ROMANS 5:6–15 Excitedly, my son showed me a paper he had brought home from school, and his blue eyes shone. It was a mathematics test, with a perfect score of 100. He said that when the teacher announced that the allotted time had expired, he still had three questions unanswered. I was perplexed as to … [Read more…]
PSALM 100 Famous gates in world-renowned cities, such as Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem, and Downing Street gates in London, represent the distinction between being outside or inside specific areas of a city. Some are closed, while others are open to only a select few. Psalm 100 invites the Israelites to enter God’s presence … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 50:4–10 C. S. Lewis, as a 30-year-old man, received a letter from a woman who had cared for his mother over two decades ago, offering her sympathy for his father’s death and asking if he remembered her. “My dear Nurse Davison,” Lewis replied. “Remember you? I should think I do.” Lewis appreciated her comforting presence at … [Read more…]
PSALM 78:1–8 I like to watch relay races because it is exciting to watch the pivotal moment when a participant passing the baton to the next person can make all the difference in the outcome of the race. Impressive physical attributes of athletes include strength, speed, skill, and endurance. Carrying the faith and understanding of the … [Read more…]
DEUTERONOMY 5:28–33 He provided the builder with explicit specifications because he needed an underground water tank and understood exactly how he wanted it built. He was displeased to see that he had not followed his directions when he examined the project the following day. He had altered the strategy and, by extension, the outcome. His … [Read more…]
1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 The children’s minister announced a game called imitation, where children named creatures or persons and had to act out their actions. Chicken was chosen, followed by an elephant, a football player, a ballerina, and finally Jesus. Despite initial hesitation, a six-year-old smiled and accepted acting like Jesus, causing the congregation to applaud. The … [Read more…]
JOHN 7:53–8:11 Religious leaders could not have known they were bringing an adulterous woman within a stone’s throw of mercy when they led her towards Jesus. Discrediting Him was their aim. They might argue that He was violating Mosaic law if He urged them to let the woman go. The masses that followed Him would … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 37:9–22, 33; PHILIPPIANS 4:6 How do you handle your concerns? Which way do you turn them—upward or inward? As Assyrian King Sennacherib prepared to destroy Jerusalem, he sent a message to King Hezekiah, stating that Judah would be like all conquered nations. Hezekiah shared this message in the temple in Jerusalem, praying for help from God, … [Read more…]
MATTHEW 6:25–34 The boy shook his father awake because he was very thirsty. His father got up in the middle of that dry night and gave him some water from a jar to drink. He was the epitome of a caring parent, and he demonstrated it that evening and throughout his life. He gave what … [Read more…]
PROVERBS 22:1–12 During a hotel stay in a small town, a man noticed a church service with a large crowd, both young and old. He assumed it was a funeral, possibly celebrating the life of a local hero, a wealthy businessperson, or a famous personality. “It is a remarkable attendance for a funeral; it must … [Read more…]
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