Daily Devotion: Fear God And Be Holy by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:1-8 KJV

Key Verse:  "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil."
- Proverbs 16:6 KJV

There is a very close and intimate connection between godly fear and being holy in all manner of life. When do we drop into levity of conversation? When do light and frothy words fall from our lips? When do any of those hasty bursts of temper, or those fretful expressions, or that mere carnal, worldly talk to which we are naturally prone, hover upon our lips and break forth, more or less unguardedly, from our tongue? Is it not when this godly fear is not flowing its streams as a fountain of life, to well water the soul and soften it into humility and love, and is not springing up in wholesome checks and godly admonitions to keep the tongue as with a bridle and to rule that little member which, though so little, if untamed, defiles the whole body?

Daily Devotion: His Compassion For The Multitude by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 9:31-38 KJV

Key Verse:  "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." - Matthew 9:35 KJV

The Lord Jesus was permitted to teach in the synagogues, but he did not confine himself to them; nor did He preach only on the Sabbath. He taught in all places and at all times. There have been faithful men, who have closely copied his example, and have proclaimed their Master's name with an untiring zeal. They have been much despised, but they have turned many sinners unto the Lord; for the preaching of the gospel is the most effectual means of converting souls.

Daily Devotion: Parable Of The Sown Seed by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Matthew 13:2-9 KJV

Key Verse:  "And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;"
- Matthew 13:3 KJV

From the heart trodden down by passing feet of pleasure, business, or care—the birds carry off the seeds the moment they are cast from the sower's hand. On the heart with a thin, emotional stratum on its surface, the seed seems for a time to make a deep impression. The hearer weeps under the sermon. He is amazed at the coldness of ordinary Christians. But in a little time, it is all over. He has no depth of conviction, and the quick growths of his first faith, are soon withered in the heat of life's trials.

Daily Devotion: The Blessed Hope by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Titus 2:8-15 KJV

Key Verse:  "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"
- Titus 2:13 KJV

What a bright rainbow for a stormed-wreathed sky! Hope is a joyous emotion! Poetry sings of it; music warbles its lofty aspirations; but alas! how often does it weave fantastic visions — and then vanish! "In the morning" the flowers of life are flourishing and growing up; "in the evening" a mysterious blight comes — and they lie as withered garlands at our feet! The longing dreams of the whole life seem realized — but one wave of calamity overtakes us, and washes them all away!

Daily Devotion: Christ, And None But He, Satisfies Desires by James Meikle

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9-16 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

There is a restless, a boundless desire in the mind of man for something which this world in all its glory is unable to bestow. This immortal appetite, this living desire, blinded mortals seek to gratify—some with honor, others with pleasure, some with riches, others with empire and glory. And need we therefore be surprised that they are never satisfied? Though I could trace my pedigree through illustrious heroes, and renowned kings, back to the first foundation of kingdoms, this would not furnish my soul with all it would desire.

Daily Devotion: Excuses, Excuses! by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Acts 16:25-32 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
- Acts 16:31 KJV

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The apostle Paul and Silas responded to the jailor in the city of Philippi, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved, and your household” (Acts 16:31). The only road to heaven is by faith in Jesus Christ. Calling on any other name will not save you. There is salvation only in the atoning death of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). When we believe on Christ as Savior we trust or lean upon Him with our whole weight upon His cross. We cease to stand in our own religious strength, and cast ourselves wholly upon the Rock of Ages. Faith, belief and trust are synonyms for receiving Jesus Christ and the free gift of eternal life in Him.

Daily Devotion: Bible Word – Justified by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 3:28 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
- Romans 3:28 KJV

To be justified means to be declared righteous in the sight of God. It is a legal term, like a judge pronouncing a verdict. In God’s courtroom, justification is not about us becoming instantly perfect, but about God crediting righteousness to us through faith. In short, Justified means being declared righteous before God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotion: One God And Father by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
- Ephesians 4:6 KJV

All who? -the one Church of God. One covenant God and Father unites the one family in heaven and in earth. They are one in His choice, one in His purpose, one in His covenant, one in His heart. The same will chose them- the same affection loved them- the same decree predestinated them: they are one in Him. Blessed truth! "One God and Father."

