Daily Devotionals for August 21, 2026

For Reading and Meditation:     Ecclesiastes 10:1-3

This chapter offers us the anatomy of a fool. But when you see how a fool behaves, you might begin to think you are surrounded by fools. Remember, however, the old saying that when you point one finger at another person you are pointing three back at yourself. Didn't our Lord warn us in

Jacob must have shuddered at the thought of leaving the land of his father's sojourning, and dwelling among heathen strangers. It was a new scene, and likely to be a trying one: who shall venture among couriers of a foreign monarch without anxiety? Yet the way was evidently appointed for him, and therefore he resolved to go. This is frequently the position of believers now-they are called to perils and temptations altogether untried: at such seasons let them imitate Jacob's example by...

One thing taught large in the Holy Scriptures is that while God gives His gifts freely. He will require a strict accounting of them at the end of the road. Each man is personally responsible for his store, be it large or small, and will be required to explain his use of it before the judgment seat of Christ. . . .

Then there are talents. These are included in the total store granted us by our Heavenly Father. Whether we have one talent or many, we must render up account finally, and...

The subject here, of course, is the use of tongues without interpretation in the meetings of the church. Paul is opposed to the practice. He insists that what is spoken must be intelligible, otherwise no one is edified.

But the verse can be applied in a broader sense. When we speak, we should speak loudly enough for everyone to hear, otherwise we might just as well be speaking in a foreign language. In almost every audience there are people who are hard of hearing. It is a great trial...

John 2:13-25

Over and over again in the Gospels, we read of Jesus going to the feasts of the Jews and to their synagogue services. In this He set an example for us. We are to follow Him, putting our feet into the prints of His shoes. One of the things we may learn from Him, is the habit of attending Christian worship. He was always faithful in attending religious meetings. He began at the age of twelve to go to the Passover, and went...

That the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh" (2 Cor. 4:11, ASV.).

The love motive is not adequate to carry the believer through to fruitful walk and service. Few seem to be able to face up to this fact, possibly because they see no higher alternative. But there is one: the life motive. "For the law of the Spirit of life...

The Lord Jesus gives special revelations of himself to his people. Even if Scripture did not declare this, there are many of the children of God who could testify the truth of it from their own experience. They have had manifestations of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in a peculiar manner, such as no mere reading or hearing could afford. In the biographies of eminent saints, you will find many instances recorded in which Jesus has been pleased, in a very special manner to speak to...

"For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalms 30:5

A moment under our Father's anger seems very long, and yet it is but a moment after all. If we grieve His Spirit, we cannot look for His smile; but He is a God ready to pardon, and He soon puts aside all remembrance of our faults. When we faint and are ready to die because of His frown, His favor...

THE Lord's people are often oppressed, they are tempted to be revengeful, but our God says, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." Under man's wrath, remember you are the objects of the Lord's love; when men oppress you, rest assured that God will befriend you. Carry your case to Him, spread the whole of the matter before Him; plead with Him, and then rest assured that He will appear for you. The master will interfere for a servant he values; the parent for the child he loves; and the husband...

The elements of a true church are few and easy to possess. They are a company of believers, the Lord, the Spirit and the Word of the Living God. Let the Lord be worshiped, the Spirit be obeyed, the Word be expounded and followed as the only rule for faith and conduct, and the power of God will begin to show itself as it did to Samson in the camp of Dan. The church will produce a spiritual culture all its own, wholly unlike anything created by the mind of man and superior to any culture known...

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool.Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. § Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, … saying, “Let us go after other gods”—which you have not known—“and let us serve them,” you shall not listen to the words of that prophet … for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your...

It is perhaps needless to remark that the word conversation is intended to include the entire conduct - literally, the way. The ordering of one's conversation, implies meditation and study as to what one's conduct should be, in its various particulars; a definite and well understood standard; a solemn and sustained resolution to live according to that standard, by the help of God.

Most men allow themselves to be wafted along by the current of events; their conduct is determined by...

All things are yours … And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. § Our … Savior Jesus Christ … gave Himself for us. § He … gave Him to be head over all things to the church. § Christ … loved the church and gave Himself for her … that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.My soul shall make its boast in the Lord. § I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in...