Life during the pandemic can feel like an endless and never ending period of time. Peter writes this letter to believers who are scattered and feeling the weight of trials. He gives them hope by showing them their promises, high calling and ultimate destination. 

What is God's calling for his people in our society today? Does God simply want us to have a private faith and to offer up trivial sacrifices? Micah tells us that God wants our undivided mind, our unreserved love and our unconditional obedience.

Jesus had a series of seven "I Am" statements in the Gospel of John. When Jesus declares he is the Good Shepherd he tells us about his character and his commitment to care for his often scattered sheep.

Jesus celebrates the shrewdness of the dishonest manager. More specifically, that shrewdness was in using what he had to prepare for what was to come. For the Christian, that kind of shrewdness leads to serving for the poor and marginalized. Jesus moves on to the idea of stewardship, that we’re to serve our Master and gain a greater reward. What began with self-interest ends with loving Jesus (no one can serve two masters).

"We feel this desire to be well thought of by doing right in other people's eyes- whatever community it is we care about receiving acceptance from. Jesus frees us from that need, and gives us a new way to live, by enjoying his acceptance".