So begins one of Jesus’ parables. So many seeds sown! Some fell on the hardened path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, some on fertile soil… Whether the seeds took root and grew into a usable plant depended on where the seeds landed. But Jesus didn’t tell the sower…

“Oh be careful little tongue what you say…” The children’s song is cute, but there’s a lot of truth behind it. Words matter. It seems these days that people are all about their “right” to say whatever they want to. But what about responsibility? To whom am I most accountable—me…

It’s not that hard to fool people, sad to say. So many are fooled by eloquent or fervent speech that holds not an element of truth. But none of us can fool our Creator. He sees my heart. Whatever I choose to fill myself up with will eventually find its…

This verse is great for self-evaluation. I need to stop now and then and ask myself: What is my fruit? Am I living in a way that shows His influence? Am I being selfish or selfless with my time and resources? Am I growing in grace and compassion? Am I…

“Oh! To Be Like Thee!” by Thomas O. Chisholm makes a beautiful prayer of dedication for this new year…and every year thereafter. 1. Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer, This is my constant longing and prayer; Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.…

How we Americans like our gray areas. There are so many different ideas about what is right or wrong. People like to set their own standards. But the problem is, when we all set our own standards, then there really is no standard at all. Jesus said it so well—if…

I feel sorry for the Pharisees, even though they sometimes irk me. They had their laws; they followed them “religiously,” which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. After all, law-following indicates dedication. But they were so proud of following their religious rituals, they lost out on a precious relationship. Religious ritual…