Daily Devotion: Indwelling Sin by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Romans 7:14-21 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me."
- Romans 7:17 KJV

There is a mysterious wisdom in the way of God with his people—to whom he grants to know but in part, and to be renewed but in part. Were they, while here, wholly delivered from sin, and had the unclouded vision of his glorious face, and full communion with God—there would be nothing reserved for the day of glory. It is with them, therefore, as with ancient Israel, among whom God wisely left some of the heathen nations undestroyed—to excite their faith, and stir up their endeavors to extirpate them, and to be a means of preserving them from sinning with security and impunity.

Daily Devotion: Do the Impossible by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: John 5:2-9 KJV 

Key Verse:  "When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?"
- John 5:2-9 KJV

Jesus saw a thirty-eight year old man lying on his mat at the pool of water at Bethesda and approached him asking, “ ...Wilt thou be made whole?” (John 5:6). Christ told the man to do the impossible. “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” (v. 8) The apostle John tells us “And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked...” (v. 9).

Daily Devotion: Your Mind Must Become Heavenly by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
- Colossians 3:2 KJV

To win heaven, the mind must become heavenly; and to be heavenly, it must habituate itself to heavenly things and heavenly pursuits. It is a law of our mental constitution, that the mind assimilates in its tone and habits of thought with the subject which most engrosses its study. Hence it is that we sometimes become men of one idea. 

Daily Devotion: Prayer Comes Before Mercy by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 36:37 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock."
- Ezekiel 36:37 KJV

Prayer is the forerunner of mercy. Turn to sacred history, and you will find that scarcely ever did a great mercy come to this world, unheralded by supplication. You have found this true in your own personal experience. God has given you many an unsolicited favor—but still great prayer has always been the prelude of great mercy with you. When you first found peace through the blood of the cross, you had been praying much, and earnestly interceding with God that He would remove your doubts, and deliver you from your distresses. Your assurance was the result of prayer. When at any time you have had high and rapturous joys, you have been obliged to look upon them as answers to your prayers. When you have had great deliverances out of sore troubles, and mighty helps in great dangers, you have been able to say, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Prayer is always the preface to blessing. It goes before the blessing—as the blessing's shadow.

Daily Devotion: He Expounded All Things To His Disciples by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Mark 4:34-41KJV

Key Verse:  "But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples."
- Mark 4:34 KJV

What is the exact meaning of the word "disciple"? It means "a learner", one who is under a teacher, whose submissive and devoted pupil he has become, and from whom he receives continual instruction. And thus a disciple of Christ is one who is admitted by the Lord Jesus into his school, whom he himself condescends personally to instruct, and who therefore learns of him to be meek and lowly of heart. A disciple of Jesus is one who sits meekly at the Redeemer's feet, receiving into his heart the gracious words which fall from his lips. This was Mary's happy posture, whom the Lord commended for choosing the better part. Such is also the posture of all the saints of God, according to the ancient declaration, "Yes, he loved the people; all his saints are in your hand; and they sat down at your feet, every one shall receive of your words" (Deut. 33:3).

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.