"Put on the whole armour of God”. It stands to reason that a wily enemy is ever on the lookout for cracks in his adversary's armour. And when he finds one or more pieces of protective armour missing completely, he has an open entry through which to attack. As with all protection, the armour of ... Read more

"Greet Priscilla”. This is the lady who married Aquila and teamed up with him in the work of the Gospel. It is unusual for the wife to be mentioned first, which suggests she may have been the more energetic and dominant of the two. But the husband and wife partnership was a blessing to Paul ... Read more

"If a man love me, he will keep my words”. His words to us are not intermittent, not just now and then. The disciple must be in continual contact with the Lord. He should be aware of the distractions that can break this line of communication. Personal and unforgiven sin can also distort the messages. ... Read more

"So they all praised the Lord”. Did you hear the story about the man who shouted 'Praise the Lord' in a church where everyone always sat quietly? A steward tapped his arm and whispered, 'We don't do that here, Sir'! But they did it in David's day – every one of them. Of course, they ... Read more

"called in question for today's uproar”. The town clerk of Ephesus was most anxious that this assembly that got out of hand should disperse without further violence. The mob chanted vociferously, 'Great is Diana of the Ephesians' without really knowing why. We can see here a picture of a greater uproar which has more far-reaching ... Read more

"there shall be no more curse”. A great curse fell upon the human race when the serpent caused Adam to sin. Now the best of us are hindered from doing all that we want to do, while the worst are bound by sin and rebellion and live in a squalor of ungodliness. There is toil ... Read more

"sitting … dressed and in his right mind”. The touch of Jesus affects the whole of life. The demons had stripped this man of all respect, driven him mad and left him running wild. Any control or restraint was broken and he was alone in the world. The god of this world is still doing ... Read more

"the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me”. David found the blessing it is to meet someone like Abigail. Incensed at Nabal's refusal to offer hospitality after his men had protected his sheep shearers, he was about to come against him in battle when he was met by Abigail. ... Read more

"What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us”. Jesus said, 'One man sows and another reaps'. Today we may be reaping the 'sowing' of our forefathers. This applies to prayer on our behalf as well as to projects started in faith by those who went before us. Many reading these lines will know ... Read more

"Serve the Lord with gladness”. What a problem 'miserable Christians' are: there must be some doubt whether they really are Christians if they are miserable. Some people like this have gained Christians a reputation for being miserable. But the true servants of the Lord are glad to be serving Him. Grateful for the privilege, happy ... Read more