Daily Devotional Readings: Year One - July

1st July: Exodus 20:21-21:32

So many instructions - Don't get bogged down in details. Remember this: We do not live by an ethic of legalism. This is an ethic of redemption (20:1-2). Forget the God of redemption, and you have nothing but a lot of rules and regulations. Become obsessed with rules and regulations, and there will be no room for the Redeemer and His redemption. 'Earmarked' for Jesus, we are to 'serve Him for life' (6). No turning back! We are bound to Him by love - not law! What love He has for us! Verse 30 speaks of 'ransom' and 'redemption': What great words of the Gospel (Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 1:18-19)! 'Eye for eye...' (24) - This limits vengeance. Remember: Love is the answer - not vengeance (Leviticus 19:18)! Let Christ's love give you strength - to keep on serving Him (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:6).

2nd July: Exodus 21:33-22:31

We travel from grace to glory - from 'Egypt' to 'the promised land'. In the wilderness there are many pitfalls. We can become careless in our obedience to Christ. Do not 'leave a pit open' - you may cause a brother to stumble (33; Romans 14:13). Restitution (1-17) - Be faithful in practical matters (Luke 19:8; 3:10-14). Read of 'the thief' (8). Think of the Lord - and be ready for His return (1 Thessalonians 5:2; Matthew 6:19-21). All our human problems are to be brought 'before God'. Never forget Him (8-9,11). God is 'compassionate' (27). We are to be 'consecrated' (31). God loves us. Will we continue to live as those who have never known His love? - 'God forbid! How can we who died to sin still live in it?' (Romans 6:2).

3rd July: Mark 10:1-31

The Pharisees came to Jesus - 'to test Him' (2). They asked Him about divorce (2). He spoke to them about marriage (6-9). We need to be positive, well grounded in the basic principles of God's Word. When the thorny problems come - as they surely will - we will face them with maturity, and not as 'children, tossed to and fro and and carried about with every wind of doctrine' (Ephesians 4:14). Jesus loved the little children (13-16). Do we? Some say 'No' to the love of Jesus (21-22). Say 'Yes' to Him. We cannot save ourselves. Salvation is God's doing, not ours (26-27). Don't let 'self' take the place of Christ: 'we have left everything...' (28). Don't say, 'I have given so much to God, done so much for Him, given up so much for Him'. God has given you more! God has done more for you! God has given up more for you! John 3:16.

4th July: Mark 10:32-52

Jesus was 'going up to Jerusalem' - to the Cross (32). He came to die, 'to give His life as a ransom for many' (45). The death of Christ lies at the very heart of the Gospel (1 Peter 1:10-12; 1 Corinthians 1:23 & 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; 1 John 1:7, 2:2; Hebrews 2:9). Don't think, 'Glory for me' (37). Think, 'Glory to God' (43-44): 'God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ' (Galatians 6:14). Bartimaeus cried out to the Lord for mercy (47). 'How embarrassing', some people thought - 'how undignified' (48). When God is at work, some people don't like it! They like everything to be dignified - dull and dead! When God is at work, people get converted. This may not please the 'critics', but it pleases God - and that's what matters. Cry to God for mercy. Your prayer will be heard - and answered.

5th July: Exodus 23:1-33

God is love: He loves 'the stranger' (9). God is holy: He 'will not acquit the wicked' (7). He wants to reproduce His love and holiness - in us. Not holiness without love: that is self-righteous legalism. Not love without holiness: that is spineless sentimentalism. To Israel, He sent 'an angel...' (20). To us, He has sent Christ: He is the Way to the place prepared for us (John 14:2-3,6). Through the Holy Spirit, Christ continues His ministry among us (John 14:25-26). 'Pay attention' to the words of Christ. 'Listen' for the voice of the Holy Spirit (21). Do not 'quench' or 'grieve' the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30). It may take time - 'little by little' (30) - but God will work through his obedient people - 'I will...you shall...' (30-31).

6th July: Exodus 24:1-18

Moses was alone with the Lord - receiving the Word of the Lord (1-2). Moses went to the people - speaking the Word of the Lord (3). There was also a written ministry of the Word (4). At the heart of our worship, there is 'the blood of the covenant' (8; 12:13; John 1:29; Hebrews 9:22; 10:4; 9:13-14; 1 John 1:7). Moses worshipped on 'the mountain of God' (12-18). We worship 'in spirit and truth' (John 4:19-24). We come to the Father through Christ and in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:18). We come on the basis of Christ's blood shed for us (Hebrews 10:19-22). We come as those to whom the Spirit has been given (John 1:33; 3:34). With 'the Spirit of God' living in us and helping us as we pray, let us feast on Christ, the Truth, the living Word, to whom the written and spoken word point us (Romans 8:9,26; John 14:6; 1:1,14; 17:17).

7th July: Exodus 25:1-40

This is full of Christ! We don't 'read into' the Old Testament things which aren't really there. We read this part of Scripture in the light of the full revelation of God. We see Christ as the Central Theme. Above everything else and everyone else, there is Jesus Christ our Saviour. God dwells among His people (8). Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20; Colossans 1:27). God is merciful to us (17-22; Psalm 103:8-12; Micah 7:18-19). Through Christ, we have received 'mercy' (Ephesians 2:4-7; Titus 3:4-7). From 'mercy' we move on to 'testimony' (18). The two are vitally related (1 Timothy 1:12-17). The 'bread of the Presence' (30) turns our thoughts to the Cross. The 'lampstand of pure gold' calls us to shine brightly for Christ, who 'came...to save sinners' (1 Timothy 1:15).

8th July: Mark 11:1-33

Here we learn of the authority of Christ. Calling the 'colt' into His service, He says, with authority, 'The Lord has need of it' (3). With authority, He speaks to the fig tree (14) - a 'visual aid' of His teaching: 'Every branch of Mine that bears no fruit, He takes away' (John 15:2). In the temple, He speaks with authority, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer...' (17). He speaks of authority in prayer: 'whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours' (24). The religious leaders did not understand Jesus (27-33). Why? - They didn't love Him. We can experience His authority: His Word spoken to us 'in power...' (1 Thessalonians 1:5). We can exercise His authority: Through prayer, setting His Word free to do His mighty work (Ephesians 6: 18-20) - if we are learning to love Him!

