A Better New Year’s Resolution, Part 1

December 30, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

It’s that time again

The Christmas holidays are winding down. Special parties and family celebrations will culminate with the ringing in of a new year. There is only one more thing to do. It’s time to make our New Year’s resolution.

Who created those things anyway? Whatever their origin, regardless of our success or our failure in their creation, resolutions are intended to set a better pattern for living our lives in the upcoming year. This may include new purpose that relate to our health, our finances, and even our relationships.

It is a time to reflect on what worked or what could have worked better. New Year’s resolutions give us an opportunity to put our best foot forward in the coming year. But this year, I’m taking a different approach.

This year, instead of being dependent on my resolution, I’m going to strengthen my connection with the One who can help me make more than a superficial change. I’m going to choose a better way (Phil. 3:8-10). I choose transformation that is only possible through Jesus Christ.

Why attempt to identify a “better way” when Jesus has provided us “the best way” (John 14:6). Through Christ we are new creatures indwelt by His Holy Spirit. The only thing we need to do is to embrace our identity. In Christ, we can do better everyday in the new year.

In search of a better way

The Book of Colossians records the letter from the Apostle Paul to the Church in Colosse. He was concerned with the reports he had received from a local evangelist, Epaphras, concerning the possible “encroaching heresy” threatening this predominately Gentile church. (Col. 1:21, 27; 2:13)

In their search to find the best way to live in their world, they were now considering a new religious system that combined elements from Greek speculation (Col. 2:4, 8-10), Jewish legalism (Col. 2:11-17), and Oriental mysticism (Col. 2:18-23).[1]

This threat to Christ’s church is still present even now. It is called syncretism.

Syncretism is the combining of different beliefs and various schools of thought. Syncretism involves the merging or assimilation of several mythologies or religions, thus asserting an underlying unity and allowing for an inclusive approach to other faiths.[2]

A better way or led astray?

As Christians, we must be careful to avoid societal pressures to combine Christianity with “other things”. To do so can subtly lead us away from the basic tenets of our faith. Seeking to be “socially and politically correct”, we might be led to compromise or minimize God’s truth.

The nation of Israel fell prey to this practice (1 and 2 Kings). This practice resulted in idolatry, disobedience to God, and weakening of their faith. Take a look around. Do we see a similar thing happening in our world today?

Are you ready to change?

In Colossians 3:5-9, Paul admonishes these young believers to “put off” their old man. The old man represented the person they use to be before coming to Christ. That old man walked according to the influences of the world and the weakness of their human flesh (1 John 2:15-16).

The 21^st century has mastered the art of influence. Media (social and otherwise) tells us how we are to think and act. We invite them into our homes and offices. They are the uninvited passenger in our cars as we drive here and there. Marketing bombards us with messages on who we should be. They create great dissatisfaction with what we have, how we look, and what we know. (That’s how they keep us spending money). Social messaging keeps us “in our current state” by telling us what we can or can’t do. They remind us of our weaknesses and our vulnerabilities. So much so that we are fearful to move without their validation.

Old “dead man” walking

“Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction.” (Gal. 6:8a, NIV)

We must guard against the defiling touch of the world, of sin, and of the old self-life. We stand between two worlds, each solicits us: let us yield to the influences that pull us upward, and not to those that anchor us to this sinful and vain world. Our eternal blessedness has begun, let us walk in it. In Christ we profess to have put off the old man, i.e., the habits of our former life; now let us actually do so, in the power of the Holy Spirit.[3]

Even as Christians, we still tend to depend on our self-discipline, self-will, and self-motivation to live a sober, righteous, and godly life (Titus 2:11-14). Just like our New Year’s resolution. We try and try. But we usually fall off the wagon by Valentine’s Day. What we need is not a new syncretic way nor a more disciplined approach. We need transformation. We need to “put on the new man”.

[1] The Times of Colossians, The New Open Bible Study Edition.

[2] Wikipedia

[3] F.B. Meyers, Through the Bible Commentary, Colossians 3

Advent/Christmas

Rediscovering Waiting This Advent

December 16, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Waiting

Advent season is a time of waiting. Waiting by its very definition is challenging. Waiting is the action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens.

How well we wait lies not only in what we are waiting for but also who we trust to provide our desired outcome. That trust is based on the provider’s ability to deliver the outcome. That why as believers, it is important to remember that Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith is worth waiting for.

