TITUS 2:7–8, 11–14 When Singaporean runner Ashley Liew led a marathon at the Southeast Asian Games, he noticed the lead runners had taken a wrong turn. Instead of benefiting from their mistake, he chose to slow down and let them catch up, valuing genuine victory. In the end, Ashley lost the race and a medal but gained … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 10:29–31; PSALM 145:9 The more joys and sorrows I experience myself and witness in others, the more I believe that Christmas, more than any other season, tends to make the good things in life sweeter and the bad ones harder. The Christmas season may bring joy for some, filled with lights and loved ones, while others … [Read more…]
2 THESSALONIANS 3:16–18 Grace is a truly unique woman. When I think of her, just one thing comes to mind: peace. In the six months I have known her, despite her husband’s diagnosis of a rare disease and subsequent hospitalisation, her calm and serene demeanour has hardly altered. Grace responded, “It is not a secret; it … [Read more…]
2 CORINTHIANS 1:1–10; JOHN 20:21 “God sent you to me today!” The woman said this as we left our flight to Lagos. She had sat by my side and was returning home after multiple flights. I asked her about her quick turnaround, and she replied, “I just put my daughter in rehab for drug abuse today.” I shared … [Read more…]
PSALM 70; PSALM 37:7 Waiting for fish to bite, wind to fly a kite, or for Friday or the weekend—everyone waits. Waiting is difficult. We feel frustrated with awkward people, tedious jobs, and persistent health issues. Why does God not help us? Life involves waiting, but God is never in a hurry. Waiting teaches us patience as we … [Read more…]
2 CHRONICLES 18:5–27 Humans tend to look for information that backs their opinions. Research indicates we are twice as likely to seek supporting information. When we strongly believe in our views, we avoid challenges from opposing ideas. King Ahab of Israel, when deciding to go to war against Ramoth Gilead with Jehoshaphat, consulted 400 self-appointed prophets who … [Read more…]
2 KINGS 4:1–7; MATTHEW 6:32 It is pitch dark when Joanna starts her day. Soon, other villagers will rise to visit the rubber plantation, which is vital for income. Before tapping trees for latex, she spends time with God. Joanna supports her elderly mother and two grandsons after losing her father, husband, and son. The widow was … [Read more…]
PROVERBS 8:10–21 At the age of sixty, renowned British journalist and social critic Malcolm Muggeridge converted to Christianity. As he celebrated his 75th birthday, he made 25 wise observations about life. One said, “I never met a rich man who was happy, but I have only very occasionally met a poor man who did not … [Read more…]
PSALM 119:65–72 While some people enjoy sweet chocolate, others prefer bitter chocolate. Chocolate was a popular beverage among the ancient Mayans of Central America, who flavoured it with chilli peppers. This so-called “bitter water” appealed to them. It was brought to Spain many years later, but the Spanish liked chocolate sweet, so they added honey … [Read more…]
EPHESIANS 1:3–14 Because it is located on the location of the biggest slave market in East Africa, their visit to the Christ Church Cathedral in Stone Town, Zanzibar, was extremely emotional. The designers of the cathedral wanted to demonstrate how the gospel frees people from slavery. Once a scene of evil and misery, this location … [Read more…]
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