Unexpected turns, unwarranted fear, lessons in faith and prayer
The story of Moses and his people investigating the Promised Land is rich in implications for the faith of believers today.
Better than a model: four ways I’m trying to be a reflection
Dean asked writers to tell how they’re being a model of their faith. I prefer to think about it in slightly different terms.
Lessons from Moses: seeking our ‘70’ and yielding to God’s Spirit
If we have ever led anything or anyone, we can relate to the complaints Moses heard. Can we relate to the actions he took?
Listen up, list makers! Why not try pursuing a different approach?
Some like lists, and others avoid them. Those in both groups can benefit from the Scripture’s simple approach to pleasing God.
Better than a traffic light: how we know to go forward with God
God’s presence with the Israelites told them whether to stop or go. We have his presence, too, and it is even more wonderful than what they experienced.
What will it take for any of us to throw a mountain into the ocean?
Before we consider this story and give up on our own faith, we need to read more carefully and think more clearly.
Who wants to be the greatest? Maybe the answer is, ‘most of us’
Would we be embarrassed for others to know this is the question we’re most asking about ourselves?
We know the world is a mess, but God is greater, so much greater!
Even in our translations of the original Bible texts, the very words ring with meaning. Here are two that are striking: "But God…”
What happens when we trust God with our mouths firmly closed
There is wisdom in knowing when to speak up and when to keep silent. Maybe the secret is in learning to listen to God.
So many were blind, and despite our song, we sometimes are, too
Jesus healed two blind men, but they weren’t the only ones who couldn’t see clearly.
How this ‘new commandment’ addresses a problem as old as time
Jesus said his followers are to be known for their love. But the struggle against hatred is real.
We understand, because we’ve suffered through storms ourselves
Two storms, the same reaction. And we can identify with the fear the disciples felt.
Even when we’re misunderstood and mistreated, God is with us
Since Jesus has handled our biggest problem of all, shouldn’t we trust his Father with the rest of them?
Heaven to earth as a grace ambassador—seven days every week!
When we live, love, and lead like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are being ambassadors of Heaven.
‘Keep the main thing the main thing’ is our main thing, too!
The Gospel of Mark opens by telling us the main thing: “This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.”
God sees and he understands. This means we know we can trust him
As disciples of Jesus, we believe God sees from the macro level of his universe to the micro level of our hearts. He not only sees it all, he understands it all and can guide us in dealing with it all.
Ancient sacrifice, the death of Jesus, and the awfulness of sin
Nowhere are the ugly consequences of sin made clearer than in the book of Leviticus. They make us even more grateful for the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.
What seemed like the end of the story became a day like no other
They had no idea of the possibilities that would dawn on that day. Could it be that something life-changing is ahead for us today, too?
How all of us can discover the wonderful secret of ‘We have enough’
We know God can and will provide more than enough through the humble offerings we bring. And yet too many can say, “We do not have enough.”
Sticks, stones, and the potential of our words for either good or ill
What part of “words will never hurt me” have we learned just is not true?