May  18                   Psalm  145-(1-21)

If you are weighed down under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden.

 May  19                  Proverbs  4-(1-27)

Solomon tells us to guard our hearts above all else. Put boundaries on your desires. Don’t go after everything you see, look straight ahead, keep your eyes fixed on your goal and don’t get sidetracked on detours that lead to sin.

 May  20                  Proverbs  5-(1-23)

Real happiness comes when we decide to find pleasure in the spouse God has given us and to commit ourselves to meeting his or her needs. Rejoice with your spouse as you give yourselves to God and to each other.

 May  21                  Eccleiastes  12-(1-14)

Make your strength available to God when it is still yours—during your youthful years. We should recognise life is a precious resource to be used wisely and not squandered frivolously. Knowing that life is futile without God, motivates the wise person to seek God first.

 May  22                  Isaiah  6 –(1-13)

Isaiah was cleansed by God before he could be God’s servant, and in response he submitted himself entirely to God’s service. He was willing to become  God’s spokesman. When God calls, will you also say “Here I am, send me” ?

 May  23                  Isaiah  53 –(1-12)

This chapter speaks of the Messiah, Jesus. Who would suffer for the sins of all people. Who would believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble suffering servant, rather than a glorious king? The Messiah’s strength is shown by humility, suffering and mercy. Have you given your life to Jesus Christ “ the Good Shepherd”, or are you still going your own way like a lost sheep?

 May  24                  Jeremiah  1 –(1-19)

If God gives you a specific task, accept it cheerfully and do it with diligence. If God has not given you a specific call or assignment, then seek to fulfil the mission common to all believers—to love, obey and serve God—until His guidance becomes more clear.

 May  25                  Jeremiah  36-(1-32)

Although the king burned the scroll, he could not destroy the Word of God. Today, many people try to put God’s Word aside or say that it contains errors and therefore cannot be trusted. People may reject God’s Word, but they cannot destroy it. God’s Word will stand forever.

 May  26                  Jeremiah  38 –(1-13)      

When someone is treated unkindly or unjustly for example, reach out to that person with God’s love. You may be the only who does, and, when you are being treated unkindly yourself,

be sure to thank God when He sends an “Edeb-melech” to you.

 May  27                  Ezekiel  37-(1-14)

The dry bones represented the peoples’ spiritual dead condition. The church may seem like a heap of dead bones to you, but just as God promised to rescue His nation, He can restore any church. Rather than give up, pray for renewal, for God can restore it to life. The hope and prayer of every church should be that God will put His Spirit into it.

 May  28                  Daniel  1-(1-21)

Daniel “was determined” to be devoted to principle. We too are often assaulted by pressures to compromise our standards. Merely wanting to or preferring God’s will and way is not enough to stand against the onslaught of temptation. Like Daniel, we must resolve to obey God.

 May  29                  Daniel  2-(1-24)

The astrologers gods “do not live here among people” (of course they don’t- they don’t even exist) thus betraying their concept of the gods Today many people profess to believe in God, but it is a hollow belief. In essence, they are practical atheists, because they do not listen to Him or do what He asks. Do you believe in God? He DOES live among people and He WANTS to change your life.

 May  30                  Daniel  2 –(25-49)

The type of  metal in each part depicted the strength of the political power it represented. The rock cut out of the mountain depicted God’s kingdom, which would be ruled eternally by the Messiah, the King of Kings. The dream revealed Daniel’s God as the power behind all earthly kingdoms.

 May  31                  Daniel  3-(1-30)

The three young men did not know whether they would be delivered from the fire; all they knew was that they would not fall down and worship an idol. Are you ready to make a stand for God no matter what? It may be painful and it may not always have a happy ending. Be prepared to say

“if He rescues me or if He doesn’t, I will serve only God”.

MAY

May 1                               Nehemiah  8-(1-18)

Ezra connected celebration with giving, this gave those in need an opportunity to celebrate as well.

Often when we celebrate and give to others, we are strengthened spiritually and filled with joy. Enter into celebrations that honour God, and allow Him to fill you with His joy.

