Lectionary Year A

Working Outside the Camp (Hebrews 13:11-25)

Fish Guts and the Kingdom of God Nancy Matheson Burns, CEO of food distributor Dole & Bailey, describes reconsidering her career choices...

On Guard and Actively Preparing

When I was a kid growing up in cold Minnesota winters, I would build snow forts and have snowball fights with friends.

Welcome One Another!

Beginning in chapter 14 and spilling over into chapter 15, Paul teaches the Roman Christians how to deal with their theological and lifestyle differences. They are not to condemn each other, but to...

Jesus Calls the Disciples (Matthew 3-4)

Nearly thirty years have elapsed between chapters two and three. John the Baptist reveals Jesus’ true identity as the Son of God...

God of the Powerless

There is a sense in which "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34, KJV). He cares about each individual. He knows the heart of each human being. His guidance is sovereign over...

God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)

Luke’s Gospel begins in a workplace.

Advent Reflection: The Magnificat

Luke 1:46-55 is Mary's song of praise to God. It spills out of her heart after her relative Elizabeth, the expectant mother of John the Baptist, acknowledged her blessedness as the mother of Jesus....

Waiting for the Harvest (James 5:7–20)

James concludes his letter with a variety of exhortations on patience, truthfulness, prayer, confession, and healing. As always, these appeal either to...

Advent Reflection: Waiting for the Shepherd

Psalm 80 begins with a cry to God, who is addressed as the “Shepherd of Israel” because he has led Joseph’s descendants...

Turn Us Again!

The words of verse 3 serve as a refrain in Psalm 80, appearing again with slight changes in verses 7 and 19. The first request in this chorus is “Turn us again to yourself, O God” (80:3). Some...

The Gospel of Salvation—Paul’s Vocation (Romans 1:1–17)

The opening verse of Romans announces Paul’s own vocation, the work that God has called him to do: proclaiming the gospel of...

Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1-2)

Herod’s Disturbance (Click Here to Read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling, Mark Roberts writes about how, in contrast to Herod in Matthew 2, we can submit our daily life and...

Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1-2)

Herod’s Disturbance (Click Here to Read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling, Mark Roberts writes about how, in contrast to Herod in Matthew 2, we can submit our daily life and...

God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)

Luke’s Gospel begins in a workplace.

God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)

Luke’s Gospel begins in a workplace.

Christmas Scriptures: Looking for God at Work: Matthew 2 and Luke 2 Sermon Notes

Overview: Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, anticipation, looking for God’s coming into our experience as...

O Come, All Ye Faithful

The focal prayer of Advent is: "Come, Lord!" Remembering the yearning of Israel, we prepare to celebrate the first coming of the Messiah at Christmas. We also look forward to his second coming. And...

Joy to the World!

Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and...

Christ Created and Sustains the World (Hebrews 1:1–2:8)

Critical to the theology in Hebrews is that Christ created and sustains the world. He is the Son “through whom [God] also...

In the Beginning Was the Word (John 1:1-18)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in...

Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1-2)

Herod’s Disturbance (Click Here to Read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling, Mark Roberts writes about how, in contrast to Herod in Matthew 2, we can submit our daily life and...

Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1-2)

Herod’s Disturbance (Click Here to Read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling, Mark Roberts writes about how, in contrast to Herod in Matthew 2, we can submit our daily life and...

How to Give Delight to God

Psalm 147 begins with a reminder of how delightful it is for us to praise the Lord. Then, after celebrating God's saving grace and awesome power, this psalm speaks of how we might...

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

God's restoring work involves human beings both as recipients of grace and as participants in the work.

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click here to read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling Mark Roberts considers how...

The View from Half Dome

In early July, the daily reflection was entitled "The View from Inspiration Point." I used the analogy of viewing Yosemite Valley from Inspiration Point to encourage us to take in the panorama of...

God’s Glorious Grace

[In love] he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will–to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the...

In the Beginning Was the Word (John 1:1-18)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in...

Real, Basic Stewardship

You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority. Psalm 8:4 At this time of year, many churches focus on stewardship. For sixteen years as pastor of Irvine...

Babylon and the New Jerusalem: A Tale of Two Cities (Revelation 17-22)

A city that renounces God is condemned, but paradise bustles with meaningful work.

Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

Jesus’ final teaching in this section examines how we treat those in need. In this account, when Jesus returns in his glory...

When Did We See You?

“Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, ...

Understanding Life in Christ (Galatians 1:6–4:31)

Paul begins by identifying the problem among the Galatians. They “are turning to a different gospel” (Gal. 1:6). This “gospel” requires Gen­tiles...

God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)

Luke’s Gospel begins in a workplace.

Christmas Scriptures: Looking for God at Work: Matthew 2 and Luke 2 Sermon Notes

Overview: Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, anticipation, looking for God’s coming into our experience as...

O Come, All Ye Faithful

The focal prayer of Advent is: "Come, Lord!" Remembering the yearning of Israel, we prepare to celebrate the first coming of the Messiah at Christmas. We also look forward to his second coming. And...

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

God's restoring work involves human beings both as recipients of grace and as participants in the work.

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click here to read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling Mark Roberts considers how...

Are You an Administrator of Grace?

In the first two chapters of Ephesians, Paul paints in broad strokes a picture of God's saving, unifying work in the cosmos...

Christmas Scriptures: Looking for God at Work: Matthew 2 and Luke 2 Sermon Notes

Overview: Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, anticipation, looking for God’s coming into our experience as...

Christmas Scriptures: Little Saints: Matthew 2 Sermon Notes

Gifts. Perhaps most of our concern, energy, financial resources at Christmas involve the selection, purchase, and giving of gifts. Often this concern...

Christmas Scriptures: Home By Another Way: Matthew 2 and 7 Sermon Notes

Overview: Sermon explores possible implications of Christmas for work. Does the Incarnation influence, shape our understanding of the purpose or manner of...

