Do you ever find yourself in the Bible? When you read one of the biblical stories, do you ever identify with the character or characters? Do you ever say to yourself after reading an incident, "That describes me and my situation"? Sometimes that identity can boost the ego. Sometimes it may have the opposite effect, bringing to reality some of the things about our lives that we need to correct.

Every time I read the Old Testament book of Job, I have pangs of guilt because I can identify with those three friends of his who came to give him comfort and support in his agony.

Early one afternoon I went to make a pastoral call in a home. I went because a relative had called about a crisis in the family. I also went with the determination to say very little, but just to be there to let one memb…