LOVE OF ANOTHER KIND

JOHN 15:9–17 A church, initially established as a ministry for ex-prisoners transitioning back into society, now attracts people from various backgrounds. The church serves as a reminder of the heavenly community, consisting of diverse individuals, all redeemed sinners, united by Jesus’ love. Sometimes I wonder if some churches are more like exclusive clubs than a safe … [Read more…]

JESUS IN DISGUISE

MATTHEW 25:31–40 A friend cared for her mother-in-law, who longed for her feet to be washed. She hated the job, was resentful, and would ask God to hide her feelings. However, one day, she felt honoured to wash her mother-in-law’s feet, as she felt like she was washing Jesus Himself. This experience changed her grumbling … [Read more…]

ENOUGH

2 KINGS 4:42–44 A family initially felt inadequate when asked to host a small group at their home due to limited seating, lack of skills, and concerns about food preparation. Despite these fears, they agreed to host the group, and over the next five years, they found great joy in welcoming the group into their living room. … [Read more…]

SURVIVING THE WILDERNESS

EXODUS 17:1–7 In the 1960s, the Kingston Trio released a song called “Desert Pete,” which tells the story of a thirsty cowboy who finds a hand pump with a note instructing him not to drink the water in the jar but to use its contents to prime the pump. The cowboy obeys, receiving an abundance … [Read more…]

HOW LONG?

HABAKKUK 1:2–11 She experienced infertility after marrying, expecting immediate childbirth. Questioning God’s ability to change her circumstances, she wondered how long it would last. Are you waiting for justice, a cure for sickness, or God’s intervention for a financial challenge? In the seventh century BC, the prophet Habakkuk expressed his frustration with the Lord for allowing injustice … [Read more…]

EXCEPTIONALLY BETTER

1 CHRONICLES 17:1–15 As an adolescent, Janet would find a gift that delighted her mother with her little budget during her birthday. On her birthday, her mother would present a gift that outshines her own, demonstrating her generosity from her resources. Janet’s desire to give to her mother reminds me of David’s desire to build a temple … [Read more…]

HOVERING OVER US

DEUTERONOMY 32:7–12 Joy’s daughter returned home from an overseas trip feeling unwell. After her pain worsened, Joy and her husband took her to the hospital. After a few hours, a nurse assured Joy that her daughter would be okay. Joy felt peace and love, remembering that the Lord is the perfect parent who nurtures and … [Read more…]

THE SQUIRREL AND THE DEER

DEUTERONOMY 24:19–22; PROVERBS 12:11; PSALM 23 Someone once said, “Squirrels work hard before winter to bury their nuts in a location that is both secure and easily accessible.” “You may find their commotion amusing. Each squirrel sounds like an intruder, but a group of deer may cross your backyard without a sound.” What a striking difference!  Deers … [Read more…]

HEAVENLY INTERRUPTIONS

LUKE 18:35–43 Interruptions, whether at work or home, consume a significant amount of time each day. While many dislike disruptions, Jesus exhibited a different approach. He stopped his actions to help those in need, demonstrating that interruptions can be a blessing in our lives. This demonstrates the importance of addressing interruptions in our lives.  Jesus, on … [Read more…]

ROOTED IN GOD

JEREMIAH 17:5–8 Some friends planted a tree near their fence, anticipating it to blossom after five years. After two decades, it died—or so they thought—due to neighbours pouring weed killer, which seeped into its roots. To their amazement, the following year some shoots came through the ground. The prophet Jeremiah compares the image of trees flourishing … [Read more…]