Month: October 2011

This little maid had two ways to respond to her situation: She could mope and feel sorry for herself, or she could hope and feel sorry for everyone else. She chose the latter, and look at the results! Her response was very simple. Syria was to be the next missionary outpost for Israel and she was to be the pioneer missionary there! She could see Naaman as either a villain or a victim, and she chose the latter. It was her choice to minister to the needs of her oppressor—and God wrought a mighty miracle as a result. —C. F.

Inscribed into stonework above the entrance to a shopping area in Dunfermline, Scotland are words which at first sight seem unintelligible “Prais God for All Hys Gyftes”. Written in old English, they mean “Praise God for all His gifts”. We should always be thankful for the many gifts of God, but particularly so for God’s greatest gift—the person of His Son and the personal salvation He has made possible through faith in His sin-atoning death. At His table today, may our hearts be full. —Brian Powlesland

We often hear the platitude, “All’s well that ends well.” How much better to know a Sovereign God who rules in the affairs of men in such a way that He causes “all things to work together for good” in the life of the believer. God completely met the need of His people in the days of Mordecai and Esther and He continues to do so today. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end,” (Jer. 29.11). Rest in His provision. —W. H. Gustafson

F. B. Meyer tells of hearing Hudson Taylor preach from Mark 11:22, translating it thus: “Reckon on God’s faithfulness.” Today, whatever may be your situation, count on God’s faithfulness. Assume God will be faithful to walk through the hours ahead with you. God guarantees He will be faithful—so we must act on that fact, going forward, putting all our confidence and leaning all our weight on the towering faithfulness of God (Ps 36:5). —M. MacMullen

God commanded His people to subdue all the land of Canaan and eliminate every foe; but in this they failed, and that with tragic results. Gaza was the place where the mighty Samson came to grief (Jud. 16). From Gath arose Goliath, the giant who later terrified the armies of Israel (1 Sam. 17). Ashdod was where the Philistines took the ark of God after defeating the Israelites in battle (1 Sam. 5). So, child of God, give no quarter to “the desires of the flesh” (Eph. 2), for these will continually “war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2), thus producing defeated Christians. —W. P. M.

David’s disciplined life is a good pattern for us all. Daniel-like, he made personal prayer a thrice-daily feature of his life. Closely linked with his regularity in prayer was his robust faith that prayer really works! There is a note of certainty in, “The Lord will save me…He shall hear my voice.” Frequently, disorganized lives and wavering faith live under the same roof! —G. H.

Sometimes we may be disappointed in the standards of commitment or behaviour we see in other Christians. If we dwell on these we may become disillusioned or cynical. So, what is the right reaction to failure in others? Rather than being a complainer, which helps no one, become an example of the believers and an example to them. Do you complain that in your fellowship there is no young people’s work? Well, perhaps the Lord has put you there to start one. Or, “No one shows hospitality.” Again, maybe that is why the Lord placed you there—to be an example! —Roy Hill

There are two ways that Christians can react to distress. We can blame God, bemoan our lot and go our own way, or we can draw even closer to the One who allowed the trial. Knowing Him better, feeling the warmth of His presence and the fellowship of the Lord’s people, makes a trial become a privilege and a blessing.—Brian Russell

Solomon offered sacrifices without number for the people of one nation. When God desired to secure redemption for a multitude out of every tribe and nation and tongue, from throughout all the ages of history, then He who was greater than Solomon sacrificed Himself.—Tom Steere

When Joseph died, his embalmed remains were placed in a coffin in Egypt. But he was not buried there (Gen. 50:26). His bones were carried by Moses and Israel on their journeys (Ex. 13:19) and Joseph did not come to rest until he had been carried to a special place in the Promised Land. This is a delightful example of the believer’s prospect. We may die down here, but we shall surely be carried across the wilderness by our Moses, until at last we rest in the place our Saviour prepares for us. —Doug Kazen