God's kingdom isn't a competition.

There are many who call themselves "believers" that have quite a skewed perception of the role of men and women when it comes to kingdom ministry. When the Apostle Paul wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, he made some statements that some denominations have used to subjugate women to subservient positions

So, how do we deal with Paul's "women should learn quietly" and 'I do not permit a woman to teach?"

He told the Galatians that "there is no Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female. All are one in Christ."

Some church leaders may not agree with Jay and Tom but they do need to consider the truth from God's Word and not just operate on historical culture or traditional opinion.

We're in God's kingdom together and need to work together to be His Body "fitly joined together."

We all have an "expiration date"

It's not printed on us like a jug of milk, but God has it written in His Book of Life. He knows that date but doesn't let us in on it.

When we think of mortality, it brings up two very important concepts:

1. What happens after we do pass over into eternity?

2. How should we live now in preparation for that day?

Too many people cling to this life with a death grip. What does this life hold that our promised eternity with the Father compares to? Storing up treasures in heaven, like Jesus said, doesn't mean piling it up down here.

Sure, we miss those that have "gone down the long road from which no one returns," but they don't miss us. They're in the presence of the Almighty!

Embracing our mortality is important because our mortality will soon put on immortality and we'll never regret living in preparation for that day.

When King David sinned against God via adultery and murder, he had a friend in Nathan to whom he was accountable.

It took courage for Nathan to approach the king, who could end his life right there, and help him account for his actions and repent. David and Nathan had a relationship of trust too many people lack in their life.

Sin percolates in darkness. Each one of us has areas of weakness that must be confronted and dealt with. Blind spots in our spiritual walk may elude us but with someone to whom we are accountable, we can eradicate them.

Trust and accountability doesn't just happen. It takes building a relationship over time and a willingness to be vulnerable.

Restoration and reconciliation is what we are called to as believers. Little compares to the freedom we have in Christ when this happens.