Peacemaker

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9 NIV) Seeking to be a peacemaker puts us in a unique position as we become a conduit of compassion. Seeking more to understand than to be understood. We help reconcile people, giving of ourselves in the act of reaching out rather … Read more

Empathy

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15 NIV) Empathy for others comes from love and gives birth to compassion. When we can empathize with another, … Read more

God is Good

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8 NIV) Life can be hard. It can feel bitter, harsh and abusive at times. But God is good and we can take refuge in Him even in the harshest of times. People will try to debate … Read more

The First

I am sitting at home today soaking in the past year and contemplating the coming year. It is the first and that is what you are supposed to do on the first. The last week I had the privilege of having both of my kids and their spouses home for the holidays. A treat and … Read more

Toward the Goal

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV) It … Read more