LUKE 15:1–9 John and his wife were frantic when his mother-in-law went missing while shopping with a relative. She was suffering from memory loss and confusion, and the situation was uncertain. Worst-case scenarios arose, and they prayed to God for help in finding her. She was found miles away. Jesus compares humans to lost sheep, comparing them … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 21:12–16 Italy’s government and museum officials protested after an advertiser changed a picture of Michelangelo’s well-known marble statue of the biblical figure David. According to a cultural official, it would be illegal to depict David with a military gun over his shoulder rather than his slingshot—”like taking a hammer to it or worse.” It was … [Read more…]
EPHESIANS 4:2–13 After 22 years, he still questions the functioning of his marriage to Mary. He is a writer, and she is a statistician. They come from different worlds. He works with words and his wife with numbers. She arrives early for appointments; he is usually late. They try new things and learn patience from … [Read more…]
EXODUS 33:18-19; 34:1-7 In Greek and Roman mythology, I noticed their moody and easily angered gods, who often destroyed lives when they were enraged. I initially scoff at this belief but later realised that my own view of God is similar, as I see Him as easily angered whenever I doubted or disobeyed Him. Moses’s request for … [Read more…]
JOHN 10:7–16 One of the most enduring melodies in Christian music, especially for young followers, is “Jesus loves me; this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” This song’s lyric, which was written by Anna B. Warner, gently reinforces our relationship with Him: we are loved. In ancient Israel, a true shepherd was distinguished by … [Read more…]
COLOSSIANS 3:9–17 He did not challenge racism and segregation in his city while growing up in the 1950s. People with different skin tones were kept apart in neighbourhoods, restaurants, schools, and public transportation. When he enrolled in US Army Basic Training in 1968, however, his viewpoint shifted when he discovered how crucial it was to … [Read more…]
2 CORINTHIANS 4:7–18 A friend complimented an old book being held by Joy’s daughter. She asked if she could see it. As she opened the book, she found a treasure between the pages—a twenty-dollar note. The book was a shell to cover up what was inside. Paul described Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as a treasure that … [Read more…]
ROMANS 11:33–36 Do you want to develop a stronger sense of gratitude? In his poem “Gratefulness,” British poet George Herbert from the seventeenth century said, “Thou that hast given so much to me, give one thing more: a grateful heart.” The Bible identifies Christ Jesus as the source of all blessings (Romans 11:36). Everything we receive … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 5:13-16 A young girl wondered the meaning of a saint. Her mother took her to a magnificent church to admire the exquisite stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes. She exclaimed aloud, “Now I understand exactly who saints are,” as she took in the beauty of it all. “They are those who allow light to shine forth!” … [Read more…]
GENESIS 45:1–8 Hundreds of thousands of travellers are left stranded at airports due to significant aircraft cancellations caused by computer system outage. Major roadways are closed by several automobile crashes during a winter storm. The individual who said they would respond “right away” has not followed through. As followers of Jesus, we have the pleasure … [Read more…]
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