9th July: Mark 12:1-44

Jesus - God's 'beloved Son' (6): Rejected by men, raised by God (10-11). Jesus' enemies tried 'to trap Him in His talk' (13). He spoke with wisdom - and so can we. Anointed by the Holy One, we have the mind of Christ (1 John 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 2:14-16). Christ's enemies knew 'neither the Scripture nor the power of God' (24). We are to speak as those who know the living God (27). Our 'first' priority is love for God (29-30). Jesus says, 'Love your neighbour' (31). This is not, however, 'the be-all and end-all' of our life. There is more. We must not forget God. Jesus is 'Lord' (35-37). Let it be: Jesus is my Lord. The scribes had all the external trappings of religion - and nothing else (38-40)! The 'poor widow' had very little, yet she had everything that really matters: she loved the Lord (41-44)!

10th July: Exodus 26:1-37

From the outside, it was a 'tent'. On the inside, the tabernacle was a place of great beauty. Many look at Christ, and see 'no beauty that we should desire Him' (Isaiah 53:2). The believer looks at Christ, and says, 'You are beautiful beyond description, too marvellous for words, too wonderful for comprehension, like nothing ever seen or heard' (Mission Praise, 788).The 'veil' has been removed (2 Corinthians 4:3-4,6). Our sin had separated us from God, hiding His face from us (Isaiah 59:2). When Christ died, 'the curtain of the temple was torn in two...' (Mark 15:37-38). He has changed everything (Hebrews 9:7-8,11-12). Once, we were 'separated...alienated... strangers...far off'. Now, we are 'in Christ Jesus' - 'brought near in the blood of Christ' (Ephesians 2:12-13; Hebrews 10:19-22).

11th July: Exodus 27:1-19

We highlight two interesting phrases - (a) 'as you were shown on the mountain' (8); (b) 'towards the sunrise' (13, New International Version). We need both 'the Scriptures' and 'the power of God' (Mark 12:24). Our faith is based on divine revelation - 'according to the Scriptures' (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We are 'not' to 'go beyond what is written' (1 Corinthians 4:6). Face the risen Son - We may not always be facing the rising sun, but we should always be facing the risen Son! The revelation, the resurrection, the Scriptures, the Son - these are the great focal-points of our Christian Faith: God has revealed Himself, Christ has risen. Encouraged by the Scriptures, and empowered by the Son, we face the risen Son and we say, 'I will proclaim the glory of the risen Lord' (Romans 15:4; Matthew 28:18-20; Mission Praise, 14).

12th July: Mark 13:1-37

We are not to be a people whose 'faith' is locked in the past! We are to be a people of hope. We look to the future. We 'see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory' (26). There may be 'wars and rumours of wars' (7). When Christ returns, only one thing will matter: 'he who endures to the end will be saved' (13). 'This day - the noise of battle': Look beyond all that to 'the victor's song' (Church Hymnary, 481). In human conflict, there is so much of self - 'We are the people'. When Christ returns, nothing will matter but this: 'When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there' (Mission Praise, 759). We hear of 'wars and rumours of wars'. Do we say, 'This is part of our history. It's always been this way'?. We must remember: Preaching Christ's Gospel is far more important than 'defending' our ways (10)!

13th July: Proverbs 4:10-19

'The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day' (18). Face the risen Son. His life in us is like the rising sun. It begins with 'the first gleam of dawn'. It 'shines ever brighter until the full light of day''. Christ 'dawns on us like the morning light' (2 Samuel 23:4). In a moment of discovery, we say, 'It's just dawned on me'. It is very wonderful when Christ reveals Himself, when He brings us out of our darkness and into His light. This is just the beginning. There is so much more: 'No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him' (1 Corinthians 2:9). 'Light has dawned that ever shall blaze...Light a flame within my heart... Let my flame begin to spread' (Mission Praise, 422; Songs of Fellowship, 339).

14th July: Exodus 27:20-29:9

The 'lamp' was 'set up to burn continually' (27:20) - 'May we be a shining light...Let the flame burn brighter...' (Songs of Fellowship 389; Mission Praise, 743). A 'royal priesthood', we have been called by God - to let His light shine (1 Peter 2:9). He has called us to serve Him (28:1 John 15:16; Acts 20:28; 13:2; 9:15; Hebrews 5:4). The divine call is accompanied by a divine empowering - 'the Holy Spirit sent from heaven' (1 Peter 1:12). We are precious to God - Our 'names' are written on His heart (9-12,21,29-30; Luke 10:20; Phillipians 4:3; John 10:3). In Christ we are cleansed (29:4 1 John 1:7), anointed (29:7; 1 John 2:27) and robed (29:5-6,8-9; Isaiah 61:10). In Christ, we have 'the best robe' (28:2; Luke 15:22; Revelation 7:9-10,13-14). In Him, we are 'consecrated' by the Word and 'anointed' by the Spirit (28:3,41; John 17:17; 14:16-17, 26; 16:13-14).

15th July: Exodus 29:10-46

There is a great contrast between the many sacrifices of the Old Testament and the one sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:25-28; 10:1-4, 10-14). Looking to Christ, we focus attention on verses 42-46. For God's people, 'the tent of meeting' was a special place concerning which God said, 'I will meet with you, to speak there to you. There I will meet with the people of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by My glory' (42-43). Let us pray that, in both the pulpit and the pew, there will be the glory of God. Aaron and his sons were 'consecrated to serve' (44). We look beyond them to Christ who 'came ...to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many' (Mark 10:45). He dwells among us (45; John 1:14). He has provided for us a 'better' redemption than the redemption of Israel from Egypt - He is 'much more excellent' (46; Hebrews 8:6; 9:23-24).

