<p><b>"Therefore we do not lose heart".  </b> You lose heart when all hope has gone. It saps you of energy and motivation. It stifles any spirit within and leaves you vulnerable and weak. But whatever our present circumstances might be, Paul gives believers reasons for not losing heart. He contrasts the physical suffering and decay ... Read more

<p><b>"when they had heard what great things he did".  </b> From the very outset the ministry of Jesus was supported by healings and miracles. It seemed that the whole city of Capernaum gathered at the door of the house where Jesus was staying for what was, in effect, a great healing clinic. Times have changed ... Read more

<p><b>"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God".  </b> Recognise that all good gifts are received at His hand and bless and thank Him for every one of them. The butler in Pharoah's jail forgot Joseph's kindness: the million or so Children of Israel escaping Egypt murmured against the Lord who ... Read more

<p><b>"and many knew him".  </b> They had met Jesus before, listened to His gracious words and teaching. Many would have witnessed His miracles and so when His boat drew into the shore they recognised Him and spread the word around. Once you have met Jesus there is no problem recognising Him again. His presence and ... Read more

<p><b>"and enjoy it".  </b> The whole world needs to know this! There is enjoyment, deep and lasting joy, in serving the Lord. It was so for the Children of Israel in the Old Testament and it is just so for the followers of Jesus in the New. To be a Christian and be miserable about ... Read more

<p><b>"they were astonished".  </b> The words of Jesus made the greatest impression though we can easily think His miracles made the greatest impact. Moses, Elijah and the prophets performed miracles but no-one spoke like Jesus. 'Astonishment' is the word Matthew uses to describe the reaction of the crowd. They heard the spoken word from God ... Read more

<p><b>"so that people are without excuse".  </b> An omniscient God knows what we are like. Ever since Adam and Eve, we have always had a reason, an excuse for our wrongdoing. We are quick to pass the blame when things go wrong. And we are no different with God. Adam even blamed God along with ... Read more

<p><b>"you are like unmarked graves" .  </b> This was Christ's indictment of the Pharisees. When trusted, they turned out to be traps! And those falling into those traps found escape difficult. All who care for others should take great pains not to abuse any trust or confidence placed in them. Not only is there need ... Read more

<p><b>"the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand".  </b> We may admire the all-conquering Nebuchadnezzar but must remember that the true victory is the Lord's. We may mourn the demise of Judah under Jehoiakim but know that it was God's judgment upon the nation. The reign of Jehoiakim was unhappy and his conduct ... Read more

<p><b>"Lydia … heard us".  </b> When God calls and you obey, you usually soon find out what He is about to do. Remember, it is God working in your life: you are not left on your own. Paul and his companions came to Europe for the first time. They had no planned course of action ... Read more