APRIL 1

" To depart and be with Christ." ( Philippians 1:23 )

At a funeral you hear the words " the Departed ", but for a Christian funeral it would be more accurate to say " the Arrived ". For the Christian the journey is over and they are ' Home at last ', which is perhaps what they themselves say when they reach Heaven. They spent their lives here with Eternity always in the background. They were restless, not feeling that they had a permanent home here.

Is this not something to look forward to ? And yet for many people it is not, and they would rather not think about it. It all depends on what you think you were made for, and what you think you are on earth for. Is it simply to have a good time or is it to prepare for something " far better ", as Paul says ?

APRIL 2

" He was angry and would not go in."  ( Luke 15:28)

You can imagine the elder brother saying, " This isn't fair ! I have slaved all my life here. My useless brother comes back and they hold a celebration, a banquet. I never got that ! And yet my brother went off and spent all his money and ended up living among the pigs. This isn't fair ! " 

The elder brother's way of thinking is common. A lot of people think that if we work hard at being good, God will reward us and give us heaven. But God does not accept anyone who thinks that He is obliged to do something for them because they have done something for Him. There is nothing we can do to add anything to God, He doesn't need anything. The prodigal son came back to God, and there were no conditions involved. " All the fitness He requires, is to feel your need of Him."

APRIL 3

" The harvest of the earth." Revelation 14:15.

The Bible often refers to the end of the world as a harvest. For example,' What you reap, you sow.' Harvest is a time for joy, the food is in for the winter. But there is a 'down-side ' to harvest also. If field mice could talk, they would tell you about it. When the wheat begins to grow, they start building their nests among them. They are covered over by the wheat, nobody can see them, and they feel safe. But when harvest comes, the tractors roar above them and soon their little houses are demolished !

Jesus said that when He returns it is harvest time for the world. There will be a separation between those who built their homes here and trusted in that, and those who were waiting for Him and their Home in heaven. " Home is where the heart is."

APRIL 4

" The earth is the Lord's."  ( Psalm 24:1 )

This is God's world and there are laws of nature. For example, if you pollute the world it will rebound and harm you, for you live in it. Similarly, if you disobey the laws of health you will become ill by your own choice. There are also laws about right and wrong. God recognises crimes which the world does not, and He deals with those who break them ( although the world may praise them).

The earth does not belong to us and if we do not recognise this fact we and the world will go wrong. This is what happened in the garden of Eden, Adam thought it belonged to him and did what he liked. The result ? - the world is no longer a garden ! It is always safe to care about what God cares about.

APRIL 5

" But God..." ( Ephesians 2:4)

God has a way of overturning what we expect to happen, by doing the opposite.

In this passage Paul shows how bad the human race is, and you would expect him to go on and talk about great punishments being handed out. Instead, he says, " But God who is rich in mercy..." and speaks of God's love to sinners !

In this world many things do not turn out the way we expect. Some things turn out worse than we imagined, and we can give a list of disappointments. On the other hand, some things turned out beyond our highest expectations. And being loved by God is one of them ! " How could He ? " we may say. But the ' how ' doesn't matter, no-one can explain it, - the reality does. And the happy ' soul bathes in this sunlight of His love.'

APRIL 6

" Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." ( Genesis 4:26 )

After Cain killed Abel, two main types of families developed on the earth. There were those who wanted contact with God, they called upon Him. And there were those who only called upon each other. Seth had prayer meetings, where the people prayed and discussed with one another what God was doing in His world and in their lives. Cain had no time for God or His ways. The children growing up in these families would see their parents as examples in different ways. Seth would listen to what his parents told him about God and pass it on to his children. As for Cain, if he was capable of killing his brother, who knows what kind of moral standards he was teaching ! The families were probably not on good terms with one another. But whose fault do you think that was ?

APRIL 7

" Benjamin...shall dwell between his shoulders." ( Deuteronomy 33:12 )

We are used to seeing a father swing his little boy up and place him upon his shoulders, and so carry him forward. It is a delight for the child to be up high, he can see more now. Perhaps he was tired, and this gives him a rest. He is also close to a beloved father, and they have delight in one another.

