“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” The sentence is both comforting and strangely sobering.

We may think the Jews in the wilderness had a right to complain. But a closer look may leave us less convinced about ourselves.

Everyone makes lists. Making lists gets things done! But in today’s brief passage, the apostle presents lists that can make all the difference no matter what other tasks we’re planning.

‘The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.’

Just like dinner every evening, daily nurture from God gives us strength to live another day for him. If you missed one of this week’s posts, find its link and take in the spiritual nutrition it provides.

We see what we’re looking for. Or, better stated, we see what we’re prepared to see. This is why some see God where others say he’s totally missing.

These were the religious leaders of their day, but they couldn’t see the truth standing before them. Could it be that I sometimes miss something crucial, too?

Some remember long talks with their father. Other fathers were distant with few words. Scripture reminds fathers of their spiritual responsibility to their children.

As I think today about these questions in Matthew, I wonder if sometimes we read past some questions Jesus asked for the same reason the Pharisees did. We don’t want to think or act differently.

I hear the children praising him and see the religious leaders opposing him, and I stop to wonder, Which group am I more like?

Find common ground, show love, be persistent. We see all of this in Paul; we need all of this today.

Amid international outrage over an unjust war, Christians everywhere are praying. Many readers of this blog are joining them, bolstered in their faith by the daily devotions they’ve found here. You may want to read one of them a second time, or share it with a friend.

Christians in America may encounter pushback to their faith. But we have not experienced persecution like that known by millions worldwide.

I’ve been in all kinds of storms, some of them more difficult than the first hurricane I experienced. Today’s story and psalm remind me how to get through them.

We don’t always want to hear what Jesus is saying. We don’t always want to go where he is leading. To make sure we’re really following, we must pursue a simple strategy.

If they weren’t ready to feed the hungry crowd, at least they should have anticipated how Jesus would do it. But he came through for them, in spite of their shortsightedness. Just as he does today.

The fountain of life in St. Augustine proved to be little more than a tourist trap. But the living water Jesus offers is real.

It will become clear what else we must do in this season of war, but for now I am confident we must pray.

The enemy is surely prowling and on the attack in our world—not only overseas with tanks and missiles, but also in our personal spirits. Posts this week help you fight the battle. Why not share one of them with a friend today?

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and making peace is something in short supply—not only on the world stage, but also in our personal and professional relationships.