The Peace of the Lord Be With You

In many churches today, there is a time in the worship service for the Passing of the Peace. The person leading worship says something like, "The peace of the Lord be with you."...

Work and Christian Identity (Acts 8-12)

The next section of Acts moves the Christian community, by the power of the Spirit, across cultural barriers as the gospel of...

Jesus Calls the Disciples (Matthew 3-4)

Nearly thirty years have elapsed between chapters two and three. John the Baptist reveals Jesus’ true identity as the Son of God...

Joy in Doing God’s Will

Undeniably, there are times when obeying God is hard, times when we’d much rather follow our own will than his. Even Jesus knew that experience as he wrestled with his Father’s will in...

All Are Called (1 Corinthians 1:1–3)

In the opening paragraph of 1 Corinthians, Paul lays out themes that he will address in more detail in the body of...

Spiritual Resources Available (1 Corinthians 1:4–9)

According to the conventions of ancient letter writing, a greeting was followed by a section in which the author praised the recipient.[7]...

I Have Called You Friends (John 1:35-51, John 15:15)

We will return to the conventional term “disciples” momentarily, but the term “friends” captures the essence of John’s depiction of the disciples...

The Need for a Common Vision (1 Corinthians 1:10–17)

Paul states in thesis-like fashion what he is trying to accomplish by writing 1 Corinthians.[8] “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters...

Jesus Calls the Disciples (Matthew 3-4)

Nearly thirty years have elapsed between chapters two and three. John the Baptist reveals Jesus’ true identity as the Son of God...

Status in Church and at Work: Friends in Low Places (1 Corinthians 1:18–31)

Paul reminds the congregation in Corinth that most of them do not come from the ranks of...

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)

The Sermon on the Mount opens with the beatitudes—eight statements beginning with the word blessed.[1] This word affirms a state of blessing that already exists. Each beatitude declares that a group of people...

A Pollyanna-ish Psalm?

When we refer to someone as a Pollyanna, we don’t usually mean it as a compliment. Pollyanna-ish people always look on the bright side, so much so that they seem to ignore genuine...

Salt and Light in the World of Work (Matthew 5:13-16)

Following the beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his followers that people who receive these blessings matter: You are...

Salt of the Earth

Salt had a wide variety of uses in the ancient world. It was a preservative, a purifier, and even an ingredient in fertilizer. But in this passage, Jesus emphasizes the usage of salt...

Salt and Light (Sunday School Lesson for Kids)

We've been learning a lot of different things about work. To recap, God is a worker and part of his design for...

You Are Salt for the Earth, O People, Salt for the Kingdom of God (Prayer)

Share the flavour of life, O people, life in the kingdom of God.

What Is Righteousness? (Matthew 5:17-48)

Jesus makes a startling statement in Matthew 5:20. “I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you...

Christian Leadership as Service (1 Corinthians 4:1–4)

In this passage, Paul offers a definitive statement of what it means to be a leader.

Store Your Treasure in Heaven, Not on Earth (Matthew 6:19-34)

Not only are we to ask God for our daily provision, but we also are warned against stockpiling material wealth and other...

Faith/Faithfulness, the Entry to God’s Justice (Romans 3:27–31)

In the previous section we looked at Romans 3:22–26 and high­lighted the righteousness/justice that God gives us in salvation. Now let us...

Best of Daily Reflections: The Sacrifice God Desires

God, who set up the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, says he doesn’t need sacrifices. Rather, he desires worship and obedience.

Reconciling the Whole World (2 Corinthians 5:16–21)

If it sounds as if Paul is calling us to grit our teeth and try harder to be good, then we are...

Wealth and Provision (Matthew 6)

Jesus speaks about wealth frequently. Wealth and provision are not in themselves work, but they are often the result of work, our own or someone else’s. A central tenet of economics is that...

Living the Will of God - Closet Christians: How Secrecy Leads to Spirituality: Matthew ...

Matthew 6:1-4 1 Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them...

Living the Will of God - The God Who is Into Everything: Matthew 6 Sermon Notes

Matthew 6:5-15 5 “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to...

Living the Will of God - Worrying Well: Matthew 6 Sermon Notes

Matthew 6:19-34 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in...

Best of Daily Reflections: Finally, I Confessed

Psalm 32 expresses David’s joy in experiencing the freedom of God’s forgiveness. But, for a while, David did not rejoice because he...

Best of Daily Reflections: The Best Hiding Place of All

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Grace and Righteousness Lead to Eternal Life Through Christ (Romans 5:12–21)

Romans 5:12–21 reflects a dense and complex theological argu­ment involving a number of different contrasts between the...

Jesus Calls the Disciples (Matthew 3-4)

Nearly thirty years have elapsed between chapters two and three. John the Baptist reveals Jesus’ true identity as the Son of God...

Best of Daily Reflections: Does the Lord Really Keep Us from All Harm?

At first glance, Psalm 121:7 offers tremendous assurance. The Lord will keep us from all harm! Wow! That sounds wonderful. If I...

An Exemplary Faith: Abraham Trusted God’s Promises (Romans 4)

As we have seen in Romans 1–3, the cross of Christ brings salvation to all people—Jews and Gentiles alike. In Christ, God...

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)

Jesus’ discussions with Nicodemus and his disciples hold innumerable treasures. We will begin with a verse that has profound implications for human...

Grace Transforms Suffering in Our Life in Christ (Romans 5:1–11)

In Romans 5:1–11 Paul offers more encouragement by reminding the Romans that through Christ we have already “gained access” to God’s “grace...

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4)

The story of the woman at the well (John 4:1-40) has as much direct discussion of human labor as any story in...

Smell Like Sheep?

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved Scriptures in the world, but early Hebrews probably found it hard to swallow. God a shepherd? Definitely not kosher.

