"keep your gifts for yourself”. Belshazzar wanted to influence what Daniel said. But Daniel was not open to a bribe. He knew that the gifts of man are nothing compared with being right before God. His obedience to God was not to be compromised by gifts. For all who want to obey the Lord, there ... Read more

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! ". You only really give thanks when you recognise the value of what you have received. This exhortation occurs at the end of a lengthy inventory of blessing in the Psalm that David delivered to Asaph and his choristers. Time only served to underline its ... Read more

"work for the food that lasts for eternal life". When man fell in the Garden of Eden he was told by God that he would need to work hard if the ground was to produce anything. And much time must be spent in labour if we would take our proper place in society. But Jesus ... Read more

"Bring me another vessel". When this widow went to the prophet for help he told her to gather empty vessels from all her neighbours, go into the house, close the door and pour oil from her one small jar into all the containers; then sell the oil and pay her debt. She did this and ... Read more

"you obeyed from the heart". Servants must obey and it is very important whom they obey. Of second importance is whether they obey from the heart. If someone else put you up to 'being a Christian' or if you were in any way coerced into it, your service may not last for long and will ... Read more

"What gives life is God's Spirit". Not enthusiasm - the best of which may wane and disappear according to the strength of the opposition or feelings of the individual. Not learning - this might make a theologian but not a Spirit-filled Christian. Not science - continually being updated yet never touching the spiritual aspect. Not ... Read more

"he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord". King Hezekiah was succeeded by his son Manasseh who did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. It is surprising because his father was a godly king. Manasseh was succeeded by Amon who also did that which was evil. Then ... Read more

That we don't deserve it doesn't matter; when mercy takes over blessings fall unimpeded. Call for mercy and He will bless you!"God be merciful unto us, and bless us". This prayer at the beginning of a delightful psalm acknowledges our need for mercy. We do not bring the good that we have done but our ... Read more

"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