LIVING ANONYMOUSLY

ROMANS 12:1–13 Jane Yolen, an author of over 400 books for children and adults, said, “The story told is important, not the storyteller.” The story revolves around Jesus, the Saviour, who sacrificed His life for us, and we, along with other believers, live for Him and share His love with others. Romans 12:3–21 emphasises the importance of … [Read more…]

WAKEARI PEOPLE

LUKE 7:36–50; ROMANS 5:8 In Japan, food products are meticulously prepared and packaged to ensure both taste and appearance. Despite the high quality standards, products with slight defects are often discarded. However, wakeari products, meaning “there is a reason” in Japanese, have gained popularity in recent years. These products are sold at a low price for … [Read more…]

TEST TIME

MARK 4:35–41 “Clear your desks of all items, and get a sheet of paper and a pencil.” When I was a student, these dreaded words announced that “test time” had come. In Mark 4, Jesus’ day began with teaching by the seaside and ended with a time of testing on the sea. Jesus and His disciples … [Read more…]

THE HOSPITAL ROOM THAT BECAME A LIGHTHOUSE

GENESIS 50:15–20 Jay Bufton created a lighthouse out of his hospital room. Jay, a dying cancer patient, transformed his room into a wonderful place for friends, family, and hospital workers. His joyful attitude and strong faith attracted nurses who even visited him during off-hours. He greeted everyone with a smile and encouragement, living out his faith … [Read more…]

AN ENCOUNTER WITH STONES

ISAIAH 53:1–6 The modern city of Jerusalem is believed to have been built on its own rubble. A family walked through the Via Dolorosa (the Way of Sorrow), the route Jesus followed on His way to the cross, during a visit, and paused at the Convent of the Sisters of Zion. They were intrigued by … [Read more…]

HELD BY GOD

PSALM 131 During lunch with my sister and children, my niece was told to prepare for her nap by her mom. She was worried because I had not yet held her. I had to assure her that I would hold her for five minutes before her nap. I am grateful for my niece’s constant reminder of … [Read more…]

WHEN BEAUTY IS NEVER-ENDING

PSALM 27:1–4; PSALM 63:3 A man once said, “Views of the Grand Canyon are my favourite. Every time I stand at the edge of the canyon, I am astounded by the fresh strokes of God’s artistic creation.” The Grand Canyon, despite being a large hole in the ground, evokes a profound reflection on heaven. It reminds us … [Read more…]

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

ISAIAH 40:6–11 I was in the waiting room of the hospital. I brought my friend for his eye surgery. As I prayed for him, I found solace in Isaiah 40, a familiar passage in the Bible, as I prayed for his well-being and the comfort the surgery would bring. Isaiah 40 tells us that the Lord … [Read more…]

TWO-WINGED SUN—AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL STORY

ISAIAH 38:1–8 An ancient clay seal was found in Jerusalem’s Institute of Archaeology. Initially, the seal’s significance was not established until a researcher scrutinised the letters on it, leading to a major discovery. The Hebrew inscription, written in Hebrew, reads, “Belonging to Hezekiah [son of] Ahaz, king of Judah.” The seal, discovered by archaeologists, features a … [Read more…]

OUR SAFE PLACE

PROVERBS 18:10–11 My brother and I were planning an extended family gathering, and I offered to drive. He asked if I could drive his car, which he preferred. I assumed he preferred his spacious car, but he explained that he felt safer and protected in his car. His comments prompted me to reflect on my personal … [Read more…]