June 12 Daily Devotional

We are happy to announce that we have obtained permission to post as our current daily devotional (starting tomorrow) Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Reading for Husbands and Wives, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Don't be misled by the subtitle. As the book's "Preface" indicates (see below), although Heirs Together of Life is "especially prepared for couples," the authors declare, "Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader."

Charles and Norma Ellis are husband and wife and the authors not only of Heirs Together of Life (which was first published in 1980 and continues in print today), but also of Wells of Salvation (first published in 1985, and likewise still in print today). The latter contains a series of short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah, while the former contains a series of almost 200 short studies covering the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Both books by the Ellises can be ordered from the publisher, The Banner of Truth Trust. We trust that these daily Bible readings, posted daily on our site, will be helpful to you in your Christian walk before God. Whether married or not, all of us are members of families and members of the family of God.

Charles Ellis was educated at Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Westminster (where he earned not only a Th.B. but also a Th.M.), he was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox Presyteerian Church and pastored a number of OPC chuches, including Immanuel OPC in West Collingswood, New Jersey; First OPC in Cincinnati, Ohio; Covenant OPC in East Orange, New Jersey; Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland; and Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Less biographical information is available about his wife, but it is known that they served as parents of seven children. After retiring from the ministry, Charles Ellis went to be with the Lord in 2003, but he and his wife left us with a beautiful legacy in the two books they have given to the world, and we are proud to share the daily Bible readings from Heirs Together of Life here with you, starting tomorrow. (Today we present to you the "Preface" below.)

Preface

'Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered' (1 Peter 3:7).

When our Saviour died, He named us in His will! He made provision that as man and wife we should receive life-abundant, three-dimensional life which is eternal. As recipients of this legacy we are not just to sit down and bask in our gift. We are to allow this gift to have an effect upon us. We are to live this life now. As heirs together we are to live in a loving, considerate unity, not allowing discord or lack of esteem and respect to mar our relationship and hinder our fellowship together with our Lord. Truly, God has given us eternal life, but we are to work out our own salvation, knowing at the same time that it is He who is working in us (Philippians 2:12-13).

We have here prepared a study of God's Word, beginning 'in the beginning' and going through to the eternal kingdom, to discover what He has revealed concerning His will and provision for men and women and their relationship with one another. We hope this study will assist many in understanding more thoroughly what the Creator has designed for marriage and the home.

Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader. But it is especially prepared for couples. We urge that, in accordance with God's plan, the husband lead his wife in a daily devotional period. First the designated Scripture and the commentary should be read. The Authorized Version is used here, since probably the majority of Christians have this available. The comments are generally based upon this version, although some quotations are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) or the New International Version (NIV) when they are considered to be more clear or closer to the original. The Scripture reading is the most important part of this devotional exercise. The comments are not meant to stand alone, but to open up the Scripture and apply it specifically to the home.

After the reading, time should be given for the sharing of reactions and opinions. It is one thing to read the Bible, but what are you going to do about it? Do the concepts in the Scripture reading flood you with thanksgiving? Then give thanks! Does the reading throw light upon an area in your marriage which needs to be brought into closer conformity with God's revealed will? Then brush away old concepts, clear up misunderstandings and confess sins which have been hindering you from being a unity. Talk together openly, 'speaking the truth in love'! (Ephesians 4:15a). And forgive, even as God has forgiven you!

The time together should be closed with prayer, each partner in turn offering thanks to God for the blessings of the day and presenting before Him the special needs of the home. If praying aloud together is new in your marriage this may be difficult at first, but each day it will grow easier, and you will marvel at the way in which God will answer your prayers and mold you into the kind of relationship He has in mind for you.

It is our hope that by the time you have finished this summary overview you will be so thoroughly patterned that you will continue together in a daily devotional reading for yourselves, digging more deeply into the Scriptures than has been possible here.

'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful' (Col. 3:15 NIV).

Charles and Norma Ellis Owl's Head, Maine, U.S.A.