HOSEA 6:1–6 “Bidden or not bidden, God is present” is written on a plaque in a house. “Acknowledged or unacknowledged, God is here” could be the present-day translation. Hosea, an Old Testament prophet, encouraged the Israelites to acknowledge God’s presence, as they had forgotten Him. His insight reminds us that God is present in our lives, … [Read more…]
PSALM 74:4–8, 12–23 In recent years, we have witnessed some of the bloodiest assaults on Christians who were worshipping in churches. Bloodshed in a place of worship may be beyond our comprehension. However, we can get some assistance from others who are familiar with this type of suffering. In Psalm 74, Asaph describes the destruction of the … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 7:24–27 Fallingwater, a 1935 Pennsylvania house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, was built on a solid foundation, and today it is a tourist attraction. Jesus taught that His teachings would serve as a foundation for the lives of those who heard and obeyed them, allowing them to withstand storms. Those who disobeyed would be like … [Read more…]
SONG OF SOLOMON 2:14–17 A man who hated foxes described them as “wandering creatures that leave foul-smelling messes behind.” The Song of Solomon’s love poetry mentioned foxes, warning that they should be caught to prevent their destructive impact on the vineyard. “Foxes”, or sinful attitudes, can disrupt our relationship with God. By limiting these “foxes”, we gain trust … [Read more…]
2 KINGS 8:1–6; PROVERBS 16:9 Frank was working on a construction project at his son’s home, which took days longer than expected. He wondered why until an urgent call came from a stranger saying his daughter had been injured in an accident. It took only fourteen minutes to get to her because she lived close to his … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 9:35–38 The diary that Anne Frank wrote about her family’s years of hiding during World War II made her famous. According to those who knew her, when she was later imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp, her compassion for others did not cease. Kenneth Bailey, a scholar, came to the conclusion that Anne never … [Read more…]
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…]
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