GUARD YOUR BRAND

COLOSSIANS 3:1-14 A well-known apparel retailer insists that its salespeople dress up like the models in the store displays who promote the company’s products. “Guarding their brand” is the term for this practice. The theory is that buyers will be more willing to buy items because they want to look like the people who are wearing them. … [Read more…]

TERRIFYING TIMES

PSALM 23 My wife was in labour for more than 24 hours when our first child was born and it caused enormous stress for both her and the baby. The doctor planned an emergency Caesarean section, but it never happened. Soon after his decision, the baby arrived. But due to the fact that he came … [Read more…]

OVERCOMING BAD NEWS

PSALM 4 “Who will show any good?” (Psalm 4:6) David’s statements appear to capture the negative view that so easily develops in today’s world. Crime, accidents, evil politicians, the bad economy, and notable people behaving badly appear to dominate the front pages of newspapers and top topics on the Internet or television. Our discussions at work … [Read more…]

ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS

HEBREWS 11:32-40 William Carey was a regular guy with a tremendous faith. Carey was born into a working-class family in the 18th century and worked as a shoemaker. Carey read theology and explorer journals while making shoes. God burdened him for worldwide evangelism through His Word and stories of the discovery of new people groups. He … [Read more…]

WAIT

1 SAMUEL 3:7-14 A man tried to beat traffic by veering past a lane of cars that had come to a halt in an act of impatience. The lane he pulled into, however, had recently been paved with fresh cement, and his car got stuck. For his impatience, this driver paid a high price. According to the … [Read more…]

REROUTING

PROVERBS 3:1-8 “Do not be worried. I know where we are heading to,” the driver assured his passengers. Then a voice that sounded almost human said, “Rerouting… rerouting.” It was from the GPS. Everyone knew he was going the wrong way now! Millions of drivers nowadays recognise when they have gone off course or missed a turn … [Read more…]

STRANDED

GENESIS 39:19-23 After the initial bus broke down, several passengers, totaling 45, were trapped for 8 hours overnight at a petrol station waiting for a replacement bus. They must have been annoyed by the delay, worried about the outcome, and eager to be rescued. When Joseph was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, he undoubtedly … [Read more…]

TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY

2 CORINTHIANS 4:7-15 A fine piece of jewelry is often tucked into a setting of dark coloured velvet when you buy it. I believe it is designed in this manner so that our attention is quickly drawn to the jewelry’s attractiveness. The beauty of the gift would be overshadowed if the package was lavishly decorated. It reminds … [Read more…]

BY OUR ACTIONS

MATTHEW 7:15-20; PROVERBS 20:11 A clergyman was walking to church one night when a thief approached him with a knife and demanded his money or his life. When the thief saw his clerical collar as he dug into his pocket to hand him his wallet, he added, “I can see that you are a priest.” “Do … [Read more…]

WE HAVE ENOUGH!

MATTHEW 6:25-34 Every day, I enjoy writing. However, I must admit that it is often difficult for me to convey everything I want to say in a few words. It seems as though the words are not enough to convey the message. As I was reading about Christ’s temptation in the book of Matthew (Matt. 4:1-11), I … [Read more…]