In this excerpt from Rehearse and Remember, author J.T. English helps us see how the kings of this world exert their power by putting others on crosses, but the King of heaven rules by putting Himself there.

God isn’t asking you to be strong enough to handle everything. He’s asking you to trust that he’s near even in the mess.

Fasting doesn’t save us or make us holy, but it is a tool to glorify God in our lives. When used properly, it humbles us, trains us in obedience, and trains us in faith.

Despite our frailty, somehow, God sees fit to include us in his work of making all things right.

Depending on the day, I get everything done or hardly anything at all. Sometimes, it feels as random as flipping a coin. When I’ve got a sermon to prep, taxes to file, and lessons to plan, and my brain feels like it’s in hibernation mode, I’m left feeling defeated, frustrated, and guilty. I often wonder to myself: Is God disappointed with me? Is he tired of hearing the same old prayers for help while I keep struggling along? How can he be pleased with me when I can’t even get my quiet time right? Yet, I know he loves me, and he will carry me through.

It is important that we do not conduct a relationship with Jesus as an idea rather than as an actual person.

What will my children remember about their childhood? I hope that the weekly rhythm of Sunday service reaches through the years to comfort them.

For my children, embracing their imagination is also helping to instill an understanding of the truth that will anchor them in a world of confusion.

Reading the Word of God is to be surrounded by a matchless view. It is to be transported by tram to the mountainous movements of God in this world that call us back to himself so that we can live in his presence and promote his glory in all the earth forever.

I’ve spent a lifetime working in churches with a focus on discipleship. Here’s some of what I’ve learned.

When it comes to discipleship, what if slow and steady—and prayerful—wins the race?

Our goal in discipleship is often mature individuals. But how might our discipleship look differently if we aimed for a mature community?