• “whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven” [Matthew 18:18(RAV)

    "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” [Deuteronomy 11:15(NIV)]

    "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

  • “confessing their sins” [Mark 1:5]

    "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

  • “the angels of God met him” [Genesis 32:1

    "the angels of God met him". The angels of God must often meet God's children. The difference is that whereas Jacob apparently recognised they were angels, we do not normally recognise them. Angels are ministering spirits sent to minister to those who are the heirs of salvation through faith in Christ. There is no evidence ... Read more

  • “He gives power to the weak” [Isaiah 40:29(RAV)

    p>"He gives power to the weak". The Lord can confidently give this promise because the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth neither faints nor is weary. Do you ever run out of strength; out of moral courage to do that which you know to be right? Do you begin ... Read more

  • “This fellow is one of them” [Mark 14:69(NIV)]

    "This fellow is one of them". Peter missed his opportunity to witness! He could have stood out, true to his word and been the only voice raised in support of Jesus. Indeed, he could have died with His Lord. We all miss these opportunities and try to excuse ourselves in numerous ways. "Are you a ... Read more

  • “thy judgments are a great deep” [Psalm 36:6]

    "thy judgments are a great deep". The Psalmist here is referring to all God's ways and decisions particularly as they affect us. Knowing that His judgments are the product of an all-loving heavenly Father who cares for His children does not remove the difficulty we have in understanding or interpreting them. When we do not ... Read more

  • “be imitators of God, as beloved children” [Ephesians 5:1(RSV)]

    "be imitators of God, as beloved children". Children make good imitators because they watch. They stand and stare and take in everything. Then when you're gone, they put on a little show that takes you off to everyone's amusement. Those striving after godliness should note the illustration. You will only become like the Lord as ... Read more