2 KINGS 6:8–17 John, a homeless man, spent a year looking down at the pavement, ashamed to meet others’ eyes in case they recognised him. He was intent on finding a dropped coin, which had become a habit, causing his spine bones to become fixed in that position, making it difficult for him to straighten up. … [Read more…]
PSALM 119:11, 17–19, 130–134 Growing older can be challenging due to the fear of dementia and short-term memory loss. A medical doctor and an expert on Alzheimer’s disease suggest that patients’ brains are so worn and habitual that they can still sing along to old hymns. Spiritual disciplines like reading Scripture, praying, and singing hymns can … [Read more…]
PSALM 34:15–22 Rio de Janeiro’s 2016 Olympic athletes could see Jesus from almost anywhere in the city, thanks to a 100-foot-tall sculpture called Cristo Redentor, anchored to a 2,310-foot-high mountain called Corcovado. The massive figure, with wide arms, is visible day and night from almost anywhere in the city. The iconic concrete and soapstone sculpture is … [Read more…]
ROMANS 7:14–25 David Nasser’s book, Jumping Through Fires, tells his spiritual journey. He was befriended by Christian teens, but he witnessed one of them telling a lie. Feeling convicted, his friend confessed and asked for forgiveness. This incident drew him closer to Christ. It is okay to admit our mistakes and struggles, as Paul openly referred … [Read more…]
1 PETER 2:9–12 A respected leader and statesman publicly criticised his country’s honourable MPs for their dishonourable lifestyles, corruption, pompous attitudes, and unsavoury language. He urged them to reform, but his comments were met with backlash, leading to counter-criticisms from the MPs. Following Christ is a privilege, not a duty. As a chosen people, a royal priesthood, … [Read more…]
GENESIS 16:1–13 Christopher Wright’s book (The God I Don’t Understand) highlights Hagar as one of the first people to name God. Hagar’s story is a disturbing portrayal of human history. After years since God told Abram and Sarai they would have a son, Sarai becomes older and impatient. She gives her slave, Hagar, to her husband, … [Read more…]
2 TIMOTHY 3:10–15; 2 TIMOTHY 4:7 Joop Zoetemelk, the Netherlands’ most successful cyclist, demonstrated perseverance by winning the 1980 Tour de France, starting and finishing 16 times, and placing second five times. Success often comes from a “never give up” mindset, but many people have lost opportunities due to giving up too soon in various aspects of … [Read more…]
JOHN 8:31–37 Olaudah Equiano, a young man kidnapped and sold into slavery at the age of 11, embarked on a gruelling journey from West Africa to the West Indies, Virginia, and England, eventually purchasing his freedom at the age of 20. Equiano, a former slave, actively participated in the movement to abolish slavery in England, writing … [Read more…]
DEUTERONOMY 34:1–12 Our outlook on life can change over time, with younger individuals looking forward to growth and older individuals yearning for the past. However, when we walk with God, the best days of our lives are yet to come, regardless of our age. Moses witnessed incredible things from God’s perspective throughout his life, including his … [Read more…]
ACTS 20:22–35 Biddy Mason, born into slavery, was laid to rest in an unmarked grave in Los Angeles in 1891. After winning her freedom in 1856, she combined nursing skills with business decisions to make a small fortune. She invested in charity and helped immigrants and prisoners, leading to people lining up for help at … [Read more…]
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