ROMANS 5:1–11 A church has a welcome card that embodies God’s unconditional love and grace. “If you are a saint, sinner, loser, winner,” it reads, and then a long list of other descriptive words for those who struggle with life, such as “alcoholic, hypocrite, cheater, fearful, misfit… You are welcome here.” We often accept labels and … [Read more…]
HEBREWS 4:14–16; PSALM 73:28 When she saw an empty chair, the woman who wanted to pray kneeled down in front of it. She begged her heavenly father to have a seat, crying, saying, “You and I need to talk.” She prayed then, her eyes fixed on the empty chair. She approached the Lord with assurance, as … [Read more…]
PSALM 93 Situated on the border between Brazil and Argentina, the breathtaking Iguazu Falls comprise 275 falls spanning 2.7 km (1.67 miles) along the Iguazu River. The words of Psalm 93:4, “Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!” are etched on a … [Read more…]
ECCLESIASTES 3:1–14 During a recent journey, I observed a mother and her children playing contentedly, causing me to reflect on my own children’s age and the season that I have already experienced. King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes chapter 3, reflects on the cycle of life, stating that there is a “time for everything” and that our work … [Read more…]
JAMES 4:6–10; ROMANS 6:11 “The Devil’s Footprint” is a foot-shaped granite impression in Ipswich, Massachusetts, attributed to George Whitefield’s powerful sermon in 1740. Whitefield’s powerful preaching caused the devil to leap from the church steeple and land on a rock while leaving town. The legend serves as an encouraging reminder from God’s Word, as James 4:7 encourages … [Read more…]
ROMANS 13:11–14 Lauren Winner’s book Wearing God suggests that clothing can convey various aspects of our identity, such as career, community, moods, or social status, suggesting that Christians can also communicate their beliefs. Paul said that Christians should clothe themselves with Christ, not gratify fleshly desires. As children of God through faith, we must strive to … [Read more…]
GENESIS 4:1–12 Canadian cross-country skier Beckie Scott accepted her gold medal from the Olympics in June 2004 at an art gallery in Vancouver. That is intriguing since Utah hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002. Scott took home the bronze behind two competitors who, it was discovered months later, had used banned substances. Injustice, even minor ones … [Read more…]
2 CHRONICLES 7:1–10; PSALM 100:1 Joyce loves John Philip Sousa’s “The March King,” even as a twenty-month-old. She enjoys humming the tune with claps. Her family often dances or parades in circle to the beat. They always get quite lightheaded and giggle a lot in the end. Their joyful noise reminds us of the psalm that encourages … [Read more…]
PHILIPPIANS 4:4–9 “I am afraid.” This was the message a teenager sent on Facebook to her friends as she told them about her upcoming medical tests and hospitalisation, anxiously waiting for doctors to identify the source of her serious medical issues. Fears can arise in various life situations, and finding help and comfort in Scripture can … [Read more…]
EXODUS 23:10–13 On a Sunday, I stood by a stream, enjoying its beauty and listening to birds chirping. I was able to enjoy the area’s beauty because I felt at ease and thankful for the intervention of the Lord in allowing his people to rest. The Lord established a Sabbath for His people to promote their … [Read more…]
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