God’s Grand Plan: A Practical Guide (Ephesians 4:1–6:24)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click Here to Read) In this daily reflection fromThe High Calling, Mark Roberts considers how the...

The Texas Version of Ephesians 5:8-14

Before we move on from Ephesians 5:8-14, I want to reiterate a crucial point I made earlier in this series of reflections...

Best of Daily Reflections: How Should We Expose the Deeds of Darkness? Part 1

What does it mean to expose the deeds of darkness? How should we do this?

Best of Daily Reflections: How Should We Expose the Deeds of Darkness? Part 2

Once we were Gentiles living in darkness. But, we who have become children of light through Christ...

Best of Daily Reflections: How Should We Expose the Deeds of Darkness? Part 3

In yesterday's reflection, I suggested that we are to "expose" the "fruitless deeds of darkness" not by...

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind (John 9)

Jesus and his disciples see a man born blind (the entire chapter 9). The disciples look on him as a lesson or...

Best of Daily Reflections: Does God Keep a Record of Our Sins?

My friend Nick grew up in a church that was very eager to keep him from sinning.

Living According to the Spirit Leads to a New Quality of Life (Romans 8:1–14)

Believers are free from the law, but walking in newness of life is based on a firm...

Jesus’ Sacrifice (John 10-12)

Learning to Save My Students Instead of Judging Them (Click Here to Read) An encounter with the words of Jesus in John 12 encourages a teacher to change his approach to his relationship...

Your Influence on Your Friend Jesus

Mary, Martha, and their brother, Lazarus, were Jesus’ good friends. He visited frequently in their home and loved them all dearly (John...

The Seventh Word

The Seven Last Words of Christ for Holy Week

Do Your Work in a Worthy Manner (Philippians 1:27–2:11)

Since our work is actually God’s work in us, our work should be worthy, as God’s work is. But apparently we have...

Seeing the Good Side of Work: Work and the Reign of God (Philippians 2 Sermon Notes)

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above...

Work and Faith: Humble Servanthood, Philippians 2 (Sermon Notes)

The Philippian Christians in Need of an Attitude Adjustment In the middle of the first century A.D., the Apostle Paul planted a...

The Cross and Resurrection (Mark 14:32-16:8)

The topics of status and grace return to the fore as Jesus faces his trial and crucifixion. “The Son of Man came...

The Passion of Jesus (Luke 22:47-24:53)

Jesus’ work climaxes in his willing self-sacrifice on the cross, as with his last gasp he breathes out trust in God, “Father...

The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30)

The plot to kill Jesus moves forward as Judas (one of the Twelve) goes to the religious leaders with an offer to...

Joseph of Arimathea

Mark 15:43 introduces a man named Joseph, who was from Arimathea, a small town northwest of Jerusalem. He is identified as “an honored member of the high council.”

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection (Matthew 27-28)

More than any other Gospel writer, Matthew emphasizes the earth-shattering implications of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and brings us...

Jesus’ Intercession Empowers Our Life and Work (Hebrews 7:1–10:18)

Lech Walesa Lech Walesa’s path to becoming the president of Poland reached its pivotal moment on August 14, 1980 when he jumped...

Jesus’ Sacrifice (John 10-12)

Learning to Save My Students Instead of Judging Them (Click Here to Read) An encounter with the words of Jesus in John 12 encourages a teacher to change his approach to his relationship...

Status in Church and at Work: Friends in Low Places (1 Corinthians 1:18–31)

Paul reminds the congregation in Corinth that most of them do not come from the ranks of...

Jesus’ Sacrifice (John 10-12)

Learning to Save My Students Instead of Judging Them (Click Here to Read) An encounter with the words of Jesus in John 12 encourages a teacher to change his approach to his relationship...

How Will The World Know God Is Great?

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly...

Endure Hardship and Pursue Peace (Hebrews 12:1-16)

Hebrews moves from providing examples of faithful saints to pro­viding challenges for the people of its own day. Like the rest of...

Servant Leadership (John 13) - God’s Word for Work, Online Video Bible Study

An attitude of humble service should accompany all we do at work.

Servant Leadership (Devotional)

Scripture, reflection questions, and prayer help you improve your leadership at work.

Called to Love: The Tricky Part of Love (John 13 Sermon Notes)

John 13:31-35 When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified...

Best of Daily Reflections: The Tension of Faithful Prayer

Today I want to base my reflection on two verses from Psalm 22. In the first verse, the psalmist laments God’s lack...

The Torn Curtain

The temple in Jerusalem was not one, large, open structure, but rather a series of nested courts. At the core was the temple itself, which included the holy place (sanctuary) and the “holy of...

Jesus’ Intercession Empowers Our Life and Work (Hebrews 7:1–10:18)

Lech Walesa Lech Walesa’s path to becoming the president of Poland reached its pivotal moment on August 14, 1980 when he jumped...

Realizing the Faith (Hebrews 10:19–11:40)

Following Jesus is hard work, and only faith in the eventual fulfill­ment of his promises can keep us going. “Now faith is...

Sabbath Rest in Christ: Needed for Life’s Journey (Hebrews 3:7–4:16)

As much as the creation is therefore the good work of God in Christ, there is still a stark contrast between the...

My Kingdom Is Not of This World (John 18:36)

Rather than risk reducing John’s passion narrative to a proof-text for work issues, we will address a single verse that is as...

The Twelfth Station: Jesus on the Cross, His Mother, and His Disciple

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene...

Suffering Under the World’s Authorities (1 Peter 2:13–4:19)

David Hataj, CEO, Egerton Gear, Inc., on Non-Judgmental Corporate Culture Change I returned home after 8 years to assume leadership of my...

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection (Matthew 27-28)

More than any other Gospel writer, Matthew emphasizes the earth-shattering implications of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and brings us...

