"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

"Great peace have they which love thy law". It is these who have great peace because what they cannot explain they know God can and He has everything under His control. They have great peace because when it seems they have failed, they know God can take the broken pieces and make them into something ... Read more

"Arise, and do not be afraid". The disciples fell on their faces and were greatly afraid when the voice of God the Father was heard on the Mount of Transfiguration. No human eye can gaze upon God and no ear catch His voice without great consternation gripping the heart. But for the disciple the eye ... Read more

"See that you do not refuse him who speaks". We can wilfully refuse to listen and obey God or we may do so without realising it. Because we do not train our ear to hear His voice or take time out to seek His face or are too busy and miss it, we may bring ... Read more

"What has happened to all your joy? ". One way to judge your walk with the Lord is how much joy in the Lord you have. This is not superficial but a deep joy that derives its source from the peace He gives. It is joy that is there in the midst of sorrow. Turbulence, ... Read more