Daily Devotion: Christ Upbraids Three Cities For Their Impenitence by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 11:20-27 KJV

Key Verse:  "Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:"
- Matthew 11:20 KJV

We find from this passage that the preaching of the Lord Jesus produced very little effect upon men's hearts. In order that people be converted, it is necessary, not only that the preaching be faithful, but that the hearts of the hearers be prepared—for otherwise the tongues of holy men, or of angels, or even of the Son of God, may speak in vain.

Daily Devotion: What the Bible Says About Death by J.E. Smith

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

Death is one of life’s greatest certainties, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood subjects. For the child of God, the Bible paints death not as the end, but as a doorway to eternal life in Christ. The Word of God is clear that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Death is not the conclusion of existence—it is a transition. The body returns to dust, but the soul goes on to meet God.

Daily Devotion: Be Followers Of Me by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV

You may think you have no influence over any other lives—but you have. There are those who will do what you do, and be what you are. If you are reverent, they will be reverent; if you are false, they are false. Your influence touches many other lives, and leaves either blessing or curse.

Daily Devotion: The Divine Glorifier by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 16:13-20 KJV

Key Verse:  "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." - John 16:14 KJV

The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus in the unfoldings of His person, and His character, and His work — to His redeemed people! The Spirit is the great ministering agent between the Church on earth — and its glorified Head in Heaven. He carries up to Christ, the Intercessor on the throne — the ever-recurring needs and trials, the perplexities and sins — of each believer! And receiving out of His inexhaustible treasury of love — He carries down to us: comfort for our sorrows — strength for our tears — fullness for our emptiness!

Daily Devotion: On Loving God by James Meikle

Bible Reading: 1 John 4:14-21 KJV

Key Verse:  "We love him, because he first loved us."
- 1 John 4:19 KJV

To love you—is my honor. That I may love you—is my privilege. And in as far as I do love you—so far am I happy. How is it, then, that this divine duty of loving you meets with so much opposition! Hell and earth bid me hate you; sinners will not let me avow my love to you; corruption within, cares and concerns without, check my love; unbelief cools my love, "for faith works by love," and love bears proportion to faith. Immoderate fear, and love of anything besides you, is a clog to my love; and imperfect apprehensions of your glorious self, deaden my love to you. In what a melancholy case am I! It is death to live, and not to love; yet I live, and cannot love you! I can love my friend, and hate my enemy; but I cannot love my God, nor hate my enmity. I can love what I think beautiful in the creature, with love more than fit; why then not love the Rose of heaven, the chief among ten thousand, who is altogether lovely, and whose love is, like himself, unchangeable!

Daily Devotion: Day I Died by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Romans 6:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"
- Romans 6:2 KJV

God takes sin seriously. Sin is a terrible thing in the Christian’s life. That is why God did not overlook sin, but dealt with it in one complete stroke of judgment by sending Christ to die for us on the cross. Now that we have been saved by grace can we live any way we so please? Can we sin it up now that our fire insurance has been paid in full?

Daily Devotion: Wait Patiently For Him by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Psalm 37:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
- Psalm 37:7 KJV

It is just this simple, patient waiting upon God in all our straits that certainly and effectually issues in our deliverance. In all circumstances of faith's trial, of prayer's delay, of hope deferred, the most proper and graceful posture of the soul- that which insures the largest revenue of blessing to us and of glory to God- is a patient waiting on the Lord. 

Daily Devotion: Make The Savior Glad by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Psalm 45:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad."
- Psalm 45:8 KJV

And who are thus privileged to make the Savior glad? His church—His people. But is it possible? He makes us glad—but how can we make Him glad? By our love. Ah! we think it so cold, so faint; and so, indeed, we must sorrowfully confess it to be—but it is very sweet to Christ. Hear His own eulogy of that love in the golden Canticle: "How sweet is your love, my treasure, my bride! How much better it is than wine! Your perfume is more fragrant than the richest of spices!" See, loving heart, how He delights in you. When you lean your head on His bosom, you not only receive joy—but you give Him joy. When you gaze with love upon His all-glorious face, you not only obtain comfort—but impart delight.

