Category: Uncategorised

1 Kings 9:1-28; Jeremiah 17:1-27; Philippians 2:12-30

One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see…Why herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. John 9:25, 30

Christ’s miracle was amazing, the evidence for His messiah-ship striking, yet there was unbelief among the religious leaders. However, for the formerly blind man, there was no doubt! Isn’t this so often the case for those born of the Spirit of God? Though they may find it hard to explain, they simply know something wonderful has happened!
May each of us, with the same zeal and determination, share what the Lord has done for us, despite the opposition. —Pete Smith

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.  —John Newton

1 Kings 8:31-66; Jeremiah 16:1-21; Philippians 1:21-2:11

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Romans 16:1-2

It is a good thing to speak well of the Lord’s people, and Paul’s dignified commendation of Phebe informed the saints that she was a woman of spiritual character. As “our sister,” Phebe’s dignity was acknowledged; as “a servant of the church,” her diligence was noted; as “a succourer of many,” her devotion was praised. Phebe was highly valued by Paul as his helper in the cause of Christ. Could such a fulsome commendation be honestly given of us today? —Phil Coulson

Teach me to live, Thy purpose to fulfil;
Each day renew, re-mould the stubborn will. —Ellen Burman

1 Kings 8:1-30; Jeremiah 15:1-21; Philippians 1:1-20

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee. Proverbs 23:1
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.  Proverbs 23:2

In a world abundant with tempting foods, it is easy to overindulge. But gluttony leads to negative consequences, both physically and spiritually. Choosing moderation over gluttony allows us to honour our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). Often we criticize the world for its unrestrained pursuit of immoral pleasures while we are equally guilty when it comes to our eating. May the Lord help us to embrace moderation, taking care of our bodies as vessels for His glory. —Sid Halsband

What blessings bounteous heaven bestows, he takes with thankful heart;
With temperance he both eats and drinks, and gives the poor a part.  –Needham

1 Kings 7:1-51; Jeremiah 14:1-22; Ephesians 6:10-24

The heavens are the work of thy hands. Psalm 102:25
The heavens shall pass away with a great noise…the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10

The glory of the Creator’s compassion is displayed as His hand lifts the fragile sparrow from its fall. While it remains, creation’s majesty continually declares the glory of the Creator’s wisdom and power. When time surrenders to eternity, creation’s only remnant will be us, the sons of God, held securely in the Creator’s nailscarred hands. Eternity will be required to express our praise for His grace and love bestowed upon us through the precious blood of our Creator become our sacrificial Lamb. —David J Reed

O the wonders of His love! See Him coming from above,
To atone and die for thee; praise Him, praise Him cheerfully. – Author Unknown

1 Kings 6:1-38; Jeremiah 13:1-27; Ephesians 5:22-6:9

I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Ps. 17:15 NKJV

The apostle John confidently asserts that some day “We shall be like Him” (1 John 3:2). But in what way will we be like Him? Paul says that we “will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Cor. 15:52). We will be free from all sin, pain, and suffering! We’ll have a glorified body. Like His! The Lord “will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Phil. 3:21). Only when He comes for us will we be able to see our Lord as He is. Physical eyes in a mortal body could not look on that glory, but in our glorified bodies, we’ll see Him with new eyes. —Ray Jones

Only faintly now I see Him,
With the darkened veil between,
But a blessed day is coming,
When His glory shall be seen. —Carrie E. Beck

1 Kings 4:1-5:18; Jeremiah 12:1-17; Ephesians 5:1-21

When He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3 NKJV

Through the Son of God, we have the privilege of being intimately associated with the Majesty on high. Life focused on Christ gives purpose and meaning to all our activities. When we live daily with our Lord, we see the past, present, and future through God’s eyes and a life lived from God’s perspective makes sense out of everything that happens. The practical outliving of following Christ makes sense of our faith and opens up to us the reason for our being here at this time and in this place. —Gaius C. Goff

We would see Jesus! We would look upon,
The light in that divinely human face,
Where lofty majesty and tender grace
In blended beauty shone. —W. J. Suckow

1 Kings 3:1-28; Jeremiah 11:1-23; Ephesians 4:17-32

Daniel…kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Dan. 6:10

A book entitled “Daily Rituals” describes the daily routines of dozens of thinkers, writers, and artists. Some historical personalities had some seemingly bizarre daily routines but many had personal targets that demonstrated their objective of ruthlessly organizing their time to be productive. We are exhorted to “redeem the time” (Eph. 5:16) by using it purposely for the benefit of others whilst making time by daily personal routines to give devotional time to the Lord whatever the circumstances or pressures on our time may be. —Brian Powlesland

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. —William D. Longstaff

1 Kings 2:1-46; Jeremiah 10:1-25; Ephesians 4:1-16

Ye must be born again. John 3:7

The Gospel of John uses the word “must” ten times. It is a wonderful study. In the first four uses we see the sinner’s call: you must be born again (3:7). Then we have the Saviour’s cross: the Son of Man must be lifted up (3:14). Then we have the saints challenge: He must increase; I must decrease (3:30) and finally the Saviour’s divine course: He must go through Samaria and meet the lost woman at the well (4:4). Putting these “musts” on a trajectory we
could express it this way: as sinners saved by the crucified Saviour, we learn to lift up Christ, while lowering ourselves; following His direction, we serve for His glory. —Sam Thorpe

One there is above all others, Oh how He loves!
Safe to glory He will guide thee, O how He loves!  —Marianne Nunn

1 Kings 1:1-53; Jeremiah 9:1-26; Ephesians 3:1-21

But Jeremiah said…Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the Lord. Jeremiah 38:20

Jeremiah was a faithful prophet and spoke the truth to the people of his day. His ministry lasted for forty years but the people failed to heed his message or act upon his word from God. In the end their disobedience led to the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. The temple was left in ruins, and the people were killed or deported. Jeremiah
wept over the consequences of their disobedience as he looked at the desolation left by the Babylonians. The spiritual barrenness of our secular age should not stop us proclaiming the Gospel even if there is little result. God requires faithfulness from His people. He will provide the increase. —Paul Young

Sweetly echo the gospel call, wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life. —P. P. Bliss

2 Samuel 24:1-25; Jeremiah 8:1-22; Ephesians 2:11-22

Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled [stands firm or established] in heaven. Psalm 119:89 NKJV

The Bible stands! This is the central verse of this psalm and it gives us much assurance in these difficult and changing times. Four times the psalmist assures us that God’s Word stands firm (vv. 144, 152, 160). Our society is deteriorating but rest assured His truth will not and cannot fail! His “faithfulness endures to all generations” (Ps. 119:90). “She (Sarah) judged (considered) Him faithful who had promised” (Heb. 11:11). Believe His Word. Let nothing rob you of this “blessed assurance!” —Jim Comte

May we read these Scriptures, and their truths believe,
Own our need as sinners, and God’s Son receive;
In assurance resting, His commands obey,
And in His grace growing, live for Him each day! —A. P. Gibbs