It always costs more and takes longer than you think. Four decades of experience tell me that applies to most aspects of life. We don’t like to hear it any more than the ancient Israelites did!

Allstate may have grown its business promising, “You’re in good hands.” But God offers the protection that all people in all ages have needed.

After reading these stories, maybe we should call Jesus the Lord of the leftovers!

I didn’t expect much from a visit to Mount Nebo. But of all the places in the world I’ve been privileged to visit, Mount Nebo has impacted me the deepest.   

How long does it take to go from praising God for his deliverance to complaining and blaming God for your problems? If the children of Israel are any barometer, the answer is about three days.

Do we always react with such passion and joy when God answers our prayers? I suspect God might sometimes wonder why he gets a tepid response when he does amazing, even miraculous things to help us.

Maybe it was while staring at God’s creation that David recalled the truth of God’s Word.

It is childlike dependence on God that turns God’s heart to reveal more and more of himself and of his strength to those who come to him with open hands and hearts.

“God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land.” And sometimes he chooses a longer route for us, too.

There is a hunger for God. It is being experienced and lived out currently in the classrooms and on campus and it is bringing transformation to our lives.

“Lord, forgive us for being so selective about the things you told us to do. Help us to pray more and more as you prayed.”

With relentless faith in God and persistence in honest prayer, you will one day find out that what God was doing and is doing is always better than what you could achieve without him.

Believe me, I know how I’d use one of those if God would just put it in my hands. And I’m pretty sure why God hasn’t done it!

He never calls us to serve and then abandons us. When he calls us, he promises to go with us and provide a path for us to follow. It is always God who brings the results.

Gaps in time, gaps in ability, gaps in capacity. These and other gaps are common to humankind. They’re illustrated in scripture, and they provide opportunity for our lives.

“Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” And even in my loss, I see I’ve been given so much.

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians shed light on the questions David asks in Psalms.

She was a persistent beggar. And I’m coming to peace with the fact that at least sometimes, so am I.

It’s great to have someone with you to help with the task at hand. But even when we feel alone, we can know God is with us.

When it comes to the ultimate tests of life, our own understanding sometimes leaves us staring at a blank page or worse, a cliff that suggests danger. Solomon suggests a better way.