May 2                               Esther  1-(1-22)

Respect between men and women comes from mutual regard and appreciation for each other as those created in God’s image, not from legal pronouncements and orders. Forced obedience is a poor substitute for the love and respect wives and husbands have for each other.

May 3                               Esther  2-(1-23)

God placed Esther , a Jew, on the throne as queen. No human effort could thwart God’s plan to send the Messiah to earth as a Jew. If you are changing jobs, position or location and can’t see God’s purpose in your situation, understand that God is in control. He may be placing you in a position so that you can help when the need arises.

 May 4                                          Esther  3-(1-15)

Mordecia’s determination came from his faith  in God. Doing what is right will not always

make you popular. Those who do right will be in the minority, but to obey God is more important than to obey people.

 May  5                                         Esther  4-(1-17)

“watch out for number one”. Words that reflect our world’s selfish attitude. Esther’s attitude stands in bold contrast to this. Do you try to save yourself by remaining silent rather than standing up for what is right? Decide to do what God wants, and trust Him for the outcome.

 May  6                                         Esther  5-(1-14)

God was in control, yet Mordecai and Esther had to act. We cannot understand how both can be true at the same time, and yet they are. God chooses to work through those willing to act with Him. We should pray as if all depended on God and act as if it all depended on us.

May  7                Esther  6 -(1-14)   7 (1-10)

Haman had wealth, but he craved something even his money could not buy—respect.Don’t let your desire for approval, applause and popularity drive you to immoral actions.

 May  8                           Job  1 –(1-22)

Satan is our enemy because he actively looks for people to attack with temptation. This tells us that Satan is real and active on earth. Knowing this about Satan should cause us to remain close to the one who is greater than Satan--God Himself. Job passed the test and proved that people can love God for who He is, and not for what He gives.

 May  9                           Job  2 –(1-13)

Many people believe that believing in God protects them from trouble, so when calamity comes, they question God’s goodness and justice. Faith in God does not guarantee personal prosperity, and lack of faith does not guarantee troubles in this life. If this were so, then people would believe in God simply to get rich. Here Job shows a perspective broader than seeking his own personal comfort.

May  10                          Job  38 –(1-41)

God used Job’s ignorance of the world’s natural order to reveal his ignorance of God’s moral order. If Job did not understand the workings of God’s physical creation, how could he possibly understand God’s mind and character? There is no standard higher than God Himself by which to judge. God Himself is the standard. Our only option is to submit to His authority and rest in His care.

May  11                          Job  42 –(1-17)

God loves us, and He is just. He not only will restore whatever we have lost unjustly, but He will also give us more than we can imagine as we live with Him in eternity. Cling tightly to your faith  through all your trials, and you, too, will be rewarded by God—if not now, in the life to come.

 May  12                         Psalm  1-(1-6)

Only two paths of life lie before us God’s way of  obedience or the way of rebellion and

destruction. Be sure to choose God’s path because the path you choose determines how you will spend eternity.

 May  13                         Psalm  8-(1-9)

The next time you question your worth as a person, remember that God values you highly valuable. Because God has already declared how valuable we are to Him, we can be set free from feelings of worthlessness.

 May  14                         Psalm  23-(1-6)

Death has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death’s dark valley and bring us safely to the other side—the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this Shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.

 May  15                         Psalm  51-(1-19)

All sin hurts us and others, but ultimately it offends God. When you are tempted to do wrong, remember that you will be sinning against God and that may help you avoid the danger. Confess your sin to God. You may still have to face some earthly consequences, as David did, but God will give back the joy of your relationship with Him.

 May  16                         Psalm  103-(1-22)

No matter how difficult your life’s journey, you can always count your blessings-past, present and future. When you feel as though you have nothing for which to praise God, read Daniel’s list. You can receive His love in your heart by means of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5-5) God can heal your deep loss. We are fragile, but God’s care is eternal.

