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The Apostle looked back on what he had done and then thanked God that He is indeed merciful and willing to pardon. Dear reader, whatever your past circumstances of life, there is a God who is merciful and willing to forgive. If you have not done so, may you experience that mercy that only He can give today. —John M. Clegg

A young man had just graduated from a Bible College. As he pondered what to do next, a suggestion was made that he return to his home town and his own local church and help with the work. His response was, “I can’t do that, they know me too well.” Timothy was well known by the brethren in the local assemblies. No doubt they had seen his faithfulness in his service for his Lord. How is your report card? Are you helping with the work in your assembly? —Bob Cretney

Paul uses these poignant words only three times and the passages noted above are where they are found in the New Testament. In Ephesians, he challenges us to explore the limitless dimensions of a love “which passeth knowledge.” His love is inexhaustible. In Romans, having listed 16 problems and powers that might interfere, he affirms that Christ’s love is indivisible, eternally binding us to Him. In 2 Corinthians, the apostle reminds us of the constraining power of the love of Christ. It is irresistible, motivating us to serve such a Lover, especially in telling others how they may experience such love themselves.—S. M.

Simon the Pharisee invited the Lord Jesus to his house. In assessing whether Jesus was a prophet he used the little word, if, doubting the Lord's credentials. There was another person present, a woman who did not say a word. Her actions spoke volumes about her estimation of the Lord's worth. Jesus said of her, she has washed my feet with tears, she hath not ceased to kiss my feet and hath anointed my feet with ointment. She demonstrates a true heart of worship. May our hearts be the same. — S. D. B.

A man, preparing to board a small aircraft, was asked his weight. Puzzled, he inquired as to why. They explained that it was to determine how much fuel to put in the plane. Worried, he urged, “Fill it up!” He didn’t want to run out of fuel in midair. In Christ dwells all fullness. He is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col. 2:9). Fullness means filled to overflowing. That’s exactly what John says has happened, “And of His fullness we have all received,” (John 1:16). In other words, we won’t run out in midair! —Rex Trogdon

Tears or its equivalent occur 178 times in the Bible. This is not a sign of weakness, but of a tender heart. The Lord Jesus wept, as did many worthy saints. God has a bottle in which He is collecting the tears of the saints. He is measuring our compassion, not our strength and accomplishments. And one day He will wipe them all from our eyes. —Milton Haack

The Ark was a symbol of God’s presence with His people. In these instances, we read of the Ark leading the way, resulting in a great demonstration of God’s power. The Lord desires to lead us in our journey, and as we allow Him, we too will experience His presence and power in our lives. In Joshua 6, as they circled Jericho, the Ark was in the centre as they marched, indicating His desired position in our lives. When He is in our midst, we will experience great unity and great victories over the enemy. —James Comte

James gives believers some very stern warnings regarding the tongue. He says it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. He later exhorts us not to speak against one another. One of the reasons for this is found in James 3:9, we have been "made in the likeness of God". We are precious to God and we need to respect that intrinsic value in each other. Let us endeavour therefore to encourage and build up one another, especially in what we say to each other. —C. Oriold

The world cannot offer quietness or assurance. Those without Christ run frantically to and fro seeking both because they refuse to accept these gifts from the Saviour. Only where righteousness prevails will quietness and peace be found. If you’re still looking, the key is, “In returning and in rest shall ye be saved.” Come to Christ and trust Him today! —W. H. Gustafson

Having come through the wilderness, Israel stood at the border of the promised land. But before they entered in, God reminded them that there was a land to possess, as they advanced in faith (v. 3); a law to obey, from which they were not to turn (v. 7); a lesson to learn from the two and a half tribes who settled for second best (v. 15); and a leader to follow if they were to enter into their inheritance (v. 16). The same truths apply to us, if we are to move from wilderness living to victory in Christ. —Mark Kolchin