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…]
1 PETER 3:8–12 Some companies now offer “unsend” features that allow users to stop an email or message from leaving their computer or phone, preventing it from being sent to the wrong person or containing harmful words, emphasising the importance of guarding our words. Peter’s letter to Jesus’ followers advises against repaying evil and cursing others but … [Read more…]
PSALM 119:9–16 Maybe you have seen a TV programme when a person answers the door and discovers someone who gives them a huge cheque or cash. Subsequently, the astonished recipient starts yelling, twirling, leaping, and embracing everyone within reach. “I won! I am rich! It is unbelievable!” Hitting it big produces a powerful emotional reaction. In … [Read more…]
1 PETER 1:17–23 According to legend, Julius Caesar, a Roman nobleman, was abducted by pirates in 75 BC and held captive for a ransom. Persuaded that his value exceeded 20 talents, he demanded that the ransom be increased to 50 talents. Caesar’s arrogance contrasts with God’s regard for every individual, since our value is established by what … [Read more…]
LUKE 6:27–36 On the final day of the US Civil War, Union army officer Joshua Chamberlain ordered his soldiers to salute their Confederate foe without taunting or using vicious words. This brilliant act of bravery demonstrated the importance of maintaining peace and honouring one’s enemy, as one wrong word or belligerent act could lead to … [Read more…]
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