“Come and see” is an invitation for our time. But if someone responds to such words from us, what will they find?

To follow the teaching of James, we start by listening before we speak. We sew the Word of God in our hearts and surrender our words to him before we utter a thought to another.

In spite of today’s prevailing tendency to make our position clear on every topic, the watching world will learn most about our faith and our God by what we do.

Sometimes we fail to listen. Sometimes we only consume and fail to act. In a few sentences, James challenges us to correct both errors.

Jesus, the Light of the World, who created light from the beginning, will be a presence and power in our lives today.

It is neither instant nor natural to think of facing trials joyfully. And joyfully doesn't mean some sort of denial or silliness. It is a deep awareness that our suffering aligns us deeply with Jesus who suffered for us.

I keep looking for the exempt clause for this instruction found in Proverbs 24: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles.”

Our imagination can create much for our future and help us understand our past. But It’s not enough to sustain or to save.

I did OK in school, but I seldom spoke up. I’m learning later in life that may be a pretty good approach.

Jesus told his disciples what to do with themselves after his ascension before he returned again. We, too, can obey what he taught.

Now is our time to throw off the distractions weighing us down and move forward in response to the encouragement we’re receiving from on high.

They were simply offering the hospitality expected of them, but soon they realized they’d had an encounter like none other.

Sometimes we do not realize that we have in fact had an encounter with Jesus who is living inside of the person who helps us.

I need my friends. I highly value my friends. But none of them can offer me what Jesus brings.

I love my routines. But Isaiah reminds us that God is doing a new thing, a new thing Jesus has ushered in for us to experience today.

The ultimate act of Jesus’ surrender is seen in his death on the cross. But he had been anticipating that moment since long before.

When the exiles finally heard hope that they one day could return home, maybe the news only overwhelmed them. Isaiah’s message to them can encourage us, too.

God’s plans, in the words of the prophet, are “faithful and sure.” And they’re far better than any of the progress humans can manufacture.

If giving thought to God’s Word leads us to good things and ultimately to God’s blessing, then reading scripture is an essential aspect of our lives.

Those arresting Jesus came under cover of darkness, just as those pursuing evil today often work in the shadows. But God has told us how to bring light to every situation.