We all have probably had the experience of suddenly seeing another side of friend’s character that we did not know existed.   We then wonder who they really are!  Hopefully these are good things we see, but sadly, that is not always the case.   Now consider the experience of the disciples of Jesus, our heading is the question they asked themselves at a time when they had been “filled with

Is there an attitude of thankfulness for all the blessings we have today? In most countries there is ample food and clothing, especially in Australia where there is an abundance of everything we could possibly require – and many things we do not need!   It is such a contrast to the time in the early part of the 20th century and the world wars when many experienced the difficulties of

Chapters 13 & 14 of Exodus describe for us the dramatic deliverance of Israel from Egypt.  Yet, as all the drama is unfolding so that “the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD” [14 v.4], the escaping people of God led by Moses were unable to see the hand of God in action, they were not escaping in faith!  There is a lesson for us here!  “The Egyptians pursued

  Today’s Psalm (no.68) is a declaration of God in action for those who serve him, “God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered and those who hate him shall flee before him!  As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away, as wax melts before the fire, so shall the wicked perish before God” [v.1-2]    That is a very graphic illustration!  Visualize a fire causing wax to

Our ch. 12 in Romans is one of the most significant in God’s word.  How significant for us is the advice given in v.12.  “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”  The world around us offers nothing in which we can genuinely rejoice.  Most if not all of us can feel blessings  in times of rejoicing between ourselves,  The only real rejoicing is in the “hope”

How stimulating for us in today’s godless world is the attitude David reveals in today’s Psalm 31.  David has had a time of depression – and have not we all had times (hopefully very few and brief) when we feel somewhat overwhelmed by our immediate circumstances – and even more - by the challenges in the world today!?  It is then that we struggle to think – and therefore act

The sevenfold occurrence of the phrase “the voice of the LORD” in today’s Psalm (29) intrigued us.  Then when we came to the Matthew reading, the words of Isaiah Jesus quoted caught our attention, “This people honours me with their lips but their heart is far from me” [Ch.15 v.8].   The contrast between God’s “voice” and man’s could not be greater. What is the nature of the LORD’s “voice”?  The

Today we have read that significant chapter in Genesis (22) in which Abraham obeys the LORD by being prepared – without hesitation – to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice.   The progressive tests of faith which Abraham “passed” resulted in ever greater promises being made to him.   Did you notice how, the very first time God makes a promise to him, it is “I will make of you a

What is really so special about Psalms 23?  There are several popular hymns based on its words.  Are these just words?  God’s words need to ‘live’ in our heart – not just go in one ear and out the other, as the saying is.  In today’s non-stop world, that happens all too easily.  Its’ words should, indeed must encourage a peace of mind that is a rare blessing today!  “The

What fascinating thought challenging readings we have today!  First, in Genesis we have the judgement of the Creator on the godlessness of Sodom and Gomorrah and how God sent angels to deliver Lot, his wife and family.  We read how his sons-in-law scoffed and his wife lingered, her faith was inadequate.   Our thoughts go back to the verses in the 2nd letter of Peter we read last month that

Jesus said, “to what shall I liken this generation?” [Matt. 11 v.16]  Each generation has had those who search for answers as to the meaning of life.  John the Baptist, shut up in prison appears to have wanted reassurance when he sent his disciples to Jesus, asking, are you really the one?   Notice how Jesus never gives plain ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answers, the response was to say look at what

 In Psalm 18 we encounter a major psalm of David in which he surveys all the ways in which the LORD was overseeing his life.  God is his rock, his place of refuge(v.2).  He writes that the LORD has dealt with him according to his righteousness “according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me” [v.20] This causes us to evaluate the ‘cause and effect’ principle in our relationship with God.  We have observed more

How wonderful was the relationship David developed with God; as we meditate on his Psalms they ‘move’ our hearts to develop profound meditations - to contemplate all that our Heavenly Father must be – and the wonder of His Son – our mediator – at His right hand. Today’s Psalm 17 is a very personal prayer/petition of David, “You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you

In Chapter 11 of Genesis we read, “now the whole earth had one language and the same words” [v.1] and they decided to “build ourselves a city and a tower … lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth” [v.4]  The text then goes on to say that the LORD came down to see this and said, “Behold the people are one people, and they have all

Today we have the ‘simple’ lessons Jesus taught – they are lessons of life – or death – of eternal existence – or oblivion, in an eternal sense – these are the only 2 alternatives before each of us.   Our ch. 7 in Mathew’s gospel opens out to us the simple but profound teaching of Jesus on the pathways of life that lay before each one of us.  Are

Our daily readings today provide us with many thoughts – and meditations.  David’s Psalms are, in most cases, prayers – and how appropriate are some of them for us in 2023 - especially the final verses of Psalm 9.  “Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you!   Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men! “

What a challenging selection of chapters we have today!  Our heading is taken from David’s Psalm 7: it is largely a prayer; can it be our prayer too!?  “…judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end…”[v.8,9]  Can we, dare we, pray as David did? “…judge me, O LORD, according to

It is good to look for positive things as we read the Scriptures and we have them today in some of the verses in Psalm 4.  David begins by requesting; “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!” David says I “know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.” [v.3]   The Psalm ends with these stimulating

Todays Readings (Genesis 1,2), (Psalm 1,2), (Matthew 1,2) The Bible begins with the above words.  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”: a simple statement. No indication is given as to when this initial act of creation took place. It is regrettable that some read into these simple words more than they say.   Some go on to claim, but this claim was only first made in the

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 31), (Jeremiah 6), (Matthew 17) Jesus constantly says things to his disciples which challenge their attitudes and expectations – can we learn lessons ourselves from this? In today’s 17th chapter of Matthew we see how “they were greatly distressed” [v.23] after “Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 29,30), (Jeremiah 5), (Matthew 16) The word “faces” in God’s word is often used as a synonym for ‘minds,’  such as when ”the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face” [Exod.33 v.11] – and we see this today in Jeremiah.  The prophet is bitterly complaining to God about the attitudes of mind he sees all around him. “O LORD, do not your eyes look

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 28), (Jeremiah 4), (Matthew 15) Most people are never conscious of the need for spiritual cleanliness; the Jewish religious leaders had made quite a ritual out of material and physical cleanliness, hands in particularly had to be constantly cleansed.  In today’s chapter in Matthew we read a lesson of Jesus about this which should be familiar to us: the kind of defilement we should be really

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 26,27), (Jeremiah 3), (Matthew 14) As we read more of the remarkable testimony of Jeremiah we come across some brief glimpses of the ultimate future time of glory. In today’s chapter we read, “At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the LORD, and all nations shall gather together to it, to the presence of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they shall no more

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 24), (Jeremiah 1), (Matthew 12) Today we started reading the words of Jeremiah, who was born as “one of the priests” [v.1]. We are fascinated by the many words from the LORD that he inspired Jeremiah to speak and write.  He was to be the mouthpiece of God to Israel over many years beginning in the reign of good king Josiah, to the disaster of the

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 23), (Isaiah 66), (Matthew 11) The final verses of Matthew ch.11 – are easy to read – but they are also profound – and demand our meditative understanding.  Jesus declares, in apparent prayer to his Father (from v.25), “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children; yes father

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 21,22), (Isaiah 65), (Matthew 10) Today and tomorrow we read the final 2 chapters of Isaiah.  God expresses through the prophet his lament for those who turn away from him, those who “insulted me” - to whom he says, “do not come near me, for I am too holy for you” [65 v.5,7]       In contrast, his genuine servants “shall sing for gladness of

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 17), (Isaiah 61), (Matthew 6) We read 3 fascinating chapters this morning!   First was the account of David’s faith “in the living God” as he went forth against Goliath – he had no confidence in human armour and we should have no confidence in human reasoning.  Then in Matthew’s gospel we read the continuation of the  sermon on the mount and the many vital principles

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 16), (Isaiah 60), (Matthew 5) Today we read what is generally referred to as ‘The Sermon on the Mount’  in Matthew ch. 5.  Years ago we saw a film depicting this – and it was quite wrong – for it showed Jesus giving the message to a vast crowd of people.  The end of ch. 4 describes “great crowds” that “followed him” but, then we read,

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 15), (Isaiah 59), (Matthew 3,4) King Saul was highly successful in destroying the Amalekites, but we note what Samuel said to him (1 Sam 15 v.1-3) before he did this!  After giving him the reasons why the Amalekites should be destroyed, Samuel tells him, “Now go and strike Amalek, and devote to destruction all that they have.  Do not spare them, but kill both man and

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 13), (Isaiah 56,57), (Revelation 21,22) Our chapter 57 in Isaiah commences with the above words – but then adds, “and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away … “  But then comes a very meaningful statement – which may well become really meaningful for us  in the years ahead, it may even be in the months ahead, “for the righteous man (&

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 11,12), (Isaiah 55), (Revelation 19,20) There can be no half measures in serving the LORD, either we are fully committed  - or not – there is the narrow way – or the broad way. Our first reading today describes the success of King Saul when he began his reign, he did serve the LORD – he began well, encouraged and guided by Samuel. We have no