My Kingdom Is Not of This World (John 18:36)

Rather than risk reducing John’s passion narrative to a proof-text for work issues, we will address a single verse that is as...

Father, I Entrust My Spirit into Your Hands

Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 Today...

The Seventh Word

The Seven Last Words of Christ for Holy Week

Beyond Thanksgiving

At first glance, Psalm 136 is a psalm of thanksgiving.

God Calls Noah and Creates a New World (Genesis 6:9-8:19)

Some situations may be redeemable. Others may be beyond redemption. In Genesis 6:6-8 , we hear God's lament about the state of...

God’s Covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1-19)

Once again on dry land with this new beginning, Noah's first act is to build an altar to the Lord (Gen. 8:20)...

God’s Presence in the Midst of Disaster (Psalm 46)

No matter how great the disaster, God is greater still.

Best of Daily Reflections: How Does God Bring Destruction?

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Where Have You Fixed Your Attention?

Psalm 16 begins with a cry for divine help: "Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge"...

Israel at the Red Sea and on the Way to Sinai (Exodus 13:17-18:27)

The foundational expression of God’s work came to dramatic fruition when God decisively led his people through the Red Sea, releasing them...

Servant at Work (Isaiah 40ff.)

Isaiah paints a picture of the values that must characterize the people of God.

Obsessing, Digressing, Progressing: The Importance of Digressing - Isaiah, Exodus, Luke Sermon Notes

Text Suggestions Isaiah 55:6-9 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my...

Peace and Prosperity (Isaiah 9ff.)

In contrast to the arrogant pride and self-sufficiency that will bring us down or the exploitation of the poor in order to...

You Are Designed for Worship

Faith is not just a matter of belief but a life of wholehearted and full-bodied worship. Every part of me and every part of you is required for discipleship.

The Covenantal Hope (Ezekiel 35-48)

Ezekiel's theology of work would be incomplete if not placed in the full context of future restoration alluded to throughout the book...

Best of Daily Reflections: Do You Wish You Had a New Heart?

Do you ever wish you had a new heart? I'm not asking about a physical heart, but a new way of being...

Hope in God!

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 43:5 If Psalm 43 seems strangely...

New Life for Dem Dry Bones

Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones. ...

Why Should God Answer My Prayer?

In Psalm 143, David cries out to the Lord for help.

Best of Daily Reflections: Hopes Deferred but Not Forgotten

God rejoices when his people are made whole. Our joys become his joys.

Joy to the World!

Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and...

Best of Daily Reflections: What If Your Soul Is Hard as a Rock?

He turned the rock into a pool of water; yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock. Psalm 114:8 Do you...

Walking in Newness of Life (Romans 6)

Although God’s grace has come into the world to bring reconciliation and justice, there are still evil spiritual powers at work opposing...

The Cross and Resurrection (Mark 14:32-16:8)

The topics of status and grace return to the fore as Jesus faces his trial and crucifixion. “The Son of Man came...

Set Your Mind on Things Above: Heavenly Living for Earthly Good (Colossians 3:1–16)

This call to reorientation means that we reshape our lives to think and do according to Jesus’...

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection (Matthew 27-28)

More than any other Gospel writer, Matthew emphasizes the earth-shattering implications of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and brings us...

The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)

The episode on the road to Emmaus is a fitting example of generosity for all Jesus’ followers. At first it seems to...

Best of Daily Reflections: Not a Ghost Story

Though his resurrected body had unusual capabilities, Jesus was present in flesh and blood.

Resident Aliens and a Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 1:1–2:12)

In the opening line of his letter, Peter addresses his readers as “exiles . . . who have been chosen” (1 Pet...

The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)

The episode on the road to Emmaus is a fitting example of generosity for all Jesus’ followers. At first it seems to...

Recognizing Jesus (Small Group Study)

Read Luke 24:13-35 with your small group and use this study to discuss hospitality and recognizing Jesus.

Advent Reflection: The World’s Greatest Bible Study

Every time I read the story of Jesus’ encounter with two of his followers on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, I...

Smell Like Sheep?

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved Scriptures in the world, but early Hebrews probably found it hard to swallow. God a shepherd? Definitely not kosher.

Suffering Under the World’s Authorities (1 Peter 2:13–4:19)

David Hataj, CEO, Egerton Gear, Inc., on Non-Judgmental Corporate Culture Change I returned home after 8 years to assume leadership of my...

Jesus’ Sacrifice (John 10-12)

Learning to Save My Students Instead of Judging Them (Click Here to Read) An encounter with the words of Jesus in John 12 encourages a teacher to change his approach to his relationship...

Farewell Words: Upper Room Discourse (John 14-17)

Chapters 13 through 17, often called the Upper Room Discourse, contain so much profound theology that we can only touch on a...

God at Work: Seeing and Reflecting God the Worker (Genesis 1 and John 14 Sermon Notes)

Scripture Genesis 1:27-28 27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he...

Suffering Under the World’s Authorities (1 Peter 2:13–4:19)

David Hataj, CEO, Egerton Gear, Inc., on Non-Judgmental Corporate Culture Change I returned home after 8 years to assume leadership of my...

Farewell Words: Upper Room Discourse (John 14-17)

Chapters 13 through 17, often called the Upper Room Discourse, contain so much profound theology that we can only touch on a...

An Orienting Vocation for the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:8)

The book of Acts begins with a post-resurrection interaction between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus teaches his disciples about “the kingdom of...

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

God's restoring work involves human beings both as recipients of grace and as participants in the work.

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click here to read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling Mark Roberts considers how...

The Christian Life in a Nutshell

The phrase "in a nutshell" means something like "in a very brief summary" or "in very few words." Some scholars trace the English use of this phrase to William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. In Act 2,...

