We might work hard to get an education, form a reputation, develop a skill set, and produce a track record, all of it perhaps suggesting that we have earned our place of service. I suspect many may not be bold enough to say this is how they feel, but we likely act like it. But none of that is how Paul presented his approach to his ministry.

It is frightening to consider that we often hold standards more rigid than the ones given to us in the New Covenant and exemplified by the life of Jesus.

Today I read in Scripture about two processions. There could be hundreds, thousands, or even millions more today if we were willing to pray, surrender, and act on where God sends us today.

We will not win the world for Christ by any political platform or through any new way of thinking. Jesus views us all through the same redemptive lens and he calls us to respond to each other on that basis.

What a great joy to know that our labor is not meaningless. When we offer our work to God, he ensures that it will prove meaningful.

The clock ran out on Moses as it will for each of us. Time marches forward whether we use our time wisely or not.

When I read Scripture I constantly find verses that challenge my thinking and, more specifically, my behavior or lack of action. I get uncomfortable at the reminder that the kingdom of God is different from the many kingdoms on earth demanding our attention or allegiance.

I suspect many could confess that we often make the same mistakes we read about the disciples making. I see those mistakes all around me as I read Mark 9.

While the crowd argued, a young boy’s father begged Jesus for help—another illustration that arguing often gets in the way of God’s work.

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

The thing I’ve noticed in recent years is that in almost every sphere, we must align ourselves properly with certain camps to be politically correct, culturally relevant, or doctrinally fit. If you don’t align with the doctrine of a group, you will not be a good fit for friendship, inclusion, or consideration as one who gets it.

Everyone knows rest is essential for productivity. But what do we do when the demands before us just don’t allow opportunity for a break?

Look at the life of Jesus, and you see him surrounded by crowds. But the unique thing about our Lord was his penchant for noticing and meeting the needs of just one person among the press of the people.

The truth is that our steps of faith have impact on others that we seldom imagine. The things you do in faith today may be the very things God uses to bring life, hope, and salvation to someone you know, even many you don’t know.

In moments like this, it is easy to turn to our friends or family and get their agreement about how we have been wronged. It is wonderful to have that kind of support. But they may sympathize with us and simultaneously allow our pride to grow. And once established, pride and envy can change behavior.

For followers of Christ, any day is a day to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. So go ahead and celebrate today and every day what the Lord has granted us on this side.

For some, it may seem shocking for one ever to be done with Jesus. Yet I suspect we could all name examples of someone we know who once followed Jesus but due to wounds inflicted by the world, by family, and even by other believers, chose to be done with Jesus.

Jesus, the Light of the World, was crucified on a day shrouded in darkness. God, who had verbally affirmed Jesus before, on this day was eerily silent.

A curious detail in Mark’s Gospel reminds us of another garden where some hid because they were naked and afraid.

Jesus told them what was coming, but maybe they didn’t believe it because they were in denial. Looking back, we realize we need to know more than just the facts of Holy Week.