16th July: Exodus 30:1-38

The Word of God ('the testimony') declares the mercy of God, leading to our meeting with God (6). We highlight several features of our worship: (a) 'the blood of the sin offering of atonement' (10) - This points to the 'how much more' sacrifice of Christ on the Cross for us (Hebrews 9:13-14); (b) 'washing' (18) - Christ 'has washed us from our sins in His blood' (Revelation 1:5; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5-6); (c) 'holy anointing oil' (25) - We are to be 'consecrated', 'most holy', servants of the Lord, 'making holiness perfect in the fear of God', living in the power of the Holy Spirit (29-30; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Zechariah 4:6); (d) 'incense' (35) - We are to be 'the aroma of Christ', spreading His 'fragrance' (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). Christlike living is grounded in prayer (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4; Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

17th July: Mark 14:1-25

Jesus was surrounded by enemies, 'seeking to kill Him' (1). There was also a hypocrite, preparing 'to betray Him' (10-11). What a joy it was to find a woman with such heartfelt love for Him (3-9). Her love for Christ must never be forgotten (9). There is something else which must never be forgotten - His love for us. Our love for Him can never begin to compare with His love for us. When we celebrate the Lord's Supper (22-24; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26), we rejoice in His love. Think little of your love for Him. Think much of His love for you. 'Who His love will not remember? Who can cease to sing His praise? He can never be forgotten throughout heaven's eternal days' (Songs of Fellowship, 168). Remember Christ, and let your remembering be filled with worship (25; Ephesians 5:19-20; Colossians 3:16-17).

18th July: Exodus 31:1-32:14

'Called' by God and 'filled' with His Spirit (31:1-3), Bezalel had the support of Oholiab and 'all able men' (31:6). Few may be called and equipped to lead, but many are required for God's work to be done - effectively (1 Corinthians 12:4-10). 'All' of us receive our strength from the 'Spirit' (1 Corinthians 12:11). We offer ourselves in service with this faith, 'Jesus is Lord'. Faith is God's gift: 'no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit'. There are many gifts. They are varied expressions of one gift: the faith which confesses that 'Jesus is Lord' (1 Corinthians 12:3). The people fell into idolatry and immorality (32:6): a 'warning' to us (1 Corinthians 10:6-12). We have God's help - to overcome temptation (1 Corinthians 10: 13). Moses sets for us a godly example: he spent time with God, hearing His voice and prevailing in prayer (32:1,7-14).

19th July: Exodus 32:15-33:23

In Moses, we see the holiness and love of God: a deep hatred of sin (32:19), an intense longing for sinners to be forgiven (32). Filled with 'the fear of the Lord', Moses was fearless before men. God's Word to sinners is clear: He warns them (Proverbs 29:1); He calls them to repent (Acts 2:38); He invites them to return to Him (Hosea 6:1). Moses' faithful and fearless preaching emerged from his closeness to God: 'The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend' (11). Moses prayed; God heard; God answered (33:17). Moses prayed for a revelation of God's glory (33:18). God revealed Himself as the good God, the God of grace and mercy (32:19). Let us go up to God and bring down all that is needed to build the Body of Christ that God may take pleasure in it and that He may appear in His glory (Haggai 1:8).

20th July: Exodus 34:1-35

God gives His promise (33:19). God keeps His promise (5-7). The glory of Christ is revealed to those who are learning to love Him (John 14:21). We are not yet ready for the full glory (33:20). When Christ returns, 'we shall see Him as He is' (1 John 3:2). There is to be 'no other god' but the Lord (14). We are not to be squeezed into the world's mould (Romans 12:2). 'No molten gods', 'no graven image' - We are to be remoulded by God, 'conformed to the image of His Son' (17; 20:4; Romans 12:2; 8:29). Moses' face was shining - Other people noticed (29)! Let others see Christ in you. Never take pride in your own spirituality - 'If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not know (the Lord) as he ought to know (Him)' (1 Corinthians 8:2). Keep your eyes on Jesus. The glory comes from Him. No glory for me - All glory to Him (2 Corinthians 3:18)!

21st July: Mark 14:26-52

After 'they had sung a hymn' (26), Peter showed that there was a great deal of 'self' in him (29). All of us can be like this - 'they all said the same' (31). We attend Communion (22-24), we sing hymns (26) - yet still the wrong attitudes persist! We 'enjoy' praise, prayer, and preaching - Remember: God is concerned with the whole of life, not just the 'spiritual' activities! Christ looked ahead to the Cross - 'the hour', 'this cup' (35-36). He was far removed from an 'enjoyable atmosphere' within which prayer is 'easy'. Sorely tempted, He prayed, 'not what I will but what You will' (36). This was no easy road - the 'betrayer' was waiting for Him (42). It was a lonely road - 'they all forsook Him, and fled' (50). 'The gate is narrow, the way is hard' (Matthew 7:14). May God help us to follow Jesus.

22nd July: Exodus 35:1-36:7

The work of God is shared by many different people with many different gifts. The work is done according to (a) the Lord's command (35:1,4,10; 36:1,5); (b) heartfelt obedience (21; 36:3,5-7); (c) the God-given abilities (24-25; 36:2,4,8). There is something for 'everyone' to do - everyone 'whose heart is stirred whose spirit is moved' (21). Many gifts are needed (31-35). Underlying them all, there is this: 'filled with the Spirit of God' (31). In God's work, there is to be 'full' obedience. When we are fully obedient, there will be 'an overflowing blessing' (Malachi 3:10). 'The people bring much more than enough...'. There 'was sufficient to do all the work, and more' (36:5,7). God is ready to bless. Are we ready to obey? 'If my people...I will...'(2 Chronicles 7:14). 'Always abounding in the work of the Lord' (1 Corinthians 15:58)!