Daily Devotion: With Loving-Kindness by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."
- Jeremiah 31:3 KJV

The thunders of the law and the terrors of judgment—are all used to bring us to Christ; but the final victory is effected by God's loving-kindness. The prodigal set out to his father's house from a sense of need; but his father saw him a great way off, and ran to meet him; so that the last steps he took towards his father's house were with the kiss still warm upon his cheek, and the welcome still musical in his ears.

Daily Devotion: Pass The Time by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:14-21 KJV

Key Verse:  "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:"
- 1 Peter 1:17 KJV

Our life here is but a vapor. We are but pilgrims and strangers on this earthly ball, mere sojourners, without fixed or settled habitation, and passing through this world as not our home or resting-place. The Apostle, therefore, bids us pass this time, whether long or short, of our earthly sojourn, under the influence and in the exercise of godly fear. We are surrounded with enemies, all seeking, as it were, our life, and therefore we are called upon to move with great caution, knowing how soon we may slip and fall, and thus wound our own consciences, grieve our friends, gratify our enemies, and bring upon ourselves a cloud of darkness which may long hover over our souls.

Daily Devotion: Christ's second visit to Nazareth by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Mark 6:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him."
- Mark 6:1-6 KJV

This is the second visit that we read of Jesus making to Nazareth after he had begun his ministry. In his first visit there he had been shamefully treated, for his countrymen had attempted to hurl him headlong from the hill; yet he was so forgiving that he made a second visit to the ungrateful city. Jesus does not hastily give up any sinners whom he once has favored. Even when the first offer of mercy has been rejected, he vouchsafes another, and perhaps another still; for He is the God of patience. While he was preaching, very contemptuous thoughts arose in the people's hearts. None could deny that he had done mighty works, and that he spoke with extraordinary wisdom; but yet, because the people remembered him as the carpenter, and because they knew his relations to be poor people, with whom they were familiar, they would not listen to his words. What an instance their conduct affords of the greatness of human folly!

Daily Devotion: Rain by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Isaiah 55:6-13 KJV

Key Verse:  "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:"
- Isaiah 55:10 KJV

Everyone knows the effect of the rain, especially when it falls on a field that has been parched and withered. Its drops go down to the roots of the dying grass, the fading flowers, and the drooping trees—and soon new life appears everywhere. The grass is greener. The flowers revive and pour out fragrance. All vegetation is renewed. So it is when God's Word comes to a fainting, failing human life.

Daily Devotion: Pitying Love by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Psalm 103:10-17 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him."
- Psalm 103:13 KJV

"Abba, Father!" is a Gospel word. A father bending over the sick bed of his weak or dying child; a mother pressing, in tender solitude, an infant sufferer to her bosom. These are the earthly pictures of Almighty God. "As a father pities his children." "As one whom his mother comforts — so will I comfort you!"

Daily Devotion: Bible Word – Iniquity by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Psalm 66:13-20 KJV

Key Verse:  "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:"
- Psalm 66:18 KJV

Iniquity is more than just sin. It speaks of deep moral corruption, a bending or twisting of what is right. While sin can describe a wrong act, iniquity points to a condition of the heart, an inward inclination away from God’s holiness. The word often carries the idea of premeditated or habitual wrongdoing, revealing how far the human heart can drift when it turns from the Lord.

Daily Devotion: The Excellency Of Religion by James Meikle

Bible Reading: James 1:20-27 KJV

Key Verse:  "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
- James 1:27 KJV

The world may say as it will of the Christian religion—but it is only by it that the human mind is exalted, and men rise into eternal glory. The pleasures of piety sweeten my acid griefs, and blunt my acute pains. In this I triumph over my troubles, defy my enemies; and outrun my woes. Here I relish unseen realities, taste spiritual joys, and eat of the hidden manna. 