All of this is a picture of God's relationship with His children. God often describes Himself in ways that we can understand from what happens to us on earth. If we have such joy and confidence in an earthly father, how much more in our heavenly Father. We need these word-pictures because God is in Himself incomprehensible. But He has told us enough to know Him and trust Him.

APRIL 8

" But foolish and unlearned questions avoid."  ( 2 Timothy 2:23 )

We do not know everything, and never shall. No-one can read all the books in the world either, we have to limit ourselves to the best. When Sir Walter Scott was dying, he said, " Bring me the Book." He had written many himself, but the best Book was the one God had written down. This Book God has preserved throughout the ages, despite the many attempts to get rid of it. Instead of asking questions no-one can answer ( except God ), we should be concerned with putting into practice what we know already. People who ask these unanswerable questions think they look good, but they are actually showing their confused way of thinking. If we practice what we believe already we shall know more, said Jesus ( John 7:17). But simply being a collector of knowledge does not mean we are automatically going to grow wiser.

APRIL 9

" You have need of patience." ( Hebrews 10:36 )

This is something we all need. Have you noticed that most of your mistakes happened because you rushed into things ? You did not wait to think about the consequences or perhaps you became emotional and acted without thinking. Emotions react more quickly than the mind, and thus the need for patience. Emotions can take over a person's life, and the life then becomes erratic, unpredictable. God shows a lot of patience with us, and we ought therefore to be patient with others. But it is a constant battle to be patient in this world. There is always something ( or someone ) trying to hurry us, and that's when we make bad decisions. Does it get easier as we grow older, with greater experience ? No. Moses can confirm that ( Numbers 20:10 & Psalm 106:33).

APRIL 10

" Beholding as in a glass (mirror)." 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The Bible is like a mirror. We cannot see God or ourselves directly, but this mirror shows us something about both. Do you see yourself according to the way others see you ? Are they your mirror ? Or do you see yourself the way God sees you ? Is the Bible your mirror ? We cannot be slaves to other people's opinions. But we must also check our progress from the Bible. This is because we are biased towards our own opinions, and need to read what's in this mirror. The mirror of God's word also reflects the images of others. We should judge their character and their words by how God sees them. Which mirror are we using as we go through life ? Do we look at this mirror and do something about what we see ? ( as James says, ch.1 verse 25 ).

APRIL 11

" We faint not." ( 2 Corinthians 4:1)

When we come into a horrendous situation and there seems to be no way out, our first reaction is to feel weary. To feel weary is to lose strength, and that means you are ready to faint. Usually it is in a situation where you cannot do what you want to do. There are also times when you feel overburdened. Sometimes we don't realize that we have been working too hard, and our strength has slowly gone down. But Paul did not faint. He was sometimes in a painful situation but he did not despair. Why not ? This was because He knew that God could change the outcome after something bad happened. Paul did not lose energy in trying to open a door that God had closed. He moved on...with God.

APRIL 12

" One Pearl of great price. " ( Matthew 13:46 )

The man mentioned here has spent his life looking for the one pearl, the greatest pearl the world has seen. This refers, of course, to Jesus. The man could not be happy or at peace until he found it. He was a pearl merchant, and collected the best the world had to offer, but he was not satisfied with what he had, and went on looking. Then one day, as searched, he found it ! Jesus said that he gave up all he had to buy it ( verse 45 ). Once a man met a Christian friend who showed him a diamond he had. He admired it, and his friend asked him if he wanted it. He said he did, so his friend gave it to him. He went away happy, but this didn't last. He came back a few days later, gave his friend back the diamond and said, " I want something more precious. Give me what enabled you to give away that diamond to me ! " ( because what the Christian has is obviously more precious than a diamond from this world ).

