1st November: Deuteronomy 1:1-46
With
the exception of Caleb and Joshua, the older generation - including
Moses - was not to enter the land (34-38). For the new generation, there
was a challenge. There must be no more failures. One wasted generation
was enough. This was the time for real commitment to the Lord. He loved
them - He had 'set the land before' them. They were to rise up in faith
and ' take possession of the land' (8). We are called to go on with the
Lord. 'You have stayed long enough' at a low level of Christian living.
God is calling us on to maturity: 'go in and take possession of the
land; (6,8; Philippians 3:13-14). Do not hesitate to move forward with
God: 'do not fear...It is a good land which the Lord gives us' (21,25).
Will we be the new generation, 'a new creation in Christ' (2 Corinthians 5:17)?
2nd November: Deuteronomy 2:1-37
During
their wilderness years, God's people had many problems. God is greater
than all the problems! Israel's journey began in the land of 'bondage'
(Exodus 2:23-25). From there, He led them to the land of promise, 'the
land which the Lord our God gives to us' (29). This is 'amazing grace':
'Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; 'Twas
grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home' (Mission Praise, 31). In the giving and taking of the land, we see both grace and faith:
I have begun to give...this land over to you; begin to take
possession...' (31). We are not saved by grace apart from faith. We are
'saved by grace through faith. We are not saved by faith without grace.
We are 'saved by grace through faith'. Saved by the Lord, let us press
on to a life of 'good works' (Ephesians 2:8-10).
3rd November: Luke 23:26-24:12
'God
chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong' (1 Corinthians
1:27). In his weakness, the thief on the cross trusted Christ for
salvation (42-43). Pilate, a man of power, rejected Christ, sending Him
off to be crucified (23:23-25). Jesus was 'delivered into the hands of
sinful men'. Jesus was 'crucified'. This was not, for Him, the end. He
rose from the dead (7). At the Cross, 'the centurion' described Jesus as
'a righteous man' (47). In the resurrection, God declared Him to be
much more than a righteous man - He is 'the Son of God' (Romans 1:4).
Don't be like those who do 'not believe', those who consider Christ's
resurrection to be 'an idle tale' (11). Something has 'happened',
something very wonderful - Jesus has risen from the dead:...
'believe...be saved' (12; Romans 10:9).
4th November: Deuteronomy 3:1-29
The
promised land was near. For Moses, it was 'so near and yet so far'. He
was excluded. Together with the sadness of Moses' exclusion, there was
the joy of the people's entrance (27-28). When we consider Moses'
sadness and the people's joy, we must remember this: Nobody
deserved to go into the land! The land was God's gift. Without His
strength, the people of Israel would fail. With Him, they would be
victorious: 'You shall not fear them; for it is the Lord your God who
fights for you' (22). There is here a basic principle of Christian
living: 'not by might , nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of
hosts' (Zechariah 4:6). 'In heavenly armour we'll enter the land. The
battle belongs to the Lord. No weapon that's fashioned against us will
stand, The battle belongs to the Lord' (Mission Praise, 639).
5th November: Deuteronomy 4:1-43
The
people of Israel were involved in the work of the Lord. The work was
based on God - not Moses. Moses would not be in the promised land. God
would be there. Moses would 'not go over the Jordan'. As God's man. he
was to prepare the people for their task: 'you shall go over and take
possession of that good land' (22). Privilege involves responsibility.
Israel was a privileged people, redeemed by the Lord, delivered from
bondage 'by a mighty hand and outstretched arm' (34). Israel was a
responsible people, called to obey the Lord: 'Obey His laws and
commands' (40). The Lord our God is 'a merciful God' (31). He has saved
us. We are to serve Him. Let Him reign in your heart. Let there be 'no
other besides Him' (35). Flee to Christ for refuge (42-43), and live
each day with 'the attitude of gratitude'.
