Even if we are so wise we don’t need an advocate when we go before a judge here on earth, it is extremely important not to go before the eternal Judge without an advocate.

Despite the time, energy, and money we give to choosing and announcing names, this only hints at why God thinks your name is important.

In today’s chaotic days, people are looking for someone to shepherd us to a peaceful and prosperous future. The same was true in the time of the ancient prophets.

The Pharisees saw themselves as the protectors of the flock offering access to the safety of the Father’s protection. But Jesus affirmed then—and now—that he is the only way.

The need to belong is as universal as all humankind and as timeless as all of history. And the little epistle of 1 John tells us how to meet it.

Peter’s concern wasn’t that we might physically trip due to temporary instability. His concern was that in every age there will be false teachers who twist doctrines to fit their preferences.

Many people quote the Bible, even when they don’t realize it. But the truth that will set us free may not match the “truth” they want when they quote one verse.

The ways we vary can hardly be counted: age, gender, cultural, community, race, and more. But the one we worship and the mission we share all center around just one name.

The apostle John gives us a hint in the fourth Gospel of the attempts and desires of some religious leaders who simply wanted the teaching of Jesus to go away.

Jesus’ offer of living water is for far more than parched lips. And we can be carriers of this blessing to our world today.

We remember the hymns because they remind us of what Jeremiah knew: God is the only anchor steadfast and sure in troubled times.

1 Peter 2:1-12 has been a theme passage for my life. Here Peter tells us that we are “like living stones being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

What God told Jeremiah to do didn’t make sense. How God asked Jeremiah to move forward seemed far too difficult. But he obeyed, just as we can.

Sometimes we need to be reminded that our moment has a history and our history forms a path for those who are yet to be born.

Everything God has created has seasons of rest and seasons of productivity. And everything God created depends on him for life and growth.

They were looking for little more than just another meal. How often could something similar be said of us?

These followers were the classic example of missing the best by seeking only the immediate good.

James tells us to humble ourselves before the Lord. Nowhere is that a bigger challenge than when we come to the issue of planning for tomorrow.

Sooner or later, all of us confront the question of enough. And Jesus always, always shows us the answer.

Three stories in two chapters lead us to one inescapable message. The grace and power of Jesus are for everyone, and for today.