Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Romans 12:16 Look down at others. Snooty. Snobbish. Sometimes you give them the benefit of your pity and your patronage. The poor people, you think, let them have some crumbs of comfort from my table. The poor, pathetic creatures. Let’s feel sorry for them from the […]
Read More The Marks 12: Don’t Be Haughty, Be With The LowlyIt wasn’t the sympathy that did it. It wasn’t the sentiments in words that did it. It’s when he sat next to me, put his arm around my shoulder and sobbed with me. In that moment it was like he didn’t feel for me – he felt with me. Not just that, but the degree […]
Read More Compassion in RelationshipsThe beautiful thing about walking with Jesus is that He is very real. He is not inviting you to an easy life. He is not inviting you to a smooth life where everything goes your way. Not only does He explicitly tell you to expect opposition He even shows you how to respond to that […]
Read More Dealing with OppositionWringing hands. It’s an interesting gesture and it has its place from time to time. Yet sometimes I think it’s an excuse to cover up for inactivity. It’s the physical expression to support the verbal chunterings of how ‘things were better when …’ and ‘how things are getting worse and worse’. There is something about […]
Read More Concern and ActionBut the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence. (2 Kings 13:23 NIV) Covenant love is not easy. This is seen painfully in God’s […]
Read More The Kings II 13 – Elisha’s End and God’s Enduring Love“The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are […]
Read More Reading Ruth 03 – Blessing and Responsibility“Don’t call me Naomi, ” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” (Ruth 1:20-21 NIV) It is worth bearing […]
Read More Reading Ruth 01 – Blessing in BitternessYou spend the time listening to me and the issues I bring up. You don’t look bored at all, in fact your level of interest inspires me to continue sharing. Thank you for sharing your life as well and making me feel like sharing your life matters to you just as much as hearing me […]
Read More You CareRecently my wife and I were reminded of the importance of key qualities God gives us in being His children. One of those qualities is having the patience and wisdom to understand someone before exercising wisdom in addressing the person appropriately. We were enjoying a good barbecue at the home of a friend. Whilst there […]
Read More Taking Time to UnderstandThere is a desire among some for a story or a recounting of a life episode to have a neat and complete resolution. Boy meets girl, boy likes girl, girl likes boy, slight misunderstanding, great return to each other, boy and girl live happily ever after. The story of Jonah refuses to be resolved so […]
Read More Jonah’s Journey 4 – Running against God
Life With CD 