Inspirational and Bible Quotes.

[T.T.]

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

Clothed in Christ By: Karen Pimpo






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Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.
Romans 13:12



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Romans 13:11-14
I was so excited to put on my new glasses for the first time, but after just a few hours I wanted to throw them away. My eyes ached and head throbbed from adjusting to the new prescription. My ears were sore from the unfamiliar frames. The next day I groaned when I remembered I had to wear them. I had to repeatedly choose to use my glasses each day in order for my body to adjust. It took several weeks, but after that, I hardly noticed I was wearing them.

Putting on something new requires an adjustment, but over time we grow into it, and it suits us better. We may even see things we didn’t see before. In Romans 13, the apostle Paul instructed Christ followers to “put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:12) and practise right living. They had already believed in Jesus, but it seems they had fallen into “slumber” and become complacent; they needed to “wake up” and take action, behave decently and let go of all sin (vv. 11-12). Paul encouraged them to be clothed with Jesus and become more like Him in their thoughts and deeds (v. 14).

We don’t begin to reflect the loving, gentle, kind, grace-filled and faithful ways of Jesus overnight. It’s a long process of choosing to “put on the armour of light” every day, even when we don’t want to because it’s uncomfortable. Over time, He changes us for the better.




Reflect & Pray
What does it look like to “put on” Jesus today? How does practising Christ-likeness become more comfortable over time?

Dear Jesus, thank You that You’re transforming me day by day.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
At the end of Romans 13, Paul contrasts darkness and light. The interplay between the two is symbolic for the life that people lived before believing in Christ and the life they now live in Him. This contrast is seen in several of the apostle’s letters. Before coming to Jesus, we “were once darkness” (Ephesians 5:8), performed “deeds of darkness” (v. 11), and belonged to “the dominion of darkness” (Colossians 1:13 ) and “to the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

After coming to Christ, however, we’re not to have fellowship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14), should “live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8), and have nothing to do with the “fruitless deeds of darkness” (v. 11). We’ve been rescued “from the dominion of darkness” (Colossians 1:13) and are “children of the light and children of the day” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:5).

J.R. Hudberg



Romans 13:11-14
King James Version
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

Eyes to See By: Amy Boucher Pye






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I . . . will make you to be a covenant for the people and . . . to open eyes that are blind.
Isaiah 42:6-7



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Isaiah 42:5-9
Genevieve had to be the ‘eyes’ for her three children, each born with congenital cataracts. Whenever she took them into their village in the Republic of Benin of western Africa, she strapped the baby onto her back and held on to the arm and hand of her older two, always looking for danger. In a culture where blindness was thought to be caused by witchcraft, Genevieve despaired and cried out to God for help.

Then a man from her village told her about Mercy Ships, a ministry that provides vital surgeries to honour Jesus’ model of bringing hope and healing to the poor. Uncertain if they could help, she approached them. When the children woke up after their surgeries, they could see!

God’s story has always been about coming alongside those shrouded in darkness and bringing His light. The prophet Isaiah declared that God would be “a light for the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:6). He would “open eyes that are blind” (v. 7), restoring not only physical sight but spiritual vision as well. And He promised to “take hold” of His people’s hand (v. 6). He restored sight to the blind and brought light to those living in the darkness.

If you feel overcome by darkness, cling to hope as you embrace the promises of our loving Father while asking for His light to bring illumination.




Reflect & Pray
How has God opened your eyes, physically or spiritually? How can He light up any darkness you may be experiencing?

Heavenly Father, You desire that no one would live in darkness. Release Your love on those who are blinded in any way, that they might see.



SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Isaiah 42:1-4 is the first of four “Servant Songs” in Isaiah (see also 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13–53:12). Various passages in Isaiah point to Israel, God’s chosen people, as the servant (41:8; 44:21; 45:4; 48:20). While many of those prophetic songs do deal with Israel in the nation’s circumstances at that time, New Testament scholars believe other passages find their ultimate fulfilment in Jesus the Messiah ( 42:1; see 11:2; 49:3, 5-7; 50:10; 52:13; 53:11), the one who came in the very form and essence of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8)—obeying to the point of death on the cross. This servant’s heart was also displayed in Christ the night before the cross when He took the place of the lowest slave and washed His disciples’ feet in the upper room (John 13:1-17 ). This striking example of the heart of the divine Servant was an example to teach us how to serve both God and one another.

Bill Crowder



Isaiah 42:5-9
King James Version
5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

8 I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

Singing Meadows By: Kirsten Holmberg







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The valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.
Psalm 65:13



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Psalm 65:8-13
I’ve often affectionately joked with my mother-in-law about her ability to talk to her dogs. She responds to their barks with loving understanding. Perhaps now she and dog owners everywhere will also listen for their canine pals to laugh. Scientists have discovered that many animals, including dogs, cows, foxes, seals and parakeets, all have “vocal play signals”—otherwise known as laughter. Identifying these accompanying sounds helps distinguish an animal’s play behaviours from what might otherwise look like fighting to a human observer.

That animals express laughter and joy gives us a delightful glimmer of what it might look like for other parts of creation to praise God in their own way. As King David looked over his surroundings, it seemed to him “the hills [were] clothed with gladness” and the meadows and valleys were “[shouting] for joy” (Psalm 65:12-13). David recognised that God had cared for and enriched the land, providing both beauty and sustenance.

Even though our physical surroundings don’t sing in a literal way, they bear witness to God’s active work in His creation and, in turn, invite us to give praise to Him with our voices. May we—as part of the “whole earth”—be “filled with awe at [His] wonders” and respond to Him with “songs of joy” (v. 8). We can trust that He’ll hear and understand them.




Reflect & Pray
How do your physical surroundings encourage you to praise God? Where have you seen His handiwork elsewhere?

Thank You, God, for Your continued work in creation.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
God’s handiwork is evident throughout all creation—in the beauty of a flower, a sunset, a soaring eagle, a newborn baby. Similar to David’s declaration in Psalm 65:8 that “the whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders,” Job said, “Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you . . . . Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” (Job 12:7-9). Psalm 19:1 says that “the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” God’s creation and creatures may not literally “sing” His praises, but they inspire those with eyes to do so—and be amazed. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord,” declares the psalmist (150:6), for the Creator of the world loves and cares for us.

Alyson Kieda



Psalm 65:8-13
King James Version
8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.

11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.

12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

God’s Agents of Peace By: Tim Gustafson






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The Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Acts 23:11



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Acts 21:27-32, 37; 22:1-2
Nora went to the peaceful protest because she felt strongly about the issue of justice. As planned, the demonstration was silent. The protestors walked in powerful quietness through the city centre.

Then two buses pulled up. Agitators had arrived from out of town. A riot soon broke out. Heartbroken, Nora left. It seemed their good intentions were fruitless.

When the apostle Paul visited the temple at Jerusalem, people who opposed Paul saw him there. They were “from the province of Asia” (Acts 21:27) and viewed Jesus as a threat to their way of life. Shouting lies and rumours about Paul, they quickly stirred up trouble (vv. 28-29). A mob dragged Paul from the temple and beat him. Soldiers came running.

As he was being arrested, Paul asked the Roman commander if he could address the crowd (vv. 37-38). When permission was granted, he spoke to the crowd in their own language, surprising them and seizing their attention (v. 40). And just like that, Paul had turned a riot into an opportunity to share his story of rescue from dead religion (22:2-21).

Some people love violence and division. Don’t lose heart. They will not win. God is looking for courageous believers to share His light and peace with our desperate world. What seems like a crisis might be your opportunity to show someone God’s love.

By: Tim Gustafson





Reflect & Pray
When have you been in a crisis that you couldn’t make sense of? How do you think the Holy Spirit might help you find the wisdom for what to do in that moment?

