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Full of grief, Cleopas and his colleague discussed the sad events of the past few days. The stranger who joined them asked about their sorrow, and they responded that the One they had hoped was the Messiah had died and disappeared. They were occupied with the bad news when there was such good news to enjoy. Women had found the tomb empty and other disciples had verified the fact! Today let us rejoice that: “He is not here, He is risen.” May we be occupied with the His glorious resurrection. It will change your day from disappointment to delight. —Arnot P. McIntee

This must have been an amazing morning for those tired, cold and weary disciples. They toiled all night for fish to feed their hunger, but to no avail. Trusting in their own efforts and expertise as fisherman they came up empty. But Jesus stood on the shore! Their world would change that day when He entered the scene. What they needed the Lord provided in the way He alone could. As Creator of the universe He had the fish ready on the fire. He is still the same today, able to provide in unique and wondrous ways to those who trust Him alone for their need. —Jim Paul

The core of apostolic preaching was the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. When this passage was written, the declaration was 30 years old and well circulated throughout the world. Undoubtedly much critical investigation had been provoked and the skeptical researchers had aired their oppositions. Yet Paul boldly speaks out in defense of this radiant truth. Consider the number and quality of the witnesses of this event—the price they paid for their stand. It is evident that He lives, the Man in the glory, to preside over the entitlements of those who love Him. —E. F.

Several years ago my wife had a serious but unknown health problem. We feared the worst but were thankful to find out that although major surgery was needed, it was not a cancerous tumour. Some time later someone said to her, “Wasn’t God good that it wasn’t cancer?” I’ll never forget her reply, “God would have still been good even if it had been cancer.” Goodness is one of God's great attributes and we can rest upon it. No matter the situation, “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” (Psalm 23:6). Remember, God is good, all of the time! —James Comte

Pilate was in a difficult situation. He was being forced to make a decision about who Christ was. In the end he avoided answering and decided on a politically expedient course. He went to the people for their verdict. One day the question will be asked of us, "Who do you say I am?” This time the question will come from the very throne of God. The answer we give will determine our eternal fate. Will we be with the Lord in glory or cast from His presence? We cannot rely on others. The answer must come from us. Friend I trust you know today what your answer is. —Brad Dunn

The shepherds or elders in the local assembly have a heavy responsibility. As our Lord’s representative they must be His example to the flock they shepherd. They must be on guard for false teaching. They must care for the weak and strong, young and old, male and female, from all walks of life. Let us pray for them and their families. Let us help them with their work. Let us defend them when they have been falsely accused. Let us lovingly yield to their rule over us for they "watch out for the souls of the flock." —Bob Cretney

Lotteries are common-place in most nations and many dream of winning the big prize. However, recent studies have revealed a phenomenon known as the “lottery curse”—describing the heartache that has come to many who have won. There are accounts of divorce, suicide, murder, and untold problems for those who “will be rich.” Trust not in “uncertain riches,” God says. “Godliness with contentment is great gain,” (1 Tim. 6.6). We may not be buying lottery tickets, but what does the focus of our life reveal about what we think is truly valuable? —W. H. Gustafson

Having failed in his temptation of Jesus, the devil left “for a season.” Was the agony (derived from Greek agon, “contest” or “struggle”) in Gethsemane the result of a renewed attack? That an angel strengthened Him there seems amazing. He humbled Himself to the extent that, becoming a man, He would, as a man, operate within this boundary condition to complete the victory for all mankind over sin, death, and hell. —Tom Steere

In England we noticed a sign, “Mind your head!” In the United States, signs read, “Watch your step.” These warnings from head to toe, are similar to heavenly warnings in the Scriptures. We are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, for as we think, so are we. God also exhorts us to walk as we have received Christ—by faith. Mind your head and watch your step —two good reminders for the day! —Rex Trogdon

This word “minister” refers to the under-rower, the oarsman in the lower decks who rowed the ship—unnoticed, unappreciated. Typically a slave, he received the meanest of rations and the barest of life’s necessities. Is Christ enough for me? This burning question must be answered if we truly desire Him to “make us” what He wants us to be. Will I allow Him only to be my sufficiency (2 Cor. 12:9) and my reward (Isa. 45:13)? —Rick Morse