Will we ever learn?

In the Gospels, we read about Jesus and his disciples. They were slow learners - but he was a very patient teacher. He didn't give up on them, and he doesn't give up on us. In the question, "Will we  ever learn?", there is more than a hint of frustration - we want to learn, …

When God’s people faced opposition, they kept on working, and they kept on praying.

Nehemiah 3:1-4:23; Revelation 17:1-18; Psalm 147:12-20 God's people faced opposition. What did they do? They kept on working - "The people worked with all their heart" (Nehemiah 4:6). They kept on praying - "We prayed to our God" (Nehemiah 4:9). They were watchful -  "Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held …

A time of great rejoicing

Esther 9:1-10:3; Revelation 5:1-14; Proverbs 30:11-23 Esther 9 speaks of days of feasting and joy (Esther 9:17-19,22-23,28). If the Jews had cause to rejoice in Esther's day, we have much more cause for rejoicing in the Lord - "Do not weep! Se, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed" …

At the time of harvest

Ruth 2:1-16 It wasn't always harvest. Remember Ruth 1:1 - "There was a famine in the land." In today's world - for some, there is harvest. For others, there is famine. At the time of the harvest, we give thanks to God and we share with people in need. Do not forget the Lord (Ruth …

Help us, Lord, to look beyond our earthly life. Give us a life-changing glimpse of our glorious future.

‘I am with you to save you’. This, Lord, was Your Word to Your people. You assured Your people that their ‘captivity’ in Babylon would not last forever. You gave Your promise to them: ‘I will restore the fortunes of My people... I will bring them back to the land which I gave to their …

Link to Rev James Philip’s notes on Galatians

Galatians

Rejoice in the Lord, and grow in him.

Hannah’s prayer begins with the words, “My heart finds joy in the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:1). Her son, Samuel, was going the Lord’s way. This was something which made Hannah rejoice in the Lord. We read about Samuel’s spiritual growth (1 Samuel 2:18,21). “The boy Samuel grew up in front of the Lord” (1 Samuel …

Thinking Together About Jesus

Psalm 2:1-12; Mark 8:27-9:8 We're going to think together about Jesus is and what He has done for us. We're also going to think about keeping our eyes on Jesus and living for Him. (1) We begin by looking at two questions - "Who do men say that I am?" and "Who do you say that …

God’s command and God’s promise

Genesis 46:1-34 Jacob goes to Egypt. There were three factors in Jacob’s guidance: Inner desire - He wanted to see Joseph;  Circumstances - Joseph wanted to see him and his sons were going to take him;  God’s Word - God told him to go.  With God’s command, there was also His promise - ‘I will …

Lord, take us to the quiet place. This is where we receive strength for bringing the Bread of Life to others.

Exodus 31:1-33:6; Mark 6:30-56; Psalm 25:1-7 Moses calls to the people, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me” (Exodus 33:26). Jesus also invites His apostles to “come” - “Come with Me... to a quiet place” (Mark 6:31). To come with Jesus to a quiet place is not to discover a place of permanent tranquility. …

The Lord is leading His people on to better things.

Exodus 4:1-6:12; Matthew 26:31-46; Proverbs 4:10-19 Moses was not eloquent. God made him a mighty man of faith. Peter denied his Lord. God restored him and established him in Christ. We are inadequate and unworthy. God can do great things in us and through us. The Lord is leading His people on to better things: “The …

God is still calling His people to wake up and rise up.

Judges 4:1-5:11 Barak is an example of 'faith' (Hebrews 11:32-34). Faith involves believing God's promise - 'I will give... ' and obeying His command - 'Go' (4:6-7). God still says, 'Go... I am with you always... ' (Matthew 28:19-20). Barak needed Deborah's help (4:8-10). Both needed God's help - 'Our sufficiency comes from God' (2 …

Let the Lord’s “rivers of living water” flow freely.

Joshua 15:1-63  -  ‘The land of  Negeb’ had little water. The request was made - ‘Give me also springs of water’. The request was granted. Trusting in the Lord’s promise - ‘the heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him’, we receive His blessing - ‘rivers of living water’ (19; Luke …

Learning From 2 Samuel

2 Samuel 1:1-2:32 Here, we read about the end of Saul's reign and the beginning of David's reign. For Saul, the end was tragic: "See how the mighty have fallen!" (2 Samuel 1:19,25,27). David's reign marked a new beginning. God is gracious. He gives us a new beginning when we have made a mess of …