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 10), (Isaiah 54), (Revelation 17,18) Every time we read Revelation, especially chapters 16 to 20,  a multitude of thoughts threaten to overwhelm us.  We focus our attention most of all on the ‘picture’ they give of the climax of human history at the return of Christ: this is totally dramatic and sudden.  We perceive that this is the latter day counterpart to ancient Babylon - and

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 9), (Isaiah 53), (Revelation 15,16) Today’s Revelation reading is the only place in the Bible where the word “Armageddon” occurs. Yet the word keeps cropping up in the world, especially in movies for mass mind consumption!             There is a fear among many, that is more than subconscious, that there is a great crisis ahead.  There is continuing chaos in the nations

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 7,8), (Isaiah 52), (Revelation 14) Our readings today are full of contrasts, but that is the nature of God’s word, on the one hand expressing his dismay and resultant anger at the godless behaviour of human beings – but on the other hand giving pictures of coming glory for those whose convictions and resultant behaviour are righteous. Our chapter (14) in Revelation ends with a vision

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 3), (Isaiah 49), (Revelation 7,8,9) Our first reading is the heart stirring account of young Samuel in the Temple/tabernacle at Shiloh and the LORD calling him, “Samuel, Samuel” – and the message he received about the failure of Eli to discipline his sons.  The ungodliness of their behaviour in appearing to serve the LORD makes sad reading – but it has had its parallels in every

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 2), (Isaiah 48), (Revelation 5,6) Our readings today are particularly interesting.  Our first reading, 1 Samuel 1, sees the birth of Samuel. We have read of the ups and downs of the era of the Judges – but now come to Samuel as the final all wise Judge, a type of Christ, that God works through to lay the foundation for the era of the Kings

Today's readings.. (1 Samuel 1), (Isaiah 46,47), (Revelation 3,4) The messages that were sent to the 7 different communities of believers detailed in Ch. 2 & 3 of Revelation are remarkable.  We conclude that these are representative of the various types of communities of believers that have existed ever since that era.   One particular message caught our attention today, the words that were written to Sardis (Ch.3 v.1).  You “have

Today's readings.. (Ruth 1,2), (Isaiah 44), (Jude) The 25 verse epistle of Jude, the “brother of James” [v.1] and therefore understood to be another son of Mary and Joseph, is extremely interesting and challenging.   Jude is very succinct, first drawing lessons from the failures in the nations’ history [v.5-7] and then condemning the false ways that are developing among the believers. We are fascinated by the parabolic language used

Today's readings.. (Judges 21), (Isaiah 43), (2&3 John) We have another thought provoking chapter in Isaiah today.  The lessons of God’s dealings with Israel because of their unfaithfulness in the days of the prophet have their lessons for us.  Through the prophet God tells the people, “you have burdened me with your sins, you have wearied me with your iniquities” [43 v.24] Then the next verse jumps out at us! 

Today's readings.. (Judges 20), (Isaiah 42), (1 John 5) Everyone believes in something.  Many believe that they are part of the highest form of animal life – and that this life is all there is for them and so they live to make the most of it. Our chapter (5) in John’s letter today begins, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone

Today's readings.. (Judges 19), (Isaiah 41), (1 John 3,4) The letters of John, in his old age,  “the disciple whom Jesus loved” [John 21 v.7,20] are fruitful of a range of heart-warming meditations.  John writes, “… let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” [ch.4 v.7] What is it to “know” God?  It is to have a

Today's readings.. (Judges 14,15), (Isaiah 38), (2 Peter 1,2) Peter’s 2nd Epistle, of which we read the first 2 chapters, is extremely challenging because it relates in several ways to the excessively ungodly atmosphere in which we live.  But first, we were fascinated by lessons in our O T readings.  Samson upset his parents because he “saw one of the daughters of the Philistines” and said to them” get her

Today's readings.. (Judges 12,13), (Isaiah 37), (1 Peter 3,4,5) As we read of King Hezekiah’s desperate prayer because of the invading and mocking hordes of the Assyrians, it occurred to us that there are today some modern equivalents.  The Assyrian armies had been boasting of their conquests, as we read yesterday in Isaiah 36 – they were sure that Jerusalem would suffer a similar fate.  Deserters must have joined them,

Today's readings.. (Judges 10,11), (Isaiah 36), (1 Peter 2) Our reading of 1 Peter Ch. 2 begins with a list of those things which a true follower of Christ should “put away” – we must do everything we can to get rid of such ways of thinking.       Those who have been brought up from childhood should never have possessed them!  But were they fully conscious of the

Today's readings.. (Judges 9), (Isaiah 35), (1 Peter 1) The above words jumped out at us in 1 Peter 1 v.13.  What action?  In one sense, each morning we need to prepare our minds for action each day, to make that day count in service before God. Believers through the centuries have encountered times of crisis and a climax in their lives.  The Jewish exiles to whom Peter was writing

Today's readings.. (Judges 7,8), (Isaiah 34), (James 5) Today we read the final chapter of James and his warning to the believers in Jerusalem, for some had “laid up treasure in the last days.” [v.3]  The “last days” facing Jerusalem, James knew, was the destruction that Jesus had foretold, the time when it would be surrounded by armies and “its desolation had come” and the Temple destroyed. [Luke 21 v.6,

Today's readings.. (Judges 6), (Isaiah 33), (James 3,4) The letter of James is full of challenging spiritual statements.  Many are applicable to the world which surrounds us. James was writing at the time when Jerusalem was about to be destroyed as his half-brother (our Lord) had warned.  The great majority had rejected the divine message, it is evident that, 30+ years after their Lord ascended to heaven the convictions and

Today's readings.. (Judges 4,5), (Isaiah 32), (James 2) Our chapter (32) in Isaiah starts, “Behold a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice.”  This surely visualises God’s king, the Lord Jesus, at last reigning over the earth.   There will also be “princes” reigning  who ”will rule with justice.” At last the world will experience true justice.  The words of the prophecy imply the “reign” will

Today's readings.. (Judges 2,3), (Isaiah 31), (James 1) Once again God’s words through Isaiah attracted our thoughts.  There are so many parallels today with the attitudes the LORD was seeking to counteract in Israel in the time of Isaiah.  The message the prophet was to convey was, “For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning (or repentance, mg) and rest you shall be saved; in

Today's readings.. (Judges 1), (Isaiah 30), (Hebrews 13) Once again God’s words through Isaiah attracted our thoughts.  There are so many parallels today with the attitudes the LORD was seeking to counteract in Israel in the time of Isaiah.  The message the prophet was to convey was, “For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning (or repentance, mg) and rest you shall be saved; in

Today's readings.. (Joshua 23,24), (Isaiah 29), (Hebrews 12) How many can read the Bible – as a whole – and really make sense of it, so that it speaks to them in their heart, and stirs them to live their lives really conscious of God and of his Son?  This question came to mind as we pondered the message in Isaiah today – parts of it evidently a commentary on

Today's readings.. (Joshua 22), (Isaiah 28), (Hebrews 11) Today we read the well known 11th chapter of Hebrews, it starts, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  This is the vital lesson we must take to heart in reading this chapter – that having faith is having a state of mind that must cause us to lead different lives, different priorities –

Today's readings.. (Joshua 20,21), (Isaiah 26,27), (Hebrews 10) Our Isaiah and Hebrews readings provide an abundance of thoughts today.  Some verses encourage peace of mind, others a sense of awe at what is coming on the world – the judgements our godless world deserves.  Ch. 26 in Isaiah is a grouping of quite contrasting revelations from God – verses 3 and 4 are worthy of being memorised. “You will keep

Today's readings.. (Joshua 19), (Isaiah 25), (Hebrews 8,9) Let us link up the closing words of our reading in Hebrews (ch.9) “Christ … will appear a second time … to save those who  are eagerly waiting for him” with the words God gave to Isaiah, in today’s ch. 25, which we referred to yesterday.  This describes the time when God “will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will

Today's readings.. (Joshua 18), (Isaiah 24), (Hebrews 6,7) Today’s and tomorrow’s chapters in Isaiah (24 & 25) contain a powerful message about the climax of human history, yet they are not very often quoted.   Chapter 24 ends with “for the LORD of hosts reigns on Mount Zion and Jerusalem and his glory will be before his elders.” The next chapter begins with the reaction of the righteous, “O LORD, you

Today's readings.. (Joshua 17), (Isaiah 23), (Hebrews 3,4,5) The 3 short chapters (3,4 & 5) we read today in Hebrews provide us with an abundance of thoughts.  Paul is reflecting back on the lessons of earlier days, such as we have been reading in Joshua when the people were “entering his (God’s) rest” [4 v.1] as they settled in the promised land.  We read. “for good news came to us

Today's readings.. (Joshua 17), (Isaiah 23), (Hebrews 3,4,5) The 3 short chapters (3,4 & 5) we read today in Hebrews provide us with an abundance of thoughts.  Paul is reflecting back on the lessons of earlier days, such as we have been reading in Joshua when the people were “entering his (God’s) rest” [4 v.1] as they settled in the promised land.  We read. “for good news came to us