23rd July: Exodus 36:8-38

Moses may have been the leader among God's people, but he could not do all the work by himself! Two of his helpers - Bezalel and Oholiab - are named (1-2). Most - 'all the able men' - remain anonymous (8). Anonymous yet indispensable - Without them, the work of God would have been left undone! To those who are full of their own importance, God says, 'No-one is indispensable. I will find someone else to do My work'. To those who, without fuss, get on with doing His work, God says, 'You are my servants, through whom My work will make good progress'. Building Christ's Church is a long process, involving suffering and disappointments as well as hard-fought victories. In so many ways, the tabernacle pointed to Christ: 'God with us' (Matthew 1:23). May God help us to lead many people to Christ!

24th July: Mark 14:53-15:5

Jesus is 'the Christ, the Son of the Blessed'. He is 'seated at the right hand of Power'. He is 'coming with the clouds of heaven' (61-62). He is 'the King of the Jews': His Kingdom is greater than Herod imagined - it is 'not of this world' (2; John 18:36). Why, then, did He remain silent when false charges were brought against Him? He was bearing our sin - That is why 'He did not open His mouth' (Isaiah 53:4-7; 1 Peter 2:22-24; 3:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He knew that He was going to the Cross - for us (John 10:11,15,17-18). Jesus did not deny us: His silence was a godly silence - 'He bore the sin of many', making 'Himself an offering for sin' (Isaiah 53:12,10). Will we deny Him? Our silence is a guilty silence (66-71). May Christ's Word, and His look of love, cause us to weep - and repent (72; Luke 22:61-62; 2 Corinthians 7:10).

25th July: Exodus 37:1-29

Pure gold (2,6,11,16-17,22-24, 26); Jesus Christ is 'pure gold'. He is 'God with us'. His body was broken for us. We feed on Him, the living Bread. His light is shining. He spreads the fragrance of His holiness, and the aroma of His love (Matthew 1:23; Luke 22:19; John 6:35; 8:12; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16). Read about the ark, the mercy seat, the table, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the holy anointing oil...Think of Christ: He is the 'mercy seat of pure gold' (6). 'The Lord is merciful and gracious...': In mercy, He withholds His judgment from us - He is 'slow to anger'. In grace, He pours His blessing on us - He is 'abounding in steadfast love' (Psalm 103:8). We deserve judgment. We receive salvation. Why? Christ took our judgment that we might receive His salvation. This is the Gospel - and it is 'pure gold'!

26th July: Exodus 38:1-31

We read, in verse 8, of 'the ministering women...'. See also 35:25-26,29 - 'all women ...all the women... All the men and women...'. Male and female - We need each other. We are 'one in Christ Jesus'. In Him, 'there is neither male nor female' (Galatians 3:28). There should never be a competitive spirit. We are to complement each other. In verse 25, we read of 'the silver from those of the congregation'. God's work does not depend entirely on those who have been called to be leaders. Each of us must play our part. There should be no pulling in different directions. We belong together. We are to work together. Let's pull together, pooling our resources, pulling our weight. Among God's people, there is 'gold' - but it must be 'used for the work' (24). Will you be worth your weight in gold - for God?

27th July: Mark 15 6-41

Jesus did not 'save Himself'. 'He saved others' (31). He sacrificed Himself for our salvation. His was the sacrifice. Ours is the salvation. He 'put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself' (Hebrews 9:26). Barabbas was 'released'. Jesus was 'crucified' (15). This is the Gospel - He took my place, He died for me. He was 'forsaken' by God (34). We are reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:19,21). We rejoice that Christ ignored the mocking call from 'the chief priests' and 'scribes': 'come down now from the Cross' (32). He paid the full price of our salvation. For us now, there is full salvation. His suffering was complete: 'It is finished' (John 19:30) was not a whimper of defeat. It was the declaration of victory. All that was needed - He has done for us. Now, He invites us to receive salvation: 'Come; for all is now ready' (Luke 14:17).

28th July: Exodus 39:1-43

'As the Lord had commanded...' (1,5,7,21,26,29,31-32,42-43): Obedience to God - this is the most important thing. 'And Moses blessed them' (43): Where there is obedience, there is blessing - there's a vital connection between the two. In Jesus, we see perfect obedience: 'My food is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work' (John 4:34). Jesus was fully obedient to the Father's will: 'He became obedient unto death, even death on a Cross' (Philippians 2:8). Through His obedience, there is blessing for us: 'by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous' (Romans 5:19). We look beyond the Old Testament priesthood to Christ, the 'High Priest of the good things that have come' - By 'His own blood', He has secured for us 'an eternal redemption' (Hebrews 9:11-12).

29th July: Exodus 40:1-38

Here, we highlight three lessons: (a) The work of God begins with the Word of God: 'The Lord said to Moses...' (1). Before we can do anything for God, we must be taught by God. (b) The work of God must proceed in the way of God: 'Thus did Moses; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did' (16). If we are to accomplish anything for God, we must do God's work in God's way. (c) The work of God must lead to the worship of God: 'The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle' (34). If we are really seeking to work for God, we must seek to give Him the glory for all that is accomplished. Making these our priorities - the Word, way and worship of God - , we will look for 'the cloud and fire', the presence and power of God among us: He will be our Guide 'throughout all our journeys' (38).

30th July: Mark 15:42-16:20

Dead and buried (44-46) - 'The End'? No! There is more. An 'Appendix'? No! A whole new beginning - For Jesus, for us! He is 'the first fruits (1 Corinthians 15:20,23). The full glory is still to come (1 Corinthians 15:24). He has risen (6). 'At His coming, those who belong to Christ' will be raised - with Him and by Him - to everlasting life (1 Corinthians 15:23). This is the glory of the resurrection. It is not simply a thing of the past. It is our glorious future - we 'will be raised imperishable' (1 Corinthians 15:52). There is a Gospel to be preached - the Gospel of salvation (15-16). May God help us to preach the Gospel 'everywhere' - This will involve all of us, not just a few of us! May He give us the joy of seeing Him at work, confirming the message by the signs that attend it (20).