Daily Devotion: Evidence of Members of God’s by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: Romans 8:5-12 KJV

Key Verse:  "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his"
- Romans 8:9 KJV

Our possession of the Holy Spirit is the very essence of what it means to be a Christian. As noted in our Key Verse above, if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. Those who belong to Christ have the Holy Spirit living within them. Moreover, if you have Him indwelling you, you will live like Him (vv. 10-13).

Daily Devotion: Do Not Be Afraid by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: John 6:17-24 KJV

Key Verse:  "But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid."
- John 6:20 KJV

Imagine yourself threading your way along a most difficult and perilous path, every step of which is attended with pain and jeopardy, and is taken with hesitancy and doubt. Unknown to you and unseen, there is one hovering each moment around you, checking each false step, and guiding each doubtful one; soothing each sorrow, and supplying each need. All is calm and silent. Not a sound is heard, not a movement is seen; and yet, to your amazement, just at the critical moment the needed support comes- you know not from where, you know not from whom. This is no picture of fancy.

Daily Devotion: Faithfulness Of Divine Love by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 17:9-16  

Key Verse:  "And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah."
- 1 Kings 17:16 KJV

See the faithfulness of divine love. You observe that this woman had daily necessities. She had herself and her son to feed in a time of famine; and now, in addition, the prophet Elijah was to be fed too. But though the need was threefold—yet the supply of flour was not used up, for she had a constant supply. Each day she made calls upon the barrel—but yet each day it remained the same.

Daily Devotion: The Simple by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:129-136 KJV 

Key Verse:  "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."
- Psalm 119:130 KJV

The word "simple" means literally something which is not folded or twisted together. But owing to the treacherous and desperately deceitful heart of man, all, without exception, in a state of nature are the reverse of this. All their plots and contrivances for worldly profit or fleshly pleasure are tangled and complicated; and they are continually twisting together some thread or other of carnal policy.

Daily Devotion: Christ Gives Sight To Two Blind Men And Speech To A Mute Man by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Matthew 9:27-34 KJV

Key Verse:  "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us."
- Matthew 9:27 KJV

It appears that the Lord Jesus put the faith of the two blind men to a short trial; for he did not cure them as soon as they asked him; he waited until he was come into the house before he granted their petition. But how well they were rewarded for waiting, by their conversation with their Lord in the retirement of the house! The blind men spoke but little—"Yes, Lord." Those were their words; but these simple words pleased Jesus, for they were sincere words. What could we reply, if the Lord were to ask us whether we believed that he was able to do everything? Could we reply, "Yes, Lord." Let us in times of trouble remember that Jesus can do everything.

Daily Devotion: Bible Word – Perdition by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Philippians 1:23-30 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God."
- Philippians 1:28 KJV

The word perdition is a sobering one. It means destruction, ruin, or eternal loss. In Scripture, it points not just to physical death, but to spiritual separation from God, a final and irreversible state for those who reject His truth.

Daily Devotion: I Will Lead Them by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Isaiah 42:16 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them." - Isaiah 42:16 KJV

God leads often to good ends—through ways which to us seem dark. He can make crooked things, straight for us. Perhaps we shall find at the last, that many of the best things of our life, are things over which we grieve now as blunders. We do the best we can, and yet we fail, or seem to fail; but in God's eyes, the effort tells of love and of desire to please him, and thus wins from him warmer commendation than does many a piece of elaborate work, wrought in most intricate way.

Daily Devotion: Pitying Love by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Psalm 103:8-15 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." - Psalm 103:13 KJV

"Abba, Father!" is a Gospel word. A father bending over the sick bed of his weak or dying child; a mother pressing, in tender solitude, an infant sufferer to her bosom. These are the earthly pictures of Almighty God. "As a father pities his children." "As one whom his mother comforts — so will I comfort you!"