The God of the Vulnerable

Psalm 68 celebrates God’s care for Israel. It does so with a wide variety of images, many of which highlight God’s power and justice in stirring and even disturbing ways (68:2, 21-23). Yet Psalm 68...

God Places the Lonely in Families

God places the lonely in families he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalms 68:6 When I read Psalm 68:6, the...

Suffering Under the World’s Authorities (1 Peter 2:13–4:19)

David Hataj, CEO, Egerton Gear, Inc., on Non-Judgmental Corporate Culture Change I returned home after 8 years to assume leadership of my...

Instructions for Leaders and Followers (1 Peter 5)

Peter now gives instructions for church leaders, termed “elders” (“presbyters” and “bishops” in the Anglicized Greek derivations used in many churches today)...

Farewell Words: Upper Room Discourse (John 14-17)

Chapters 13 through 17, often called the Upper Room Discourse, contain so much profound theology that we can only touch on a...

Spiritual Gifts in Community (1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40)

The use of what have come to be called “spiritual gifts” (12:1) seems to have caused much contention in the church of...

Go and Make Disciples (Matthew 28:16-20)

The Great Commission is to “make disciples,” not merely to “win converts.”

Christian Leadership as Service (1 Corinthians 4:1–4)

In this passage, Paul offers a definitive statement of what it means to be a leader.

Store Your Treasure in Heaven, Not on Earth (Matthew 6:19-34)

Not only are we to ask God for our daily provision, but we also are warned against stockpiling material wealth and other...

Living the Will of God - Worrying Well: Matthew 6 Sermon Notes

Matthew 6:19-34 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in...

Commit Your Work to the Lord: Work and Stress: Sermon on Matthew 6

Text: Matthew 6:25-34: Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will...

Best of Daily Reflections: How Does God Bring Destruction?

...

Father, I Entrust My Spirit into Your Hands

Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 Today...

The Gospel of Salvation—Paul’s Vocation (Romans 1:1–17)

The opening verse of Romans announces Paul’s own vocation, the work that God has called him to do: proclaiming the gospel of...

Judgment, Justice, and Faith (Romans 3)

Entrepreneur Takes Employment Practice from Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fallen Short (Video)

Entrepreneur hires ex-felons because nobody's past is clean.

Moral Guidance (Matthew 7)

Best of Daily Reflections: Play Skillfully

May we "play skillfully" at work, in our communities, as we serve at church, in our families, and in every other facet...

Anxiety When Unscrupulous People Succeed (Psalms 49, 50, 52, 62)

Sometimes the godly have a skewed perspective on how God governs, and this causes them needless anxiety. They think that the righteous...

An Exemplary Faith: Abraham Trusted God’s Promises (Romans 4)

As we have seen in Romans 1–3, the cross of Christ brings salvation to all people—Jews and Gentiles alike. In Christ, God...

Jesus Heals Many (Matthew 8-9)

In chapters 5 through 7, we heard Jesus teaching about the kingdom of heaven coming to earth. In chapters 8 through 9, we see him enacting that kingdom through deeds of compassion and...

The Meaning of Law in Exodus (Exodus 19:1-24:18)

We begin by recognizing that Exodus is an integral part of the whole of Scripture, not a stand-alone legal statue. Christopher Wright...

Shout to the Lord?!

I can still remember Mrs. Merrill calling the first-graders to worship in the Sunday School of Hollywood Presbyterian Church. Quoting from the King James version of prophet Habakkuk, Mrs. Merrill...

You Belong to God

Know that the LORD is God—he made us; we belong to him. We are his people, the sheep of his own pasture. Psalms 100:3 I’ll never forget my first baseball uniform. As a...

Six Days Shall You Worship

Where do you worship? When I ask Christian businesspeople that question, I always get the same answer—the church they attend on Sundays. And no wonder. On Sunday mornings, we go to worship...

Grace Transforms Suffering in Our Life in Christ (Romans 5:1–11)

In Romans 5:1–11 Paul offers more encouragement by reminding the Romans that through Christ we have already “gained access” to God’s “grace...

Jesus Heals Many (Matthew 8-9)

In chapters 5 through 7, we heard Jesus teaching about the kingdom of heaven coming to earth. In chapters 8 through 9, we see him enacting that kingdom through deeds of compassion and...

Teach Me Your Ways!

Psalm 86:11 is one of my favorite Scripture verses. In fact, I used this verse as the basis for my pre-sermon prayer for many years when I was the pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church.

Heartburn for God

Most of us have experienced heartburn at one time or another. We eat a particular spicy meal, or we eat too much at Thanksgiving, and in a couple of hours our insides feel...

Best of Daily Reflections: A Time of Favor

But I keep praying to you, LORD, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer...

Best of Daily Reflections: When You Can’t Stop Crying Out to God

Most of the teaching I have had throughout my life as a Christian have been trustworthy, based on an accurate interpretation of...

The Claimant’s Psalm (based on Psalm 69)

"I can't authorise your unemployment claim." The waters have come up to my neck.

Walking in Newness of Life (Romans 6)

Although God’s grace has come into the world to bring reconciliation and justice, there are still evil spiritual powers at work opposing...

Laborers Deserve Their Food (Matthew 10)

In chapter 10, Jesus sends out his disciples to proclaim the coming kingdom and to demonstrate it through powerful deeds of mercy...

Best of Daily Reflections: Consider Yourself Dead!?

In Romans 6, Paul responds to a possible implication of the fact that we are brought into right relationship with God by...

Laborers Deserve Their Food (Matthew 10)

In chapter 10, Jesus sends out his disciples to proclaim the coming kingdom and to demonstrate it through powerful deeds of mercy...

Calling on God in Truth

Psalm 145 celebrates the greatness and goodness of God.

The Invasive Power of “Sin” (Romans 7)

In chapter 7, Paul continues to emphasize that newness of life in Christ frees us from being “captive” to the “old written...

