"an honest and good heart". It is not where you live or work that determines your success, it is what you are. All too often we make our environment the excuse for our failure - as though what we really are will only reach its potential in different surroundings. I always remember working with a ... Read more

"in all points tempted like as we are". Because of this everybody and anybody can come to Jesus knowing He will understand their case. We may come boldly to His throne in prayer and expect mercy and know forgiveness. But it does not end there. Because He was tempted, He can guide you safely through ... Read more

"where have you come from, and where are you going? " The two questions must be asked if you would accurately determine your present position. They relate to a spiritual journey, as Hagar was to learn. It is an honest answer to these questions that will help you. The past you cannot change. You may, ... Read more

"Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you". Spectacular displays are short-lived and usually achieve little of lasting value. Jesus could have given the Pharisees all they wanted and much more. But three years of miracles would not have saved a soul. It was only by giving His life on the cross that ... Read more

"I will strengthen you". What more do you need? If the Lord strengthens your weak frame you can be sure it will be strong enough to withstand all the strains it will meet, for He knows exactly what demands will be made upon it. There will be no problem deciding when strength should be applied ... Read more

"meaningless talk". It can be very convincing and sound very well and the more fascinating it appears the more useless it is likely to be. Talking for talking's sake, or because you like the sound of your own voice is quite futile and can be harmful. Paul's wise counsel to the young man Timothy is ... Read more

"whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven" These words of Jesus remind the disciple of an important aspect of life that might otherwise be forgotten. What has been done on earth will not be dismissed in heaven. Effort expended in supporting, gathering and strengthening human relationships for the betterment of all concerned ... Read more

"you will eat and be satisfied". This is the promise for all who walk in obedience to the Lord. It speaks of God's provision for His people. For the Israelites it was provision for their physical needs. The rain produced a harvest of grain, wine and oil which in turn provided food for them to ... Read more

"David said to Gad, 'I am in great distress ....' “. His distress was all his own fault. He sinned in numbering Israel and had to suffer for his error. Some of us only learn that fire is dangerous after we have been burned. The Bible makes it clear that sin and rebellion will not ... Read more

"confessing their sins". John the Baptist preached repentance and those baptised by him in Jordan confessed their sins. The Apostle John wrote that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and James in his letter says that we should confess our faults one to another. It sometimes seems ... Read more