Dear Father, my heart aches for our broken world. Help me realise Your Spirit’s presence is far more powerful than any attack the world can throw at me.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
When he had the opportunity, the apostle Paul told how he’d met Christ on the Damascus Road (see Acts 9). In today’s passage, he’d been wrongfully arrested and charged with crimes he didn’t commit. As a result, he tells his story yet again (22:3-21)—this time to a hostile crowd (v. 22). He’d repeat his story again in chapter 26 when standing before King Agrippa.

Bill Crowder




Acts 21:27-32
King James Version
27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.


Acts 21:37
King James Version
37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?


Acts 22:1-2
King James Version
22 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

The God of Order By: Tom Felten






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The earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.
Genesis 1:2



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Genesis 1:1-10
Seth took all the medications he could find in the medicine cabinet. Raised in a family filled with brokenness and disorder, his life was a mess. His mum was regularly abused by his father until his dad took his own life. Now Seth wanted to “just end” his own. But then a thought came to mind, Where do I go when I die? By God’s grace, Seth didn’t die that day. And in time, after studying the Bible with a friend, he received Jesus as his Saviour. Part of what drew Seth to God was seeing the beauty and order in creation. He said, “I . . . see things that are just beautiful. Someone made all this.”

In Genesis 1, we read of the God who indeed created all things. And although “the earth was complete chaos” (Genesis 1:2 NRSV), He brought order out of disorder. He “separated the light from the darkness” (v. 4), placed land amid the seas (v. 10), and made plants and creatures according to their “kinds” (vv. 11-12, 21, 24-25). The One who “created the heavens and earth and put everything in place” (Isaiah 45:18 NLT) continues to, as Seth discovered, bring peace and order to lives surrendered to Christ.

Life can be chaotic and challenging. Praise God that He’s not “a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Let’s call out to Him today and ask Him to help us find the beauty and order He alone provides.




Reflect & Pray
What chaos are you experiencing in your life? How can God help you bring order and peace to it?

Creator God, thank You for the peace and order You alone provide. In You, broken things become beautiful.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The book of Genesis (meaning “beginning” or “origin”) is attributed to Moses, along with the four Old Testament books that follow (known collectively as the Torah or Pentateuch). This Genesis narrative outlines the origin of the world, the human race, sin, and the Jewish people. Moses was well educated “in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22) and may have had access to Jacob’s records or other sources, along with the stories passed down through the generations. In the Pentateuch, we read that God instructed Moses to write down His words (Exodus 17:14; 34:27), and that he obeyed ( 24:4; Numbers 33:2; Deuteronomy 31:9). Throughout the Old Testament, others point to his authorship (1 Kings 2:3; 2 Chronicles 34:14). Jesus Himself refers to “the Book of Moses” (Mark 12:26). But Moses didn’t write on his own. He wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

Alyson Kieda



Genesis 1:1-10
King James Version
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.

7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

God Knows Our Needs By: Karen Huang






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Seek the Kingdom of God above all else.
Matthew 6:33



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Matthew 6:25-34
Lando, a jeepney (a form of public transport in the Philippines) driver in Manila, gulped down coffee at a roadside stall. Daily commuters were back again after the Covid-19 lockdowns. And the sports event today means more passengers, he thought. I’ll get back lost income. Finally, I can stop worrying.

He was about to start driving when he spotted Ronnie on a bench nearby. The street sweeper looked troubled, like he needed to talk. But every minute counts, Lando thought. The more passengers, the more income. I can’t linger. But he sensed that God wanted him to approach Ronnie, so he did.

Jesus understood how difficult it is not to worry (Matthew 6:25-27), so He assures us that our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need (v. 32). We’re reminded not to be anxious, but to trust Him and devote ourselves to doing what He wants us to do (vv. 31-33). As we embrace and obey His purposes, we can have confidence that our Father who “clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire” will provide for us according to His will—just as He provides for all creation (v. 30).

Because of Lando’s conversation with Ronnie, the street sweeper eventually prayed to become a believer in Christ. “And God still provided enough passengers that day,” Lando shared. “He reminded me my needs were His concern, mine was simply to follow Him.”




