NUMBERS 13:25–14:9 The Israelites, encamped near Mt. Sinai for two years, were nearing the promised land of Canaan. God instructed twelve spies to assess the Canaanites and their people. Ten of the spies believed they could not conquer the land because of the strength and cities of the inhabitants, while two believed they could. The ten compared … [Read more…]
1 CORINTHIANS 10:1–13 Joyce received a bright yellow bracelet from a hospital employee when she was healing from a serious fall. It said, “Fall Risk.” The phrase meant: Keep a close eye on this person. She might stumble a little bit. Assist her movements. First Corinthians 10 warns believers about the potential for sin, referencing the Israelites’ … [Read more…]
MARK 10:13–16; ROMANS 5:6 When the teacher called her to the front of the grammar class to analyse a sentence, she panicked. As a new student, she had not learned that aspect of grammar. The class laughed at her. Instantly, the teacher sprang to her defence and told the students that she could outwrite anyone. The new … [Read more…]
2 KINGS 6:8–17 John, a homeless man, spent a year looking down at the pavement, ashamed to meet others’ eyes in case they recognised him. He was intent on finding a dropped coin, which had become a habit, causing his spine bones to become fixed in that position, making it difficult for him to straighten up. … [Read more…]
PSALM 119:11, 17–19, 130–134 Growing older can be challenging due to the fear of dementia and short-term memory loss. A medical doctor and an expert on Alzheimer’s disease suggest that patients’ brains are so worn and habitual that they can still sing along to old hymns. Spiritual disciplines like reading Scripture, praying, and singing hymns can … [Read more…]
PSALM 34:15–22 Rio de Janeiro’s 2016 Olympic athletes could see Jesus from almost anywhere in the city, thanks to a 100-foot-tall sculpture called Cristo Redentor, anchored to a 2,310-foot-high mountain called Corcovado. The massive figure, with wide arms, is visible day and night from almost anywhere in the city. The iconic concrete and soapstone sculpture is … [Read more…]
ROMANS 7:14–25 David Nasser’s book, Jumping Through Fires, tells his spiritual journey. He was befriended by Christian teens, but he witnessed one of them telling a lie. Feeling convicted, his friend confessed and asked for forgiveness. This incident drew him closer to Christ. It is okay to admit our mistakes and struggles, as Paul openly referred … [Read more…]
1 PETER 2:9–12 A respected leader and statesman publicly criticised his country’s honourable MPs for their dishonourable lifestyles, corruption, pompous attitudes, and unsavoury language. He urged them to reform, but his comments were met with backlash, leading to counter-criticisms from the MPs. Following Christ is a privilege, not a duty. As a chosen people, a royal priesthood, … [Read more…]
GENESIS 16:1–13 Christopher Wright’s book (The God I Don’t Understand) highlights Hagar as one of the first people to name God. Hagar’s story is a disturbing portrayal of human history. After years since God told Abram and Sarai they would have a son, Sarai becomes older and impatient. She gives her slave, Hagar, to her husband, … [Read more…]
2 TIMOTHY 3:10–15; 2 TIMOTHY 4:7 Joop Zoetemelk, the Netherlands’ most successful cyclist, demonstrated perseverance by winning the 1980 Tour de France, starting and finishing 16 times, and placing second five times. Success often comes from a “never give up” mindset, but many people have lost opportunities due to giving up too soon in various aspects of … [Read more…]
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