"set your affection on things above". There is so much to attract below that it needs a conscious effort to do this! Our world is so full of fascinating things which, while not evil in themselves, detract from the things of God. Fascinations, obsessions and desires that are not of the Lord need pulling out ... Read more

"the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man". Where can greater love be found than in God so loving the world that He gave His Only Son? The object of that loving kindness was rebellious and unlovely. Even now most of those on whom this love was expended are disinterested in what God ... Read more

"and great will be your children's peace". This chapter in the prophecy of Isaiah describes the future glory of Zion, the city of God. Those journeying there should not be afraid - they will not suffer shame. They should not fear disgrace and will not be humiliated. It is the Holy One of Israel who ... Read more

"children of the promise". This is what we have become through faith in Jesus Christ. God promised Abraham that "through your offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed." In and through the work of Christ, the blessing is now available to all. In Christ we have become children of God and now ... Read more

"narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life". A man must humble himself if he would enter the gate. Once sin is confessed and forgiven and Jesus is in His rightful place as Lord, there can be no sitting back at ease. All hell may be loosed to get the ... Read more

"Blessed is every one who fears the Lord". "Everyone blessed" is a sweeping statement, but it is true. Whoever places the God of the whole earth in His rightful place must know blessing. To expect enduring blessing without Him is folly. Exalt Him: Extol His mighty Name in your heart, experience Him in your life ... Read more

"he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord". Hezekiah's example is a good one to follow. He was a godly king and used to praying to the Lord and when Sennacherib, King of Assyria sent a threatening and frightening letter to say he was about to attack, ... Read more

"those who are … unstable twist". The Apostle Peter refers to things in Paul's Epistles which are hard to understand. These references were not made in any derogatory manner but as a warning to those who twist Scriptures for their own use. The danger is that when we find something we do not like in ... Read more

"Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens". Other translations say "Sit still" - the most difficult thing to do when you're excited and wanting to get things moving. But it was sound advice that Naomi gave to her daughter-in-law. It was almost too good to be true that the nobleman Boaz would take ... Read more

"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