"When she heard about Jesus". What had she heard? Report from many of the leaders in the synagogue would be critical but from the crowds that heard Him it would be wonderfully thrilling. Not having seen Him herself, the word of others was enough. She recognised that this was the Person who could do for ... Read more

"my salvation shall be for ever". God's salvation stands as a lighthouse in the stormy seas of life. We work and plan as though we are in this scene of time for ever. We make as little mention as we can of the reality of death and destruction. We fail to see that the bricks ... Read more

"a left-handed man". Years ago people who were left-handed were made to use their right hand for writing and other everyday tasks. Thankfully God had no such prejudice and used Ehud's left-handedness to act unexpectedly and bring an end to the oppression of Israel under king Eglon. It's surprising what God can use for His ... Read more

"I have written briefly". Then it's unlikely your letter will bore the reader. Your letter will deal with the things that matter. Because brief, it will most likely be read. What you say will not be so long and complicated that the reader either doesn't know where to start or forgets half you've written. Lots ... Read more

"Is there anything of which one can say, 'Look! This is something new' ". It may be new to you, but in one way or another it's likely to have been around for many years. Old ideas appear in a new guise. Our new machines run on old track and are subject to the laws ... Read more

"Go, stand and speak … all the words of this life". So commissioned the angel who opened the prison to release Peter. That night in prison did Peter good. It was the common prison and he saw prison conditions at their worst. His arrest was made at the request of the high priest and other ... Read more

"And I say unto you, Ask and it shall be given you". This promise of Jesus was given after Jesus had related the parable of the 'Friend at midnight'. Strength of friendship may not get a person out of bed to help, but continual asking will secure the desired aid. So we should know that ... Read more

"Why do you say … 'My way is hidden from the Lord' ". Isaiah answers this question for all who cannot or will not believe God is at work in their lives. The Lord is the everlasting God, Creator of all things: there is no-one greater than He. He does not grow weary or disinterested ... Read more

"As for God, his way is perfect". In whatever man says or does there will be a flaw, it will not be perfect; some aspect or fact of it will let you down. Not so the Lord. "Trust Him wholly, and find Him wholly true", as the line of the hymn says. So you can ... Read more

"workers together with him". God could manage without us but chose not to do so! He could have saved those He had chosen and placed them safely in His display case called heaven for all to marvel at without any one of them doing anything. But He didn't. He called His servants, the Patriarchs and ... Read more