APRIL 13

" On the Lord's Day ".  ( Revelation 1:10 )

The Lord's Day is sometimes called the Sabbath Day. It is the 4th Commandment. Many say that Day is no more, but these people then only have 9 Commandments, not 10. This cannot be right. God says this day is for Spiritual matters. For example, worship, reading, prayer, coming together for unworldly things, the things to do with God. Many do not want to do this. But God has never blessed wilful disobedience to His commandments, and never will. If God appoints something, it is for our good. It is not a day for doing nothing, but a day to enjoy oneself in the company of God. It is not a day of " Don't do this and don't do that ! ", as the Pharisees taught. It is a holiday from the world and its ways, and holidays are times of joy.

APRIL 14

" Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." ( James 4:8)

Many say that they have little or no time for God. That is like saying they have little time for real life. The world has made up its own version of reality - a Christian would call that fantasy, not reality. Things are as God says they are, and we need God. If we feel that need we will seek Him out in prayer, and whenever we draw near to God we cannot avoid worshipping Him. When we draw near to God in prayer what are we asking for ? What we ask for shows what are our aims in this life. Is it to get more or to be more ? What we need from God is the same every day - forgiveness, to be more like Christ, to make progress in understanding and putting into practice the Word of God. This will be the beginning of what we have more of in heaven.

APRIL 15

" And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb." ( Revelation 12:11 )

Satan, the enemy, is a defeated leader of the forces opposing Christ. His power was limited and ' bound ' by Christ's victory over him at the cross. We overcome his accusations against us ( verse ) by prizing and applying the power of the blood of the Lamb. We take the result of that blood to ourselves, so that although we may sin we cannot be condemned by satan.

The demands of the law ( ie. full obedience ) were fulfilled by Jesus for those who trust themselves and their future to Him.The law cannot ask for more from us. Instead, it has become the rule of how we are to live. It is difficult to obey constantly but we must not forget the blood. We are witnesses to others of its power to forgive sin, but especially for ourselves !

APRIL 16

" Let this mind be in you." ( Philippians 2:5 )

How we think and speak is important, it shows what is inside us. Paul points us to Jesus. He has the perfect mind, so He is our example. This means we must carefully read the Gospels in particular, and look at how He spoke to people. How did he speak to different people ? What did He emphasize to His disciples and also to the Pharisees when He spoke to them ? Sometimes people use words to hide what they think inside. Jesus never did that, and so He could always be trusted to tell the truth, and what He said was always true. We are not ashamed of anything Jesus ever said or did, and He is not ashamed of those who trust in Him ( Hebrews 11:16).

APRIL 17

" A garden enclosed." ( Song of Solomon 4:12 )

A garden is a piece of ground which is separated by a wall or a fence from the wild ground around it. The owner has set it apart for himself to enjoy. For this purpose he has designed what is inside, and plants there what he sees as delightful. But when the wall is neglected and falls down, it gives access to wild plants and wild animals. Why has this happened ? Because of laziness. The gardener did not keep watch on the boundaries and keep them in good order. He also saw weeds appearing and did not attack them at the roots. The weeds then spread and it was soon difficult to see where the garden began and where the wilderness ended. There are some people like that. We do not know whether they are in God's garden or in the world. If they mend their fences, we will know !

APRIL 18

" Who can understand his errors ? " ( Psalm 19:12)

There is no use in counting sins, it cannot be done. You will not detect some of them, and sin is more than doing something wrong - it's also failing to do something right. It is also trying to do something right but with the wrong motive. Some people try to keep a balance. They try to do more good things than bad things, and that somehow this will keep God on their side. This doesn't work either, because sin isn't just spots that you can count, it's more like a virus. It is hiddenly working inside, and has no human cure.

But what is God's saving prescription ? " The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." ( 1 John 1;7). Apply this as many times a day as you need - this alone will give peace with God and peace to the conscience.

