MARK 10:42–52 Entrepreneurs are marketing celebrities as products, selling their personal time and attention. For example, a $15,000 meeting with Shakira or a $12,000 lunch with chef Michael Chiarello can be arranged. Jesus was often regarded as a celebrity, but he was always available to all. During a private jockeying between his disciples, Jesus reminded them … [Read more…]
LUKE 1:1–4 His childhood story involved a snake trapped under the front wheel of an old iron bicycle. This would not have been told if not for a long-lost letter that had been written explaining the situation. Actually, his brother had run to tell his mother that he had parked the bicycle on the snake. … [Read more…]
MARK 10:28–31; JOHN 10:9–10 My nephews introduced me to their new chore system, choropoly boards. These colourful electronic boards track their chores, with each task adding points to their “spending” account. Misdeeds, like leaving the back door open, result in fines. High points lead to rewards like computer time, and misdeeds deduct from the total, making … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 62:1–12 On Saturdays, her family watches her run with her high school cross-country team. After crossing the finish line, crowds engulf the athletes, often over 300. They search the crowd eagerly until they find her, eager to support her as a family. After 70 years of Babylonian captivity, God returned the Jews to Jerusalem and … [Read more…]
PSALM 41:1–3 Finding someone in need of consolation these days is not difficult: A weary supermarket cashier who is taking on a second job to supplement her income; a refugee yearning to return home; a single mother whose anxiety has drained her of hope; an elderly guy who is alone and believes he has outlived … [Read more…]
PSALM 66:8–12 His training for the long-distance race was poor, with the latest run being disappointing, with half-time walking and sitting down, resembling a mini-test failure. The training process is not a passing test but a continuous effort to enhance effectiveness, especially through repetitions. God allows trials to strengthen spiritual endurance, teach reliance on Him, and purify … [Read more…]
GALATIANS 5:16–25; JOHN 15:16 Our neighbour’s yard produces large grape bunches, and oranges dangle within our reach. Our kind neighbours share their harvest with us for taking responsibility for nurturing their crops and allowing us to enjoy a portion of their harvest. I am reminded of another harvest that God provides for me and the people He puts … [Read more…]
EZEKIEL 36:24–32 David discovered their dishwasher was not functioning properly. Was it the hard water in their area or the machine’s malfunctioning? God’s cleansing, unlike a faulty dishwasher, removes all impurities. The book of Ezekiel reveals God’s call to His people, addressing their sins and allegiance to other gods and nations. God promises to cleanse them from … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 26:1–9; JOHN 14:27 At six, he rode a roller coaster with his brothers for the first time. At high speeds, he yelled for a stop, but the ride continued. He had to hang on tight for the rest of the ride. Life can feel like an unwanted roller coaster ride, but the Bible encourages trusting in … [Read more…]
ROMANS 1:18–25 A little paradise with white sands and crystal-clear waters, Lord Howe Island is located off the east coast of Australia. Swimmers may enjoy swimming alongside turtles and dazzling trevally fish, and moon wrasses glided by, their neon colours flashing like a billboard. Coral reefs brimming with vivid orange clownfish and yellow-striped butterflyfish that … [Read more…]
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