HEBREWS 11:32–12:3 The words “HOME OF THE 12TH MAN” are displayed prominently at the Texas A&M football stadium. Although each team is only permitted to field eleven players, thousands of A&M students stand the whole game to support their side, a phenomenon known as the “12th Man.” The origins of the custom may be traced … [Read more…]
ROMANS 15:1–7 His leg was stuck between a commuter car and the platform while he was getting on a train. Almost fifty passengers lined up and, on a count of three, pushed against the train when safety officials were unable to remove him. Together, they managed to move the weight just enough to release his leg. … [Read more…]
MARK 1:16–22 Jacob Davis, a tailor during the Gold Rush in the 1800s, used tent cloth from a dry goods company owned by Levi Strauss to create blue jeans. This heavy, sturdy material, which was used for gold miners’ work pants, became the basis for denim jeans, which have since become one of the most … [Read more…]
PHILIPPIANS 2:1–11 Many people are obsessed with fame, either by being famous themselves or following the lives of famous people through international tours, late-night shows, and millions of social media followers. A US study ranked famous individuals using an internet-scoured algorithm, with Jesus as the most famous person in history. Jesus was not concerned about obtaining … [Read more…]
GALATIANS 6:2–10 Brethren from a local church distributed food to a low-income area during a cold evening, amidst a woman’s overjoyed response to the food, showcasing her bare cupboard as an answer to her prayers. One of them started crying as they made their way back to the church. “That woman was my Sunday school … [Read more…]
COLOSSIANS 3:12–17 Last year, my students engaged in a game where they had to name something they were thankful for without repeating someone else’s words. Students who might complain about issues like tests, deadlines, and rules chose to be thankful and likely felt better after the game than if they had chosen to complain. This choice … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 2:1-12 The original wise men were not Jews. They were pagan astrologers from the east, known as the Magi. They were respected and scholarly Gentile scientists, likely serving as priests or court advisors. They wanted to uncover the mysterious star in the heavens, which they believed was a newborn king. They followed the star to … [Read more…]
LUKE 2:8–14 On the final day of a Christian publishing conference in Singapore, over 200 participants from 50 countries gathered for a group photo. After many photographs were taken, a voice from the crowd shouted with relief, “Well, joy to the world! Another person responded, “The Lord is come,” showcasing unity and joy. The entire … [Read more…]
ROMANS 9:1-5 We knew nothing would be the same again. Our hearts were burning as we departed from St. Barnabas’, Elekahia, the location of our ordination retreat, for St. Paul’s Cathedral, Diobu, where we were ordained by the Rt. Revd. Samuel Elenwon on December 24, 1997. “Come then, with hearts aflame,” wrote Clement of Alexandria in … [Read more…]
ECCLESIASTES 5:10–19 In the festive season of Christmas and New Year, many people are shopping. Some have limited resources, aiming to purchase items at a price they can afford. But there are others who are motivated by greed and pride. The Old Testament writer of Ecclesiastes, “the Teacher,” offers an antidote to consumerism, stating that those who … [Read more…]
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