p>"the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres". So it was in Nehemiah's day and so it should be today. Joyful Christians are always in demand - not only in worship ... Read more

"You created my inmost being". Most of us are prepared to acknowledge that God created the heavens and the earth. We pass lightly over the fact that He created us right to the very core or centre of our being. Recalling this truth will show us the folly of thinking we will confine the Lord ... Read more

"take heed to yourselves". All the signs that now adorn our highways are of little use unless the traveller heeds them. Likewise, good words of counsel God gives His children are only of use when put into practice. God promises to come into any life that seeks Him and bring blessing, but that life must ... Read more

"could sling a stone at a hair and not miss". One can imagine the practice session for these left-handed slingshots. Hairs strung out at various distances tested their accuracy and competence. We are told that they did not miss. It reflected their dedication and practice. Serving the Lord is not about choosing the easy option ... Read more

"But who do you say that I am? ". Jesus was interested in what Peter thought. It is easy to be influenced by the opinion of the majority. Democracy is based upon accepting the voice of the majority. But when it comes to receiving and trusting Christ it is accepting a minority verdict and a ... Read more

p>"a new song". The wise man in Ecclesiastes wrote that there is nothing new under the sun - knowing this saves a lot of running 'to and fro' after every so-called 'new' thing. But he was not conversant with the Psalmist who spoke of a new song in his mouth, even praise to the Lord. ... Read more

"they did not pursue it through faith, but as if it were based on works". The subject is righteousness before God:- the Apostle Paul is describing the Israelites who sought to attain to that position by keeping the Law. There are those today who see keeping the law as the way to attain righteousness. Many ... Read more

"O give thanks unto the Lord". Everything a man has is from the Lord. The Lord made us and in every breath we take the Lord sustains us. All that brings true pleasure and delight to our heart is provided by Him. The blessing of friends and loved ones is part of His loving care. ... Read more

"So I prayed to the God of heaven". Nehemiah embarked upon a course that could have ended in his dismissal from royal service under Artaxerxes the Persian king. He allowed his concern for the plight of his people hundreds of miles away in Jerusalem to affect his countenance and thereby his behaviour as the king's ... Read more

"by chance". This is the reason given for a priest to be passing by when a man lay robbed and wounded by the roadside. The Levite who passed by was the same. Both men declined the opportunity to help. "By chance" or "so it happened" are descriptions we give when we did not plan it ... Read more