"could sling a stone at a hair and not miss". One can imagine the practice session for these left-handed slingshots. Hairs strung out at various distances tested their accuracy and competence. We are told that they did not miss. It reflected their dedication and practice. Serving the Lord is not about choosing the easy option ... Read more

"But who do you say that I am? ". Jesus was interested in what Peter thought. It is easy to be influenced by the opinion of the majority. Democracy is based upon accepting the voice of the majority. But when it comes to receiving and trusting Christ it is accepting a minority verdict and a ... Read more

p>"a new song". The wise man in Ecclesiastes wrote that there is nothing new under the sun - knowing this saves a lot of running 'to and fro' after every so-called 'new' thing. But he was not conversant with the Psalmist who spoke of a new song in his mouth, even praise to the Lord. ... Read more

"they did not pursue it through faith, but as if it were based on works". The subject is righteousness before God:- the Apostle Paul is describing the Israelites who sought to attain to that position by keeping the Law. There are those today who see keeping the law as the way to attain righteousness. Many ... Read more

"O give thanks unto the Lord". Everything a man has is from the Lord. The Lord made us and in every breath we take the Lord sustains us. All that brings true pleasure and delight to our heart is provided by Him. The blessing of friends and loved ones is part of His loving care. ... Read more

"So I prayed to the God of heaven". Nehemiah embarked upon a course that could have ended in his dismissal from royal service under Artaxerxes the Persian king. He allowed his concern for the plight of his people hundreds of miles away in Jerusalem to affect his countenance and thereby his behaviour as the king's ... Read more

"by chance". This is the reason given for a priest to be passing by when a man lay robbed and wounded by the roadside. The Levite who passed by was the same. Both men declined the opportunity to help. "By chance" or "so it happened" are descriptions we give when we did not plan it ... Read more

"would you wait …? ". The prospect was for Ruth or Orpah to wait while their mother-in-law found a husband, bore him children who grew to become their husbands. It was never a serious proposition! Yet many are waiting for what is equally unlikely to happen. Because of an isolated instance, or a daydream or ... Read more

"for there was joy in Israel". This was because they (Israel) had a godly leader. When the leader is appointed by the Lord, joy in one form or another is the experience of those so led. The way all kinds of men swore allegiance to David from every corner of the kingdom was a joy ... Read more

"some of them became obstinate, they refused to believe". No matter how attractive the gospel message or how illustrious those who preach it, those who do not respond to it are likely to be hardened by it. The Church of Jesus Christ has grown through those who have responded, not on the doubters and dissenters. ... Read more