We all have times we don’t feel thankful. Maybe we’re depleted, detached, despairing. Maybe God feels far away. What do you do then? A pastor friend of mine is one of the wisest, most compassionate, and successful leaders I know. He has a large church of people who are so thankful for him, how he…
“Be hospitable” the Bible teaches. You and the people around you need it — desperately (Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9). Recently, Kristi and I were blessed to appreciate the hospitality of C. S. Lewis. You might not expect such a brilliant scholar to be warm-hearted. It started when we visited his home “The Kilns” in…
Walking into my high school cafeteria was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. I had my lunch bag in my hand and I was hungry, but as I looked for a place to sit I saw that everyone was already sitting at tables, eating their lunches and talking. It was really…
During the holiday season you may feel like the apple in a bowl of oranges. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are special occasions for families to gather and it seems that everyone else is with loved ones enjoying being together. If you are feeling left out or lonely you are not the only one around you…
It can be lonely to be a leader for Jesus. Most Pastors Do Not have a Close Friend A survey found that 70% of pastors do not have a close friend. It’s about the same for pastor’s wives and other ministry leaders. Many leaders are lonely because they overwork. Some have relational brokenness that needs…
I was looking forward to a spiritual formation meeting I was leading for a group of pastors. Facilitating for others a safe place for them to share honestly and experience intimacy with Jesus brings me such joy! For this meeting I had prayed about what to share with the pastors and believed that God gave…
I know what it’s like to feel lonely. The worst thing is to be in a group of people and feel alone. I used to feel this way at church, especially out on the plaza after the service. I was lost in the middle of a sea of people. I’d see other people enjoying conversation,…
What do you do when you’ve been mistreated and God doesn’t seem to answer your prayers? How do you pray when God seems distant and unconcerned about your pain? You’re Not Alone in a Dark Night of the Soul At one time or another we all are likely to go through the Dark Night of…
Many Christians feel lonely. Yet in reality they are never alone, never without the companionship and love that they need. The Bible offers special comfort for loneliness. The Word of God ministers God’s grace and guidance for those who feel left out. As you see in the Bible teachings below, God’s care comes in many different…