Daily Devotion: The Ark As A Foreshadow Of Salvation by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Genesis 7:1-10 KJV

Key Verse:  "And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation."
- Genesis 7:1 KJV

When God commanded Noah to build the ark, it was more than a rescue vessel—it was a foreshadowing of salvation in Jesus Christ. The world in Noah’s day was filled with violence and corruption, yet God in His mercy provided a way of deliverance. That way was the ark, a single door, and safety from judgment. Just as the ark was God’s appointed means of saving Noah and his family, Christ is God’s appointed way of saving sinners today.

Daily Devotion: Who Are Kept By The Power Of God by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
- 1 Peter 1:5 KJV

Those who are kept by the power of God through faith, are often in their minds troubled and anxious, fearing whether this salvation will ever reach their souls--whether they may not prove castaways--whether the work upon their heart is genuine--whether they are under divine teachings. But the Lord says they are "kept by his power through faith unto salvation"--kept as in this garrisoned city, until salvation shall come in all its glory, sweetness, bliss and blessedness into their heart; preserved and encompassed by all the attributes of God from making shipwreck of faith, until they "receive the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls."

Daily Devotion: Jesus Reproves The Jews For Their Perverseness by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Luke 7:25-36 KJV

Key Verse:  "They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept."
- Luke 7:25-36 KJV

We now refer to Luke's account of our Savior's discourse about John the Baptist, because it contains some particulars omitted by Matthew. The Lord Jesus declared that the people, and even the publicans, believed John the Baptist's preaching, while the Pharisees despised it. The publicans were great sinners, most of them being notoriously dishonest in the collection of taxes. When John declared to them that their sins were great, and deserved punishment, they justified God, that is, they acknowledged that God's sentence was just, and they gladly received baptism as a sign of their need of being cleansed from their iniquities. But when John delivered the same truths to the Pharisees, telling them they were the children of the devil, and a generation of vipers, they were offended; they rejected the counsel of God against themselves, and did not desire to be baptized, because they thought they were already clean in heart and in life. Thus it often is now. Some who have committed open gross sins are brought to repentance; while others, who have led regular, and apparently religious lives, will not believe that on account of the secret sins of their hearts, they ought to humble themselves before God.

Daily Devotion: Who Sinned by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: John 9:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?"
- John 9:2 KJV

Are troubles sent to punish us for our sins? The people in Christ's day thought so. But Jesus gave a different explanation. He said the man was blind—that the works of God should be displayed in his life. His blindness led him into contact with Jesus—and thus brought him a double blessing, the opening of his natural eyes, and the opening of his soul's eyes. Probably he would never have met Jesus—but for his misfortune of blindness. If he had not been blind, this miracle of his healing would never have been wrought!

Daily Devotion: The Supreme Investiture by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Matthew 28:13-20 KJV

Key Verse:  "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
- Matthew 28:18 KJV

What an empire is this! Heaven and earth — the Church militant — the Church triumphant — angels and archangels — saints and seraphs are under Christ's supreme authority! At His mandate: the billows were hushed — demons crouched in terror — the grave yielded its prey! "Upon His head are many crowns!" He is made "Head over all things!" Yes! over all things, from the minutest — to the mightiest. He holds the stars in His right hand — He walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, feeding every candlestick with the oil of His grace, and preserving every star in its spiritual orbit.

Daily Devotion: Eternity by James Meikle

Bible Reading: John 5:19-26 KJV

Key Verse:  "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
- John 5:24 KJV

Mathematicians have never attempted to measure eternity, or the duration of the world to come. Here the finite mind has no idea of eternity but by succession of ages, and yet succession belongs to time, not to eternity. Days, weeks, and months, are nothing there; years, ages and generations are lost there; hundreds, thousands, and millions are no more there; times, eras, and determinate durations are forever gone there; all is fixed, all eternal there! There is no first and last, sooner and later, in eternity; for though Abel, with respect to time, was sooner plunged into perpetuity, yet no sooner than the saints that shall be alive at the last day, with respect to eternity.

Daily Devotion: Custom Made by God by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Colossians 1:12-19 KJV

Key Verse:  "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"
- Colossians 1:16 KJV

Our great God and Savior knows everything, is everywhere, and is all-powerful. The LORD God knows me because He made me, and since He made me, I am responsible to Him for my actions.  That’s probably the biggest reason why people do not want to accept the fact that God created man.  But whether a person acknowledges the facts about creation or not, he or she will still have to answer to Him personally.