Advent and Waiting

The first Advent was a time of waiting. Israel waited with hope for the promised redeemer who would deliver them from the tyranny of the Roman Empire. The Three Wise Men (Magi) waited for a sign (the star) that would lead them to the King of the Jews.

Those who studied the law and the prophets, such as Simeon and Anna, daily waited for the arrival of the Promised Savior. “There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon: and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon Him.” (Luke 2:25).

Waiting is a spiritual discipline

Godly waiting is a spiritual discipline that we should cultivate. As with any discipline, practice makes “progress” (perfection is not always the goal). Advent is a time in which we should make every effort to expand our capacity to wait. That increased capacity will strengthen us for the days ahead.

While waiting, we exercise our patience “muscles” and bolster our endurance until we receive what we are waiting for (Hebrew 10:36). In our waiting, faith is activated and strengthened. It is in the waiting that our hope becomes an expectation. While waiting, our belief and trust become rooted and grounded in the Lord (Psalm 27:13-14).

What are you waiting for? Provision, healing, or deliverance? The believer who waits on the Lord will not be disappointed! (Isaiah 40:31)

What have we learned this year about waiting?

What have we learned about waiting in 2025? We learn from our experiences to the extent we are willing to be shaped by them (Hebrew 12:11). This includes our experiences with waiting.

Waiting is an important discipline for us to learn. As I stated earlier, how well we wait is based on who we trust to provide our desired outcome. We are more willing to wait when we trust the one who can and will deliver the outcome we need.

As believers our response to waiting is different because we know Who can deliver everything we may be waiting for. It is the Creator and Sustainer of all things—seen and unseen; past, present, and future; Alpha and Omega. It is Eternal God (Jeremiah 10:10, 12).

The Gift in Waiting

We have been given great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4) as well as spiritual gifts (Ephesians 1:3-17) that enable us to live victoriously. These also enable us to wait patiently and hopefully on the Lord.

As we live in this period between Jesus’ first arrival (as Savior) and His second return (as Judge), let us remain faithful to that which God has given us to do (Titus 2:14). Use this time of waiting to experience the fullness of God and to serve Him until His return.

Spiritual Renewal

Finding True Rest: A Biblical Perspective

December 2, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The Biblical view of rest

Earlier in this series, we asked the question, “Do you need rest?” We examined the three (3) biblical rests God has provided for His Covenant people. Sabbath rest, Canaan rest, and Eternal rest.

We concluded that accessing these rests is possible through development of an intimate relationship with God. Our rest can be found in listening to His voice and obeying Him. We closed with Lawrence O. Richards’ explanation that Christians often struggle with learning how to enter God’s rest. God’s rest is a place of confidence and contentment that can only be found in relationship with Him.

The Scientific view of rest

In her Ted Talk, “The 7 Types of rest that every person needs,” Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, shares what is really needed for us to rest. My biggest take away was the fact that we often mistakenly view rest as sleep.

“We go through life thinking we’ve rested because we have gotten enough sleep — but in reality we are missing out on the other types of rest we desperately need. The result is a culture of high-achieving, high-producing, chronically tired and chronically burned-out individuals. We’re suffering from a rest deficit because we don’t understand the true power of rest. “

Dr. Smith concludes her study with the definition of spiritual rest. She describes it as feeling a “deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose”. She recommends that to receive spiritual rest, one needs to “engage in SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF, ADD PRAYER, MEDITATION, OR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.”

For me, and believers in Christ, that “deep belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose” is found in Christ. Christ is the better rest.

A Better Rest

Paul states that in Christ, “we live, and move, and have our meaning” (Acts 17:28). This includes our time of rest. Even during our physical rest, we must not forget to maintain relationship with Jesus. It is in acknowledging the Lord’s presence, that our better rest begins.

Jesus invites the crowds in Matt. 11: 28-29 to “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus offers rest.

After the disciples had returned from their mission trip (Mark 6:7-13), Jesus instructs then to “come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Jesus is rest.

“Alone time” with God can allow God to examine us. It can be a time of knowing God more deeply, a time of strengthening, a time of refreshment, a time of sharing our deepest concerns with God, and a time of simply being with the One who formed us and loves us beyond our understanding.[1]

Rest: How do we enter it?

