<p><b>"supposing that gain is godliness".  </b> There always were those who saw godliness as a means of gain. They will argue that godliness, if it is good, must bring gain. The fallacy lies in the interpretation they place on godliness. True godliness is gain but it is also patterned on the teaching and example of ... Read more

<p><b>"the whole city came out to meet Jesus".  </b> At first it appeared a full-scale revival whereas it turned out to be a wholesale rejection. The incident teaches us not to count heads but hearts. The embassage that came to Jesus was to ask Him to leave, not to welcome His miraculous life changing ministry. ... Read more

<p><b>"But Zion said, 'The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.' ".  </b>  So we squeal before we are hurt and fear what never afflicts us! The prophet reminds us that the Lord has written the names of His children upon the palms of His hands. What right have we to conclude ... Read more

<p><b>"he will guide you into all truth".  </b> The Holy Spirit is the Divine agent in imparting salvation to all who believe - the 'dispenser of Calvary' as someone put it. The Holy Spirit makes the things of God real to the heart of man. It is He Who convinces and convicts of sin. Any ... Read more

<p><b>"Therefore we do not lose heart".  </b> You lose heart when all hope has gone. It saps you of energy and motivation. It stifles any spirit within and leaves you vulnerable and weak. But whatever our present circumstances might be, Paul gives believers reasons for not losing heart. He contrasts the physical suffering and decay ... Read more

<p><b>"when they had heard what great things he did".  </b> From the very outset the ministry of Jesus was supported by healings and miracles. It seemed that the whole city of Capernaum gathered at the door of the house where Jesus was staying for what was, in effect, a great healing clinic. Times have changed ... Read more

<p><b>"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God".  </b> Recognise that all good gifts are received at His hand and bless and thank Him for every one of them. The butler in Pharoah's jail forgot Joseph's kindness: the million or so Children of Israel escaping Egypt murmured against the Lord who ... Read more

<p><b>"and many knew him".  </b> They had met Jesus before, listened to His gracious words and teaching. Many would have witnessed His miracles and so when His boat drew into the shore they recognised Him and spread the word around. Once you have met Jesus there is no problem recognising Him again. His presence and ... Read more

<p><b>"and enjoy it".  </b> The whole world needs to know this! There is enjoyment, deep and lasting joy, in serving the Lord. It was so for the Children of Israel in the Old Testament and it is just so for the followers of Jesus in the New. To be a Christian and be miserable about ... Read more

<p><b>"they were astonished".  </b> The words of Jesus made the greatest impression though we can easily think His miracles made the greatest impact. Moses, Elijah and the prophets performed miracles but no-one spoke like Jesus. 'Astonishment' is the word Matthew uses to describe the reaction of the crowd. They heard the spoken word from God ... Read more