"the tradition of the elders". Some tradition provides a good foundation for life and duty. Other tradition is of little importance. Resistance against change and new blessings God would give us, we must guard against. Tradition can be like unnecessary baggage that we carry around with us. In Jesus' day tradition had got out of ... Read more

"Deliver me from my enemies, O God". This is the cry of a man who cannot find his own way out of the dilemma in which he finds himself. It might be that his own indiscretion has landed him in this predicament. More likely it is because he has stood firm for the truth that ... Read more

"Jesus took the loaves". It takes an eye of faith to spot the starting material! You or I would have politely thanked the boy but done nothing more. Jesus took the gift and used it mightily. Don't look at the size of the gift. Jesus promised that His followers would do greater works than this ... Read more

"He supposed that his brethren understood". Moses was not the only man to assume his fellow men would understand, only to find they did not appreciate what he was doing. Folk can change, and those who have gone along with what we said for years can suddenly turn against us. Some whom we trust implicitly ... Read more

"the preaching of the cross". Many noble lessons may be drawn from the life and death of Jesus. Lessons drawn must not take the place of the actual fact that Christ died for our sins. The sins of the world were laid upon Him and His death atones for the sin of all who believe. ... Read more

"profit". This word has become associated with business: Jesus applied it to living. He made it clear that after death, or the conclusion of life as we know it, there was to be a resurrection and judgment based on this present life. Goods and possessions cannot be carried into the next world, but treasure can ... Read more

"the Lord himself will strike him". David had opportunity to slay Saul and did not take it. Sometimes what seem to be opportunities are best left alone. Abishai, David's companion gave two good reasons why David should take the opportunity to slay Saul. First, Saul hated David for selfish reasons and hounded him throughout the ... Read more

"all speak the same thing". Many gifts and much activity call for disciplined unity. We need to seek God's mind that there be no divisions as each of us adds his or her idea. The message of the gospel is clear, the assurance of salvation and peace with God are blessed experiences. It is the ... Read more

"thirsty". Water is essential to life and thirst is the driving force that sees we get it. We will stop at nothing to obtain water. There are other desperate longings that can be likened to thirst - desire after knowledge, search for a meaning and purpose in our life, achievement of whatever it is we ... Read more

"put my money to the exchangers". Jesus told the Parable of the Talents to emphasize our responsibility to do something with what we have now. Five simple suggestions for the one-talent holders: 1. Write a letter of comfort, encouragement, sympathy as the occasion demands. 2. Use your telephone to testify to a friend about God's ... Read more