Insight for Today

Read Joshua 1:6–7, 9

I recall the first time I watched the children’s classic movie The Wizard of Oz. I was spellbound by the music and the enchanting way in which the simple themes of family, valuing home, and celebrating individual differences were on display. But perhaps the most hilarious character of all was the lion—the bumbling, wimp of a cat, who cowered in fear at the smallest threat. What he needed was courage!

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:5–7

Back when I was a kid I got a bellyache that wouldn’t go away. It hurt so bad I couldn’t stand up straight. Or sit down without increasing the pain. Finally, my folks hauled me over to a big house in West Houston where a doctor lived. He had turned the back section into his office and clinic. It was a hot, muggy afternoon. I was scared.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13–14

Years ago, I listened as Anna Sklar, the author of a book titled Runaway Wives, shared some shocking statistics:

Early in the twentieth century, for every wife or mother who walked away from her home and responsibilities, six hundred husbands and fathers did so. Just ten years later, after the women’s liberation movement, for each man who did that, two women did the same.

Pause and let that sink in. Do the math.

Read John 10:9–10

Call it the rebel in me, but I simply cannot bear plain vanilla when life has so many other flavours far more interesting and tasty. God has so much more in view for all of us.

Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:9-10)