APRIL 19

" Their conscience, being weak. " 1 Corinthians 8:7)

Sometimes you can be afraid to do something although there is nothing wrong with it, according to the Bible. But if you were taught that something is wrong and believed this for many years, you feel guilty about doing it. We need word from God, not man, as to whether something is allowed or not. Religious people have a bad habit of making rules which God never made - these are often called ' traditions.' Conscience is a voice inside of us which tells us whether what we are doing is right or wrong. But conscience requires knowledge, knowledge given by God. We can only feel peace if we have God's approval. Let us be careful to base our opinions on what God says, and not on what He doesn't say. If something is still doubtful, it may help to ask the question, " What would Jesus do ? "

APRIL 20

" The Lord's Supper." 1 Corinthians 11:20

This meal was appointed by Jesus in order to remember His death and all the benefits we receive as a result of that death. It took place in the evening when he was betrayed by Judas. Some churches still have it in the evening today. The meal is also called a " Sacrament ". This word meant ' the oath of allegiance ' ( loyalty ) to the King. The King has commanded us to do this in remembrance of Him, and we obey. This obedience flows from love to Him for what He has done for us. The Lord's Supper is also called the ' Eucharist ' in some churches. This word means 'Thanksgiving ' ( from the Greek language). Truly Jesus is remembered with thanksgiving. It begins here and resounds in heaven throughout eternity. Do we know Him, in order to remember Him ?

APRIL 21

"There shall be no night there. " ( Revelation 21:25 )

This is the description of heaven, it is all light. Darkness means several things to us in this world. It makes some people afraid, but they are not afraid there. There is no one to hurt them there and nothing to harm them. Darkness also makes it difficult to see things clearly. This is certainly true in this world. We make mistakes because we do not see things right, or we only see part of something and have to make a choice based on limited information. But there we shall be taught all that we need to know. Moreover, because there is no sin there we cannot make a wrong choice again. What a change, what a place - What a Saviour !

APRIL 22

" I will never leave thee." ( Hebrews 13:5 )

This is God's promise to believers. But sometimes it doesn't feel that way. Sometimes you can feel very alone, especially when nothing seems to be going right. We need to believe God, trust His promise, even when it appears that we have been left to ourselves. This is the fight of faith against feelings. We all experience this some time. Jesus had this conflict in Gethsemane. The Hebrew Christians were suffering for their faith and they needed to be reminded of this. David Livingstone was a missionary besides an 'explorer '. Out in Africa he sometimes felt alone, but he knew not to trust in this. 'Nevertheless,' he said, I am not alone -- I have His word for it ! '

APRIL 23

" This poor man cried." ( Psalm 34:6 )

When a baby cries there is a meaning behind their cry. Like children we cry for different reasons. Sometimes it is the cry of weariness, and we look for the Father to lift us up and carry us further. Sometimes it is a cry of pain. We have been hurt or we have done something to hurt ourselves. Our need is for relief. Occasionally it is a cry of frustration, because we did not get something we really wanted. ( We may also stifle that cry and simply become sullen). But to want something and to need something are two different things. Again, we can cry out in trouble, for help. We may be wounded or we may be sinking. We sometimes also cry out in hunger. Maybe we are not being fed. Whatever the cry is, God hears His children, and He will give what is good for them - which is not always what they think they need. We have to trust Him and be patient.

APRIL 24

" Narrow is the way..." ( Matthew 7:14 )

There are not many on this way, but they do have a lot in common. They are all going to the same place on the same path. It is the safe way. It may not be popular with the crowds, but it is better to be saved with the few than lost with the many. " Safety first " is a common motto. On this way you have the best Guide and the best of companions. If you feel you are on your own, join them, and they will keep you company till the end. Some may cross over to heaven before you, some may come after you, but it is only a short time apart. People talk about ' time travel ' - time does bring us on our way to the end of time. For many it is time to change lanes, before the road closes.

