How you can know when “close enough” is still too far from God
Physical proximity to Jesus didn’t guarantee that those around him were really close. What can we do to be sure we’re not far away from God?
What if things get worse, not better, after you answer God’s call?
Answering God’s call can lead you to please him, but sometimes, at least for a while, it makes your life more difficult. How to cope when obedience brings suffering.
How I believe Moses was prepared to lead in impossible situations
The fascinating story of Moses begins before where we sometimes think—with three strong women who filled important roles in his unusual family of origin.
Born of oppression, raised in privilege, Moses shows us God at work
The story of Moses is a story of God at work to relieve the oppression of his people. We can look at Moses and wonder how God will use us to do something similar.
How to make sure there’s room for Jesus to walk around with you
Have you noticed Jesus walking around lately? From creation, God has wanted his presence to be known by his people.
A story to show why it’s OK if unbelief accompanies our faith
The father said, "I believe, but help my unbelief." And we may say those words ourselves.
The fog of politics will never provide what only Jesus promises
Jesus warned his disciples against getting caught up in the political system that was attacking him. His words give us reason to ponder our situation today.
One story to show the surprising way God works to do his will
This year as I’ve read through Genesis I’ve concentrated on the story of Judah. And I’ve been struck anew at the remarkable ways God works in our world.
My five questions to help anyone grow a productive Christian life
The secret is in the soil! And like good farmers, productive Christians give attention to some basic nurturing practices.
An old man trying to do his job and determined to keep his promises
This unnamed servant of Abraham demonstrates a process that can be an example to us when we’re trying to determine and do God’s will.
Why I’ve decided 3G power is all I need for the rest of my life
Everyone’s talking about 4G, even 5G these days, but this story from Mark’s Gospel tells me 3G’s will be plenty for me.
His majestic power is above everything, and yet he chooses us!
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name! And how awed we are that you want to bless US!
This change of loyalty can place us on a different upward path
The apostle Paul’s change of loyalty is as instructive as it was remarkable.
Why names are important, our names for God, and his names for us
Think of all the names for God in Scripture and what each one means. Consider all the names he gives his followers, and how they describe his feelings for us.
An example to consider when you’re in just too much of a hurry
As busy as we are, we may think Jesus seemed busy, too, especially when we read the Gospel of Mark. But then we see what Jesus did regardless of the work ahead of him.
Principles for a God-pleasing reaction when things are in a mess
Not every call is urgent, but when we need God’s help NOW, here are some principles for approaching him.
Other prison letters and the letter writer we’re remembering today
You can learn much from prison. And letters from prison can help us decide how best to lift up the cause of the prison-letter writer we’re remembering today.
How to cope when things still look bad, even after a fresh start
If your New Year’s resolve has hit some snags, don’t lose heart! The example of King David can help.
Approaching our work differently—why we should and how to get started
I’ve always worked, and God has always intended us to work. But as his followers we can see our work—even in retirement—as a partnership with him.
When walking, standing, and sitting can get a person into trouble
The devices on our wrist remind us to stay physically active. Psalm 1 challenges us to be spiritually fit.