"Blessed is every one who fears the Lord". "Everyone blessed" is a sweeping statement, but it is true. Whoever places the God of the whole earth in His rightful place must know blessing. To expect enduring blessing without Him is folly. Exalt Him: Extol His mighty Name in your heart, experience Him in your life ... Read more
"he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord". Hezekiah's example is a good one to follow. He was a godly king and used to praying to the Lord and when Sennacherib, King of Assyria sent a threatening and frightening letter to say he was about to attack, ... Read more
"those who are … unstable twist". The Apostle Peter refers to things in Paul's Epistles which are hard to understand. These references were not made in any derogatory manner but as a warning to those who twist Scriptures for their own use. The danger is that when we find something we do not like in ... Read more
"Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens". Other translations say "Sit still" - the most difficult thing to do when you're excited and wanting to get things moving. But it was sound advice that Naomi gave to her daughter-in-law. It was almost too good to be true that the nobleman Boaz would take ... Read more
"Even the dogs eat the crumbs". Here was a lady who accepted her position but was not afraid to ask. Jesus' ministry was primarily amongst the Jews, so Gentiles, like this woman, were 'outsiders'. By emphasising this fact, Jesus not only gives the woman an opportunity to express her faith but also gives Himself, the ... Read more
"The midwives … let the boys live". The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, feared God and recognised that the command of Pharaoh to kill all baby boys born to the Israelites was evil. They did not do as the king commanded, but found a way round the dilemma. They encouraged the Hebrew mothers to have ... Read more
"now he commands all men everywhere to repent". We are so lethargic that God needs do more than provide a way of escape, He must command us to take it! This he does and commands all men everywhere to repent; to turn from their evil ways and look to the Lord. We must behave responsibly ... Read more
"do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live". If this injunction was needed for the Israelite in the Old Testament, it is certainly needed by the follower of Jesus today. Jesus described His followers as fools and slow of heart more than ... Read more
"Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters". God's family on earth will differ on many interpretations because none has all the answers and some things must wait till glory before their purpose is plain. Everyone in the family is adopted by the grace of God. All are blood-bought by that sacrifice of the ... Read more
"speak the word only". The centurion must have recognised the authority that resided in Jesus and consequently he knew the power that was in His word. Jesus spoke with authority - "even the demons obey Him" was the sentiment expressed on one occasion. When He halted the funeral procession as it left Nain no wonder ... Read more