When we’re a member of a group, we learn to follow the rules the group imposes. But this prominent Jew decided something else was more important.

The pandemic has created stress for everyone, and for some it has been severe. But stress occurred before COVID-19, centuries ago, as we discover in the lament of the prophet.

Maybe you got yourself into this mess. Or maybe it washed over you through no fault of your own, and you’re overwhelmed with confusion about how to get out of it. Whatever the case, God will hear your cry for help.

Sliding into the base was natural for me. After many years of playing ball, it was my common practice. But not so much for the team I had just joined.

Jesus gives an illustration of a truth to challenge every believer: The amount of the gift is not nearly as significant as the heart of the giver.

Neither Jeremiah nor Jesus promised us that life would be comfortable. But both did promise the dark will not last forever.

The preaching of Jesus, the song of the psalmist, the writer of Proverbs, and the science of building all lead us to the same conclusion.

If Jesus always noticed and always took time for the people he met each day, why do I think my mission is so important I can ignore the people who fill mine?

Sharing good news refreshed me as much as it did the person I called. The life-giving phone call motivates me to make more of them!

It’s a passage the commentators struggle to explain. But we can come to at least one powerful conclusion about what Jesus wants after thinking about it a while.

“What if?” Just two little words, but they can bring a lot of torment. They can paralyze both mind and body when they are permitted to linger long in your thoughts. And without a counterbalance, they often create chaos, especially in times of difficulty and stress.

There will be moments when you have to decide whether you want to be a fan of Jesus or become his disciple. According to Jesus, there is a big difference and choosing requires careful consideration.

Jesus was full of stories about dinnertime, but they make me think about much more than whom I’m inviting to eat with me this weekend.

In a fascinating series of statements, Jesus contrasts the hypocrite and the true believer using the same simple analogy.

One family, two personalities, two approaches, one love. Interpersonal dynamics and the spiritual lesson Jesus leaves us in the face of them.

“In the way of your testimonies,” the psalmist wrote, “I delight as much as in all riches.” I’m glad the psalmist didn’t say “more than,” because “as much as in” is already a high bar.

This Roman centurion demonstrated more faith than some of the longtime Jewish followers around him. And Jesus responded.

I once knew a boy genius. But even he hadn’t learned enough to be in charge of the classes he was attending.

Sometimes we get too casual about skimming through Scripture as we sip our morning coffee. That can certainly happen when we read, “Love your enemies.”