Lookahead: Since birth I was constantly comparing myself to some imposed standard of perfection--and then driving toward it.  Once Jesus set up residence in my heart, I became perfect in God's eyes. That knowledge gave me incomparable joy!  But I soon discovered that there were always joy-killers out there who would try to interfere and … Continue reading Unpacking #18 – How Would You Like To Be Perfect?

Lookahead: …(She wrote in the open letter,) “I would love to meet with you when circumstances permit. Maybe I will tell you my story, and you will tell me yours. I know we will learn that far more unites us, than divides us. And maybe together, Simone, we will find a way to shine light … Continue reading Unpacking #17 – Just(ice or) Mercy?

Lookahead:   I've also been victimized by family-based favoritism/nepotism; I watched my good rep slowly erode away in a summer internship when I was chosen to "partner" on a project with another intern, who happened to be the company owner's son. At the time, I think I chalked up his attempted bullying to the fact that I … Continue reading Unpacking #16 – God Does Not Have Favorites

Lookahead: If we listen to what the apostles said in Acts 6, they envisioned the required task as "waiting on tables" where the widows sat.  It almost sounds like it was a directive to be "servants of servants."  Also, widows and orphans represented the lowest social classes in ancient Israel.  It is, therefore, my belief … Continue reading Unpacking #15 – Religion or Relationship in the New Year

Lookahead: It’s the time of year when we revel in the greatest promise that God ever gave us, and then precisely delivered on (carried it out).  ~450 Messianic scriptures in the Bible foretold that, in this insane human existence that people were slogging through, with meaningless battered lives of war and pain, someone was coming to save us.  … Continue reading Unpacking #14 – God Keeps His Promises

Lookahead: I believe that even after 30 years of walking with the LORD, I still have that same rage-capacity in me.  Every once in a great while, I will actually feel the rage rising up.  The only thing (One) that (Who) helps me keep the dam from bursting is the Holy Spirit.  When the rage … Continue reading Upacking #12 – Anger NOT