"fruitful in every good work". Jesus told His disciples He had chosen and ordained them that they might bring forth fruit. The Apostle Paul's prayer was that fruitfulness should extend to all the good we do. It is God's pleasure to give a measure of fruitfulness in every department of a Christian's life and service. ... Read more

"you have kept the good wine until now". These words spoken by the master of the wedding feast accurately describe the experience of every disciple who walks close beside His Lord. For the Christian, today must be the best yet, though we are assured that better still is yet to come. Use all past experience ... Read more

"But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord". David no doubt thought he had sewn up the matter. The whole thing was over as far as he was concerned. The incident makes a sorry picture of failure and intrigue. Nobody acted honourably except Uriah and he lost his life as a result. David ... Read more

"The Lord is righteous in all his ways". Recognising this truth enables us to accept and thank Him for all He sends and the way He leads. We cannot see far ahead. We need either consciously, as in the case of a believer, or unconsciously in the case of those who do not know the ... Read more

"Enter by the narrow gate". Those seeking the way into the kingdom of heaven make a big mistake when they look for massive pearly gates. These are reserved to hang at the entrances to the New Jerusalem. It is a small gate, easily missed, you should be looking for. Jesus said, 'Few there be that ... Read more

"Set your house in order". It is surprising how quickly things get untidy and out of place. The more there is going on, the more one needs to ensure that things are in order. Hezekiah was told to set his house in order because the time had come for him to vacate his 'temple of ... Read more

"they marvelled at his answer". Elsewhere we read that the common people heard Jesus gladly. This contrasted with the leaders of the Jews who criticised and found fault. While the unbeliever finds fault, those who believe should increasingly marvel at the wonder found in Jesus. So it is not primarily what others think, but what ... Read more

"the son of Pharaoh's daughter". It would have been all so easy. Still in contact with his mother who had been deputed to be his nurse, but brought up in Pharaoh's palace, Moses had been rescued by Pharaoh's daughter from his cot hidden in the bulrushes when he ought to have been slain along with ... Read more

"shall be saved". Call upon the name of the Lord - in faith, of course, otherwise it is not a sincere call - and you will be saved. It is a present hope of a future salvation - saved from the wrath to come - and a present experience of sin forgiven. No longer condemned ... Read more

"And the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went". King David's life was a busy one. In an age that in many respects is far removed from ours, he busied himself about the Lord's business. Yet in his energetic campaigns to subdue his enemies he did not lose the blessing of communion with the Lord. The ... Read more