6th November: Luke 24:13-53
'In
all the Scriptures', Jesus teaches 'the things concerning Himself'
(27). Do 'our hearts burn within us...while He opens to us the
Scriptures?' (32). He calls us to be His 'witnesses', to preach His
message of salvation 'to all nations' (47-48). Before we can preach, we
must listen to Him. Before we can proclaim His resurrection, we must
consider His suffering for us: 'See my hands and my feet' (39) - even
after His resurrection, they still bear 'the mark of the nails' (John
20:25). Listen to Christ. Consider His suffering for you. Be 'clothed
with power from on high. Let the Lord 'bless' you, strengthening your
worship and filling you 'with great joy'. With all this going on in your
lives, we will consider it not only our responsibility but our joyful
privilege to be His 'witnesses' (48-53)!
7th November: Deuteronomy 4: 44-5:33
Obedience
is grounded in salvation. The Ten Commandments (7-21) are preceded by
the divine declaration: 'I am the Lord your God' who brought you...out
of the house of bondage' (6). He has redeemed us. We are to live for
Him. The Word of God was spoken to Moses before it was spoken by
him (27). We cannot begin to live for the Lord until we begin to listen
to Him. The way of obedience is the way of blessing. Our obedience is
to be offered in a spirit of gratitude to God for His gracious
salvation. Never imagine it is because of our obedience that God loves
us. His love for us is always prior to our love for Him. Remember what
the Lord has done for you, and your love for Him will grow stronger.
Forget, and you love will grow weaker. Loved by God, let us love Him -
more!
8th November: Deuteronomy 6:1-25
'Hear'
and 'do' (1-3; James 1:22-25). In our obedience to God, there is to be
the fear of the Lord and love for the Lord (2,5). Fear and love: the two
belong together. God is holy - fear Him. God is love - love Him. This
is for every generation: 'you and your son and your son's son'(2). 'Love
the Lord your God with all your heart' (5). Teach the children well so
that the blessing of God may be 'prolonged' among us(7,2). Our promised
land - heaven (John 14:1-3) - is far better than Israel's promised land.
Through faith in Christ, we have received 'eternal life' (John 5:24;
6:40). Never take the Lord's blessing for granted. Always remember to
thank Him for all that He has done for you (10-12). Teach the children
what the Lord has done for them (20-23). Then, and only then, tell them
what they must 'do' for Him (24-25).
9th November: Deuteronomy 7:1-26
Enter,
Destroy, Possess (1-2). Don't try to jump straight from entering to
possessing. Don't forget to destroy. We enter the Christian life through
faith in Christ. We will not 'take possession of' a fuller enjoyment of
His salvation if we refuse to 'destroy' the obstacles to His blessing
in our lives. Sin is like a 'cancer'. It will 'kill' us if we let it
(Romans 6:23). This is why we must fight it - with 'the whole armour of
God' (Ephesians 6:10-17). From beginning to end, our salvation is the
work of God: '...it is because the Lord loves you...that He
has...redeemed you...' (6-8). The Lord's love speaks of His keeping
power. He will complete the work He has begun (17-19; Philippians 1:6).
Saved and kept by the power of God, we travel from Christ's Cross to our
Crown (Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2:24-25; 5:4).
10th November: John 1:1-34
Jesus
Christ is the Word of God. He is the Beginning. He is also the End
(1-3; Revelation 21:6). He is 'the Word...made flesh'. 'We have seen His
glory' (14). This is only the beginning. When He returns, we shall see
His glory - 'we shall see Him as He is' (1 John 3:2). From Him, there is
creation (1-3). From Him, there is salvation (12-13). In Him, we
receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit
(29,32-34). He is the Word of God, the Lamb of God and the Son of God
(1,29,34). When we look at Jesus Christ, we see God - 'the 'Word was
God' (1), 'No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom
of the Father, He has made Him known' (18). Do you want to know what God
is like? - Look at Jesus (14:9). What do we see when we look at Him? -
'the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world' (29).
