When Ezra chose to lead his people through a bandit-infested dessert without an armed escort from the king, was he showing incredible faith in God, or incredible foolishness? Let's dig into this lesser-known Bible story and see what it teaches us today about making wise, faithful decisions.

There are always consequences for our disobedience and sin. But some Old Testament kings had flourishing reigns because they turned to God in humility. Their rule, and their lives, has much to teach us today about how God responds to those who follow Him in obedience.

Many modern critics say the Bible is misogynistic and controlling of women. But is this really true? Let's take a look at what the Bible says about godly womanhood, and how that related to issues like singleness, submission in marriage, and leadership.

AI is out there and like it or not, students are interacting with it. But should churches and Sunday school teachers avoid artificial intelligence entirely? Or are there beneficial ways to incorporate AI tools into the classroom?

In the book of Numbers, God gives provision for murder. A member of the murdered person's family can act as an "avenger of blood," to seek vengeance for this sinful act. But how does this fit into the hopeful message of the gospel of grace?

In Bible times and now, we often think the strongest leaders are men, particularly in times of crisis. But as Deborah's life shows us, a person's sex doesn't matter to God. If someone is submitted to Him and following His ways, God can use that person to do mighty deeds.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all include some of the most famous parables of Jesus: the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Sheep and the Goats. But these are all strangely absent from John's book. Why is that?

Elijah and Elisha, prophets of the Lord, performed many miraculous acts in the name of God. They called down fire, made an axe-head float, and healed the sick. Were these two merely magicians, or do their miraculous acts actually point to the One True God?

Vacation Bible School can be simple or elaborate, large or small. Many churches must consider the cost of sporting equipment, t-shirts, decorations, snacks, and curriculum. In addition, there are non-monetary costs, like volunteer work from dozens of congregants. But even with all that, we need to look at the benefits of preaching the gospel to so many unreached children.

VBS is run by adults, but is often supported by teenagers who are too old to attend camp, but are still off school for the summer and ready to participate. Rather than viewing teens as a burden, leaders can take advantage of their energy and excitement to build an unforgettable week — for the kids, the teens, and the adults.

Is worship just singing in church, or is there more to it? What should our heart posture be when we come to God in worship, and is there a "wrong" way to worship?

For many, summer is a chance to get away, a time to enjoy vacation time for students and teachers. This time of year also brings sunshine and warmth, a relief to those who dislike long winter nights, plunging temperatures, and spring allergies. For business owners who operate restaurants, coffee shops, and gift stores, summer is also one of the busiest and most exciting times.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Here are seven prayers for the first day of summer to help you enter the season with gratitude.

1. Praise God for His Glorious Creation

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).

Father,

It is a joy to watch the sun rise, beat the heat, and trek to high places. We like to hike steep hills or long winding trails in order to reach vantage points where a small part of your creation stretches out long and wide in front of us under the hot sun, the ground shimmering, the scent of heat on pine needles, dirt, and rocks. Help us to appreciate the sensory experience you provide and to really admire everything you have made, from the smallest stones and their various colors and textures, to the far horizon which offers a mere sample of your reach and your power.

When we get up high and the vista is wider and fuller, let us see more of you in all of those features spread out below us. Draw attention to your glory in a new way. For instance, when I witness the long deep lake stretching out ahead of me and the endless wide blue sky above it, and then remember that your grandeur is still greater, this enriches Paul’s statement in Romans 8:38-39: not even this height, nor that depth can separate me from your love.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Aleksandar Georgiev

As Christians, we identify as children of God created in His Image, and He is rock steady. We all need to root ourselves in something that is supportive and strong. Meanwhile, when we look to ourselves for foundation, what we really get is quicksand.