NEW NAME FOR US

REVELATION 2:12–17 Rose, who called herself a worrier, learned to break free from her restrictive label after her child’s accident. She met with friends weekly to pray and ask God for healing. As she turned her fears into prayer, she realised she was becoming a prayer warrior. Her identity in Christ deepened through the struggle … [Read more…]

WHAT REALLY COUNTS

PHILIPPIANS 2:1–11 Two men discussed their business trip, with one valuing the new relationships formed through business contacts while the other emphasised the importance of selling, indicating their differing agendas. In various aspects of life, we often view others based on what we can get from them. Paul’s letter to the Philippians emphasises the importance of … [Read more…]

HIS ENCOURAGING PRESENCE

HEBREWS 13:1–6 Mary, a vibrant and blessed person, was diagnosed with cancer. Despite her remission, her cancer returned, and her husband and I were devastated. Mary’s last hours were filled with sorrow and a desire for his loving presence. She whispered to him, “Just be with me,” as she was weak and unable to talk. … [Read more…]

MUCH BETTER

PHILIPPIANS 1:12–26 A siren rang outside a boy’s house, warning of a dangerous storm. His mother explained that if people did not take cover, they might die. The boy, unacquainted with the sound, questioned why it was bad, arguing that if we die, we might meet Jesus. Paul expressed his desire to depart and be with … [Read more…]

A FIRM POINT TO STAND

PSALM 40:1–5 Savannah, Georgia’s historic riverwalk area, is adorned with mismatched cobblestones, which were once used as ballast for ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean. After cargo was loaded, the stones were used to ensure the ship’s stability through dangerous waters. Life can be turbulent, and stability is essential for navigating through life’s storms. David, who faced … [Read more…]

ROME IN ALL ITS GLORY

JOHN 17:1–5 The Roman Empire’s glory provided a grand backdrop for Jesus’ birth, as Emperor Caesar Augustus ended 200 years of civil war in 27 BC and replaced rundown neighbourhoods with beautiful monuments, temples, arenas, and government complexes. According to Roman historian Pliny the Elder, they were “the most beautiful buildings the world has ever seen.” … [Read more…]

SHOCKING SINCERITY

1 PETER 3:7–12 A minister asked an elder to lead the congregation in prayer, but the man, miserable due to a quarrel with his wife, refused. The minister prayed, and the service continued. Later, the pastor vowed to never ask someone to pray publicly without asking privately. The man’s honesty in a difficult situation demonstrates the importance … [Read more…]

YOU HAVE A PURPOSE

1 PETER 4:7–11 I observed a woman holding a sign while waiting at a stoplight on a hot day. I tried to read the sign as I got closer, believing she was asking for food or cash. I was shocked to find these three words: “You have a purpose.” God created each of us with a specific purpose … [Read more…]

NO DRIFTING

HEBREWS 2:1–4 My wife and I stopped at a beach resort for snacks and observed the boats at the seashore, which are usually anchored to prevent drifting away. However, we noticed one boat drifting unhindered, slowly and steadily out to sea. The book of Hebrews warns believers to pay close attention to their faith, stating that … [Read more…]

NOT AN EASY STORY

2 CHRONICLES 16:7–14 The Old Testament’s laws of obedience and disobedience seem straightforward, but their simplicity raises questions about the nature of life. King Asa’s story demonstrates a pattern of leading his people away from false gods, leading to a flourishing kingdom. However, in his late reign, he shifted to self-reliance, leading to war and illness throughout … [Read more…]