THE DAY IS NOW

PSALM 118:19-29 Dr. Virginia Connally, the first female physician in Abilene, Texas, faced opposition and criticism in 1940. In 2012, at the age of 100, she received the Texas Medical Association’s Distinguished Service Award. Connally has dedicated herself to spreading the gospel through medical mission trips and serving God and others. Dr. Connally’s pastor, Phil Christopher, … [Read more…]

THE GOD WHO PAINTS

PSALM 42 Nezahualcoyotl, a poet and ruler in Mexico, possessed a spiritual hunger. His name, meaning “Hungry Coyote,” signified a deep spiritual hunger. He wrote, “Truly the gods, which I worship, are idols of stone that do not speak nor feel. Some powerful, hidden, unknown god is the creator of the entire universe. He is … [Read more…]

HEART CHECK

LUKE 12:22-34 People’s interests can be learned by analysing their choices in newspaper articles, such as business, sports, politics, and current events. Our choices reveal our hearts. The things we spend our time and attention on are telling. As Jesus made clear, where your treasure is, there your heart will also be. The true condition of … [Read more…]

ESCAPE FROM THE TRAP

GENESIS 4:1-8 An insect can be digested by a Venus flytrap in around 10 days. The process starts when an unwary bug detects nectar on the trap’s leaves. The bug investigates by wriggling into the plant’s jaws. Within a half-second, the leaves clamp shut, and the bug is dissolved by the digestive acids. The meat-eating plant … [Read more…]

WHO ARE WE WORKING FOR?

ECCLESIASTES 4:4-16 Henry worked 70 hours a week, loving his job and providing a substantial paycheck for his family. One evening, he received a promotion to the highest position in his company. However, his children had grown up, and his wife had found a career, leaving the house empty. He had no one to share … [Read more…]

THE SPIRIT DELIVERS

ROMANS 8:19-27 In rural Ireland, post-2000, many towns did not use house numbers or postal codes. This meant that if we have two people bearing the same name, the newest resident may not receive his mail until the other one, who has lived there longer, receives it, reads the content and confirms it is not … [Read more…]

THE ETERNAL WORD OF GOD

PSALM 119:89-96 During World War II, Warsaw, Poland, was devastated by aerial bombings. Despite the destruction, the Polish headquarters for the British and Foreign Bible Society remained standing, with legible words on a surviving wall stating that “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matt. 24:35). Jesus’ statement about the … [Read more…]

DO NOT GO AWAY

JEREMIAH 1:4-9 In 1986, John Piper nearly quit as a church minister due to discouragement and opposition. Despite his feelings, he persevered and led a thriving ministry that eventually extended beyond his church. Although the word “success” is prone to misunderstanding, John Piper may be considered successful. What if his ministry had never prospered? Jeremiah, a prophet given … [Read more…]

GREATER THAN THE MESS

2 SAMUEL 22:26-37 The Old Testament book of 2 Samuel revolves around the theme of life being a mess, as David faced military challenges, political intrigue, and betrayal. David was also guilty of his relationship with Bathsheba. However, near the end of the book, David praises God for His mercy, love, and deliverance. He cites God … [Read more…]

UPCOMING STORMS

MATTHEW 8:23-28 Joseph, a commercial salmon fisherman, sent a photograph to his father of a small vessel moving through a narrow pass. The rainbow, a sign of God’s providence and loving care, encircled the boat despite the looming storm clouds. The photograph appears to show God’s faithfulness on earth in the midst of our uncertain future. Jesus’ … [Read more…]