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Why do people complain? Because their expectations are not met. Because today is deemed worse than yesterday. The Israelites murmured because their wilderness situation was less desirable than their faulty memories of Egypt. God had delivered them from bondage to have communion with Him. When judgment came, it was those furthest from the Lord that suffered the most. Nearest to Christ and a Christ-focused mind alleviates complaining and its consequences.—Warren Henderson

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chronicles 21; Ezekiel 20:1-44; John 7:12-30 

Why did the Lord dramatically stop Saul of Tarsus on his way to Damascus? Why did He suddenly call Levi, a sinful tax collector or Mary Magdalene, whose life was tortured by evil spirits. Why did He rescue a person like the man of Gadara or the woman at the well? Why did He do this for them—and you and me for that matter? It was to shine out His grace but also that we might learn of Him as we “follow after.” The Lord has something in store for you. Stay close to Him and in time you will apprehend why He apprehended you. —Mark Kolchin

A story is told of John the disciple that when he was very old he was asked to preach, but being too weak, devoted himself instead to repeating "Beloved, love one another. If only this is done, it is enough." John had seen with his eyes the life of love that Jesus led. He had heard the new commandment to "Love one another, even as I have loved you". The disciple whom Jesus loved was adamant that love is the most important action in a believer's life. Let us act in love today. —C. Oriold

Ever wonder where heaven is? Thomas’ question is worth considering. The Bible speaks of heaven as being up. The Lord Jesus had come down from heaven and now He was going back to heaven. One day He will again descend from heaven and we will be caught up to be with Him forever. Yes, Heaven is up, but the real question is not where heaven is, but how to get there? Jesus answered this question in a wonderful way by saying, “I am the Way!” Through faith in Him, you can be there. —Rex Trogdon

Before breathless Cleopas and his friend could tell the news they had traveled seven miles to share, equally excited friends burst out with their news: “The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.” What a display of grace! Simon (Peter) had denied his Lord during Calvary’s dark hours, but the Lord was anxious to quickly restore fellowship with His erring disciple. He is still anxious to restore people to Himself. In 1 John 1:9 the Word of God says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” From a repentant heart, confess your sins to Him today, and be assured He will forgive you. That is why He died and rose again. —Arnot P. McIntee

All too often our perception of successful Christianity is in the outward appearance: clean cut, well dressed, quality transportation, nice home, etc. None of these things are mentioned in Christ’s teachings. All of the blessed qualities here in Matthew 5 are found in the inner man: poor in spirit, mourning for those who are proud, meek, hungering, thirsting after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, taking patiently persecution for righteousness. Imagine a world where everyone lived by such attributes! That world is coming. When His kingdom is come, His will will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Are we living thus now? —Tom Steere

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