Daily Devotion: The Forgiveness of Injuries by James Meikle

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:14-21 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
- Matthew 6:15 KJV

To forgive our enemies, and forget the injuries which have been done to us, is a noble, though very difficult duty. And from the opposition it meets with from within, I find that it is above the natural man to perform. Nature would make less resistance to it—if forgiveness were less godlike and divine. There are some men who have done me injuries; and, alas! I find that I can scarcely recollect their names without remembering their injuries injuries against me—though done to me years ago—presenting themselves as if they had happened yesterday! This shows the bitterness and resentment of my mind, and the deep impressions such things make there; while the continual and abundant mercies of the Most High God are shamefully forgotten! But now let me compose my mind, and reconcile this to the duties of Christianity

Daily Devotion: Evidences of Death of Christ by Wil Pounds

Bible Reading: John 19:30-37 

Key Verse:  "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."
- John 19:30 KJV

The eyewitness John keenly observed two unusual things that happen at the crucifixion of Jesus. These facts made a deep impression on him as he watched the crucifixion taking place. The crucifixion took place on the day of preparation for the Passover festival that would begin at 6 p.m. The Jewish authorities felt an urgency to get the bodies off the crosses and buried before the sun went down.

Daily Devotion: The Ascension Of Jesus by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Luke 24:51 KJV

Key Verse:  "And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."
- Luke 24:51 KJV

How touching and instructive was the parting interview! Oh, how worthy of Himself was this His final blessing! How harmonious with every previous act of His life was this its closing one! Blessing to the last, and while with outstretched hands that blessing was yet breathing from His lips, "received up into glory." Oh, how full of grace and love is our adorable Immanuel! What a heart of overflowing tenderness and blessing is His! 

Daily Devotion: My expectation is from Him by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Psalm 62:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."
- Psalm 62:5 KJV

It is the believer's privilege to use this language. If he is looking for anything from the world, it is a poor "expectation" indeed. But if he looks to God for the supply of his needs, whether in temporal or spiritual blessings, his "expectation" will not be a vain one. Constantly he may draw from the bank of faith, and get his need supplied out of the riches of God's loving-kindness.

Daily Devotion: Bible Word – Propitiation by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 3:25 KJV

Key Verse:  "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"
- Romans 3:25 KJV

Propitiation is a deep and powerful word that means the turning away of wrath by the offering of a sacrifice. In the Bible, it refers to how Jesus Christ satisfied the righteous judgment of God against sin. God is holy and just, and sin must be punished, but in His love, He provided a way for that judgment to be fulfilled without destroying us. Jesus became that sacrifice.

Daily Devotion: What Are We Then To Seek by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 45:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the Lord: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest."
- Jeremiah 45:5 KJV

Whatever schemes and projects the Lord's people may devise that they may prosper and get on in the world, he rarely allows their plans to thrive. He knows well to what consequences it would lead--that this ivy creeping round the stem would, as it were, suffocate and strangle the tree. The more that worldly goods increase, the more the heart is fixed upon them; and the more the affections are set upon idols, the more is the heart drawn away from the Lord. He will not allow his people to have their portion here below. He, therefore, says to them in his providence, as well as in his word, "Seek them not."

Daily Devotion: Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Mark 5:35-43 KJV 

Key Verse:  "While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?"
- Mark 5:35 KJV

With what eagerness the ruler must have watched the Savior's progress towards his house! It must have been a trial to him to see the steps of his deliverer retarded by the surrounding crowd. But what a blow it was to hear his child was actually dead! Those who brought the message thought that Jesus could not now relieve the poor father. They said, "Why trouble you the Master any further?" Yet why did they speak thus? Is there anything too hard for the Lord? If he could heal by his power, could he not also restore life by the same power?

Daily Devotion: Thoughts Of Peace And Not Of Evil by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29:8-15 KJV 

Key Verse:  "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
- Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

It is better that we should not know our future. If we did, we would often spoil God's plan for our life. If we could see into tomorrow, and know the troubles it will bring, we might be tempted to seek some way of avoiding them, while really they are God's way to new honor and blessing.