ACHAN’S BOOTLACES

JOSHUA 7:1-12 The activities of a single person can have a large impact on a group. As journalist Sebastian Junger followed a platoon of soldiers, this truth became evident. Junger stood there watching as one soldier confronted another whose bootlaces were dragging on the ground. He did not confront him because he was worried about his … [Read more…]

TRUE HOSPITALITY

ROMANS 12:13 In 1987, a pastor and his family relocated to California to take over a church’s pastorate. They were picked up from the airport the day they arrived in town. The first thing he noticed as they drew into traffic was a bumper sticker that said, “Welcome to California… Now Go Home!” It was not … [Read more…]

JOIN JESUS AT THE WELL

JOHN 4:27-38 Food is not just a necessity for me; it is also a wonderful source of enjoyment! When I am hungry, I like to sit down to a well-prepared meal. When the disciples returned to the well where Jesus was interacting with the Samaritan woman, I believe they were hungry for lunch. They implored … [Read more…]

NAVIGATING THE STORMS OF LIFE

PSALM 107:23-32 The ancient people of Axum (or Aksum), a nation on the Red Sea in modern Ethiopia, learned that the monsoon season’s harsh winds could be harnessed by sail for fast sailing. They learnt to maneuver their way through the storm rather than fearing the tremendous winds and rain. Psalm 107 paints a beautiful picture of … [Read more…]

DEBTORS

2 CORINTHIANS 5:12-17 According to legend, as a young man, Robert Robinson (1735–1790) enjoyed getting into trouble with his friends. However, at the age of 17, he heard a sermon by George Whitefield and realised his need for Christ’s salvation. His life was transformed by the Lord, and he became a preacher. He also authored a … [Read more…]

RELY ON HIM

MATTHEW 10:32-38 Some of us have little knowledge of persecution. Our physical well-being has never been threatened as a result of what we believe or say. We only “know” a little about the issue because of what we hear and read. For many of our brothers and sisters around the world, this is not the case. … [Read more…]

THE PREPARED VESSEL

2 TIMOTHY 2:19-26 One morning, my son knocked on my bedroom door and inquired what I was doing. “I am preparing a report,” I replied. “It seems like I am always preparing for something,” I added, thinking of how much time I spend in my room. I am thankful for the opportunities God has provided for me … [Read more…]

PEACE BE STILL

MARK 4:35-41 Frank, a friend of mine, has a beautiful way of putting things into perspective. “How are you today?” I asked him once. I was expecting the usual “fine” response. “I have to wake Him up!” he said instead. “Do you not know your Bible?” he jokingly replied when I inquired what he meant. “When … [Read more…]

THOMAS CRANMER’S PRAYER

JEREMIAH 15:15-21 The Bible translation that carries King James’ name is well-known. He revised The Book of Common Prayer around the same time as the Bible was being printed. This intercession and worship guide, which is still in use today, contains a beautiful prayer by Thomas Cranmer that is helpful for internalizing the Bible: “Blessed Lord, … [Read more…]

UZZIAH’S TRAGIC FLAW

2 CHRONICLES 26:3-16 In literature, a tragic flaw is a character trait that leads to a hero’s downfall. Uzziah, who was crowned king of Judah at the age of 16, was an example of this. He sought the Lord for several years, and during that time, God blessed him with enormous achievement. Things changed, however, as … [Read more…]