Daily Devotions and Scripture Readings
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Poster:
Logan
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2006/03/05 13:35:37 PM
This morning's reading is Numbers 32-34 This following is very similar to what we have been studying in Hebrews (being it is from Hebrews, that makes sense) that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. God demands a blood sacrifice for our sins. If we do not have Christ then we die ourselves (that is our penalty) and even that cannot pay for even our own sins. We needed something greater and Christ provided that. The purpose of all the Old Testament sacrifices was to show that even with the killing of thousands and thousands of animals, it wasn't enough to pay for anyone's sin. It was a constant reminder to the Israelites that they DID need to pay for sins with blood though! So when Christ came, he fulfilled that part of the law, which is why we do not sacrifice any longer. His perfect sacrifice, of himself, spotless and blameless was enough to pay for the sins of every believer since the beginning of the world, he has redeemed us (remember talking about the redemption of the firstborn sons JJ?) and the debt is payed in full, by Christ. This is the big cord that weaves its way through the entirety of the old and new testament.
"Without the shedding of blood is no remission."
--Hebrews 9:22
This is the voice of unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies were sins, even typically, removed without blood-shedding. In no case, by no means can sin be pardoned without atonement. It is clear, then, that there is no hope for me out of Christ; for there is no other blood-shedding which is worth a thought as an atonement for sin. Am I, then, believing in Him? Is the blood of His atonement truly applied to my soul? All men are on a level as to their need of Him. If we be never so moral, generous, amiable, or patriotic, the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing less potent than the blood of Him whom God hath set forth as a propitiation. What a blessing that there is the one way of pardon! Why should we seek another?
Persons of merely formal religion cannot understand how we can rejoice that all our sins are forgiven us for Christ's sake. Their works, and prayers, and ceremonies, give them very poor comfort; and well may they be uneasy, for they are neglecting the one great salvation, and endeavouring to get remission without blood. My soul, sit down, and behold the justice of God as bound to punish sin; see that punishment all executed upon thy Lord Jesus, and fall down in humble joy, and kiss the dear feet of Him whose blood has made atonement for thee. It is in vain when conscience is aroused to fly to feelings and evidences for comfort: this is a habit which we learned in the Egypt of our legal bondage. The only restorative for a guilty conscience is a sight of Jesus suffering on the cross. "The blood is the life thereof," says the Levitical law, and let us rest assured that it is the life of faith and joy and every other holy grace.
"Oh! how sweet to view the flowing
Of my Saviour's precious blood;
With divine assurance knowing
He has made my peace with God."
---
As we learned in Narnia....
"Without the shedding of blood is no remission."
--Hebrews 9:22
This is the voice of unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies were sins, even typically, removed without blood-shedding. In no case, by no means can sin be pardoned without atonement. It is clear, then, that there is no hope for me out of Christ; for there is no other blood-shedding which is worth a thought as an atonement for sin. Am I, then, believing in Him? Is the blood of His atonement truly applied to my soul? All men are on a level as to their need of Him. If we be never so moral, generous, amiable, or patriotic, the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing less potent than the blood of Him whom God hath set forth as a propitiation. What a blessing that there is the one way of pardon! Why should we seek another?
Persons of merely formal religion cannot understand how we can rejoice that all our sins are forgiven us for Christ's sake. Their works, and prayers, and ceremonies, give them very poor comfort; and well may they be uneasy, for they are neglecting the one great salvation, and endeavouring to get remission without blood. My soul, sit down, and behold the justice of God as bound to punish sin; see that punishment all executed upon thy Lord Jesus, and fall down in humble joy, and kiss the dear feet of Him whose blood has made atonement for thee. It is in vain when conscience is aroused to fly to feelings and evidences for comfort: this is a habit which we learned in the Egypt of our legal bondage. The only restorative for a guilty conscience is a sight of Jesus suffering on the cross. "The blood is the life thereof," says the Levitical law, and let us rest assured that it is the life of faith and joy and every other holy grace.
"Oh! how sweet to view the flowing
Of my Saviour's precious blood;
With divine assurance knowing
He has made my peace with God."
---
As we learned in Narnia....
Poster:
Logan
|
2006/03/06 03:47:58 AM
Tonight's reading is Mark 9:30-50
"Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation."
--Psalm 35:3
What does this sweet prayer teach me? It shall be my evening's petition; but first let it yield me an instructive meditation. The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation," if he were not sometimes exercised with doubts and fears? Let me, then, be of good cheer, for I am not the only saint who has to complain of weakness of faith. If David doubted, I need not conclude that I am no Christian because I have doubts. The text reminds me that David was not content while he had doubts and fears, but he repaired at once to the mercy-seat to pray for assurance; for he valued it as much fine gold. I too must labour after an abiding sense of my acceptance in the Beloved, and must have no joy when His love is not shed abroad in my soul. When my Bridegroom is gone from me, my soul must and will fast. I learn also that David knew where to obtain full assurance. He went to his God in prayer, crying, "Say unto my soul I am thy salvation."
