"Serve the Lord with gladness”. What a problem 'miserable Christians' are: there must be some doubt whether they really are Christians if they are miserable. Some people like this have gained Christians a reputation for being miserable. But the true servants of the Lord are glad to be serving Him. Grateful for the privilege, happy ... Read more
"a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand”. He rated appearance more important than durability. His house made a great impression while it was standing; but a fool of him when it collapsed. Your life may look good, but how about the foundation? Skimp on the foundation to spend on the superstructure and ... Read more
"As it turned out”. What seemed like a chance event was arranged by God Himself. Ruth's servant heart was what God needed to fulfil His divine plan. As well as sharing the sadness of widow-hood, she was willing to share in the burden that came with it. Yet little did she know what God had ... Read more
"their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors”. Was it that they did not get on with their supervisors or did they baulk at putting their shoulders to anything, these nobles of Tekoa? They were rebuilding a section of wall near the Fish Gate in the days of Nehemiah. They ... Read more
"We'll go with you”. When an opportunity to go arises it is not enough to ask where they are going and why, but whether you should go. Was Peter needing a break from the excitement and trauma of recent days when he decided to go fishing? Was it right that he should return to the ... Read more
"keep your gifts for yourself”. Belshazzar wanted to influence what Daniel said. But Daniel was not open to a bribe. He knew that the gifts of man are nothing compared with being right before God. His obedience to God was not to be compromised by gifts. For all who want to obey the Lord, there ... Read more
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! ". You only really give thanks when you recognise the value of what you have received. This exhortation occurs at the end of a lengthy inventory of blessing in the Psalm that David delivered to Asaph and his choristers. Time only served to underline its ... Read more
"work for the food that lasts for eternal life". When man fell in the Garden of Eden he was told by God that he would need to work hard if the ground was to produce anything. And much time must be spent in labour if we would take our proper place in society. But Jesus ... Read more
"Bring me another vessel". When this widow went to the prophet for help he told her to gather empty vessels from all her neighbours, go into the house, close the door and pour oil from her one small jar into all the containers; then sell the oil and pay her debt. She did this and ... Read more
"you obeyed from the heart". Servants must obey and it is very important whom they obey. Of second importance is whether they obey from the heart. If someone else put you up to 'being a Christian' or if you were in any way coerced into it, your service may not last for long and will ... Read more
"What gives life is God's Spirit". Not enthusiasm - the best of which may wane and disappear according to the strength of the opposition or feelings of the individual. Not learning - this might make a theologian but not a Spirit-filled Christian. Not science - continually being updated yet never touching the spiritual aspect. Not ... Read more
"he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord". King Hezekiah was succeeded by his son Manasseh who did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. It is surprising because his father was a godly king. Manasseh was succeeded by Amon who also did that which was evil. Then ... Read more
That we don't deserve it doesn't matter; when mercy takes over blessings fall unimpeded. Call for mercy and He will bless you!"God be merciful unto us, and bless us". This prayer at the beginning of a delightful psalm acknowledges our need for mercy. We do not bring the good that we have done but our ... Read more
"an honest and good heart". It is not where you live or work that determines your success, it is what you are. All too often we make our environment the excuse for our failure - as though what we really are will only reach its potential in different surroundings. I always remember working with a ... Read more
"in all points tempted like as we are". Because of this everybody and anybody can come to Jesus knowing He will understand their case. We may come boldly to His throne in prayer and expect mercy and know forgiveness. But it does not end there. Because He was tempted, He can guide you safely through ... Read more
"where have you come from, and where are you going? " The two questions must be asked if you would accurately determine your present position. They relate to a spiritual journey, as Hagar was to learn. It is an honest answer to these questions that will help you. The past you cannot change. You may, ... Read more
"Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you". Spectacular displays are short-lived and usually achieve little of lasting value. Jesus could have given the Pharisees all they wanted and much more. But three years of miracles would not have saved a soul. It was only by giving His life on the cross that ... Read more
"I will strengthen you". What more do you need? If the Lord strengthens your weak frame you can be sure it will be strong enough to withstand all the strains it will meet, for He knows exactly what demands will be made upon it. There will be no problem deciding when strength should be applied ... Read more