"...in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in… Continue reading Be Prepared
Author: Elihu
Have you forgotten?
On this day, 18 years ago, I was preparing to go to a chiropractor’s appointment when our phone rang—not the cell phone, but the cordless landline. (Cell phones were still something we only used if we didn't have access to a landline.) My dad called to tell us that someone had blown up the World… Continue reading Have you forgotten?
Put on the Full Armor of God: September 2019 Scripture Writing Plan
Last month, our scripture writing plan focused on "Standing Firm" as we are encouraged to do in Ephesians 6: This month, we will continue focusing on Ephesians 6, but we will center on the specific pieces of armor that God has supplied: The Belt of Truth The Breastplate of Righteousness The Shoes of Readiness The… Continue reading Put on the Full Armor of God: September 2019 Scripture Writing Plan
Book Review: The Illustrated NIRV Holy Bible for Kids
Teaching the Bible to kids can be a challenge, as is finding books and Bibles suitable for your children's level of learning. The Illustrated NIRV Holy Bible for Kids works to remedy this challenge by creating a more kid friendly format. The recommended age range for children is 4-8 years old. The binding is a… Continue reading Book Review: The Illustrated NIRV Holy Bible for Kids
How to Fight Through Fear and Flippancy In Parenting
We either worry too much or we don’t care enough. Inevitably, we put far too much stress on the unimportant while neglecting the important. We expect our chosen formula to yield certain results, only to find ourselves deflated when our fearfully and wonderfully made children don’t conform to the “norm.” How do we find the balance between fear and flippancy?
When Pillars Fall
Within our congregations, and even the broad spectrum of the "Christian" community, there are people who are considered "pillars" by virtue of their status, deeds, or popularity. They might be the individual who brought us to Christ, the preacher in our local church, or a widely respected speaker or author. Sometimes these pillar-people are dear friends or members of our own family. Pillars all have something in common: they are human, just like you and me.
Stand Firm: Scripture Writing Plan for August 2019
Because of the ceaseless conflict with Satan (and our own fleshly nature), it is our responsibility to stay grounded on the foundation which Christ has laid for us. Are we looking to Him to be the source of our strength or are we relying on our own power? Are we determining daily to stand firm against Satan's schemes, or do we cave to convenience?
Why We Need Community
As a child of God, you are swimming against the current. If you try doing this alone (without Christ) it won't work. You will fail. We need Christ---His power, His wisdom, and His saving grace. Jesus also established the church so we would have support from fellow believers.
When You Feel Like Nobody Sees You
Within each one of us is a longing to be seen. It is this very longing that makes social media such a powerful medium. Every post offers a glimpse into our daily life. We can share our favorite foods, our cute pets, our cutting complaints, our magical moments. Better still, we get to control how much we reveal, making our lives look "practically perfect in every way"! Yet does anybody---on social media or in our day-to-day---really see us as we are? Do they see our grueling work (or, at times, embarrassing laziness)? Do they see the tears? The frustrations? The joys? The longings?
How Can We Trust the Bible?
The Bible is one of the most criticized books in the world. While many of us as Christians accept the Bible as God's preserved word for us, inspired by the Holy Spirit, we cannot expect non-believers to regard it with the same reverence. Most have not devoted extensive time or research to its validity and so they parrot the old argument, "It was written over 2000 years ago. It's a biased, outdated, work of fiction by some crazy men." This post will not be a fully extensive argument regarding the accuracy of the scriptures. There are books aplenty which can go into greater detail, and I will give you a few links within this article. This article is simply intended some facts, quotes, and sources to light that may be unknown to many people. It is my hope to enrich the faith and conviction of believers and provide some thoughts to ponder to the skeptical.
