“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).I sometimes see T-shirts or online memes that say something like this: “Surround yourself with people who make you happy.” I get it. But that’s an unfortunately shallow way to look at life. Now, before you think I’m being too harsh or … Continue reading Surround yourself with people who make you…
people
People… people who need people.
I never thought I’d start a devotional by quoting a Barbara Streisand song, but here goes: “People… people who need people.” Yup, it’s true. Or, in the words of poet John Donne: “No man [or woman] is and island.” Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and … Continue reading People… people who need people.
Annoying people
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
Fertilizing joy
Joy. It’s listed as one of the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23. That means it’s something God grows in you when you become a Christian... “love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” For some, joy grows quickly. For others, not so much. But is there anything you can do to … Continue reading Fertilizing joy
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
Tension
Got some tension in your relationships? This perspective shift may be just what you need.
Prioritizing key relationships
Yesterday I said that life was unpredictable and short, and that all of us are one heartbeat away from meeting our Maker. (Not to be morbid, but it’s true!) Because of that, getting right with God is our number 1 job. But today, I’d like to talk about something else along the same vein: Prioritizing … Continue reading Prioritizing key relationships
Like muscles to your flesh
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” (NIV) Today's Thought People. Humans. Unless you’re a hermit in the middle of the desert with no WiFi, you can’t … Continue reading Like muscles to your flesh
