Read Isaiah 9:1 through 13:22 In the United States, about 10,832 babies are born daily—about 451 per hour, which works out to between seven and eight babies per minute. Unless the child is born to someone whose name we instantly recognize or under extremely unusual circumstances, his or her birth doesn’t make the news. A child being born is …
Object Lesson
Read Hosea 1:1 through 7:16 Current headlines sometimes mimic biblical accounts. There are often stories about someone reconciling with an unfaithful spouse after repeated indiscretions. People shake their heads and wonder why. God had Hosea experience this kind of rejection and unfaithfulness, which mirrors how God feels when His people repeatedly turn their backs on Him. Hosea …
Nailed to the Cross
Read Colossians 1:1 through 4:18 Philip Yancey was raised in a legalistic, racist church. He still has a card from that church, which ushers were prepared to give any black students trying to integrate their worship services. His book Soul Survivor tells his story of recovering from that difficult upbringing and the resulting rebellion he expressed as a youth. …
Is It Worth It?
Read Ecclesiastes 1:1 through 4:16 Gabe worked hard every day, enduring the unreasonable demands of his boss. Gabe’s family had what many considered the American essentials: a house, two cars, a computer, smartphones, plenty of playthings, and an annual vacation. They also had ongoing bills and increasing dissatisfaction with life. No matter what new gadget or experience they acquired, they …
What a Friend
Read Proverbs 17:1 through 20:30 Misty felt herself slipping toward depression again. Her hints of need had either gone unnoticed or ignored by her busy husband. Desperate, Misty called her pastor’s wife. Julie listened, then said, “I’m going to the children’s Bible quiz today. Why don’t you come along?” Misty agreed rather than host a pity party. The …