11th November: Deuteronomy 8:1-9:21
The
'wilderness' was a place of 'testing'. God was 'disciplining' His
people. He was teaching them to 'walk in His ways' (2,5-6). In the
'wilderness', we must remember this: 'man does not live by bread
alone...man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the
Lord' (3). Everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord -
His warnings as well as His promises! He speaks to us in warnings:
'Take heed lest you forget the Lord your God...' (11). He speaks to us
in promises: 'the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land' (7).
'God forbid that I should glory...' (8:17-18; 9:4-6; Galatians 6:14).
God gave Israel the land. He gives us 'the Kingdom' (Luke 12:32). As
earthly kingdoms rise and fall, 'the God of heaven will set up a Kingdom
which shall never be destroyed' (Daniel 2:44).
12th November: Deuteronomy 9:22-10:22
'We
will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the
Word' (Acts 6:4). Moses was an intercessor (25-29). The ministry of the
Word needs to be grounded in prayer. Prayerfully seeking the Lord's
help, we are to place His Word at the centre of the life of His people
(5). God shows His mercy by providing His servants to carry His Word in a
ministry of blessing to the people, a ministry which helps the people
to 'go in and possess the land' (8,10-11). In gratitude to God, our
Creator-Redeemer, we are to give ourselves to Him in obedience (12-15).
Let your heart and life be changed by the Lord, never forgetting this:
'He is your praise; He is your God, who has done for you...great...
things' (16-21). 'God...gives the growth' (22; Corinthians 3:7). Read Psalm 126:6 and pray!
13th November: John 1:35-2:25
Andrew
brought his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus (40-42). 'You are...You
shall be...' (42). Jesus looks beyond what we are now. He sees what we
will become through the transforming power of His grace. The 'water'
became 'wine' (9). This was the Lord's doing. In Christ, we have been
'made alive'. This is the work of God. He is 'rich in mercy'. He loves
us with a 'great love' (Ephesians 2:4-5). At a wedding, Jesus rejoices
with those who rejoice (1-11). In the temple, He rebukes those who are
proud (13-17). There was 'death' in the temple. Those who were
spiritually 'dead' acted in complete disregard for the true purpose of
God's House - 'My House shall be called a house of prayer' (Matthew
21:13). 'Raised from the dead', we receive 'new life' (22; Romans 6:4).
Be real with Jesus. He will bless you (23-25).
14th November: Deuteronomy 11:1-32
God
is at work among His people, teaching them many lessons. Through His
precious promises and strong warnings, He leads us in the way of
obedience and blessing (31-32). If we are to enjoy the Lord's blessing,
we need the whole Word of God - the warnings as well as the promises.
Obedience to God - This is the most important thing in the life of
faith. Obedience demonstrates the reality of faith. By our obedience, we
show our 'love' for the Lord. We rejoice in 'all the great work of the
Lord'. By 'His mighty hand', He has provided for us a great salvation.
Our enjoyment of His salvation increases as we live in obedience to Him
(8-15). Without obedience, there can be no blessing (16-17). Teach
others to obey God - especially the 'children' (18-21). God is good. He
loves us (22-25). Obey Him. Choose blessing (26-28).
15th November: Deuteronomy 12: 1-32
In
our hearts, nothing else must compete with the Lord. There is no room
for idolatry. 'Destroy' everything that threatens to take the place of
God in your life. (2-3). We are not to 'do what is right in our own
eyes'. We are to worship as the Lord 'chooses' (5,8,13-14). Remove every
distraction. Get rid of those things which keep you from crowning
Christ as Lord of your life. When you are tempted to put other things
before the Lord, 'be careful not to be ensnared' in the ways of the
world (29-31). When we are tempted, we must take our stand on God's
Word. 'Everything' He has given to us - This means more than our
favourite passages! Don't 'add to it', making 'the traditions of men'
more important than the Word of God. Don't 'take from it', ignoring the
parts you don't like (32; Mark 7:8; Acts 20:27).