I must be much alone with God if I would have a clear sense of Jesus' love. Let my prayers cease, and my eye of faith will grow dim. Much in prayer, much in heaven; slow in prayer, slow in progress. I notice that David would not be satisfied unless his assurance had a divine source. "Say unto my soul." Lord, do Thou say it ! Nothing short of a divine testimony in the soul will ever content the true Christian. Moreover, David could not rest unless his assurance had a vivid personality about it. "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation." Lord, if Thou shouldst say this to all the saints, it were nothing, unless Thou shouldst say it to me. Lord, I have sinned; I deserve not Thy smile; I scarcely dare to ask it; but oh! say to my soul, even to my soul, "I am thy salvation." Let me have a present, personal, infallible, indisputable sense that I am Thine, and that Thou art mine.
---
As we learned in Narnia....
"Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation."
--Psalm 35:3
What does this sweet prayer teach me? It shall be my evening's petition; but first let it yield me an instructive meditation. The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation," if he were not sometimes exercised with doubts and fears? Let me, then, be of good cheer, for I am not the only saint who has to complain of weakness of faith. If David doubted, I need not conclude that I am no Christian because I have doubts. The text reminds me that David was not content while he had doubts and fears, but he repaired at once to the mercy-seat to pray for assurance; for he valued it as much fine gold. I too must labour after an abiding sense of my acceptance in the Beloved, and must have no joy when His love is not shed abroad in my soul. When my Bridegroom is gone from me, my soul must and will fast. I learn also that David knew where to obtain full assurance. He went to his God in prayer, crying, "Say unto my soul I am thy salvation."
I must be much alone with God if I would have a clear sense of Jesus' love. Let my prayers cease, and my eye of faith will grow dim. Much in prayer, much in heaven; slow in prayer, slow in progress. I notice that David would not be satisfied unless his assurance had a divine source. "Say unto my soul." Lord, do Thou say it ! Nothing short of a divine testimony in the soul will ever content the true Christian. Moreover, David could not rest unless his assurance had a vivid personality about it. "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation." Lord, if Thou shouldst say this to all the saints, it were nothing, unless Thou shouldst say it to me. Lord, I have sinned; I deserve not Thy smile; I scarcely dare to ask it; but oh! say to my soul, even to my soul, "I am thy salvation." Let me have a present, personal, infallible, indisputable sense that I am Thine, and that Thou art mine.
---
As we learned in Narnia....
Poster:
Logan
|
2006/03/06 13:05:47 PM
This morning's reading is Numbers 35-36 and that finishes up the book!
"And these are ancient things."
--1 Chronicles 4:22
Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight of our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, telling them over as misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which He elected us unto eternal life, or ever the earth was, is a matter of vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of man. We were chosen from before the foundations of the world. Everlasting love went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of divine will by which we were set apart, but the divine affections were concerned. The Father loved us in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily contemplation.
The eternal purpose to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to glorify us, was of infinite antiquity, and runs side by side with immutable love and absolute sovereignty. The covenant is always described as being everlasting, and Jesus, the second party in it, had His goings forth of old; He struck hands in sacred suretyship long ere the first of the stars began to shine, and it was in Him that the elect were ordained unto eternal life. Thus in the divine purpose a most blessed covenant union was established between the Son of God and His elect people, which will remain as the foundation of their safety when time shall be no more. Is it not well to be conversant with hese ancient things? Is it not shameful that they should be so much neglected and even rejected by the bulk of professors? If they knew more of their own sin, would they not be more ready to adore distinguishing grace? Let us both admire and adore tonight, as we sing--
"A monument of grace,
A sinner saved by blood;
The streams of love I trace
Up to the Fountain, God;
And in His sacred bosom see
Eternal thoughts of Love to me."
---
As we learned in Narnia....
"And these are ancient things."
--1 Chronicles 4:22
Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight of our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, telling them over as misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which He elected us unto eternal life, or ever the earth was, is a matter of vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of man. We were chosen from before the foundations of the world. Everlasting love went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of divine will by which we were set apart, but the divine affections were concerned. The Father loved us in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily contemplation.
