When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36 NIV) There comes a time when we begin to show compassion even for the person who has wronged us. We begin to see them as Jesus did the people of His day–lostContinue reading "Be Compassionate"
Don’t Say a Word
Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. (Job 2:13 NIV) I’ve learned that sometimes the best thing to do for someone who is hurting is to be there for them without saying aContinue reading "Don’t Say a Word"
Thank God for Abigail!
David replied to Abigail, “Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands. For I swear by the LORD, the God of Israel, who has kept meContinue reading "Thank God for Abigail!"
Provoking God’s Anger
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered theContinue reading "Provoking God’s Anger"
A Remedy for Anger
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (Proverbs 15:1 NLT) The voice on the other end of the phone was terse. I could tell the client was very angry. However, their rage quickly began to subside when the person on the phone answered them gently. Try answering an angry person withContinue reading "A Remedy for Anger"
Sons of Thunder
When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. (Luke 9:54-55 NLT) Is it any wonder that Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17)? When the Samaritans wouldn’t welcome Jesus, James and John wanted toContinue reading "Sons of Thunder"
Reflecting His Glory
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. (Exodus 34:29 NIV) The Israelites grew accustomed to Moses’ radiant face. They knew that Moses had spoken to the Lord justContinue reading "Reflecting His Glory"
The One and Only
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. (Psalm 73:25 NLT) This wasn’t Asaph’s initial reaction. Earlier in the psalm, he had envied the prosperity of the wicked–their health, wealth, success and trouble-free life. Sadly, during his difficult times, the psalmist allowed his eyes to shift to theContinue reading "The One and Only"
A Lesson from Photography
"He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 ESV) I have a new take on photography. I have discovered that oftentimes, the best moments captured are the ones where people fade into the background. Lately, I've been experimenting with this idea. I prefer to photograph people who are not looking into the camera, especiallyContinue reading "A Lesson from Photography"
Making It to the Finishing Line
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6 NIV) Whenever I feel like I’m not where I need to be spiritually, I’m reminded of and encouraged by the fact that it’s God who is in chargeContinue reading "Making It to the Finishing Line"
Rising with the Son 