The rest we need can only be found in relationship with Jesus. It is “relational rest”. This rest can be found in the practice of spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are not an end in themselves. Spiritual disciplines are intended to deepen our relationship with God.[2]

Prayer	Talking to God
Meditation	Listening to God
Solitude	Alone with God
Contemplation	Thinking about God
Worship	Glorifying God

I close with a formula on how to enter God’s rest. Feel free to develop your own. The main thing to remember is to keep Christ as the source of your rest.

R. Reflection. Daily examine where God has been at work. This will foster awareness of God’s presence.

E. Exchange. Trade-out Satan’s lies for God’s truths. This will increase your wisdom and discernment.

S. Solace. Find comfort and consolation in God’s presence. This will strengthen your confidence.

T. Transformation. Each day seek to be conformed to the image of Christ. This will please God.

[1] Got Questions, “What does the Bible say about the value of solitude?”

[2] Rev. Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, “A Prayer for Presence.”

Spiritual Renewal

Rest in the Wilderness

November 18, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Finding our wilderness rest

Rest. Who needs rest? We all do! Health professionals agree that the need for rest is critical. It is essential for our overall well-being. This includes our emotional health and cognitive performance.

But how can we rest? 21^st century living has introduced a unique set of challenges that radically impair our ability to rest. Our current life experiences have resulted in heightened anxiety within our families, our cities, and our nation.

Similarly, rest for believers has always been (and will continue to be) challenging. This is because we live in a fallen world. However, the writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 4:9-11) offers a “viable solution”. He invites believers to enter God’s rest.

Defining rest

Webster defines rest as not only sleep but also as freedom from worry or trouble. Rest in the Bible is used most frequently in non-theological terms.

However, it takes on spiritual meaning when used in relationship to God and His people. Most specifically, when used in reference to the Old and New Covenant.

God addresses wilderness rest

In the Old Testament, Sabbath rest is first introduced in Genesis as God ceases from His work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). God later commanded Sabbath rest as part of the Mosaic Law (Exodus 31:15). He knew that all living creatures needed physical renewal.

Canaan rest began with the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt. Rest was defined as deliverance from slavery. Canaan rest established protection from and victory over Israel’s enemies as they entered into the Promised Land (Joshua 14:15). By following God’s commandments, Israel would no longer be threatened by attack from Canaanite inhabitants (Joshua 23:1). Peace in the land would be their rest.

Most importantly, Jesus Christ’s arrival and selfless act of atonement introduced us to God’s Eternal rest. This rest surpassed those previously offered beginning with precious promises (2 Peter 1:4) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, 26). Believer’s eternal rest will culminate with Jesus Christ in eternity.

Accessing God’s rest

Accessing God’s rest is possible through development of an intimate relationship with Him. Our rest can be found in listening to His voice and obediently acquiescing to His will (John 10:27). For example, believers should let God’s Word and Spirit guide us. God has already provided solutions for our problems therefore releasing us from unnecessary anxiety and fear.

On this matter of rest, Lawrence O. Richards, noted theologian writes: “The struggle Christians are engaged in is not that of finding their way through life but of entering God’s rest.” That is, believers need to be more responsive to the Lord.

Responding to rest in the wilderness

We can find rest as we listen for and respond to the Lord’s voice. We trust the Creator of all rests—Sabbath rest, Canaan rest, and Eternal rest.

Only Sovereign God can create, deliver, and protect. He gives use victory over the challenges we face (Romans 8:37). God knows the end from the beginning and His purpose will stand (Isaiah 46:8-10). It is God’s desire that we live more fully as recipients of His gift of rest. He invites us to draw near.

Spiritual Endurance

Wilderness Living 2025

October 28, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Experiencing Wilderness Living

Are we experiencing wilderness living? I’m not talking about a survival challenge where one willingly goes into the wilderness to test their mental and physical endurance. This wilderness experience is usually thought of as tough times in which we endure major trials and tribulation. During such times, we are unable to enjoy life because of the unceasing stress and strain over conditions in which we have no control. Such is the case with “Wilderness Living 2025”.

Our current world is presenting us with challenges we have never faced before. These events, without a doubt, test our mental, physical, and spiritual endurance. It feels like a bad dream repeated on a continuous loop.

Struggles for power, influence, and control have resulted in strife and evil of every type—locally, nationally, and internationally. James must have had these times in mind when he wrote: “Where envy and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16). Such is the case with “Wilderness Living 2025”.

