MARK 10:28-30 The common belief among the Jews was that material possessions were a reward from God for one’s obedience to the law. In Mark 10:17-22, a rich man claimed he had faithfully kept the law since his youth, so he assumed he deserved eternal life. When challenged to give up his wealth to follow Jesus, … [Read more…]
JOHN 15:5 The phrase “Heaven (or God) helps those who help themselves” is one that emphasizes the importance of self-initiative and agency. It originated in ancient Greece as “the gods help those who help themselves” and may originally have been proverbial. The phrase is often mistaken as a scriptural quote, though it is not stated verbatim … [Read more…]
PSALM 121 Psalm 121 is one of the fifteen “songs of ascent” (Psalms 120–134) which were sung by Jewish pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the three great festivals each year – Unleavened Bread (Passover), Weeks (First fruits) and Tabernacles. Most traveling was done on foot and may take several days. As they travel, they trust themselves to … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 28:8 Most people run a marathon between four and five hours. A new study shows that even novice runners who take on a marathon significantly improved their heart health. The idea for the modern marathon was inspired by the legend of an ancient Greek messenger who ran from the site of Marathon to Athens, a distance … [Read more…]
JOHN 11:21 Why did Jesus delay in going to Lazarus? (John 11:6) We often expect God to move quickly. We want His plans to fit our fast-moving timetable. When Jesus lived on earth, His seemingly slow pace sometimes disappointed His friends. In John 11, Mary and Martha sent word that their brother, Lazarus was sick. They knew Jesus … [Read more…]
2 TIMOTHY 3:16 Iceland is an island country in the North Atlantic, between Greenland and Norway, formerly a possession of Denmark. It is culturally considered to be part of Europe. This island nation of just over three hundred thousand people has more writers, more books published and more books read, per person, than anywhere else in the world. … [Read more…]
PSALM 1:1 Bad advice can leave the recipient frustrated, confused, or headed down the wrong path. It is like a bicycle without tyres – you cannot ride it. Recently, I read about a couple whose bank fortuitously deposited $120,000 into their account. This couple went on a splurge and also paid off some bills. When they discovered … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 43:2 A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. The origin of making New Year’s resolutions could be traced to the Babylonians, who reportedly made promises to the gods with the hope that they would earn good favour in the coming year. When the Babylonians were not making vows, they were busy … [Read more…]
2 TIMOTHY 2:24 He was on Facebook, arguing. What made him think he was obligated to correct a stranger on a hot topic – especially a schismatic one? The results were vehement words, hurt feelings and a broken opportunity to witness well for Christ. That is what “internet anger” can bring. Paul told Timothy, “The servant of … [Read more…]
PHILIPPIANS 2:8 The Roman ruler, Octavian came before the Senate to lay down his powers in 27BC. He had won a civil war, became the sole ruler of that region of the world, and was functioning like an emperor. Yet he knew such power was viewed with suspicion. He renounced his powers before the Senate, vowing … [Read more…]
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