"make clean the outside". Clean outside is good for appearance, but it is the state of things inside that makes for impression. When God wants to see what you are like He looks at the heart. It was in order to cleanse the heart from sin that Jesus took our punishment and died on the ... Read more

"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help". Jacob was a devious character - a likeable rogue, until you felt the sharp end of his bargains as Esau did. He even laid down a list of conditions for God to fill, in return for which he would make Jehovah his God. ... Read more

"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