PSALM 31:14-24 Around the world, people celebrate the new year in a variety of ways. In Japan, people wear new clothes and use pine and bamboo branches, which are emblems of longevity, to adorn their homes. Families or groups of friends gather for meals at a host’s home in Scotland, where they give gifts shortly after midnight. Children … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 43:18-19; PHILIPPIANS 3:13 People look forward to each new day with fresh hope. In God’s Kingdom, nothing is static or stale. He provided the Israelites with fresh manna every day as they were travelling through the wilderness. Certain individuals are prone to living in the past, which breeds depression and hopelessness. They can choose to live in … [Read more…]
PSALM 13 “How long is forever?” questions Alice in Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland. “Sometimes, just one second,” the White Rabbit replies. Time felt as such when my friend passed quite soon. We experienced a greater sense of loss and grief as the days leading up to his funeral dragged on. It felt like every … [Read more…]
MARK 9:14–29 During a difficult time during cancer treatment, my friend called me, expressing his pain. I could not help but pray for him, focusing on Jesus. His wife assured me later that he was asleep and will call tomorrow. I sobbed into my pillow as I hung up. In Mark’s gospel, a father brings his son … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 49:14–16 He discovered an old grave that had a wooden marker one day while roaming around the farm. The writing was weathered away. Someone lived, died, and was forgotten. It was tragic. He looked into the history of the property for hours after he got home, but he could not find anything about the … [Read more…]
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16 Various shades of pink, such as hot pink, pale pink, and rose pink, are reminiscent of a vibrant sunrise. Similarly, our expressions of joy can manifest in diverse ways. Joy may be exuberant when we witness the faithfulness of God, it can embody a serene confidence in His sovereignty, or it may reflect … [Read more…]
JOHN 1:14 The nativity scene presentation was his favourite Christmas tradition as a child. He insisted on setting up each one every year, even though his parents had dozens. He now carries out the same action at home. As he arranged the nativity scenes two years ago, while holding a wooden figure of a newborn Jesus, … [Read more…]
LUKE 1:26-33; 2:4-7, 19 When a scared virgin gave birth to the King of kings, it was not a peaceful night in Bethlehem. With only her fiancé Joseph’s help, Mary endured the pain of childbirth. While angels sang to shepherds nearby, all Mary and Joseph heard were animals and their baby’s cries. The manger was a … [Read more…]
JEREMIAH 2:1–8; 3:14–15 My thoughts continue to focus on the past twenty-seven years, recalling how, as a newly ordained deacon, my commitment to Jesus was evident in my demeanour. I would go with Him no matter where and do anything. Twenty-seven years later, my vows are still firmly woven with love and a dedication that has seen … [Read more…]
MICAH 5:2-5 “I have nothing to be terrified of.” Is it possible for you to say that today? You can if you have made Jesus the king of your heart and the Lord of your life. Micah prophesied about a coming ruler during a fearful time of war and uncertainty, similar to today. God’s Word brought … [Read more…]
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