We read in Joel 2:18-27 that the Lord deals “wondrously” with his people. Some of us might want to say, “Really?” How can it be said that the Lord deals wondrously with us?

Who knows what kind of days we will encounter? But we know this: “the Lord disciplines the one he loves” and that discipline, whatever form it takes, presents us with the opportunity to “return to the Lord.”

The book of Joel describes a terrible locust invasion which causes devastation to the people of Israel. Everything is lost. But in their tragedy, we can find hints of our own suffering. And in Joel's suggestions for how to invite God into their pain, we can find an invitation to a deeper journey with God.

We live in a world that is more socially connected, yet existentially lonely, than ever before. Though endemic in our culture, this loneliness was never God’s intention for us. Rather, he created us to be known and loved—in families, in communities, and in the church —so that we might be more effective at accomplishing his work in the world.

In Genesis 2, the creation story is told from a different perspective. Having created a world of abundance, God discovered that something was missing. A steward was needed—someone to care for this creation and ensure that its full potential for flourishing could be unleashed. In response to such a need, God designed the perfect solution: humanity. The first example of human centered design.

Not many people today practice the sabbath or even think about it. However, the sabbath is an integral part of the creation story, of the fabric of the universe, and of the God-given rhythms that lead to flourishing. Let’s re-examine the sabbath and open our lives to this great gift that God has given.

Are you striving to be, and to project as, a successful person and hoping that it will fulfill you? If so, how’s that working for you? And what might God have to say to those of us who feel compelled to be successful? Let’s return to the beginning, when God created humans.

The story in Genesis 1 is often read with the wrong questions in mind. Instead of addressing how the world came to be, this story describes the one who caused the world to be. It is a story of “who”, not “how”. As we read this story about a God who is a Creator, we see over and over again that this world was created by a good God to be a blessing. Our response is simple: to turn to Him in worship.

In the beginning, the earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep—like our lives at times. When life throws you back to what feels like a primordial state, then what?

Jesus miraculously feeds more than 5000 people; then he walks on water. His sermon following these events should have spawned a huge following; instead, everyone left. We must answer the question Jesus asks his disciples, "Do you want to go away as well?"