“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10 NIV) Thinking back on my journey toward Christ, I remember the feeling of searching but not being able to quite grasp what…
You know the scene—the one with harmful words. A character is talking about a boss, a coworker, or an acquaintance behind their back. Her intent isn’t good; her words are unkind. Yet she (or he) feels safe. The subject of this rant isn’t there and will never hear the words being spoken. She just needs…
I grew up with two older brothers who were not particularly fond of the annoying sister who followed them around. I grew tired of being excluded from their boys-only games and started dreaming about having a sister. Specifically, I wanted an identical twin sister. I was a chubby ten-year-old at the time, and I didn’t…
What were your first words this morning? Maybe you greeted each person with a soft and sleepy salutation. Maybe you woke to a wide-eyed toddler peering over your bedside, wanting breakfast. You asked if she wanted to climb up and sit with you a few minutes. You helped her onto the bed, hoping she would…
Matthew 22:36–39 (NIV) says, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” The first and greatest commandment is…
I like inviting people to my house. We experience something intimate once they cross the threshold, and it’s easy for me to casually make an offer. Come for coffee? How about lunch? Need a bite to eat? We’re having an open house—wanna come? I like inviting, but not everyone likes coming. What’s that all about,…