Reflect & Pray
What anxieties weigh on your heart? What steps can you take to surrender your cares to God?

Dear God, I don’t need to worry because You’ve promised to care and provide for me.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The observance of the Sabbath was a contentious issue for the religious leaders of Jesus’ day (Matthew 12:1-12; Mark 3:2-5; Luke 13:10-16). But here in Matthew 6, Christ outlines the heart behind the Sabbath as God instituted it long ago.

The Sabbath was intended to remind the Israelites that God would care for them. They could put aside gathering food and supplies one day a week and one year in seven. It was a rhythm of putting into practice exactly what Jesus said: “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (v. 25). Sabbath has always been seeking first the kingdom of heaven.

Jed Ostoich



Matthew 6:25-34
King James Version
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

[T.T.]

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

Ready to Go for God By: Kenneth Petersen







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I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Ephesians 4:1



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16
The book Hidden Figures recounts preparations for John Glenn’s flight into space. Computers were brand-new inventions in 1962, subject to glitches. Glenn didn’t trust them and worried about calculations for the launch. He knew one woman in the back room could run the numbers. He trusted her. “If she says the numbers are good,” Glenn said, “I’m ready to go.”

Katherine Johnson was a teacher and mother of three. She loved Jesus and served in her church. God had blessed Katherine with a remarkable mind. NASA used her in the late 1950s to help with the space programme. She was one of the “human computers” they hired at the time—and the person Glenn relied upon.

We may not be called to be brilliant mathematicians, but God calls us to other things: “To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” (Ephesians 4:7). We’re to “live a life worthy of the calling” we’ve received (v. 1). We’re part of one body, in which “each part does its work” (v. 16).

Katherine Johnson’s calculations confirmed the course trajectory. Glenn’s launch into orbit was like “hitting a bull’s-eye”. But this was just one of Katherine’s callings. Remember, she was called also to be a mother, teacher and church worker. We might ask ourselves what God has called us to, whether big or small. Are we “ready to go”, thanking Him for the grace-gifts He’s bestowed and recognising He has prepared times and places for us to use them?





Reflect & Pray
What has God called you to do? How has He gifted you?

Dear God, thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. Please help me to live a life worthy of Your calling.



SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
There are five different listings of spiritual gifts in the New Testament: Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 12:28-30; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:11. That no two lists are identical suggests that each one isn’t exhaustive. More important, the emphasis is on how the diversity of gifts are to be used “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7) and to “equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 NLT) in a loving way that unites the church (vv. 13-16). Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (v. 11) are people gifted in proclaiming and teaching the Scriptures.

K. T. Sim



Ephesians 4:1-7
King James Version
4 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.


Ephesians 4:11-16
King James Version
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

Questioning Ourselves By: Amy Boucher Pye






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You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
Psalm 139:2



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Psalm 139:1–18
John Wesley (1703–1791) led a highly disciplined life. He created 22 questions for self-examination, which he and his friends in Oxford used daily, for instance: “Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?” These questions formed their ‘method’ of being accountable spiritually, which eventually birthed the Methodist movement.

Although Wesley’s exacting questions are no longer used widely on a daily basis, his approach to self-examination, combined with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, can help us to understand ourselves and God better.

King David, who wrote so many of the Psalms, was also someone who sought to know himself and God better. In the well-loved Psalm 139, for example, he shares how God searches and knows him (Psalm 139:1). He understands that, “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar” (v. 2). David acknowledges the wonderful mystery of God knowing him so completely: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” (v. 6). He finds deep contentment in this understanding.

We can entrust ourselves to God’s loving care because we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (v. 14). We know that God has knitted us together in our mother’s womb (v. 13). Therefore we can ask Him to reveal to us our blind-spots and our failings, knowing that He will answer us both graciously and lovingly.




Reflect & Pray
How could you incorporate self-examination into your daily or weekly routine? How does knowing yourself better help you to love others better?

