Relational Investments
We are all treasure hunters. We all live to gain, maintain, keep, and enjoy things that are valuable to us. Our behavior in any given situation of life is our attempt to get what is valuable to us out of that situation. There are things in your life to which you have assigned importance, and […]
The Colors of Redemption
Painters tend to have a color palette that they regularly work with. Let’s consider the color palette of John 3:16 that Jesus used to paint the story of His redemptive work for all believers. The Primary “Colors” of the Grace of Redemption! 1- The Color of Love- “For God so loved the world…” These may […]
Am I In A Relationship With A Narcissist?
Over the past several years and recent days, I have been asked this question again and again. Here are some questions to think about? Following are ten questions to ask yourself to help determine if you might be developing a relationship with a narcissist. 1- Do they often talk about themselves and their accomplishments? 2- […]
Grace Levels The Playing Field
God is NO respecter of race, power or position. His grace levels the playing field. We all are desperately needy, and we all have no hope without Him. God will send out people of grace to give grace to people who need grace. Oh, by the way: there’s no way that this encounter would ever […]
Don’t Be 100% Open With Just Anybody
As believers, fully loved and accepted, we know our worth has been established. The depth of our being has been defined as one loved by God. That is the absolute truth, no matter what happens the rest of our days. This gives us the courage to risk. It absolutely doesn’t take away the pain of […]
Forgiveness Requires Compassion
Compassion is being moved by the plight of another, coupled with action to help. Think with me for a moment, does compassion ever grip you when someone comes against you? Are you touched by the other person’s struggle? Do you feel for them when they face the disappointing reality of their failure? Do you stand […]
Do Not Make People The “Other”
This is a dangerous trend in our society, and sadly we as Christians have been quite complicit. We label people as those other people. “Those liberal idiots.” “Those conservative crazies.” “Those conspiracy theorist freaks.” We have seen some unbelievable statements from Christians about people they disagree with. We are dehumanizing people made in the image […]
In My Darkest Days
What I can say without a doubt. There is a love that will never fail us. Even though life bears loss, pain, and regret, there is love waiting to hold us tight. Even though there will be times when we fiercely desire intimacy and belonging, there is love calling us to draw near. No matter […]
Be Cautious With Your Anger
“People with quick tempers cause a lot of quarreling and trouble.” (Prov 29:22) When you read or hear something that triggers anger in you, pause. Take a deep breath and take a moment. What is going on? The bible does not say that being angry is a bad thing. Jesus got angry at times! However, […]
What Forgiveness Requires
Forgiveness is an investment in your relationship with God and in your relationship with others. As with all investments, there’s cost involved. In any investment you make, your concern is that the return will be greater than the cost. So it’s important to consider the requirements of forgiveness for you and your relationships. Here is […]