a conqueror! There was only one request He ever made, or ever can make — that was refused; it was the prayer wrung forth by the presence and power of superhuman anguish: "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me!" Had that prayer been answered, never could one consolatory "word of Jesus" have been ours. "If it is possible" — but for that gracious parenthesis, we must have been lost forever! In unmurmuring submission, the bitter cup was drained; all the dread penalties of the law were borne, the atonement completed, an all-perfect righteousness wrought out; and now, as the stipulated reward of His obedience and sufferings — the Victor claims His trophies.

Daily Devotion: Sensible Communion With God Sometimes Enjoyed by James Meikle

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV

Key Verse:  "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV

Though every child in the family of heaven has real fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ; yet there are happy times and pleasant moments, when a divine fellowship is carried on between the soul and God. A carnal world ridicules the idea; and no wonder, for the "natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, because they are foolishness to him."

Daily Devotion: How to Discern Cults and Sects by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: 1 John 4:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
- 1 John 4:1 KJV

H. A. Ironside used to say, “Where there is light there are bugs!” He was referring to the cults and sects that take a truth and go to the extreme or form their own exclusive groups.

Daily Devotion: Leprosy As A Picture Of Sin by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Leviticus 13:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean."
- Leviticus 13:3 KJV

In the Old Testament, leprosy was one of the most feared diseases. It wasn't just a physical ailment, it also carried heavy spiritual and social consequences. Those afflicted were declared "unclean" and were forced to live outside the camp, separated from family, worship, and community (Leviticus 13:45-46). This separation and corruption of the body is a powerful picture of sin, how it corrupts, isolates, and ultimately destroys.

Daily Devotion: With You Is The Fountain of Life by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Psalm 36:9 KJV

Key Verse:  "For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."
- Psalm 36:9 KJV

What a fountain of life is Jesus! The dead, on whose ear falls the sound of His voice, live. There is grace in Christ- quickening, regenerating, life-giving grace; and to whomsoever that grace is imparted, he that was lying cold and inanimate in the valley begins to move, to live, to breathe, and to arise. One touch of Christ, a whisper of His voice, a breath of His Spirit, begets a life in the soul that never dies. What a fountain of life is Jesus! 

Daily Devotion: Your Good Spirit by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 9:18-25 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst."
- Nehemiah 9:20 KJV

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. Unmixed purity and truth, and grace is He.

Daily Devotion: Bear Much Fruit by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: John 15:1-8 KJV

Key Verse: "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."
- John 15:8 KJV

The bearing of much fruit not only brings glory to God, but proves such rich fruit-bearers to be genuine disciples of the Lord Jesus. Now, though there is no merit in their bearing fruit, they sometimes get comfort from it, as proving an abiding union with Christ. "If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love." There is no maintaining of holy confidence in the soul but by walking in godly obedience; nor can there be any true spiritual communion with God while the guilt of disobedience lies hard and heavy on the conscience. To make straight paths for our feet; to walk in the fear of God; to live to his glory, are not only sweet tests of genuine discipleship, but faith, hope, and love cannot be maintained without them.

Daily Devotion: Christ Offers Thanks To His Father by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 11:23-30 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

We have now read the end of our Savior's discourse to the people, after John the Baptist's messengers had departed. The beginning of the discourse contains warnings and reproofs, but the end is filled with thanksgivings, invitations, and entreaties. Jesus intermingled prayer to his Father with his addresses to the people. What a privilege we enjoy in being permitted to know what he said to his Father! He spoke aloud that men might be edified; for on one occasion he declared, when engaged in prayer, "because of the people who stand by, I said it," (John 11:42.)

Daily Devotion: Our Simple Kind Acts by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Matthew 10:35-42 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
- Matthew 10:42 KJV

We never can know what the full outcome of our simplest kindnesses will be. We speak a cheerful word to one who is discouraged. We pass on, scarcely giving another thought to the matter. Yet perhaps our word has saved a life from despair, helped a fainting robin back unto its nest again, or changed a destiny from darkness to light.

Daily Devotion: The Joyful Transformation by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 17:19-26 24 KJV

Key Verse:  "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world."
- John 17:24 KJV

This is not the petition of a suppliant — but the claim of a conqueror!  Christ's people are a sorrowing people! Chastisement is their badge; "great tribulation" is their appointed discipline. When they enter the gates of glory, Christ is represented as wiping away tears from their eyes. But, weeping ones, be comforted! Your Lord's special mission to earth — the great errand He came from Heaven to fulfill, was "to bind up the brokenhearted." Your trials are meted out by a tender hand! He knows you too well — He loves you too well — to make this world tearless and sorrowless!