16th November: John 3:1-16
We
say, 'I'll turn over a new leaf'. Christ says, 'You must be born again'
(3,7). Our way of thinking begins with 'I'. Christ's way of salvation
begins with 'God': 'God so loved the world...' (16). Begin with 'I' and
you have sin, guilt and condemnation (Romans 3:10-11). Begin with God
and you have Good News for sinners: 'God shows His love for us in that
while we were yet sinners Christ died for us' (Romans 5:8). Through
faith in Christ, we are 'born of the Spirit' (6-8; 1:12). The Spirit of
God is the Spirit of holiness, love and truth. Those who are 'born of
the Spirit' are to live a life of holiness, love and truth (1 John
4:2-3,6-7,12-13; 5:2-3). 'Come to the light'. 'Do what is true'. 'Obey
the Son'. Let Christ increase. This is the work of the Spirit in us
(20-21,36,29,34).
17th November: Proverbs 6:1-15
'Save yourself ...like a bird from the hand of the fowler' (5). 'He will deliver you
from the snare of the fowler'(Psalm 91:3). In scripture, we have both
the promise of grace and the call to faith: 'By grace you have been
saved' (Ephesians 2:5), 'Your faith has saved you' (Luke 7:50), 'Keep
yourselves in the love of God', 'To Him who is able to keep you from
falling (Jude 21,24). Laugh at 'the sluggard' (6-11), but do not laugh
too quickly or too long: You may be laughing at yourself! Looking at the
sluggard is like looking into a mirror. We see so much of ourselves in
him! 'A worthless man, a wicked man' - He 'fancies himself' - He's 'a
chancer'. He better watch out: God doesn't share this man's opinion of
himself - 'calamity will come...he will be broken beyond healing' (15).
18th November: Deuteronomy 13:1-14:21
Obedience
to God involves an uncompromising attitude toward those who would lead
people away from God. Those who say 'Let us go and serve other gods'
(13:2,6,13) must not be permitted to exert their evil influence on God's
people. God says, 'You must not listen to them (13:3,8). Temptations to
'idolatry' can come under the guise of 'spirituality' - 'a prophet...a
dreamer of dreams...a sign or a wonder' (13:1; 1 John 4:1). 'Idolatry'
can come from within one's own family. The Lord must come first
(13:6-11; Luke 14:26). God's judgment is upon 'idolaters' so that others
may see their folly, turn from 'idolatry' and receive God's mercy
(13:12-18). Remember God's purpose of love (John 3:17). In our worship
and in the whole of life, we are to be 'a people holy to the Lord our
God' (14:2,21).
19th November: John 4:1-42
Here,
we see Jesus' ministry of love. He brings the Samaritan woman out of
her bondage to sin and into the joy of His salvation. Jesus comes to the
woman in love. His love overcomes cultural divisions. His love breaks
down cultural barriers (9). This is not simply the story of one woman.
It is the story of 'many Samaritans' coming to faith in Christ (39).
There are two 'stages' in their coming to faith. First, they 'believed
in Him because of the woman's testimony' (39). Second, 'they believed
because of His Word' (41). The Samaritans came to trust Jesus as 'the
Saviour of the world' (42). The woman said that 'salvation is of the
Jews' (22). It is also 'to the Greek' (Romans 1:16). The Gospel is for
all. Pray that the human word will be empowered by the divine Word (1
Thessalonians 1:5; 2:13).
20th November: John 4:43-5:29
In
Jesus' healings, we see the love of God. He 'went about doing good'. In
His healings, we see the Source of His spiritual strength: 'God
anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power' (Acts 10:38). We look
beyond Jesus to God the Father: 'mighty works and wonders and signs
which God did through Him' (Acts 2:22). Jesus speaks of His unique
relationship with the Father (19,26). Jesus is no mere servant. He is
'the Son'. We are to 'honour the Son' as well as the Father (23).
Through Christ, we receive 'eternal life' (24). The gift of eternal life
is the gift of God's love. In love, God 'gave His only Son'. 'In His
Son', there is eternal life. 'This life' is given to everyone who
'believes in the Son of God' (3:16; 1 John 5:10-12). Listen to 'the
voice of the Son of God', believe and 'live' (25).