My Yoke Is Easy (Matthew 11:28-30)

As we walk through Matthew’s Gospel, we see that opposition to Jesus—his message and his actions—is increasing. It culminates in Matthew 12:1...

Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13)

Beginning in chapter 13, in the face of opposition, Jesus’ teaching style changes. Instead of proclaiming the kingdom clearly, he begins to...

Who Is Like God?

In Isaiah 44, God speaks through the prophet to highlight his divine uniqueness. Though there are many other “gods,” they are mere idols, formed by human hands from material elements. For example,...

God’s Grace in the Midst of Judgment (Psalm 86)

Although God’s judgment takes the fore in Book 3 of the Psalms, we also find God’s grace. “Be gracious to me, O...

Teach Me Your Ways!

Psalm 86:11 is one of my favorite Scripture verses. In fact, I used this verse as the basis for my pre-sermon prayer for many years when I was the pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church.

Suffering With Christ in Order to Be Glorified With Christ (Romans 8:15–17)

Paul contrasts life in the Spirit with life under the Jewish law. Paul says believers have received...

Eagerly Awaiting Bodily Redemption for Ourselves and God’s Creation (Romans 8:18–30)

Being “glorified” with Christ (Rom. 8:17) is our hope for the future. But according to Paul that...

Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13)

Beginning in chapter 13, in the face of opposition, Jesus’ teaching style changes. Instead of proclaiming the kingdom clearly, he begins to...

The Blessing of Fear

When I was a child, I was afraid of sirens. If a police car was racing through our neighborhood with its siren blazing, I’d plug my ears and find a safe place to...

Solomon Succeeds David as King (1 Kings 1-11)

Upon succeeding David as king, Solomon faces the vastness of his duties (1 Kings 3:5-15). He is acutely aware that he is...

The Word Gives Life

...

Eagerly Awaiting Bodily Redemption for Ourselves and God’s Creation (Romans 8:18–30)

Being “glorified” with Christ (Rom. 8:17) is our hope for the future. But according to Paul that...

Nothing Can Come Between Us and the Love of God (Romans 8:31-39)

God is for us, says Paul, having given his own Son for “all of us” (Rom. 8:31–32). Nothing is able to come...

Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

...

Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13)

Beginning in chapter 13, in the face of opposition, Jesus’ teaching style changes. Instead of proclaiming the kingdom clearly, he begins to...

Servant at Work (Isaiah 40ff.)

Isaiah paints a picture of the values that must characterize the people of God.

Calling on God in Truth

Psalm 145 celebrates the greatness and goodness of God.

God’s Character is to Have Mercy on Everyone (Romans 9–11)

In Romans 9–11, Paul returns to the immediate problem the letter is meant to address—the conflict between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Since...

Remember God’s Wonders

Psalm 105 begins with a call to praise the Lord (v. 1). It adds that we should sing praise to him (v. 2), rejoice (v. 3), and seek his face (v. 4). Then...

God’s TLC

Sometimes you run out of words. ...

The Economic Consequences of National Wrongdoings (Psalm 81, 85)

Despite the attention to personal judgment we have seen in Psalm 73, in most of Book 3, it is the nation of...

Best of Daily Reflections: Hope for the Formerly Faithful

What can the formerly faithful hope for? How will God respond to them?

God’s Character is to Have Mercy on Everyone (Romans 9–11)

In Romans 9–11, Paul returns to the immediate problem the letter is meant to address—the conflict between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Since...

The Sabbath for Gentiles

Throughout Isaiah we see God’s vision, not only for the people of Israel, but also for all peoples. Though his salvation is focused upon Israel, it is not for Israel alone. Isaiah 5...

God’s Shining Face

May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us. Psalms 67:1 The New Living Translation of Psalm 67:1 speaks of God’s face smiling with favor on us...

The Expansive Prayer of an Expanding Heart

To be honest, we begin our relationship with God because of what's in it for us personally. We recognize that we need...

God’s Character is to Have Mercy on Everyone (Romans 9–11)

In Romans 9–11, Paul returns to the immediate problem the letter is meant to address—the conflict between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Since...

Downward Mobility: Desperate Dogs: Matthew 15 Sermon Notes

The Main Text: Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came...

Our Heavenly Help

Psalm 124 offers a stirring word of encouragement.

God Will Work Out His Plans for My Life

When life goes in directions we didn't expect, and when those directions include suffering and frustration, we can easily become discouraged.

The Community of Grace at Work (Romans 12)

How can we live as a community that embraces the gift of grace that's been given us?

Seek the Lord

Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Psalm 105:4 Psalm 105 calls God’s people to give him thanks and praise in response to his “wonders” (105:5). The bulk of...

Remember God’s Wonders

Psalm 105 begins with a call to praise the Lord (v. 1). It adds that we should sing praise to him (v. 2), rejoice (v. 3), and seek his face (v. 4). Then...

Faith in God’s Provision (Jeremiah 8-16)

We see in Jeremiah 5 that the people did not acknowledge God’s provision. If the people did not acknowledge God as the...

Daily Confections?

The Bible-based devotions that I write each day are called “Daily Reflections.” But, in light of Jeremiah 15:16, I wonder if they should be called “Daily Confections,” as in “something delightful...

Standing On Solid Ground

Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the LORD. Psalm 26:12 We don't know the exact context for Psalm 26. It could be that David was impressed with the...

Specific Behavioral Principles to Guide Moral Discernment (Romans 12:9–21)

Paul identifies specific guiding principles to help us serve as conduits overarching concern to let love be...

The Call to Warn Others (Ezekiel 33)

Ezekiel chapters 18 and 33 serve similar thematic and structural functions within the book as a whole.[1]The call to personal righteousness in...

Renew My Life!

I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. Psalm 119:40 Psalm 119, the longest of the Psalms with 176 verses, celebrates the truth and power of God's revelation. In...

