Lessons From a Fig Tree Jesus told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is…

Build on Solid Rock Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did…

Canceled Debts Jesus said, “Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” (Luke 7:41,42) One…

The Measure of a Mustard Seed Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and…

A Father’s Love Jesus said, “The son got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). He…

Take a Closer Look Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44). One of North America’s biggest diamond mines…

want to get closer to God. Can God help me know him better? Steve and Caroline attended the Christmas party for Steve’s company. It was difficult, though. Even though the partygoers were enjoying each other’s company, Steve and Caroline were pretty much ignored. In the middle of the holiday cheer,…

get depressed sometimes. Can God help me deal with discouragement? Do you ever feel that things you do really don’t make a difference? Is it sometimes difficult to see the results of your hard work? There are many times when we may ask ourselves, “What’s the point? Why do I…

I’m facing a crisis. Can God help me through it? No one really likes it. Yet it happens to all of us time and again. I’m talking about a crisis. You don’t see it coming. You have no control over it. You’re not even sure what step to take next—…

I’m afraid sometimes. Can God help me be safe and sound? One summer night during a severe thunderstorm, a mother was tucking her small daughter into bed. She was about to turn the light off when the little girl asked in a trembling voice, “Mommy, will you stay with me…