"howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing". This referred to the curse Balaam was asked to pronounce on the Children of Israel. Mankind has been labouring beneath a curse ever since the Fall in Eden. An appreciation that it is the curse of sin makes for gratitude in accepting the blessing God has ... Read more

"it becomes unfruitful". The danger is to think that 'unfruitful' can never be a description of me. Here are a few causes of unfruitfulness (you can add to the list) in the Christian life: - an unhealthy interest in unproductive things, - an obsessive involvement in the things of the world, - stunted spiritual growth ... Read more

"I am sought of them that asked not for me". A most comforting prediction and a door by which many have entered into Christ and been saved. As a result of the Spirit led and directed activity of the disciples of Jesus, many who had no thought or desire for God have been awakened to ... Read more

"I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered". Jesus knew that His disciples would be distressed and dismayed at what was about to happen. They would be scattered and melt away. He would be smitten but that would be the beginning of a coming together again that results two thousand years later ... Read more

"I have commanded the ravens to feed you there". Elijah knew the brook would provide him water but he must have wondered where food was coming from. This is something that happens in the Christian pathway where we often find ourselves wondering where many things will come from. When God calls and you obey, you ... Read more

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". If you would be wise, take God into your deliberations. Respect and obey His Word. Seek His approval and blessing on every decision and all that you do. How often we spend more time seeking counsel from others or making our own arrangements, rather than ... Read more

"he that is not against us is for us". The disciples came across someone casting out demons in the name of Jesus and they invited him to join them. He declined for a reason we are not told, and the disciples told him to cease. Jesus upbraided them for this. The disciples then and numerous ... Read more

"the Lamb shall overcome". John Baptist pointed to Jesus and cried 'Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world'. The Jews found it difficult to accept Isaiah's prophecy of a Suffering Messiah - they desired a triumphant king. At the conclusion of about three year's ministry Jesus was led as ... Read more

"Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? ". Some attempt to bring the Sovereign Lord down to our level, both in our address and our attitude. It is a familiarity that can breed contention if not contempt. The mistake can arise from the fact that Jesus mingled and ate and drank with ... Read more

"He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly". It comes down to the adage we all know yet patently fail to practice, namely that what we do today decides what we will have tomorrow. We try to believe that we can start afresh tomorrow. But when tomorrow comes we find we are building upon today ... Read more