James argues that when we experience envy and self-centeredness in our hearts, we should not be boastful by lying to ourselves about it. James seems to assume that there will be...

I work daily with people who face difficult decisions about how to cope with family conflicts, depression and anxiety, eating concerns, and career obstacles. When we look for God’s guidance, we...

What do we believe makes us great? We answer that question through the decisions and pursuits of our lives. Some value education and achievement. Others value status, wealth, and power. Others...

The disciples have been arguing about who among them is the greatest. When Jesus inquires about their conversation, they have nothing but an awkward silence to offer in response. We are...

For most of my life, I read Proverbs 31 as an individual challenge. I felt, and was taught, that it was a yardstick for measuring my success as a Christian woman....

Proverbs 31:25 outlines some admirable qualities: “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” As a psychologist and eating-disorders specialist, I encounter many people who...

The psalmists’ expressions can represent our own experiences. In Psalm 1, the happy meditators of God’s law are delighted as they prosper. They are trees planted beside a stream, enduring and...

It’s easy for us to read the question posed to the disciples and offer the right answer: You are Jesus, the Messiah. The more important question for us to wrestle with,...

The Gospel of Mark begins with the announcement of “Good News,” but it’s a bumpy ride at times. As Jesus is becoming more widely known, he explores with his disciples who...

Reminiscent at times of Proverbs, James is a collection of practical admonitions that encourage wise living while using literary techniques along the way for emphasis. Here James focuses specifically on the...