"as we have opportunity". Opportunities come and go. Some are taken, others are lost, but here Paul speaks of an ongoing opportunity. There is no doubt in his mind that ... Read more

"whithersoever the king's commandment … came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day". The Jews had lived in dread of extermination as a result of ... Read more

"it seemed right to all the people". The whole assembly of Israel agreed that David their king should bring the ark back from Kiriath Jearim where it had been temporarily ... Read more

"Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty handed". It could be anyone who keeps the family together at home, but in Ruth's case it was her mother-in-law. All who know ... Read more

"his heart went out to her". Whether this lady had encountered Jesus before this moment, we do not know. What we do know is that she was in the process ... Read more

"when I heard these words … I sat down and wept and mourned". Sorrow is never far away from those whose concern is for their fellowmen. If we would seek ... Read more

"Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house". A help-meet was needed before the Fall and is still needed after it. Children can complete domestic bliss, but ... Read more

"Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God". It is a common error to think there can be true goodness without severity, just as we may think severity disregards true ... Read more

"God himself shall be with them". The closing chapters of the Book of Revelation describe a scene that none in this life can really begin to appreciate. We can, however, ... Read more

"a servant girl". She probably never aspired to anything much more than a servant taking orders from others. But her words caused Peter to fall badly. She said "You also ... Read more