Paul, an advocate for inclusion of the Gentiles, now finds himself going toe-to-toe with leaders who question his apostolic authority. He counters their accusations in a very personal way—by insisting his...

The psalmist invites us to look to God for support we can count on: “Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob” (niv). The Hebrew word translated “help” implies...

The psalmist points us to the reliable love of God, which manifests itself in concrete help for people desperate for compassionate aid. We wisely ask ourselves: How does God provide all-encompassing...

Elijah engages a widow who has an edge. She makes it clear that this is not a good time for him to be asking for hospitality. Notice the dynamics of this...

In this reading, we meet a woman depleted. She has exhausted her food supplies and as she prepares a last meal for herself and her son, Elijah shows up asking for...

The first few times I read Galatians, I actually missed how upset Paul is at the beginning of the letter. I breezed right through the sarcasm in verse 6 and the...

Cheap imitations can entice. I remember buying a pair of sunglasses in New York City as a child that cost ten dollars and looked like a pair of sunglasses that would...

I don’t know about you, but when Jesus praises someone’s faith, it usually makes me uncomfortable. The faith of the centurion offers an excellent example! Jesus often uses outsiders as positive...

Elijah calls on the people of Israel to decide between following God or following the prophets of Baal. The showdown begins. Elijah, a brilliant showman, highlights the impotence of the prophets...

God often shows up when we least expect it. Samaria, the setting for today’s reading, has been in the midst of severe famine. Matters have become so desperate that King Ahab...