Overcoming the Disease of More
To be humble is to follow the example of our Lord and Savior. That means putting aside self-interest and petty jealousies. It also means seeing faithful believers as coworkers, not competitors, and rejoicing in their service for the Lord.
Confusion Now ... Understanding Later
At times we see great potential in Jesus' disciples, but we also frequently see a lack of understanding, faith, and power. God’s work in us has given us great potential too, but the disciples' example gives us fair warning against self-assurance.
A Glimpse of Kingdom Glory
God's Word assures us that Christ's kingdom will one day be established on earth. The transfiguration is a brief but glorious preview of that kingdom, when we will serve alongside saints of all the ages in the presence of Jesus Christ.
How to Carry Your Cross
Being a faithful disciple of Jesus is not about making Him a part of your life; it is about giving Him your life. As Jesus Himself puts it, you are to deny yourself and take up your cross daily.
Who is Jesus to You?
Who is Jesus? This is the one question we must answer and answer correctly. Who He is defines who we are as Christians. To consider Him anything less than the Messiah, the sovereign Lord, God in the flesh, and our Savior is to dishonor Him and call our own faith into question.
Compassion For All People
The obstacles we see to God's work are opportunities for us to trust Him, conform our attitudes to His, and witness the fulfillment of His will. This is Jesus' lesson for the disciples as Jesus ministers in two Gentile areas.
Clean Hands or a Clean Heart?
The world always emphasizes externals--what people see and what impresses them. But Jesus teaches that no matter how perfect we might appear to others, if our lives are centered on the external and physical, we are nothing but empty hypocrites.
Eating the Bread of Life
It is easy to become so consumed with the daily, physical necessities of life that we overlook our greatest needs, which are spiritual. The Lord knows our deepest needs better than we do, and only He can fully satisfy them. He is the true, life-giving Bread of Life.
When Peter Walked on Water
The challenges--and the failures--we face in life are not obstacles to faith but stepping stones to greater faith. On the stormy Sea of Galilee one night, Jesus taught Peter a lesson in faith from his own failure.
Manna From Heaven ... Again
Jesus' miracles often addressed physical needs, but their ultimate purpose was spiritual. The feeding of the multitude is a prime example of this. Jesus’ focus is on making, equipping, and sending out disciples.