EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

MATTHEW 22:1-14; LUKE 5:27–32 A youth pastor hoped that a film night at the church youth club would attract new members. However, the event almost failed due to a football match being shown on television at the same time. As he prepared to pack up, he was met by some local youth and motorbike club members, … [Read more…]

TIME TO FLOURISH

MARK 11:12-21; LUKE 13:6-9 A man decided to cut down his rose plants due to their infrequent flower production. However, life got busy, and the plants suddenly burst into bloom – producing many flowers. We are in the Holy Week. Monday is believed to be the day Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree (Mark 11:14). However, the … [Read more…]

THE SOURCE OF WISDOM

I KINGS 3 A man accused a woman of having his dog and sued her for it. The woman told the judge where she bought her dog and said it could not be his in court. When the judge let the animal in the courtroom, the true owner was exposed. It ran to the man right … [Read more…]

AN EVER-PRESENT HELPER

JOHN 14:15–26 Marty, paralysed by a spinal injury, pursued his MBA with the support of his mother, who provided consistent, practical help, enabling him to achieve his goal. She sat with him during every lecture and study group, jotting notes. Jesus promised His followers a new connection with God through the Holy Spirit, providing them with … [Read more…]

QUIET WITNESS

1 PETER 2:11–21 A dedicated Christian nurse always shared her faith openly with co-workers. She was accused of stealing medicine. Despite the accusations, her superiors refused to believe her accusers until they found the real culprit. Her story shows the importance of living properly among unbelieving neighbours, even if they accuse you of wrongdoing. And that was … [Read more…]

GOD IS HERE

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…]

GOD IS STILL KING

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…]

A SOLID FOUNDATION

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…]

CATCHING THE FOXES

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…]

THE LORD OF THE MOMENT

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…]