Today's readings.. (Joshua 16), (Isaiah 22), (Hebrews 1,2) Today we began reading the specially thought-provoking letter to the Hebrews.  The author is not named, but the best conclusion is that Paul wrote it as a message to his fellow Jews and he didn’t name himself because a prejudice against him had developed and some, maybe many Jews, would have ignored the letter if it had been obvious it came from

Today's readings.. (Joshua 15), (Isaiah 20,21), (Philemon) The short letter of Paul to Philemon has some valuable lessons for us in the area of spiritual relationships of believers with one another.  Paul is writing as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus” [v.1] and Timothy is with him – and other visitors support him, “Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke” [v.24]. He tells Philemon, “I remember you in my prayers.” (v.4) We meditate

Today's readings.. (Joshua 14), (Isaiah 19), (Titus 1,2,3) In Joshua ch. 14 today we read of the blessings received by a man who “wholly followed the LORD.”  Caleb was the other man, who with Joshua, spied out the land and brought back an optimistic report; this was after the people had miraculously escaped from Egypt, been fed in the wilderness, built the tabernacle and received the law. Surely the whole

Today's readings.. (Joshua 13), (Isaiah 17,18), (2 Timothy 3,4) Today we completed Paul’s 2nd letter to his “son in the faith” Timothy. He deplores what he sees the future is going to hold for believers; a serious decline of faith and a Christ-like way of living.  As Paul looks into the future  “the Spirit” gives him a ‘picture’ of what is going to develop in “the last days.” [3 v.1]

Today's readings.. (Joshua 11), (Isaiah 15), (2 Timothy 1) The final letter of the Apostle Paul was his second letter to Timothy.  His opening verses after his usual greeting is to write of Timothy’s faith.  Note how he expresses it, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”

Today's readings.. (Joshua 10, (Isaiah 14), (1 Timothy 6) It is evident that when Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy whom he had left “at Ephesus that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine …” [ch.1 v.3,] that already there were those who were trying, using their own ‘wisdom’, to ‘improve’ on the true teaching they had received.  In today’s ch. 6, Paul tells Timothy,

Today's readings.. (Joshua 9), (Isaiah 13), (1 Timothy 4,5) Isaiah ch. 13, todays’ reading, appears to have a double application: it tells us [v.1] it is an “oracle concerning Babylon,” but much of its content is remarkably parallel to the ‘Babylon’ described in the book of Revelation.  It is enlightening to note that the word ‘Babylon’ in the Hebrew is actually ‘Babel’; part of this chapter appears to be about

Today's readings.. (Joshua 8), (Isaiah 12), (1 Timothy 1-3) We usually have a reasonable idea of what we are going to talk about as today progresses, also some of the things that are likely to be part of our thoughts and conversations tomorrow – but it is invaluable to meditate on what the 6 verses that make up the entire 12th chapter of Isaiah told Israel and tells us of

Today's readings.. (Joshua 7), (Isaiah 11), (2 Thessalonians 3) As Paul concludes his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians he tells them, “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” [3 v.5] It is evident that the Lord cannot “direct” this – unless our hearts are already “looking” toward our Saviour.  Paul told the Hebrews, they needed to be “looking to Jesus,

Today's readings.. (Joshua 5,6), (Isaiah 10), (2 Thessalonians 1,2) Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians shows he now has greater confidence in them, in their faith and love, this causes him “to give thanks to God … because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” [1 v.3] He commends their “steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions”  [v.4]  We

Today's readings.. (Joshua 3,4), (Isaiah 9), (1 Thessalonians 5) We follow on from our thoughts yesterday about our “our hearts being established blameless in holiness” with Paul’s conclusion to his first letter to the Thessalonians where he stresses very strongly to them that “having put on the breastplate of faith  … God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for

Today's readings.. (Joshua 2), (Isaiah 8, (1 Thessalonians 5) The last 2 verses of today’s 3rd chapter in 1st Thessalonians is specially thought provoking. “… may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus …”  

Today's readings.. (Joshua 1), (Isaiah 7, (1 Thessalonians 3,4) All 3 of our readings today provoke serious meditation about human reactions to God. We started reading Joshua and saw God’s challenge to him to take his people over the Jordan.  He is told, “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 33,34), (Isaiah 6), (Collosians 3,4) Paul told the Colossians that ”you have died and your life is hidden …”  What does he mean?  Are we clear in understanding the sense in which they had died – and how their life was now hidden?  If we meditate on the first 4 verses of the 3rd chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians we will be richly repaid, but

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 32), (Isaiah 5), (Collosians 2) We read today the song Moses spoke “in the ears of all the assembly of Israel.”  The song is long and has a remarkable text.  They were expected to learn it, to bring it to mind as they entered and lived in the promised land.  Of course there were no books, i.e. scrolls, readily available to the people – and in any

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 31), (Isaiah 3,4), (Collosians 1) Today we start reading several letters of Paul beginning with his message to the Colossians. They are letters of encouragement for them to remain fully committed to following Christ in the face of various difficulties.  He tells them, “I have not ceased to pray for you” [v.8].  In his prayer he is “asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 30), (Isaiah 2), (Acts 28) Moses today, in Deuteronomy 30, completes his exhortation to the people who are about to enter the promised land. We still have the words of his song to come in Ch. 32. We need to appreciate why he taught them a song – and it’s not a short one!  Everything depended on memory. There are references to people developing and possessing fantastic

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 27), (Song of Solomon 7), (Acts 21,22) We continue reading Moses’ final instructions to his people before they cross the Jordan into the promised land without him.  When they enter the land they are to build an altar to the LORD.  On the stones of the altar they are “to write … all the words of this law very plainly” [ch. 27 v.8] Moses and the Priests

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 26), (Song of Solomon 6), (Acts 21,22) Sometimes we use the phrase ‘half-hearted’ meaning – we do not feel total commitment to what we are doing.  We cannot follow God and His Son, who died for us, in this frame of mind.  Our chapter in Deuteronomy today contains a powerful appeal by Moses to the people he will soon leave - about the frame of mind they

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 25), (Song of Solomon 5), (Acts 20) In today’s 20th chapter in Acts we have the account of a long conversation Paul had with “the elders of the church” [v.17] at Ephesus whom he called to see him at the port of Miletus.  He told them then “that they would not see his face again’ [V.38]. It was obviously an intense discussion.  He tells them,  “I did

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 24), (Song of Solomon 4), (Acts 18,19) The references to “the  Scriptures” in the New Testament refer to the use of the ‘Old Testament’ in the preaching of the message of Christ.  It is very disappointing that so many who see themselves as ‘Christians’ today only read the New Testament and sometimes have a Bible that omits most – or even all of the Old Testament. We

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 23), (Song of Solomon 3), (Acts 16,17) What exciting chapters (16 & 17) we read in Acts today!  We see Paul’s total commitment to preach among as many Gentiles as possible  the genuine message of salvation.  This was despite whatever kind of hostility arose.  He usually began by speaking to the Jews – and “reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving …” [17 v.2,3] his

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 22), (Song of Solomon 3), (Acts 14,15) Today we read about a conference of a serious nature that took place in Jerusalem among the disciples and other principal brethren, it was about problems that had arisen among the believers.  Some of the Pharisees who were now believers in Christ were saying that the Gentiles whom Paul had been converting, that “it is necessary to circumcise them and

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 20), (Ecclesiastes 12), (Acts 11,12) The dramatic death of Herod we read about today gives us an unexpected lesson.  It took place after Peter had been miraculously released from prison after his arrest by Herod.  Chapter 12 of Acts starts by telling us, “ …Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church..  He killed James the brother of John with the sword,

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 19), (Ecclesiastes 11), (Acts 10) In Acts Chapter 10 today there is yet another dramatic account of how the message of Christ was spread still further.  Under Christ’s guidance the Apostle Peter is caught up in a situation he never anticipated!   He was expected to teach a Roman Centurion, his relatives and close friends the truth about Jesus Christ.  He finds himself at his home in

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 18), (Ecclesiastes 10), (Acts 9) Paul, initially called Saul, appears to have been the main cause of the stoning of Stephen and today’s 9th ch. of Acts starts by telling us of his decision to go to Damascus “so that if he found any belonging to the Way, man or woman, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”  It is interesting that the first way in which

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 17), (Ecclesiastes 9), (Acts 8) This was the question the Ethiopian Eunuch asked Philip; he was one of the seven appointed to assist the 12 disciples (Acts 6 v.2,4); Stephen who was killed was also one of them. “An angel of the Lord” (8 v.26) caused Philip to go up and meet with this Ethiopian as he was returning from worshipping in Jerusalem.(v.28} which shows he was

Today's readings. (Deuteronomy 16), (Ecclesiastes 8), (Acts 7) We all have memories; bad things we try to shut out of our memory, good things we try to retain and bring to the fore.  We read today how Moses told the people to look back on; “all the days of your life (that) you may remember the day when you came out of the land of Egypt” [Deut. 16 v.3]  The Passover

 Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 15), (Ecclesiastes 7), (Acts 5,6) Solomon’s reminiscences in Ecclesiastes are in one sense a continuation of Proverbs.  Several times in today’s chapter (7) he contemplates ways of living and asks “What is better?” and makes observations which do not always provide a clear answer, but they do provoke our thinking.  The chapter begins, “A good name is better than precious ointment” which leads us to recall the

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 13,14), (Ecclesiastes 6), (Acts 3,4)      In contrast to his denial of his Lord on the night of his arrest Peter is now possessed of total conviction and power.  He and John heal a man who is more than 40 years old and lame from birth who was “laid daily at the gate of the Temple … to ask alms” [Acts 3 v.2]  Everyone who frequented

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 12), (Ecclesiastes 5), (Acts 2)     Our chapter in Acts (2) contains the dramatic message of the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost.  This day is the same as the Old Testament “Feast of Weeks” (Exod.34 v.22; Lev.23 v.15,16]  ‘Pentecost’ is the Greek word for ‘fiftieth’ – it occurred 50 days (7 weeks) after the Passover, it was at the start of harvesting.    

