From the time of our childhood, we’ve been hearing admonitions and instructions to save, save, save! That’s what make Jesus’ statement about losing all the more remarkable.

The speaker’s advice, “Sit silently with God,” fits perfectly with the challenge to aright ourselves spiritually: “Decide who Jesus is.”

When we see God act in a situation that has been stressing us, we laugh for joy. But sometimes he moves slowly, and we do well to look for his work day by day.

When you thought you had the answer but find yourself in a tough situation, it is normal to want to verify your answer. Once your answer has been verified, it’s time to embrace it and trust the outcome. But how do we know it is a divine answer and not just something we made up in our heads?

If you have been following Jesus for very long you know how important it is to have people praying for you. We learn from Paul how and why to pray for each other.

We may not want to hear anyone say it to us. But what if it were Jesus speaking the words?

Every day there is an increasing cultural demand that we must pick a side in every social and cultural discussion. But regardless of how you respond to that pressure, there is good news. God is on your side.

Some things were the same. Some things were different. God stepped into both situations and met the need.

Sometimes it takes a worship leader to win a war. Probably more often than we think. So when facing your next battle or challenge, you might need to listen to some worship music to get your heart and mind in the correct posture to hear God.

If we are honest about our preferences and biases, we would likely admit we don’t really agree with Jesus’ teachings in this sermon. We might argue that they are unrealistic, idealistic, and out of touch.

It may be the most overlooked—and most valuable—directive our culture could heed today.

Their help, my help, everyone’s best help ultimately comes from the same Source.

We may remember waiting for messages and for replies to the messages we sent. Now the messages can come sooner. Who needs the message we can send?

They are not your worst or biggest enemy. Whatever your political party, social cause, or personal opponent, you might think you know the enemy’s name, but you may be battling against the wrong foe.

We might all wish someone would refer to us the way Paul described Timothy. We might all like to be a friend and partner like the ones that made Paul’s ministry possible.

Just like that, Jesus changed everything for two seekers who desperately need his healing. Dare we hope for our own just-like-that-moments, too?

What if we looked at our trials and troubles in a new way? What if we saw how God could use them to help us spread his good news?

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

We have all seen moments with chances best described as “slim to none.” Many of these result in the predicted outcome. In Scripture we see many situations where, from a human perspective, we would agree that the main characters were facing slim-to-none possibilities for survival or success.

As we walk with Jesus there will be many days of wonder. Our sense of wonder at this marvelous Savior will also bring conviction. And our conviction must lead to love for all people.