RESTORED FAILURES

PSALM 145:1–16 A guest band led praise and worship at our church, showcasing their passionate devotion to the Lord. The musicians, all ex-prisoners, captivated the audience with their songs, which became a testament to the lives they now live. The world may embrace success, but stories of past failure offer hope and assurance that God loves … [Read more…]

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OUTSIDE IN?

GALATIANS 3:23–29 “Inside out or outside in: Which is the source of change?” The seminar, which reflected current trends, said that making minor external adjustments, such as getting a makeover or adopting improved posture, can have a big impact on how we feel about ourselves and potentially change our lives. Scripture encourages a deeper transformation that … [Read more…]

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UNANTICIPATED GRACE

ACTS 9:1–19 Because the cleaner was sick, John stayed up late on a Monday night to scrub the dirty tile floors. To surprise his boss, he kept the caretaker’s absence a secret. But when they came back on Tuesday, they discovered that a big tap had been left on all night, leaving water standing on … [Read more…]

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GOD AT OUR SIDE

MATTHEW 1:18–23 “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ at my right, Christ at my left”… When I read Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth, these hymn lyrics—penned by the fifth-century Celtic Christian St. Patrick—resound in my head. They reassure me that I am … [Read more…]

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FIRST THINGS FIRST

1 TIMOTHY 4:12–16 When you fly, an airline staff gives a safety talk that covers what to do in the event that cabin pressure is lost, just before or shortly after the aircraft takes off. It is explained to passengers that oxygen masks should be put on by them before assisting others. How come? Because you … [Read more…]

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MEETING OUR NEEDS IN ODD WAYS

MATTHEW 17:24–27 A week or so after James assumed he would never find his cell phone again, he received a call from a fisherman who had recovered his phone, which remained working even after it dried. In the Bible, odd stories are often found. Peter was asked if Jesus paid the temple tax, and Jesus turned … [Read more…]

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THANKS JOURNAL

PSALM 117 A young believer in Jesus was encouraged by a spiritual mentor to keep a thanks journal. This small booklet was carried everywhere, recording Thanksgivings either immediately or at the end of the day. The author of Psalm 117, the shortest of all the psalms, exhorts everyone to give thanks to the Lord since His … [Read more…]

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HAPPY DEPENDENCE DAY!

MATTHEW 6:6–13 One weekend the children decided to make breakfast for themselves, causing a chaotic scene. Tired from a long week, Daddy and Mummy slept until 7:00 a.m., when they heard a loud crash and found a shattered bowl of oatmeal on the floor. The children chose independence, not seeking help, and the outcome was … [Read more…]

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EVERYDAY MOMENTS

PROVERBS 15:13–15 A man crossed the road without looking carefully. I slammed on the brakes, missing him. Startled, the man looked up and met my gaze. I smiled at him. His face lit up with relief, and he lifted the corners of his own mouth in appreciation. I could not hear him, but I knew he … [Read more…]

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WHAT REMAINS IN THE EYE

PSALM 104:24–35 The hum produced by the hummingbird’s fast-beat wings gives it its English name. It goes by the names “flower-kisser” (Portuguese) and “flying jewels” (Spanish) in different languages. The Mexican Zapotec term biulu, which means “what remains in the eye,” is one of my favourite names for this bird. You will always remember seeing … [Read more…]

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