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 8,9), (Ecclesiastes 5), (John 20,21) It is good to have a good memory; it is frustrating to be forgetful.  Yet how often do we forget to be thankful for good things?  Do you recall the comments of Jesus when only one of the ten lepers he healed returned to express thanksgiving for his healing.  (Luke 17: 15-17) In our Deuteronomy reading today – and this book should

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 6,7), (Ecclesiastes 2), (John 19) We continue on from some of our thoughts yesterday on how the wisest of kings, Solomon, reflected on what his life had really achieved.   In reading Ecclesiastes, we perceive his remarkable insight into the meaning and purpose, from a human perspective, of all that exists and our interaction with them in our lives.  What do his insights reveal?.  Solomon uses his wisdom

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 5), (Ecclesiastes 1), (John 17,18) Today we began reading Ecclesiastes – it says it was written by “the preacher, the son of David, king of Jerusalem [1 v.1]. We know this is Solomon and his first words are, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity”      What does vanity mean?  The lexicon says the Hebrew word means, transitory, emptiness.   Solomon is reviewing, apparently in his old age,

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 4), (Proverbs 31), (John (15,16)     Love is probably the most common word in both Christian and non-Christian literature.  It is used in a wide range of situations with many different meanings.  It is usually used in common speech today in a very casual way!  Are those who read God’s word influenced by this?       If we are - it will undermine our appreciation of what

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 3), (Proverbs 30), (John 13,14)      Our readings in the Gospel of John from today forward appear to be an almost verbatim account of conversations of Jesus with his disciples covering just a few hours.  Ch. 13 tells us of our Lord washing his disciples feet – setting an example of serving one another – but it was not a command for regular foot washing as

Today's readings.. (Deuteronomy 1), (Proverbs 28), (John 11) Today’s 11th chapter in John’s Gospel has that wonderful account of the raising of Lazarus. The ministry of Jesus, covering about 3 ½ years, is now approaching its’ climax.  The authorities are intensifying their efforts to arrest and kill him and Jesus and his disciples are staying out of Judea. On getting news about Lazarus’ sickness Jesus waits 2 days longer before

Today's readings.. (Numbers 36), (Proverbs 27), (John 9,10)      Today’s chapters in John’s Gospel very graphically illustrate the impact Jesus was having on the people and the jealousy this caused among their religious leaders.  He heals a man who had been born blind, who had never been able to see – utterly remarkable.  The religious leaders tell this man to “give glory to God, saying, “we know this man

Today's readings.. (Numbers 35), (Proverbs 26), (John 8) What did Jesus mean, “The Truth will set you free?” Free from what?  The 8th chapter of John today contains aspects of the teachings of Jesus that we have to think around and put into context to get the correct meaning.   The critics of Jesus were usually those whose thought processes were mechanical.  They thought they had him cornered, if he said

Today's readings.. (Numbers 34), (Proverbs 25), (John 7) A really challenging saying of Jesus is, “If anyone thirsts let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” [John 7 v.37-38]  Jesus is obviously NOT speaking of literal rivers.  What does Jesus give people to drink?   We recall the conversation Jesus had with the

Today's readings.. (Numbers 33), (Proverbs 24), (John 6) The book of Numbers now tells us of Moses giving his final instructions to the people - as the LORD directed him. The people had completed their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, all the unfaithful had died and now their children under the leadership of faithful Joshua together with Caleb and the faithful Levites would cross the Jordan and enter

Today's readings.. (Numbers 32), (Proverbs 23), (John 5)     Today’s 5th chapter of John includes the words of Jesus to the religious leaders who were jealous of his popularity:  these men were not of the same calibre as Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night.   Jesus tells them, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life” [v.39] Their motive in searching God’s

Today's readings.. (Numbers 31), (Proverbs 22), (John 4) Today’s chapter in Numbers (31) tells us about the death of Balaam and of those who accepted his counsel that the only way to combat the Israelites – was not by force – but by seducing them into immorality.  They took his advice and put it into practice and it had worked!  But now God acted! Our chapter starts, “The LORD spoke

Today's readings.. (Numbers 29,30), (Proverbs 21), (John 2,3) Nicodemus was “the teacher in Israel.” What an impact Jesus was now having among the people!  Obviously Nicodemus was so affected that he felt compelled to come to talk with Jesus, but he comes by night!  He declares, “no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” [John 3 v.3].  A fascinating conversation follows.  John is to

Today's readings.. (Numbers 28), (Proverbs 20), (John 1) Today we started reading the Gospel of John and saw how Jesus called his first followers.  It is evident Jesus made an immediate impact on those who met up with him starting from when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. John’s Gospel, the last one to be written, in several parts fills in the gaps left by the first 3 Gospels. 

Today's readings..   (Numbers 27), (Proverbs 19), (Philippians 3,4) We live in a world in which most of us are bombarded by information on all sorts of things, these include persuasive messages to spend money in acquiring or doing this or that allegedly desirable thing.  Very little, if any of this is of value in leading us toward greater spirituality: indeed, more often than not it will lead us in

Today's readings.. (Numbers 26), (Proverbs 18), (Philippians 1,2)     Today’s 2nd chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippians contains a meaningful exposition of the relationship between God and Jesus Christ.  Verses 5 to 11 need to be read in context to see all the factors in their relationship with each other. Paul tells us Jesus was in “the form of God” - what does he mean?       Paul

Today's readings.. (Numbers 24,25), (Proverbs 17), (Ephesians 5,6) First, remember that all those who really believe in God and Jesus Christ are called “saints”. The Greek word translated as saint, means, “holy, set apart.” Saints set themselves apart from worldly godless ways of thinking and doing. Paul’s letters are addressed to saints, “the saints who are in Ephesus” “saints … who are in Philippi” [opening verse in each letter]. So

Today's readings.. (Numbers 22,23), (Proverbs 16), (Ephesians 3,4) Are you sensitive? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? It seems to us that many people have largely lost whatever ability they had to be sensitive to the feelings of other people. It is a great blessing that many will give to help victims of some tragedybut is that as far as it goes? Many people live for themselves.

Today's readings.. (Numbers 20,21), (Proverbs 15), (Ephesians 1,2) Chapter 15 in Proverbs has many ‘powerful’ verses.  The third verse is one of them, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and on the good.”  Our chapters the  book of Numbers illustrates how the LORD was watching over Israel as they moved closer to the promised land But those who were not conscious of

Today's readings.. (Numbers 19), (Proverbs 14), (Galatians 5,6)     Today the last 2 chapters of Paul’s letter to the Galatians illustrate the sharp contrast between those who put all the emphasis in their living - to observe the Law of Moses and practice circumcision – in contrast to belonging to Christ for “in Christ Jesus”, writes Paul, “neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.”

Today's readings.. (Numbers 17,18), (Proverbs 13), (Galatians 3,4)      The proverbs of Solomon make many points for us to meditate upon – vital principles for daily living.  It is good to take them individually and reflect carefully on how many of them apply to daily living in the circumstances in which we find ourselves.  Chapter 13 today at v.13 says, “Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he

Today's readings.. (Numbers 16), (Proverbs 12), (Galatians 1,2)     The Apostle Paul has a most urgent message to bring to the Galatians – a message which has challenged believers ever since.     Paul writes, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you to the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – not that there is another one, but there are some who

Today's readings.. (Numbers 15), (Proverbs 11), (Luke 24)      The last chapter in Luke’s gospel is soul stirring if we let our minds visualize the events it describes.  Let us, in our imagination, see ourselves among the disciples or among the women who came to the tomb. Meditate and let the events ‘come alive’ in our thinking..  The women dedicatedly followed Jesus to the end to do whatever they could even

Today's readings.. (numbers 14), (Proverbs 10), (Luke 23) Today we read of Jesus on the Cross. “The chief priests and the rulers and the people” [Luke 23 v.13] opposed Pilate’s decision to release him so he gave in and “delivered Jesus over to their will.”   He is crucified between two criminals and one of these derides him saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us,” but the other

Today's readings.. (Numbers 12,13), (Proverbs 8,9), (Luke 22) Can you imagine yourself as a member of the Israelites who miraculously escaped from Egypt?  After seeing all the remarkable plagues, the wonder of crossing the Red Sea, then camping beside Mt. Sinai with the earth quaking, the clouds, the fire and the voice from the mountain!  After that the miraculous provision of manna, also quails, and the water from the rock.

