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My finger was caught on a thorn while pruning roses. It hurt to move my hand in the direction of the thorn but it was the only way I could get free. Life trials, whether physical or emotional, can seem unbearable at times. There seems to be no way out, but this is where faith is forged. Endure. Go where God is leading, even when there is pain and hurt. Trust Him. He will make a way. —Jerry Proctor

There seems to be so much we don’t know about heaven. What will we look like? How old will we be? What, exactly, will we do for all of eternity? For all the other uncertainties, there is one thing we know to be absolutely sure—to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! All else comes into focus when we keep our eyes on Him. —L. Shatford

F. C. Jennings gives a thought provoking comment on this passage. “God’s heart would not allow Him to leave man in His poor sinful condition—that would so lacerate His own heart that He Himself needs salvation from such a condition.” Because there was no intercessor to meet man’s great need, God Himself, in the form of Christ, stepped between and interceded for us. Oh how He loves you and me! —Don MacMullen

Hannah prayed with a heavy heart, but she prayed earnestly, and in faith for a son. She told the Lord everything; her disappointment, her frustrations, and her bitterness. God honoured the prayers of this woman and He will honour your faithful prayers too. What a privilege to bear the names of your children to the Lord. Mothers, never give up praying. Remember there is strength in a mother’s prayer. Thank God today for praying mothers. —Jim Comte

To partake is to have communion, fellowship and involvement with someone. This passage clearly implies that we, the Lord’s bloodbought children, are involved in His body and blood, His life and death! We are now allied to Him with all the responsibilities and privileges this brings. One of the responsibilities is to “walk worthy of the calling (vocation) wherewith we are called” (Eph.4.1) and a precious privilege is to “show forth the praises (excellencies), of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2.9). How are we measuring up to this participation?—D. Craig

Jesus had invited himself to dinner in the home of a man of the community known to be a sinner. The Lord had done so with the intention of telling him how his sins could be forgiven. Sadly, critical neighbours misread the Saviour’s intentions. When did you last invite yourself to a friend’s home for that purpose, or better still, invite them to your home? It is a great place to share the Gospel. Rather than criticizing the Saviour, how much better, if the neighbors had prayed for the Saviour’s outreach. If you can’t invite the lost into your home, you can pray for those who invite them to theirs. — Arnot McIntee

There is no sorrow like those who have lost an elderly, loving spouse. But the Lord assures us that such sorrow imparts spiritual qualities to our heart. Our hearts are made better toward God, toward saints and toward the lost souls about us. In God’s school of sorrow we learn how to better comfort those who are mourning the loss of their loving spouse. Submission to the divine work of sorrow promises to make our hearts better. —R. D. Merrells

Engraved in the stonework of the main Post Office in downtown New York is this: “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” Regardless of circumstances,the work must go on. Do we have the same attitude regarding the Lord’s work? His love for us continues unquenched. What a challenge for us! —Brian Powlesland

Isn’t that good news! He’s coming quickly! He promised it three times in the last chapter of the Bible, and the Lord always keeps His appointments and promises. He never forgets, and is never late. Therefore, dear believer, today, no matter what your circumstances, there is every reason to look up and be encouraged, because we have this blessed hope: He is coming soon! —Carl Knott

Brother Lawrence, who lived over 300 years ago, desired to live daily in fellowship with God. He said, “I am doing now what I will do for all eternity. I am blessing God, praising Him, adoring Him, and loving Him with all my heart.” Today let us join the heavenly throngs in blessing our God and worshiping Him. May this lead us to love Him with all of our hearts. —Donald L. Norbie