 May 17                          Psalm  139-(1-24)

God’s character goes into the creation of every person. When you feel worthless, or even begin to hate yourself, remember that god’s Spirit is ready and willing to work within you. No matter what we do or where we go, we can never be far from god’s comforting presence

June  1                    Daniel  5-(1-30)

Daniel was not afraid to tell the truth. Doing right should be our first priority, not gaining power or rewards. Do you love God enough to do what is right, even if it means giving up personal rewards?

June  2                    Daniel  6-(1-28)

Daniel stood alone having a disciplined prayer life. Don’t let threats or pressures cut into your prayer time. Pray regularly, no matter what, for prayer is your lifeline to God. Conduct your life above reproach, then you will have nothing to hide, but like Daniel you will have to rely on God for protection.

June  3                    Jonah  1-(1-17)   2-(1-10)

Jonah had disobeyed God. God is able to use our mistakes to help others to come to know Him. It may be painful, but admitting our sins can be a powerful example to those who don’t know God. The pagan sailors prayed to God and vowed to serve Him. Jonah’s prayer was heard by God from inside the fish. We can pray anywhere and at any time and God will hear us.

June  4                    Jonah  3-(1-10)    4 –(1-11)

God’s word is for everyone. Despite the wickedness of the Ninevite people, they were open to God’s message and repented immediately. If we simply proclaim God’s message of salvation, we may be surprised at how many people will listen.

June  5                    John  1-(1-18)

John shows Jesus as fully human and fully God. Although Jesus took upon Himself full humanity, He never ceased to be the eternal God who has always existed and who is the source of eternal life. This is the truth about Jesus and the foundation of all our faith. As we get to know Jesus Christ better, our understanding of God will increase.

June  6                    Luke 1-(5-25)

God heard Zechariah’s prayer. John was set apart for special service to God and was filled with the Holy Spirit. John’s message was to encourage people to turn away from sin and back to God and is very relevant today.

June  7                    Luke 1-(26-56)

God asked Mary to serve Him ,and she willingly obeyed. She believed the angels words and agreed to bear the child, even under humanly impossible circumstances. God is able to do the impossible. Our response to His demands should be like Mary’s; willing acceptance.

June  8                    Luke 1-(57- 80)

Zechariah praised God with his first words after months of silence. The Messiah would come in his lifetime and his son had been chosen to pave the way. Don’t minimise

June  10                  Luke  2-(21-39) 

The greatest event in history had just happened. The Messiah had been born. Do you look forward to meeting Him in prayer and in His Word every day? Do you still picture Jesus as a baby in a manger, or is He your Lord? Make sure you don’t underestimate Jesus. Let him grow up in your heart.

June  11                  Luke  2-(21-39)

Simeon said that Jesus was a gift from God, and he recognised Jesus as the Messiah who would be a light to the entire world. How brightly is this light shining in your world?

June  12                  Matthew  2-(1-12)

The wise men brought gifts and worshiped Jesus for who he was. This is the essence of true worship—honour Christ for who He is and being willing to give Him what is valuable to you. Worship God, because He is the perfect, just and almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of the best you have to give.

June  13                  Matthew  2-(13-23)

Herod was afraid that this newborn king would one day take his throne. Today people are often afraid that Christ wants to take things away, when in reality He wants to give them real freedom, peace and joy. Don’t fear Christ—give Him the throne of your life.

June  14                  Luke  2-(41-52)

Jesus stayed behind, absorbed in the discussions with the religious leaders, and it was not His youth but the depth of his wisdom that astounded these teachers. He grew physically and mentally. He related to the people, and He loved God. Try to grow with Jesus as your Teacher.

June  15                  Mark  1-(1-13)

Although He didn’t need forgiveness, Jesus was baptised for the following reasons (1) To begin His mission to bring the message of salvation to all people, (2) to show support for John’s ministry (3) to identify with our humanness and sin, and (4) to give us an example to follow.

June  16                  John 1- (19-34)

When Jesus baptises with the Holy Spirit, the entire person is transformed by the Spirit’s power. Jesus offers us forgiveness of sin and the power to live for Him.

