Stop making what someone did TO you bigger than what Jesus did FOR you. We must learn to re-size our experiences. Instead of obsessing on the wrongs done to us, we must dwell on what Jesus did for us on the Cross. Yes, earthly injustices sting, but viewing them in light of eternity shows us that they are really...
Rehearsing your hurts cultivates bitterness. Rehearsing negative experiences cultivates a critical spirit. Obsessing over negativity breeds cynicism. But rehearsing your blessings will cultivate a grateful heart. The importance of your meditations and conversations cannot be overstated. Your mind and your mouth affect you and those around you in profound ways. Your thoughts, or meditations, define...
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again” (Pro. 24:16). The white shelf hung high on our kitchen wall, proudly displaying the red antique dishes belonging to my late grandmother. Small cups, saucers, and plates stood at attention, perched against the plate groove as though they were snootily boasting their beauty. That...
“Charity suffereth long” (1 Cor. 13:4). I stood at an altar on March 15, 1980 and pledged my forever love to my college sweetheart. We sang a duet together for our ceremony (albeit it was on a recording, since I didn’t want my hunk of a man to pass out during our nuptials!). The song...
There’s a time to walk away from harmful relationships, but there are many times when you just need some space. When someone blows up, you may need to back away from them for a season. But never allow an isolated incident or difference of opinion be the cause of severing a meaningful relationship. Sooner or...
“Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 Our pasts are places of reference, not places of residence. Once we have made amends, righted wrongs, and learned lessons, it is time to move on. How do we reconcile with others in the here and now? Make amends. If our homes...