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.

In addition to the special Mothers Day reflections written by Dean yesterday, all the posts this week point us to the challenging contrast between God’s ways and ours. Choose one or two for your own remembering and reflection today.

Only in eternity will we understand the full impact of prayers offered by all the mothers of the world. They may not be as poetic as Hannah’s, but every mother’s prayers stir the heart and compassion of God.

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.

What is the constant in your life? After a while, most realize they can find it only in God. Daily pondering his Word can help. And this week’s posts open the door for your discovery of his will and his ways.

We tend to look at forgiveness as a Big Deal. But making it a daily practice frees us for a better way to live.

When we consider that God has a wide-angle lens with an expansive view of time, we realize God also uses time to his advantage and ours as he answers our prayers

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.”

Throughout life we are taught the value of self-sufficiency. But in the church, we discover a different and higher value.

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.

The Easter celebrations may be over, but our need for Jesus continues day by day. We hope this week’s posts were a help to you. Which would you like to read again or share with a friend?

There is a fairly new designation for people who are tired of church these days and it is called “the Dones.” Thomas might have been the first “done” of all time.

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?