An Honest Life

Posted July 20, 2013 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

Psalm 32:1-2, New Living Translation

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!

Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

Consider

What a relief it would be to live a life of complete honesty! Imagine never having to hide a part of yourself or guard against eyes that see behind your mask. How refreshing to bring all of yourself into a relationship, every bit of you, knowing you would be accepted and loved and valued.

God tells us to confess our sins and repent because he wants us to bring our whole selves into communion with him. He already knows the worst of what we are hiding, and confession helps us to see how such hidden sins fragment us and keep us from living complete and authentic lives. When he forgives us, he says in effect, I see all of you, every part, and you are beautiful to me.

He also asks us to forgive one another, and for the same reasons. When you forgive me, you release me from the burden of trying to be someone I am not. Your forgiveness tells me that you accept me and value me, with all my weaknesses and even the parts of me that may hurt you. You encourage me to bring my whole self into the relationship without fear of rejection or judgment.

Pray

FATHER, thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Help me to trust you enough to bring my whole self to you and know that you will not scorn or dismiss me but welcome me with joy! Give me grace to offer this same gift to others in my life. When I am tempted to judge and condemn another, help me instead to see an opportunity to extend grace that encourages the other person to live honestly.

Reflect

2 Corinthians 2:7-8 and 5:19

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What is your safest relationship? What makes this relationship so special?

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The Right Track in a Hurtful Relationship

Posted July 17, 2013 | Judith Ingram

Have you ever found yourself in a relationship that seemed to pack more pain than pleasure?

Your conflict may be with an adult child who lives a troubling lifestyle. A longtime friendship may be dying, or a newer relationship may have turned sour. Perhaps you’re dealing with a parent or a spouse who won’t value or respect you. You may have a boss or coworker who keeps knocking you down.

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Thirsting for God

Posted July 13, 2013 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

Psalm 42:1-2 (New Living Translation)

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?

Consider

What is it that we thirst for? Love and belonging, security and companionship. Joy and peace. Perfect loyalty. Unconditional acceptance. Forgiveness without strings.

We yearn for perfect fulfillment. Yet when we seek these things in our human relationships, we are bound to be disappointed sooner or later.

God gives us a thirst for what only He can give us because He wants us to draw near to Him.

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Walking Above the Turmoil

Posted June 26, 2013 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

Matthew 14:28-32 (New Living Translation)

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.

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A Perfect Relationship

Posted June 25, 2013 | Judith Ingram

My only child lives two thousand miles away with her husband and baby daughter. I often wish she lived closer so I could hug her whenever I want and observe firsthand the kaleidoscope of growth events inching my granddaughter toward her first birthday. And I swallow down my disappointment.

Last week my friend confided that she wishes she could move away from her grown children and their families, who all live close by. She reasons that the quality of their visits would improve if they could spend several uninterrupted days together away from the background noise of hectic schedules and everyday distractions.

It occurs to me that my friend and I want the same thing—a satisfying connection with the people we love. Yet if we each got what we crave, would we be satisfied?

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