The story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in John 11 is a vivid reminder of God’s power and presence, even in our darkest moments.  This narrative challenges us to take our crises to Jesus, the “I Am,” and find hope when everything seems lost.

The story of the Exodus is one of the richest narratives in the Old Testament, filled with miraculous deliverance, moments of triumph, and unexpected challenges. In Exodus 15, the Israelites find themselves on the other side of the Red Sea. They’ve escaped Pharaoh’s tyranny, seen their enemies swept away, and now face their first night in the wilderness. What comes next?

Life has a way of revealing our imperfections, whether we’re ready to face them or not. Yet, in a divine twist of grace, God specialises in turning those very flaws into His greatest showcases of glory.

In the grand tapestry of the Bible, certain figures stand in the spotlight—heroes like Peter, Paul, and John, whose faith, leadership, and courage are celebrated. But among the greats are “unsung” heroes, those whose stories often go unnoticed but whose contributions are vital to the advancement of God’s Kingdom. One such individual is Barnabas, a man known as the “Son of Encouragement.”

Life often feels like a balancing act, weighed down by perceived injustices. Whether it’s in our personal lives, workplaces, or even within the church, we can’t help but notice when things seem unfair. Why does one person receive more while another seemingly less?  This tension is vividly illustrated in Numbers 7:1-9, where God directs Moses to distribute resources among the Levites, but with a twist that challenges our human understanding of fairness.

In John 13:1-5, we find one of the most profound lessons in servanthood and leadership that Jesus taught. As His final moments on earth approached, Jesus chose to leave His disciples with an indelible message - not through words, but through an act of humility. The imagery of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet is a call for all leaders, especially within the church, to adopt a servant’s heart.  Jesus was showing them the attitude and posture required to fulfill the great commission of preaching the gospel throughout the whole world and to every creature.

Ephesians 2:8-9 is one of the most quoted passages in the Bible: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”

These verses are fundamental to understanding Christian salvation. Yet, they often become a point of debate among believers, especially regarding whether Christian practices like baptism, repentance, and living a holy life are necessary for salvation.

As the holiday season approaches, homes and streets are adorned with bright, twinkling lights, transforming our surroundings into a festive wonderland. These lights are more than mere decorations; they serve as a reminder of the essence of Christmas—that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.  The Christmas story is not just a seasonal tale but a divine revelation of God’s nature and His eternal light piercing through the darkness of humanity.

From the very beginning of human history, a fundamental question was posed: “Hath God said?” (Genesis 3:1). This seemingly simple inquiry from Satan, disguised as a serpent, led to humanity’s fall into sin. But beyond the immediate temptation, this question represents the devil’s primary tactic: making us doubt God’s word. It is not just a question; it is an attack on the core of our faith, belief, and identity as children of God.

In Ephesians 5:15-17, the Apostle Paul provides essential advice for navigating life with wisdom and purpose, urging believers to walk circumspectly, redeem the time, and understand God's will. These verses contain a critical lesson for how we should approach our friendships, highlighting the importance of having "guardrails" that guide and protect us in our relationships.

Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Luke 21:19—"In your patience possess ye your souls."

In a world of instant gratification, where we expect everything immediately, patience stands as a counter-cultural stance.  However, the Bible paints patience not as a passive or undesirable trait but as a vital spiritual discipline. Luke 21:19 reminds us that through patience, we possess our souls. This possession implies mastery, control, and endurance, qualities that lead us to life’s ultimate fulfillment. Patience is an essential currency in God’s kingdom and a key to spiritual survival and success.

In 1 Kings 19:19-21, we find a powerful moment that speaks to the call of God upon a life. Elisha, a hardworking man plowing the fields of his father Shaphat, is suddenly interrupted by Elijah, the iconic prophet. Elijah passes by Elisha and throws his mantle upon him, symbolizing a divine call to something greater. Elisha’s response is remarkable—he leaves his oxen, runs after Elijah, and makes the decision to follow him.

As Christians, we are called to remember the victory won at the cross by Jesus Christ.  One of the most powerful ways we do this is through the ordinance of communion.

In Luke 22:14-20, Jesus instituted what we now call the Lord's Supper during His final Passover meal with His disciples. As they gathered in the upper room, Jesus used the bread and the cup to symbolise His body and blood, giving His followers a tangible way to remember His sacrifice.

The Ark of the Covenant holds a central place in the Old Testament as the physical representation of God's presence with His people.  Built according to the divine pattern revealed to Moses, the Ark was housed in the Holy of Holies and symbolized God’s desire to dwell among His people.

The story of Passover, as recounted in the book of Exodus, is one of the most profound narratives in the Bible. It tells of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a momentous event that laid the foundation for the nation of Israel. However, beyond its historical significance, Passover serves as a powerful portrait of salvation in the New Testament, illustrating how Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross fulfills the promises and symbolism of the Old Testament.

The Tabernacle, as detailed in the book of Exodus, was much more than a simple tent. It was a physical manifestation of God’s presence among the Israelites and a profound symbol of how we should approach God today. Every aspect of the Tabernacle’s design, from the materials used to its layout, was meticulously specified by God. This divine blueprint wasn’t just about constructing a physical space; it was about creating a spiritual blueprint for humanity’s relationship with God—a pattern that remains relevant even in our modern context.

Names carry profound significance in many cultures, and nowhere is this truer than in the Bible. While in the Western world names often serve as mere designators to distinguish one person from another, in the Eastern world, and particularly in biblical contexts, names encompass much more. They signify a person's worth, character, reputation, authority, will, and ownership. In fact, the name of a person in biblical times was viewed as equivalent to the person themselves.

In our walk of faith, it's essential to remember that Heaven is our ultimate destination. This earthly realm, with all its complexities and fleeting beauty, is not our final abode.  Amidst daily challenges and worldly distractions, we can easily lose sight of this eternal promise. This loss of heavenly focus can blur our spiritual vision, making us overly entangled in temporal affairs and diminishing our longing for our heavenly home.

In Acts 24:24-27, we find Paul standing before Felix, the Roman governor, accused of being a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews, and leading the Nazarene sect.  As Paul speaks about faith in Christ, righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix trembles but dismisses Paul, saying, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” This moment vividly portrays the struggle between genuine obedience and the allure of convenience.