ONLY BY PRAYER

MARK 9:14–29 During a difficult time during cancer treatment, my friend called me, expressing his pain. I could not help but pray for him, focusing on Jesus. His wife assured me later that he was asleep and will call tomorrow. I sobbed into my pillow as I hung up. In Mark’s gospel, a father brings his son … [Read more…]

CREATING A LASTING LEGACY

ISAIAH 49:14–16 He discovered an old grave that had a wooden marker one day while roaming around the farm. The writing was weathered away. Someone lived, died, and was forgotten. It was tragic. He looked into the history of the property for hours after he got home, but he could not find anything about the … [Read more…]

JOY

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16 Various shades of pink, such as hot pink, pale pink, and rose pink, are reminiscent of a vibrant sunrise. Similarly, our expressions of joy can manifest in diverse ways. Joy may be exuberant when we witness the faithfulness of God, it can embody a serene confidence in His sovereignty, or it may reflect … [Read more…]

CHRISTMAS’ UNBELIEVABLE HOPE

JOHN 1:14 The nativity scene presentation was his favourite Christmas tradition as a child. He insisted on setting up each one every year, even though his parents had dozens. He now carries out the same action at home. As he arranged the nativity scenes two years ago, while holding a wooden figure of a newborn Jesus, … [Read more…]

MARY’S CHRISTMAS

LUKE 1:26-33; 2:4-7, 19 When a scared virgin gave birth to the King of kings, it was not a peaceful night in Bethlehem. With only her fiancé Joseph’s help, Mary endured the pain of childbirth. While angels sang to shepherds nearby, all Mary and Joseph heard were animals and their baby’s cries. The manger was a … [Read more…]

ANYWHERE

JEREMIAH 2:1–8; 3:14–15 My thoughts continue to focus on the past twenty-seven years, recalling how, as a newly ordained deacon, my commitment to Jesus was evident in my demeanour. I would go with Him no matter where and do anything. Twenty-seven years later, my vows are still firmly woven with love and a dedication that has seen … [Read more…]

CHRISTMAS WITHOUT FEAR

MICAH 5:2-5 “I have nothing to be terrified of.” Is it possible for you to say that today? You can if you have made Jesus the king of your heart and the Lord of your life. Micah prophesied about a coming ruler during a fearful time of war and uncertainty, similar to today. God’s Word brought … [Read more…]

FAIR PLAY

TITUS 2:7–8, 11–14 When Singaporean runner Ashley Liew led a marathon at the Southeast Asian Games, he noticed the lead runners had taken a wrong turn. Instead of benefiting from their mistake, he chose to slow down and let them catch up, valuing genuine victory. In the end, Ashley lost the race and a medal but gained … [Read more…]

GOD IN THE DETAILS

MATTHEW 10:29–31; PSALM 145:9 The more joys and sorrows I experience myself and witness in others, the more I believe that Christmas, more than any other season, tends to make the good things in life sweeter and the bad ones harder. The Christmas season may bring joy for some, filled with lights and loved ones, while others … [Read more…]

THE KEY TO PEACE

  2 THESSALONIANS 3:16–18 Grace is a truly unique woman. When I think of her, just one thing comes to mind: peace. In the six months I have known her, despite her husband’s diagnosis of a rare disease and subsequent hospitalisation, her calm and serene demeanour has hardly altered. Grace responded, “It is not a secret; it … [Read more…]