Why did the prodigal reject the Father? Was he a rebel with a cause or without a cause? Or was he trying to run away from pain?  We're all prodigals in some way, and we reject our loving Father. Perhaps for you it's time to come home.

Bill Meaker teaches us on this Ash Wednesday, reminding us what fasting is all about - cleansing the body, mind and soul and bringing us closer to God. What are you fasting this Lent?

Peter reminds the early Christians that the way they respond to the tough times they go through will be a witness to their love for Christ.  The same is true for us! If we withstand our trials with hope and joy, people will wonder what is that gives us such strength - and we'll have an opportunity to witness for Jesus.

How can we be witnesses, when we didn't actually see Jesus die and rise from the dead? We can still testify firsthand about what He has done in our lives. This is our witnessing - telling the truth about how He has changed our hearts.

The good news is that when we serve in God's house, we are not treated like servants, but like loved sons and daughters!

The servant's ultimate role is to point people to his Master's greatness. We must be kind to people in every way - including the ultimate kindness of pointing them to the only One who can save them.

What is the role of the servant? To tend to the needs of the people, rather than to sit at the table and be served. Which are you doing? Sitting at the table? Or getting your hands dirty and serving? Follow the example of Jesus.

The disciples were obsessed with their status and title in this world. But Christ showed them (and us) a better way: the way of service, which leads to true greatness.