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

The impotent man answered Him, Sir, I have no man.  John 5:7a

Short scripture phrases often say much. What this man said, “I have no one” is one of the saddest of all expressions. Being utterly alone, is a keenly felt human emotion. Many identify with loneliness and rejection in this vast, unfriendly world, surrounded by people yet finding no comfort. After 38 years this disheartened man found a true Friend, who healed him and would abide with him forever. Look around for some lonely one whose void you may fill with friendship and eternal hope. Your own life will be enriched too. —E. Dyck

Oh, Christian arise, in the name of the Lord,
Tell the lost He alone can make whole;
Then your friend cannot say at the great bar of God,
No one seemed to care for my soul. —B. B. McKinney

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 28-29; Isaiah 66; Romans 8:18-39

O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. Psalm 63:1

What a way to start each day, seeking the God of heaven. David was in the wilderness—a dry and thirsty place. Such a location may not seem pleasant at first but the Lord often brings us into the wilderness so we will be caught up with Him alone. There He shows us that there is nothing that satisfies in this world and that He alone is our source of joy. Are you in the wilderness today? Ask God to help your heart find a tune that fits this psalm and rejoice in Him.    —Paul Robertson

Not for ease or worldly pleasure, nor for fame my prayer shall be,
Gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with thee. —F. Crosby

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 26-27; Isaiah 65; Romans 8:1-17

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus,  John 12:3

Mary of Bethany is a delightful character to trace. In Luke 10 she is seen as a student, sitting at the Lord’s feet hearing His words. In John 11, she is viewed as a supplicant at His feet, pouring out her woe. Finally, here she is found at His feet as a sacrificer, pouring out her worship. It was costly, equivalent to a year’s wages for a working man. When we read His Word, and supplicate His grace, valuable worship will be the result in our lives. —Robert E. Surgenor

Take my love; my Lord, I pour,
At Thy feet its treasure-store:
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee. —F. R. Havergal

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 25; Isaiah 63:15 to 64:12; Romans 7:7-25

Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with Him said, Master, the multitude throng Thee and press Thee, and sayest Thou, Who touched Me? Luke 8:45

Why did the Lord ask this question? Was it not to draw the woman out, making a full exposure of what He had done for her, to His glory and our learning? He is the Light of the world and He brings things to light—good and bad. He exposes our lies, pride, secret and hurtful sins. But He will also bring to light our intercessory prayers, visits to the shut-ins, and quiet works done for Him. —V. Markle

His power can make you what you ought to be;
His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free;
His love can fill your soul and you will see,
‘Twas best for Him to have His way with thee. —Cyrus S. Nusbaum

DAILY READINGS: 1 Sam. 23-24; Isaiah 62 to 63:14; Romans 6:15 to 7:6

It came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.  Matthew 9:10

The old Point Loma Lighthouse at San Diego Bay was short lived because its seemingly good location was seriously flawed. At 422 feet above sea level, fog and low clouds obscured its light. A new lighthouse built only 70 feet above sea level, shines brightly today. I wonder sometimes if the light of Christ within us is obscured because we are unwilling to lower ourselves to where the great mass of the lost are. They said of the Lord, “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” May His love for the lost be ours also. —Jerry Proctor

Let the lower lights be burning! Send across the wave,
Some poor fainting seaman, you may rescue, you may save. —Philip Bliss

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 21-22; Isaiah 61; Romans 6:1-14

My times are in Thy hand.   Psalm 31:15a
O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?   Matthew 16:3b 
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.   Acts 3:19

If I recognize that my times are ultimately in His hand, then “the signs of the times” won’t move me to fear. The time that brings the Lord Jesus to return to this earthly scene will end with “times of refreshing” for me, and for all those who have had their sins blotted out by His finished work.  —Tom Steere

Time, that affects all things below, can never change the love He’ll show;
The heart of Christ with love will flow, and we are loved. —Grace Pennell

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 19:8 to 20:42; Isaiah 60; Romans 5:12-21 

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9
Wherefore, beloved…be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.  2 Peter 3:14

Peter draws these scattered pilgrim believers to his heart and seeks to encourage them with his words. There is much to discourage, but he reminds them and us, Christ will soon come again! In light of this, he urges them to “be diligent” in their conduct. As their service and attitude were affected in anticipation of the Lord’s return, should it not have the same effect on you and me? —James Comte

O child of God, there is for thee, a hope that shines amid the gloom, A gladsome hope that thou shalt see Thy Lord, for He will surely come.—T. D. W. M.

 

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 18:6 to 19:7; Isaiah 59; Romans 4:23 to 5:11

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Philippians 4:8
Consider Him.  Hebrews 12:3a

True, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report. Where does one find such things to think on? “Consider Him.” All these attributes are found in our lovely Lord. When we spend time considering Him, we are thinking of these praiseworthy qualities. Think on Him!   —A. Fiebig

We love Thee for the glorious worth which in Thyself we see;
We love Thee for the shameful cross, endured so patiently. —Joseph Stennett

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 17:32 to 18:5; Isaiah 58; Romans 4:1-22 

When the LORD saw that Leah was hated, He opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.  Genesis 29:31
God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. Genesis 30:22

The barren womb in Scripture is a hopeless situation. Apart from a direct touch of God’s power there is no human ability or energy to bring forth life. It is an apt picture of the dead sinner who apart from having life imparted by the grace of Christ, can neither be saved nor walk in good works (Eph. 1, 2). So in the work of God, neither he who plants or waters is anything “but God that giveth the increase.” “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”  — R. P. A

Not what these hands have done can save this guilty soul;
Not what this toiling flesh has borne can make my spirit whole. —H. Bonar

DAILY READINGS: 1 Samuel 17:1-31; Isaiah 56:9 to 57:21; Romans 3 

He began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto Him a great multitude, so that He entered into a ship, and sat in the sea. Mark 4:1a
After the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.  Mark 16:19

The Lord Jesus came down into this world and sat in a boat on the sea. The Sea of Galilee is 700 feet below sea level. Talk about taking the lower seat! Yet He went even lower. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. In response, the Father exalted Him and has given Him the highest seat in the universe. What place have you given Him? —Rex Trogdon

Hark those bursts of acclamation! Hark, those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station; O what joy the sight affords! —Thomas Kelly