The Spirit of Indifference
Read: Obadiah 1:10-15 But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune. (v. 12) When I was a young boy, my family used to secretly watch Greek channels on television with the volume down, even though it was banned by the communist government in Albania. We were afraid […]
Modern Edomite Bunkers
Read: Obadiah 1:3-4; Revelation 6:14-17 Fall on us. (Rev. 6:16) During the communist period in Albania, the government destroyed churches and mosques, thinking that religion was the enemy of communism. They also built small defensive bunkers all over the country. After the fall of communism in the 1990s, the church of Christ has thrived, and […]
Pray for All People
Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-6 I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. (v. 1) Whoever believes in Jesus Christ has already received the title ‘son’ or ‘daughter’ (1 John 3:1). This title and the inheritance in Christ give us the freedom to stand boldly in front of his throne at […]
Blessing Will Follow You
Read: Luke 12:22-34 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. (v. 31) During Roman times, soldiers and the emperor’s subordinates were instructed to look after the well-being and welfare of the state. As such, they were supposed to do everything in accordance with the imperial laws of the day, even […]
Speak Life
Read: James 3:1-16 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. (v. 4) Since ancient times, ships were designed to have a helm. The helm holds the steering wheel, which directs the […]
When Peace Collapsed
Read: Jeremiah 12:1-6 If in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? (v. 6) When I was young, I felt safe in my family, in my hometown and later on, as a student in the capital city of my country, Albania. But in 1997, the […]
The Death of Lazarus
Read: John 11:1-4, 17-27, 38-44 This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God. (v. 4) As a child, I was terrified of death. I was afraid that I might suddenly die, and that thought always left me with deep anguish. And then five years ago, I experienced a profound […]
Who Sinned?
Read: John 9:1-11 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. (v. 1) The miracle in today’s reading is anticipated by a question the disciples ask Jesus regarding this blind man. The disciples implied their answer by the wording of their question, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he […]
Limited Obedience
Read: John 6:16-21 O you of little faith, why did you doubt? (Matt. 14:31) In today’s reading, we turn to the disciples on the boat. In this moment of crisis, the disciples obeyed Jesus without limits—even at risk to their own lives. How about you? What are some of your limits in obeying God? For […]