Loving God, thank You that when You shine Your light on me, I do not need to fear. You help me to love You and others better.





SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In response to a hostile world that opposed and rejected God (Psalm 139:19–22), David exalts Him and celebrates His character. He’s omniscient—God knows everything about him (vv. 1–4); He’s omnipresent—God is ever-present to protect him (vv. 5–12); He’s omnipotent—God is an all-powerful Creator who sustains him (vv. 13–18 ). Referring to God’s omnipresence, David asks a rhetorical question: “Where can I flee from your presence?” (v. 7). Nowhere! The prophet Jonah learned the hard way that there’s no place to run from God—not even in the belly of a big fish in the depths of the sea (Jonah 1–2). God issued this challenge to His people who thought they could hide from Him: “Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24 NLT).

K. T. Sim



Psalm 139:1-18
King James Version
139 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

God’s Tender Love By: Lisa M. Samra






Click here for the Audio Message



To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek.
Hosea 11:4




Today's Scripture & Insight :
Hosea 11:1-4
A 2017 video of a dad comforting his two-month-old son while the baby received his routine vaccinations gained international attention for the way it captured a dad’s love for his child. After the nurse finished administering the vaccinations, the dad tenderly held his son close to his cheek, and the boy stopped sobbing within seconds. There’s almost nothing more reassuring than the tender care of a loving parent.

In Scripture, there are many beautiful descriptions of God as a loving parent, images that invoke God’s deep love for His children. The Old Testament prophet Hosea was given a message to deliver to the Israelites living in the Northern Kingdom during the time of the divided kingdom. He called them to return to a relationship with God. Hosea reminded the Israelites of God’s love for them as he pictured God as a gentle Father: “when Israel was a child, I loved him” (Hosea 11:1) and “to them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek” (v. 4).

This same reassuring promise of God’s loving care is true for us. Perhaps we long for His tender care after a season where we’ve rejected His love. Maybe we need Him to hold us close because of pain and suffering in our lives. Whatever our circumstances, He always calls us His children (1 John 3:1) and His comforting arms are open to receive us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).




Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced the love of God as a caring Father? What concerns might you bring to Him today?

Heavenly Father, thank You that You call me Your child and provide tender care when I run to You.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Given Hosea’s assignment to demonstrate love, it should be no surprise that he’s been called “John (the apostle of love) of the Old Testament.” God told Hosea to “go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods” (Hosea 3:1). Descriptors for this kind of love include words like relentless, ceaseless, loyal, unconditional. It’s a pursuing love; one that releases one from slavery and bondage (11:1), pursues those who stray ( v. 2), and accompanies its objects in various stages of development because they’re loved (vv. 3-4). Believers in Jesus are no strangers to God’s tender love. The one who “demonstrate[ed] his own love for us . . . while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8) is the one who loves us enough to pursue us when we stray (see Hebrews 12:5-6).

Arthur Jackson



Hosea 11:1-4
King James Version
11 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

3 I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.

[T.T.]

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

God's Kingdom By: Amy Boucher Pye






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Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy.
Deuteronomy 24:14



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Deuteronomy 24:10–15
Mandy from Leicestershire has a heart for the poor and needy. For over forty years now—since before the Fairtrade Mark existed—she has sold fair-trade products, first through catalogues, and then in her shop and online. Her “growing awareness of God’s love for the poor and [His] desire for justice” has compelled her to partner with God “in bringing about God’s kingdom on earth”.

God has always been concerned about the poor and needy. Moses, for instance, after sharing the law that God had revealed to him on Mount Sinai with His people, detailed before they entered the Promised Land how they should treat their labourers: “Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy” (Deuteronomy 24:14). And “Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise they may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin” (v. 15). As His command reveals, God wove a fair and just way of living into the very foundations of His people’s society.

Of course we may not be able to sell fair-trade goods, but like Mandy we can trust God to show us how to treat others with His love and respect. With His help, we too may be able to say, “I am thankful for how God has led me to make the world a fairer place.”




