Serve Fruit at Your Holiday Gathering

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.—Galatians 5:22-23

Our gatherings with friends and loved ones may look a little different this year—possibly smaller, possibly more sparse. Your guest list may be limited by COVID concerns. Your menu may be limited by availability or budget. But no (more…)

What My Father Gave Me

Honor your father and your mother (which is the first commandment with a promise) so that it may be well with you, and that you may have long life on the earth.—Ephesians 6:2-3

This Father’s Day is my first without my father in this world. As I’ve shared before, ours was a complicated relationship, largely because of people who kept us apart (more…)

Your No-Good, Very Bad Day

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit (more…)

The Difference a Little Compassion Makes

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.—1 Peter 3:8

God has given each one of us a unique makeup and unique experiences. You may come from a background similar to mine, but you may not be able to relate to something with which I struggle, and likewise.

Empathy and compassion are two very different things. (more…)

Busted

Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. – Luke 12:3

My grocery store – note the possessive pronoun – is like my own Cheers bar. The employees all know me and welcome me with a smile. They know me: I’m that (more…)