31st July: Psalm 10:1-18

Wickedness seems to be so prevalent. Many 'renounce the Lord', saying 'There is no God' (3-4). It seems that the wicked 'prosper at all times', while the innocent victims of oppression feel that 'God has forgotten' (5-11). When it appears that God 'has hidden His face', when we feel that He has forgotten us, we must remember this: 'The Lord is King for ever and ever' (11,16). Do not judge by appearances. Do not trust your feelings. Everything changes. Nothing remains the same. Everything changes - except God. He is unchanged, unchanging and unchangeable in His faithful love for us. We rejoice in this: 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever' (Hebrews 13:5). Whatever circumstances and feelings may suggest, never forget this: 'He loved us from the first of time, He loves us to the last' (Church Hymnary, 293).

Daily Devotional Readings: Year One - May

1st May: Genesis 37:1-36

Here, we have human sin and divine grace. We see jealousy (11) and its effects: 'where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice' (James 3:16). There is God working out His purpose: 'you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good' (50:20). In his dreams, Joseph was given a glimpse of the 'new thing' (Isaiah 43:19) God was about to do. Joseph's situation seemed hopeless: 'cast...into a pit', 'sold' into slavery (24,28). God was in this situation. Each of us is in a 'pit', but we are not alone. Jesus has gone into the 'pit' for us, and He has come out of it victorious: 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave where is your victory?'. Slaves of Satan, we have been set free by Christ (Romans 6:17-18; Hebrews 2:14-15). God was with Joseph. He is with us.

2nd May: Genesis 38:1-30

'Judah went down from his brothers, and turned in to a certain Adullamite...' (1-2). This is the sad story of so many people: Drawn away by an unbelieving man/woman from the fellowship of God's people. The story then goes from bad to worse. A whole catalogue of disasters follows. God is mentioned in only two verses (7,10). Both speak of human sin and divine judgment. God's Word is clear: Believers are not to be joined in marriage to unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Lower your spiritual defences at this point, and you are asking for big trouble! Satan is ready to sweep in and cause chaos. This sad story of sin and shame stands as a warning to us. Do not rush into sinful choices. Put God first, and let Him lead you in His perfect way: 'Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well' (Matthew 6:33).

3rd May: Genesis 39:1-23

In chapter 38, we read of unbridled lust. Here, we read of sexual restraint: 'how can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?' (9). Sin brings complications, and so does obedience! There is, in fact, only one complication - sin. We live in a sinful world, which has no real interest in obedience to God. We must be realistic: 'all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted' (2 Timothy 3:12). Obedience and persecution - we see both in the story of Joseph. He was tempted, but he did not sin (7-9). Temptation is not sin. God provides 'the way of escape' (1 Corinthians 10:13). Christ is 'the way' (John 14:6), God's way of escape. We go to Him when we are tempted (Hebrews 2:16; 4:15-16). Joseph was put into prison, 'but the Lord was with him, and showed him steadfast love' (20-21) - 'persecuted, but not forsaken'' (2 Corinthians 4:9).

4th May: Matthew 23:1-39

As you read Jesus' stinging words, remember this: there is a 'Pharisee'' in every one of us! Jesus disturbs the 'peace' of 'those who sit at ease in Zion' (Amos 6:1). He invites us to see ourselves as God sees us: 'before Him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do' (Hebrews 4:13). Why does Christ speak such disturbing words? - He loves us. He longs for us to return to Him and be forgiven. Many times He comes to us - 'How often would I have gathered you'. Many times we refuse His appeal of love: 'you would not' (37). You may have refused Him often, yet still He waits. Still, He perseveres in love. Still, He seeks to show you the emptiness of your life without Him - 'forsaken and desolate' (38). Still, He waits for you to say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord' (39).

5th May: Matthew 24:1-31

After the first two verses, concerned with the destruction of the temple, Jesus speaks of 'the sign of His coming and of the end of the age' (3). There will be times of testing (9,21). We must take care not to be drawn away from Him (4,23-24). Beyond the time of testing, there will be the return of the Lord (29-30). The events of our day are not without significance. They are signs of His coming. We are to prepare ourselves for His return. We must live as servants of the Gospel (14). This will not be easy. There will always be opposition. Current affairs may be confusing, but we must look beyond all this to 'the momentous event': 'the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory' (30). Awaiting the Lord's return, we say, 'If no-one joins me, still I will follow' (Mission Praise, 272).

6th May: Matthew 24:32-25:13

'The times they are-a-changing'. There is, however, one thing that remains constant. Jesus says, 'My words will not pass away' (35). In an age of unbelief, our faith is often under threat. We must stand upon this solid Rock: 'The Word of the Lord stands forever' (1 Peter 1:25). The scoffers will say, 'Where is the promise of His coming?' (2 Peter 3:3-4). We are to believe that 'He is near' (33). Christ has risen. He will return (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). When He returns need not concern us: 'the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect' (44). We are to be ready at all times (13) - doing the Lord's will (46). We are to be 'faithful and wise' (45). As 'the bride of Christ' (Revelation 19:7; 21:2), we await the Return of Christ our Bridegroom: 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet Him' (6).

7th May: Matthew 25:14-46

We are to be faithful to God (21). There is a reward for faithfulness (29; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15). Our 'reward' is not to get more glory for ourselves: 'what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord' (2 Corinthians 4:5). Bringing glory to God - this is to be our greatest joy. We are not to be thinking, 'What am I going to get out of this?'. We are to be asking, 'What can I give to others?'. The 'righteous' are not full of boasting about their 'righteous' actions (37-38). The Lord's true servants do not draw attention to themselves. Do you have 'talents'? Yes - you do! Use them! 'Serve the Lord with gladness' (Psalm 100:2). Let this be your 'reward': the joyful privilege of bringing blessing to others and glory to God. On earth, we begin to 'enter the joy of our Lord' (21). In heaven, there will be 'fullness of joy' and 'pleasure for evermore' (Psalm 16:11).

