(Luke 1:39-56 & Psalm 82:3) When a bully treats us poorly, we might like to get back at them, but the stories of some pregnant women point to a very different way of thinking about the world around us. See what the outsiders have to say about how to love like God loves us (Luke 1/6).

(Genesis 37:12-36 & Mark 9:2-4) Sometimes people deceive us and it can destroy the dreams of a family. Joseph in Genesis experienced this, but that's not really the focus of the biblical narrative. See how God intends to transform people in a most unexpected way (Lessons on Family 3/3).

(Genesis 25:21-34 & 1 Corinthians 9:19-23) Siblings that don't get along can seem pretty typical in some families, but is there something unique about how God calls us to treat our brothers and sisters? (Lessons on Family 2/3)

(Genesis 22:1-14 & Romans 6:17-18) Raising a family can be so difficult, but imagine God tells you to give up even your family. An impossible request like that can actually teach us one of the most important things we can learn when it comes to lessons on family (Lessons on Family 1/3).

(Matthew 7:12-23 & Jonah 3:1-3a) Sometimes it can be tough to do the right thing, but even when we do, it still may not be enough. Jesus says the way to life is a narrow path and offers some important insight about how to really put on the performance of a lifetime, not for ourselves, but for God (performance of a lifetime 3/3).

(Matthew 6:1-15 & 1 Samuel 3:8-11) Coming home can be hard to do, but Jesus offers some words of wisdom that make coming home as natural as can be (Praying Like a Performance 2/3).

(Matthew 5:1-16 & Genesis 1:2-4) Giving the performance of a lifetime can be challenging when you feel sick. Even then, though, there are ways to be prepared. You can find the blessing of a lifetime when you choose to be a disciple, no matter the circumstance (performance of a lifetime 1/4).

(Luke 1:26-38 & 46-48) Two women are told they will give birth to a special child and rejoicing pours out of them in song. That same kind of singing can help us today, too, and might be a very part of the plan God has for our lives (Heaven and Earth 4/4).

(John 1:6-8 & 19-28 & Psalm 26:1-3) We can be in the dark and feel like everything is fine, but John the Baptist points to a different way of being - transparency (Heaven and Earth 3/4).

(Mark 1:1-8 & Malachi 3:1) When we prepare for Advent, we are doing more than just getting ready for a figurative arrival of Jesus as a baby. John the Baptist reminds us it involves repentance, which seems fine! But wrapped in his call is the biggest surprise of all (Heaven and Earth 2/4).