APRIL 25

" He gave them bread from heaven.' ( John 6:31 )

Jesus refers here to the Manna which God gave to those travelling from Egypt to the Promised Land. He Himself is that " Bread of Life," He says. The Manna was suitable for everyone to eat, and it was all they needed to stay alive. This was like to Christ. Many live on earth without Him, but we cannot live forever without Him. The Manna was sufficient for them, and those who had faith did not feel hungry any more. They were satisfied with what God gave them. These could say with Jacob, " I have enough." They had all they needed for the journey, and they knew from God that the supply would never run out. We have Christ to supply all our needs ( Philippians 4:19) as we travel through the wilderness of this world into heaven. Do you collect the Manna each day ?

APRIL 26

" Be not deceived." ( 1 Corinthians 6:9 )

Sometimes you hear people say, " It's all right, we shall all go to heaven in the end." There is nothing in the Bible to support this opinion. This is wishful thinking. This is the devil's lie. And yet how many believe it ! How do we know they believe it ? By the way they think and the way they live. Some people hope they will go to heaven, but how can they ? This is like a man hoping to go from Edinburgh to London by just sitting at home and thinking about it ! If an Israelite hoped to get from Egypt to Palestine by going his own way he would have died in the desert. It was those who followed the Pillar of cloud that arrived. Similarly Jesus said, " Follow Me." There is only one way Home, not six.

APRIL 27

" But now Christ is risen from the dead." ( 1 Corinthians 15:20 )

People say, " There is no life after death, so make the most of this one." This takes away all hope from the sinner. The only advice they can give to those who are afraid of dying is, " Do all you can to keep yourself busy, and so be distracted from these thoughts about your future." But everyone thinks about their future !

To those who trust Christ and believe Him, He says," Because I live, you shall live also." Jesus is alive,and those who died following Him are alive with Him. He said, " I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." Many thought these men were dead and no more. But Jesus does not say, ' I used to be their God.' He said He was still their God, they are alive and well.

APRIL 28

" When I see the blood I will pass over you." Exodus 12:13

You can imagine some of the Hebrews saying, 'We need a better plan than this to beat the Egyptians and get out of here. We need an army, not a lamb's blood.' At first sight it did seem foolish. Paul said that the Gospel seems foolish to many people. ' How can the death of Christ give us all you say and satisfy all our hopes to get us out of this misery ? ' But this was God's way to bring sinners, slaves, out of slavery and to save from dying in slavery.

They had no doubt tried every other way to escape, but failed. They were back where they started. But this was a new way, a way nobody had thought of. God's way of salvation was not invented by man, it was sent by God. God sent His Son to make the way out and Himself be that Way. That blood of the " Lamb of God " ( John 1:29) was effective.The people of God are out and on their way !

APRIL 29

" Nabal's heart was merry...for he was very drunk." (1 Samuel 25:36 )

Nabal was the only one happy in that family on that evening. He was drunk and so he did not notice the misery of his family when they saw him like this. Abigail his wife went out to King David and told him some of this, but she could not tell him everything. Some things about our own misery we can only tell to God alone. Drunk fathers have no idea how much they hurt their wives and their children. The word ' Nabal ' means 'Fool ', and Nabal lived up to his name. People felt sorry for that family but God would be their Help. In the Bible you will read that God is a Father, Christ is a Husband and the Holy Spirit is a Comforter. Nabal did not live long, people who get drunk often never do. But God would look after his wife and children. He is the widow's support and the orphan's Father ( Psalm 146:9).

APRIL 30

" He answered her not a word." ( Matthew 15:23)

This woman was distressed because of her daughter's condition. She was convinced that Jesus was the only One who could help her. But when she cried out to Jesus she received no answer, just silence. Sometimes we pray and we wonder if He has heard us, because we have received no answer. But this does not mean He hasn't heard us. He also hears the prayers of those who seek Him, but He can choose the time to give us the answer He has in mind. This woman knew this, and she persevered, she prayed on. Then Jesus spoke, but it wasn't the answer she expected. This would put many people off praying further, but she prayed on. She was willing to accept what He said, but she asked again anyway. This time Jesus gave her what she wanted. He was testing how much she wanted it. Often we only see this test when we look back at our own prayers.