Bring to mind people you consider harmful and have hurt you or those you care about. First, I’ll share why we all need to think about this. Secondly, I will offer a sort of diagnostic test. And lastly, I will suggest some Gospel hope.

Her voice cracked as she spoke what I’ve heard many people say over the years: ‘I know Jesus cares… but sometimes I just wish he could hug me.’ I’ve been there myself and I imagine many of you have too.

We all know it as the parable of the Good Samaritan. Even the heading in our Bibles says so (though added later by translators). The story in Luke 10 really does seem to be all about him. But is it? More importantly, what is Jesus intending to teach us and how does it fit with the Gospel.

Waiting in a checkout line, I found myself beside a tall, colorful display. The background image was a close up of an exuberantly happy model. The sign read: Selfie Center -- Me, Myself and I. Where is the line between legitimate self-interest and self-obsession, self-adoration and self-preoccupation? And can we balance healthy self-respect with true humility?

Some say our democracy may never be the same after this election and its rancorous campaigns are in the history books. I don’t know about that. I just know everyone I talk to is so weary, troubled and anxious. Then I saw the news about the death of Thailand’s King. The sincere and passionate mourning of the people felt so wholesome and appealing to me though. Naturally, this all got me reflecting on kingship in the Bible.

There’s a sin that the Bible numbers among the most notorious and yet by nature flies under the radar in churches, groups and friendships. It’s kept a secret not because it brings shame but because it doesn’t.

What if every morning I awoke with the conviction that God is for me today? How would that impact my relationship with him, my spirit and the way I treat others?

God is working all things together for our good. We have been foreknown, predestined and justified. And after this, Paul will passionately and poetically remind us that nothing can possibly separate us from God’s love because of Christ.

A recent scientific article about lethal violence in mammals caught my attention. The conclusion was that humans are pre-disposed to murdering one another. As Christians, how does this align with what we believe and what do we do with this?

Think about faces that light up and shine on you when people see you. It is such a gift and reassurance. I am so grateful for the people who come to mind. Like me, you can probably also think of less than shiny faces. In one way or another, they cast a shadow over your heart. But may God’s face outshine your dark doubts, fears, temptations and trials.

Our playground is wherever we get to experience the happiness and celebration of presence: to hear, see and touch relationship; to exhale knowing friends are real and not virtual; to be reassured by the physicality of togetherness.