Category: Uncategorised

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

Through death he might destroy…the devil…And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14-15

People all around us are bound by the chains of sin but Christ came to proclaim liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18). In our work I could tell of a headmaster, 40 years an alcoholic; teenagers enslaved by drugs; evil witchdoctors, guilty of the deaths of innocent people, and hundreds like them who, having trusted Christ, have been delivered from the devil. What a wonderful Saviour! What a glorious message to take to the world. —David Croudace

’Tis the grandest theme through the ages rung;
‘Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue,
‘Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung,
Our God is able to deliver thee! —William A. Ogden

Ezra 9; Daniel 10; Revelation 5

O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23

A believer is no longer like this. The Holy Spirit lives within them. God’s Word is their lamp (Ps. 119:105). The Lord guides them continually and satisfies their soul. The cost for this was immense. When the Lord was apprehended in the Garden, taken to Gabbatha, and finally when He was led away to Calvary, He submitted to His enemies. He was led to the slaughter that we might be the sons of God. Precious Saviour. —Vernon Markle

For silver betrayed, in mock purple arrayed
Condemned to a death on the tree.
Then they led Him away, on that wonderful day,
Oh, He is the Saviour for me. —William M. Runyan

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

David…escaped to the cave of Adullam…and everyone who was in distress…in debt…was discontented gathered to him. 1 Samuel 22:1-2, NKJV
We are yours, O David; We are on your side, O son of Jesse! 1 Chronicles 12:18, NKJV

A discontented and unpromising band of misfits escaped to the cave of Adullam to join their rejected king, David. Yet, this band of men became a remarkable army of mighty men. In the same way, the Lord Jesus, of whom David is a picture, has taken sinners like you and me and has redeemed us and called us to follow Him. We too are gathered to Him! What an honour! —Jim Comte

Sunk in ruin, sin, and misery, bound by Satan’s captive chain,
My Redeemer, my Redeemer, plucked me as a brand from hell. —Author Unknown

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

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? James 4:5

God is a jealous God. He wants first place in our hearts. The people in James’s day were chasing money, honour and opportunity. Like a jealous husband, God despises when we pander to the world. If you’ve left your first love, rekindle and re-devote your heart to Him. If you’ve dishonoured Him, repent of whatever has captured your heart and renew your vows to Him today. The Spirit who dwells in our hearts longs to have all of you. —Shane Johnson

Jesus Lord, You’re our first love; You’re the One we love the best.
When our heart is loving You, how we’re filled with Your sweet rest! —Sammy Fain

Ezra 6:1-22; Daniel 7:1-28; Revelation 2:183:6 –

And all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near, And said unto Jeremiah…pray for us unto the Lord…that the Lord thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk. Jeremiah 42:1-3

Jeremiah is reminding us of the revival which took place in Nineveh after the preaching of Jonah (see Jonah 3). What a wonderful scene to behold when the leadership of a nation (or even a home or local Church) calls upon God for wisdom. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). See also: 1 Timothy 2:1-4. —Wm. H. Gustafson

He leadeth me, O blessed tho’t! O words with heav’nly comfort fraught! What-e’er I do, wher-e’er I be, still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me! —Joseph H. Gilmore

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

Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another by profaning the covenant of the fathers? Malachi 2:10, NKJV

The prophet asks three questions to reveal Judah’s unfaithfulness to Jehovah and each other. The first two questions were to be answered in the affirmative, but the third question was designed to prompt self-reflection and a reasonable decision. Malachi tells them that because they had neglected the Lord, their relationships with each other and family members were suffering. It is foolish to dishonour the Lord for it affects all our relationships, diminishes our quality of life, and results in God’s chastening. —W. A. H.

How awful is Thy chastening rod! May Thy own children say:
The great, the wise, the dreadful God! How holy is His way! —I. Watts

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

Providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 2 Corinthians 8:21, NKJV

Paul took every precaution to avoid questions and concerns that could affect his testimony for Christ. It’s not good enough to be technically right or legally honest. There’s a higher bar for Christians. Does it look right or sound right to others? When I am about to take an action, express a thought or post online, a touchstone question to ask is this: “If this became featured news, could this potentially reflect negatively on the cause of Christ and my Christian testimony?” Public opinion is important. —Peter Ramsay

I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian— I’m not ashamed His Name to bear; I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian— I’ll take Him with me anywhere. —Baynard L. Fox

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

And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

Lord waits on us to show His grace and mercy. His people must wait on Him to receive His blessings. Waiting is a godly virtue in conflict with our carnal nature. If He can wait on us to bless, we certainly can learn to wait on Him for His blessing. —Sam Thorpe, Jr.

If to some as a judge Thou appearest,
Who forth from Thy presence would flee,
A Friend most beloved I’ll greet Thee,
I’m waiting and watching for Thee. —Mrs. S. M. Henry

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

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24, NKJV

How much time do we spend getting to know the Lord better? Learning about what He delights in? Let us enjoy our worship today and strive to understand Him more every day. —Danielle Robins

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice;
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.—Fanny J. Crosby

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

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:7

It felt as though the whole world waited with bated breath. Trapped in an underwater cave system, a children’s soccer team desperately awaited rescuers. When, 17 days later, the final person surfaced safely from the water, intense relief and joy filled the airwaves. It seemed as if the world was applauding! But that moment pales in comparison to the joy in Heaven when one lost soul repents and is saved. What a Saviour we have! —Lynn Shatford

By and by with joy increasing, and with gratitude unceasing
Lifted up with Christ forevermore to be;
I will join the hosts there singing,
In the anthem ever ringing,
To the King of Love who ransomed me. —J. H. Johnston