Through the centuries, God has used people of varying backgrounds to accomplish His will: farmers, shepherds, fishermen, et al. Joseph, the carpenter, is a great example of this. He willingly took the pregnant Mary to be his wife and reared Jesus as if He were his own son. We can learn much from Joseph.

Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23; Luke 2:41-50; Matthew 13:53-58; Psalm 128

Jesus prayed for His disciples whom He was leaving in the world but who were not of the world. This, of course, creates obvious problems for those who follow Jesus since the world has different values and often opposes Christians. Nehemiah encountered opposition when he led a group of Israelites to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. We can learn a lot from how he handled that situation.

Scriptures: John 17:13-17; Nehemiah 4:1-9; Nehemiah 4:10-17; Colossians 3:23; Nehemiah 4:18-23

Once again, unidentified anomalous phenomena (new name for UFO's) are in the news. Are there aliens out there? Have we been visited? Does the Bible have anything to say about unidentified anomalous phenomena or visitors from another reality? Actually, the answer is yes, but probably not what you think.

Scriptures: 2 Kings 2:5-14; 2 Kings 6:8-17; Luke 2:8-15; Acts 2:1-8; John 4:23-24; Hebrews 13:2

This year we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country and particularly the freedoms which we enjoy. Few peoples have enjoyed such freedoms. However, Jesus came to give all people even greater freedoms. "It was for freedom that Christ set us free" (Galatians 5:1). What are these priceless freedoms? Do you have them?

Scriptures: Galatians 5:1; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Romans 6:6-7, 12-13; Romans 8:1-2; Romans 6:14; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31; Revelation 1:17-18

Every one of us carries around a load of cares and concerns about life and one's soul. They can become so numerous and worrisome that a person gets weighed down and unable to function properly. Jesus is well aware of the weight of these loads and offers His help. He will help you discard what you can, and then help you carry the others. But you must do it His way.

Scriptures: Matthew 9:35-38; Matthew 6:25-34; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 131

Dads have a major responsibility in rearing their children in the training and admonition of the Lord. As such, they need to take their cues from our heavenly Father in the way He teaches and disciplines us. If they don't follow the Lord's example, their children will suffer both immediate and long term harm.

Scriptures: 1 John 3:1; Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:4-10; Romans 8:14-17

Besides Jesus, Peter is the only human being to walk on water. With the wind howling and the waves churning, Peter tells Jesus to command him to come to Him. But it wasn't all about Jesus. Peter had to do three things himself for this to happen. Do you know what they were? They are they same things we must do to follow Jesus and "walk on water."

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:7; Matthew 14:22-24; Matthew 14:25-27; Matthew 14:28-31; Matthew 14:32-33

According to a recent survey, many Christians are now using AI (artificial intelligence) for personal Bible study and even for spiritual guidance. Is this a good idea? Can a computer programmed machine be relied upon to give faithful and true witness to the word of God? What tools has God already set in place for us to understand His word and provide spiritual direction? Hmmm?

Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:15; Psalm 119:160; Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 1:15-19; John 14:26; 16:13; Acts 17:10-12; 2 Timothy 1:5; 2:2; 3:14-17