Connection

february 7, 2026

The other day at our online prayer meeting, Jenny asked me to read Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” This is a verse I used to memorize when I was young, and I appreciated reading the verse at the meeting. To me, it speaks of community and connection with one another.

I was working on my computer when I suddenly got a call from an old classmate. It was completely unexpected, and I answered the call. We exchanged greetings, and he told me he called because he thought of me all of a sudden. Truly, it was a pleasant surprise, and we got to visit over the phone for some time after that. Honestly, it felt really good.

Jesus did this really well. He even visited and connected with sinners. Surprise! When Jesus stopped at the sycamore tree and talked to Zacchaeus, people said, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” Luke 19:7. This speaks volumes because to Jesus, they are all His people, for “He was moved with compassion.” Matthew 9:36.

There’s something special about connecting with people that we care about. It doesn’t take much to do that: a simple text message, a phone call, or a short visit. Whatever its form, that connection creates a strong bond between the parties. May the Holy Spirit speak to your heart today and find someone to connect with in the next week.

Learn From the Best

January 31, 2026

As a sports enthusiast, I have done a few things: running, SCUBA diving, swimming, cycling, snowboarding, skiing, triathlons, etc. I really enjoy all of them, but it takes time and effort to improve my skills. Even in running, there are techniques and skills you can learn to improve your performance. A lot of the time, I've tried to learn and improve these various disciplines on my own, and it’s not always easy to do so. I am not sure if I am doing them correctly. When I struggle with these issues, that’s when I hit the wall, and I don’t improve anymore.

Then, there’s a major breakthrough when you get help from an expert. For instance, in swimming, I would ask an expert to watch me swim a few times. All it takes is a couple of pointers from the expert and some simple drills I never thought of. That is when I improve to the next step. Of course, I don’t transform from a novice to a master at once, but these pointers will help me advance step by step. I found this to be true across all the disciplines I have engaged in.

Jesus did the same for the disciples on the road to Emmaus: “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27. Jesus, the Author, gave Bible studies to the disciples, and from the looks of it, it wasn’t a complicated study. It was simple pointers that helped them see that the Bible is all about pointing to Jesus. That was the start of their transformation. I think many of us struggle spiritually at some point in life, and the growth stops. That’s when we have to learn from the best, Jesus. Jesus, our Master teacher, will guide and lead us accordingly. 

Wind

January 24, 2026

It’s cold! The actual temperature here dropped to 17 below, but with the wind chill, it feels more like 40 below. The wind does make a big difference. When I run in the winter season, I can still run fine even when the temperature is low (not this weekend though, it’s way too cold), but it feels miserably cold when the wind blows, and it is a game-changer. However, in the summer heat, a cool breeze can make my run pleasant.

I was reading the story of the Red Sea crossing, and the Bible writes, “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided.” Exodus 14:21. Here in this story, the wind was used as a means to save the Israelites from being chased by the Egyptians. 

Also, in the story of Noah’s Flood, “Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.” Genesis 8:1. In this story, God uses the wind to bring the water level down so that Noah and his family could be delivered to land. 

In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit was described as like the wind. “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8; “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each one of them.” Acts 2:2,3. As we face the wind chill this weekend, may we also seek the Holy Spirit to be upon each one of us like the wind, and be filled by His presence.