yesterday, today and forever

So often the danger or evil we face is self-created, self-inflicted, self-sabotaging—and we keep doing it because we are self-deluded and self-deceived through denial. By judging our evil, by naming it for what it is, by penetrating our denial and self-delusion, God begins saving us.

I enjoy doing housework, ironing, washing, cooking, dishwashing. Whenever I get one of those questionnaires and they ask what is your profession, I always put down housewife. It’s an admirable profession, why apologize for it. You aren’t stupid because you’re a housewife. When you’re stirring the jam you can read Shakespeare.

Think about it: Jesus didn’t confront Zacchaeus about his thieving practices, he offered relationship, and that changed Zacchaeus. Jesus didn’t make sure the woman at the well understood that sex outside of marriage is wrong (though he taught it was at other times), he offered her living water that made the muddy water distasteful. Jesus didn’t remind the woman caught in adultery that she broke the Ten Commandments—he didn’t have to—he set her free from condemnation so that she could “go and sin no more” (John 8:11 NLT). He offered a chance to live a new life! Relationship was Jesus’ solution to sin. Can we offer restorative relationship to very muddied people? That’s what it takes to be like Jesus.

The peace that the world gives comes through strength and wealth, through security alarms and world treaties, through safe neighborhood watches and dual air bags. The peace the world gives is fleeting and unstable. The peace that Jesus offered comes from the fact that he will never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Peace is not the absence of strife but the presence of Christ. No matter what we face, we face it with the power and presence of one who has overcome the world. For he said, “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33).

Books are many things: lullabies for the weary, ointment for the wounded, armour for the fearful and nests for those in need of a home.

Every minute you spend with someone gives them a part of your life and takes part of theirs.

We always see our worst selves. Our most vulnerable selves. We need someone else to get close enough to tell us we’re wrong. Someone we trust.

The best project you’ll ever work on is you.