Safe People & Safe Community

We all know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold-hearted miser who hoarded wealth and refused to share with people in need. He’s an extreme case, but let’s be honest—aren’t we all tempted to be a little like him at times? Feeling overextended, tired, or worried about our circumstances, we want to keep our time and resources for ourselves—even though we know we’re called to give generously (Matt. 5:42; 2 Cor. 9:6). Despite realizing…

We all long to have good, reliable friends who love us, but how do we go about making these relationships? The biblical account of David and Jonathan helps us learn how to foster genuine, close friendships (1 Sam. 18:1-30, 1 Sam. 19:1-241 Sam. 20:1-42). Their story demonstrates that true companionship is built upon a foundation of mutual respect, love, and authentic commitment. Jonathan was the prince of Israel, while David started out as a lowly shepherd boy. Social status didn&rsquo…

We must forgive those who hurt us. The reason is simple: Bitterness and unforgiveness set their hooks deep in our hearts; they are chains that hold us captive to the wounds and the messages of those wounds. Until you forgive, you remain their prisoner. Paul warns us that unforgiveness and bitterness can wreck our lives and the lives of others (Eph. 4:31; Heb. 12:15). We have to let it all go. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col. 3:13) Now—listen carefully.…

I got a text from Colleen last Friday at 4:00 that she’d be home from work at 5:30 and would bring appetizers for dinner. Perfect timing, I thought, I was hungry already. She showed up at 7:10 after texting she was on her way at 6:03, and it was a 25-minute drive, with an empty Chick-fil-A bag that once held her dinner she picked up in the drive-through. I didn’t respond. Nor did I say much of anything when she got home. I chose the silent treatment for a few…

Three-year-old Buddy and his mom went to church each week to help unload groceries from the food ministry truck. When Buddy overheard his mom telling his grandmother that the delivery truck broke down, he said, “Oh, no. How will they do food ministry?” His mom explained that the church would have to raise money to buy a new truck. Buddy smiled. “I have money,” he said, leaving the room. He returned with a plastic jar decorated with colorful stickers…

I recently completed a book entitled The Band That Played On, by Steve Turner. It’s a well-researched account of the musicians who lost their lives aboard the Titanic. As Turner recounts the past life of the band leader, Wallace Hartley and his roots in Colne, mention is made of John Wesley’s visits to that region and in particular Lancashire and Colne, notoriously known for its tough and violent reputation. Turner goes on to describe the impact Wesley had on…

Have you noticed all the instability in our world today? There is much to fear if we have only ourselves or others to rely on in these troubling times. But God is our Protector, and when we run to Him, we can have peace in the midst of uncertainty. If He is our Rock, then we won’t be shaken by the events in this world or even those in our own life. The Lord is able to safeguard us in treacherous times. No matter where trouble originates—with others, external,…

Now for one of the most beautiful mysteries of the feminine heart: women minister something to the heart of God that men do not. Look at the record. There was an event that took place in the life of Jesus that he said should be told whenever the gospel is proclaimed around the world. It was when Mary of Bethany came and anointed him with the perfume, which cost a year’s wages. It was an extravagant act of sacrificial worship, and the aroma of it filled the room. Jesus…

I remember so well praying for a baby called Craig. I had been asked to visit a woman in the Brompton Hospital. Vivienne had three children and was pregnant with a fourth. Her third child, who was eighteen months old, had a hole in his heart that had been operated on. The operation had not been a success and, not unnaturally, the medical staff wanted to turn the machines off. Many times they asked Vivienne if they could turn the machines off and let the baby die. She said,…