In this passage—which itself seems like the worse part, not the better—the people finally get what they want. God promises that they who have impatiently waited for worship and sabbath observance...

Why does the first leg of our journey in search of “the better part” take us back to the earliest minor prophet of Israel? Most people today recognize Amos’s words because...

The better part.” What is it? Mary chooses stillness while Martha chooses busyness. Mary chooses to listen to Jesus’ words while Martha chooses to tell him what she requires to provide...

One of the great memories of my childhood is sitting on the front porch of my grandparents’ house. My grandmother’s stories of her life and encounters with her neighbors amazed me....

A recent study notes that those in American culture work more than ever, taking no vacations. Many workers do not even receive paid sick leave. We work very hard, trying to...

In my church office I have a large whiteboard where I record calendar items, scripture passages, facility needs, and anything else that requires my attention. Often I tell those who enter...

There seems to be an abundance of fruitfulness talk in the church today, although many feel uncomfortable with it. It seems too businesslike (we can easily substitute fruitfulness for profits) and...

Recently my five-year-old son came home with a note from the teacher. Apparently he had consistently disobeyed the rules, and he had received a red mark related to his behavior for...

My spouse and I look around at a house filled with boxes. It has been a busy time, and soon we recognize that to settle into a rhythm in this new...

At times we have trouble discerning a course of action. We get caught up in our daily living and focus on what is best for us. At other times we purposely...