During this Lenten series based on the great song, Dr. Jim Keck will be looking at the ways we can come alongside Jesus more closely during the great walk that is our lives. This week we will walk alongside Jesus as he overcomes the diabolos in the desert and faithfully keeps to his own path. Join us this Lent at First-Plymouth for a closer walk.

The human face has a quality beyond easy description. It seems to display the soul to the world. "The face is an instrument of meaning and mediates between self and other" as one philosopher put it. It appears that no other animal relates face to face in the same manner of human beings Using the stories of how the faces of both Moses and Jesus shone after a divine encounter, Dr. Jim Keck explores how every persons face can light up when joy meets purpose.

Although Joseph's reputation has been at least slightly besmirched by the fact he has been played by Donny Osmond in a semi-bad rendition of the Technicolor Coat, he is actually one of the most psychologically complex figures in the Bible. And he shows a remarkable ability to grow and mature. Maybe we can learn from his journey in regards to our own hopes for full actualization.

Trust is an essential aspect of our human lives. Without a basic level of trust, our personal relationships, economy and society would fall apart. But it seems that trust in our institutions and leaders is eroding. Scripture calls for us to trust in God, but is even that much harder today?

One of the most delightful miracles in the Gospel takes place when after a long night of fishing and catching nothing, Peter is told by Jesus to lower his nets one more time and he brings in a massive haul of fish. Is this just another fish story? Or are there also some important spiritual insights that can be caught as well?

Our lives are mostly lived on the level of daily responsibilities and tasks, mixed with a measure of fun and entertainment. But our soul longs for something beyond the day-to-day utilitarian nature of our existence. Our soul needs to know there is SOMETHING MORE to life. The Psalms speak to this eternal yearning for connection with a higher purpose.