WordToday

There is a precious sliver of scripture that Christians like to quote on their WhatsApp and Instagram:  " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" But can they? To gauge ourselves, let’s see what was going through Paul's mind when he wrote that statement. The first hint is in the context of the passage. The text is ensconced in a portion of Paul's letter expressing gratitude to the Philippian church for past support even as he makes another appeal for future help (Philippians 4:10-19).  “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do e...

Except for the so-called covid millionaires, the pandemic has taken its toll on everyone else.    To varying degrees each one of us lost something or worse, someone. For me 2020-2021 felt like one long year. How about you?  Many thought that 2020 was bad and hoped that 2021 would bring relief but alas!  Perhaps we can take a lesson or two from Winston Churchill who, at a particularly difficult time in British history said;    “Never let a crisis go to waste!” What did he mean?  The rather obvious answer is that in every crisis there will be either opportunities to be exploited or lessons to be learnt. Of course, it could also  mean that as far as it depends on you, do not be found on the receiving end of opportunists. It seems to me that even though the covid crisis seems to be petering out, the world will continue to face major challenges. Therefore, I advice three things:   1. Only children and fools tell the truth 2. Adversity comes ...