8th May: Proverbs 3:5-18

'Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ' (2 Peter 3:18). If we are to know the Lord, we must come to an end of ourselves: 'Be not wise in your own eyes' (7), 'do not rely on your own insight' (5). True knowledge of God comes through faith: 'Trust in the Lord...' (5). True knowledge of God is heart-knowledge: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart' (5). Knowing Christ involves growing in grace. We cannot get to know God apart from the grace of God working within us. Growth in grace is not always a smooth pathway (11-12; Hebrews 12:5-11). Never forget: 'the Lord's discipline' is an expression of the Lord's love. 'Lord, You are more precious than silver, Lord, You are more costly than gold, Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds, And nothing I desire compares with You' (13-15; Mission Praise,447).

9th May: Genesis 40:1-23

God gave Joseph power to overcome temptation (chapter 39). Now, He gives him power to interpret dreams. Here, Joseph the dreamer (37:5-11) becomes Joseph the interpreter of dreams. Joseph may be viewed as a prophet: 'Surely the Lord does nothing, without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets' (Amos 3:7). As a true prophet, he gives the glory to God alone: 'Do not interpretations belong to God?' (8). Joseph became the forgotten man (23). For Joseph, life had become very difficult. He had known prosperity (39:2-3). Now, he was suffering adversity. God is in both our prosperity and our adversity. He uses adversity to produce in us a heart of humility. What was Joseph doing while he was in prison? He was keeping close to God, waiting patiently for his 'time to speak' (Ecclesiastes 3:7).

10th May: Genesis 41:1-57

'After two whole years', Joseph was still the forgotten man. Then Pharaoh had a dream (1). This was the beginning of the next stage of God's plan for Joseph. In the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, Joseph directs attention to God: 'It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favourable answer...God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do...God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do... the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass (16,25,28,32). Joseph spoke with divine authority because 'the Spirit of God' was living in him (38). God was at work in Joseph, enabling him to forget his hardship and to be fruitful in his affliction (51-52). This is the work of divine grace - a reversal of human expectations. By God's grace, hardship and affliction lead not to bitterness and resentment but to a deeper love for the Lord.

11th May: Genesis 42:1-38

'Joseph's brothers...bowed themselves before him' (6): Remember Joseph's dream (37:5-11)! God is fulfilling His purpose. This has nothing to do with the glory of Joseph. It has everything to do with the glory of God. Joseph was exalted to a place of honour because he was a man of God: 'I fear God' (18). All the glory belongs to God alone! Joseph\s treatment of his brothers seemed harsh. In verse 24, we see another side of him: 'he turned away from them and wept'. Joseph loved his brothers. Behind his 'harsh' words, there was love. He wanted them to recognize their sin (38:18-33). He was paving the way for his reunion with them in brotherly love. God loves us. Sometimes, His ways seem harsh, but they are always for our best (Revelation 3:19; Hebrews 12:5-11). He shows us how much our sin hurts Him so that we might see how much He loves us.

12th May: Genesis 43:1-34

The roles have been reversed. At the beginning of Joseph's story, it seemed that the brothers had control over his destiny (37:19-20). Now, Joseph has the upper hand. Ultimately , it was the Lord who was in control. In all the events of Joseph's life, God had been leading him towards the re-uniting of the family through which He would work out His purpose of grace. Joseph, the man at the centre of God's purpose, knew the God of grace and desired that others might also know the blessing of the gracious God (29). Benjamin was Joseph's only full brother. The others were step-brothers (29:31-30:24; 35: 16-18). Joseph had a special affection for Benjamin (30). In the love of Joseph for Benjamin, we see God's love for us: 'My compassion grows warm and tender' (Hosea 11: 8); 'I have loved you with an everlasting love' (Jeremiah 31:3).

13th May: Genesis: 44:1-34

God is fulfilling His purpose: 'the brothers fell before Joseph to the ground' (14; 37:7, 10). God's purpose is moving towards its ultimate fulfilment: 'that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow' (Phillipians 2:10). As God's purpose moves forward, the brothers are being changed from men who sold their brother into slavery to men who will welcome him again as their long-lost brother (37:28; 45:15). God wants to change us - 'Jesus, You are changing me, By Your Spirit You're making me like You. Jesus, You're transforming me, That Your loveliness may be seen in all I do.You are the potter and I am the clay. Help me to be willing to let You have Your way. Jesus, You are changing me, as I let You reign supreme within my heart' (Mission Praise, 389). Bowing the knee to Jesus Christ begins here and now.

14th May: Genesis 45:1-28

In the reunion of Joseph with his brothers, there is a great testimony to the God of grace: 'Do not be distressed... because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life...God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God... God has made me lord of all Egypt' (5,7-9). Joseph was the pioneer. He went ahead of the others. He paved the way for them. Jesus is 'the Pioneer of our salvation'. He will 'bring many sons to glory'. He will welcome us as His 'brothers' (Hebrews 2:10-12). Jesus is also the 'Perfecter of our faith' (Hebrews 12:2). He is leading us to 'a better country - a heavenly one' (Hebrews 11:16). Let 'every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord' (Philipians 2:11). Let it begin here on earth.

15th May: Matthew 26:1-13

Jesus was on His way to the Cross (2). His death was the direct result of the hatred of men (3-4). It was also the supreme demonstration of the love of God (Romans 5:8). In verses 6-13, we read of a woman who loved Jesus very much. Jesus was deeply moved by her great love for Him. He wanted everyone to know about her deep devotion to Him: 'Truly, I say to you, wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her' (13). We read in Acts of the advance of the Gospel (1: 8). Great crowds became believers (2:41; 4:4; 6:7). In all of this, Jesus says to us, 'Don't forget the woman. Don't forget her love'. Love for Jesus - simple, sincere, childlike love - this is the most important thing of all: 'O for grace to love Him more' (Church Hymnary, 676).

16th May: Matthew 26:14-35

Peter and Judas Iscariot had something in common. They both failed their Lord (14-16, 34). Things turned out very differently for them (27:3-5; Acts 2:38-42). When we fail the Lord , we find ourselves at a cross-roads. We can turn to Him. We can turn away from Him. In view of His great love for us - His 'blood' has been 'poured out for the forgiveness of sins' (28) - how can we turn our backs on Him? How can you and I say 'No' to such love? There is no reason why we should say 'No' to Him - yet we do! Do we doubt that He is there for us? Do we wonder if He really loves us? What about you? Do you think that He cannot or will not forgive your sins? He can and He will. That's why He died - 'for the forgiveness of sins' (28).