21st November: Deuteronomy 14:22-15:23
'Tithing'
(Giving the tenth to God) emerges out of holiness: 'You are a people
holy to the Lord your God...You shall tithe' (14:21-22). It is more than
giving things to God. It is giving ourselves to Him. It also involves
caring for others (7-11; Isaiah 58:6-7). We have been 'earmarked' as
servants of the Lord (17). Being 'earmarked' for God involves listening
to God (Isaiah 55:2-3). Bring 'the firstling' to God (19). 'We are here
to bring You the best that we can bring. And it is our love rising from
our hearts' (Mission Praise, 717). 'Just as I am...to be the best that I can be for truth, and righteousness, and Thee, Lord of my life, I come' (Church Hymnary, 448). No second bests - Only the best will do for God.
22nd November: John 5:30-6:21
'Search
the Scriptures' - and make sure you 'come to Christ and receive life'
(39-40). From Jesus' miracles - the feeding of the five thousand (1-13)
and His walking on water (16-21) - we learn about faith in Christ. Jesus
is more than a 'prophet'. He is 'the Bread of God...which comes down
from heaven' (14,33). He is not merely a human 'king'. He is the divine
King - 'Lord of lords and King of kings' (15; Revelation 17:14). When
the storms of life are raging, Jesus says, 'It is I; do not be afraid'
(20). He assures us of His final victory - 'they will make war on the
Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them' (Revelation 17:14). 'Will your
anchor hold in the storms of life?...We have an anchor that keeps the
soul...Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love' (Church Hymnary, 412).
23rd November: John 6:22-59
Jesus
said, 'I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and
he who believes in Me shall never thirst' (35). Jesus had enemies -
'The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said, 'I am the bread which
comes down from heaven' (41). Christ's enemies are still with us. They
'murmur among themselves' (43). How are we to respond to this situation?
We must feed on Jesus Christ, 'the Living Bread' (51). Whatever
difficulties we may face, the Lord provides for us: 'You prepare a table
before me in the presence of my enemies' (Psalm 23:5). We have His
invitation: 'O taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8). With
His provision and invitation, let us make our response: 'We taste Thee, O
Thou living Bread, and long to feast upon Thee still' (Church Hymnary, 571).
24th November: Deuteronomy 16:1-17:13
Blessed
by God, the people of Israel had much to celebrate. They had been
brought out of the land of bondage. They were about to enter the land of
promise. The keeping of the feasts (16:1-17) was a response to God's
love, a way of celebrating His love. Why did God bring Israel to the
promised land? It was because He 'loved them' (Psalm 44:3). The Passover
was a continuing reminder of God's mighty work of redemption. The
Lord's Supper is a memorial of what God has done for us in Christ. In
remembering His dying love for us, we remember what we were without Him
and we give thanks for all that He has done for us. As well as 'joy'
(45), there is to be justice (16:18-17:13; Micah 6:8). Note the effect
of justice: 'And all the people shall hear, and fear, and not act
presumptuously again' (17:13).
25th November: John 6:60-7:36
Jesus'
words are 'spirit and life'. They are 'the words of eternal life'
(63,68). While others - including Judas Iscariot - were drawing back
from following Jesus, Peter confessed his faith in Jesus: 'You are the
Holy One of God' (66-71). It was only a matter of time before Judas
Iscariot (71) and 'the Jews'(1) formed an unholy alliance. The 'time'
was 'not yet' (6,8). Even the plans of evil men could only be fully
developed in the Lord's time. When God permitted their evil plans to
proceed, then it would be His time for Jesus' crucifixion and our
salvation (Acts 2:23). 'The Jews' were amazed at Jesus' teaching - 'How
is it that this man has learning when he has never studied? (15). They
did not understand that God's wisdom is different from man's wisdom.
Obey God. Receive wisdom (17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25).
