ACTS 4:32–37; 9:26–27 “If We Make It Through December,” an old song by Merle Haggard, relates the tale of a man who loses his factory job and cannot afford to buy Christmas presents for his little daughter. Even though December is meant to be a joyful month, it was not so for him. Although discouragement is not … [Read more…]
ROMANS 8:31–39; PSALM 106:1 In 2015, Paris removed forty-five tonnes of padlocks from Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge railings, a romantic gesture where couples etched their initials on locks, closed them, and threw the key into the River Seine. The city, fearing the bridge’s safety, removed the “love locks” as the bridge could no longer bear the … [Read more…]
PSALM 119:161–168 In 1932, Mexican archaeologist Alfonso Caso discovered Tomb 7 in Monte Alban, Oaxaca, containing over four hundred artefacts, a major discovery in Mexican archaeology. The wise men travelled far not only to pay homage but also to bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1–11). They also discovered the greatest treasure—Jesus Christ. The psalmist … [Read more…]
JAMES 1:22–27 A minister’s wife received a call about a sick woman in her seventies who was taken to the hospital. She was unable to eat, drink, or walk. Concerned for her welfare, the church rushed to her aid, providing round-the-clock visits to her and showing Christian love to other patients, visitors, and medical staff. … [Read more…]
HAGGAI 2:15–23 Upon meeting my new friend, I noticed a ring on his finger. With time, I learned that the ring revealed his family’s history through an engraved family crest, making it a unique and meaningful experience. Haggai, the prophet, urged God’s people to start rebuilding the temple after being exiled. Haggai’s message included God’s promise … [Read more…]
JOHN 1:1–14 Space Shuttle astronaut Charles Frank Bolden Jr. experienced a significant change in his perspective on Earth when he first went into space and viewed it from four hundred miles. He saw the Earth as peaceful and beautiful from space. He later travelled to the Middle East, where he was shaken into reality by … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 14:13–23 I was helping in the children’s church, and it was a busy morning. There were perhaps a dozen small toddlers playing and talking. The place was so busy that I had to prop the door open because it was getting stuffy. When he thought no one was watching, a small child took advantage … [Read more…]
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…]
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