The eternal purpose to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to glorify us, was of infinite antiquity, and runs side by side with immutable love and absolute sovereignty. The covenant is always described as being everlasting, and Jesus, the second party in it, had His goings forth of old; He struck hands in sacred suretyship long ere the first of the stars began to shine, and it was in Him that the elect were ordained unto eternal life. Thus in the divine purpose a most blessed covenant union was established between the Son of God and His elect people, which will remain as the foundation of their safety when time shall be no more. Is it not well to be conversant with hese ancient things? Is it not shameful that they should be so much neglected and even rejected by the bulk of professors? If they knew more of their own sin, would they not be more ready to adore distinguishing grace? Let us both admire and adore tonight, as we sing--
"A monument of grace,
A sinner saved by blood;
The streams of love I trace
Up to the Fountain, God;
And in His sacred bosom see
Eternal thoughts of Love to me."
---
As we learned in Narnia....
Poster:
Logan
|
2006/03/07 04:45:18 AM
Tonight's reading is Mark 10:1-31
"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty."
--Proverbs 18:12
It is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a haughty heart is the prophetic prelude of evil. Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass is the sign of rain; and far more infallibly so than that. When men have ridden the high horse, destruction has always overtaken them. Let David's aching heart show that there is an eclipse of a man's glory when he dotes upon his own greatness. 2 Sam. 24:10. See Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty builder of Babylon, creeping on the earth, devouring grass like oxen, until his nails had grown like bird's claws, and his hair like eagle's feathers. Dan. 4:33. Pride made the boaster a beast, as once before it made an angel a devil. God hates high looks, and never fails to bring them down. All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts. O Christian, is thine heart haughty this evening? For pride can get into the Christian's heart as well as into the sinner's; it can delude him into dreaming that he is "rich and increased in goods, and hath need of nothing."
Art thou glorying in thy graces or thy talents? Art thou proud of thyself, that thou hast had holy frames and sweet experiences? Mark thee, reader, there is a destruction coming to thee also. Thy flaunting poppies of self-conceit will be pulled up by the roots, thy mushroom graces will wither in the burning heat, and thy self-sufficiency shall become as straw for the dunghill. If we forget to live at the foot of the cross in deepest lowliness of spirit, God will not forget to make us smart under His rod. A destruction will come to thee, O unduly exalted believer, the destruction of thy joys and of thy comforts, though there can be no destruction of thy soul. Wherefore, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
---
As we learned in Narnia....
"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty."
--Proverbs 18:12
It is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a haughty heart is the prophetic prelude of evil. Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass is the sign of rain; and far more infallibly so than that. When men have ridden the high horse, destruction has always overtaken them. Let David's aching heart show that there is an eclipse of a man's glory when he dotes upon his own greatness. 2 Sam. 24:10. See Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty builder of Babylon, creeping on the earth, devouring grass like oxen, until his nails had grown like bird's claws, and his hair like eagle's feathers. Dan. 4:33. Pride made the boaster a beast, as once before it made an angel a devil. God hates high looks, and never fails to bring them down. All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts. O Christian, is thine heart haughty this evening? For pride can get into the Christian's heart as well as into the sinner's; it can delude him into dreaming that he is "rich and increased in goods, and hath need of nothing."
Art thou glorying in thy graces or thy talents? Art thou proud of thyself, that thou hast had holy frames and sweet experiences? Mark thee, reader, there is a destruction coming to thee also. Thy flaunting poppies of self-conceit will be pulled up by the roots, thy mushroom graces will wither in the burning heat, and thy self-sufficiency shall become as straw for the dunghill. If we forget to live at the foot of the cross in deepest lowliness of spirit, God will not forget to make us smart under His rod. A destruction will come to thee, O unduly exalted believer, the destruction of thy joys and of thy comforts, though there can be no destruction of thy soul. Wherefore, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
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As we learned in Narnia....
Poster:
Logan
|
2006/03/07 12:44:29 PM
This morning's reading is Deuteronomy 1-2
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As we learned in Narnia....
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As we learned in Narnia....
Poster:
Logan
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2006/03/21 12:41:00 PM
I'm at Joshua 5-6 for today, and also Luke 2:1-21
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As we learned in Narnia....
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As we learned in Narnia....
Poster:
LES
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2006/03/21 13:29:31 PM
Our daily devotional in the Chronological Bible was in Deuteronomy but it included Psalms 90 saying that Moses probably wrote it toward the end of his life. I thought about your church -- and it was very nice to read that you are now a member, sings Psalms. I enjoyed reading it this morning. It always is a blessing to me to see the different things that seem so important when you read the words you have read -- or sung --- so many times. Maybe it is just me -- but I get something special -- and it may be different the next time I read the same words. I am not sure if I am making myself clear --- sorry.
Our Church sings Psalms -- but we sing hymns also.
I hadn't decided what else to read today -- I will read what you posted.
Thank you for sharing.
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Joshua 24 : 15
Our Church sings Psalms -- but we sing hymns also.
I hadn't decided what else to read today -- I will read what you posted.
Thank you for sharing.