Living Under the Power of God (Romans 13)

Romans 13 serves as an encouragement that God is sovereign over every earthly authority.

What Should We Do With Romans 13?

When I was sixteen years old, I received my first driver’s license. That precipitated a moral crisis for me. I noticed that most of the cars on Southern California freeways exceeded the speed...

Conflict Resolution (Matthew 18:15-35)

All workplaces experience conflict. In this passage, Jesus gives us a template for dealing with someone who has wronged us. He does...

God Meant All for Good (Genesis 50:15-21)

The penitent words of the brothers led Joseph to one of the finest theological points of his life and, indeed, much of...

Bless the Lord, O My Soul

I cannot read Psalm 103 without thinking of Bill Cody. Bill was the Director of Laity Lodge, the retreat center associated with The High Calling, from 1965 through 1979. As you may recall, I was a...

Welcoming Overcomes Quarrels Over Differing Opinions (Romans 14:1–23)

“Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions,” begins Paul (Rom. 14:1). The “weak...

Conflict Resolution (Matthew 18:15-35)

All workplaces experience conflict. In this passage, Jesus gives us a template for dealing with someone who has wronged us. He does...

God’s Blessing for All Nations (Jonah 1:16, 3:1-4:2)

Jonah disobeys God’s call because he objects to God’s intent to bless Israel’s adversaries, the nation of Assyria and its capital city...

Calling on God in Truth

Psalm 145 celebrates the greatness and goodness of God.

The One Who Began a Good Work Among You Will Bring it to Completion (Philippians 1:1–26)

Positive Gratitude: Philippians 1 (Click Here to Read) This sermon from The High Calling discusses how a...

Do Your Work in a Worthy Manner (Philippians 1:27–2:11)

Since our work is actually God’s work in us, our work should be worthy, as God’s work is. But apparently we have...

The Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

God's Generosity in Providing Us With Work for His Kingdom (Click to Listen) This parable is unique to Matthew’s Gospel. The owner...

God’s Guidance in Our Work (Psalm 25)

Human life is a series of choices, and many of these involve vocation.

Do Your Work in a Worthy Manner (Philippians 1:27–2:11)

Since our work is actually God’s work in us, our work should be worthy, as God’s work is. But apparently we have...

Work and Faith: Humble Servanthood, Philippians 2 (Sermon Notes)

The Philippian Christians in Need of an Attitude Adjustment In the middle of the first century A.D., the Apostle Paul planted a...

Seeing the Good Side of Work: Work and the Reign of God (Philippians 2 Sermon Notes)

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above...

Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)

The parable of the two sons (Matt. 21:28-32) is about two brothers whose father tells them to go work in his vineyard...

Turn Us Again!

The words of verse 3 serve as a refrain in Psalm 80, appearing again with slight changes in verses 7 and 19. The first request in this chorus is “Turn us again to yourself, O God” (80:3). Some...

3 Examples of Following Christ as Ordinary Christians (Philippians 2:19–3:21)

In fact, Philippians gives us three examples—Paul, Epaphroditus, and Timothy—to show us how all Christians are meant...

Take It or Leave It: Philippians 3 Sermon Notes

Philippians 3:4b-14 If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a...

Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41)

The parable immediately following the parable of the wicked tenants (Matt. 21:33-41) takes place in a workplace, namely, a vineyard. However, Jesus...

Peace and Prosperity (Isaiah 9ff.)

In contrast to the arrogant pride and self-sufficiency that will bring us down or the exploitation of the poor in order to...

The Ultimate International Banquet

Often schools and churches sponsor international banquets, festive meals in which people bring foods representing diverse cultures. At such a feast you...

God’s Presence in Our Struggles at Work (Psalm 23)

While we seek to honor God in our work, this does not mean the road will be easy.

Psalm 23 for Busy People

The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush.

Smell Like Sheep?

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved Scriptures in the world, but early Hebrews probably found it hard to swallow. God a shepherd? Definitely not kosher.

Resolving Conflict (Philippians 4:2–9)

Although our instinctive reflex is to suppress and deny conflict, in this passage, Paul lovingly brings conflict into the open where it...

Servant at Work (Isaiah 40ff.)

Isaiah paints a picture of the values that must characterize the people of God.

Cyrus the Messiah?

As we read along in Isaiah, the last verse of chapter 44 surprises us by mentioning Cyrus, the king of Persia. In 44:28, God refers to Cyrus as “my shepherd.” Then, in the next verse (45:1), Cyrus...

The Only True God

Several times throughout Isaiah 45, the Lord asserts that he alone is God, and that there is no other. The false gods of the nations, the idols they have made with their own...

Best of Daily Reflections: The Arguing Clay

Through Isaiah, the Lord made known his plans to use Cyrus, king of Persia, in order to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple.

The Biblical Imperative We Love to Ignore

Psalm 96 begins with a simple imperative: “Sing a new song to the LORD!” If you look up all of the Hebrew...

Advent Reflection: Why Do We Praise the Lord?

There are many reasons to praise the Lord. Scripture repeatedly calls us to do it, so we praise God out of obedience...

Working Faith, Finishing Up, and Keeping the Faith (1 Thess. 1:1–4:8; 4:13–5:28; 2 Thess. 1:1-2:17)

In his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul reminds the church that living out their faith takes daily work.

Paying Taxes (Matthew 17:24-27 and 22:15-22)

In Jesus’ day, Jews paid taxes both locally to the Jewish temple and to the pagan government in Rome. Matthew records two...

Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself (Leviticus 19:17-18)

The most famous verse in Leviticus may be the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18). This imperative is so sweeping...

Personal Integrity in Work (Psalm 1)

The two opening psalms establish themes that run through the entire Psalter. Psalm 1 describes personal integrity, indicating that this is how...

