PHILIPPIANS 2:25-30 In the Roman Empire, pagans most times called on the name of a god or goddess as they gamble. A favourite deity for gamblers was Aphrodite, the Greek name for Venus, the goddess of love. For instance, as the dice is rolled, they would say “epaphroditus!” meaning, “by Aphrodite!” Also rolling two sixes was … [Read more…]
PROVERBS 13:17 The word ‘wicked’ is believed to have entered into the English language around the 13th century, perhaps as an alteration of the Middle English wicke or the Old English wicca which means witch or wizard. In Christian usage, it meant a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honour, virtue; evil in thought and life; … [Read more…]
DANIEL 3:8-30 Situations may change. Results may be different. God is God! Polycarp (AD 69-155), who was Bishop of the church at Smyrna, was asked by Roman authorities to deny Christ if he wanted to live, but he said, “Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my … [Read more…]
NAHUM 1 The book of Jonah is both popular and interesting. It gives an account of a runaway prophet, a terrible storm at sea, the great fish that swallowed the prophet, God sparing the prophet’s life, the repentance of a wicked city and God’s mercy. But Jonah’s sequel – the book of Nahum is not so popular. … [Read more…]
MALACHI 4:1-3 Sunrise suggests the notions of illumination and hope, the beginning of a new day and thus a chance for happiness and improvement. It is a symbol of birth and rebirth, of awakening. The coming of light. Resurrection. Malachi prophesied: “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in … [Read more…]
1 JOHN 1:5-10; PSALM 69:5 I had slowed to a stop when my car was hit from behind and was pushed into the vehicle in front of me. The sound was repulsive. As I paused for a moment, I observed that the vehicle that hit me was pulling out into traffic. She drove off. Obviously hoping to … [Read more…]
PHILLIPIANS 2:3; 4:2-7 I watched from my office as a three storey building was demolished. The demolition took barely four days to complete. In its place a new building – a bungalow is being constructed. It has been two months now, and despite construction activities going on weekdays and weekends, it is still incomplete. How much … [Read more…]
PSALM 73 Have you ever felt that life is partial? You are not alone. For those of us who are faithful in following the will and ways of God, it is easy to get disheartened when people who do not care about Him seem to do well in life. A businessman is fraudulent yet he wins … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 18:21-35 The real history of Mother’s Day in the United States might surprise us. Three women (Ann Reeves Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Ann’s daughter, Anna M. Jarvis) – who championed efforts toward better health, welfare, peace, and love contributed to the recognition of Mother’s Day. When the US Civil War ended in 1865, more than … [Read more…]
1 CORINTHIANS 13:7 This phrase, coined by Thomas Inman, dates from 1860. Thomas Inman recommended that his fellow doctors should not prescribe a medicine for a cure if they were not sure it would work. They were to give the patient “the benefit of our doubts.” Why? Each time we attempt to benefit someone, in medicine … [Read more…]
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