Today's readings.. (Numbers 11), (Proverbs 7), (Luke 21) The perplexity among the nations today is remarkable.  A factor in this is that the USA has to some degree lost its power and strong influence.   Money has been king, the ability to influence others has been achieved by having plenty of money and strong military power. .  Today’s reading in Luke 21 tells us that Jesus said that his return to

Today's readings.. (Numbers 10), (Proverbs 6), (Luke 20) In one sense, no man or woman can be “considered worthy” by God to be in his kingdom “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” [Rom. 3 v.23] .  But we have that marvellous chapter on FAITH in Hebrews 11 , men and women who demonstrated their faith by what they did in serving God and doing

Today's readings.. (Numbers 8,9), (Proverbs 5), (Luke 19) We continue reading the blunt and challenging words of advice by Solomon in the Proverbs – how appropriate they are to counteract the values of life, or lack of them, that surround us today. “My son, be attentive to my wisdom,” writes Solomon, “incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.” [5 v.1,2]

Today's readings.. (Numbers 7), (Proverbs 4), (Luke 18) We “hear” by reading what God has caused to be written preserved and translated – the challenge to all of us is to read and then “accept” into our hearts what we read, so that they become a real influence on the principles by which we guide our lives..      Solomon writes (Proverbs ch. 4)  “Let your heart hold fast my

Today's readings.. (Numbers 6), (Proverbs 3), (Luke 17) It could be we are too familiar with the prophecies about events at the climax of the present process of human life upon this earth – could the words of Jesus which we read today in Luke ch. 17 become uncertain in our minds – too dramatic to be taken literally? Jesus says, “For as the lightning flashes and lights up the

Today's readings.. (Numbers 5), (Proverbs 2), (Luke 16) What leads to a truly understanding mind – one of which God approves?  We have a marvelous chapter (2) in Proverbs today which shows us the right way to “find the knowledge of God” [v.5] and shows us that this is far more than what we might call ‘head knowledge’ – developed purely by intellectual investigation and deduction. We especially notice the

Today's readings.. (Numbers4), (Proverbs 1), (Luke 15) Today we start reading “the proverbs of Solomon” [v.1] and the key verse that jumps out into our eyes is “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” [v.7]. Our minds should be filled with awe as to all that God must be!! It  is the beginning or foundation of wise thinking. The plea of Solomon

Today's readings.. (Numbers 3), (Psalm 148-150), (Luke 13,14) There are no grey areas in the teaching of Jesus, yet life today contains many grey areas, human legislation in most countries appears to us in many ways to bend over backwards to allow all kinds of behavior; you can live and behave as you like as long as you do not tread on anyone else’s toes, as the saying is. These

Today's readings.. (Numbers 2), (Psalm 145-147), (Luke 12) All three Psalms (145-147) and our chapter in Luke (12) today were greatly thought provoking; a great number of verses were very challenging – personally – to read.  Some people are sceptical of the statement, “the LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works” [Psa.145 v.17] cynically saying that if there is such a God who is

Today's readings.. (Numbers 1), (Psalm 143, 144), (Luke 11) We have a particularly challenging chapter in Luke’s gospel today.  It is full of challenges by Jesus – contrasting normal human attitudes with what their attitude and aims and actions in life should be – IF they are truly following divine principles.  We read “ … a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 27), (Psalm 140-142), (Luke 10) Jesus spoke in parables, stories that were not necessarily factual because their purpose was to drive home some principle about the spiritual meaning of life, he also uses some forms of speech, the meaning of which may not be immediately apparent.  In Luke 10 today we encounter  some good examples of this.  He did many miracles in Capernaum and other cities. He

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 26), (Psalm 137-139), (Luke 9) Do you, do I, want God to really “know my heart”? The concluding words of David’s Psalm 139 are some of the most challenging in Scripture.  It seems obvious that David wrote it when he had formed a most intimate relationship with God, he declares, “How precious to me are your thoughts O God!  How vast is the sum of them!  If

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 25), (Psalm 135,136), (Luke 8) The great majority, until the last generation or two, have had contact with Jesus Christ in the sense that they have heard and read about him, although sometimes in a distorted sense.  Sadly today there is less and less contact with him, with 7 billion + people in the world how few know anything about his teaching, we conclude an awareness of

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 24), (Psalm 131-134), (Luke 7) “Remember O LORD in David’s favour, all the hardships he endured, how he swore to the LORD and vowed … “ [Psalm 132 v.1-2]  The prayer and petition in that Psalm, one of the four we read today has a very significant lesson for us.  What particular thing did David vow to do that he should be favourably remembered for? Was it

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 23), (Psalm 128-130), (Luke 6) Our Psalms and Luke readings today link together in encouraging us to think and live positively so we can more effectively counteract a world that buffets us more than ever with false values.  There are times when these greatly affect us and they threaten to be overwhelming.      These Psalms provide us with encouragement for the times when the ways of

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 22), (Psalm 125-127), (Luke 5)    No one despises an inheritance, they are usually a cause of joy!  But what we inherit is often a challenge too!  A challenge to our wisdom, how to use it wisely.    How many are conscious of our Lord’s all seeing eyes and knowledge of all the decisions we make in this – and, of course, all the other decisions we

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 21), (Psalm 120-124), (Luke 4) Psalm 121 today begins with a question – and sometimes this is not recognised.   The Psalmist is lifting up his eyes to the hills and asking, “from where does my help come?”   Does it come from the hills, the high places?      The pagan people around and all too often the Jewish people were attracted to do the same, they

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 20), (Psalm 19:129-176), (Luke 3) What an incredible impact the preaching of John the Baptist had!  We do not realize this at first – but there are clues here and there – look at Acts 18 v.25 and 19 v.3.  Paul comes across those at Ephesus who knew only the baptism of John– a vast distance from the Jordan. What stood out in our chapter 3 in

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 19), (Psalm 19:81-128), (Luke 2) These are the first words in our Psalms reading; what does your soul long for, is it the same as the Psalmist?  We read, “My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.  My eyes long for your promise …” (Ps.119 v.81,82) There is real urgency in his expressions – do we share that sense of urgency? Then we come

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 17,18), (Psalm 19:41-80), (Luke 1) These words are taken from the inspired speech of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist.  Because he did not believe the angel who appeared to him in the Temple he had been made dumb, then when the child is born and there is pressure to call him Zechariah, the father’s “tongue is loosed and he spoke blessing God.  And fear came

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 16), (Psalm 19:1-40), (2 Corinthians 12,13) The conclusion of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians illustrates how Paul was thankful in a way, that “a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated” [v.7].  Who gave it to him?   The point is, he sees this “messenger” as being part of the will of God.

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 15), (Psalm 117,118), (2 Corinthians 10,11) We are now nearing the climax of Paul’s 2nd letter to the Corinthians.  He becomes increasingly blunt in the way he expresses his thoughts:  having carefully reasoned out the true gospel and the need to live a Christ-like life he now bluntly challenges them: he says, “I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 12,13), (Psalm 113,114), (2 Corinthians 5,6,7) We often think of the occasion the disciples showed Jesus the grandeur of the Temple (Mark 13 v.1,2). What was in their minds?  They, like their fellow Jews, were proud of it.  Jesus totally shocked them by saying it was all going to be destroyed! Now in today’s reading in 2nd Corinthians (chs.5, 6 & 7) Paul shows how a new

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 11), (Psalm 110,111,112), (2 Corinthians 3,4)   What interesting and, in some ways, challenging readings we had this morning: first, we read of the detailed guidance given in Moses’ law as to what could be eaten – and what avoided.  Also – what happened to make articles of wood, garments and vessels “unclean” and whether cleansing was possible. [Lev. 11 v.32-35 &c] Here is valuable advice on

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 9,10), (Psalm 108,109), (2 Corinthians 1,2) ‘Sanctified’ means recognized as holy, set apart from the commonplace; treating a situation or place with all reverence.  Above all, this must be our attitude toward God.  In our Leviticus reading today we see the dramatic and disastrous result of a failure to do this. Imagine being there with all the wonder of the tabernacle and the manifestation of the actual

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 8), (Psalm 107), (1 Corinthians 16) Four times in our Psalms reading today (107) we come to a verse that requests a certain action.  “Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love , for his wondrous works to the children of men.” (v.8,15,21,31)    Then the Psalm ends with the statement, “Whoever is wise let him attend to these things: let them consider the steadfast love of

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 7), (Psalm 106), (1 Corinthians 15) We pondered why the above saying rather suddenly occurs in today’s very moving and oft quoted 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians.  Parts of this chapter are often read at funerals, it contains a powerful testimony to the certainty of resurrection and that “in Christ shall all be made alive” [v.22] eternally “at his coming” adding the qualification “those who belong to

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 5,6), (Psalm 105), (1 Corinthians 14) Our Psalms reading (105) stresses that God is fully conscious of all that happens among his creation.  Many examples are given that illustrate the reality of what Paul told the Athenians, that God “is actually not far from each one of us” [Acts 17 v.27) that “we have our being” within the Divine presence and, as Job expressed it, “In his

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 3,4), (Psalm 104), (1 Corinthians 12,13) What is the most valuable thing to possess?  It is not a material possession - not even gold, which was greatly used in making the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple. Paul spells out to the Corinthians in today's ch. 13 what is the greatest attribute that a believer can - and must - possess. It is evident from his words in ch.