June  17                  John  1 –(35-51)

There was no question in Andrew’s mind that Jesus was the Messiah. Not only did he tell his brother, but he was also eager to introduce others to Jesus. How many people in your life have heard you talk about your relationship with Jesus.

June  18                  John  2--(1-25)

God’s Temple was being misused by people who had turned it into a market place. They had forgotten or did not care that God’s house is a place of worship. Our attitude toward the church is wrong if we see it as place for personal contacts or business advantage. Make sure you attend church to worship God.

June  19                  John  3 –(1-21)

Eternal life is God’s life embodied in Christ, given to all believers now, as a guarantee that they will live forever. In eternal life there is no death, sickness, enemy, evil or sin. If you have never trusted Christ, let this promise of everlasting life be yours—and believe.

June  20                  John  3 –(22-36)

Jesus’ words were the very words of God. Your whole spiritual life depends your answer to one question; Who is Jesus Christ? The heartbeat of John’s gospel is the dynamic truth that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, the Messiah, the Saviour. This same Jesus has invited us to accept Him and to live with Him eternally. When we understand who Jesus is, we are compelled to believe what He said. Look for opportunities to bring your friends to the living Jesus.

June  21                  John  4 (1-42)

The “nourishment” about which Jesus was speaking was His Spiritual nourishment. It includes more than bible study, prayer and attending church. Spiritual nourishment also comes from doing God’s will and helping to bring His work of salvation to completion. We are nourished not only by what we take in, but also by what we give out for God.

June  22                  John  4 –(43-54)

The government official not only believed Jesus could heal, he also obeyed Jesus by returning home, thus demonstrating his faith. It isn’t enough for us to say that we believe that Jesus can take care of our problems, we need to act as if He can. When you pray about a need or problem, live as though you believe Jesus can do what He says.

June  23                  Luke  4 –(16-30)

Even Jesus Himself was not accepted as a prophet in His home town. Don’t be surprised if your Christian life and faith are not easily understood or accepted by those who know you well. Let God work in your life, pray to be a positive witness for Him, and be patient.

June   Mark  1 –(16-39)

It is easy to be so caught up with living that you neglect times of solitude, individual worship and prayer. If prayer was important to Jesus, then it must be important for His followers. Pray on a more regular basis, not just in times of crises, even if you have to get up early in the morning.

June  25                  Luke  5 –(1-39)

It wasn’t the paralysed man’s faith that impressed Jesus but the faith of his friends. Jesus responded to their faith and healed the man. For better or worse our faith affects others. We cannot make another person a Christian, but we can do much through our words, actions and love to give him or her a chance to respond.

June  26                  John  5-(1-47)

Because of His unity with God, Jesus lived as God wanted Him to live. Because of our identification with Jesus, we must honour Him and live as He wants us to live. The question “What would Jesus do”? may help us to make the right choices.

“Eternal life”—living forever with God—begins when you accept Jesus Christ as Saviour.

June  27                  Mark  2 (23—(3)-19)

Jesus was angry about the Pharisees uncaring attitudes. Anger itself is not wrong, it depends on what makes us angry and what we do with our anger. Jesus expressed His anger by correcting a problem—healing a man’s hand. Use your anger to find constructive solutions rather than tear people down.

June  28                  Matthew  5 –(1-16)

If we don’t live by Jesus’ words in this sermon, we will find ourselves using God’s message only to promote our personal interests. We must be willing to give when others take, to love when others hate, to help when others abuse. By giving up our own rights in order to serve others we will one day receive everything that God has in store for us.

June  29                  Matthew  5 –(17-30)

The Pharisees’ weakness was that they were content to obey the laws outwardly without allowing God to change their hearts (or attitudes). God judges our hearts as well as our deeds, for it is in the heart that our real allegiance lies.

June  30                  Matthew  5 –(31-48)Are you known as a person of your word? Truthfulness seems so rare that we feel we must end our statements with” I promise.” If we tell the truth all the time, we will have less pressure to back up our words with an oath or promise.Only God can give us strength to love as He does. Instead of planning vengeance, pray for those who hurt you.