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PSALM 103:1–12 Good Riddance Day, a Latin American tradition, involves individuals writing down embarrassing memories and issues from the past year and throwing them into an industrial-strength shredder or sledgehammer. The author of Psalm 103 does more than just advise people to bid bad memories farewell. He reminded us that our sins are forgiven by God, who … [Read more…]

ISAIAH 25:1–8 After being turned down, a man who was trying to enlist in the army became quite disheartened. A war began several weeks later. He felt appreciative after realising that he might have perished on the battlefield. There may be times when we get disappointed because God has not answered us or intervened in our challenges. … [Read more…]

PSALM 17:1–9 Growing up, my siblings and I enjoyed imaginative play, building forts and pretending to be safe from imaginary enemies. Years later, we watched children build their own safe places using blankets, sheets, and pillows, demonstrating the instinct for safety and security. David, a singer-poet of Israel, sought safety in God (Psalm 17:8). Despite constant … [Read more…]

REVELATION 21:1–7 James is fascinated by the scrapyard, as he enjoys working on cars. These lonely places are filled with discarded hulks, some wrecked, worn out, and outlived. Each car has a story, a portal to the past. Reviving an ancient component is a minor triumph over ageing and deterioration. This makes me think of Jesus’ … [Read more…]

ROMANS 12:9–21 Diane, a Christian, silently asked for prayers for her family member struggling with addiction. She felt it was better to leave the request unspoken. However, she had trusted friends pray with her, asking God to set her loved one free from addiction and provide her with peace and patience. Through prayer, Diane found … [Read more…]

MATTHEW 26:36–39 A father’s heart was tested when he had to remove a stubborn tooth from his ten-year-old son. Despite his son’s pleas for an alternative, the father remained present, holding his hand as the dentist removed the tooth. The father’s heart was broken, but his presence helped the son cope with the pain. In that … [Read more…]

MARK 1:40–45 Dr. Paul Brand, a pioneer medical missionary to India, witnessed the stigma surrounding leprosy firsthand. During an appointment, he touched a patient, causing tears to stream down his face. An attendant explained that these tears were tears of joy, because nobody has touched that patient for years. Jesus encountered a man with leprosy, a … [Read more…]

1 SAMUEL 25 A man drove fifty miles to discuss a report of a misrepresentation of their company with a staff member. In 1 Samuel 25, Abigail, married to Nabal, confronted David, a future king of Israel, who was planning a murderous revenge on her household. Abigail prepared a peace offering and persuaded David to reconsider his … [Read more…]

PHILIPPIANS 1:12–18 The bridge leading to a pastor’s church was washed out, leaving residents on the other side stranded. The church suffered because many members lived on the wrong side of the river. Despite the crisis, the church used the opportunity to expand its children’s home and provide housing for more orphans. Paul, facing the wrong … [Read more…]

EZEKIEL 34 A shepherd once said that sheep are incredibly lazy; only eating what is in front of them, even after consuming all the grass, they will not seek fresh patches – they will start consuming dirt. The Bible frequently likens people to sheep. The prophet Ezekiel likened God’s people to sheep under the care of … [Read more…]