It is natural for us to prioritize safety, comfort, and control. These priorities are challenged by Paul’s words and example. The real issue is: What is most precious to me—my life, or Christ’s purpose for my life?

Think of your time attending church. Growing up, there were probably some things you were told not to do (running in the sanctuary) that don’t appear anywhere in scripture, but people were passionate about it (you’d better dress up for church). Some churches have certain ways of doing things: Do you take the Lord's Supper weekly, monthly, or quarterly? Do you use grape juice or wine? Who can pass out or pray over the emblems? Is it sacrilegious to have a guitar on stage? Maybe you’ve moved from your childhood church, or maybe you’re like me and have moved many times. Things are different at your current church, right? So, who is right and who is wrong? Or are different ways of doing church equally proper? 

What provokes us? Amidst a myriad of injustices, abuses, and misunderstandings, what stirs us deeply to action? For Paul, it was not things that caused him inconvenience or irritation, but the stark spiritual reality of a misguided culture.

We see the miracle of Jesus feeding 5000. There were a lot of extra people around because Passover was coming up soon. They find themselves in the conundrum of not having enough food for all these people who are gathered to hear Jesus. They could perhaps go buy food, but that would take a lot of time, not to mention money. And how do you source food quickly for this many people? How many people would be required to carry it back? I don't really think there's an avenue for coordinating food for this gathering.

On the surface he seems to be expressing doubt or uncertainty, but in reality it is a humble faith statement. He does not presume upon God, but rather speaks from humility, dependence, and submission.

A very popular movie and book right now is: Project Hail Mary. Unusual for Hollywood, there is no swearing and it is a clean movie.

The name comes not from a Biblical reference, but the sports term for a long-shot, in this case, a long shot for the survival of Earth.

Scientists have studied, and say it takes around 3 or 4 years, for a dolphin to be able to navigate with a sea sponge in its mouth.

We may not always truly believe that God will answer as we ask. As we pray for those who are seriously ill - even mortally so - we may not fully believe God will miraculously act. Perhaps we dare not be so bold in prayer because we sense it will reflect poorly on God’s reputation if He does not act as we ask.

As a Christian Stephen was no longer called on to follow the Mosaic Law, though that Law still existed. And Stephen seems to have recognized the freedom he had in terms of that Law sooner than most in the Church.