God spoke to both of them, giving all of us an example for overcoming barriers and putting aside prejudices in answer to his call.

The history of people of faith over the centuries has demonstrated that the instructions we’ve received are not that hard to understand. Our trouble is with implementation!

The truth is, we don’t do a particularly good job with the things God has already revealed, so giving us more would probably not make things any better for anyone.

The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus, and sometimes we do too—for sadly similar reasons.

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.

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!

If we are to follow Jesus, then we must be willing to give him our undivided commitment. There can be no exceptions.

First preached to a largely Jewish audience, the Sermon on the Mount has pointed implications for the believer’s life today.

When God calls us, it’s not because he’s misplaced us. God calls to check our availability and even to see if we are ready to move another step closer in our journey of discipleship and maturity.

Much about this story raises questions. But much about this story also takes away all of our excuses and simply challenges us to take a step of obedience.

It’s okay if you feel like you need to educate God the next time he gives you an assignment. But after you tell him everything you think he needs to understand, go ahead and do what he asked you to do. You might just be witness to another of God’s transformational miracles!

Wouldn’t it be great if we just knew how everything would turn out? But we don’t. And the disciples didn’t. But Jesus does.

If we are honest about our preferences and biases, we would likely admit we don’t really agree with Jesus’ teachings in this sermon. We might argue that they are unrealistic, idealistic, and out of touch.

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.

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