CHEETAHS CAN BE OUTRUN

ISAIAH 40:6-11, 28-31 The fastest land animal is believed to be the cheetah. However, in a footrace, four members of a Kenyan village beat two cheetahs. The community goats appear to have been the cheetahs’ primary food source. The men therefore devised a strategy to halt them. They waited until it was the warmest time of the … [Read more…]

GOD’S WORLD

PSALM 24:1 I was confident that he would appreciate getting a world map for his birthday. After doing some shopping, I saw a vibrant map of the globe with pictures for each region. Although I was happy, I had a question regarding the label “Our World” at the bottom of the globe. The fact that we … [Read more…]

A FATHER WHO RUNS

LUKE 15:11-24 In anticipation of his son’s return, a father stretched his neck every day to peer in the direction of the far-off road. He went to bed disappointed each night. But then one day, a speck appeared. Against the blood-red sky, a lonesome shadow loomed. The father questioned if that might be his son. Then … [Read more…]

SWEET-SMELLING LIFE

PHILIPPIANS 4:10-20 I am grateful that God endowed us with the ability to smell so we can appreciate the various fragrances of life. So when the apostle Paul states that our kind deeds toward others are like a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, and well pleasing to God, it catches my attention (Philippians 4:18). The smells that … [Read more…]

GO!

EXODUS 4:10-17 Billy Graham, a well-known evangelist, once said, “Let me tell you: every time I stand before the congregation of God’s people to preach, I tremble and my knees wobble!” How is it possible for such a renowned preacher, whose stirring speeches have enthralled millions, to have shaky knees? Then he continued by describing great humility … [Read more…]

GIVING EVERYTHING

ROMANS 12:1-8 John F. Kennedy challenged Americans during his inaugural speech as US President, saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” It was a fresh appeal for people to give their lives in sacrificial service to the country. An army of volunteers sprung up in response … [Read more…]

FIRM FOUNDATION

MATTHEW 7:21-27 The Pacific Rim region, known as the “Ring of Fire” is prone to earthquakes. This region includes Hong Kong, and many of its buildings are constructed on granite, which may help lessen earthquake damage. In earthquake-prone areas of the world, the foundation of buildings is very crucial. A solid foundation is essential for constructing lives, … [Read more…]

THE BOOK THAT INSPIRED THE STORY

PSALM 119:105-112 When Gone with the Wind made its American premiere in 1939, it was seen by millions of people all over the world. It was one of Hollywood’s most successful movies and received ten Academy Awards. The movie was based on Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 book, which gained fame for selling one million copies in just … [Read more…]

JUST AS I AM

JOHN 20:24-31 In 1834, Charlotte Elliott wrote the hymn “Just As I Am.” She began to suffer from crippling fatigue at age 33 and became disabled. She felt useless, and this inner anguish led her to start questioning her faith in Christ. As a reaction to her uncertainty, she penned “Just As I Am.” Jesus asked the … [Read more…]

IN THE SAME BOAT

MATTHEW 8:23-27 The passengers disembarked the cruise ship as soon as it arrived at the port. A virus outbreak had been plaguing them for the past two days, and hundreds of people had fallen ill as a result. When asked about his experience, one passenger said, “Well, I do not intend to complain so much. I … [Read more…]