---
Joshua 24 : 15
Poster:
Logan
|
2006/03/22 05:16:30 AM
I didn't know your church sang Psalms, that is very unusual (aside from singing Psalm 23) but if you stop to think about it, God did give us an entire book of songs for our singing, and they reach to a depth that no other songs can because they are inspired!
There are two places in the New Testament where Paul specifically says to sing Psalms, one is Colossians 3:16 and the other is in Ephesians 5 I believe. Regardless of what one thinks "hymns" and "spiritual songs" refer to, it seems that at least a third of our music should be the Psalms! Sadly, they are completely neglected by most churches today as relics of the past.
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As we learned in Narnia....
There are two places in the New Testament where Paul specifically says to sing Psalms, one is Colossians 3:16 and the other is in Ephesians 5 I believe. Regardless of what one thinks "hymns" and "spiritual songs" refer to, it seems that at least a third of our music should be the Psalms! Sadly, they are completely neglected by most churches today as relics of the past.
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As we learned in Narnia....
Poster:
LES
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2006/03/22 12:59:38 PM
Well we do sing Psalms and I have told you that before -- it was awhile back. We have one of those things where they project the songs on a screen at the front of the Church ( behind the choir ) and our Minister of Music ( a seminary graduate ) likes Psalms. The words are not in the hymnals but he puts them up there -- he likes to sing them without music. It is fine with me except I personally would prefer that either he sing them
( he seems to know the how ) or that we just stand and read them as we do for any other Bible reading. Whether read or sung the words are the same. I am fine with it either way. I prefer hymns for singing but I do not mind if that is how he wants to praise the Lord that morning. He is the one responsible for that and I do not go thinking it has to be my way. I do not think it is a third of the music -- but he does do that. I do not see that singing them is any better than reading them but it is all good. It is the Bible and he seems a very sincere man and I respect his leadership. I try very hard not to be judgemental. I have seen to many churches that hold themselves above others. I leave it to the Lord to judge. Our Church blesses me and I learn and grow as a Christian. I am so very happy that you have found a church that does the same for you. They sound very sincere and it seems the perfect place for you.
Our Church is Southern Baptist -- old fashioned and strict. Not much liked by the world today -- Baptist take a lot of abuse from other churches. I am used to it. I just hope that they understand the difference in a Southern Baptist Church. We are both Southern Baptist --- both raised in the Southern Baptist Church --- not just the Baptist Church. Yes -- that difference is important to me. I want to be sure we are counted with the ones the world is calling old fashioned and narrow minded and judgemental.
Sorry --- I have heard a great deal of Southern Baptist bashing lately.
Primarily because of how we define marriage.
I heard an ad on television 2 days ago, it was a specific mainstream faith, one I had thought to be Bible believing, about tolerance and diversity and how there is something for everyone in their church. Well not true for us and I am thankful for that.
I am sorry -- this is your topic for devotionals -- I did not mean to make into a discussion.
I leave it to you to post here, and thank you for the time you take to honor the Lord. We may not always agree exactly -- but I have tremendous respect for your devotion. Thank you for all that you give to the Lord.
Joshua 24 : 15
( he seems to know the how ) or that we just stand and read them as we do for any other Bible reading. Whether read or sung the words are the same. I am fine with it either way. I prefer hymns for singing but I do not mind if that is how he wants to praise the Lord that morning. He is the one responsible for that and I do not go thinking it has to be my way. I do not think it is a third of the music -- but he does do that. I do not see that singing them is any better than reading them but it is all good. It is the Bible and he seems a very sincere man and I respect his leadership. I try very hard not to be judgemental. I have seen to many churches that hold themselves above others. I leave it to the Lord to judge. Our Church blesses me and I learn and grow as a Christian. I am so very happy that you have found a church that does the same for you. They sound very sincere and it seems the perfect place for you.
Our Church is Southern Baptist -- old fashioned and strict. Not much liked by the world today -- Baptist take a lot of abuse from other churches. I am used to it. I just hope that they understand the difference in a Southern Baptist Church. We are both Southern Baptist --- both raised in the Southern Baptist Church --- not just the Baptist Church. Yes -- that difference is important to me. I want to be sure we are counted with the ones the world is calling old fashioned and narrow minded and judgemental.
Sorry --- I have heard a great deal of Southern Baptist bashing lately.
Primarily because of how we define marriage.
I heard an ad on television 2 days ago, it was a specific mainstream faith, one I had thought to be Bible believing, about tolerance and diversity and how there is something for everyone in their church. Well not true for us and I am thankful for that.
I am sorry -- this is your topic for devotionals -- I did not mean to make into a discussion.
I leave it to you to post here, and thank you for the time you take to honor the Lord. We may not always agree exactly -- but I have tremendous respect for your devotion. Thank you for all that you give to the Lord.
Joshua 24 : 15