PSALM 121 Walking on flat surfaces has some health benefits, but if we choose a route that comprises hills or steep inclines, our results will be even better. Strength, stamina, and general health are improved more quickly for people who walk hills. The Israelites sang the “Songs of Ascents” (Ps. 120–134) as they walked the road … [Read more…]
PROVERBS 10:18–21; 12:17–19 Which human muscle has the most strength? Some claim that the tongue is the strongest muscle; however, since muscles do not function in isolation, it is difficult to say for sure. But we are aware of the power of the tongue. It can cause a lot of harm. This dynamic, tiny muscle that aids … [Read more…]
2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17 Jane reads a great deal. She is engrossed in a book while others are watching television or playing video games. Her zeal is mostly the result of her early years. Her family frequently went to see an uncle who had a bookshop. Uncle Fred would read to her while she sat on his lap, … [Read more…]
JOHN 18:15-27 We all want to be remembered for our “finest hour.” When he declared, “Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God,” the apostle Peter may have had his finest moment (John 6:69). But occasionally, we let our mistakes define who we are. Peter walked outside and sobbed vehemently after repeatedly denying … [Read more…]
JOHN 21:15-22 Although there are many uses for social media, satisfaction is not one of them. Even when we have good intentions, it can be discouraging to constantly be reminded that others have already achieved their goals or have done so more successfully. Yet, God has not wronged us. Everything we require to complete the … [Read more…]
GALATIANS 6:1-10 When we cook three times a day, seven days a week, it may become tiresome. We can grow weary of processing food by peeling, chopping, slicing, and mixing it before baking, grilling, or boiling it. Yet, eating is never tedious! Despite the fact that we do it every day, we really like it. … [Read more…]
EXODUS 14:10-14 Given the requirements of Christian commitment, one would ask if they could last more than a year without reverting to their former sinful behavior. The instruction to “be still” is reassuring given the temptations that permeate our environment. The psalmist instructs, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). We learn more about God, … [Read more…]
PSALM 103:7-13 I pondered how the parents would keep the little boys quiet for our one-hour flight as I observed the two boys running about the congested boarding area. I saw the father and one of the sons in the seat behind me when we finally boarded. The exhausted father then said, “Why don’t you … [Read more…]
1 CORINTHIANS 1:25-31 A British actress named Fanny Kemble migrated to America in the early 1800s and married Pierce Butler, the owner of a southern plantation. Fanny was living the luxurious life made possible by the plantation’s wealth until she realised how expensive that luxury was—a price paid by the slaves who worked tirelessly on … [Read more…]
LUKE 10:38-42 During a church service, I noticed an infant several rows away. As the baby peered over his father’s shoulder, his eyes were wide with wonder as he looked around the congregation. He grinned at some people, drooled, and chewed his fingers. As my attention transferred to that precious baby, the preacher’s words started to fade. … [Read more…]
RECENT COMMENTS: