DAILY, WEEKEND, AND HOLIDAY INTERNET EVANGELIZE TO THE WORLD MINISTRY

April 4 WOUNDED FOR ME W. G. Ovens, 1870–1945 (verse 1) Gladys W. Roberts, 1888–? (verses 2-5)   To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. ( 1 Peter 2:21 ) Death by crucifixion was one of the worst forms of dying. No Roman citizen was ever crucified; this horrible death was reserved only for Rome’s enemies. The Roman scourge was a most dreadful instrument of torture and suffering. It was made of sinews of oxen, and sharp bones were inter-twisted among the sinews so that every time the lash came down upon a body, these pieces of bone inflicted fearful lacerations and literally tore off chunks of flesh from the person’s bones. This is what Christ endured in accomplishing our redemption. But the physical suffering was not the worst. Rather, the weight of human sin and the separation from God the Father because of His wrath against sin were the real causes of the Savior’s death. But simply knowin...

April 3 WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS Isaac Watts, 1674–1748  Carrying His own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified Him. ( John 19:17 , 18 ) While preparing for a communion service in 1707, Isaac Watts wrote this deeply moving and very personal expression of gratitude for the amazing love that the death of Christ on the cross revealed. It first appeared in print that same year in Watts’ outstanding collection, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. The hymn was originally titled “Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ.” Noted theologian Matthew Arnold called this the greatest hymn in the English language. In Watts’ day, texts such as this, which were based only on personal feelings, were termed “hymns of human composure” and were very controversial, since almost all congregational singing at this time consisted of ponderous repetitions of the Psalms. The unique thoughts presented by Watts in these lines c...

April 2 IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL James Montgomery, 1771–1854   No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up to it. ( 1 Corinthians 10:13 ) Crisis situations are often the important pivotal points in our lives. Our response to these traumatic times—the loss of a loved one, a change in employment, a mistreatment by a trusted friend—will be the foundation stones upon which our lives are built. Maintaining the glow of our first love for God despite all the stresses of life is a major concern. The third stanza of this hymn teaches so well what our attitude should be when difficulties come our way: A desire to know what God is saying through the experience and a willingness to cast our cares on Him. This beloved hymn was written by one of England’s foremost hymn writers, James Montgomery. It was first publi...

April 1 LEAD ME TO CALVARY Jennie Evelyn Hussey, 1874–1958 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ( Hebrews 12:3 ) This is the season of the year when we give special attention to Christ’s suffering, death, and victorious resurrection. In the church calendar, an awareness of these events begins with the Christian observance of Lent, a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) that is set aside each year prior to Easter to concentrate on the circumstances that led to the death of God’s Son on a Roman cross. (Easter is always the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after March 21—the spring equinox. This date was first set in A.D. 325 by the ancient church). The Lenten period should result in a spiritual self-examination and in rededicated living for each devout believer, preparing us for the celebration of our risen Lord. Osbeck, Kenneth W. Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotion...

March 31 TELL ME THE STORIES OF JESUS William H. Parker, 1845–1929 He explained to them what was said in all of the Scriptures concerning Himself. ( Luke 24:27 ) Children love to hear stories. It is critically important that we build upon this natural response and fill their minds with truths about Christ that will give them a solid foundation upon which to build their lives. Although Sunday schools are important, parental influence and instruction in the home are foundations of Christian education. The stories of Jesus—His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection, His ascension, and His promised return to take us to heaven—for the child of God of any age are always fresh, exciting, and spiritually refreshing. They never grow old. Telling the stories of Jesus must also be the mission of our Sunday schools. Portrayals of the person and work of Christ must always be the core of every Christian education curriculum along with appropriate songs that enhance the teaching of ...

March 30 NOW THE DAY IS OVER Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834–1924   I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. ( Psalm 4:8 )   Upon God’s care I lay me down, as a child upon its mother’s breast;   No silken couch, nor softest bed could ever give me such deep rest. —Unknown Trusting God throughout the day allows us to rest peacefully at night. Fear and anxiety are the chief causes of the tension that leads to disturbed rest. And sound rest is an absolute necessity for the renewing of our bodies, minds, and emotions. Only a peaceful relationship with God and with others allows us this total renewal at the close of each day. We must learn to relax and release our cares and burdens to the Lord and then claim His promised rest.   ’Tis sweet to keep my hand in His, while all is dim—   To close my weary, aching eyes, and trust in Him! —Unknown Whenever there are those occasional times when sleep eludes us, it ...