”he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God". It is a natural desire to want to succeed. We are given pounds to trade with and talents to use. But it is making a profit without thought of God or seeking His will in it all that condemns us. And the ... Read more
”the glory which shall be revealed in us". Who are these that are to have glory revealed in them? They are nothing special to look at - it's probably only when under pressure or duress you'd pick them out. Their educational attainment may not be outstanding though some are keen to take every opportunity to ... Read more
”when they got into the boat, the wind ceased". The disciples' experience is a picture of those who enter into the ark of salvation upon the seas of life. Many make shipwreck of the life God has given them. It was not Peter's return to the boat, but Jesus' coming aboard that brought the calm. ... Read more
”I am the Lord". The Lord repeatedly reminded the Israelites that He was Lord as He gave instructions for their behaviour. Look at the prohibitions: No idols - wood, stone or any man-made icon; No Sabbath desecration - it is the day to rest. Look at the long list of blessings: Good crops and harvest; ... Read more
”she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter". When this woman heard about Jesus, faith and hope rose in her heart and she acted upon them. She went to where Jesus was, fell at His feet and besought Him for her demon-possessed daughter. Situations of distress and unhappiness that ... Read more
p>”you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly". Departure from the way of the Lord even by a minority, was something not to be countenanced under the Law given at Sinai. Such towns were to be completely destroyed. Now while we cannot condone such punishment in this day of grace, there is always the danger ... Read more
”when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray". The crowd was the field in which Jesus laboured. But it prevented Him having audience in prayer with his Father, so He needed to send it away. Some of the things we need to shut out, if we would be still in ... Read more
”declare the praises of him". Declaring something is to make it known. It is a deliberate act. It is public and to the benefit of others. In a society that debases the name of Christ, ours is the joy to declare His praise. Praise to God is in response to who He is and what ... Read more
”Sell your possessions and give to the poor". Never has this been more timely than today! More people have more than ever before, while there are more people in poverty than ever. The poverty trap will not open until the rich turn the key in the door. Looking after your surplus can be a worry: ... Read more
”a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat". Storm and heat - two of the elements that can make life intolerable for us. Storms that come upon us unexpectedly and dash our hopes to pieces. Heat that beats down upon us when shelter we enjoyed has been taken from us. It is ... Read more