"supposing to add affliction to my bonds". The Apostle Paul was referring to those who sought to ridicule his faith and who made evil insinuations about the followers of the Lord. Their intentions back-fired for, as Paul says later, 'every way … Christ is preached'. Today there are those around who take delight in stirring ... Read more

"He has done all things well". The miraculous healing of a deaf mute was the latest in a line of miracles Jesus performed. He healed and blessed people wherever He went. When He tried to escape the crowd He could not be hidden. All were talking about Him and listening intently to His parables and ... Read more

"saved". We need to be saved because we are lost - spiritually dead in transgressions and sins. Adam's disobedience brought sin into our world. The second Adam, Jesus, brought salvation and this is offered freely for all who will believe. It is saved from destruction or perishing. It relates to the present - John wrote ... Read more

"I am like a green olive tree". It is not so much that the olive trees in the house of God were green in colour as that they were flourishing and well watered, adding to the glory of God in His temple. So today in the wilderness and deserts of this life there are those ... Read more

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God". This is not about earthly comfort or discomfort. In that respect the poor suffer while the rich enjoy relative ease. It is not about possessions and something to fall back on when need arises. The materially poor have a hand to mouth ... Read more

"eternal encouragement". When interest wanes or monotony sets in it is encouragement we need. Encouragement is an essential ingredient of life and service. Here Paul reminds us that Jesus who loved us and died to redeem us gives us eternal encouragement. Fix your mind upon Him and you will not be discouraged for long. See ... Read more

" 'Even now,' declares the Lord". However far you may have gone from the Lord, 'even now' you can start coming back. Despite the persistent sin of His people and their continual desire for other gods, the Lord called them back to Himself and gave them another opportunity to be under His blessing. If things ... Read more

"receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints". Paul is commending a lady called Phoebe from the church in Cenchrea to the believers in Rome. She had been a blessing to many in Cenchrea but that did not mean they would accept her in Rome. Whatever her reason for moving, she ... Read more

"this waste of the ointment". Opinion on whether ointment is wasted or not varies - a fact very obvious when this woman anointed the feet of Jesus. His enemies said it was a waste, He said it would be an everlasting memorial of her. It really depends on what your objectives are. She loved Him ... Read more

"seek peace, and pursue it". Peace does not come easily. You only have to look at situations around the world to realise this. The smiles and handshakes cover the hearts of selfishness and greed. Peace is costly and the price is too high for many. The psalmist tells us that if we are to seek ... Read more