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

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:21-28 KJV

Key Verse:  "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."
- Matthew 5:22 KJV

Our Key Verse above notes we are not to call a person a fool. However, the Bible speaks often about the fool—not to mock or demean, but to warn us. A “fool” in Scripture is not merely someone lacking intelligence, but someone who rejects wisdom, despises correction, and turns away from God’s truth. The sobering words of Scripture remind us to avoid the path of foolishness and instead walk in wisdom.

Daily Devotion: The Lord Does Not Change by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Malachi 3:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."
- Malachi 3:6 KJV

It is no small attainment to be built up in the faithfulness of God. This forms a stable foundation of comfort for the believing soul. Mutability marks everything outside of God. Look into the Church, into the world, into our families, ourselves, what innumerable changes do we see on every hand!

Daily Devotion: Be Content With His Daily Allowance by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 25:23-30 KJV

Key Verse:  "And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life."
- 2 Kings 25:30 KJV

Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king's palace with a 'supply' to last him for months—but his provision was given him as a daily pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord's people. A daily portion is all that a man really needs. We do not need tomorrow's supplies; for that day has not yet dawned, and its needs are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June—does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet. If we have enough for each day as the days arrive—we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day—is all that we can enjoy.

Daily Devotion: Thick Clouds Of Darkness by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 KJV

Key Verse:  "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."
- 1 Corinthians 2:12 KJV

What thick clouds of darkness spread themselves at times over our souls; all things out of sight; our signs and tokens buried, as it were, in mist. It is like a sea fog, that comes out of the bosom of the vasty deep, and hides all objects from view. The ships are on the sea, notwithstanding, but this deep fog prevents their being seen. So with our souls at times--all is misty, cloudy, and no signs can be seen of the work of God upon our hearts. And yet we "know" them, by receiving the Spirit of God, for it is the only way whereby they can be known. We can only see light in God's light; only believe by God's faith; only love by God's love; therefore can only know the things freely given to us of God by the revelation of the Spirit.

Daily Devotion: Jesus Commends John The Baptist by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 11:7-17 KJV

Key Verse:  "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
- Matthew 11:7-17 KJV

God has said, "those who honor me I will honor."—(1 Sam. 2:30.) John the Baptist honored Christ much in his preaching, and now we hear how greatly Christ honored him. The Lord, who knows all men, declared that no prophet greater than John had ever appeared. Elijah, who raised the widow's son, was not greater; for though John had performed no miracle, he knew more of Christ than any who had come before him.

Daily Devotion: Jesus Is The Light Of The World by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: John 8:12-19 KJV

Key Verse:  "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
- John 8:12 KJV

We are always coming to points we have never passed before. Every new temptation is such a point. We cannot get through it unless we have a guide.

Daily Devotion: The Dying Legacy by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: John 14:24-31 KJV

Key Verse:  "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
- John 14:27 KJV

How we treasure the last sayings of a dying parent! How specially cherished and memorable are his last looks and last words! Here are the last words, the parting legacy, of a dying Savior. It is a legacy of peace. What peace is this? It is His own purchase — a peace arising out of free forgiveness through His precious blood. It is sung in concert with "Glory to God in the highest" — a peace made as sure to us, as eternal power and infinite love can make it! It is peace the soul needs, that is nowhere else to be found — but through the blood of His cross! "Being justified by faith — we have peace with God." "HE gives His beloved rest!"

Daily Devotion: The Tower That Couldn’t Reach Heaven by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Genesis 11:1-9 KJV

Key Verse:  "And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."
- Genesis 11:6 KJV

The story of the Tower of Babel is one of the most striking moments in Scripture where the collective pride of humanity rose up in defiance against the sovereign God. At its core, Babel is not just about architecture—it’s about ambition, rebellion, and the dangerous illusion that man can dethrone God.

