God uses us where we are. I believe this for others. The ways they look after their partners and their families. The impact they make in their work and community. Gosh, I think, God is really using you. Then I look at myself. And I’m not so sure. Today, I did not start my own business. I didn’t redecorate the front room. I didn’t save a life or give blood. I didn’t close a deal. I didn’t bring aid to refugees. …Read More
The accuser versus the Comforter; One condemns, the other convicts. One paralyses, the other empowers. One leads to self-hatred, the other to Jesus. One is soft and cruel, the other is gentle but firm. One says look to yourself, the other says look to Him. One says “you can’t make it better – so give up and despair.” The other says “you can’t make it better – and this is your hope.” One says “everything is bad and you cannot escape.” The other …Read More
I can’t do it. That thing. The habit I need to break. The phone call I keep putting off. The book I want to write. The truth I need to face. I can’t clean the oven. I can’t give up the smokes. I can’t take charge of my finances. I can’t care for my elderly parents. I can’t love my difficult child. I can’t get out of bed. I can’t say it’s over. I can’t give it another chance. I can’t do it …Read More
January is built upon shame. The drinks you shouldn’t have had. The gym you should have joined. The presents you shouldn’t have bought and the debts you need to pay. The relationships you need to rebuild, the boss you just can’t please, the kids you’re poisoning with fish fingers, the resolutions you’ve already broken, the recycling you should have taken out. Some of it matters and some of it doesn’t, but it’s hard to tell the difference. I’m ashamed of my sin and …Read More
When bad things happen to you or the people you love, how do you try to comfort them? “It’s not so bad?” “It’ll all work out for the best?” “Things could be worse. I heard of one guy who…” “Don’t waste time worrying about it.” If you’re a Christian, maybe you say this: “God’s in charge so He must have caused/wanted this.” “God has made it happen for a reason, even if we can’t see it.” “God doesn’t want …Read More
This year, by God’s grace: 1. I will not try to get my body into better shape. I’ll learn to love the one I’ve got. 2. I will not work harder. I’ll accept free and liberating grace. 3. I will not do more. I’ll glory in Jesus and soak up His rest. 4. I will not make more time for me. I’ll ask God to help me lift my eyes to the world I forget. 5. I will not feel guilty. I’ll go …Read More
