Category: Uncategorised

Ezra 10:1-44; Daniel 11:1-20; Revelation 6:1-17

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2, NKJV

When John wrote to his friend, Gaius, he gave a glimpse into his prayer on his behalf. Would we like someone to pray this for us? We spend so much time on physical fitness—jogging, walking, and exercising. But what about our spiritual exercise: reading the Word, praying, and serving? We might rather people pray that our soul may prosper, just as our body prospers. It’s time to reset our focus. —Rex Trogdon

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

Ezra 9:1-15; Daniel 10:1-21; Revelation 5:1-14

And everyone who was in distress…in debt…discontented gathered to him. 1 Samuel 22:2, NKJV

Saul’s army was composed of men who were strong, chosen for their bravery and skill. David’s army, during this time, was made up of the distressed, the indebted, the disgruntled. Saul’s army followed a king who was in pursuit of his own glory and power. David’s men followed a man who passionately sought God’s glory. Some of them became “mighty men of valour”. Sometimes we may feel that we have been given discontented, disillusioned people to be responsible for. As we follow David’s example of devotion to God’s glory, may we too expect to see them become mighty men and women, valiant for truth. —M. MacMullen

God, my King, Thy might confessing, ever will I bless Thy name;
Day by day Thy throne addressing, still will I Thy praise proclaim.—R. Mant

Ezra 8:1-36; Daniel 9:1-27; Revelation 4:1-11

The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind… Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed. Jeremiah 17:9-10, 14, NKJV
The word of God is living and powerful…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12, NKJV

Never underestimate the power of the Scriptures! Through them the true condition of our hearts is revealed. They discern the thoughts and intents of our heart better than we do ourself. Our daily time in God’s Word will help us to see our flaws and transgressions. With repentance and confession, the Lord will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —E. C. B.

Like a mighty rock undaunted ’mid the raging storms of time,
The Bible stands eternal, and it glows with a light sublime.—R. Hamilton

Ezra 7:1-28; Daniel 8:1-27; Revelation 3:7-22

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart…And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat. Exodus 25:2, 22

These were the instructions the Lord gave to Moses regarding the material for building the tabernacle. This wonderful place of grace, acceptance and fellowship with the Lord was based on people coming and giving with a willing heart. J. N. Darby translates verse 2, “Every one whose heart prompteth him”. Do we hear when the Holy Spirit prompts us to bring sacrifices of praise and worship to the One we owe so very much? —Ray Jones

Jesus, the very thought of Thee, with sweetness fills my breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see, and in Thy presence rest.  —Bernard of Clairvaux

Ezra 6:1-22; Daniel 7:1-28; Revelation 2:18-3:6

The world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.  1 Chronicles 16:30
A throne was set in heaven. Revelation 4:2

Our world seems to be marked by great instability. Whether it be politically, economically or socially there are often turbulent forces at work that bring insecurity to humanity in general. In an unstable world we are privileged to know the stable God; His throne being “set” and therefore unshakeable. In His purposes the day is coming when the Lord Jesus will reign and then David’s words regarding a stable world will be fulfilled. —Philip A. Kaye

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand. —Edward Mote

Ezra 5:1-17; Daniel 6:1-28; Revelation 2:1-17

And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power…So the Lord smote…and the Ethiopians fled. 2 Chronicles 14:11-12

Asa cried out to God about the enormity of this threat to Israel. From the Lord’s heavenly perspective, the problem was not as daunting. In response to Asa’s cry, He smote the Ethiopians and the rest ran away. Sometimes our problems can seem massive, but our God is sufficient for every situation. Do we trust Him to fight our battles, and meet our needs? He is a great God and a loving Father. “If God be for us who can be against us” (Rom. 8:31). —M. Robins

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms,
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.—Elisha A. Hoffman

Ezra 3:1-4:24; Daniel 5:1-31; Revelation 1:1-20

He was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Acts 1:9

When we think of clouds, we often think of impending rain or a storm, something negative. But in the Bible, clouds speak of God’s presence. During the Exodus, the cloud led the people and was a shade against the desert sun. The cloud of God’s glory filled the temple at its dedication. In the New Testament our Lord Jesus was taken up to glory in a cloud as the disciples looked on. Most exciting for us is that one day we will see the cloud of God’s divine presence for ourselves when our Lord Jesus comes back just as He left—in a cloud. Perhaps your life feels cloudy today. Look for His presence in it. He will see you through. —Eleanor Isaacson

Some golden daybreak Jesus will come;
Some golden daybreak, battles all won. —Carl Blackmore

Ezra 1:1-2:70; Daniel 4:1-37; 3 John

I know that in me…dwelleth no good thing. Romans 7:18
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given. Ephesians 3:8

Why did God use Paul? He did not have “a good self-image” as some recommend! Looking at himself he humbly said “In me… dwelleth no good thing.” Concerning sinners he said, “I am the chief of sinners!” In relation to believers he said, “I am less than the least of all the saints”. If I am ever tempted to think that I am somebody great, let me look at the vilest offender and say, “There, but for the grace of God, go I”. —David Croudace

Boasting excluded, pride I abase;
I’m only a sinner, saved by grace! —James M. Gray

2 Chronicles 36:1-23; Daniel 3:1-30; 2 John

A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 29:23

Pride is a subtle and deceptive sin which, if left unchecked, will lead to destruction. God’s Word speaks very clearly concerning its danger. Proverbs declares that God hates a proud look and that a proud heart is an abomination to Him, one which He will not tolerate. Satan lifted himself up in pride, aspiring to be as God, and God brought him very low. The only antidote for pride is the humbling of self under the mighty hand of God. He will always honour genuine humility. —E. V.

Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord,
Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord,
And He shall lift you up! —Bob Hudson

2 Chronicles 35:1-27; Daniel 2:24-49; 1 John 5:1-21

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

The enemy will try anything to cripple you with fear, to dilute your passion. But do not let him. Cling to the promises of God! Bring your problems to the feet of Jesus. Always stay close to the Lord and keep Him at the centre of your life. His perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Keep your eyes fixed on the Lord.  —Bronwyn Hagey

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth,
Will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.  —Helen H. Lemmel