Category: Uncategorised

2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11; Ezekiel 29:1-30:19; John 11:1-27

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel. Numbers 1:53

The Levites surrounded the tabernacle to ensure no intruders could break through and harm and steal. In like manner, we have a great High Priest in heaven to plead for us before the Father’s holy throne to protect and mitigate for us in our weakness, and to prevent enemy assaults. —Brian Russell

When Satan tempts me to despair,
Telling of evil yet within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.  —Charitie Bancroft

2 Chronicles 3:1-4:22; Ezekiel 28:1-26; John 10:19-42

All these were of the sons of Obed-Edom, they and their sons and their brethren, able men with strength for the work: sixtytwo of Obed-Edom. 1 Chronicles 26:8, NKJV

Adoring the Lord is an inestimably high privilege. These verses describe some of the gatekeepers in Solomon’s temple, emphasizing their ability and strength. Protecting worship from extraneous influences or defilement is a vital ministry. Moreover, the freedom of God’s people to offer up spiritual sacrifices must be safeguarded against unbiblical human innovation. This ministry is chiefly based on Christ’s redemptive and high priestly work, enabling us to worship and serve in the way that pleases the Father (1 Peter 2:5-9; Heb. 13:10-16). —K. R. Keyser

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace. —John Newton

2 Chronicles 1:1-2:18; Ezekiel 27:1-36; John 10:1-18

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

The young man opened the gift with a bit of confusion: sunglasses at Christmas? As he put them on, understanding dawned, and tears of gratitude and joy flowed. For the first time in his life, he could fully see colour! It was a brand new world to him. What will it be like for us, that first moment in Heaven, to see things as they really are? No longer viewing the dull monochromes of earth, but rather the glorious vibrancy of Home? And even more so, to gaze at the One who prepared that home for us! —Lynn Shatford

Face to face with Christ my Saviour, face to face, what will it be?
When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me?  —Carrie E. Breck

1 Chronicles 29:1-30; Ezekiel 26:1-21; John 9:18-41

This do in remembrance of me. Luke 22:19

In many nations, today is a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives in times of war. Often a minute of reflective silence occurs at 11:00 am. Many honour this act of respect, but there are others who cannot find it in their hearts to give even 60 seconds, one day a year to acknowledge the sacrifice of those who made their freedom and lifestyle possible. For the Christian it is a challenging reminder of how easily we can forget what the Lord has done for us and forgetfulness can become ungratefulness very quickly. May we see the Lord’s Supper as it truly is, not a duty, but a gift from God to keep us centred on what is truly important, our Saviour. —S. McEachern

According to Thy gracious Word, in meek humility,
This will I do, my dying Lord, I will remember Thee. —J. Montgomery

1 Chronicles 28:1-21; Ezekiel 24:1-25:17; John 9:1-17

Do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.  1 Samuel 12:21, NKJV

It is sad when a believer turns aside from their love for the Lord, in an effort to find satisfaction in the passing pleasures or treasures of this world. God says they are “empty” and will come to nothing. Only Christ can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. He can satisfy me now, whatever my circumstances, and He will continually satisfy my soul into eternity. —David Croudace

I tried the broken cisterns, Lord, but, ah, the waters failed!
E’en as I stooped to drink they fled, and mocked me as I wailed.
Now none but Christ can satisfy, none other name for me;
There’s love and life and lasting joy, Lord Jesus, found in Thee.  —E. M. Shuttleworth

1 Chronicles 26:1-27:34; Ezekiel 23:1-49; John 8:31-59

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23

Yesterday a friend turned 78 years old. His words to my husband were, “I am very thankful for those who many years ago told us the salvation story and taught us those timeless gospel songs.” Both he and my husband first heard that story when they sat in bushes by a dusty country road listening to a man tell them the stories of Jesus. Could it be that today you might take that same message and share it with others or maybe you need to come and trust the Lord Jesus yourself for forgiveness? —Janet Fleming

And still it is the same today, for Jesus is the only way,
To peace and joy, to God and heaven, to know your sin has been forgiven.  —Janet Fleming

1 Chronicles 24:1-25:31; Ezekiel 22:1-31; John 8:12-30

Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead). Galatians 1:1

Paul didn’t volunteer for God’s service, he was conscripted. He didn’t choose his apostleship, God chose it for him. He didn’t study to become a servant, God called him to servanthood. He didn’t seek ordination, God anointed Him. This is what made his ministry so effective. God’s formula hasn’t changed—He still wants to be the One to call and choose and anoint and send. Only then will our service be effective, and a blessing to others. Wait on Him! —Deborah Manera

The Lord wants us to be used, yes; but what He is after is that we pour
all we have, ourselves, to Him, and if that be all, that is enough.  —Watchman Nee

1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32; Ezekiel 20:45-21:32; John 7:31-8:11

Walk in wisdom…redeeming the time. Colossians 4:5

Malcolm Muggeridge was a journalist, soldier and British spy. He was committed to communism and went to live in Russia. After the war, he converted to Christianity and wrote his autobiography, a book entitled “The Chronicles of Wasted Time”. Much emphasis today is placed on eliminating waste for the good of our environment. Christians should also strive to not waste time. The expression “life is too short” is a common phrase to emphasise the need to make every moment count. One day we will give account of what we have done with the time God has given us.
What will we say? —Brian Powlesland

Oh, the years of sinning wasted; could I but recall them now,
I would give them to my Saviour, to His will I’d gladly bow.  —Charles Carroll Luther

1 Chronicles 21:1-30; Ezekiel 20:1-44; John 7:12-30

Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:20, NKJV

The Lord Jesus was the Messiah of Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 2 & 110). In this verse, before His disciples, He declared the new covenant in His blood, a fulfillment of Jeremiah’s remarkable prophecy (Jer. 31:34). As in Nazareth’s synagogue, it was as if He pointed to Jeremiah and said, “this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:21). We celebrate that new covenant today as we take the emblems. Our Saviour is the whole promise of prophecy, the hope of all the earth. —J. D. Fraser

My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.  —E. Mote

1 Chronicles 19:1-20:8; Ezekiel 18:1-19:14; John 6:41-7:11

Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. Exodus 1:8
Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should…let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. Exodus 5:2

Pharaoh did not know the Lord God of Heaven nor Joseph, the saviour He had provided. Confronted with the truth he said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice?”. Even when God revealed His great power through the plagues, Pharaoh hardened his heart. He came to a tragic end, drowned in the Red Sea with all his army. So too, every one who rejects the Lord Jesus will face awful consequences when they meet Him. Are you ready for that day? —Jim Paul

Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently,
He will forgive if they only believe. —Fanny J. Crosby