Category: Uncategorised

2 Samuel 8:1-9:13; Habakkuk 1:1-17; Romans 14:19-15:13

This is the King of the Jews. Luke 23:38

This was an insignificant admission for Pilate to make. He, along with all Romans of that time, looked down on the Jewish people. So calling Jesus the King of the Jews was not really an honour. If only he knew Who was before him. He was standing before the Creator of the world—Almighty God in human form. But like so many today, he thought that Jesus was simply another good man. Is that how you view Him? If Pilate had thought that Jesus was King of Rome, he would not have had Him crucified. But he crucified the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. —Mary Robins

Just as I am, and waiting not, to rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God I come! —Charlotte Elliott

2 Samuel 7:1-29; Nahum 2:1-3:19; Romans 14:1-18

Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. Numbers 13:30

Twelve Israeli spies were appointed to spy out Canaan. They returned to report that grapes, pomegranates and figs abounded there and the land was surely fruitful! But ten of them said, “We be not able to go up” (v. 31), because there were also giants there and the city walls were great. To defeat them was impossible. They reckoned the campaign of conquest without God. But, Joshua and Caleb countered—“Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” With God with them, they certainly could. Can He be that for you today? —K. C. Ung

Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung,
Our God is able to deliver thee. —W. A. Ogden

2 Samuel 6:1-23; Nahum 1:1-15; Romans 13:1-14

So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err…He…humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. 2 Chronicles 33:6, 12

Hezekiah’s son Manasseh followed him to the throne. Tragically, he blasphemed God by setting a carved image in the house of God. After God’s dealing, “He humbled himself greatly.” Manasseh returned to God, but he was too late to influence his godless son Amon. Backsliding Christian parents may return from the bypaths of sin, but it could be too late to influence their children in the ways of the Lord. Live for Him now. —Arnot P. McIntee

Happy the home where Jesus’ name is sweet to every ear;
Where children early lisp His fame, and parents hold Him dear. —Henry Ware, Jr.

2 Samuel 4:1-5:25; Micah 7:1-20; Romans 12:1-21

The Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
As Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. Ephesians 5:25
The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11

As we contemplate afresh the wonder of Calvary today, may our hearts truly “worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Let us rejoice in the sweetness of His person, the fullness of His love and the greatness of His sacrifice! He alone is worthy of our praise! —Pete Smith

Behold a spotless Victim dies, my surety on the tree;
The Lamb of God, the Sacrifice, He gave Himself for me. —Author Unknown

2 Samuel 3:1-39; Micah 6:1-16; Romans 11:13-36

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

A medieval church in Faversham has seats for the choir which can be tipped up and used as perches. Seated occupants thus appear to be standing. The seats are called “mercy seats.” In Israel, the tabernacle made no provision for priests to sit—their work was never done. The mercy seat in the most holy place was symbolic of God’s place and presence. The high priest could approach it just once a year—no doubt in fear and trembling. The Christian can come into God’s presence unafraid, there to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Brian Powlesland

Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel;
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. —Thomas Moore

2 Samuel 2:1-32; Micah 4:9-5:15; Romans 11:1-12

He said, It is finished. John 19:30

Of all mankind, Christ alone could say “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4). As he lay dying, British administrator and financier Cecil Rhodes (1853-1902) exclaimed in frustration, “So much to do, so little done.” In contrast the Lord Jesus Christ could look back on His 33 years as One who had perfectly and completely carried out His Father’s will. What would your testimony be at the end of your life? —W. Ross Rainey

Finished! The work of Calvary done.
Finished! The Saviour’s battle won. —W. R. R.

2 Samuel 1:1-27; Micah 3:1-4:8; Romans 9:30-10:21

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. Luke 15:5-6

What a picture: me, His sheep, held safe and secure on my Shepherd’s shoulders. He searched for me, found me and now we are headed home. And what is so amazing—His joy exceeds my joy. Let us rejoice together evermore. —D. Pickup

He, who in the hour of sorrow bore the curse alone;
I, who through the lonely desert trod where He had gone.
He and I, in that bright glory one deep joy shall share;
Mine, to be for ever with Him, His that I am there! —Gerhard Tersteegen

1 Samuel 30:1-31:13; Micah 1:1-2:13; Romans 9:1-29

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God. Ezekiel 18:23
The Lord is…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

These verses teach that it is the will of God that all men should be saved. If any find themselves in a lost eternity, it will not be because God willed it, but rather that they themselves, by their rejection of the Gospel, have determined their eternal destiny. The Lord spoke of such when He said, “how often would I…and ye would not” (Matt. 23:37). May the Lord, today, give some soul the spirit of repentance, and acceptance of Christ as Saviour. —W. H. Burnett

That grand word whosoever, is ringing through my soul,
Whosoever will may come. —Eliza E. Hewitt

1 Samuel 28:1-29:11; Isaiah 66:1-24; Romans 8:18-39

Here I am: witness against me before the Lord. 1 Samuel 12:3

While the Israelites were rejoicing in their victory over the Ammonites, the prophet Samuel challenged them to witness against him. Had covetousness, self-interest, impartiality, or injustice ever clouded his judgments? Only a righteous man could make such a claim and Samuel was that man. Everyone agreed that he had been an honest judge and a selfless leader that had not oppressed anyone. Our autumn years will be most enjoyable when we look back and see our path did not stray from the way of holiness and that the next generation is following along in our steps. —W. A. H.

Blessed is the man who makes the word of God his constant guide;
There learns the path his Savior trod, nor turns his step aside. —H. Auber

1 Samuel 26:1-27:12; Isaiah 65:1-25; Romans 8:1-17

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. Genesis 4:7

Sin will always be with us this side of Heaven, always craving, always ready to pounce. It is like a ravenous animal seeking to devour us—if we let it. There is an enticing but also enslaving power to sin. We like the power and freedom associated with it but we should fear it. Sin is enticing (James 1:13-15), even pleasurable for a season (Heb. 11:25) but in the end it is enslaving (John 8:34). If we choose to allow it in the door, it may seem pleasant at first. But in time it will devour us. —Shane Johnson

Oh, the years in sinning wasted, could I but recall them now,
I would give them to my Saviour, to His will I’d gladly bow.—C. Luthe