Daily Devotion: The Divine Lover by James Meikle

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13 KJV

Key Verse:  "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
- 1 Corinthians 13 KJV

How many great geniuses have employed their noble talents on subjects of human love! And by their flowery expressions, pitch up the imaginary bliss in these luscious scenes to such a height, as if nothing more sublime could be pursued by immortal souls! And how easy such trifling subjects gain on carnal minds, mournful experience may convince us. But where is he who dwells on the Divine Lover, and expatiates on his matchless grace, with strokes that melt the soul with astonishment and rapture? How often does the poet, in his paean of a created beauty, step beyond the truth, talk at random, yes rove above possibility itself! But here, in the love of the Son of God, we can never exceed. It is higher than heaven, and brought him down from his father's bosom to our earth! It is deeper than hell, and brought us up from thence! It is larger than the sea, and can never be exhausted! Broader than the earth, and can never be described. How vehemently did the heavenly flame burn, even "when sorrows of death compassed him about, when the pains of hell took hold on him!"

Daily Devotion: Crucified with Christ by Wil Pounds

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

When Christ died on the cross the work of salvation was completed and Christ provided access for all believers into God’s holy presence. Therefore, salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. God is a real person and our relationship with Him can be cultivated as with any other relationship. We have been saved to live in fellowship with Him. We can enjoy the riches of the Christian life only as we grow in intimacy with Christ. The presence of our Lord in our lives brings this intimacy and these riches in glory with Him.

Daily Devotion: Thorn In The Flesh by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me."
- 2 Corinthians 12:8 KJV

When Paul prayed for the removal of the thorn in the flesh, he asked that of God which betrayed a lack of judgment in his estimate of the thing which he petitioned for. Who would have suspected this in the apostle of the Gentiles? But the Lord knew best what was for the good of His dear servant. He saw that, on account of the peculiar revelations that were given him in his visit to glory, the discipline of the covenant was needed to keep him low in the dust. And, when His child petitioned thrice for the removal of the thorn in the flesh, he for a moment overlooked, in the painful nature of the discipline, its needed influence to keep him "walking humbly with God." 

Daily Devotion: No Condemnation For Those In Christ by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Romans 8:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
- Romans 8:1 KJV

Come, my soul—think on this. Believing in Jesus, you are actually and effectually cleared from all guilt; you are led out of your prison. You are no more in fetters as a bond-slave; you are delivered now from the bondage of the law; you are freed from sin, and can walk at large as a freeman—for your Savior's blood has procured your full discharge. You have a right now to approach your Father's throne. No flames of vengeance are there to scare you now; no fiery sword; justice cannot smite the innocent.

Daily Devotion: The Lord Loves The Gates Of Zion by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Psalm 87:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob."
- Psalm 87:2 KJV

What are gates for? Two purposes--entrance and exit. And Zion, also, has her gates of exit and entrance; she has her gates of access to God, entrance into the presence of the Most High; "the door of hope," opened in "the valley of Achor." And who has opened the door; or, rather, who has not only opened it and made it, but himself IS the Door? "I am the Door," says Jesus. And was not "the door" opened through his rent flesh? As the Apostle speaks--"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh." Through his bleeding wounds, through his pierced side, through his mangled feet and hands, there is now access to God–"A door of hope is opened wide In Jesus' pierced hands and side."

Daily Devotion: Art You The One by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Luke 7:18-23 KJV

Key Verse:  "And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?"
- Luke 7:18-23 KJV

We know that John at this time was shut up in prison. While there he was visited by his disciples. Though they had often been directed to look to Jesus as the Savior of the world, it appears they now doubted whether he was the true Messiah so long expected. They did well to come to their teacher to express their doubts. It is always well to confide such thoughts to those who are able to help us, for by hiding them in our own bosoms, we may often occasion ourselves much uneasiness, and expose ourselves to great danger. It would, indeed, be very wrong to express our doubts to ignorant, or unbelieving people, but it is wise to open our minds to experienced Christians.

Daily Devotion: America as Sodom & Gomorrah, A Call to Repentance by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Isaiah 3:9 KJV

Key Verse:  "The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves."
- Isaiah 3:9 KJV

The statement, "If God does not punish America, He'll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah" is attributed to Ruth Graham, the wife of Billy Graham. She made this remark while reviewing a chapter of her husband's book, "World Aflame," which discussed the moral decline of America. The quote has since been frequently associated with Billy Graham, although it originated with his wife.