Reflect & Pray
How might God partner with you to build His kingdom here on earth? What global or local communities has He put on your heart recently?

Creator God, You designed Your laws so that we might flourish. Help me to uphold Your will and share Your love with others today.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
How does God provide for us? What if the source of our help comes from someone of another religion or from someone who claims no belief in God? Is their kindness still from God? Think about the children of Israel. Who helped them in their escape from Egypt? Yes, it was God and Moses. But Moses tells us that the Spirit of God prompted the Egyptian neighbours to fill the arms of the Jewish slaves with gold, silver, and clothing for their journey (Ex. 12:35–36).

Looking back on that day of great escape, in Deuteronomy 24 God reminds His people of two things. To help them identify with those in need, He wanted Israel to remember that their ancestors were once impoverished slaves. The second reminder grew out of the first. The Lord reminded His people that just as they had been helped in their escape from bondage, now it was their turn. As God had met their needs through the hands of others, so it was their turn to help others in a way that gives hands and faces to the heart of our provider God.

Mart DeHaan



Deuteronomy 24:10-15
King James Version
10 When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge.

11 Thou shalt stand abroad, and the man to whom thou dost lend shall bring out the pledge abroad unto thee.

12 And if the man be poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:

13 In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the Lord thy God.

14 Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates:

15 At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee.

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

Bitterness of Stolen Sweets By: Marvin Williams






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Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
Proverbs 20:17



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Proverbs 20:11-17
Thieves in Germany stole a lorry’s refrigerated trailer filled with more than twenty tons of chocolate. The estimated worth of the stolen sweetness was £60,000. Local police asked anyone who was offered large quantities of chocolate via unconventional channels to report it immediately. Surely those who stole the massive amount of sweets will be facing bitter and unsatisfying consequences if they’re caught and prosecuted!

Proverbs confirms this principle: “Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel” (Proverbs 20:17). Things we acquire deceptively or wrongfully may seem to be sweet at first—seasoned with excitement and temporary enjoyment. But the flavour will eventually wear off and our deception will lead to our being left wanting and in trouble. The bitter consequences of guilt, fear and sin can end up ruining our lives and reputations. “Even small children are known by their actions, [if] their conduct [is] really pure and upright” (v. 11). May our words and actions reveal a pure heart for God—not the bitterness of selfish desires.

When we’re tempted, let’s ask God to strengthen us and help us remain faithful to Him. He can help us look behind the short-term ‘sweetness’ of giving in to temptation and guide us to carefully consider the long-term consequences of our choices.





Reflect & Pray
When has temptation led to bitter consequences for you? How can you remain faithful to God?

Dear God, I need Your strength to fight temptation and remain faithful to You.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
It might seem difficult to detect a theme to the proverbs in chapter 20, but theologian John E. Goldingay identifies one. Noting the difficulty of finding good examples of individual integrity, he points out that “openness is not common (v. 5), . . . and human evasiveness is difficult to penetrate (v. 15).” We must keep in mind that the Proverbs don’t always tell us how to live; sometimes they’re observations about life—for instance, “the buyer” who considers a product yet disparages its value in order to bargain for a lower price ( v. 14). Solomon, who wrote many of the Proverbs, isn’t advising us to imitate this dishonest bartering tactic; rather, this is his observation of human nature. Goldingay suggests that verse 5 is key to understanding the chapter: “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”

Tim Gustafson





Proverbs 20:11-17
King James Version
11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.

13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

Community in Christ By: Karen Pimpo






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A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12



Today's Scripture & Insight :
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
“I knew that the only way to succeed was to forget about home and my wife, son and daughter,” said Jordon. “I’ve found I can’t do that. They’re woven into the fabric of my heart and soul.” Alone in a remote area, Jordon was participating in a reality show where contestants are asked to survive outdoors with minimal supplies for as long as possible. What forced him to forfeit was not the grizzly bears, freezing temperatures, injury or hunger, but an overwhelming loneliness and desire to be with his family.