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 1,2), (Psalm 103), (1 Corinthians 11) What is it to "fear" God?  It does not mean to be afraid or scared of God - but rather - to be in awe of him: this is the sense in which we encounter the word in verses 11,13 & 17 in today's 103rd Psalm, “so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him”   We also encounter

Today's readings.. (Exodus 39,40), (Psalm 102), (1 Corinthians 10) We have some challenging reasoning by Paul in today's 10th chapter of 1st Corinthians. He begins by reflecting on the experiences of Moses in leading the Israelites on into the wilderness after the events at Sinai.  He draws parallels between the actions and reactions of God then - and in his day.  All their food is miraculously provided by God. Paul

Today's readings.. (Exodus 38), (Psalm 100,101), (1 Corinthians 8,9) Our reading of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians continues to give us many points of guidance.  Paul set the highest principles of living for himself so that he would be a true example.  He refused to accept any "material things" from them, although it was his "right."  He said "we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way

Today's readings.. (Exodus 37), (Psalm 96,97,98,99), (1 Corinthians 7) This phrase occurs in our Corinthians chapter (7) today.  It is a chapter that is not as clear in meaning in some sections as we would like, but it becomes clearer as we take a contextual view of the flow of Paul’s reasoning.  As we have read in the preceding chapters the large ecclesia at Corinth is in a real spiritual

Today's readings.. (Exodus 36), (Psalm 96,97,98,99), (1 Corinthians 7) We have two faith strengthening Psalms today. "When I thought, 'My foot slips,' your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul."[94 v.18,19].  The cares and anxieties of life are increasing, if we have cause to say/think, “My foot slips” let us prayerfully turn to the scriptures more and

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 35), (Psalm 92,93), (1 Corinthians 4,5) Today’s Psalm (92) tells us “It is good … todeclare your steadfast love in the morning” [v.1,2]  It is important to begin each day with taking at least a little time to focus our thoughts upon God, to declare to him in prayer our “steadfast love.” We read on, “For you O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 33,34), (Psalm 90,91), (1 Corinthians 3) Our 5 chapters today were all intensely thought provoking.  First, the utterly remarkable and challenging relationship of Moses (and the people through Moses) with the LORD (yhwh) who had delivered them from Egypt. Second, the Psalms of Moses, 90 & 91; “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” [90 v.12]: then, noting the

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 31,32), (Psalm 89), (1 Corinthians 1,2) It is interesting in how many parts of Scripture we find the words "blot" and "blotting" used  - to indicate that God is so angry he is  wiping out someone or some people, the worst case was in the time of Noah (Gen. 6 v.7 & 7 v.23) We encounter them today in Exodus. Our chapters today portray the fickleness of

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 30), (Psalm 87,88), (Mark 15,16) Today we completed reading the Gospel of Mark.  God has seen to it that four records of the life on earth of his Son have been written and preserved so that, together, they provide a detailed picture of what his Son taught and the wonderful events that occurred, events which challenged all who witnessed them and heard him. They needed to show

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 29), (Psalm 85,86), (Mark 14) Our N.T. reading of Mark's gospel is the heart stirring 72 verses of his 14th chapter.  It records the 'last supper' that Jesus shared with his disciples and its' age-lasting simplicity has had heart stirring meaning for his genuine disciples in every generation since that time.  After the supper there follows the heart searching time in the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 28), (Psalm 83,84), (Mark 13) Today we read the answer Jesus gave to the 4 disciples who sat with him on the Mount of Olives, they  earnestly asked,  "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" [Mark 13 v.4]  Jesus had astonished them earlier "as he came out of the temple"  and they

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 27), (Psalm 81,82), (Mark 12) The religious leaders tried hard to discredit Jesus but the harder they tried, the more he confronted them and showed them how foolish their thinking and attitudes were.  The Sadducees who were the most ‘worldly’ of them, refusing to believe there would be a resurrection were told, "Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 26), (Psalm 79,80), (Mark 11) It is necessary for the orderly functioning of life for there to be those in authority to approve and oversee what is to be done.  This is essential for the proper functioning of life, but is it so in every case?  In particular, is it so with Christianity? Jesus was the authority until he ascended to heaven.  Then the Apostles were given

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 23), (Psalm 77), (Mark 9) Joining hands, a handshake, is a physical sign of friendship, but Moses uses the term in a metaphysical sense in today’s Exodus reading (Chapter 23).  This contains warnings about joining hands for bad reasons.  Moses makes some down-to-earth statements of things that God sees as wrong, and did not want to see in his people that were being trained in the wilderness

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 22), (Psalm 75,76), (Mark 8) “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes … “  [Mark 8 v.38]   Why would we be ashamed of Jesus – causing him to be ashamed of us?  Notice, he specifically refers to his words!   What has Jesus said that we would

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 21), (Psalm 74), (Mark 7) Today we read the straightforward teaching of Jesus that exposes the attitudes that lie behind so much of human behaviour.  His words are probably familiar to us; they were spoken against the background of the rules and regulations taught the Lawyers and Pharisees.   Our chapter 7 in Mark begins with a comment that the "Pharisees and all the Jews ... do

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 19,20), (Psalm 73), (Mark 6) We read today in great detail of the arrival of the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai on "the third new moon" [Exod. 19 v.1].  For the great mass of people with their flocks and herds, it had been a testing journey from Egypt; there had been many faith testing experiences along the way.  Now they are "encamped before the mountain" [v.2]

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 17,18), (Psalm 72), (Mark 5) Today's Psalm (72) is a prayer David wrote at the end of his life - addressed to the LORD about Solomon - who was taking over as king. What a vision David had in doing this, it is evident the LORD took his thoughts beyond the forthcoming reign of Solomon.  His prayer starts, "Give the king your justice, O God, and your

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 16), (Psalm 70,71), (Mark 4) We all have probably had the experience of suddenly seeing another side of friend’s character that we did not know existed.   We then wonder what kind of person they really are!  Hopefully these are good things we see, but sadly, that is not always the case. Now consider the experience of the disciples of Jesus, our heading is the question they asked

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 15), (Psalm 69), (Mark 3) Today's Psalm (69) of David is very heart stirring.  Some of its verses are prophetic of events in the life on earth of his greater son.  David is conscious that God's all seeing 'eyes' means he is fully aware of the problems surrounding him - and some of these prefigured situations that would occur in the life of Jesus. David built up

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 13,14), (Psalm 68), (Mark 2) The words of Jesus in many places challenge us to meditate and think through what he says so as to get to the heart of the point he is making.  In Mark ch. 2 today we see how he responds to the Pharisees’ criticism of his disciples because they, on a Sabbath day, in walking through the grain fields, plucked and ate

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 11,12), (Psalm 66,67), (Mark 1) We read today of the climax of the 10 plagues that came upon Egypt.  Can you imagine yourself as an Israelite and the awe you would have felt!  The early plagues affected us - but then a distinction is dramatically made - while there is "pitch darkness" in Egypt it is still daylight in Goshen. [Exod 10 v.21-23] Is it not true

(Today's readings.. (Exodus10), (Psalm 64,65), (Romans 15,16) We thought about this for some time. How do we understand the references in today's chapter of Exodus [Exodus 10] to the LORD hardening Pharaoh's heart.   [Exodus 10:1,10,27]   Can God blame man for what God does - if that is the way to understand this? Notice how Moses conveys the message of the LORD (i.e. Yahweh/Jehovah) to Pharaoh, "Thus says the

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 9), (Psalm 62,63), (Romans 13,14) "... fulfilling his word" not quoted from our readings today, but from the verse in Psalm 148 that we quoted at the end of our thoughts yesterday. We recalled this today as we read of the encounters of Moses and Aaron with Pharaoh.  Moses stated the words of God as to what God would do because of Pharaoh’s refusal to let “let

(Today's readings.. (Exodus 5,6), (Psalm 58,59), (Romans 10,11) It is fundamental to human nature, uninfluenced by God's Word, to become proud about what they are achieving. Paul makes this point strongly in chapter 11 of his letter to the Romans. He warns the Gentile converts not to follow the same path as did most leading Jews in their pride in their privileged position before God. He uses the analogy of

Today's readings.. (Exodus 3,4), (Psalms 56,57), (Romans 9) Our readings today - in Exodus and Romans tie in together in their reference to the exaltation of Moses, now ready, in God’s sight, to serve him after 40 years of preparation “in the land of Midian.” Moses is now a meek and humble man (Numbers 12 v.3) – God can now use him. Paul’s points in our Roman’s chapter (9) are

Today's readings.. (Exodus 1,2), (Psalm 53,54,55), (Romans 7,8) Paul’s letter to the Romans contains some of the most meaningful and thought provoking words in the Bible.  It is impossible to read it and take all the points into our minds until we have read it meditatively many times over, making our own notes. More than any other book in the Bible, it calls for diligent and reflective study and the

