Category: Uncategorised

1 Chronicles 3:1-4:23; Ezekiel 5:1-6:14; John 1:1-18

If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree…he who is hanged is accursed of God. Deuteronomy 21:22-23, NKJV

The Jews preferred stoning, but sometimes they hung criminals because the sight deterred crime. The guilty were accursed of God for their crimes; their corpse on the tree merely affirmed that fact. This is why the Jews demanded of Pilate, “crucify him, crucify him” (John 19:6). They not only wanted an innocent man dead, but wanted to show that He was accursed of God too. Unknown to them, that was God’s plan. God used man’s injustice to work His righteous judgment of sin that we might be saved! —W. A. H.

Nailed upon Golgotha’s tree—as a victim.
Who is He? Lamb of God, ‘tis He, ‘tis He, on the cross of Calvary. —A. P. Gibbs

1 Chronicles 2:1-55; Ezekiel 3:16-4:17; 2 Timothy 4:1-22

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you…That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:3, 10

This is a good pattern to follow as we pray for each other. Begin with thanksgiving, thanking the Lord for those we know. Then, pray for them, in every direction: As they go onward—walking worthy of the Lord; upward—living a life fully pleasing to Him; outward—being fruitful in every good work; and inward—getting to know the Lord better. —Rex Trogdon

Thou art coming to a King; large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such, none can ever ask too much. —John Newton

1 Chronicles 1:1-54; Ezekiel 2:1-3:15; 2 Timothy 3:1-17

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:14

The first Duke of Hamilton built a church and a mausoleum—a family burial chamber. On the destruction of Hamilton palace, a sculptured stone cross in its grounds was removed to the church grounds and still stands there today. One might wonder whether the Duke anticipated any divine favour for funding a church to be built? Perhaps not, because the above verse is inscribed on the stone cross. It suggests a genuine realization of what was achieved by Christ on the cross—the potential of our salvation. —Brian Powlesland

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find rest beyond the river. —Fanny Crosby

2 Kings 25:1-30; Ezekiel 1:1-28; 2 Timothy 2:26

Whatsoever things are true…honest…just…pure…lovely…of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

“Eunoia” is the shortest English word containing all five vowels. It stems from the Greek language and means “beautiful thinking”. This should be the hallmark of every Christian. We are called to think beautifully and therefore our focus should be on the glory of God’s creation, the perfection of Christ, His completed work on the cross and the majesty which is His at the right hand of God. The most beautiful thinking is always Christ-centred. —Paul Young

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 Clairvoux

2 Kings 24:1-20; Lamentations 4:1-5:22; 2 Timothy 1:1-18

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble… Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:1-3, 10, NKJV

What God has done and will yet do for Israel in the future, He is able to do for you. If His resources can protect a nation and conquer victoriously, can He not do the same for you? When our minds are engulfed in anxiety, we need to be still. Alone with God, we pour out our hearts (Ps. 62:8). His Word will direct our minds to the incredible greatness of our God, calming the waves of despair. —Peter Ramsay

Be still, my soul! The Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain. —K. Von Schlegel

2 Kings 23:1-37; Lamentations 3:1-66; 1 Timothy 6:1-21

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:10

An aged believer lay on his death bed. Nearing the borderlands of eternity, he turned to a comforting friend to say, “I’m saved, I have no fear of dying. But what can I say at the judgment seat of Christ about the wasted years of my life?” Let us not waste our blood-bought lives in the pursuit of self and sin. The promised day of review and reward is soon to dawn. Then will we all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. —Arnot P. McIntee

Not at death I shrink or falter,
For my Saviour saves me now;
But to meet Him empty handed,
Thoughts of that now cloud my brow. —Charles C. Luther

2 Kings 21:19-22:20; Lamentations 2:1-22; 1 Timothy 5:1-25

And Jesus said, Make the men sit down…So the men sat down…And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down. John 6:10-11

The men who sat down and ate that day were filled and satisfied. They sought the Lord afterwards so that they might be fed again. Likewise we who follow the Lord and desire to be spiritually fed by Him must “sit down”: we must be serious and attentive to receive. Spiritual nutrition and satisfaction won’t come to those who are impatient or haphazard in their encounters with Jesus, just catching a “bite” of Scripture “on the fly”. —D. Pickup

Long as my life shall last,
Teach me Thy way!
Wher-e’er my lot be cast,
Teach me Thy way! —B. Mansell Ramsey

2 Kings 20:1-21:18; Lamentations 1:1-22; 1 Timothy 4:1-16

Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things…to burn incense before the Lord, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever. 1 Chronicles 23:13

We too, as a holy and royal priesthood, have been set apart by the Lord to worship Him. We are to offer the fragrance of His Son’s lovely Person; His life and death. We are to present to the Father the preciousness of His Son, which truly ministers to God’s heart and is the essence of worship. We are to adore and extol His worth forever! What a blessed privilege and responsibility we have! —Pete Smith

Come, let us sing the matchless worth,
And sweetly sound the glories forth,
Which in the Saviour shine. —Samuel Medley

2 Kings 19:1-37; Jeremiah 52:1-34; 1 Timothy 3:1-16

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. Luke 17:15
He said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. John 9:38

One was a cured leper. The other a blind man given sight. One used a loud voice to glorify God while we are left to wonder how the other worshiped. Both expressed the deep thanks of their heart. When we truly worship it can be vocal, in song or silently. It can be as individuals or collectively. God knows our hearts and if it is in spirit and in truth it will satisfy His heart. —Ken Gross

O Blessed, living Lord engage our hearts with Thee,
And strike within the answering cord to love so rich and free.—J. Boyd

2 Kings 18:1-37; Jeremiah 51:25-64; 1 Timothy 2:1-15

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14

David did a lot of waiting. Much of it was accompanied by the trials of living in the wilderness and being on the run for his life. Despite his difficulties he still trusted in the Lord regardless of where that took him. He had experience in the realm of waiting. What is his admonition to us? Be brave, look to God for strength and wait in faith! —Danielle Robins

My soul, be silent, wait upon the Lord!
Learn to deny thy thought and all thy will.
Learn to let God anoint thee with Himself,
And thru thy prayer His purposes fulfill. —W. Lee