A book with 500 pages can be daunting. If I have a book of this nature recommended to me I will most often look to Amazon for an executive summary. If I’m really honest, there are times I’ll read that, a few of the reviews and then decide to stop. The idea of wading through the whole script seems just too daunting a task.
Read More Scripture, relationships
While working with the public in retail, ministry, and political arenas, I’ve noticed something that makes me cringe. Far too often, those who complain about something trivial, refuse to tip, or demonstrate uncharitable, disrespectful attitudes to others different from themselves are those who are vocal about their Christian faith.
Read More faith, peace, relationshipsThere is a saying, “Eat dessert when it’s worth the calories!” Wisdom is just like that decadent dessert, only it’s always worth it.
It is important to know the anatomy of wisdom; this passage of Scripture lays it out for us. We are told what it looks like and what it doesn’t. If the words coming out of our mouth ring of arrogance or boasting, wisdom is absent.
Read More wisdom, relationships, reputationSpending time together is critical for healthy relationships. Regular intimate conversations are the foundation of lasting marriages and friendships. In fact, sometimes it seems that facial features of married couples even begin to grow in similarity. This might cause anxiety for some but relief for others!
For Moses intimacy with God was a rare blessing.
Read More relationships, intimacy, glory of GodIn these verses Solomon gives us counsel on a number of matters that have to do with friendship. Throughout the Proverbs Solomon has shown a consistently high view of friendship. In life we are thrown together with many acquaintances. We have family, neighbors, people we work with and various other companions. We can’t control all of the factors that put us in relationship with others: we can, and must, decide who to allow into that select circle of people that Solomon calls “friends.”
Read More relationships, friendshipThroughout his life, David was known as a man of action. In fact, he caused trouble when he remained idle, such as when he used his power to take advantage of Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Sam 11). He also fomented dissension when he neglected to tend to family relationships, especially his failure to deal with the rape of Tamar (2 Sam 13:1-19).
In retrospect it’s plain to see how David’s inactivity created the circumstances that made his final years on the throne so unsatisfying.
Read More relationships, weakness
Do you know anyone whose life hasn’t started yet? Maybe they justify their atrocious spending habits on the fact they’re young. Or put in a half-hearted attempt at work because they’re underemployed. But they say that once they’re older, married, a parent, have more time, or have landed a “real” job, then they’re really going to get their financial life in order.
In Luke 16, Jesus says two important things about how we manage the things that we have.
Read More trustworthiness, money, success, relationshipsHave you ever been talking to a person and notice that they are scanning the room to see who else is there? It makes you feel unimportant doesn’t it?
James is speaking directly to this issue of showing favour towards one person over another.
Read More relationships, humility, partiality
Read Reflect Paul could have used a smartphone in his time, or a wi-fi tablet because he was one relational kind of guy. An electronic Facebook is great – but better is the Heartbook and the “great desire to see you face to face” (v 17). There’s an incredible sense of friendship, collegiality, even intimacy […]
Read More joy, relationships, friendship
Gossip is in our face continually when we turn on the television, look through social media or read a magazine. Entertainment conglomerates make their living by reporting on gossip about our favourite celebs, high-profile politicians and royalty.
Read More relationships, integrity, gossip