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

And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:7 NKJV

The Gentiles thought that their gods were disinterested and so they believed that if they begged long enough, they would get an answer. How easy it is to think this of God, especially in the face of unanswered prayer. Jesus reminds us we are not praying to disengaged, temperamental gods but to, “Our Father” (Matt. 6:9). We can rest in the fact that God is good and will answer our prayers according to His good will. Martin Luther agreed when he said, “God’s not interested in a lot of prayer, just good prayer that believes in who He is.” —J. D. Fraser

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear,
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.—Joseph Scriven

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

He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? Mark 4:38

Questioning Christ’s faithfulness, Peter added his voice to the fearful cries of the disciples. However, a lifelong walk with the Lord changed his outlook and he could say, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). God blesses us by bringing into our lives godly believers who have proved Christ’s faithfulness in trying circumstances. As the Spirit of Christ graciously channels divine wisdom through experienced voices—may we cherish their quiet encouragement, timely guidance or stern rebuke, ever thankful for God’s provision. —D. J. Reed

When afflictions press the soul, when waves of trouble roll,
And you need a friend to help you, He’s the One! —J. B. McKay

Ezra 1:1-2:70; Daniel 4:1-37; 3 John 1:1-14

Blessed (happy) are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin (account of him as not having any). Romans 4:7-8

Might well we exclaim: How can it be! Our lawlessnesses forgiven and our sins covered, but only because someone else has settled our account, paying our debt and satisfying a Holy God. Peter expresses it beautifully, “who his own self (Jesus) bare our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). If not this wonderful Lord Jesus, then who or what are you trusting in for your eternity? —C. T. Watson

I could not do without Thee, O Saviour of the lost,
Whose precious blood redeemed me, at such tremendous cost!
Thy righteousness, Thy pardon, Thy precious blood must be
My only hope and comfort, my glory and my plea!—Frances R. Havergal

2 Chronicles 36:1-23; Daniel 3:1-30; 2 John 1:1-13

If thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee. Psalm 130:3-4

Did you know my dear despondent friend that your sin, yes all of it—can be forgiven? The Lord Jesus Christ paid the price for every sin you have ever committed when He shed His blood and died on the cross for you. Now He pleads with you, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden (by your sin), and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). —David Croudace

Out of my bondage sorrow, and night, Jesus I come, Jesus I come.
Into Thy freedom gladness and light, Jesus I come to Thee.
Out of the depths of ruin untold, into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus I come to Thee.   —W. T. Sleeper

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

They crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. John 19:18 NKJV
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 NKJV
The Lamb who is in the midst of the throne. Rev. 7:17a NKJV

In the first scene we see Jesus crucified and given the central cross. In the second reference we hear the words spoken by Jesus telling us that when we meet to remember Him, He is in the midst. In Revelation we see the exalted Christ who has the central place in heaven. What place will I give to Him today? —Janet Fleming

Crowned or crucified, what will it be?
The Saviour who suffered, dying for me.
Central to heaven Jesus will be,
Honoured and magnified eternally. —Janet Fleming

2 Chronicles 34:1-33; Daniel 2:1-23; 1 John 4:1-21

Men (and women) ought always to pray, and not to faint (give up). Luke 18:1

In times of distress and need, we know that we ought always to seek God’s help in prayer. However, it is the last part of this verse that is a challenge to us. A woman in the assembly I attended prayed for my father for over 50 years that he would come to a saving knowledge of Christ. The Lord answered her prayer and
my father trusted the Lord. She said, “I never gave up praying for him.” Are you waiting for answered prayers? Never give up! —Bob Cretney

Blessed hour of prayer, blessed hour of prayer,
What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!  —Fanny J. Crosby

2 Chronicles 33:1-25; Daniel 1:1-21; 1 John 3:1-24

There was a certain rich man…And there was a certain beggar. Luke 16:19-20
I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house. Daniel 4:4 NKJV

As believers we enjoy the unsearchable riches of Christ and can find great comfort in them. At the same time, we are surrounded by those living in spiritual poverty. The Lord Jesus was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor. How am I obeying His great commission? We have the Lord’s command in Scripture to go out and make disciples for Him. Am I waiting for a personal invitation? —D. Sabourin

Must I go, and empty-handed?
Must I meet my Savior so?
Not one soul with which to greet Him,
Must I empty-handed go? —Charles C. Luther

2 Chronicles 32:1-33; Ezekiel 48:1-35; 1 John 2:12-29

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

We often burn out in spiritual pursuits when, without discernment, we say yes to all the things that are asked of us. Constant activity can convince us we’re adding to our own holiness and fulfilling God’s will. But without the time to read, pray, and be in His presence with purpose, we quench the Holy Spirit and heap
frustration on ourselves. The quiet focus of a Mary-like heart leads to discerning, wise, loving Martha-like action. —Anna Grist

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King;
Trust them with Jesus: do the next thing. —Mrs. George A. Paul

2 Chronicles 31:1-21; Ezekiel 47:1-23; 1 John 1:1-2:11

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord. 1 Samuel 3:7
And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him. 1 Samuel 3:19

Samuel was privileged to have parents who respected God, His Word and His house. He was privileged to spend time at the house of God helping the priests. Yet despite these spiritual privileges the reality was that he did not yet know the Lord for himself. God then called him and the situation was transformed, resulting
in a life of fellowship with and service for the Lord. Have you experienced such a transformation and now enjoy communion with the Lord day by day? —Philip A. Kaye

Respond to the call of God to thee,
And to the Saviour bow the knee. —Anonymous

2 Chronicles 30:1-27; Ezekiel 46:1-24; John 21:1-25

This is the table that is before the Lord. Ezekiel 41:22

Ezekiel’s angelic tour guide was a “man” of few words. Yet how weighty that makes the words he does speak! In the millennial temple to come, that was being revealed to the prophet, there is the table mentioned in our verse—a wonderful place of communion, fellowship, and provision, set for the Lord’s people in His presence. He who is all-sufficient prepares for our every need, even as He does in this life. May we wisely come to His table often, and find all we need to sustain us during our sojourn. —Rick Morse

See the streams of living waters,
Springing from eternal love;
Well supply Thy sons and daughters,
And all fear of want remove. —John Newton