"The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul". This is especially so when it is a noble desire. There is no satisfaction like the job well done. God's plan extends to the smallest things in life and is undertaken by the humblest of persons. Patient perseverance is a valuable addition, for the greater the task ... Read more
"if this come to the governor's ears". Did the chief priests and elders really think the Resurrection could be kept secret? The tale about 'stolen while the guards slept' must have worn very thin! Jesus appeared to His disciples after the Resurrection. That He was alive was attested by many infallible proofs. The launch of ... Read more
"a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in mercy and truth". A poor soul indeed that cannot find help here! Compassion looks upon us with an appreciation of our need and a readiness to help in situations where no one is doing anything. Graciousness conveys love and concern; it is a quality ... Read more
"no room left". It was worth going to hear Jesus and they did so until the house was full. "No room" happened then because the words of Jesus were localised into one place. Today the words of Jesus are proclaimed by His followers the world over. "No room" even though they did not really know ... Read more
"Abdon … had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys". This is an unusual way to describe Abdon who judged Israel for eight years. Yet it emphasizes the importance the Lord attaches to families. And in a day when the family is under threat this is a good reminder. It must have ... Read more
"Jesus Christ, who is gone into heaven". We can rejoice and be glad that Jesus not only rose from the dead but that He went into heaven. There He is exalted to the right hand of the throne of God, angels and authorities and powers made subject unto Him. And it is as our glorified ... Read more
"I will come again". This promise is for all the followers of Jesus. Those who fall asleep in Jesus will not be left forgotten in the grave. If the Lord is preparing a dwelling place for each one of His redeemed children, He will see to it that each one is there to occupy it. ... Read more
"expecting to receive something". We all expect to receive something from life. The Lord wants to give us more than we could ever think. This crippled beggar expected to receive money: any disappointment he had on hearing Peter and John had none soon evaporated when his feet and ankle bones received strength. Take those expecting ... Read more
"Now I know that you are a man of God and that the Lord really speaks through you! ". Those who have descended to the very depths and risen again can best testify to having found the Lord in reality and truth. This widow gave her last cake of bread to Elijah and witnessed God's ... Read more
"when they had received it, they murmured". Not content with what was given them, looking at how others were doing, working for what they could get out of it, dissatisfied with the agreement they had made; having much, they wanted more. Are we like this? We murmur when we do not fully trust the Lord's ... Read more