Category: Uncategorised

1 Samuel 9:15-10:27; Isaiah 50:1-51:8; 2 Corinthians 11:1-33

You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:17 NKJV

The fact that there is another priestly order is one of the wonders of God’s plan for humanity. Melchizedek appears in Genesis 14, two thousand years before Christ. A thousand years later David mentions Melchizedek in Psalm 110. Then after another thousand years, the writer to the Hebrews explains the importance of Melchizedek. He was a king and a priest; a king of righteousness and a king of peace and the priest of the most High God. As such, he was a picture of the Lord Jesus and the basis of an unending and unchanging priesthood. —Gary McBride

Before the throne of God above, I have a strong a perfect plea;
A great High Priest whose name is love, who ever lives and pleads for me.  —C. Bancroft

1 Samuel 8:1-9:14; Isaiah 49:1-26; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all men have not faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:2

There’s an element of divine kindness in this word “unreasonable” because the original means “absurd”. As our society continues its acceleration away from God, the proposals and principles being put forward do indeed become more and more absurd. Those who know the Lord Jesus Christ become increasingly aware that this world is at complete and diametric opposition with the truth of God. Oh for the day when He will set everything as it should be!
—Rick Morse

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

1 Samuel 6:1-7:17; Isaiah 48:1-22; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples,  whom Jesus loved. John 13:23
In him is no sin. 1 John 3:5

It is not by accident or chance that the one who leaned on the breast of Christ would years later take up his pen and write of His sinlessness. John would pen those tremendous words which have come down through the centuries “In him is no sin”. The world today would seek to attack His impeccability. May we lay hold upon the words of John, “In him is no sin”. —John M. Clegg

O spotless Lamb of God, in Thee,
The Father’s holiness we see;
And with delight Thy children trace,
In Thee, His wondrous love and grace.  —M. J. Walker

1 Samuel 4:1-5; Isaiah 47:1-12; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. Mark 1:9
…and they came to him from every quarter. Mark 1:45

In wondrous grace, the lowly, perfect Servant came from glory to Galilee and identified with guilty, lost sinners through His baptism. How amazing, that through grace, we in turn may be identified with Jesus Christ and come to Him for salvation!  —Pete Smith

Come, for He died your lost soul to redeem;
Come and have pardon and cleansing in Him.
Jesus will never cast out those who come,
Jesus will keep them, and bear them safe home.  —Unknown

1 Samuel 3:1-21; Isaiah 46; 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:16

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. Hebrews 11:22

A literal rendering of the middle of this verse is that Joseph “remembered the Exodus of the children of Israel”. But how could Joseph remember an event that hadn’t even happened yet? Because God had told Abraham that it would (Gen. 15:13-16), and Joseph counted God’s word as certain. What promise from God do you need to take hold of today? —Warren Hagey

Yes, I to the end shall endure,
As sure as the earnest is giv’n;
More happy, but not more secure,
The souls of the blessed in heaven.  —Augustus Toplady

1 Samuel 2:1-36; Isaiah 44:24-45:25; 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:10

Rest in the Lord. Psalm 37:7

Over one hundred years ago Alexander Steward penned, “Shut in with Thee far, far above the restless world that wars below”. How much more true is that statement in the 21st century? In this world of conflict and turmoil the Savior’s invitation still stands: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…learn of me…and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29). —Wm. H. Gustafson

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
Come unto me and rest;
Lay down, O weary one,
Lay down thy head upon my breast.  —Horatius Bonar

1 Samuel 1:1-28; Isaiah 44:6-23; 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me. Psalm 3:3
Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy…great reward. Gen. 15:1

One of the many Biblical word pictures revealing our Lord is that of a shield. A definition given for shield is, “A person or thing that protects”. God assured Abram as he traveled with his small extended family into a new land that He was his shield. The psalmist claimed God as his shield and protector from those who relentlessly pursued him. How comforting to know that whatever threatens us, we can find safety in the Lord our shield and protector! —E. V.

You crush the enemy underneath my feet,
You are my sword and shield,
Though troubles linger still,
Whom shall I fear? —Chris Tomlin

Ruth 3:1-4:22; Isaiah 43:1-44:5; 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:6

Jonathan loved [David]…Israel and Judah loved David…Michal Saul’s daughter loved David. 1 Samuel 18:1, 16, 20

Jonathan had good cause to love David because of his conquest in the valley. Had the Philistine giant not been slain, Jonathan would have lost his life. All Israel and Judah came to love David because of his wise conduct. Michal loved David because of his comeliness. Our love for the Saviour surely began when we learned how He had fought the battle on our behalf, and through His victory brought salvation within our reach. Later, our love deepens as we
view His earthly walk, but love finds its all in the beauty of His Person. —Phil Coulson

Lord Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine,
For Thee all the pleasures of sin I resign.  —William Featherston

Ruth 2:1-23; Isaiah 42:1-25; 2 Corinthians 2:1-17

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times. I Chronicles 12:32

In this verse, God makes special note of these men who had an understanding of the times. Certainly our Lord would desire for all of us to have a similar understanding. Our time is short, and it may well be, we need to make the most of the time remaining. And the time for those around us to come to Christ for salvation is also short so we need to be faithful witnesses. In addition to understanding the times, we must act accordingly. As our Lord said, “The night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). —Ken Gross

Work till the last beam fadeth,
Fadeth to shine no more;
Work, while the night is darkening,
When man’s work is o’er. —Anna L. Coghill

Ruth 1:1-22; Isaiah 41:1-29; 2 Corinthians 1:1-24

And there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10

Recently we were looking at a record of the offerings and expenditures from the earliest days (1891-1908) of the local church I attend. As I thought of the above verses, I was very thankful for the godly individuals who taught us about the Lord and the great salvation He has provided for us. We need to carry on that work especially with our children and grandchildren. He is a faithful God, and has lavishly provided for all our needs, but are we being faithful to Him? —Mary Robins

We face a task unfinished, that drives us to our knees,
A need, that undiminished, rebukes our slothful ease,
We who rejoice to know Thee, renew before Thy throne,
The solemn pledge we owe Thee, to go and make Thee known.—F. Houghton