God revealed during wilderness living

For the nations of Israel, living in captivity in Babylon and Assyria was their experience with “wilderness living.” For seventy (70) years they were removed from those things which they loved the most—their land, their temple, and most importantly, their God. But God, through His prophet Isaiah, sent words of consolation to Israel during their wilderness experience. He promised to do a new thing (Isaiah 43:16-19).

New in Hebrew means to renew, rebuild, or repair. During these times of uncertainty and chaos all three actions are needed. Our minds need to be renewed versus being conformed to the insanity of the world (Romans 12:1-2). We need to rebuild and repair our relationships (Romans 12:17-18). We are divided by so many things—our political views, our racial makeup, our economic position. Satan has used these factors to polarize us and negate Jesus’ mandate to love one another (Matthew 5:43-44).

God promised Israel that He would not only renew, rebuild, and repair that which was loss during the exile, but He would also, do the impossible— “make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” God would revive Israel physically and spiritually.

Through our wilderness experience, God is CONTINUALLY renewing, rebuilding, and repairing our lives (Psalm 130:5).

Facing wilderness living

Wilderness experiences are times in our lives when we feel powerless and lack those things that bring us happiness, contentment, and peace. Wilderness living is different for everyone.

For some people wilderness living may be survival—inability to provide for physical and emotional needs. It may be relational—failed, estranged, or disappointing relationships. For still others, wilderness living may be experiential—moments of personal loss, loneliness, or misfortune. No two wildernesses are the same.

Our spiritual man may also feel strained. Our faith is challenged as we try to make sense of what God is doing not only in the world but in our lives. We feel alone and isolated. We may even think God has left us and no longer hears our prayers. Is God with us in our wilderness? He answers, “Yes!” It’s in His Word (Psalms 91:15; Isaiah 43:2; Isaiah 49:15).

Living in the wilderness

John Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author of “Resilient: Restoring your weary soul in these Turbulent Times” shares his thoughts about living in wilderness:

One of the first warnings Jesus gave us about living through [these] times was simply don’t “freak out”. Unflappable Jesus, the most level-headed guy ever, simply refuse to get baited into any of the drama of his own day. And he urges us to be unflappable too. Jesus knew that everything was going to be shouting for our attention, trying to get us all spun up. It wears a soul down. And there is a way out.

Regardless of our wilderness experience, we can ALWAYS trust God. We can relinquish control to God’s sovereign will and His steadfast love (Psalm 18:1-3). He cares about everything that keeps us awake at night—our family, our provision, and our future. God will sustain us. While we have no forecast as to where these times may lead us, we DO have the blessed assurance that God is with us and for us (Psalm 119:116). As we strengthen our intimacy with Him, we will find true contentment, and peace, even during “Wilderness Living 2025” (Revelations 21:7).

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: When Life KEEPS Happening

October 14, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“Life keeps on life-ing!”

Does it seem as though life is getting harder to navigate? Well, guess what? It is!

I understand that “life lived under the sway of sin and Satan”, will continue its path of destruction. “Life keeps on life-ing”; leading to disappointment, pain, and suffering (Galatians 6:7-8).

I know that as long as we live in this fallen world, we will face trials and tribulations (John 16:33). However, as believers, our peace, our confidence, and our expectations can only come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth AND who is aware of everything that we are currently facing (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13).

With these thoughts in mind, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, “When Life Happens.” While it was originally written for a personal application of life happenings, it is most appropriate as we formulate our responses to the events happening both locally and nationally.

Knowing God

Am I Compassionate?

September 30, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Ask me a question…I’ll tell you no lie.

This series on compassion was inspired by a question someone asked me. “Do you think I’m compassionate?” My first thought was, “why are you asking me this question?” Had I bored them with sharing the rigors of my last six-months including the death of my only sister? Had they been overwhelmed with the traumatic events rehearsed continually on the evening news and social media?

I didn’t have an answer. However, I thought it admirable that they cared enough to ask the question.

Do you think I’m compassionate?

That’s a good question to ask especially in this age when we’re often told to “suck-it-up and keep it moving’. We daily are traumatized and stressed by events of our world. We are awakened each morning with updates of the war in at least 2-3 countries, at least two “natural disasters” (one international and one nationally), and let’s not forget the threats “seen and unseen” (Psalm 91:5-6). Perhaps these fears are the reason we emotionally “tune out” what’s happening to us in order to protect ourselves. Why do we “shut down”?

