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Christians are the Bride of Christ. He is the Bridegroom. We are also the Body of Christ. He is the Head. But here Peter calls us living stones in a unique building—the Church. This temple is unseen to the world but precious to the Lord. He is its firm foundation, the Cornerstone who never fails and He will one day become the Head of the corner—the One who completes the marvelous edifice. Are you a stone in this building? —E. MacLelland

When the Lord came to Simon Peter, he asked, “Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?” His question was really a statement which grew into an exclamation. Thou shalt never wash my feet! The Lord warned, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me,” (John 13:8). Simon’s exclamation then turned into a request—for a bath! (John 13:9). We would do well to think about what we are asking, stating, exclaiming and requesting. It will do more than help our conversational skills. It will help us in our spiritual walk. —Rex Trogdon

In the entrance hall to Wychnor Manor in South Staffordshire hangs a wooden carving of a side of bacon. It is placed there as a memorial to a former landlord’s stipulation that if any tenant could prove that he and his wife had not disagreed for a whole year, they would be given a side of bacon. Apparently there never were any claimants! So many disagreements could be avoided if we were to emulate the injunction of Paul in our verse today. Let us be slow to wrath and swift to hear. Quick to praise and hold others dear (James 1:19). —Brian Powlesland

This verse sums up the absolute “centrality” of Christ. At the end of its anthem of praise, we are directed to the focus of all things—a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of everything that exists in the universe, whether visible or invisible. He is the Power, the Sustainer, the Enabler and the Owner of every minute detail of creation. Finally, as the Sum of all things, all streams flow back to His person because of His infinite worth. No wonder we must exclaim “To Him be glory forever. Amen." —S. D. B.

Sometimes, to act in accordance with God’s word can be embarrassing and painful. It can even affect our relationships with our closest family and friends, although naturally we do our utmost to avoid this. However, when it comes to the "crunch" the Lord must come first, and He has promised blessing to you and others if you honour His word. —Brian Russell

It had been a long and weary walk for the heavy-hearted disciples, as they grieved the crucifixion and entombment of the Lord they loved. He was the subject of their grief and tears, but then, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. He knew exactly where they were on their sorrowful journey home to Emmaus. Beloved, He knows exactly where you are with your heart-breaking load as He joins you today. The remainder of the journey home was much easier, as “He went with them.” Walk at a less concerned pace today, and enjoy His presence and love. —Arnot P. McIntee

As the Lord passed him, Moses witnessed complete harmony between His person and His words. Likewise as the Lord Jesus walked this earth there was never any discrepancy between His character and His declaration (John 17:6, 26). His name (Jehovah is salvation) declared Him and His words and actions manifested His mercy, grace, longsuffering, goodness and truth in a harmonious way. To the believing witnesses it was a glorious sight worthy of worship. By faith it is to us as well. —George Ferrier

The sin in Eden is the cause of all the world's problems because man forfeited his communion relationship with his Creator. The Gospel brings better news. “Ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13). Now there is a changed allegiance—we have left the ways and desires of the world; a changed position—we are now raised and seated with Christ; a changed condition—no more strangers, but citizens of heaven and children of the household of God. —Milton Haack

No, these are not the words of a prophet of Israel, although they could and should have been. They are the words of the Captain of the Babylonian army, Nebuzaradan. What an indictment when the unbelieving world around us can perceive God’s ways, but we cannot! Aided by the accuser of our brethren (Rev 12:10), unbelievers often see the glaring flaws in our testimony. Is our Gospel hid by unrepentant disobedience? —Rick Morse

Solomon encourages youth to remember God and rejoice in Him but at the same time He gives a solemn warning of a day of accountability. As one gets older, so do the problems of life, often causing hearts to grow harder. There are permanent and temporal consequences to sin. With permanent consequences, no amount of repentance, reformation or restoration will ever undo them. Be wise in your life choices.—James Comte