A friend’s wife died after being struck by lightning. It was sunset, and there was no rain. They were walking back to shore when a sudden flash and a deafening crack shattered the moment. She was struck directly. My friend, who was holding her hand, also suffered an electric shock. Despite receiving medical attention, she did not survive. She was 35. At the time, my friend was slightly bent over, guiding some children out of the water, while his wife stood beside him. As he recounted the incident, I was speechless. Two thoughts stayed with me. First, the details—the place, the timing, even their positions—reminded me that nothing falls outside God’s sovereignty, even when His purposes remain hidden from us. Second, death can come without warning. We must be ready to face God. As Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” While reading 2 Kings, I was reminded of the Shunammite woman, whose son died on her lap after complaining of pain ...
Even before the pandemic, my mornings are filled with couple of listening, listening from God's word and some podcasts. It helps me quiet down from the noise of yesterday and more for the day ahead of me. Allow me to share how the Lord have been leading me in my daily listening and I pray that this may also encourage you in your mornings. For God's word, I find variety helpful. It makes me excited and open to something new. I alternate devotional guide and personal bible study. On devotional guide, I have now the Day By Day The Excellent Wife devotional. From this devo guide I get to read topical bible verse, exhortation and a memory verse. Lately, this memory verse is like a balm to my mind and heart. It helps me to think gospel instead of selfishness or worry. Another devotional guide I use sometimes is https://www.gty.org/library/devotionals/strength-for-today You will find here four options to do devotions but my favorite is 'Strength for Today'. This ...