Why did Judas betray Jesus? And why do we insist on taking actions to prod God to do things our way?

Like the disciples, we were experiencing life much as we expected until everything changed in the space of a very short time.

They were as shocked to see his humble service as we may be by the necessity that we do something similar.

We’ve used up all the physical strength and spiritual sustenance afforded to us yesterday. We need resources just to get through today.

Any of us might have pride fed by our self-derision of others. Today’s story helps us resist the tendency.

We can identify with the suffering of this widow, and that makes her example all the more compelling.

Let’s focus on just one aspect of just one character in this, perhaps the most famous of the stories Jesus told. What might we conclude about the older brother’s consistent service?

For those who are a part of the kingdom, the harvest is a good thing, something to look forward to; an occasion of joy, not fear.

“A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Like Times Square revelers and the quiet worshippers Simeon and Anna, we wait.

Christmas holds the promise that there’s something more than the worries and weariness of this life.

We’ll be patient with a picture that looks like it came from a 1950s Hollywood set because of the beautiful truths it seeks to convey.

Both women knew God was at work. And isn’t that what we all want?

Yielding to God’s call almost always leads to difficulty, if not hardship and heartache. Mary’s story is a prime example.

The fact that the Samaritan overcame a longstanding religious and cultural divide makes his actions more than generous; he demonstrated remarkable grace. And the fact that the traveler‘s suffering was his own fault magnifies the Samaritan’s mercy even more.

Most of us can relate to the man who didn’t have what he needed most. All of us can thank God for filling the gap through the goodness of others.

Jesus tells us what the Surfside architects surely knew: Buildings constructed on rock will stand; those built on sand won’t.

He described something more than religious observance and offered something better than habits for a well-ordered life.

“Thank you, Lord, for staying with us through each storm, even when we wonder if it will overwhelm us.”

He was pretty satisfied with himself, with all he had done, and all he had avoided doing. But he hadn’t given God his heart, and I wonder: Have I?