Posted February 21, 2022 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Romans 12:18 NIV
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Consider
The apostle Paul urges us to live in peace with one another, yet he also acknowledges that peace is not necessarily within our grasp. A conflict always has two sides to consider, and the other person may not want peace or reconciliation. Even the wisest words have no effect on people who are not willing to listen. Some people view conflict as a contest they must win by seeing the other side defeated. Sometimes our attempts to bring peace only seem to provoke more resentment.
Continue reading >>
Posted February 14, 2022 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Consider
Dealing with a difficult relationship can be exhausting. We spend our energy on heated arguments or stubborn silences, and then we replay the hurtful scenes over and over in our minds. With the diligence of a defense attorney bringing our case to trial, we review the particulars and construct a narrative that explains exactly what the offenses are and who is to blame.
Continue reading >>
Posted February 7, 2022 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Matthew 7:13-14 NRSV
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Consider
Discipleship is not an easy road. The Greek word for “disciple” in the New Testament means both a learner and an adherent, that is, one who studies with a teacher for instruction and also imitates the teacher as the ideal model. It is no coincidence that “disciple” and “discipline” come from the same Latin root.
Continue reading >>
Posted January 31, 2022 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Psalm 143:6-7 NLT
I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.
Consider
Even King David, a man after God’s own heart, suffered from depression. Anyone who has struggled with depression knows its paralyzing effects and tunnel vision. David was no exception. Why does he complain of thirst for God when God is ever present with life-giving water? Because David is in emotional distress so gripping that he cannot perceive God’s loving nearness.
Continue reading >>
Posted January 24, 2022 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Romans 12:14 NLT
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
Consider
Showing mercy to our enemies might be one of the most difficult commandments to embrace. In this era of escalating evil, it feels counterintuitive to seek God’s blessing for perpetrators intent on violence and destruction. Yet Paul tells the early Christian church exactly what Jesus told his disciples and what God still tells us today: Bless your enemies, pray for them, and do not curse them.
Continue reading >>
