Month: September 2025

1 Kings 12:1-33; Jeremiah 21:1-22:30; Colossians 1:1-20

So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. Revelation 5:4 NKJV

If the world were to go on interminably mired in sin, humanity would have perpetual tears. Thankfully, Christ, who wept over impenitent Jerusalem, triumphed by His sacrificial death, resurrection, and ascension. His redemptive work ensures that earth’s future will unfold according to the divine plan—seal by seal, taking the planet back by judging evil. Eventually, our Lord will bring in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness thrives and sin is a historical artifact (2 Peter 3:13). Today’s headlines need not alarm us, a better age is coming. —Keith R. Keyser

Eternal Father, who shall look into Thy secret will?
Who but the Son shall take that book, and open every seal?  —Isaac Watts

1 Kings 11:1-43; Jeremiah 19:1-20:18; Philippians 4:2-23

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of Life…that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you. 1 John 1:1, 3

God has created mankind with five physical senses, all designed in a wondrous way to draw us closer to Himself. Let us use these gifts of God to seek Him daily in His wonderful Word. 1. “Come and see the works of God” (Ps. 66:5). 2. “Come and hear, all ye that fear God” (Ps. 66:16). 3. “And the whole multitude sought to touch him” (Luke 6:19). 4. “All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia” (Ps. 45:8). 5. “O taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8). —Elizabeth C. Bishop

Draw me nearer blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died,
Draw me nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious bleeding side. —F. Crosby

1 Kings 10:1-29; Jeremiah 18:1-23; Philippians 3:1-4:1

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 NKJV

Before I was saved, I thought I was free. Free to do what I did, think what I thought, go where I went, say what I said, and be what I was. I thought I was free from the law, but it was only lawlessness! I was born in sin and bound by sin, living in bondage to self and pride, held all my lifetime captive by Satan through the fear of death. Then I met the Saviour and He set me free and I was free indeed—free to start living for Him and stop living for me! Free from self-serving to serve Him who is worthy. Free to share with everyone about my Redeemer! — Rex Trogdon

Sunk in ruin, sin, and mis’ry, bound by Satan’s captive chain,
Guided by his artful treach’ry, hurrying on to endless pain.
My Redeemer, my Redeemer, plucked me as a brand from hell. —P. Bliss

1 Kings 9:1-28; Jeremiah 17:1-27; Philippians 2:12-30

One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see…Why herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. John 9:25, 30

Christ’s miracle was amazing, the evidence for His messiah-ship striking, yet there was unbelief among the religious leaders. However, for the formerly blind man, there was no doubt! Isn’t this so often the case for those born of the Spirit of God? Though they may find it hard to explain, they simply know something wonderful has happened!
May each of us, with the same zeal and determination, share what the Lord has done for us, despite the opposition. —Pete Smith

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.  —John Newton

1 Kings 8:31-66; Jeremiah 16:1-21; Philippians 1:21-2:11

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Romans 16:1-2

It is a good thing to speak well of the Lord’s people, and Paul’s dignified commendation of Phebe informed the saints that she was a woman of spiritual character. As “our sister,” Phebe’s dignity was acknowledged; as “a servant of the church,” her diligence was noted; as “a succourer of many,” her devotion was praised. Phebe was highly valued by Paul as his helper in the cause of Christ. Could such a fulsome commendation be honestly given of us today? —Phil Coulson

Teach me to live, Thy purpose to fulfil;
Each day renew, re-mould the stubborn will. —Ellen Burman

1 Kings 8:1-30; Jeremiah 15:1-21; Philippians 1:1-20

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee. Proverbs 23:1
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.  Proverbs 23:2

In a world abundant with tempting foods, it is easy to overindulge. But gluttony leads to negative consequences, both physically and spiritually. Choosing moderation over gluttony allows us to honour our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). Often we criticize the world for its unrestrained pursuit of immoral pleasures while we are equally guilty when it comes to our eating. May the Lord help us to embrace moderation, taking care of our bodies as vessels for His glory. —Sid Halsband

What blessings bounteous heaven bestows, he takes with thankful heart;
With temperance he both eats and drinks, and gives the poor a part.  –Needham

1 Kings 7:1-51; Jeremiah 14:1-22; Ephesians 6:10-24

The heavens are the work of thy hands. Psalm 102:25
The heavens shall pass away with a great noise…the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10

The glory of the Creator’s compassion is displayed as His hand lifts the fragile sparrow from its fall. While it remains, creation’s majesty continually declares the glory of the Creator’s wisdom and power. When time surrenders to eternity, creation’s only remnant will be us, the sons of God, held securely in the Creator’s nailscarred hands. Eternity will be required to express our praise for His grace and love bestowed upon us through the precious blood of our Creator become our sacrificial Lamb. —David J Reed

O the wonders of His love! See Him coming from above,
To atone and die for thee; praise Him, praise Him cheerfully. – Author Unknown

1 Kings 6:1-38; Jeremiah 13:1-27; Ephesians 5:22-6:9

I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Ps. 17:15 NKJV

The apostle John confidently asserts that some day “We shall be like Him” (1 John 3:2). But in what way will we be like Him? Paul says that we “will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Cor. 15:52). We will be free from all sin, pain, and suffering! We’ll have a glorified body. Like His! The Lord “will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Phil. 3:21). Only when He comes for us will we be able to see our Lord as He is. Physical eyes in a mortal body could not look on that glory, but in our glorified bodies, we’ll see Him with new eyes. —Ray Jones

Only faintly now I see Him,
With the darkened veil between,
But a blessed day is coming,
When His glory shall be seen. —Carrie E. Beck

1 Kings 4:1-5:18; Jeremiah 12:1-17; Ephesians 5:1-21

When He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3 NKJV

Through the Son of God, we have the privilege of being intimately associated with the Majesty on high. Life focused on Christ gives purpose and meaning to all our activities. When we live daily with our Lord, we see the past, present, and future through God’s eyes and a life lived from God’s perspective makes sense out of everything that happens. The practical outliving of following Christ makes sense of our faith and opens up to us the reason for our being here at this time and in this place. —Gaius C. Goff

We would see Jesus! We would look upon,
The light in that divinely human face,
Where lofty majesty and tender grace
In blended beauty shone. —W. J. Suckow

1 Kings 3:1-28; Jeremiah 11:1-23; Ephesians 4:17-32

Daniel…kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Dan. 6:10

A book entitled “Daily Rituals” describes the daily routines of dozens of thinkers, writers, and artists. Some historical personalities had some seemingly bizarre daily routines but many had personal targets that demonstrated their objective of ruthlessly organizing their time to be productive. We are exhorted to “redeem the time” (Eph. 5:16) by using it purposely for the benefit of others whilst making time by daily personal routines to give devotional time to the Lord whatever the circumstances or pressures on our time may be. —Brian Powlesland

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. —William D. Longstaff