Month: August 2025

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

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. John 18:10

Drawing his sword, Peter attempted to rescue the Lord. Christ told Peter to put his sword away and restored the man’s ear. Peter was impeding the Lord’s divine plan to give Himself into the hands of sinners. Often, we can act quickly without first seeking the Lord’s direction. Our haste leads us to fight unnecessary battles, avoid heaven-sent circumstances, and neglect His clear guidance. By God’s grace let us put aside the sword of self-will for His will.
—George Ferrier

It’s not always easy to do the Father’s will.
It wasn’t so easy to climb Calvary’s hill.
But we as His children, should learn to obey;
Not seeking our own but seeking His way. —Glenda Fulton Davis

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

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV

Paul was writing to the Corinthians. The church there had many problems including immorality, factionalism, and arrogance. Paul told them to avoid comparing themselves to others, to resist inaccurate exaggerations, and seek only God’s commendation. Humility, honesty, and integrity are spiritual essentials for Christian maturity. We should all take that to heart when dealing with one another and also when talking to unbelievers about the Gospel. —Rosemary J. Richardson

Fill all my vision, Saviour divine,
Till with Thy glory, my spirit shall shine. —Avis B. Christiansen

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

Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14 NKJV

How remarkable was Esther’s rise from “foreigner” to queen! She couldn’t have known that her personal success was God’s plan to bless His people. Made aware of this, she was willing to hazard her life to fulfill God’s purpose. God plans “such a time as this” for each of us. Although perhaps not as notable as Esther’s, they’re the reason behind life’s learning experiences. Esther likely experienced other less dramatic, “such a time as this” events. Are we willing to be a living sacrifice for our “such a time as this” event? Embrace today for the Lord. It might be “for such a time as this.”
—David W. Oliver

Faithful endurance in life’s daily race,
Fits us for the “such a time,” that we will surely face. —D. W. O.

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

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

God’s Word is not negotiable. I may not like what it says. I may be told by others that it can be interpreted some other way, but I must remember that it has been inspired by the Spirit of God Himself. If I desire to be equipped to serve my Lord properly I must read it, meditate on it, and humbly obey it.—David Croudace

The Bible stands and it will forever, when the world has passed away;
By inspiration it has been given, all its precepts, I will obey.
The Bible stands every test we give it, for its Author is divine;
By grace alone I expect to live it, and to prove it and make it mine.  —Haldor Lillenas

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

Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. Matt. 27:36 NKJV

As we gather this morning to remember our Saviour in the way that He requested, consider Him and the far-reaching effect of His cross. The cross with its central vertical beam reminds us that God was reaching down to man. Yes, God was reaching down by His grace so that man could respond by reaching up in faith. The horizontal cross beam reminds us that God was reaching out to all mankind so that whosoever will may come. —Rex Trogdon

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee:
How great Thou art! How great Thou art! —Carl Boberg & Stuart Hine

1 Samuel 25:1-44; Isaiah 63:15-64:12; Romans 7:7-25

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

“Be still” literally means “to allow to fall, to let hang down, to be relaxed,” especially the hands. It does not mean to quote the verse and then proceed to talk, to plan, to pray for needs, etc! It means to be still. Elijah had to learn what that meant. On the holy mount, the Lord told him to go and stand, just stand still! Then He passed by with a violent wind storm, followed by an earthquake and then a fire. One can only imagine the noise and commotion. But the Lord was not in any of that. He spoke in a still small voice. So often our lives are full of noise, aren’t they? Have you learned to simply stop and quietly listen? Be still, and know the reality of the presence of God. —Ray Jones

Speak, Lord, in Thy stillness, while I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart, to listen in expectancy. —Emily Crawford

1 Samuel 23:1-24:22; Isaiah 62:1-63:14; Romans 6:15-7:6

Be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

My imagination was captured by an article written by Dr. Steve Price on the filling of the Holy Spirit. He says the word “filled” used here is a nautical term, very familiar to the Ephesian readers who lived beside the Aegean Sea. This “filling” refers to the sails of a vessel billowing out when completely embracing the wind. Paul urges us to be filled with the Spirit, so that just as the sailboat is powered by the wind alone, we too should open wide our spiritual sails to the filling of the Spirit each day, allowing His wisdom to direct our thoughts, His power to guide our activities, His purposes to determine our priorities, His life to suffuse ours. —Marilyn MacMullen

More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me. —Eliza Hewitt

1 Samuel 21:1-22:23; Isaiah 61:1-11; Romans 6:1-14

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14

After the Titan submersible imploded during a deep-sea expedition, there was much discussion about what exactly had caused the accident. Various scientific theories were put forth, but many experts seemed to agree that the real problem was more elemental: the head of the company refused to have his designs examined by experts in the field. He had no desire to submit to those who could hold him accountable. Had he done so, disaster most likely would have been averted. What a cautionary tale! How important it is for each of us to have a teachable spirit and to find those who are willing and able to speak the truth in love to us. —Lynn Shatford

Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer. —J. Scriven

1 Samuel 19:8-20:42; Isaiah 60:1-22; Romans 5:12-21

Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Psalms 100:2 NKJV

Some days we feel discouraged and drag our feet. We go through the motions of devotion, but our lack of enthusiasm betrays our inner emotions. Others can see that our energy for the Lord is suffering. We may be present and participating, but something is compromising our joy. The King noticed that Nehemiah was serving him sadly, not
gladly (Neh. 2:1-6). Shocked and shaken by the exposure, Nehemiah shared his burden with the King. Will you be transparent before the Lord today? —P. Ramsay

There is joy in serving Jesus,
As I walk alone with God.
Tis the joy of Christ, my Saviour,
Who the path of suffering trod. —O. J. Smith

1 Samuel 18:6-19:7; Isaiah 59:1-12; Romans 4:23-5:11

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV

What an abundance of blessings there are for those who know Christ as Shepherd! He provides lavishly for His flock—green pastures, still waters. He does not point to our destination but leads us in the paths we should be traveling. He protects us! As we enjoy His constant presence and walk with Him and obey His voice, He pours out blessings to our soul. —D. Cetola

Saviour, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use, Thy folds prepare. —Dorothy A. Thrupp