ROMANS 14:1–13 It is difficult to walk away from unending arguments over differing interpretations of the Bible. It is good when both sides agree to disagree. Remembering that we will all answer to the Lord for our actions in our disagreements as well as our opinions is the key to agreeing to disagree, according to Paul … [Read more…]
JEREMIAH 31:16–26 Qu Yuan, a wise Chinese government official during the Warring States period (475-246 BC), warned his king about a potential threat, leading to his exile. He ended his life when he learnt of his country’s fall. Qu Yuan’s life resembles some aspects of the life of the prophet Jeremiah, but Jeremiah found hope in adversity. … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 55:1–7 At a Bible Club programme, a little boy devoured his snack and the leftovers of other children, yet he wanted more, causing concern among the teachers. Like that boy, we search for ways to fulfil our deepest desires but are never really satisfied. Isaiah invites hungry and thirsty people to come and eat … [Read more…]
PSALM 119:65–72 I once Googled “Is dark chocolate good for you?” because I enjoy dark chocolate. I received a range of outcomes, some positive and others negative. Almost any food product can be treated in the same way. Is it healthy to drink milk? Does coffee provide health benefits? Is rice a healthy food? You … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 1:18–25 In keeping with his dreams and goals for his son, Methodist pastor Gip Hardin named his son after the well-known preacher John Wesley. Sadly, though, John Wesley Hardin took a different route than his namesake, who was devoted to preaching. Hardin, who claimed to have murdered forty-two men, rose to prominence as one … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 6:5–15 I admire those who diligently record prayer requests, maintain a prayer journal, and engage in communal prayer. I have tried to emulate their styles and eloquence, aiming to learn the right prayer method. Eventually, I discovered from Matthew 6:5 that the Lord desires prayer with humility, a personal exchange, and no fancy words. Prayer … [Read more…]
PROVERBS 15:9–21 The most common question I received while I was getting ready to go on a mission trip with some young people was, “Is there Wi-Fi?” And there would be, I told them. So picture the cries and moans if the Wi-Fi went off one night! When we are removed from our cellphones, a lot … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 49:14–18 Charles Spurgeon frequently preached the profound truth of Isaiah 49:16, a text that tells us that God engraved us on the palms of His hands. Spurgeon connects the promise of the Lord to His people, the Israelites, and God’s Son, Jesus, on the cross. He asks about the wounds in Jesus’ hands, stating that … [Read more…]
PSALM 23:1–6; ISAIAH 43:1 The names of the almost 3,000 victims of the World Trade Centre attacks are inscribed on bronze panels around the two pools of the National September 11 Memorial in New York City. To touch a name and commemorate a loved one, many people visit this location. Isaiah, the prophet, talked of God’s unwavering … [Read more…]
ROMANS 5:1–11 Elizabeth, who recovered from drug addiction, anonymously placed notes in her city, tucking them under windscreen wipers and park poles. She leaves them for others to find. One of her notes ended with these words: “Much love. Hope sent.” Jesus provides hope with love, flowing freely from His heart to strengthen us each day. … [Read more…]
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