Best of Daily Reflections: Avoiding the Influence of Mockers

We live in a society of mockers. People who mock consider themselves better than others. They do not enter into serious engagement...

Working Faith, Finishing Up, and Keeping the Faith (1 Thess. 1:1–4:8; 4:13–5:28; 2 Thess. 1:1-2:17)

In his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul reminds the church that living out their faith takes daily work.

The Great Commandment is a Great Framework (Matthew 22:34-40)

Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day often fought over the relative importance of commandments. Some held the view that observing the Sabbath was...

How Can I Taste God?

Psalm 34:8 invites us to “taste and see that the LORD is good.” This leads me to wonder how I can take the psalmist up on his offer. How can I taste God...

1 John: Walking in the Light

Although written under greatly different circumstances than James,[1] 1 John also challenges the notion that faith can live without “works,” that is, acts of obedience toward God. In chapter 2, John states that...

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)

The Sermon on the Mount opens with the beatitudes—eight statements beginning with the word blessed.[1] This word affirms a state of blessing that already exists. Each beatitude declares that a group of people...

Eight Traits of an Ethically Healthy Culture: Insights from the Beatitudes (Academic Paper)

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, we are told, “Now when Jesus had finished...

A Modern Version of The Beatitudes

Blessed are the meek: not the soft, but those who are patient and tolerant.

Understanding the Beatitudes (Devotional)

Understand and apply the characteristics that Jesus calls "blessed."

God Undergirds All Work and Productivity (Psalm 107)

Psalm 107 relates human economic endeavors to the world of God’s creation. It is worth citing at length. Some went down to...

Say So!

During the past several summers, I've had the privilege of being part of the leadership team of Laity Lodge Youth Camp, a sister program to The High Calling and Laity Lodge.

A Cry for Help

“LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. Psalm 107:6 Psalm 107 reminds us to “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!” (107:1). The bulk...

God Is the Joy of My Joy

Gracious God, thank you for being the source of my joy.

Hope in God!

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 43:5 If Psalm 43 seems strangely...

Working Faith, Finishing Up, and Keeping the Faith (1 Thess. 1:1–4:8; 4:13–5:28; 2 Thess. 1:1-2:17)

In his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul reminds the church that living out their faith takes daily work.

Techonology Founder Chi-Ming Chien Guides Company Culture with Isaiah 65 and Amos 5 (Video)

To this entrepreneur, Isaiah 65 means people from different backgrounds can share in good work together.

Better Than Answered Prayer

Psalm 70 is a brief prayer for speedy deliverance. David is being harassed by his enemies, who, according to verse 2, are trying to kill him. So he cries out to the Lord...

How Will The World Know God Is Great?

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly...

Christians Are Expected to Work (1 Thessalonians 4:9–12; 5:14)

Paul's letters to the Thessalonians highlight that God expects Christians to work, and to work with excellence.

Idolatrous Work (Habakkuk 2:1-20; Zephaniah 1:14-18)

The punishment is of the people’s own making. The people have been working faithlessly, turning good materials of stone, wood and metal...

Working in a Fallen World (Psalms 90, 101)

Book 4 begins with the somber Psalm 90. “You turn us back to dust…our years come to an end like a sigh”...

Best of Daily Reflections: A Psalm for the End of the Year

Psalm 90 is a perfect psalm for the end of the year. For one thing, this psalm includes the word "year" more...

Christians Are Expected to Work (1 Thessalonians 4:9–12; 5:14)

Paul's letters to the Thessalonians highlight that God expects Christians to work, and to work with excellence.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

One of Jesus’ most significant parables regarding work is set in the context of investments (Matt. 25:14-30). A rich man delegates the...

Parable of the Talents

The first few times I read Jesus’ Parable of the Three Servants, I missed the point entirely. “So the third servant buried his silver in the ground for safekeeping. What’s so terrible about...

Christians in Finance Discuss Their Work (Video)

Professionals in finance discuss ethics in their industry. Background from Matthew 25:14-28.

You Can’t Out-Give God (2 Corinthians 9)

In urging the Corinthian believers to give generously, Paul is aware that he must address a very human concern in a world...

How Often We Forget!

...

You Belong to God

Know that the LORD is God—he made us; we belong to him. We are his people, the sheep of his own pasture. Psalms 100:3 I’ll never forget my first baseball uniform. As a...

Six Days Shall You Worship

Where do you worship? When I ask Christian businesspeople that question, I always get the same answer—the church they attend on Sundays. And no wonder. On Sunday mornings, we go to worship...

Where Worship Leads

Where does worship lead? When we gather together as the people of God to offer praise, thanks, and worship to our Lord, where does this take us? What happens in us and to...

The Soul of Worship

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. Psalm...

The Soul of Worship, Continued

...

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

God's restoring work involves human beings both as recipients of grace and as participants in the work.

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click here to read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling Mark Roberts considers how...

What’s That Phrase Doing There?

As you may recall, I'm in the process of writing a commentary on Ephesians for a series that will be published by Zondervan. When I began reflecting on Ephesians, I invited you to...

Don’t Keep Your Gratitude to Yourself

As you may recall, I have suggested that we set aside the two weeks prior to Thanksgiving Day in the United States...

The Christian Life in a Nutshell

The phrase "in a nutshell" means something like "in a very brief summary" or "in very few words." Some scholars trace the English use of this phrase to William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. In Act 2,...

What Is Faith? Part 1

As we saw in Wednesday's reflection, faith is one of the essential elements of the Christian life, something you'd be sure to include if you were to summarize Christian living "in a nutshell." But...

What is Faith? Part 2

In last Friday's reflection, we began considering the question "What is faith?" We saw that, contrary to the common notion of faith as something contrary to reason, Christian faith is reasonable,...

Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

Jesus’ final teaching in this section examines how we treat those in need. In this account, when Jesus returns in his glory...

When Did We See You?

“Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, ...