Do you want to know something people dislike about holiday gatherings? Annoying people. I know, maybe it’s awkward to talk about, but it’s true. Among other things, annoying people: (a) Think they know everything (b) Only talk about themselves (c) Frequently criticize others (overtly, or passive aggressively) At this point, you’re probably thinking I’m going … Continue reading Annoying people
love one another
The helpee
Today I want to talk with you about love—but from an angle you maybe haven’t thought much about. Usually when we think about love, we think about how God wants us to be proactive in the love we have for one another. In John 13:34 Jesus says, “As I have loved you, so you must … Continue reading The helpee
The barrier-destroying basis of our love
Oswald Goulter was a missionary to China for 30 years. On his return trip home, his boat made a stop along the coast of India. While there, he heard about some Jewish people living in barn lofts because they had been denied entry to so many countries. Since it was Christmas time, Goulter went around … Continue reading The barrier-destroying basis of our love
The practical needs of people you don’t like
We're supposed to "love one another." But how do we do that for people we don't even like? He's one suggestion. And it's not based on how you "feel"
Being a Christian would be easy if it weren’t for this
I remember having a conversation with someone who said, “Being a Christian would be easy if you didn’t have to deal with actual people.” He was being funny, of course. But what he meant was that following Jesus and God’s commands are easy… until you have to put them into practice with actual flesh and … Continue reading Being a Christian would be easy if it weren’t for this
When the feeling of love is lacking
I think I’m a pretty loving person. Usually. As long as I’m well-rested, un-rushed, and not feeling overwhelmed by my life! But as soon as I’m tired, rushed, and overwhelmed, I’m a lot less loving! But even in those moments we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ to one another. Even … Continue reading When the feeling of love is lacking
Chronic busyness
I’ve been talking a lot about love this week. It’s partly because… -I recently spoke about love at the church I pastor -a school shooting in Florida reminds us how desperately love continues to be needed -and Jesus commands us to do it. So as we try to love—that is, as we try to acknowledge that … Continue reading Chronic busyness
Why does Maundy Thursday matter?
Maundy Thursday is one of those days that leaves a lot of people scratching their heads. For a long time, that was certainly true for me too! What does the name mean? Why do some churches hold special services? And what does it matter to me? The word “Maundy” comes from Jesus’ words in John … Continue reading Why does Maundy Thursday matter?
Your love for someone else can’t be big IF
Sometimes the most significant thing you can to do care for someone else is staring you right in the face… Literally. Here’s what I mean. “Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Romans 13:9) Remember that one? Yeah, it’s pretty huge. Well, most of us read that principle like this: “LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR (as yourself).” But what … Continue reading Your love for someone else can’t be big IF
These grow up into oak trees
Philippians 2:4 "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (ESV) Today's Thought Imagine a child trying to put together a barbecue from scratch. All seven hundred and thirty-nine pieces laying out on the back lawn... and a 4-year old scratching their head. That’s actually how … Continue reading These grow up into oak trees
