David’s complaint (vv. 1-3) eventually became the basis for his praise (vv. 4-7). It is a pattern we see in a number of other psalms, when overwhelming problems eventually give way to a new perspective. A case in point would be the hills that give way to the God who made those hills (see Ps. 121:1-2). David is clear that God will deal with the problems in a far better way than he could. While everyone counts on someone else to help them, we can always count on God. He will turn our sorrows to joy. —N. C. Funston
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my guide. —John E. Bode
“This is a book that traces the most remarkable story and work of Colleen Redit, founder of Christian Missions Charitable Trust, Chennai, India. However, in reading the book I was struck by the simple and very ‘matter of fact’ way in which this story is told. This beautiful book contains many photographs, and, at times, a detailed narrative, yet it does not convey much of the drama of the trials of missionary work amongst some of the poorest and neediest people of India. It is a book that seeks to let the facts speak for themselves.
What makes this book interesting and challenging is the thread that runs throughout. God is faithful! Yet the reader must pause and appreciate the remarkable nature of events that are recorded so simply. There is no attempt to emphasize the difficulties of financing or staffing a growing work of this nature and magnitude. There is little attempt to convey the burden of such a work on the person responsible for the vision. What is communicated is the warmth, wisdom, and enthusiasm of Colleen Redit.
There is a lot of practical insight that might prove useful to those considering a work for the Lord. Being unfamiliar with the New Zealand background of the author I found it difficult to appreciate the Every Girl’s Rally work. Equally, having never been to India, it is difficult to appreciate the challenges of working in that country. However, the replication of the Rally concept in an Indian context was an interesting insight into how difficulties and tensions can be overcome. Equally, it is encouraging to see something of the support of the commending assemblies, as well as those Indian believers who now share the vision, and the burden for its delivery. It needs to be remembered, this is an on-going work! This is not just a book to read. It is a book to ponder.”
And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. 2 Kings 4:21
An unspeakable tragedy had taken place in the home of this Shunammite woman. Her only son had died. It is worthy of note how this godly woman responded to the crisis. She put her son on Elisha’s bed, closed the door, and ran to him. There are times when crises arise in our life, where there’s nothing we can do to reverse the situation. The example of the godly Shunammite is surely our best recourse—to close the door, and leave it with the Lord. —W. H. Burnett
The sorrows of the daily life, The shadows o’er my path which fall, Too oft obscure the glory’s light, Until I rise above them all. —Author Unknown
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22
The first part of this verse is a lovely pearl! It is a well known fact that to have an optimistic attitude and a happy spirit is to promote good health. A solid, hearty laugh releases good endorphins into the system and relaxes tightened muscles. We all know what a broken spirit does to the stomach and mind—it gives no rest or peace! But to trust the Lord is to have His peace in spite of the circumstances around us. —G. Frear
‘Tis better by far to be happy and glad, Than to be deep in misery, self pity and sad, Our Father in heaven sees all that we do, In pleasing Him here, we please others too. —G. F.
…my word…shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
It is the Holy Spirit who brings men under conviction of sin and brings them to Christ. To do this He uses His sword—the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). But God has given to us the responsibility of getting that Word out, so that the Spirit can do His work. It will take time and energy and we may need to give up some of our own pursuits to do this but if we do our part God will do His and bring it to fruition. It was a discarded tract, picked up from a gutter in Malawi, that God used to start a new work for Himself there. —David Croudace
When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome, We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. —Knowles Shaw
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Psalm 22:1
We can never take in what the Lord Jesus endured at the cross. Our finite minds and our dulled senses can at best only dimly grasp the sheer depths of the gulf spanned when the Holy Saviour was made sin for us. What utter grace it was that took Him there! Let us then bow our hearts in fond remembrance, as we do what He has asked of us on this first day of the week. —Mark Fenn
Thy grace, O Lord, that measured once the deep Of Calvary’s woe, to seek and save Thy sheep, Has touched our hearts and made them long for Thee, Thyself our treasure and our all to be. —Charles Andrew Coates
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
While tempting the Lord to sin, the devil misquoted Psalm 91:11-12 (see Matt. 4:6). Satan added “at any time”, and left out “to keep thee in all thy ways”. Two observations: First, the devil is never more dangerous than when he misuses God’s Word—he does so to deceive. Second, the Lord quoted Scripture to deflect the enemy’s assault (Matt. 4:4-10). If we follow His example, we too will evade the lion’s attack and trample the serpent under our feet (Ps. 91:13). —W. A. H.
There is a safe and secret place, Beneath the wings divine, Reserved for all the heirs of grace; O be that refuge mine! —Henry F. Lyte
I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. Psalm 119:32
Oh, that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast… 1 Chronicles 4:10
Physically speaking an enlarged heart is a serious condition—even life threatening. In dramatic contrast, however, a spiritually enlarged heart is something we should seek after. If God “broadens” our love for Him and His dear people, as well as the lost, then we can ask Him to “broaden” our sphere of influence for His honour and glory.
—Wm. H. Gustafson
Give me a sight, O Saviour, of Thy wondrous love to me, Of the love that bro’t Thee down to earth, to die on Calvary. —A. M. Kelly
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men. 2 Timothy 2:24
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children. 1 Thessalonians 2:7
What a touching picture Paul paints here of his behaviour towards the Thessalonians; that of gentleness, as a nursing mother taking care of her children. Paul also reminds Timothy, that “the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men.” Often, our old nature reacts negatively towards others rather than with gentleness. May the Lord help us to display the “gentleness of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:1). —E. V.
You have given me the shield of your salvation, Your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. —Psalm 18:35 (ESV)
