Daniel wouldn't have labeled his situation a Daniel moment. I imagine he believed it was simply a crossroads in a series of them where faith and obedience were his best options. They’re usually ours, too.

As we begin the Advent season, I am considering the idea of what we keep as essential in our lives and in our celebrations.

The sooner we all let go of our desires to be known by our various titles that give us a sense of importance, the more likely we will be multipliers of God’s mercy, peace, and love.

Are we willing to let our desires, our passions, our definitions of what is right truly die? According to Jesus, that is the path to both eternal life and receiving honor from our Heavenly Father.

On any given day, I suspect all of these roles are still being played out everywhere that Jesus is extending his kingdom.

My friend spoke of chaos and his decision to step into it in order to serve Christ and his church. In a way he reminds me of the choice Mary made.

“O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.” The apostle tells us how God will answer the prayer of Phillips Brooks.

Everyone admires the lofty spires and beautiful cut glass windows of a magnificent mansion. But how often do we thank the engineer and architect for its most important part, the part we cannot see?

If I don’t check myself, my stress robs me of considering all the things God has done for us and given to us.

As I think about the growing problem of hunger in the world today, I think of two stories, two questions, and the answer I must give.

Do we wait in suspense for Jesus because we’re worried about how well and how often he will deliver on our requests?

It’s not what you have, what you give, or what you do. But what God wants most may be most difficult for us to give him.

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.

Admit God is God, admit he is good and good all the time, and admit his love is permanent. It isn’t going anywhere. We can depend on him every day and in every situation, the good, the tough, and even the terrible.

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.