17th May: Matthew 26:36-56

Jesus' suffering is increasing. What pain His disciples caused Him. Three times, He 'found them sleeping' (40-45), 'My betrayer is at hand' (46), 'all the disciples forsook Him and fled' (56)! Was this the end of the road for His disciples? No! With one exception - Judas Iscariot, whom Jesus still called 'friend' (50), the others became men of prayer (Acts 1:13-14). They stood with Peter as he preached the Gospel, as he led many sinners to the Saviour (Acts 2:14,37-38). Jesus loved His disciples. He died for them. Then - after Jesus was 'glorified' - the Spirit was 'given' to them (John 7:39). The fleeing disciples became men 'on fire' (Acts 2:3). No more 'fleeing'. Now it was 'flowing' - 'rivers of living water' (John 7:38). 'Blaze, Spirit blaze. Set our hearts on fire. Flow, river, flow. Flood the nations with grace and mercy' (Mission Praise, 445).

18th May: Matthew 26:57-75

'Peter followed Him at a distance' (58). He didn't want to get too close! Keeping your distance from Jesus leads to trouble! Trouble was not the end of Peter's story. Three times Peter denied the Lord (69-75). Three times Jesus asked him, 'Do you love me?', three times Peter answered Jesus, 'I love You' (John 21:15-17) - For each denial, an opportunity to re-affirm his love for Jesus. Three thousand souls won for Christ (Acts 2:41) - For each denial, one 'thousand souls' brought to Christ. The contrast between the 'Peter' of the Gospels and the 'Peter' of Acts is striking. When Jesus first met Peter, He said, 'You are Simon...You shall be called Peter' (John 1:42). 'Peter' means 'rock'. Peter's confession of faith - 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God' (16:16) - is the Rock on which our faith is built. With Peter, let us confess Christ.

19th May: Psalm 7:1-17

Scripture speaks to us of both judgment and salvation (6,10; Hebrews 9:27-28). The Gospel brings salvation, - 'God sent the Son... that the world might be saved...'. There is also a warning - 'he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God' (John 3:17-18). The Lord does not wish 'that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance'. Nevertheless, there will be 'the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men' (2 Peter 3:9,7). What is happening here on earth? - 'the wicked man...makes a pit...and falls into the hole which he has made' (14-15). What does God say about this? - 'If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword...' (12), 'God... commands all men everywhere to repent' (Acts 17:30). God calls for 'repentance' and 'faith in our Lord Jesus Christ' - 'Repent and believe the Gospel' (Acts 20:21; Mark 1:15).

20th May: Genesis 46:1-34

Jacob goes to Egypt. There were three factors in Jacob's guidance: Inner desire - He wanted to see Joseph; Circumstances - Joseph wanted to see him and his sons were going to take him; God's Word - God told him to go. With God's command there was also His promise - 'I will there make of you a great nation'. There was no need for fear because God would be with him (3-4). Life would not be easy in Egypt - 'every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians' (34). We live in a world which does not honour Christ as 'the Good Shepherd' (John 10:11,14), 'the Great Shepherd' (Hebrews 13:20-21), 'the Chief Shepherd' (1 Peter 5:4). In Christ, we are 'a holy nation'. Why has God made us His 'own people'? - 'that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him..' (1 Peter 2:9). 'The nations are waiting for us, waiting for the gospel we will bring' (Songs of Fellowship, 539).

21st May: Genesis 47:1-26

Jacob and Joseph - the two stories are one. Christ and the Christian - our story is bound up with His story. Jacob reflects on his life - 'What has it all amounted to?'. He does not sing his own praises (8-9). Let the glory be given to God and not kept for ourselves. Joseph provided food for his family (12). Jesus has provided for us something better than food (Matthew 4:4) - 'an eternal redemption' (Hebrews 9:12). Grateful to Joseph for what he had done for them, the people said, 'You have saved our lives...we will be slaves' (25). Saved by Christ we are to be 'slaves' of Christ (Romans 6:17-18). We belong to Christ. We are to serve Him. We look to Him to 'give us seed (His Word)...that the land may not be desolate' (19; Mark 4:14; Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 126:5-6). We 'sow'. We 'reap'. 'God gives the growth' (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) !

22nd May: Matthew 27:1-26

Jesus went to the Cross for us. Refusing to protest His own innocence, He took our guilt upon Himself. Observing this, 'the governor wondered greatly' (14). We also should wonder greatly at this - Christ took our place, receiving the punishment that should have been ours. Barabbas was released, Christ was crucified (26). This is the great exchange - the sinless Saviour takes the place of the guilty sinner (2 Corinthians 5:21). As well as its divine aspect - 'God so loved...' (John 3:16) - the Cross has a human dimension - the people, Jews and Gentiles (the whole sinful world), sent Jesus to the Cross. For Jews and Gentiles ('the whole world'), Christ has provided salvation (Romans 1:16; 1 John 2:2). In the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Christ, we are invited to ask ourselves, 'What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' (22).

23rd May: Matthew 27:27-54

The 'King of the Jews' wore 'a crown of thorns' (29). In the Cross, we see the King. The way of crucifixion - this is the way of the Kingdom. The prayer, 'Thy Kingdom come' (6: 10), could only be answered by way of the Cross. From the Cross, we hear the call for decision. It is the call of love. The love of Christ calls for our answer: 'What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' (22). Here, we see different responses to Christ - derision, mocking, reviling (39-44); misunderstanding (47-49); believing worship (54). How are we brought out of unbelief and into faith, out of derision and into rejoicing? By the mighty working of God in our hearts, we are brought out of darkness and into light (2 Corinthians 4:6). Salvation comes from above, from God - 'The curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom' (51).

