JOHN 3:1-8,13-16 There are proverbs regarding the difficulties of breaking long-held habits in many different languages. You cannot teach an old dog new tricks in English. In French, “Ce n’est pas à un vieux singe qu’on apprend a faire la grimace” (you cannot teach an old monkey how to pull a funny face). In Spanish, … [Read more…]
EZEKIEL 34:25-31 Animals that are incapable of flying “rain” from the sky in a rare meteorological occurrence known as “raining animals.” Throughout history, reports of these incidents have been made in numerous nations. Lajamanu, an Australian town, received a fishfall. Several times, tadpoles pelted parts of central Japan. Argentina’s San Bernardo Mountains were covered in spiders. Although … [Read more…]
1 KINGS 19:1-12 Elijah might have grown accustomed to being the focal point of God’s mighty manifestations. When he prayed, God responded dramatically, first by miraculously defeating the prophets of Baal and later by ending the protracted and severe drought (1 Kings 18). However, Elijah then began to flee out of fear. In order to nourish … [Read more…]
DEUTERONOMY 8:11-18; ECCLESIASTES 12:1 National anthems from all across the world, including those from Africa, frequently mention God as the Creator and Provider. Other anthem lyrics encourage reconciliation, change, and hope for a people that is frequently split along racial, political, and social lines. However, many national leaders and individuals today have a tendency to disregard God … [Read more…]
GALATIANS 6:1-10 Thousands of homes and businesses were without electricity for days after the city was hit by an ice storm. Many families were unable to prepare meals, so Fred and his family were forced to visit a restaurant crowded with hungry people who shared their predicament. When a woman walked over to take their meal … [Read more…]
LUKE 22:39-51 Jazz musician Herbie Hancock was given the opportunity to join Miles Davis’ already-renowned quintet early in his career. Hancock acknowledged being anxious in an interview but said it was a beautiful experience since Davis was so nurturing. At one concert, Hancock misplayed the chord as Davis was getting close to the peak of his … [Read more…]
NEHEMIAH 6:1-9, 15 Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister, is credited with shaping the country into what it is today. Under his leadership, Singapore became one of the most developed countries in Asia, becoming rich and prosperous. During his many years of public service, he was asked if he ever felt like giving up when … [Read more…]
REVELATION 19:4-9 I have participated in a number of wedding ceremonies. Each wedding has been distinctive and often prepared in accordance with the bride’s dreams. But one thing consistently holds true: brides steal the stage when they are dressed out in their wedding gowns, with perfectly styled hair and glowing faces. God’s description of the church … [Read more…]
LUKE 10:38-42 I come across an alarming number of distracted drivers when I am driving. While trying to control a car, people are frequently talking on the phone or texting, but I have also seen them reading the newspaper, applying makeup, and even eating a bowl of cereal! Distractions can occasionally be brief and harmless. They … [Read more…]
GENESIS 3:1-10 The sound of their parents’ car frightened the two teenage boys. How do they intend to explain the disarray inside the home? No parties, no rowdy guests, had been their father’s clear instruction that morning before he and their mother left town. However, despite their father’s warning, the lads permitted the unruly friends to … [Read more…]
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