“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers.” Thus begins just one example of storytelling like none other.

Sometimes I let the bad news get the best of me. But the Scriptures I remember here are part of the way I overcome my fear and choose to focus on God.

Maybe you’ve asked the question while speeding, when discovering a mistake, or after a difficult conversation. But have you prayed the prayer that best accompanies it?

Isaiah promises a Heavenly feast. Jesus says something about the earthly food to be shared by those who will sit someday at that banquet table.

When will this be finished? How can I get through it? The life of Moses and the psalm attributed to him give us the beginning of answers to questions like these.

Any of us would have been overwhelmed by an encounter with God like Isaiah’s. And many of us, engulfed by his grace and power, are answering his call today.

God’s people couldn’t imagine that salvation would arise from their defeat. And we sometimes cannot see how hope will conquer today’s bleak problems. But God’s promises are available to those with eyes of faith.

What trust this landowner placed in the hands of the caretakers! What does this say about what God wants from us?

Some tried to trip him up with their questions. Another desperately struggled to believe. All of them challenge us to think afresh about our faith.

One said no but then thought better and went to do it. One said yes but never got around to following through. Which was better? And which reminds you most of yourself?

The one-hour workers were paid the same as those who showed up first thing in the morning! Of course, this wasn’t fair, but are we really interested in God being fair?

The young king did well for years . . . and then he tried to assume for himself a job that God had given someone else. In his tragedy is a warning for all of us.

How often are we to forgive an infraction? How much have we been forgiven? The numbers will never match.

“There is a meeting, but this is not a speed date or simple meet and greet. There is nothing casual in this encounter. This is intimacy. And it is followed by a kiss. Not a peck on the cheek. It is an embrace. And with this intimate embrace, there is the an“

Bono gives us one of the most impressive examples of teamwork. The question is why I too often try to go it alone.

Jesus chose children, with no status and no power, as the standard for greatness in his Kingdom. It’s a concept foreign to our culture today, just as it was then.

Sometimes we need to more carefully discern between God’s will and personal preference. God’s people have been failing at this for centuries.

While God invites us into participating in his Kingdom mission, our actions will not stop God’s plans or success. Our response, even if we arrogantly refuse or think we have a better plan, will never stop the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

Two journeys. Two remarkably different settings. But the simplest of the two was where I felt closest to God.

Heart issues have to do with the value of life, fidelity in marriage, murder, lying, and slander. Forgetting to wash your hands properly or keeping appearances are not the top priority. This may offend Pharisees, but Jesus isn’t worried about these things.