"be imitators of God, as beloved children". Children make good imitators because they watch. They stand and stare and take in everything. Then when you're gone, they put on a little show that takes you off to everyone's amusement. Those striving after godliness should note the illustration. You will only become like the Lord as ... Read more

"something should be given her to eat”. It needed this word from Jesus to remind the parents of their need to give food to their daughter whom He had raised to life. It is a timely reminder needed today. In the excitement that follows a decision to follow Christ let us not neglect to provide ... Read more

"But Jonah ran away". Not the best thing to do in hindsight, but an instinctive reaction when called to go to Nineveh. Jonah could have thought of a number of places he would rather go to. Nineveh had a reputation and it wasn't the sort of place to highlight wickedness. He would rather be all ... Read more

"Christ lives in me". With these words the Apostle Paul describes the distinctive feature of true Christians in every generation the world over. They are not mere followers of Christ - Christ lives in them. For them, living the Christian life is not so much finding where the Lord is leading, but allowing Him to ... Read more

"all that is within me”. The Psalmist told his soul to praise the Lord, but more than that, marshalled all his forces - "all that is within me". That would involve some drastic changes in most of us. Nothing within us is naturally inclined to do this. We need the cleansing from sin that the ... Read more

"There is none to guide her". The prophet is making one of his calls to Jerusalem to waken from her drunken orgy. She is like a boat that has dragged her anchor in the sea of God's fury. Like the world in the 21st century she does not know where she is going. The hands ... Read more

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills". There is something awe inspiring about a range of hills. They convey majesty, might and permanency as they rise up from the plains. Their irregular shape suggests some Almighty hand placing them there, never to be moved again. The sight of them reminded the Psalmist of ... Read more

"Christ died for our sins". This is the simple truth behind the gospel of Jesus. Unless we acknowledge our part in Christ's death, we cannot know the forgiveness His death can bring. It was His great love for us that fashioned the plan of salvation, but it was because of our sin that He died. ... Read more

"See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness" Those who have the light should see that it is shining. The entrance of God's word gives light. Jesus is the Light of the World and calls disciples to be lights in the world. That light shines out through lives that are changed ... Read more

"remembering you in my prayers". Paul's prayer is personal. He knows the saints in Ephesus. He knows their situation and their needs. He is encouraged by their faith in Christ and their love for all the saints. Paul's prayer is persistent. His thanks to God for their example and encouragement is ongoing and he keeps ... Read more