24th May: Matthew 27:55-66

'Mary the mother of James and Joseph' was also the mother of Jesus (56; 13:55). She began by receiving Jesus, not only as her son but also as her Saviour (Luke 1:38). She was still following Jesus - 'kept by the power of God' (1 Peter 1:5). None of us - not even the mother of Jesus - can walk with the Lord without His grace keeping us in the way of faith. The unbelieving world still denies Christ - 'that imposter' (63) - and His resurrection - 'fraud' (64). As believers, we must maintain our testimony: 'He has risen from the dead' (64). The unbelievers expected a 'fraud'. They did not expect a resurrection! For them, a resurrection was out of the question. God had a surprise in store for them! Unbelief says, 'Resurrection? - Impossible!'. Faith says, 'it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him' (Acts 2:24). He has risen (28:6) - Hallelujah!

25th May: Proverbs 3:19-35

'You will walk on your way securely...for the Lord will be your confidence' (23,26). Trusting in the Lord, we are to say, 'He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold' (Job 23:10). Our faith is under threat. There is the danger of 'sudden panic' (25). We are faced with the 'man of violence...the perverse man...the wicked...the scorners...fools' (31-35). What are we to do? Even in the most testing and trying times, we must hold on to this: God is at work for our holiness - 'Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy. Set apart for You, Lord, I choose to be holy, set apart for You, my Master, ready to do Your will' (Songs of Fellowship, 475). Submitted to God's holy purpose, we rejoice in this: Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39).

26th May: Genesis 47:27- 48:22

No more fear (46:3). No more pride (47:9). Now, no more doubt - God will bless (15-16, 19-21). Let it be confidence (Philippians 1:6), humility (John 15:5) and faith (Hebrews 11:1; Philippians 3:14). Man's way is set aside - 'his younger brother shall be greater than he' (19). We are 'saved by grace' (Ephesians 2:8). There is one way of salvation - God's way (John 14:6). Israel was promised a 'land' (21). In Christ, we are being led on to 'a better country...a heavenly one' (Hebrews 11:16). Jacob said, 'I am about to die' (21). Jesus says, 'I died and...I am alive for evermore' (Revelation 1:18). He says, 'I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also' (John 14:3). No more fear, pride, doubt - Christ saves 'to the uttermost' (Hebrews 7:25).

27th May: Genesis 49:1-27

Jacob blesses his sons, 'blessing each with the blessing suitable to him' (28). The most significant blessings are reserved for Joseph (22-26). This is not simply the blessing of Jacob. This is the blessing of 'the Mighty One of Jacob...the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel...the God of your father...God Almighty' (24-25). God blesses us 'with blessings of heaven above, blessings which are mighty beyond the blessings of the eternal mountains, the bounties of the everlasting hills' (25-26). He does this for us in Jesus Christ, the fulfilment of the divine purpose within which Joseph was privileged to take his part. 'God... has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places' (Ephesians 1:3). What blessings He has given to us - the forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit, eternal life (Ephesians 1:7,13-14)! 'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits' (Psalm 103:2).

28th May: Genesis 49:28- 50:26

It was a time of 'very great and sorrowful lamentation' (10). Jacob had died (33). Soon, Joseph would be gone (26). God was still there. He had been there in the past (20). He would be there in the future (24-25). Times are hard. We rejoice: 'The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases'. An earthly life has ended. We say, 'His mercies never come to an end'. We cannot cope. We discover that 'His mercies are new every morning'. Everything seems to be changing. We trust in God's unchanging love: 'Great is Thy faithfulness'. It seems hopeless. We say, 'I will hope in the Lord' (Lamentations 3:22-24). 'Bad' things are happening to you. Do you need to be 'reassured... and comforted'? - 'God meant it for good...Do not fear'. The Lord 'will provide for you' (20-21). Whatever happens, remember this - God is in control, and He loves you (Romans 8:28)!

29th May: Matthew 28:1-10

The resurrection declares Christ's victory over evil, the triumph of His love. There is no need for fear: 'He has risen' - His 'perfect love casts out fear' (5-6; 1 John 4:18). There has to be a new beginning in faith. First, there was a new beginning 'in fact - Christ has been raised from the dead' (1 Corinthians 15:20). Christ has won the victory over the grave. Christ has taken the sting out of death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Between the new beginning in faith - making disciples (19) - and the new beginning in fact - Christ's resurrection - , there is worship (9). The fact is not dependent on our feelings. 'He has risen' (6-7) - the fact stands, even when many doubt and few worship (17). As we worship, we are strengthened in faith, strengthened for our task. We are to invite people to come to the place where 'they will see' Jesus (10). We are to 'make disciples' (19). Run and tell - with great joy (8)!

30th May: Matthew 28:11-20

Why is it so important that we 'make disciples' (19)? There is a devil, and he is doing his utmost to hinder the progress of God's truth. He spreads lies about Christ - 'to this day' he is still sowing seeds of unbelief (11-15). We must combat the enemy of Christ - with words of truth, with the believing declaration, 'He has risen' (6-7). Satan failed to halt the progress of the Gospel. Christ's disciples rose to the challenge, and so must we: 'Rise up, you champions of God...We'll reach this generation...Go forth! Jesus loves them. Go forth! Take the Gospel. Go forth! The time is now. The harvest is ripening; Go forth! Feel now the burden of the Lord. Feel how He longs to save them. Feel now for those who never heard...Now is the time' (Songs of Fellowship, 486). 'All authority...has been given to Me...I am with you always' (18-20).

31st May: Psalm 8:1-9

The Lord is 'majestic' (1,9). He does not remain remote. He does not keep His distance. He show us His greatness, the greatness of His love. We feel forgotten. He remembers us. We feel unloved. He cares for us (4). We are tempted. He will 'still the enemy' (2). We look beyond our creation (5-8) to our salvation - 'we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone...that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil' (Hebrews 2:8-9,14). This is 'Majesty' - 'Jesus, who died, now glorified, King of all kings'. The Name of the Lord is majestic 'in all the earth' (1, 9). To God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - we pray, 'Glorify Your Name in all the earth' (Mission Praise. 454,142).