Category: Uncategorised

1 Kings 22:1-53; Jeremiah 33:1-26; Hebrews 4:14-5:10

That they might seek mercies from the God of heaven.  Daniel 2:18 NKJV

This word translated “seek” is found in Scripture 12 times—and all in Daniel. Although Daniel had access to the world ruler and to power in his own right as a trusted administrator, he knew where to “seek” for help. Daniel’s constant pursuit of God allowed him to act with courage, integrity, humility and faithfulness while remaining personally involved with the affairs of his world. It would have been easier to keep an attitude of detachment or indifference. Paul shows a similar visceral concern for his people writing that he has “great sorrow and continual grief” (Rom. 9:2 NKJV) till Christ be formed in them. May we have a similar passion. —M. MacMullen

Give me a passion for souls dear Lord,
A passion to save the lost. —H. G. Tovey

1 Kings 21:1-29; Jeremiah 32:26-44; Hebrews 4:1-13

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19-20 NKJV

Some teenagers had spent quite a lot of time building castles on the beach while the tide was low. But now it was on its way back in. Soon their castles would be gone forever as the waves washed over them and returned the beach to its usual smooth surface. It made me think of how we so often spend our lives chasing those things that we think will bring satisfaction, and yet, will hold no value when life is over. —Janet Fleming

Are you building today for eternity’s shore?
Your life’s work, is it lasting and true?
Will it stand when the fires have tested its worth?
Will it then seem of value to you?—Janet Fleming

1 Kings 20:1-43; Jeremiah 32:1-25; Hebrews 3:1-19

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

Were these men of wealth and education with infatuated followers? No, they were ordinary men, whose defining features: their speech, boldness and conduct marked them as men who had been with Jesus! Oh, that our lives would emulate such ones! That others would perceive from our dialogue, our actions and way of life, the reflection of Christ’s image and the fragrance of His presence. In all we say and do may we live to point others to Christ. —Deborah Manera

You’re the only “Jesus” some may ever see,
And you’re the only words of life, some will ever read. —The Imperials

1 Kings 19:1-21; Jeremiah 31:1-40; Hebrews 2:1-18

Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not. Jer. 45:5
For a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21

Where is your heart today, dear child of God? Are you treasuring up the things of God (Luke 12:21), or are you trying to serve two masters? (Luke 16:13). Let us determine today to serve Him with a whole, undivided heart (Ps. 86:11). Remember that the things of earth, whether position or possessions, are temporary, but those treasures that we lay up in heaven are eternal! —E. C. B.

Take my love, my God, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee. —Frances Ridley Havergal

1 Kings 18:1-46; Jeremiah 30:1-24; Hebrews 1:1-14

And he went a little farther…and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory. Hebrews 2:9
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:37

As we contemplate the lovely Man of Calvary, may our hearts be thankful for His loving submission to His Father’s will, that led to His lowly sufferings upon the tree—for us! May they also thrill at the thought that perhaps today, we will hear His shout and be forever with Him, who is now crowned with glory! —Pete Smith

We praise Thee, O God! For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus who died, and is now gone above. —B. & G. Gaither

1 Kings 17:1-24; Jeremiah 29:1-32; Philemon 1:1-25

He will guard the feet of His saints. 1 Samuel 2:9 NKJV
Kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:5 NKJV

Our Lord looks after us from head to toe (Matt. 10:30)! He guards our feet and we are kept by His power. With this great source of strength we go forth boldly to proclaim the gospel. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Prov. 18:10). “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19).
—Annette Baal

Boldly we proclaim,
The glory and wonders,
Of Your mighty Name;
All praise to You! —Annette Baal

1 Kings 15:33-16:34; Jeremiah 27:1-28:17; Colossians 4:2-18

They feared the Lord, and served their own gods. 2 Kgs. 17:33 
Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served. Josh. 24:14

Would Israel trust the Lord or their own gods? They tried to do both! This compromise resulted in the demise of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Lord said, “No man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24). James says “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (Jas. 1:8). If you are trying to walk hand-in-hand with the world listen to Elijah’s voice, “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him” (1 Kgs. 18:21). —David Croudace

He is Lord, He is Lord; He has risen from the dead and He is Lord;
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  —Marvin V. Frey

1 Kings 15:1-32; Jeremiah 26:1-24; Colossians 3:5-4:1

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone. 1 Thessalonians 3:1

Loneliness is a persistent problem in the world. Like anyone, Paul loathed it—especially because he laboured in pioneer evangelism in difficult areas. This passage tells us that he recently had faced persecution that drove him to Athens, an unfamiliar city to him. Yet he was willing to bereave himself of Timothy’s company to ensure the young Thessalonian converts’ ongoing spiritual development. He sent his co-worker to encourage and edify them (1 Thess. 3:2). Serving fellow saints sometimes necessitates relinquishing our comforts, but our reward in heaven shall be great (Mark 10:39-42). —K. R. Keyser

God speed the day, when those of every nation,
“Glory to God!” triumphantly shall sing. —James McGranahan

1 Kings 13:33-14:31; Jeremiah 24:1-25:38; Colossians 2:8-3:4

It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life. 1 Kings 19:4

Have you ever felt depressed? Often believers are too ashamed to admit it. If we are honest most of us are often challenged by the state of our minds. In spite of the tremendous blessings in Christ we still allow our minds to dwell on the negatives. Often depression strikes after a personal high or great achievement. Poor
Elijah! “Take away my life” he said. The day before he was on the mountaintop enjoying a resounding victory over the prophets of Baal. Peter says, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end” (1 Peter 1:13). —Sid Halsband

Looking off unto Jesus my heart cannot fear,
Its trembling is still when I see Jesus near;
I know that His power my safeguard will be,
For, “Why are you troubled?” He saith unto me.—J. Darby & A. Warner

1 Kings 13:1-32; Jeremiah 23:1-40; Colossians 1:21-2:7

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. Mark 12:42 

If anyone had an excuse for not giving to the Lord it was this woman. She is described as “poor” and so had little of earthly wealth. She was also a “widow” so had no one to gain regular income for her. Yet she draws one of the greatest commendations from the Lord and stands as a great rebuke to the materialism of
the Western world. She had learned the truth that things such as money and possessions should be held lightly and not grasped tightly. May we follow her example. —Paul Young

Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold. —Frances Ridley Havergal