26th November: John 7:37-8:20
'Rivers
of living water' were flowing out of Jesus' heart. 'No man ever spoke
like this man'! 'The Spirit' was speaking through Him with power. Still,
there were those who 'wanted to arrest Him' (37-39,44,46). Stop
'throwing stones' (1-11)! Only Jesus had the right to point the finger
at this woman. He refused to do so. He bore her sins and our sins on the
Cross (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus spoke to the woman of both forgiveness and
holiness (11). Jesus said, 'I am the light of the world' (12). This
brought an immediate reaction from the 'Pharisees': 'Your testimony is
not true' (13). They were 'disguised as angels of light' (2 Corinthians
11:14). They 'loved darkness rather than light' (3:19). Their 'darkness'
was exposed by 'the Light of the world'. These evil men could do
nothing until God's time (19-20).
27th November: Deuteronomy 17:14-18:22
Even
the king is subject to God's 'law'. His supreme responsibility is this:
Pay careful attention to God's Word (17:18-20). Politically, he may be
in an elevated position - a 'king over' others (17:14-15). Spiritually,
he must not allow 'his heart' to be 'lifted up above his brethren'
(17:20). There must be humble obedience to God's Word. Priests speak to
God for us. Prophets speak to us for God. We need both - 'prayer and the
ministry of the Word' (Acts 6:4). In our worship, we must keep the Lord
at the very centre. Anything or anyone who distracts our attention from
the Lord is no help to true worship (9-14). 'A prophet like Moses'
(18:15): Jesus is the ultimate prophet - to see and hear Him is to see
and hear God (John 5:19; 12:49; 14:9). He preaches God's Word. He is 'the Word of God' (John 1:1).
28th November: John 8:21-58
In
the face of evil unbelief and persistent opposition, Jesus spoke with
tremendous assurance: 'You are from below, I am from above; you are of
this world, I am not of this world...you will die in your sins unless
you believe that I am He' (23-24). 'As He spoke thus, many believed in
Him (30) - Jesus spoke with power and love. Responding to Him in faith,
we are set 'free' (32,36; Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1). To receive His
freedom, we must recognize our need: 'everyone who commits sin is a
slave to sin' (34). To grow in His freedom, we must 'continue in His
Word' (31). To religion without Christ (39,41), Jesus' answer is
emphatic: 'You are of your father the devil...you do not hear God's
words because you are not of God' (44,47). 'I am' (58; Exodus 3:14). God
is in control - not men (59,20).
29th November: John 9:1-41
29th November: John 9:1-41
Empowered
by God, Jesus gives sight to the blind man (3,6-7). 'The Pharisees'
hear the man's testimony (15). 'Some of' them reject the Lord (16,24).
There will always be those who refuse to believe in the saving power of
the Lord Jesus Christ. They will pour scorn on those who have come to
know the Lord. The man gives his testimony: 'One thing I know...I was
blind, now I see' (25). The Pharisees continue to fire questions at him
(26). He puts the most challenging question to them: 'Do you too want to
become His disciples?' (27). They hurl insults at him (28). Fools
attack what they don't understand. The more they rage, the more they
show their folly. We say, 'Lord, I believe', and our spiritual 'eyes'
are opened (38; 2 Corinthians 4:6). Don't be 'blind', despising the
believer and the Saviour (39-40; 2 Corinthians 4:4).
30th November: Psalm 17:1-15
Here
is the prayer of a man whose earnest desire is to walk with God, to
have a close walk with God in the centre of His will (5). His prayer is
sincere. It 'does not rise from deceitful lips' (1). He is painfully
aware of 'the onslaughts of the wicked'. His 'enemies cluster round him,
breathing hostility' (9). Whatever troubles we may encounter, we must
learn to pray with the Psalmist: 'Hear, O Lord, my righteous plea;
listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer' (1). As we call upon the Lord,
He gives the assurance of His protection. Through His Word and Spirit,
He assures us that He will 'keep us as the apple of His eye' (8). We are
precious in His sight. He looks upon us in love. He does not see our
sin. He sees us 'in Christ' - 'accepted in the Beloved', 'no
condemnation' (Psalm 32:1; Ephesians 1:6; Romans 8:1).
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