No Offense

There’s an interesting line in Matthew 17:24-27. In verse 27, Jesus said, “So we do not offend them.” It’s a cautionary statement for us to note. Even though Jesus is in the right, he is still sensitive to those who question what he is doing. In this passage, the collectors of the temple tax ask […]

Prayer Journey—Walking Companion

You walked this earth Jesus. You sat with people and listened to their trials. You shared meals in the homes of people struggling with daily life. You experienced hate and rejection. You know suffering. As the word made flesh, you taught us God’s compassion, his grace, his deep love for us. You generously gave your […]

Talking to God

Some of the deepest conversations I have had with a friend have been one to one in private—sitting together over a cup of coffee or a meal. Sometimes I think of those moments when praying—sitting in private with God and discussing life and it’s challenges. It is that one-to-one dialogue that I envision when I […]

Comfort From Affliction

When we are in the middle of struggles in life, it is hard to see any purpose in it. From my own experience a few years ago, when I felt trapped in a very traumatic situation with no evident end in sight, it all felt pointless. Day after day, as the trauma continued, it was […]

Empathy for the Struggling

There have been times in my life, when I have struggled with trials, trauma and grief. In the depths of those struggles, I have often felt misunderstood and alone. At those times I needed someone to listen and empathize with me. Someone to walk with me through the trial and not judge me. Job faces […]

Abiding in God Under Pressure

So many words I wanted to say, hurtful words, as he lashed out at me. Yet something inside constrained me. It was just another encounter with him screaming at me, trying to get me to lash out at him. But for some reason I remained calm; for some reason I could see that this man […]

The Discipline of Trauma

When I reflect back on so many traumatic events in my life, I recall the pain and hurt. In the middle of those events, sometimes I wondered what God was doing. Yet when I look at my life today, I know those events helped to shape who I am. My faith is deeper for having […]

Prayer Journey — Weeping

Jesus wept. He felt grief, loss. He felt sorrow as others grieved. This morning I think of a young couple suffering the pain of losing a baby. I pray for them and so many others who at this moment are grieving the loss of a loved one. The pain is deep, sometimes unconsolable. I pray […]

Prayer Journey — Empathy

Dear God, give me a spirit of humility. Help me to see others as you see them. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear the needs of others. Fill me with empathy for those suffering.

Seeing People As God Sees Them

When our heart is oriented toward God our desires become God’s desires. We share a longing for others to know Christ Jesus and the hope he brings. We see people as God sees them.