Today's readings..(Genesis 48, 49, 50), (Psalm 51,52), (Romans 5,6) There are some days when all the readings provoke thoughts that are very meaningful and personal. In Genesis we have the words of Joseph to his brothers after their father died. The brothers are fearful that Joseph, in his position of great power in the land, will now take vengeance on them for the time they threw him into a pit,

Today's readings.. (Genesis 46,47), (Psalm 50), (Romans 3,4) Much of Paul’s reasoning as he writes to the Romans is quite profound: it needs careful thought for us to get our minds around some of the points he is making. In chapter 3 he is setting out the parallel principles (and how they converge) for the Jews who observe the law in the right spirit - and are “right” in the

Today's readings.. (Genesis 42,43), ((Psalms 46,47,48), (Matthew 28) Just as parts of the Psalms, such as 22 v.1 and 16 v,10,11 foreshadowed events and sayings in the mortal life of our Lord, so Psalms 46 and 47 we read today can be seen as portraying the awesome events at and after the time of his second coming. The overview of those events which these Psalms provide, show how vital it

Today's readings.. (Genesis 39,40), (Psalm 44), (Matthew 26) Our Matthew reading (ch. 26) recounts the agonies of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and his prayers.  “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.” [v.39]. Jesus made his “will” conform to his Father’s will.  And what of our “will”? Peter was to later write of how Christ,

Today's readings.. (Genesis 38), (psalms 41,42,43), (Matthew 25) Today we have 3 parables in our chapter (25) in Matthew which all convey fundamentally the same lesson. The fact that there are three shows how extremely important the message is. Those who read the Bible regularly will know them well; but we must beware of knowing them too well, lest the message loses its power to stir our conscience. The first

Today's readings.. (Genesis 37), (Psalm 39,40), (Matthew 24) All of our 4 chapters today are really thought provoking; David’s emotional Psalm 40 captured our attention, it starts, “I waited patiently for the LORD” – and isn’t that what we are trying to do!   But we cannot wait, standing still, as if to catch a bus!  David has many things to rejoice about because of the relationship he has established with

Today's readings.. (Genesis 36), (Psalm 38), (Matthew 23) As his ministry was reaching its climax, our Lord most bluntly confronted the religious leaders in Jerusalem.  In today’s reading [Matt.23] he calls them “hypocrites”  “blind guides” and “children of hell”.  He says they concentrate on outward appearances “but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” [23 v.25]  His words stirred up their hatred of him, which had increased when they

Today's readings.. (Genesis 34,35), (Psalm37), (Matthew 22) The world today puts a great lot of effort and money into marketing goods and services.  The internet, radio, TV, newspapers magazines and sign boards are full of promotions of one kind of thing or another.  A fundamental aim of the majority of this promotion is to make us envious of what other people have or experience – the aim is to make

Today's readings.. (Genesis 32,33), (Psalms 36), (Matthew 21) We read today of the triumphant arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem and the adulation that the ordinary people gave him, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” [Matt. 21 v.9] “The whole city was stirred up …” [v.10] We pondered the comparison of this with his return to earth. What is, we

Today's readings.. (Genesis 31), (Psalm 35), (Matthew 20) Why did people follow Jesus? We know his disciples did, because he called them to do so, but others? We had an example in today’s chapter 20 in Matthew, “there were two blind men sitting by the roadside” [v.30] who cried out when they were told Jesus was passing by, “Lord, have mercy on us, ‘Son of David’” To call him ‘Son

Today's readings.. (Genesis 30), (Psalm 34), (Matthew 19) The last 2 verses of today’s chapter (19) in Matthew can be puzzling if we do not realize the chapter break is wrongly placed and the context includes the next chapter.    The end of chapter 19 records Jesus as saying, “everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name’s sake, will

Today's readings.. (Genesis 28,29), (Psalm 33), (Matthew 18) Certain things are necessary in our lives such as clothing to wear and food to eat. Note how Paul made the point to  Timothy “if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” and “there is great gain in godliness with contentment” [1 Tim. 6 v.6,8] What hinders our contentment? Now in today’s 18th chapter of Matthew Jesus told

Today's readings.. (Genesis 27), (Psalm 32), (Matthew 17) Psalm 32 today is an intimate exchange of words between David and God; it is one of the most personal of all the Psalms – just 11 verses, but so powerful!  The first 7 are by David and the remainder; God’s response. How meaningful! Remember Paul’s comment on God’s words, , “They were written down for our instruction, on who the end

Today's readings.. (Genesis 25,26), (Psalm 31), (Matthew 16) In ancient times a rock symbolized something secure and God was the ultimate rock!  David wrote in the Psalms, as we read 2 days ago, “To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me” [Psalm 28 v.1]  He also pleads with God, “when my heart is faint, lead me to the rock that is higher than I” [Psalm

Today's readings.. (Genesis 24), (Psalms 29,30), (Matthew 15) The world today is very conscious of cleanliness.  When you go to the Doctors, he or she will thoroughly wash their hands before they examine you, but they only learnt to do this 150 years ago.  They also learnt this was the reason why some of those they operated on had died.  The value of the cleanliness laws in the commands God

Today's readings.. (Genesis 22,23), (Psalm 26,27,28), (Matthew 14) Our chapter in Matthew (14) has that fascinating story of the 12 disciples caught in a storm in a boat on Galilee.  Jesus had sent them off alone, after the dramatic feeding of 5,000+ “in a desolate place” [v.13] - an event which must have astonished them. Jesus had heard of the killing of John the Baptist – a heart searching omen

Today's readings.. (Genesis 20,21), (Psalms 23,24,25), (Matthew 13) David’s meditations in the Psalms, which are essentially prayers, continually engage our thoughts. Indeed, they are a model for us to follow in judging the quality of our relationship with God.  Are we able to meditate and pray in any way to the same degree? Psalm 25 has some verses that both challenge and inspire us.  “Make me to know your ways,

Today's readings.. (Genesis 19), (Psalm 22), (Matthew 12) Today’s chapter in Matthew (13) is full of Jesus’ parables, 8 in all.  Some are long, like the familiar parable of the sower, some are short, even just one verse, like the parable of “the hidden treasure” [v.44] which a man found hidden in a field and “in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

Today’s readings.. (Genesis 15,16), (Psalm 18), (Matthew 10) Matthew’s gospel records how Jesus started training his disciples for their work when he would no longer be with them. Today’s ch. 10 starts, “And he called to him his 12 disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal every disease and every affliction.”    What are “unclean spirits”?  The parable in Ch. 12 v.43-45 illustrates

Today's readings.. (Genesis 13,14), (Psalm 17), (Matthew 9) What satisfies you?  Human satisfactions are only temporary – although something achieved after a big effort, like planning and building a new home, can provide a sense of satisfaction for several, if not many years.   As we read the Psalms of David and reflect on the record of his life, we see how in his youth he was a sort of outcast

Today's readings.. (Genesis 11,12), (Psalms 14,15,16), (Matthew 8) In Chapter 11 of Genesis we read, “now the whole earth had one language and the same words” [v.1] and they said “let us build ourselves a city and a tower … lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth” [v.3,4] The Creators’ reaction to this is recorded as being, “Behold the people are one people, and they have

Today's readings.. (Genesis 9,10), (Psalm 11,12,13), (Matthew 7), The Psalms of David, words he crafted under inspiration out of all the challenges he faced, are often meditations on his relationship with God - and reveal what a totally committed relationship it was. This commitment was supremely evident when he went forth to face Goliath. David’s words, are the outcome of a mind of dedicated perceptions of God  in action. They

Today's readings.. (Genesis 7,8), (Psalm 9,10), (Matthew 6) Again, David’s Psalms command our attention. All of Psalm 9 is a marvelous overview of God’s plan and purpose with human beings and the earth. At times God transports David’s thoughts into the future when he, and those God counts as righteous, will say to their Creator, “You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out

Today's readings.. (Genesis 5,6), (Psalms 6,7,8), (Matthew 5) All our readings this morning provoked much thought, indeed, deep meditation. Psalm 7 is David’s’ plea for “refuge; save me from my pursuers and deliver me” [v.1] But he also says, “if there is wrong in my hands … let the enemy … trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust” [v.3,5]. David knew God could see

Today's readings.. (Genesis 3,4), (Psalms 3,4,5), (Matthew 3,4) Today’s 4th chapter of Matthew contains the account of Jesus being tempted after being “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness” (ch. 4 v.1) This opening verse arrests the attention of diligent readers. It seems astonishing that God’s Spirit brought about Christ’s temptations. Jesus, now that “the Spirit of God” had come “to rest on him” [3 v.16] is first tempted

Today's readings.. (Genesis 1,2), (Psalms 1,2) (Matthew 1,2) What does the LORD know?  Again and again Scripture makes the point that the Creator is aware of all things “for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer” as we read in 1 Peter 3 v.12 last month.  But Peter was quoting from Psalm 34 which we will soon read. The very

