ECCLESIASTES 5:10–19 In the festive season of Christmas and New Year, many people are shopping. Some have limited resources, aiming to purchase items at a price they can afford. But there are others who are motivated by greed and pride. The Old Testament writer of Ecclesiastes, “the Teacher,” offers an antidote to consumerism, stating that those who … [Read more…]
1 PETER 3:8–12 Some companies now offer “unsend” features that allow users to stop an email or message from leaving their computer or phone, preventing it from being sent to the wrong person or containing harmful words, emphasising the importance of guarding our words. Peter’s letter to Jesus’ followers advises against repaying evil and cursing others but … [Read more…]
PSALM 119:9–16 Maybe you have seen a TV programme when a person answers the door and discovers someone who gives them a huge cheque or cash. Subsequently, the astonished recipient starts yelling, twirling, leaping, and embracing everyone within reach. “I won! I am rich! It is unbelievable!” Hitting it big produces a powerful emotional reaction. In … [Read more…]
1 PETER 1:17–23 According to legend, Julius Caesar, a Roman nobleman, was abducted by pirates in 75 BC and held captive for a ransom. Persuaded that his value exceeded 20 talents, he demanded that the ransom be increased to 50 talents. Caesar’s arrogance contrasts with God’s regard for every individual, since our value is established by what … [Read more…]
LUKE 6:27–36 On the final day of the US Civil War, Union army officer Joshua Chamberlain ordered his soldiers to salute their Confederate foe without taunting or using vicious words. This brilliant act of bravery demonstrated the importance of maintaining peace and honouring one’s enemy, as one wrong word or belligerent act could lead to … [Read more…]
LAMENTATIONS 3:21–26; PSALM 63:3 A recent airline flight tossed passengers left and right down the runway during a somewhat bumpy landing. A couple of the passengers appeared apprehensive, but two small girls seated behind us cheered, “Yeah! Let us do that again!” Children’s openness to new adventures and humble wonder may align with Jesus’ teachings to receive … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 25:31–40 During a downturn in Southern California, Pastor Bob Johnson recognised both difficulties and opportunities. He invited the mayor to discuss how his church could assist, which surprised the mayor. People usually came to him for help. Here was a minister offering him the services of his congregation. The mayor and pastor collaborated to tackle pressing … [Read more…]
MARK 3:13–19 We may be inclined to ignore a list of names when we come across one in the Bible. However, there are gems to be found, like the list of the twelve apostles that Jesus appointed to serve in His name. Among them is Simon, whom Jesus referred to as Peter, the rock. James … [Read more…]
JOHN 4:7–15 Water Is Life has created “The Drinkable Book,” a resource that uses silver nanoparticles to filter out 99.9% of harmful bacteria from water. Each tear-out page can filter up to 100 litres of water, making it a valuable tool for those in need of clean water. The books have been distributed in Haiti, India, … [Read more…]
EZEKIEL 18:25–32 The boy enjoyed programming a small robot to perform simple tasks, such as moving forward, stopping, and retracing steps. He also controlled the robot’s behaviour, including beeping and replaying recorded noises. The robot obeyed his commands, never spontaneously laughing or veering off in an unplanned direction. God created humans in His image, allowing us … [Read more…]
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