Recently published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology is this insight about why people resist experiencing compassion for others, despite it being a generally positive feeling.

More people are finding it increasingly difficult to engage with each other, and as people are overwhelmed with the amount of suffering right now due to the pandemic, it may make compassion particularly difficult.

The cost of caring

Without a doubt, showing compassion costs. The cost is expressed in both emotional commitment and physical engagement. The characters in the Parable of the Good Samaritan considered the cost. This would include their understanding of the situation which would determine their engagement. They would then consider the effort it would take to resolve the problem. A little or a great deal?

The priest “saw the traveler and moved to the other side.” The priest evaluated the situation. He probably thought the man was dead. What would he do with a dead man on the road? Bury him? Take him with him? He didn’t even know him. Too much work! He also knew that involvement with a dead person would make him ceremonially “unclean” (Numbers 9:7). The uncleanness would last for at least seven days, until he could be purified again. He wouldn’t be able to conduct his duties at the temple. He had to protect his job. Based on the effort and his understanding of the situation, he left the man on the road. Do his responses sound like ours when we see someone in need?

The Levite “came and looked”. He saw that the traveler wasn’t dead, so why didn’t he help? The text doesn’t say, and we choose not to speculate. Regardless, the result was the same as with the priest, the Levite “passed by the other side.”

What would we have done in this situation? Hindsight is 20/20. We know the back drop for the parable and how the story ends. But in 2025, when we are faced with pain and suffering, do we also “pass to the other side”? Do we need to understand all the details and effort required before we engage in others pain?

Compassion—a mental or spiritual challenge

Why was the response by the Samaritan different than the priest and the Levite? What was the principle Jesus was attempting to share with the lawyer (Luke 10:25-29) and also to us living in 2025? We are to show mercy and compassion, like the Samaritan.

The word compassion in the Luke 10 passage is used almost exclusively to describe Jesus’ response in the Gospel accounts. It is a verb (action word) showing the deepest level of compassion (Luke 7:13). It means to have the bowels yearn. When Jesus’ compassionate response was described in this way, the occasion was often the turning point in someone’s life (Mark 1:40-42; Matthew 9:33-38)

Called to be compassionate

While there are mental processes that we use to engage in compassion, we must focus our responses on that which God expects. God expects us to show compassion to those He places in our path and sphere of influence. Jesus expects us to act like the Samaritan and “show mercy” (Luke 10:37).

God calls each of us to have compassion for others. That call is more than an appeal for us to “feel pity for the needy”. It is a call to care enough to become involved. Like Jesus’ compassion, we are expected to take action that will set others’ lives on a fresh, new course.

Victorious Living

God’s Compassion: A Study in Contrast

September 16, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Our Emotional Response (ER)

We’ve described compassion as a willingness to relieve the suffering of another. With that definition we introduced a series of emotional responses (ERs) to the pain and suffering we experience. The intent was to help us better understand the differences in our emotional response to the anguish and distress of others.

Our ERs can fall on a continuum ranging from pity to compassion. This is summarized below:

As we survey our cities, nation, and the world, we appear to be more jaded in our feelings concerning the plight of others. This cynical view has begun to infiltrate, not only our personal response but has become reflected in our reaction to the growing social issues and “human problems” we face each day. For example, can we honestly say that our education, health, and social systems reflect compassion for the people they are to serve? Are we REALLY our brother’s keeper (Genesis 4:9)?

I wonder what God has to say about our ERs to the conditions of our world. Does God view compassion in the same way we do? How does our view of compassion differs from God’s view.

Will the compassionate people please stand?

How would you describe a compassionate person? Would you describe yourself as compassionate? You may be sometimes and then at other times, not compassionate at all? Why the difference in ER?

The Greater Good of Berkeley University define compassion as a mental state or orientation toward suffering (your own or others) and includes four components:

- Bringing attention or awareness to recognizing that there is suffering (cognitive)
- Feeling emotionally moved by that suffering (affective)
- Wishing there to be relief from that suffering (intentional)
- A readiness to take action to relieve that suffering (motivational)

This explanation does not consider other factors that may also impact our ability to respond with compassion, such as understanding the nature of the situation and the effort required to resolve the situation.

