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Daily reflections

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. 

Pastor and people: 1 Thessalonians 2.1–12 (Day 289)

In these verses, Paul says some very significant things about the relationship between the leader of a church and his or her congregation. It wasn't quite like that, of course – this was a missionary situation, and he and...

A shepherd who smells of the sheep: 1 Thessalonians 3.1–13 (Day 290)

This is a heart-warming chapter. Paul speaks of his deep love for the Thessalonians, and of his fear that they might have been seduced from their love of God by fear of persecution (verse 5). It's good news though: Timothy...

Together with the Lord: 1 Thessalonians 4.13–18 (Day 291)

In this chapter Paul stresses the need for holy and quiet living that attracts the respect of those outside the Christian community. Towards the end, he begins to talk about what we call the Second Coming, an idea that Christians...

Free from every fault: 1 Thessalonians 5.1–28 (Day 292)

Paul's advice to the Thessalonians was given to them in the light of the belief that Jesus was coming back very soon indeed. That being so, it's fascinating to see how measured and balanced it is. From time to time, 'prophets...

What kind of person?: 2 Kings 1 (Day 293)

1 and 2 Kings were originally one book, so 2 Kings picks up where 1 Kings concluded. In chapter 1 we encounter five men: Ahaziah the king, Elijah the prophet and three army captains. The last lines of 1 Kings tell us all we...

A double portion: 2 Kings 2 (Day 294)

At the end of Elijah’s ministry we witness the deep bond between servant and master: 'I will not leave you.' Elisha asks for 'a double portion of his spirit' (verse 9). What does he mean? Deuteronomy 21.17 explains that...

Faith endures: 2 Kings 3 (Day 295)

A roundabout march in the desert for seven days, no water for themselves or their animals – desperate, tired, hungry and the battle is still to come. It is in this moment of crisis that Jehoshaphat finally asks the question...

Abundance or scarcity?: 2 Kings 4 (Day 296)

From kings, battles and the sweep of history the narrative shifts to focus on a widow and her two sons. This is a wonderful reminder of the unique way the Bible tells the story of God’s action in the world and at the same...

A simple act: 2 Kings 5 (Day 297)

Naaman has it all: he's a top military commander, a great man and highly regarded. But he has leprosy, one of the most feared diseases of his day. The words of a servant girl prompt him to seize the opportunity to be healed...
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