I suspect that from the grandstand of heaven, our departed loved ones might just be smiling, because they shared Jesus with us, and they know that one day we will in fact be what they took with them to heaven.

Peter highlights the need for leaders to rely on God for strength and guidance, acknowledging that leadership involves spiritual battles and the necessity of supporting one another through hardships.

Transformed by God's grace, Paul emphasizes that his former ignorance and actions were met with mercy, allowing him to become an example of Christ’s perfect patience.

David emphasizes the importance of aligning our hearts with God before making leadership decisions, as shown in his reflections in Psalm 101.

The church often emphasizes behavior over true submission to Jesus as Lord, leading to a narrow definition of what it means to be a Christian.

Aslan embodies both power and tenderness, teaching children about reverence and sacrificial love, paralleling themes found in Ecclesiastes regarding our approach to God.

God knew what Jeremiah had yet to find out: things were going to get harder. He would have to run with horses. Jeremiah didn’t yet understand what you and I often struggle to understand; when God gives us an assignment, he will not abandon us, even when things are much harder and go on much longer than we could have ever expected or imagined.

Paul’s letters to Timothy emphasize the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and not being swayed by false teachings that dilute the gospel of Jesus.

As they shared a meal, the moment Jesus broke the bread sparked joyful recognition of his identity, connecting their past experiences with him to the present reality of his resurrection.

To cultivate a good name, individuals must surround themselves with wisdom, actively listen, and apply godly principles in their daily lives, as instructed by Solomon.

As the book progresses, Habakkuk experiences a transformation from questioning to surrender, recognizing that God is actively refining his heart and spirit through adversity.

I doubt we have yet seen the impact of what a united church praying daily for our leaders might do. But imagine what could happen at work, in your community, in our country and in the world if Christians everywhere prayed for those in authority! I suspect we would see many surrendering to Christ as Lord.

As I continue to read Scripture, I am challenging myself to look for the parts of the passages I am apt to miss or, worse, ignore. In those verses may well be the things God is trying to correct in us.

Imagine the transformation we would see in our communities, our country, and around the world if we, the called of God, would embrace the unity that is possible and was planned before the world was ever created.

It’s vital to not only support those grieving loss but also to reach out to the spiritually dead, sharing the transformative good news of Jesus and offering them the hope of resurrection.

Psalm 103 compares human life to the fleeting beauty of grass and flowers, emphasizing that while our lives are brief, God’s steadfast love endures forever and gives eternal value to our actions aligned with His purposes.

Paul highlights that true comfort comes from being "rooted and grounded in love," and that such a foundation requires intentional prayer and an understanding of the expansive love of Christ.

While some people thrive on constant change and innovation, others, including myself, find comfort in maintaining consistent daily routines, particularly when it comes to balancing personal and spiritual practices.

Consider the prayers of Paul and other prayers in Scripture; be bold enough to go deeper in prayer and see what God will do in your life and in the life of others.

Paul’s message in Ephesians reveals that God’s love and grace extend to all people, assuring us of a divine plan that promises redemption and restoration beyond earthly divisions.