We might have all the survival skills necessary for the wilderness, but separating ourselves from community is a sure way to fail. The wise author of Ecclesiastes said, “Two are better than one, because . . . one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Christ-honouring community, even with all its messiness, is essential to our thriving. We don’t stand a chance against the trials of this world if we try to tackle them on our own. Someone who toils alone, toils in vain (v. 8). Without community, we’re more susceptible to danger (vv. 11-12). Unlike a single thread, “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (v. 12). The gift of a loving, Christ-focused community is one that not only provides encouragement, but also gives us strength to thrive despite challenging situations. We need each other.




Reflect & Pray
How can you commit to spending time with the family of believers? Who around you might be isolated and in need?

Father, thank You for the gift of community! Please give me opportunities to spend meaningful time with others in Your family today.



SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Along with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes is classified as one of the Wisdom books of Scripture. Wisdom books, which emphasize the supreme value of fearing God (Ecclesiastes 8:13; 12:13), help the reader navigate the good and not-so-good—the bitter and sweet of this life—from God’s perspective and to trust Him. Given Wisdom Literature’s goal—to help its readers to “live skilfully”—it shouldn’t surprise us to find numerous occurrences in the book of Ecclesiastes of the word better or the phrase better than. The comparative value of wisdom is stressed in passages such as “Wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness” ( 2:13); “Wisdom is better than strength” (9:16); “Wisdom is better than weapons of war” (9:18). We also see this emphasis in Proverbs: “For she [wisdom] is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold” (3:14).

Arthur Jackson




Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
King James Version
7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

[T.T.]

[lesbrewer]

Grafted as One By: Anne Le Tissier







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Remain in me, as I also remain in you.
John 15:4



Today's Scripture & Insight :
John 15:1-17
A sinister passenger lurked in the 1860s steamships powering across the Atlantic. Its name? Phylloxera—a microscopic louse with an appetite for roots.

Panic tore through France. Church bells rang in terror as thousands of vineyards shrivelled and died, alongside many livelihoods. In desperation, a hefty reward was advertised: who could stop phylloxera severing the water and nutrient flow from roots to vines? Finally, someone came up with an effective defence: grafting European shoots into phylloxera-resistant American vines.

The process of grafting involves inserting one piece of living material into another so that they now unite and grow as one. It’s how Jesus describes our relationship with Him in John 15:1: “I am the true vine.” He is our only spiritual life-source. “Remain in me” (v. 4)—in other words, “Keep living here with me.” By faith we are grafted to “the true vine” as His branches. And as we obediently respond to Jesus’ words (vv. 7, 10), His life-nurturing Spirit produces God’s fruit in us (vv. 4–5). Our lives are no longer just ours, but a wonderful extension of His.

Temptations to grow distant from Jesus are like the invasive louse looking to hinder the vital flow of spiritual nourishment. Just like phylloxera-resistant vines, Jesus is our source of life and our defence against worldly tugs and fears. Eternally one with Him, our spiritual sustenance and health comes from cherishing this vital union and life-giving friendship (v. 15).




Reflect & Pray
How does it encourage and reassure you to see yourself as one with Jesus? What practical things could you do to help restore your focus on Jesus throughout each day (for example, setting an alarm or keeping a particular object on your desk)?

Thank You, Jesus, for cherishing me as Your friend and binding me to Yourself.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
One of the distinctly beautiful features of the gospel of John is its seven “I am” sayings. These statements serve to identify Jesus with Yahweh—the eternal, ever-present, covenant-keeping God who revealed Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14: “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I am has sent me to you.” ’ ” Jesus’ declaration in John 15:1, 5—“I am the [true] vine”—is the seventh “I am” statement (see also 6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 11; 11:25; 14:6) . On the eve of His death, Jesus reminded His disciples of how essential it was to remain connected to Him. Through Christ’s words we understand that “loving obedience” is required to abide in Him: “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (15:10).

Arthur Jackson



John 15:1-17
King James Version
15 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

[T.T.]