Today's readings.. (Job 40), (Malachi 2), (Revelation 19,20), An abundance of challenging and inspiring thoughts occur in our minds as we complete our readings for the year.   In Revelation we read, "Behold, I am making all things new." [21 v.5] and as part of this wonderful future is the promise, “The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my

Today's readings.. (Job 40), (Malachi 2), (Revelation 19,20),      The symbolic language of the book of Revelation never fails to challenge the reader. Some of the symbology is quite clear. It is hard if not impossible to believe that God has a literal book, yet we believe that a divine record exists. The believers at Sardis were told "I know your works" [Revelation 3:1] and what was known was

Today's readings.. (Job 39), (Malachi 1), (Revelation 17,18), Malachi is the last prophet God sent to his people Israel before John the Baptist and Christ came on the scene. After Malachi there is silence in Israel, no inspired man from God appears. Of course the records of the messages of the prophets are available; indeed they are carefully preserved as we can see from the discovery of so many scrolls

Today's readings.. (Job 38), (Zechariah 13,14), (Revelation 15,16),      Today's reading of the last chapter of the prophet Zechariah starts with, "Behold a day is coming for the LORD … will gather all nations against Jerusalem …" and our reading in Revelation contains the only verse in the Bible with the word ARMAGEDDON. We read there how "demonic spirits" (humanism, so called rights of man, totally irrational attitudes? And

Today's readings.. (Job 37), (Zechariah 12), (Revelation 14),      Nine times we read the phrase "on that day" in just 15 verses in Zechariah 12 through to the first 2 verses of Zechariah 13. We note the prelude to these pronouncements, "Thus declares the LORD who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him" [Zechariah 12:1]. These words fascinate us as

Today's readings.. (Job 36,36), (Zechariah 11), (Revelation 12,13),       "Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints" [Revelation 13:10.] The A V Bible uses the word "patience" here, one of seven significant occasions when the word occurs in this book.  we should best read it as "patient endurance." This statement was true then  and it is just as true today; it is vital it

Today's readings.. (Job 34), (Zechariah 10), (Revelation 10,11), The Book of Revelation provides us with a wondrous vision today.   There are loud voices in heaven saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” [Ch.11 v.15].   Then the elders fall on their faces and worship saying, “We give thanks to you Lord God Almighty, who

Today's readings.. (Job 33), (Zechariah 9), (Revelation 7,8,9),     Our readings in the book of Revelation are about coming dramas in human history, as Jesus revealed them in largely symbolic language to his disciple John  - the one “whom Jesus loved” [John 21 v.7,20].  The description builds up to the climactic failure of human life on earth. We read of visions, largely, but not entirely, in symbol, they ‘picture’

Today's readings.. (Job 31,32), (Zechariah 8), (Revelation 5,6), ‘IF’  is a two letter word that sometimes occurs within a very significant context.  In our reading in Job today, Job’s 3 friends give up on their vain attempts to reason that Job must be a secret sinner.  The argument that he must be so because of all the bad things that happened to him collapses, they can quote no evidence and

Today's readings.. (Job 29,30), (Zechariah 6,7), (Revelation 3,4), Our readings today created a wide mix of thoughts.  In the first one, Job continues to lament his situation and that is very understandable; he had held a position of the greatest respect, but now he is in the opposite situation – but we remember how Paul told the Corinthians that “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted

Today's readings.. (Job 28), (Zechariah 4,5), (Revelation 1,2), Today we started reading the book of Revelation and to begin with we have the messages to the 7 churches, of course that means the members, not the building; which is the meaning of the Gk word ecclesia.  We can view these 7 churches as representative of all the different types of communities of believers that have existed through the ages.   

Today's readings.. (Job 25,26,27), (Zechariah 2,3), (Jude), No one wants to stumble; what is the cause when this happens?  They are not looking at where they are going and not watching where they put their feet; worse still, they have no definite destination in view and are constantly looking at the distractions all around them, God’s word no longer holds their attention.. I was really shocked once when a young

Today's readings.. (Job 23,24), (Zechariah 1), (2&3 John), Chapter 23 in Job today is very thought provoking, it spells out Job’s conviction that God is with him despite all that has happened to him. Although the word ‘faith’ is not used the chapter has many verses which can be described as his ‘statement of faith’ in God. Job says,  “he knows the way that I take; when he has tried

Today's readings.. (Job 22), (Haggai 1,2), (1 John 5), Zerubbabel is the “governor of Judah” at the time Haggai uttered his prophecy, the prophet is contemporary to Ezra and Nehemiah and there are dozens of references to him in their books – and Haggai, whose 2 chapter prophecy we read today, is referred to by Ezra (5 v,1 & 6 v,14) as being “the prophet” who was present. Haggai is

Today's readings.. (Job 21), (Zephaniah 3), (1 John 3,4), Today we completed reading the lesser known – but quite remarkable prophecy God gave through Zephaniah.  Yesterday’s chapter 2 was personal and challenging.  “Seek the LORD, all you humble … who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.” [v.3] Today we read about the day of

Today's readings.. (Job 20), (Zephaniah 2), (1 John 1,2), ‘Abide’ is a word we rarely use in conversation, but it was a special word in the mouth of Jesus (see John 12 v.46; 15 v.4,10).  His youngest disciple particularly embraced this word; it implies a permanent loyalty.      Remember how John stood by the cross with the mother of Jesus (John 19 v.26,27) and then took care of Mary.

Today's readings.. (Job 18,19), (Zephaniah 1), (2 Peter 3), As Peter completes  his second letter he asks a question “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of the Lord … “  [3 v.11,12] What is to be dissolved?  He writes that it is “the heavens and the earth” [v.7]  But this is

Today's readings.. (Job 16,17), (Habakkuk 3), (2 Peter 1,2), Ah, that little word – “IF” again!  Our quotation above is from today’s readings in 2nd Peter, chapters 1 & 2  This is Peter’s final message as he realises he is soon to die.  He sees much evil growing and false believers coming to the fore who “promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption.  For whatever overcomes a

Today's readings.. (Job 15), (Habakkuk 2), (1 Peter 3,4,5), We all love beautiful things, but what one person sees as beautiful another does not. The saying is that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’      Our thoughts rotated around this subject as we came across the phrase, “imperishable beauty” in ch. 3 of Peter’s 1stEpistle.  What beauty is “imperishable” – that is, cannot be destroyed?  There are

Today's readings.. (Job 13), (Nahum 3), (1 Peter 1),     We all have either grown up or we are growing up – but in reading Peter’s first letter today we meditate on what he says about the growing up process.      Peter went through a very challenging growing up process from the time he first met Christ.- what a journey in life he had to look back on

Today's readings.. (Job 13), (Nahum 3), (1 Peter 1),    When we were young ‘whitewash’ was used a lot, it was a very cheap sort of white ‘paint’ you could quickly put on walls, even splash on and a grubby wall would quickly look good – but it was all for ‘looking’ good, it easily got dirty again and could not be cleaned down.      As we continue reading

Today's readings.. (Job 12), (Nahum 1,2), (James 5) Have you seen it?  The context of the above statement we read today in the Epistle of James is most interesting – and challenging!  We can say that we have seen the purpose of the Lord in many things, in particular in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but note the particular context in which James makes this statement.. “As an

Today's readings.. (Job 11), (Micah 7), (James 3,4) This is how the final chapter of the prophecy Micah begins, ‘Woe is me’!  Much of this chapter, as with his previous chapters, pictures the lawless attitudes surrounding the prophet. His words of lament could just about describe life as it is becoming today around many of us.  “The godly has perished from the earth,” he writes, and “there is no one

Today's readings.. (Job 10), (Micah 6), (James 2) The Epistle of James is particularly remembered for its message about faith.  Faith is a vital factor in our salvation, but the genuineness of our faith is shown in what it causes us to do. James writes, “If you really fulfil the royal law according to scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself,’ you are doing well.” [2 v.8] It surprises

Today's readings.. (Job 9), (Micah 5), (James 1) We have 3 most interesting and thought provoking readings today!  We see Job wrestling with his concept of what God is and how he “does great things beyond searching out, and marvellous things beyond number.” [9 v.10]. We have Micah who was inspired to record that “the one who is to be ruler in Israel” would “come forth” from Bethlehem. [5 v.2]

Today's readings.. (Job 8), (Micah 3,4), (Hebrews 13) Today we completed reading Hebrews and specially noted how Paul’s concluding appeal to them could equally apply to nearly every aspect of our lives today – surrounded as we are with false values and godless behavior. He warns, “God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have, for

Today's readings.. (Job 6,7), (Micah 2), (Hebrews 12) After the testimony about men and women of faith we read yesterday in Hebrews 11, we now notice how the next chapter starts  with “therefore” and then states, “since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also ….”  The witnesses are understood as the men and women of faith listed in ch. 11, they should be an

Today's readings.. (Job 5), (Micah 1), (Hebrews 11) The word “reproach” is not in common use these days, it means you are looked down upon because of something you are doing or have done. As a result you are often lower, often a lot lower, in people’s estimation.   Today’s familiar 11th chapter of Hebrews is well known to those who read the Bible; even to those who do not read