"when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out". Three factors contributed to his startling behaviour. First, he believed that Jesus could do something for him: second he was advised that Jesus was passing by and thirdly he knew that Jesus did not turn away anyone in need. This made ... Read more
"the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power". This is vastly different from the Temple area on earth when Jesus visited it and found it a den of thieves and echoing with the rattle of money rather than prayer. It is a picture of what every sanctuary should ... Read more
"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you". Jesus spoke of each day having enough trouble of its own. 'Cares' speak of everyday life. Each day has its own cares and concerns, there's no avoiding that. It's what we do with them that matters. Carrying them, being weighed down by them, allowing ... Read more
"Put this money to work". This was the instruction given to the servants by the nobleman who gave each of them a pound or mina. Jesus likened the situation in this parable to the kingdom of heaven. The mina speaks of something given to trade with. All in the kingdom have been given something. So ... Read more
"not turning aside to the right or to the left". Josiah did what was right in God's eyes - he did not deviate to the right or left. In striving not to veer off to the left we can deviate to the right and trying not to veer right we can stray to the left. ... Read more
"Keep yourself pure". Because the soul cleansed by the blood of Jesus can become soiled or contaminated through the environment, Paul reminded Timothy of his responsibility to keep himself pure. The Christian cannot do as he likes. Because a thing is pleasurable and desirable does not make it permissible. Pure godly religion is to keep ... Read more
"What do you want me to do for you? ". This is the question Jesus asked a blind beggar. It is a valid question for you and me today. What do we want the Lord to do for us? The Christian is called to be the "salt of the earth" and much prayer he makes ... Read more
"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word". The Psalmist thanked God for the affliction he had experienced. When everything is going right, one often finds that if there is faith at all it is filed away in a drawer only to be brought out if needed. But then ... Read more
"Have you entered the treasury of snow, or have you seen the treasury of hail …? The snowflake tells the glory of the Creator. The wonder in the design of every snowflake and in every hailstone points to the wonder of creation. Today's question is, 'Have you considered this?' Or are you just wandering through ... Read more
"Why do you not understand what I say? ". The Lord might well put this question to many today. Jesus ministered for three years using words that the simplest soul could understand. His message was backed by miracles and a life of loving and helping His fellowmen. The words He spoke have never been allowed ... Read more