Month: May 2011

Paul was in prison facing possible execution, yet his thoughts were occupied with magnifying Christ by his body. If he lived, he would preach to the lost, and edify Christians through epistles. If he died, he would bear witness to the good news that is worth dying for, because it is death-proof and extends beyond the grave. Are we living to magnify Christ? At our death, how many of our friends would know that we have eternal life in the Lord Jesus? —K. R. Keyser

Both Matthew and Mark record this lovely incident but do not name the woman. It is sixty years after the event that John reveals her identity. It was that Mary! So many saints perform, without publicity, a sweet ministry of which we may not be aware. But one day all will be revealed and rewarded by Him for whom it was done. He appreciates it all.—J. F.

Often we use comparisons to learn about things. However when we meditate on our Lord this is impossible. He is incomparable. Nothing in creation is adequate to explain Him. Our Creator cannot be conceived by human minds. He is one, yet Father, Son and Spirit, a triunity. He knows all things. He is Almighty. He dwells high above creation, and exists outside of time. Yet He loves us and became our Saviour. Who is a pardoning God like thee? We love Him. —George Ferrier

I don't know what to do. How often in a desperate moment have we breathed these words? Life can be very difficult—problems within families, problems at work, problems with poor health, problems with finances. How it changes things and brings tranquility if we face these situations by turning our eyes upon the Lord and trusting Him to be our helper and strength. —M. Robins

Paul was in a dark place. He was a prisoner of Nero in degrading circumstances and awaited death at any moment. Many thoughts filled his mind. Yet, above these were two others: the will of God and the promise of life. Whatever was happening to him he was convinced was in the will of God; it could not be otherwise. While Nero might be the means of his death yet he had the promise of life in Christ Jesus. Man’s worst efforts opened up God’s promises. Somewhere in this darkest hour was God’s will and somewhere in the confusion was God’s promise of life. May we also try to remember these wonderful truths in our dark times. —Roy Hill

Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5). Light exposes and illuminates. Thus He brings our sins into the light so that through confession of sin there is subsequent forgiveness and cleansing. But He also illuminates our hidden labours for Him—visits to the ill, witnessing, intercessory prayers. They will be fully revealed in a coming day and rewarded. Let the Light expose and illuminate you today.  —Vernon Markle

The Apostle and those with him were concerned. The Word of God is living and powerful, but it does not always have free course. Sometimes those who preach it water it down, omit parts, add to it, or alter the meaning. Sometimes they are silent when they should speak, and the Word is bottled up. Are we as concerned about it as the early Christians were? Do we speak about the Scriptures to others, or stifle them? Out of the fulness of the heart, the mouth speaks. Let us take in the Word, and give it out to others, too! —C. K.

Are we adopted children of God? I am not, I was born into the family of God. A child born into a family cannot be adopted into it. We have the Spirit of adoption, (Romans 8:15) but the adoption is later (v.23). The word "adoption" means "son-placed". It happened to a Jewish boy when he was brought into the inheritance of his family. He was fully grown. Our adoption is the aim of God in salvation. To be son-placed in His eternal plan. We are not there yet, but when He comes we will receive the "adoption" (Romans 8:23). —Harold G. Smith

Israel was God’s vineyard, but He was disappointed—it brought forth wild grapes (Isaiah 5:1-7). By contrast, the Lord Jesus calls Himself "the true vine." He said, "For I do always those things that please him," (John 8:29). It is little wonder that twice over, the Father rent the heavens to declare His delight in the Son. The Lord Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5). The Father is looking for fruit in our lives. Are we rising to His expectations? Or are we disappointing Him? May the Lord enable us, like our Lord, to bring delight to the heart of the Father daily. —W. H. Burnett

Former enemies, now reconciled! Even when we were dead in sins, God made the reconciling move. We did not deserve it, and we would never have done it ourselves. But, through the work of His Son, God indeed did move to reconcile us, His enemies, back to Himself. How supremely praiseworthy and kind! —Mark Fenn