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

They were armed with bows and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows… 1 Chron. 12:2

David’s warriors from Benjamin had exceptional skills in being ambidextrous. A listing of the military men who assisted David is the theme of this chapter. We too are helpers in the spiritual work and warfare around us. Priscilla and Aquilla helped the Lord’s work materially and physically (Rom. 16:3). We read of Dorcas who was full of good works (Acts 9:36) and of Apollos who helped in a spiritual way (Acts 18:24) with his teaching. No matter what our abilities are, we must endeavour to fulfil Paul’s injunction “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). —Brian Powlesland

Work for Jesus, day by day, serve Him ever; falter never; Christ obey.
Yield Him service loyal, true; there’s a work for Jesus none but you can do.  —E. D. Yale

1 Samuel 16:1-23; Isaiah 55:1-56:8; Romans 2:1-29

With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 NKJV

Have you ever wondered how to maintain unity and harmony in your relationships with fellow believers? Many years ago, Christopher Willis, former missionary to China, was walking with a friend who asked, “Christopher, what is the difference between lowliness of mind and meekness?” He replied, “I don’t know.” His companion replied, “Lowliness of mind will never give offense. Meekness will never take offense.” May we take this gentle admonition to heart: Seek never to give offense and as much as possible seek never to take offense. —David A. Dunlap

When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles, when he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs, when he stops praying, the devil jumps for joy. —Corrie Ten Boom

1 Samuel 15:1-35; Isaiah 54:1-17; Romans 1:18-32

In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them… Isaiah 63:9 NKJV

“In all their affliction He was afflicted”. How wonderful! Our God, the eternal Sympathizer, takes all our hurts and disappointments as His very own. To Saul, persecuting the early church, the Lord cried, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). At Lazarus’ grave, He entered into Mary’s sorrow, “When Jesus saw her weeping….He groaned in the spirit and was troubled” (John 11:33). To you and me today, our Great High Priest is able to  “sympathize with our weaknesses…yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).  —Jim Comte

I must tell Jesus all of my trials; I cannot bear these burdens alone.
In my distress He kindly will help me; He ever loves and cares for His own.  —Elisha Hoffman

1 Samuel 14:1-52; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Romans 1:1-17

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37
But we see Jesus… Hebrew 2:9

No matter what happens to us in our lives, we are not victims, but conquerors through Jesus Christ. Satan wants us to see ourselves as casualties, defeated and overcome by our circumstances. But we look to Jesus, who, with joy endured the cross for us. We see Jesus who suffered because of His love for us. We are privileged to share in His sufferings. —Vickie Gaynier

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race till we see Christ.  —Esther Rusthoi

1 Samuel 13:1-23; Isaiah 52:1-12; 2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. Genesis 14:18

In the first mention of bread and wine together in Scripture, Melchizedek brought these items out after Abraham’s military victory rescuing the captives. He blessed Abraham and received a tithe from him. Today, we remember the Lord’s death through the symbols of bread and wine that speak of His victory at Calvary, rescuing us from spiritual death. Our Great High Priest blesses us with His presence and we respond by praising Him, proclaiming His death, and giving Him our material gifts. —George Ferrier

For the bread and for the wine,
For the pledge that seals Him mine,
For the words of love divine,
We give Thee thanks, O Lord. —Horatius Bonar

1 Samuel 11:1-12:25; Isaiah 51:9-23; 2 Corinthians 12:1-13

Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of
joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Ps. 16:11
“The path of life” goes through a person: the “one mediator between God and men” (1 Tim. 2:5), who “endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne
of God” (Heb. 12:2). “[Having] suffered…to enter into his glory”
(Luke 24:26), and will share that spiritual luminosity with His
church (Rom. 8:18-30). Our Lord’s work provides abundant life
that will satisfy the saints throughout eternity. —Keith R. Keyser
Wherever we follow Thee,
Lord, admiring, adoring, we see
That love which was stronger than death,
Flow out without limit, and free. —Thomas Hawels

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

And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him. Acts 11:2

In Caesarea, Peter had been received into a Gentile home where he proclaimed the Gospel. Cornelius, among others, believed in Christ, was saved and received the Holy Spirit. This was a new phase in the progress of the Gospel as it was now clear that Gentiles were equal with Jews and could know God directly through Christ, without first embracing Judaism. This was revolutionary and Peter was initially criticised for entering a Gentile home and eating with them.  After Peter explained what God had done, his former critics held their peace and instead praised God who had given non-Jews the blessing of “repentance unto life”. —Paul Young

I am a new creation, no more in condemnation,
Here in the grace of God I stand. —Dave Bilborough

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

Abigail…and she was a woman of good understanding. 1 Samuel 25:3

I want to be like Abigail as she is described above. Reading further in this chapter we see her helping David in a respectful, gracious way. Her advice kept him from taking revenge on her husband. She was a peacemaker. David also commended her for her wisdom. She fulfilled Col. 4:6: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt.” It is very easy to speak harshly to someone. But God wants us to have a “meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Pet. 3:4). —Mary Robins

May the mind of Christ, my Saviour,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and pow’r controlling,
All I do and say. —Kate Wilkinson

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

As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff. 1 Samuel 30:24

David declared an important principle in the work of the Lord. Supporters on the home front are just as vital as the soldiers on the front lines. Many people serve the Lord in invisible, behind-thescenes ways, often supporting a much more visible individual or ministry. But God will reward the hidden servant with the same reward as the prominent servant. Spiritual victories are shared with those that tarry by the “stuff” as much as those that go down to the battle. —Sid Halsband

Anywhere with Jesus, over land and sea,
Telling souls in darkness of salvation free;
Ready as He summons me to go or stay,
Anywhere with Jesus, when He points the way. —Jessie B. Pounds

1 Samuel 4:1-5:12; Isaiah 47:1-15; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

But when he (Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. Matt. 14:30

When the Lord walked on the water, the wind was still boisterous and the sea rough. When he asked Peter to come to Him, He did not still the adverse conditions. The Lord wanted Peter to learn to trust Him amidst the storm. Peter failed, but in His infinite mercy, the Lord saved him. However the lesson was learned by Peter for future days. “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (Mark 9:24). —Brian Russell

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control,
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul,
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn,
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm.  —Ryan Stevenson