Where’s the compassion?

If we look at Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:31-37), what were the orientations or mental states of the travelers, as described by The Greater Good.

Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came, and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

Where did the train go off the rails? The priest “saw”. The Levite “came and looked.” Only the Samaritan moved passed the cognitive response and moved directly to motivational. “The Samaritan came where he was and when he saw him, he had compassion”.

So, he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

More like God

The Hebrew and Greek words sometimes translate “compassion” to have a broader meaning such as “to love” and “to show mercy.” Synonyms for compassion in English are “to be loved by,” “to show concern for,” to be tenderhearted,” and “to act kindly.” Do these words describe you?

Compassion is an inherent part of God’s very being (Exodus 34:6). In the Old Testament, God’s compassion was rooted in His covenant relationship with His people (2 Kings 13:23).

In the New Testament, God’s compassion is demonstrated in His Son’s ministry and among His people. Jesus’ messianic compassion was extended to the helpless crowds (Matthew 9:36), the sickly masses (Matthew 14:24), the hungry people (Mark 8:2), the demon possessed (Mark 5:90), the unclean lepers (Luke 5:12-16), and to all in need of “love and mercy” (Isaiah 61:1-3).

In our generation, Jesus has extended compassion to each of us—the hopeless sinner (Romans 5:8). While compassion is not a uniquely Christian response to suffering (Luke 10:33), Christians have unique reasons for nurturing our compassionate disposition. God compassionately and truly cares what happens to us. Developing a more compassionate disposition is critical as we navigate 21^st century living.

Victorious Living

Have a Heart!

September 2, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Here’s how it all began

A businessman was called away to attend a critical meeting in a neighboring city. Because it was not very far away, he decided to drive versus fly. As often is the case in car travel, he decided to stop at a familiar rest area along the way. Unfortunately, during that stop, he was robbed and brutally beaten while exiting his car.

As he laid on the concrete, two travelers like himself stopped, but when they noticed him bleeding on the ground, retreated back into their cars and quickly drove away. Finally, a traveler pulled alongside him and seeing his situation, came to his aid. This last traveler loaded the businessman into his car and took him to the nearest hospital.

Does this story sound familiar? This is my 21st century version of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. The context for Jesus’ teaching was the question posed to Him concerning loving others and defining who is one’s neighbor? Who are we to love or have a heart for?

I will use this familiar text to begin our discussion on compassion. What is compassion and why is it important for us to express it to others?

What’s it all about?

Dr. Luke’s story, sad to say, is not unfamiliar in our society today. We’ve heard stories about crowds who witnessed harm to another person right in front of them but chose to turn their head or back on the situation.

On a broader scope, we see social injustices and human needs accelerate in our cities. Homelessness, food insecurities, and economic disparities, are all too familiar examples of where society has figuratively, turned their back. Why? What are we missing? Do we have a heart? Where is our compassion?

Compassion by any other name

There is much confusion as to the difference between pity, empathy, sympathy, and compassion. Perhaps because we tend to use these nouns to describe our reaction to pain and suffering. While these words are close cousins, they are not, however, synonymous with one another.

While there are broader details around the meaning of these emotions, I will try to be as simple as I can, for the purpose of this teaching.

- Pity. We acknowledge a person’s suffering. “I really feel sorry for those who loss their life in the earthquake.”
- Empathy. We understand what the person is feeling. “I felt the same way when I loss my job.”
- Sympathy. We feel what a person is feeling. “I was also harassed during high school.”
- Compassion. We are willing to relieve the suffering of another. “I will help you end your pain.”

Authors studying these emotions, find that placing them on a continuum helps us better understand their differences including the key factors that affect our response to human suffering and pain, i.e., effort, understanding, and engagement.

Compassion is the feeling of sorrow or pity excited by the suffering or misfortunes of another.

Compassion is made up of two words: “com” which means with or together; “pati” which means to suffer. Together one suffers with another.

What’s our response?

When we view the misfortune of others on social media, are we moved to sorrow or pity? As we look at famines and wars in countries thousands of miles from us, what is our emotional response? Sympathy? Does your response change, based on the specific situation or person? What moves us from pity to compassion?

I close with a few quotes on compassion to help us understand it is needed more than ever for what afflicts us in the 21^st century. What does it take for us to have a heart?

