"Who can understand the human heart? ". The prophet says that there is nothing else so deceitful as the human heart: it is too sick to be healed. We can find instances on every hand to support this. Because deceitful, it is unpredictable and is involved in all kinds of intrigue. Yet while the human ... Read more

"Pilate marvelled". So did the crowd that witnessed His miracles but later supported the cry 'away with him, we demand the release of Barabbas'. I think Herod marvelled too when he heard how the wise men had been led by a star, but he engineered to destroy the baby born to be King. The inhabitants ... Read more

"making melody in your heart". The song of the Lord is not to be compared with the jingle of an empty spirit. The well that Jesus promised would spring into ever-lasting life bubbles forth with joy and gladness. Even in its minor tones the song of the Lord has a blessedness all of its own. ... Read more

"Take up your son". This was the son whom God had given this woman in answer to Elisha's prayer and yet who had died as she nursed him when he was carried home sick from the fields. That devastating experience made her angry that the prophet had deceived her - giving her a son to ... Read more

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". Many years ago I heard a man pray, 'I thank you God you are my pal'. I've often wondered where that man is now! If the Almighty is your 'pal' you will need someone greater to see you through the rigours of life. If the ... Read more

"he blessed them". If the Son of God gave thanks, should not we? Many of us might have thought it unnecessary to give thanks for so small a meal. The food was distributed only after the Lord had blessed it. It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich and multiplies what we do. ... Read more

"they do not ask the Lord for guidance. This is why they have failed". The Lord is ready to answer all who will call upon Him and give guidance at every crossroads in life. Those who love and serve Him could have no greater Saviour, Lord and Friend. It is sad when those who could ... Read more

"to be rich in good deeds". Paul has been playing on the word 'rich', speaking of the uncertainty of worldly riches compared with the eternal reward that comes from a rich and generous spirit. Good deeds will be the evidence of a generous heart. This is not a one-off action done out of guilt or ... Read more

"Why do we need any more testimony? ". If power is in the hands of those whose minds are made up, no further evidence is needed. The elders of the people, the chief priests and the scribes, decided that Jesus of Nazareth was safe enough in their custody for some sort of case to be ... Read more

"Behold, I am here, Lord". It was as though Ananias was just waiting for the Lord to give him instructions. It would come as no surprise that the Lord spoke to him by a vision. We wonder whether he would have been so ready to be told if he had known he was to be ... Read more