PSALM 50:8–15; LUKE 17:16-18 A medical doctor suggested to a terminally ill patient that he should start each day by giving thanks. Gratitude opens hearts to find encouragement in God’s goodness. At times it brings even the physical healing. Psalm 50 is a biblical text emphasising the importance of thanksgiving to God. Jesus was not pleased when He … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 46:3–13; PSALM 68:19 “Daddy, don’t leave my hand!” “I will not. I promise.” The little boy was terrified of the water, but his father wanted him to learn to swim. He purposely took him away from the side of the pool into a depth that was over his head, where he was his only support. It was not … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 40:9–11 There was a threatening weather alert, and the neighbourhood became chaotic and filled with cars. As parents gathered to pick up children from the local community school, a woman stepped out of her car to protect a child from rain, a moment of real-time parental care that reminded me of my heavenly Father. Isaiah … [Read more…]
PSALM 57 Fear can leave us frozen, unable to move forward due to past hurts and potential future harm. We may lack the intelligence, strength, or courage to handle such situations. Frederick Buechner’s description of God’s grace is captivating – that it resembles a gentle voice that assures us of both terrible and beautiful things in … [Read more…]
1 JOHN 1:1–4; JOHN 21:24–25 As a child, I loved visiting the school library and realised there were so many books. Today, new books fill more shelves. Since his five New Testament volumes—the Gospel of John, John 1–3, and Revelation—were written on parchment scrolls, the apostle John would probably be surprised by the number of books available today. … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 53:1–6 My index finger had been pierced by the thorn, which caused blood to flow. I yelled, then let out a grunt and reflexively pulled my hand back. However, I should not have been shocked because attempting to trim a prickly bush without wearing gardening gloves was doomed to fail. I had to pay attention … [Read more…]
PROVERBS 3:21–31 In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused severe flooding in eastern Texas, stranding thousands. The “Texas Navy”, made up of private citizens, was formed to evacuate stranded individuals. The actions of these generous men and women exemplify the encouragement in Proverbs 3:27 to help others whenever possible. They brought their boats and used their resources to … [Read more…]
ROMANS 8:22–30 The local chief received his own copy of the Bible at a dedication ceremony where it was translated into a regional African language. He raised the Bible in the air in gratitude and cried, “Now we know God understands our language! The Bible is available for us to read in our mother tongue. Our … [Read more…]
LUKE 19:1–10 Angela was struggling with her education and was transferred from her elite primary school to a “normal” one. Angela felt as though she had been demoted, and her parents were disappointed. The nine-year-old, however, quickly came to understand what it meant to be in a class of typical pupils after enrolling in her new … [Read more…]
HEBREWS 13:1–3; GALATIANS 6:10 While on vacation, I went to a well-known sports centre. I could see that the gates were open and I was invited to come. Taking in the well-kept sports fields and exploring the grounds was enjoyable for me. I was going to leave when someone halted me and sternly informed me that … [Read more…]
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