True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness. Mother Teresa

When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection or compassionate action. Daniel Goleman

Compassion is an action word with no boundaries. Prince

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. Psalm 111:4

Knowing God

Passionately Seeking God: A Turtle’s Story

August 19, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

I am a turtle!

One of the things you may not know about me is that I love turtles. Turtles! Terrapins! Whatever the correct nomenclature…I love them. As a child, I had miniature turtles as pets.

Later I began to collect turtles in all forms: jewelry, hats, clocks, foot stools. And yes, I even have a turtle hand puppet. In my younger years, I showed my commitment to turtles by joining the International Association of Turtles. Are you a turtle?

Funny thing happened when my husband and I moved into our new home. People started giving us live turtles. The Hamilton turtles live in our fenced backyard and spend every spring-summer season with us. All of them are different in size, age, color, and yes, personality. They are so funny to watch.

But guess what I discovered? They watch us, too! From my kitchen window, I can see them in the yard, staring up toward the house waiting for the light to come on. When I go to the lower lanai, I see Big Mama (the oldest) positioned, so I can see her when I turn on the fountain. They love the sound of the water, another indication that the Hamilton’s are awake and moving.

WIFM (What’s in it for me?)

So why do my turtles watch us so intently? They know that when I see them, I will quickly respond with lettuce, tomatoes, and even strawberries (which they love). If we’re inside, they will even come to the screen door, as if to say, “Hey, it’s feeding time.” I love our nutty little turtles and want to reward them for their diligence, and their perseverance in watching me.

Why am I sharing my turtle story with you? In my quiet time, I meditated on this question, “Do I seek God with the same diligence as my turtles seek me? Am I watchful, early in the morning and throughout the day, to see if I’m best positioned to be seen by Jesus? Do I create opportunities in my busy day to rest in Him?” This includes moments of silence and solitude.

In all fairness, turtles don’t operate with the distractions of the world like we do. They are always “present in the moment”—that moment that will result in a special treat for the day. You see, the turtles are not dependent on me for food. They eat what is available to them in their natural environment. However, they have found in my banquet of lettuce and strawberries something “worth seeking”.

So, it is with our time with Jesus. It is something so special that it would be a tragedy to miss it. While it is important to include spiritual disciplines in our daily routine, there is nothing to compare with experiencing personal time with Him. He offers Himself to feast upon.

We Seek the Lord

God’s presence and provision is fully realized in Jesus, “in whom we live, breathe, and have our meaning.” (Acts 17:28)

We may attempt to meet our desires through pursuit of unhealthy BEEPS.[1] However, lasting satisfaction cannot (and will not) be attained by pursuing them. Only our continual relationship with the Lord can satisfy (Philippians 3:7-8).

Our self-directed pursuits may offer us temporary quenching of our needs, but God has placed “eternity in our hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Nothing else will satisfy. It is God alone, whom we must seek, relentlessly. Diligently watching for His appearance. Eagerly anticipating His presence.

The writer of Psalm 42:1 describes his longing for the Lord this way. As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God. (Amplified)[2]

St. Augustine, renowned theologian, prolific writer and preacher, had this to say about seeking God. “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” This quote summarizes his core belief that humanity’s inherent desire for happiness and fulfillment can only be truly satisfied by God.

“We’ll be back!”

In late September, the Hamilton turtles will begin to prepare for their winter hibernation. They will burrow into the ground and bid us a “fair thee well”. No need for lettuce, tomatoes, or strawberries, until next year.

However, as followers of Christ, we have the unique pleasure of practicing the presence of Jesus every moment of each day. With the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can engage in conversations throughout the day and during our daily rhythm (John 14:23).

God is always there, waiting for us to look up and “see Him”. And when we do, the Lord will reward us with everything we need for our journey: joy, peace, hope, love, and even an occasional strawberry. 🙂

[1] According to therapist Robert Khouri, BEEPS is an acronym that describes what our attachment system in the brain might attach to instead of healthy, joyful relationships, especially in the context of trauma and addiction. BEEPS stands for: Behaviors, Events, Experiences, People, Substances. BEEPS substitutes for secure attachment that individuals might turn to when they’ve experienced relational trauma or disruption in their early lives.

[2] The Hebrew word translated “soul” in this psalm and elsewhere in the book of Psalms is nephesh. This word usually refers to a person’s “life” or “self”.