The New Year is upon us and, although you can start following a reading plan at any time of the year, now is an excellent time to start! The big decision, though, is which plan? And how much time will it take? For some of us, reading the whole Bible in a year is a [...]
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. - Ephesians 1:17 In 1 Kings 19, we read that Elijah believed he was the only man left who was following God. As a prophet [...]
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. - 2 Thessalonians 3:5 I spent almost two decades in Asia where haggling for a good price was a sport. I loved the thrill of going back and forth with the shopkeeper until I wore them down and I was walking away with a [...]
You’ve probably read the story of Hannah in the Bible (see 1 Samuel chapter 1). Hannah was a woman who struggled with perseverance not only physically, but emotionally as well. The Bible tells us God had closed her womb. Her husband Elkanah had another wife, Peninnah, who in turn had several children. This meant that [...]
Which room in your home is your favourite? Researchers once surveyed people about their favourite room in the house. The top answer was the kitchen. People love that one. Perhaps yours is the kitchen too, or maybe somewhere else? Most husbands said theirs was the bedroom. Moms of young children said their favourite room was [...]
Is anger a sin? As Christians, are we supposed to try not to be angry? What do we do with anger issues? Anger is a very real human emotion we all experience. God put within us the ability to feel all kinds of emotions, negative and positive ones. Anger serves a very real purpose in [...]
Paul was in prison when he wrote Philippians I love the book of Philippians! It is full of encouragement and exhortation for our daily lives. What makes it such an exceptional epistle, in my view, is that when Paul wrote this letter it was from his prison cell where conditions were dismal and he was deprived [...]
It is easy to feel anxious in this fast paced 21st century world. Sometimes change occurs so rapidly that we feel we don’t have time to catch our breath. Life can seem overwhelming with all the pressures and challenges that come our way in a single day. Raising children, financial problems, health issues and a [...]
Pain is awful – any kind! But, I think emotional pain is the worst kind of agony. When someone has intentionally hurt you the daily torture from that emotional wound can be unbearable. Adding to the pain and confusion are the questions that swirl around in your head. How could God allow this? Why are [...]
Read 1 Samuel chapter 1 so that you can better follow this story. Some background to Hannah's story Hannah was in a polygamous marriage. Her husband, Elkanah, had two wives, although Hannah was his favourite. However, in a society that valued a woman’s ability to bear children almost above all else, Hannah was childless. This [...]
