2 CORINTHIANS 2:14-17 Which of the five senses brings back the clearest memories for you? The sense of smell is unquestionably important to me. Paul reminded the Corinthians that they are the pleasing aroma of Christ, possibly referring to Roman victory parades. The Romans burned incense on altars to signal their victory, while for prisoners, the aroma … [Read more…]
PROVERBS 3:1-18 Storm chasing involves travelling to locations predicted for severe weather, often for hobbies or photography, but is dangerous, especially at night. It has become a profitable business for some, with the goal of avoiding harm from a tornado. While skilled forecasters provide accurate information, I personally would not sign up for a tornado tour. In … [Read more…]
2 KINGS 12:1-15 “Cowboy builders” refer to tradespeople in British homes who perform poor construction, often associated with fear or regret due to bad experiences. In King Joash’s story, honesty is demonstrated by those who supervised and did the temple repair, despite rogue carpenters, masons, and stonecutters who may have existed in biblical times. King Joash did what … [Read more…]
PSALM 100 Psalm 100 serves as an artistic creation that encourages us to praise our invisible God. The artist works colourful words from the psalm onto a canvas, creating a world that sings for joy to the Lord. Joy is the delight of God, who redeems us from death. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set … [Read more…]
PSALM 146:1-10 The Surgical Technology International journal claims that looking down at a smart phone with a bent head can cause a 60-pound weight on the neck. With millions of people spending 2-4 hours daily reading and texting, the damage to the neck and spine is a growing health concern. The psalmist acknowledges the weight of life’s … [Read more…]
DEUTERONOMY 30:11-20 A journalist had a peculiar passion for never using a blue pen. So, in response to his colleague’s inquiry about whether he required anything from the shop, he requested some pens. He said, “But not blue pens. I do not desire blue pens. I do not care for blue. Get me 12 ballpoint pens, … [Read more…]
EXODUS 18:14–24; MARK 6:31 Jethro warned Moses that he would wear himself out alone as a judge over the Israelites. He suggested delegating his work and sharing the burden with others to avoid exhaustion. Self-care is crucial for a healthy life, as it involves loving God and others, getting adequate rest, and sometimes stepping away and allowing … [Read more…]
GENESIS 39:1–12; 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 Jude’s conversion to Christianity in his old age was a fascinating example of overcoming temptation. He would walk away from disagreements, like a neighbour’s quarrel, to avoid being tempted to advance the conflict. Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife’s temptation, realising it would lead to sin against God. He recognised the danger. Temptation can … [Read more…]
1 SAMUEL 25:14–33; PROVERBS 16:7 David and 400 warriors searched for Nabal, a prosperous brute who refused to help them. They encountered Abigail, Nabal’s wife, who had prepared food for the troops and warned David of guilt if he followed his vengeful plan. David realised her rightness and blessed her for her good judgement. David’s anger was … [Read more…]
HEBREWS 12:1-11 In 1952, Florence Chadwick attempted to swim 26 miles from California to Catalina Island but faced heavy fog and disorientation, giving up just 1 mile short of her destination. Two months later, Chadwick tried a second time to swim to Catalina Island from the coast and eventually reached her destination. She became the first … [Read more…]
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