EPHESIANS 6:1-4 I was startled by a quote I saw in the optometrist’s office while waiting for my eye test: “Eighty percent of everything children learn in their first 12 years is through their eyes.” I began to consider things that children visually process from books, movies, their environment and watching people – especially members … [Read more…]
EZRA 5:7-17 “Keep calm and carry on.” As World War II broke out in 1939, this message was common in Great Britain. In order to combat fear and discouragement throughout the war, British officials printed it on posters. The Israelites had to face their own anxiety and enemy interference when they started to construct the temple after returning … [Read more…]
JOHN 19:1-8 The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, formerly known as the Crown Jewels of England, are a group of ceremonial royal relics that are stored in the Tower of London and include the royal regalia and robes used for coronations. They stand for both the authority and status of individuals who utilize them as … [Read more…]
PSALM 46:1-3 I recently read about a man who went hunting with his friends close to Balmoral, the Queen of England’s country estate. He twisted his ankle so severely while they were walking that he was unable to continue, so he instructed his companions to keep moving and he would wait by the side of … [Read more…]
PSALM 73:25-26 In a church service, my friend David admits that he does not always sing all the lyrics to the hymns and choruses. He stated, “Singing ‘All I want is Jesus’ when my heart also desires many other things does not seem truthful.” I appreciate his honesty. Asaph sounds like a man who is spiritually minded … [Read more…]
JOSHUA 24:15 Allied forces launched a massive attack on German fortifications on the beaches of Normandy, France, on the morning of June 6, 1944. The invasion is frequently referred to by the well-known moniker “D-Day,” but few people are aware of the term’s original meaning or what, if anything, the “D” stood for. Some have … [Read more…]
ROMANS 13:8-10 The Greek physician Hippocrates is frequently described as the founder of Western medicine. He is credited with developing the Hippocratic Oath, which continues to function as a moral code for modern doctors, because he recognised the importance of upholding moral values in the practice of medicine. “To do no harm” is one of the … [Read more…]
COLOSSIANS 4:2-6 A boy on a passenger train was trying to sell apples in order to make some money, as the story goes. “Apples!” he said as he moved through the carriage. “Would you like to buy an apple?” He still had a bag of apples in his possession and no money when he reached the … [Read more…]
PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14 Emus and Kangaroos, two native creatures of Australia, have one thing in common – they rarely move backward. Australia’s coat of arms features both creatures as a representation of the country’s commitment to continuous advancement. In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul encouraged a similar approach to the life of faith. While it is … [Read more…]
PROVERBS 15:16-23 Thomas à Kempis, a theologian who lived in the fourteenth century, once remarked that no one is so wise as to know everything perfectly. Men should not rely solely on their own judgment, but rather be open to hearing what others have to say. Thomas understood the value of consulting with counselors when establishing … [Read more…]
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