"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
"we will keep looking to you, O Lord our God". In the Old Testament we read that "they looked unto Him and their faces were enlightened". In the New Testament we are exhorted to live looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Peter made the mistake of looking away from the Lord ... Read more
"Everyone living in Jerusalem knows". The blessings of the gospel spilled outside the doors where the disciples were meeting. And when the man was healed at the Temple gate - everybody in Jerusalem knew about it. The world at large wants good news. When the Lord is at work among His people, the message is ... Read more
"He knows your trudging through this great wilderness". Forty years wandering in the desert might aptly be described as trudging. In many ways our world is like a great wilderness and the path we sometimes need to take may call for trudging. There are times when all of us wonder if we've missed the way: ... Read more
"in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord". This is not an outward form or observance or conforming to a pattern laid down for you. It is not erecting an altar in a corner or a part of your life. It is setting up a throne room in the very centre of your being and ... Read more