The power of “with” – Caring for one another, Part 5

I recently had lunch with a friend who has been going through a deeply difficult season of life for the past two years.  It all started when his wife shocked him by separating from him, and likely turning his two teenaged sons against him.  She cut off communication, and they eventually moved out.  She refusedContinue reading “The power of “with” – Caring for one another, Part 5″

Delegation is discipleship that builds up the church – Caring for one another, Part 4

Though I’m a leader, I sometimes struggle with delegation, as there are times when I think it will be so much easier and faster if I just handle whatever matter is before me.  Getting others involved takes time, and they might not do the work like I think it should be done.  Maybe you knowContinue reading “Delegation is discipleship that builds up the church – Caring for one another, Part 4”

A powerful question for church families – Caring for one another, Part 3

My wife and I recently watched the television series, New Amsterdam. It’s about a public hospital in New York City. The main character Max Goodwin is the medical director, and he asks a question repeatedly in nearly every episode of the series. (He might ask it in every episode! I didn’t keep track.). His question, which I’ll revealContinue reading “A powerful question for church families – Caring for one another, Part 3”

Overcoming “I don’t care” – Caring for one another, Preview

Ever been involved in a conversation like this in your home? Person #1: “What would you like for dinner tonight?”   Person #2: “I don’t care. I’m okay with whatever.” Person #1: “But I need you to give me something to go on.  What are you hungry for?” Person #2: “Seriously. Anything.  I don’t care.  WhateverContinue reading “Overcoming “I don’t care” – Caring for one another, Preview”

How you can care for others when you are the one in pain – John 19, Part 2

This morning the news reported a story about two boys hugging each other as they looked around their homes destroyed by the fire in Hawaii. When we’re in pain, like the boys, it can be very difficult to think about anyone but ourselves and our pain. Jesus, like the boys, shows us that it isContinue reading “How you can care for others when you are the one in pain – John 19, Part 2”

The important reason Jesus asked permission before healing a man – John 4:43-5:15, Part 3

In Tribe, Sebastian Junger points out that in our nation’s history, there were plenty of English people who for one reason or another became part of Native American tribes.  What might be shocking is to learn that when English people acclimated to tribal life, they almost never wanted to go back to colonial life.  EvenContinue reading “The important reason Jesus asked permission before healing a man – John 4:43-5:15, Part 3”

How to be a watchman or woman, without being creepy – Ezekiel 33:1-20, Part 4

In our five-part series covering Ezekiel 33:1-20 this week, we have been learning that God called Ezekiel to be a Watchman Prophet for Israel. Likewise, we Christians are called to be watchmen for the people in our lives. As I type that, I wonder if it comes across as a bit creepy. Watching people? WhatContinue reading “How to be a watchman or woman, without being creepy – Ezekiel 33:1-20, Part 4”

Christians, are we seeing the needs? Are we listening? – Acts 14, Part 2

Christian people, I have a question for you: when people think of you do they think, “there is a person who listens, who sees, who has empathy, who cares”? Or do they think, “there is a person who won’t stop talking, who is so focused on themselves”? What kind of Christian should we be? We’veContinue reading “Christians, are we seeing the needs? Are we listening? – Acts 14, Part 2”