FEAR NOT

MARK 4:35–5:1 A plane ride became bumpy when the captain interrupted in-flight beverage service and asked passengers to fasten their seatbelts. The plane began to roll and pitch, and a little girl sat through the turbulence reading her book. After the plane landed, she was asked why she was so calm, and she explained that … [Read more…]

LIKE SHEEP

ISAIAH 53:1-6 A man recalled his daily task every time he went to see his maternal grandfather. He took the sheep out to pasture every morning, returning by dusk. That was when he first realised how stubborn sheep can be. For instance, when they saw a farm, they would immediately enter it out of instinct, … [Read more…]

HE STEPPED INTO OUR SHOES

HEBREWS 2:10-18 According to Rodney Brooks of _USA Today_, David Dillard sends young architects on sleepovers to understand the needs of elderly residents. They spend 24 hours in a senior living center, wearing earplugs, tape, and eyeglasses. Dillard says this approach helps them develop a larger heart, better understanding of people’s plights. Jesus lived 33 years … [Read more…]

FROM THE RUINS

LAMENTATIONS 5:8–22; EZRA 9:9 Located in Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter is Tiferet Yisrael Synagogue. The synagogue, which was constructed in the 19th century, was dynamited by commandos during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The site was in ruins for years, but in 2014, rebuilding began. City officials used rubble as a cornerstone, quoting Lamentations: “Restore us to yourself, Lord, … [Read more…]

BUSINESS OF RESTORATION

PHILIPPIANS 3:1-8 Adam Minter, son of a junkyard owner, explores the global junk business and its multibillion-dollar waste recycling industry in his book Junkyard Planet. He highlights entrepreneurs worldwide repurposing discarded materials like copper wire, rags, and plastics for new, useful products. After Paul turned his life over to the Saviour, he realised his achievements and … [Read more…]

KNOWING AND DOING

MARK 10:17-27 Han Feizi, a Chinese philosopher, observed that knowing facts is easy, but acting based on them is difficult. A rich man approached Jesus, believing he had followed Moses’ law since childhood. He was curious about additional facts about Jesus. Jesus’ words disappointed the rich man. He exposed the man’s dependence on his possessions, making abandoning … [Read more…]

CHAMELEON WORSHIPPERS

ACTS 2:42-47 Chameleons are known for their ability to change colour based on their surroundings. However, they also have the unique characteristic of reluctance. They stretch out one leg, change their mind, attempt again, and carefully plant a hesitant foot, as if fearing the ground would collapse under them. This behaviour is reminiscent of a chameleon … [Read more…]

THE APPLE OF HIS EYE

ZECHARIAH 2 A friend’s baby was suffering seizures, and they rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. The mother’s heart raced as she prayed for her daughter, recalling the Lord’s love for us and how we are the “apple of His eye.” Zechariah urges God’s people to repent, rebuild the temple, and renew their love for … [Read more…]

UNCONVENTIONAL STRATEGIES

2 CHRONICLES 20:1–13 In 1980, a woman hopped on a subway during the Boston Marathon, despite being supposed to be running. Witnesses later saw her jump into the race less than a mile from the finish line, finishing ahead of other female runners. For a brief time, she looked like the winner. In a conflict, King Jehoshaphat … [Read more…]

HUGE SACRIFICE

HEBREWS 10:5–18; GALATIANS 1:3–4 W. T. Stead, an English journalist, was known for his controversial social issues. He wrote about the danger of ships with an insufficient ratio of lifeboats to passengers. Ironically, Stead was aboard the Titanic when it struck an iceberg in 1912. After helping women and children, he sacrificed his life vest and … [Read more…]