As we respond to the promises of God, we complete the stories of the Bible heroes we hold dear—and we become heroes to someone in our lives, too.

Just as it was difficult for those in exile to imagine the place where God was calling them, we may have trouble grasping his invitation to us today.

I speak with many who say they want to be leaders. But the Scripture gives a different picture of leadership than what they really want to experience.

When the situation seems hopeless, when the uncertainty is intense, the right two words can make all the difference.

The prophet’s promise echoes the Savior’s purpose: clear vision to see the purposes and pathways of God.

The prophet’s audience didn’t know what we understand about the prophet’s message. It’s coming to pass on God’s timetable, not theirs, and not ours.

“Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him.”

“We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” And how will we obey this admonition from Hebrews 2? We must act.

Waiting on God is something altogether different than just about any other kind of waiting we can experience, especially our weary want for this pandemic to be over.

They were weary in their “wilderness moment.” But the prophet urged them to look beyond the horizon to the future God was promising.

“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?